Vol. 704 No. 2
12 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the recent changes made to the higher education maintenance grant for a person in receipt of back to education allowance in the budget 2010; the estimated savings of this cutback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10719/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In these circumstances, from September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer on their behalf.
Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant schemes. Students progressing to a new course with effect from 2010/11 will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.
It was decided to discontinue the practice of allowing students to hold both the BTEA or VTOS allowance and a student maintenance grant simultaneously as this represents a duplication of income support payments.
This measure was recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The estimated saving for the 2010 financial year was €4m with a full financial year saving of some €35m in 2012.
13 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the problems for a college (details supplied) in County Dublin as a result of a decision by the Higher Education Authority to reduce the number of apprentice blocks by 50%, thus reducing the number of teachers by 6.4; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the teachers in question are all permanent members of staff and that this problem could be solved by allowing the college an increase in capped numbers of 112 students over a period of years and by offering courses in the following areas, furniture design, furniture and antique and restoration, renewable construction technology, insulation building technology, renewable energy technology, boatbuilding for the leisure industry and craft in musical instrument making, courses for which demand exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10655/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the downturn in the construction sector has resulted in a significant fall off in the numbers of apprentices being recruited nationally. The number of FÁS registered apprentices requiring education and training has dropped from 8,300 in 2006 to 1,535 in 2009, a reduction of more than 80%.
Construction related trades have been particularly affected. The Higher Education Authority has consulted widely with individual institutions on the impact of the reduction in these numbers on the level of apprenticeship provision in the education sector. Having regard to the inputs received, and to enable the necessary reductions in education provision for the construction and related trades to be implemented on an objective basis across the country, an independent evaluation panel was established to advise the HEA in relation to the appropriate levels of provision which should be maintained within the education sector having regard to likely future demand to 2014.
Following completion of this process each educational institution was informed of the proposed allocations of apprentice provision as recommended by the evaluation panel. These reductions are due to be implemented on a phased basis over the period to 2014. With regard to the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Programme, there are 31,688 places available nationwide, including an additional 1,500 places made available in April 2009 as part of the Supplementary budget. Most of these places are allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) on an annual basis following an application process. It is then a matter for VECs to allocate those places to their colleges and institutions.
Each application for an increase in capped numbers is examined by my Department on its merits, taking into account current and previous allocations, current and previous demand and uptake, the overall places available and the overall demand from VECs generally. The application process for the 2010/2011 academic year is ongoing. Any application from a VEC for additional places will be considered on its own merits, taking into account all relevant circumstances.
The overall number of approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) places is set at its current level because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. For the academic year 2008/2009, the VEC concerned had 2,048 approved PLC places. In the initial allocation for 2009/2010, the VEC received an additional 28 places and then of the additional 1,500 announced in April 2009, the VEC received an additional 75 places, bringing their total allocation for 2009/2010 to 2,151.
14 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason 790 schools rented prefabs in 2009; the amount that each school spent on the rental of prefabs; the number of these that are currently awaiting approval for some form of school building project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10725/10]
The overall policy goal of my Department is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools.
The policy of my Department on renting prefabricated accommodation in individual cases depends on a number of factors including:
Whether the school has permanent recognition or is provisionally recognised. Many schools when first established are given provisional recognition and only obtain permanent recognition when they have proved that they are viable.
If the need is deemed short term, the policy is generally to approve temporary rental of accommodation. For example, a school may require a temporary building while it is awaiting the completion of construction of a permanent building.
Immediacy of requirement. In some cases, a school needs accommodation at very short notice and this can only be provided through temporary accommodation. In the past, that was provided by means of either rental or purchase of prefabricated buildings or the rental of other temporary accommodation such as local halls. Following an analysis of the break-even point, at which purchase of prefabs becomes a more economical option, the Department now operates a policy of providing schools with the option of purchasing prefabs outright or providing a new build with the funding available where it is expected that the school will require the extra accommodation for more than three years.
During 2009, 222 schools have been approved funding for the purchase of prefabricated classrooms, with the option of building a permanent rooms. 68 of the approved schools have indicated to my Department that they intend purchasing prefabs and 94 intend to use the grant-aid to build a permanent room. The remaining schools have not yet indicated their preference.
These policies will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long term rental of prefabs.
In 2009, expenditure on the rental of temporary accommodation fell significantly to €39m, a saving of €14m over 2008. This is a clear indication of my success in tackling this area of expenditure. Only 20 new rental contracts started in 2009 compared to over 288 in 2008. Furthermore, the number of schools who are renting temporary accommodation has reduced by almost 10% in 2009 and I intend to make further reductions in 2010.
I will forward to the Deputy for his information a list of the 790 schools in question, with details of annual rental costs for temporary prefabricated accommodation.
Most of these schools would have applications for either minor or major capital works. Information on individual school projects on the Capital Building Programme is available on my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie.
15 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to support disadvantaged children in the classroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10653/10]
The majority of schools include among their pupils, children with disadvantaged backgrounds. In general most schools address the individual needs of these children without recourse to additional targeted resources.
Evidence has shown that disadvantage associated with poverty and social exclusion assumes a multiplier effect where the levels are highly concentrated in schools.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). As a result of the identification and review processes, 881 schools have been included in the School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS. These comprise 679 primary schools (urban and rural) and 202 second-level schools.
The plan commenced in 2006 and is being rolled out on a phased basis over the period to 2010.
DEIS provides various supports for both primary and post primary schools. These include:
reduced pupil teacher ratio in primary schools in urban areas with most disadvantage.
allocation of administrative principal on lower figures than generally apply in primary schools in urban areas.
additional capitation funding based on level of disadvantage.
additional funding for schools books.
access to the School Meals Programme
access to numeracy/literacy supports and measures at primary level.
access to Home School Community Liaison services.
access to the School Completion Programme.
enhanced guidance counselling provision at post primary level.
access to planning supports.
provision for school library and librarian support in post primary schools with most disadvantage
access to the Junior Certificate School Programme and Leaving Certificate Applied
access to a range of professional development supports.
The renewed programme for Government reinforces my commitment to support children in DEIS schools. In particular the renewed commitment, the Junior Certificate Schools programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied will ensure that children attending the most disadvantaged Post Primary schools will continue to benefit from enhanced curricular relevance and choice as well as access to specific literacy and numeracy measures.
35 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the requirements an employer has to meet to apply for work permits in respect of non-EU citizens; the criteria that needs to be met when applying to renew these work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10946/10]
The Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 allow for the issuing of a Work Permit for those occupations with a salary of €30,000 or more and, in exceptional cases, in the salary range below €30,000. A vacancy, in respect of which an application for a work permit is being made, must be advertised with the FÁS/EURES employment network for at least eight weeks and additionally in local and national newspapers for six days. There is a fee for new applications of €500 where the application for the work permit is for six months or less and €1,000 for a permit up to 24 months. The fee for renewal applications is €750 for up to six months, €1,500 up to 24 months and €2,250 up to 36 months. An economic needs test is not necessary in respect of renewal applications. These are typically renewed if employment conditions have not substantially changed from the previous permit application. Full details of the applications procedures are contained on the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
36 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review an application for redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10909/10]
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. As I informed the Deputy in my previous reply, I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 4 September, 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 not submitted and has been requested by my Department. 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.
37 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there has been a change in policy regarding the payment of redundancy to employees when their former employer is not co-operating with the redundancy section of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10910/10]
38 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the redundancy section of her Department now refuses to pay redundancy to employees when they encounter problems with dealing with their former employers; if they now require these employees who cannot get redundancy from their former employers to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal; if so, when this policy was changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10911/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
There has been no change in policy in respect of the handling of redundancy claims. My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
Under the relevant Acts the objective is to ensure that statutory redundancy payments due to eligible employees on being made redundant are made in accordance with the legislative provisions. The legislation places the onus, in the first instance, on the employer to discharge the obligation to pay redundancy entitlement to employees. On so doing, the employer is entitled, by virtue of the pay related social contributions made to the State, to recover 60% of the lump sum redundancy payments paid out to employees.
In instances where the employer does not formally wind the company up but goes into informal insolvency and is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Department seeks from the employer evidence of inability to pay the entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting a statement from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the inadequacy of assets to make the redundancy payments and the latest set of financial accounts for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. If this information is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share, which the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees.
If supporting information required from the employer is not provided to my Department 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, the Department is then in a position to make the 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.
39 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work places in placement schemes that were made available in Cork vity and county in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 on a monthly basis in tabular form; and the number of places that are available for 2010. [10914/10]
40 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of community employment scheme places that were made available in Cork city and county in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 on a monthly basis in tabular form; and the number of places that are available for 2010. [10915/10]
41 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS places that are available on courses in Cork city and county; the number of course places that were available on FÁS courses in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009; the waiting time for each course available in Cork city and county; the number of persons on the live register that were offered a placement on a FÁS scheme in January 2010 and February 2010. [10916/10]
42 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific training courses and course placements that were available for persons under the age of 30 years in Cork city and county during 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; and the specific training courses and course placements that are available for 2010. [10917/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 to 42, inclusive, together.
The information is being collated and will be passed to the Deputy as soon as possible.
43 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action that she is taking to ensure that apprentices who have lost their jobs can finish their apprenticeship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10930/10]
FÁS has already put in place the following measures to assist redundant apprentices who have to complete both on and off-the-job work training with assessments in order to complete their apprenticeships:
1. FÁS has put in place an interim measure whereby redundant apprentices may progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria. In 2009, over 2,000 redundant apprentices were provided with off-the-job training. To date in 2010, 1,041 redundant apprentices commenced off-the-job training in January 2010, and 1,008 redundant apprentices are currently being scheduled to commence Phase 4 and Phase 6 off-the-job training in the Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education on 6 April 2010.
2. In 2009, FÁS introduced a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices made redundant in the Construction Industry. Over 460 redundant apprentices completed Phase 3, 5 and 7 on-the-job training and assessments with employers under this Scheme in 2009. A new Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme which will replace the Rotation Scheme in 2010, is under development and this will with the support of employers assist redundant apprentices to complete the on-the-job training of their apprenticeship with a FÁS approved employer.
3. An on-the-job training programme with ESB Networks for eligible redundant apprentices at Phases 5 and 7 of their apprenticeship was agreed with FAS and commenced in March 2009. The programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of 18 months and is funded by ESB Networks. To date, 184 redundant apprentices have completed training, 106 are currently in training, and further placements will take place during 2010.
4. FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have agreed the PP5 programme for redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phases 1 — 4 of their apprenticeship and where an on or off-the-job training opportunity is not currently available. The programme has both a Construction Stream and an Engineering Stream, with a number of core skills modules related to apprenticeship and a number of electives in specific skills. The programme provides apprentices with a Level 5 FETAC award and allows for access and transfer of credits to other post-apprenticeship programmes. The Institutes of Technology are currently providing training to eligible redundant apprentices who responded to invitations issued in January 2010.
5. FÁS has also developed Phase 7-equivalent assessments for redundant apprentices at the final phase of their apprenticeship in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering. Some assessments commenced on 24 February 2010 and others are being arranged in accordance with the scheduling calendar.
6. Redundant apprentices registered for four years who have successfully completed all Phases 1-7 of their apprenticeship, but have not yet completed the required four years in employment as an apprentice in the specified trade, will be contacted by FÁS to submit a portfolio of evidence under Recognition of Prior Learning for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Sub-committee for the award of the Advanced Craft Certificate.
7. Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing trade-related specific skills training courses to enhance their employable skills. They may also avail of the range of trade-related evening courses available in FÁS Training Centres.
8. Léargas is providing funding under the EU Lifelong Learning Programme, Leonardo Da Vinci Mobility Programme to support the placement of almost 100 redundant apprentices with overseas employers to complete their phase 7 on-the-job training with assessments.
All of these various measures will support around 4,000 redundant apprentices.
FÁS continues to closely monitor the situation in relation to redundant apprentices and newly qualified craft persons. It is important to point out in this regard that the onus is on redundant apprentices themselves to inform FÁS Services to Business immediately of his/her redundant status and register with their local FÁS Employment Services Office. Otherwise, the redundant apprentice may lose out on invaluable assistance in securing new employment which would enable him/her to continue their apprenticeship training.
44 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [10948/10]
I have repeatedly acknowledged the ongoing commitment of the staff of FÁS in meeting the employment and training challenges that currently face the country. I am confident that the enhanced internal financial controls now in place within FÁS, which are underpinned by the recently enacted Labour Services (Amendment) Act, together with the appointment of a new Board and Director General, will enable FÁS to pursue its core mission with renewed vigour.
45 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the employment incentives available from her Department for young persons subsequent to their release from St. Patrick’s Institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10956/10]
FÁS Employment Services (ES) provides priority access to young persons subsequent to their release from detention. In this regard, FÁS works in close collaboration with the Probation Service, through an agreed Protocol between FÁS, the Probation Service, the Irish Prison Service and the Linkage Programme — a joint project between Business in the Community and the Probation and Welfare Service. The purpose of the Protocol is to provide a seamless referral process to FÁS for ex-offenders by the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service through the Linkage Programme, taking into consideration the development and training needs of the client group and thereby supporting their desistance efforts as well as safe-guarding the work of service provider staff.
Young persons, subsequent to their release from St. Patrick's Institution, may be eligible for programmes for early school leavers including Community Training Centres (CTCs) and Justice Workshops. Early school leavers, defined as young people aged 16-21 who left school with no or low qualifications and who face difficulties accessing the labour market, are a priority client group for FÁS. FÁS Community Services works in partnership with 39 Community Training Centres, in the provision of training and related services to early school leavers. Delivery of training and related services focuses on supporting the learner to achieve a major award on the national framework of qualifications as a route to sustainable employment.
46 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will respond to a query (details supplied). [10979/10]
The subject raised in the Deputy's question is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science. The Deputy may therefore wish to direct her enquiry to that Department.
47 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who wishes to seek redress for poor delivery of professional services from an architect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10998/10]
The obligations of those operating under the title of architect are governed by the provisions of the Building Control Act 2007, which is the policy responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Building Control Act 2007 requires those who use the title architect when providing services to be registered. The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland is the body designated under the Act as the national registration body. Persons seeking redress in relation to poor delivery of services by a registered architect may wish to pursue their complaint through the Institute's independent consumer complaints procedure.
The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1980 requires those supplying services, including architectural services, to have the necessary skill to render the service and to supply the service with due skill, care and diligence. Persons who believe that the service they received did not accord with the aforementioned requirements may wish to seek legal advice on the options available to recover any loss that they may have suffered as a result.
48 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which a company (details supplied), which tendered for State jobs, was successful up to December 2009 when this company went into receivership; the checks carried out before awarding contracts. [11062/10]
As the Deputy has provided no details to enable the company and the public contracting authority involved to be identified, it is not possible to ascertain the area of responsibility into which this matter falls. It may be helpful to note that issues relating to public procurement are matters in the first instance for the public contracting authority involved and that policy issues and guidelines for procurement are generally matters for the Department of Finance.
49 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of products being sold at below cost in the grocery trade at the present time; and if she has an estimate of the amount of VAT lost to the Exchequer arising from below cost selling. [11063/10]
The compilation of statistics in relation to the value of retail sales, including sales of grocery goods, is the responsibility of the Central Statistics Office, which operates under the remit of the Department of the Taoiseach.
In so far as matters relating to VAT and VAT returns to the Exchequer are concerned, these are the policy responsibility of the Minister for Finance and I have no direct function in relation to such matters.
55 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of reports that the Office of Public Works has acquired a property at Swords, County Dublin for the purpose of expanding the facilities of the National Museum, that the property has been acquired on a 20 year lease at €1 million per annum; if, in view of the depressed property market, an outright purchase of the property was considered; the purchase value of the property; when the acquisition of the property was arranged; the tender process that was established for the acquisition of such a property; the number and the persons who were invited to apply to supply a property through this tender process; if there is an outstanding loan on the property which is likely to be transferred to the National Asset Management Agency; if this loan, and the underlying collateral, is transferred to NAMA, could income derived from the OPW lease accrue to NAMA and contribute to the service of interest on NAMA bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11065/10]
The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism requested the Commissioners of Public Works to identify a suitable storage facility for the National Museum's collections. In accordance with procedures, eight potential buildings were identified and the National Museum deemed the premises selected as the best fit for their requirements.
As funding for the acquisition of such a facility was limited, and the owner was not amenable to disposing of his interest in the property, the purchase value of the property did not arise. The landlord demonstrated good title to the property to the satisfaction of the Commissioners' Solicitors and the National Museum's Solicitors. In addition the landlord produced a valid Tax Clearance Certificate prior to the Agreement for Lease being signed. This accords with the Commissioners' normal practice in any such agreement to acquire property. The Agreement for Lease was signed in December 2009. Any matters that may arise between the owner of the property and the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of the Commissioners of Public Works.
56 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposed upgrades and restoration to Doneraile Court in County Cork by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11069/10]
A programme of conservation works is under way at Doneraile Court including repairs to the staircase in the Main House. Works are also progressing to the Coach House and the walled garden. Other ongoing works include landscaping, improvements to public lighting and resurfacing of the main avenue and car-park.
57 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; if this will be examined and amended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10936/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
58 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons on trolleys in the accident and emergency department over the past three years in Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; how this compares to other hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10920/10]
59 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures in place to deal with overcrowding in the accident and emergency department of Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; if such procedures take account of the privacy of the patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10925/10]
60 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures in place at the accident and emergency department of Naas General Hospital, County Kildare for families who suffer a bereavement there; if the procedures take into account the need for privacy at such a difficult time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10926/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 to 60, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
61 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a decision on their application; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10929/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
62 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on requesting the Medical Council to undertake an inquiry into the practice in which women had their pelvis broken during childbirth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10934/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action it is not possible to supply the information requested.
63 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of non-EU staff employed by the Health Service Executive; if the HSE is required to apply for work permits for such workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10943/10]
Previous data from 2007 provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department indicated that 90.19% of staff were from Ireland, with a further 2.47% from the rest of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) combined. Further data, including the number of staff of non-EU staff, i.e. excluding the European Economic Area, may be available from the HSE. However, due to industrial action by the Civil & Public Services Union (CPSU) and the Public Service Executive Union (PSEU), my Department is not in a position to refer this Dáil question to the HSE.
In relation to work permits, it is a matter for the HSE to comply with relevant legislation in each particular case.
64 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [10950/10]
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.
65 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that medical card holders are being charged for medical reports which are sometimes required by applicants for driving licences or for renewal of driving licences in the case of older drivers; if such reports should be awarded free to medical card holders; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10973/10]
The contract between the HSE and General Practitioners for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme stipulates that fees are not paid to GPs by the HSE in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences". There are no proposals to alter this provision.
66 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received under the fair deal; the number of fully processed applications that have been paid; and the amount of money paid to date in 2010. [10975/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action it is not possible to supply the information requested.
67 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an agency nurse in a whistleblower situation; if the legal position is different for an agency nurse to that of a nurse working in a hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10999/10]
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the Health Act 2004 as amended by Section 103 of the Health Act 2007 which provides for Protected Disclosures of Information and sets out the protection of persons disclosing information.
68 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of pre-school places funded by her Department in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11; the number of pre-school providers receiving funding in these areas; and the level of spare capacity among these providers as reported to him. [11003/10]
I have responsibility for implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January of this year.
Pre-school services participating in the ECCE scheme were required to make a return to my Office by the end of January 2010, giving details of qualifying children attending. When processing of these returns is finalised, details of the number of pre-school services participating in the scheme and the number of children availing of the free Pre-School Year, will be available by reference to the areas covered by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). In the meantime, I am able to advise the Deputy that approximately 4,000 pre-school services across the country are participating in the scheme and that some 3,500 children are enrolled in the Dublin City area.
69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11012/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
70 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been made in respect of cutbacks at a hospital (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding the reduction in beds. [11066/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action it is not possible to supply the information requested.
71 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card application will be expedited and granted on medical grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11071/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
72 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appeal for a full medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a full medical card will be issued based on the medical circumstances of the applicant. [11072/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
73 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has to provide capital funding for a runway extension at Waterford Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10988/10]
Because of the difficulties with the public finances, I decided in July 2008 that insofar as development projects are concerned, expenditure under the regional airports grant scheme should be focused on project elements where the airports have already entered into contractual commitments.
The provision in my Department's Vote to fund the capital expenditure grant scheme for all the Regional Airports in 2010 is €3 million. My Department is currently aiming to establish priorities for grant aid from the funds available having regard to those remaining contractual commitments and an assessment of requirements for safety and security-related projects likely to arise during the year.
Projects identified for funding at Waterford included a proposed runway extension. There are no existing contractual commitments in respect of this project and in the current financial climate my priority will be safety or security related projects.
I expect that a Value for Money review of regional airports being carried out within my Department will assist me in evaluating the appropriate scale of a regional airports programme in future years, bearing in mind my aviation policy objectives, the improved surface transport links provided under Transport 21 and the need to continue to address the difficulties with our public finances.
74 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that legislation in the public interest has been passed overriding the provisions of Acts, orders, circulars and contractual agreements in order to reduce pay in the public sector, he has sought legal advice as to whether the same overriding provisions are available when it comes to addressing contracts in the private sector including, in particular, contracts for upwards only rent reviews; if so, if he will outline the advice; the reason it is considered possible to breach contracts of employment in the public sector in the public interest but it is not as yet considered possible to breach rental agreements in the private sector in the same public interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10985/10]
The provisions in section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 now prohibit "upwards only" rent reviews in respect of new commercial leases. However, it should be noted that there is nothing to stop the parties to an existing commercial lease, to which section 132 does not apply, from varying the terms of the contract and from agreeing to reduce the applicable rent, having regard to individual circumstances and the realities of the market.
The rationale and justification for the Financial Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 (the FEMPI Acts) include the overriding public interest in controlling public spending, reducing the shortfall between expenditure and revenue and reducing the unsustainable levels of public borrowings. These imperatives do not apply in the case of commercial leases entered into between private parties.
During the course of the debate in the House on section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 I identified some of the legal and Constitutional difficulties which could arise if legislation retrospectively amended the provisions of existing commercial leases entered into between private parties. The Deputy will appreciate that the Government is at all times obliged to operate within the appropriate legal and Constitutional framework. However, I can assure him that my Department will, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, continue to assess the issues that are involved in this complex matter.
Against that background, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the fact that I have established a Working Group to look at the issue of commercial rent reviews in the context of the arbitration system which operates at present and the adequacy of the information available to all parties during the rent review process.
75 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions secured to date for gun murders in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10952/10]
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.
76 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding legislation in respect of maintenance enforcement; the reason section 8 of the Enforcement of Courts Act 1940 was not amended by the Enforcement of Courts Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10955/10]
There are several provisions in the law for ensuring that payments continue to be made by spouses in support of their dependent spouses and children. They include enabling powers for the courts to order attachment of the earnings of a debtor spouse, to order the securing of payments to the maintenance creditor, to order the payment of lump sums and to order arrears of maintenance to be paid by instalments.
While the law generally operates effectively in this area I am aware of difficulties in some cases because of the effect of a judgment of the High Court last year. The High Court judgment in that particular case had implications for sections 6 (imprisonment in the case of non-payment of debt) and 8 (imprisonment relating to non-payment of maintenance) of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940. Contrary to the Deputy's assertion, the Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Act 2009 made changes to both provisions consequent on that judgment in accordance with legal advice.
I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to developing early proposals for further amendments in respect of maintenance enforcement.
77 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances surrounding the deportation order in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will rescind same in view of their personal circumstances. [10966/10]
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.
78 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision on an appeal for naturalisation will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10971/10]
There is no appeals process provided under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. An application for a certificate of naturalisation may be lodged with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
79 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the retirement of personnel (details supplied) from a Garda station in County Mayo; if and when replacement personnel will be provided to satisfy the concerns of local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10972/10]
Responsibility for the allocation of all personnel within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. In this regard, the Deputy should be aware that over 200 students are due to be attested as Gardaí during 2010. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána and the situation is kept under continuing review.
80 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the Garda vetting unit; the length of time to process applications; the number of applications which the unit has dealt with in the past three years; if he is satisfied that the unit is adequately resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10984/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Garda for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
The GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives — 187,864 in 2007; 218,404 in 2008 and 246,194 in 2009.
The processing time for vetting applications fluctuates during the year due to seasonal demands when the volume of applications received from certain sectors can increase, for training placements for example. Additional time may be required to process an individual vetting application in cases where clarification is required as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. However, the Garda make every effort to reduce this to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out the necessary checks. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the average processing time for valid vetting applications received at the GCVU may vary from four to five weeks in quieter periods to eight to ten weeks at times of peak demand.
The allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. There is currently a total of 78 personnel assigned to the vetting unit, including six gardaí and 72 Garda civilian personnel. This represents a very significant increase in the level of personnel assigned to the unit, which stood at only 13 before the current process of development in Garda vetting began in 2005.
81 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 24 November 2009, if he has made representations to an authority (details supplied) to review the fee structure for a contractor licence in the context of its strategic plan for 2010 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10986/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 under the aegis of my Department.
I can, however, confirm that the fee structure, as referenced by the Deputy, is currently being reviewed by the Authority.
82 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the moratorium on public service recruitment; when this may might be lifted; the position regarding exemptions from the moratorium on recruitment to the Garda Síochána. [10990/10]
My Department is in the process of finalising an Employment Control Framework for the Justice Sector under the terms of which it is envisaged that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion will be lifted in due course.
In the meantime, exemptions from the moratorium may be sought in exceptional circumstances. The Deputy should be aware that I recently secured sanction from the Minister for Finance for a significant derogation from the moratorium, as a result of which some 170 positions will be filled in An Garda Síochána in the very near future. The Commissioner is in the process of organising competitions from which successful candidates will be promoted to fill vacancies throughout the force and it is expected that this process will be completed as soon as is practicable.
83 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications received under the administrative scheme for undocumented migrant workers formerly holding employment permits and who have since become undocumented through no fault of their own; the number granted to date; the number refused to date; the number still awaiting a decision; the length of time it will take to process applications awaiting a decision, broken down by nationality and gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11000/10]
I am informed that 185 applications were received under the administrative scheme referred to in the Deputy's question. These applications are currently being processed and I understand that decision letters will issue to the applicants in the near future. At that point a statistical breakdown will be compiled.
It should also be noted that a significant number of cases involving migrant workers who would have been eligible to apply for the scheme had already been dealt with in the months preceding it.
84 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to have an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath expedited, since the application was made in November 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11005/10]
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 the 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.
85 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances under which a licence fee for installing burglar alarms may be waived, such as, if a new post is created.. [11009/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 under the aegis of my Department.
With regard to the fee charged for an installer (intruder alarm) licence, I have been informed by the Authority that there are no circumstances contemplated where this fee would be waived.
86 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the matter of application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/10]
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.
87 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the matter of application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/10]
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.
88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the matter of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11015/10]
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.
89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the matter of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11016/10]
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.
90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the matter of application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/10]
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.
91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the matter of application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11018/10]
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.
92 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 Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11019/10]
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.
93 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 Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11020/10]
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.
94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11021/10]
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.
95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11022/10]
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.
96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11023/10]
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.
97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11024/10]
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.
98 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide grant aid to an organisation (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10913/10]
I am advised that my Department has not received any application for funding from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. Foras na Gaeilge has a function of promoting the Irish language and, in that context, of undertaking supportive projects and grant-aiding bodies and groups as considered necessary. Information in this regard is available on its website at www.forasnagaeilge.ie
In a wider context, my Department also provides certain funding to community and voluntary organisations under a range of grant/support schemes, which may also be of interest to the organisation. Details of such schemes and of the ways to apply for funding are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
99 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he has taken the decision to abolish the overheads grant to a company (details supplied); if he will reverse this cut in view of the fact that it has the potential to result in the closure of information and communication technology centres in the area and the loss of more than 100 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/10]
Under the Community Service Programme (CSP), the organisation referred to by the Deputy receives some €185,000 in funding towards the cost of employing a manager and eight full-time equivalents posts. The organisation has recently had its contract with the CSP extended to the end of 2010.
Given the current economic difficulties, my priority has been to protect the jobs of the estimated 2,700 people employed in the 450 community-based organisations approved for support under the CSP. In order to do this, it has been necessary to reduce the level of non-wage grants paid, as well as cutting technical assistance and administrative costs. The Deputy should note that some 90 additional organisations, employing an estimated 300 people, were approved for funding under the CSP in 2009 and these are currently operational.
Organisations providing services under the CSP are required and encouraged to develop additional non-public sources of income which will further enhance and sustain the long-term viability of their projects. Where an organisation is facing difficulties in managing the reduction in grant support, a review process has been provided to allow for an immediate examination of the impacts. The organisation referred to by the Deputy had requested such a review and the outcome will be notified to it in the coming weeks.
100 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if participants on rural social schemes who retire will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/10]
There is currently provision for 2,600 participants and 130 supervisors on the Rural Social Scheme and my aim is to operate the Scheme at the fullest level of participation possible within the available resources.
Accordingly, the filling of vacancies is kept under ongoing review by my Department so that any that arise through, for example, retirements are filled as quickly as possible.
101 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason payment has been ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10918/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
102 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal for domiciliary benefit in respect of persons (details supplied). [10919/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
103 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the social welfare rights of redundant persons to contributory benefits such as jobseeker’s benefit where their employer did not pass on the PRSI payments to the Revenue Commissioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10931/10]
Any jobseeker who has paid PRSI contributions while working will be not disadvantaged where an employer has failed to collect or make a return of PRSI contributions to Revenue. In such cases the matter will be investigated by a Social Welfare Inspector and the employer will be required to comply with the PRSI regulations. In the event that compliance cannot be obtained, the jobseeker's record will be credited with the number of PRSI contributions due in respect of the period of employment with that employer.
While investigations are being carried out, it may be possible for the person to receive jobseeker's allowance — a means-tested payment — until the entitlement to jobseeker's benefit has been established.
104 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [10933/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
105 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Irish citizens refused payment due to failure to satisfy the habitual residency condition in each local social welfare office for each year since 2004. [10935/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
106 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding social welfare entitlements of Irish citizens who have been out of the country for the past two years who are now returning and for whom there is no employment available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10938/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
107 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10939/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
108 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a claim for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10940/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken. I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
109 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) is only receiving €45 mortgage interest relief; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10942/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
110 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [10945/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
111 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s benefit in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10954/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken. I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
112 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will instruct her Department to issue a replacement social service card to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10957/10]
Due to action currently being taken by staff, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
113 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if she will expedite the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10974/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
114 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to a query (details attached). [10978/10]
My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, deals with the student maintenance grant schemes.
This Department continues to provide financial support for jobseekers to return to work through the Back to Education Allowance which is a second chance educational opportunities scheme for people on welfare payments who wish to participate in full-time education and who would not otherwise be able to do so. Participation is open to recipients of a range of welfare payments, including Jobseeker's, One Parent Family, Disability, Illness and Caring schemes.
The allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for the scheme. It is not means-tested and income from part-time work while on the back to education allowance does not affect the basic payment. In addition, an annual cost of education allowance of €500 is payable.
The back to education allowance has an important role to play in enhancing the employability skills of jobseekers. The nature and structure of the scheme will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and changes in the economic climate.
115 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) will receive their arrears which was awarded on appeal from 30 July 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10983/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
116 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be heard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11006/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
117 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the qualified adult portion of a contributory State pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been suspended since 4 December 2009, when this person qualifies in respect of eligibility criteria for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11008/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when social welfare payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11011/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
119 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason social welfare payment has been reduced in respect of a person (details supplied). [11059/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
120 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an application for social welfare payment in respect of a person (details supplied). [11060/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
121 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an application for jobseekers in respect of a person (details supplied). [11061/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
122 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence his views on digitising the aerial photographic archives of the Defence Forces for publication on the Internet in view of the educational and heritage value of these archives and the popularity of free modern aerial imagery technologies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10965/10]
The Air Corps provides an aerial photographic service for the Defence Forces. Photographs produced at the request of the military authorities were for security or Air Corps operational reasons. They were never produced or categorised with a view to making them available to the public. In the past, the Air Corps provided an aerial photographic service to Ordnance Survey Ireland. This arrangement is now discontinued but Ordnance Survey Ireland may be able to provide information on the photographs retained by it.
There are no plans in place to commence a project to publish the aerial photographs held by the Defence Forces. Aside from security issues involved, it would require significant expenditure of manpower and resources which could not be justified in the current circumstances.
123 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of sending the LE Niamh to South America for 12 weeks between May and July 2010 coinciding with the 200th anniversary of South American independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/10]
Foreign deployments are decided by the Minister for Defence in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Each year, the Naval Service commits approximately 85-90 of its annual patrol days to foreign deployments. Locations are considered on the basis of the optimum yield that can be derived for Ireland. This year Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile all celebrate their bicentenary of independence and a visit to these locations has been agreed. This visit will replace a number of shorter foreign deployments that had originally been proposed.
The unique status of Naval vessels under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) affords the State an ideal opportunity to give Ireland a distinctive presence overseas. An Irish naval vessel is considered sovereign Irish territory regardless of its location, and therefore a ship affords rare promotional opportunities for state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, An Bord Bia and the IDA to support Irish industry and services. In the current economic climate, promoting Ireland to business communities abroad has assumed added importance.
It is anticipated that the South American deployment will provide a unique opportunity to highlight the fact that Ireland is open for business. Over many years there have been strong cultural and heritage links between Ireland and South America. Mexico is Ireland's twentieth largest trading partner and a number of major Irish companies provide employment to thousands of Mexicans. Since the middle of the last century there has been political co-operation between Mexico and Ireland in relation to the international issue of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. There are well documented military links between the independence movement in South America and Irish born people. In Argentina, the eighth largest country in the world, half a million people claim Irish descent. This is the largest such group outside of the English speaking world. Argentine national hero, Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentine Navy, was born in Foxford, Co. Mayo.
My Department and the Naval Service are working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Enterprise Ireland and other State authorities to ensure that maximum economic benefit is derived from this visit. The itinerary has not yet been finalised and therefore it is not possible to inform the Deputy of the total costs to be incurred. When final costings are available I will forward them to the Deputy.
As already stated, the patrol days included in this visit will be drawn from the existing patrol day allocation for overseas visits. As such, there should be no diminution of service with regard to effective patrolling activity. The Naval Service will continue to meet all taskings assigned to it.
124 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proportion of new residential mortgage loans here in 2008 and 2009 that were in the high loan to value category; and the percentage in each year that were in the category of each of above 70% LTV, above 80% LTV, above 90% LTV and at 100% LTV in respect of such loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/10]
The data requested in respect of mortgage lending for 2008 can be viewed on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. Data in respect of 2009 lending have not yet been finalised.
125 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive compensation from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10928/10]
A claim for compensation has been made in this case. The Department has recently received legal advice on the matter and will be communicating with the applicant's solicitors shortly.
126 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an Irish citizen who is renting our their property here but who resides outside the EU is liable for the non-principal private residence charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10953/10]
The €200 charge on non-principal private residences, which was introduced in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, is payable in respect of any residential property in the State in which the owner does not live as his or her sole or main residence. The country of residence of the owner is irrelevant for the purposes of the Act.
127 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 17 December 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons working in the field of architecture in France who are properly established and ensured taxes were paid for the five years before their cut off date were placed on the register of architects without hindrance; his views regarding the situation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10967/10]
The regulation of the architectural profession in France is a matter for the competent authorities in that country. In Ireland, the eligibility criteria for registration of the title of "Architect" are set out in Section 14 of the Building Control Act 2007. Section 21 of the Act provides for the appointment of a Technical Assessment Board to consider applications for registration from persons who are not eligible for registration under paragraphs (a) to (g) and (i) of Section 14 (2) of the Act. Section 22 sets out the Technical Assessment Board procedure.
Under Section 25 of the Act a person who is adversely affected by a decision of the Technical Assessment Board may appeal to the Appeals Board against the decision. The appeals procedure is set out in Section 25. A person adversely affected by a decision of the Appeals Board may appeal to the High Court under Section 26 of the Act.
128 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce regulations to control high trees in gardens; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons are having problems with very high trees in their neighbours’ gardens, and in some cases, the height of these trees exceed the height of the roof-line of their neighbours’ houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10980/10]
Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area. Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.
129 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the strong community campaign to have Tallaght, Dublin, designated as a city; his views on the importance of such designation for the third largest population centre in this State; the process to be followed in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11001/10]
Under the Local Government Act 2001 there are 29 county councils, including South Dublin County Council, and 5 city councils, each of which is responsible for the full range of local authority functions in their respective areas.
The general issue of local government structures will be addressed in the White Paper on Local Government. The approach to the White Paper is currently under consideration by Government; however I have no plans to re-designate South Dublin County Council as a city council, or to establish Tallaght as a separate city authority.
130 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an extension will be afforded to persons who are cutting bogs for their own domestic consumption and which bogs were designated to close in 2011 and 2012 under the special area of conversion and natural heritage area; his plans, in respect of a bog (details supplied) which is listed to be officially closed, as the said bog is used by a considerable number of personnel, to produce turf for domestic consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/10]
Turf cutting on the bog in question, which is a designated raised bog Natural Heritage Area, is due to cease by end 2013, on the expiry of the 10 year period of grace that was allowed following its designation in 2004. Turf cutting can continue on the 96% of bogs that are not designated raised bogs.
In the light of the damage caused by turf cutting and associated drainage to the small number of designated raised bogs, which contain priority habitats under the Habitats Directive, there are no plans to extend the period during which cutting can continue on these bogs.
Last year 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 very shortly. 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.
131 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the incentives in place to promote the development of commercial wind farms for the generation of electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10941/10]
Capital grant aid is not provided to wind farm developers. The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) scheme, which is administered by my Department, supports commercial wind farm projects through provision of a floor price. REFIT is a fixed feed in tariff system, designed to provide developers with certainty as to the price they will receive for the electricity generated. As such, it functions by guaranteeing a certain price to generators per unit of energy generated, and steps in to make up the difference between the REFIT price and the market price, in circumstances where this arises. REFIT is paid for from the Public Service Obligation. More information on the terms and conditions of the scheme including the rates that are payable for the electricity produced is available on my Department's website.
132 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [10927/10]
Matters relating to the Wildlife Act are within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
With regard to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, the position is that an Animal Health and Welfare Bill which will give effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is being prepared in my Department. The new legislation will amend and consolidate legislation in the area of animal health, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals. Existing legislation will also be updated to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The Bill also provides for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.
133 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the various EU Directives and regulations with which agri-food businesses must comply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10958/10]
Due to industrial action in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
134 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of State bodies or Departments involved in inspecting agri-food businesses in terms of food safety and compliance with other regulations; the specific responsibility of each body involved; the frequency of inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10959/10]
Overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). The FSAI implement this through service contracts with my Department and other relevant agencies, including the Health Service Executive and the Local Authority Veterinary Services. The number of contracts could be obtained from the FSAI.
Legislation covered by the contract between my Department and the FSAI is set out in Schedule 1 of the contract. A copy of the contract can be found on my Department's website. The frequency of inspections can vary from 100% presence of inspectors in premises such as meat factories to periodic inspection visits in other premises.
135 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of recommendations outlined in the Cawley Report on the seafood sector which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10960/10]
Due to Industrial Action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
136 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives that have been put in place to encourage the establishment of farmers’ markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10961/10]
A Farmers Markets' Code of Good Practice has been drawn up by a group representative of stakeholders and chaired by my Department and followed a public consultation. The voluntary Code was launched by Minister Sargent at Bloom 2009. The Code signifies that Farmers Markets displaying the banner have undertaken to hold markets regularly; to source a substantial proportion, ideally 50%, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties; to accommodate seasonal and local garden/allotment produce and to comply with food safety/labelling rules and criteria on good governance. Following assessment of applications by an evaluation group the Good Practice Banner was awarded to 34 markets by the end of 2009. Each of these markets was issued with a personalized banner, which they can use to advertise their achievement. A list of the successful markets is posted on the Bord Bia website www.bordbia.ie. A further invitation issued on 1 March to markets to apply for the Good Practice Banner as some markets had expressed an interest but were not ready to apply in 2009. The closing date for this, the third such call, is 31 March 2010.
137 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of expenditure on agrifood research; the bodies that are in receipt of such expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10962/10]
Research institutions that can demonstrate the necessary research capabilities, including Universities, Institutes of Technology, Teagasc and DAFF laboratories are eligible to submit proposals for funding through the competitive public good research programmes operated by my Department i.e. the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM), the Research Stimulus Fund and the COFORD forestry research programme.
In 2009, expenditure of €15.260 million was incurred through the FIRM and €5.487 million through the Research Stimulus Fund. €4.289 million was provided through COFORD to cover costs associated with forestry research and promotion. A sum of €8.820 million was provided to the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Measure. As regards Teagasc, the total figure for agriculture, forestry and food research expenditure in 2009 was €54.836m. This includes some funding provided under the competitive schemes referred to above.
138 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of businesses that have benefited from the Bord Iascaigh Mhara seafood development centre; the level of investment which has been required to facilitate this incubation centre for new businesses; if there is a similar facility available for the broader agrifood industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10963/10]
The Seafood Development Centre (SDC), which delivers on a key recommendation of the Government strategy ‘Steering a New Course' seafood strategy 2007-2013, will support and provide industry with a commercially focused innovation and new product development capability. The SDC is managed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which has advised that 60 seafood companies have used or are using the innovation facility since its launch in October last year.
BIM's integrated business development and innovation programme which includes the SDC can assist industry to achieve a shift to value-added and over a five year period, aims to achieve €100 million in additional value-added seafood sales. BIM see significant potential for value-added produce in terms of seafood health and wellness benefits, consumer friendly packaging and convenient ready meals, organic seafood and optimising by-products from fish processing.
The SDC is a bespoke facility which was provided by the Office of Public Works as an integrated part of the decentralised complex of co-located offices for BIM the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the fisheries divisions of the Department of Agriculture , Fisheries and Food in Clonakilty and the costs are the responsibility of that Office. The SDC is particular to the seafood sector and other developments and facilities are available to the broader agrifood industry.
139 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agrifood businesses that are in operation; the number of seafood businesses that are in operation; the level of employment involved in each sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10964/10]
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food publishes detailed data on the structure of and employment within the agrifood sector based on two sources, the Census of Industrial Production (CIP) and the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), which are both published by the Central Statistics Office on an annual and quarterly basis respectively. This data is published and analysed in Department publications such as the Annual Review and Outlook and the Compendium of Agriculture Statistics. These are available under the Publications section of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
The most recent CIP that provides the requested breakdowns (2007) indicates that there were a total of 630 enterprises in the agrifood sector with a total of 43,179 people engaged in these enterprises. Of these 67 enterprises were involved in the processing and preserving of fish and fish products with 2,089 persons engaged.
Because of methodological differences the CIP data on persons engaged will not be identical to employment data in the QNHS. One key difference is that the CIP excludes data on enterprises with less than 2 persons engaged. QNHS data indicated that in 2007 (same year for most recent CIP data), there were approximately 54,000 persons employed in the agrifood sector (average of 4 Quarters). The most recent quarter available from the QNHS (Quarter 3; 2009) indicated there were an estimated 45,700 employed in the sector. The QNHS does not give a breakdown that would allow estimates of employment in sub-sectors such as the seafood industry.
140 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the changes he will make regarding decoupling; his views on the system in France (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10968/10]
141 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts or the EU Agricultural Commissioner regarding decoupling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10969/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
In the mid term review of the CAP conducted in 2003, Ireland opted for full decoupling of payments from production. This has proved to be a success for Ireland and I am committed to this approach for the foreseeable future. My view is that decoupled payments remain the best way of underpinning the incomes of small family farms, while allowing them to respond to market opportunities. In subsequent discussions on the CAP Health Check in 2008, I repeated my views and I am satisfied that one of the outcomes of the Health Check was a movement towards further decoupling in all Member States.
Article 68 of the Single Payment Regulation provides that a proportion of Single Payment funds may be top-sliced from the overall national envelope for the single Farm Payment and targeted towards specific objectives and sectors. This option has been used in France but not in Ireland. However, I am currently using the provisions of Article 68 to target previously inaccessible "unspent" funds to the sheep and dairy sectors and for agri-environmental purposes.
As to future policy, the policy debates on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy held by successive Presidencies in recent years have focused heavily on the issue of decoupled payments and whether and in what format they should continue. The future of such payments has also been a primary feature in the bilateral discussions I have had with other Member States and the Commission on the future of the CAP. At all times in these debates and discussions and, most recently last week at my meeting with Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, I have highlighted my support for continuation of decoupling. There is good support for this position in the Council.
142 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded their REP scheme 4 payment. [10970/10]
Due to Industrial Action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
143 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to ensure that the deeds in respect of a Land Commission holding which a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has purchased outright will be furnished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11007/10]
The documentation necessary to effect registration has been lodged by my Department in the Property Registration Authority under the two Schedule numbers mentioned in the details.
