Vol. 712 No. 1
1 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the value of imports from Israel in 2009; the portion of those imports that were entitled to preferential duty; and if those imports which did not get preferential duty were produce from settlements illegal under international law. [24955/10]
In 2009 Ireland imported goods from Israel to the value of €82.4 million. In addition, services imports from that country for 2008, the last year for which data is available, were valued at €75 million.
I understand that a preferential customs status applies for certain goods traded between the EU and Israel but that goods exported from illegal Israeli settlements cannot benefit from these preferential rates. However, it is the Revenue Commissioners Customs Service that is the competent Irish Authority to implement rules of origin controls on imports of goods into Ireland and to apply the appropriate tariff duties. My Department has no function in regard to these matters.
2 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a pension in view of the fact that they worked with the Office of Public Works for a certain period of time. [24960/10]
The person in question would not have had sufficient service with the Office of Public Works to qualify for an occupational pension. However, his service, which may be reckonable for pension purposes, could be transferred in the event that he was subsequently employed in another public service body under the remit of the relevant pension transfer scheme.
3 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if payment by the Health Service Executive to service providers such as fostering, home help and so on are treated as tax free income; and if so, if there are ceilings on the amount of tax free income that can be earned from such sources. [24967/10]
As I understand matters, the Deputy's Question relates to payments to individuals.
The position is that section 192B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that payments made to a foster parent by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with Article 14 of the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations 1995 are exempt from tax.
Section 192B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 also provides, subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, for a tax exemption in respect of payments made at the discretion of the HSE to a foster parent in respect of a ‘child' aged 18 or over.
Corresponding payments relating to foster children made in accordance with the law of another EU member state are also exempted under the provision.
There is no ceiling on the amount of tax-free income that may be exempt under section 192B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Section 192B tax exemption does not extend to payments to a ‘home help'. Payments made by the Health Service Executive to a ‘home help' are taxable in full subject, of course, to liability to tax being reduced by virtue of the home help's personal tax credits.
4 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason domiciliary care allowance has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24941/10]
I regret that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. However, I would also recommend that the Deputy inform the individual mentioned that it is open to them to contact their local health office directly.
5 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the waiting time for an ophthalmology appointment; the further position regarding the waiting time at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the National Children’s Hospital, for an ophthalmology appointment in view of the fact that a doctor was informed in March that they are not in position to give the patient an appointment during a safe time period due to the severe overbooking of their clinics for the next two years; her views on whether it is unacceptable that the closest paediatric hospital has an overbooking ophthalmology waiting list of two years and cannot offer any appointments; and her plans to rectify the situation so that appointments are available to children. [24889/10]
The HSE is aware of the challenges currently being experienced by Tallaght Hospital in relation to paediatric ophthalmology services and will be working with the hospital with a view to putting an action plan in place which will allow for the resumption of referrals as soon as possible.
6 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the reduction in dermatology services at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin as a result of diminished resources in respect of which the hospital has stated that it has no option, in the interest of patient safety and best clinical practice, but temporarily to close referrals to its adult and paediatric dermatology service; her plans to rectify this situation promptly in order that appointments can be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24890/10]
21 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to prevent the temporary closure of the adult and paediatric service in Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the hospital has been forced to close referrals to this service for at least seven months due to the of lack of resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24996/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 21 together.
The HSE is aware of the challenges currently being experienced by Tallaght Hospital in relation to dermatology services and is actively in discussion with the hospital with a view to putting an action plan in place which will allow for the resumption of referrals for dermatology patients, both adult and paediatric, as soon as possible.
7 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been refused a supply of orthopaedic shoes and has also been refused the cost of having their ordinary shoes restyled to suit their particular handicap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24892/10]
As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response to his question of 19th May last, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.
8 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to correspondence of 7 April 2010 (details supplied) regarding an incident in which a four year old child was accidentally administered a double dose of the H1N1 vaccination; the reason her Department has failed to provide any assistance or assurances to this family; and if she will now respond to the issues raised in the said correspondence. [24899/10]
I have received the correspondence referred to. The case has been handled in line with the Patient Safety Protocol that I set in September 2008 for situations of this kind. The Protocol is managed by the Chief Medical Officer on my behalf as a medical assessment of any potential patient safety issues is required. In accordance with the Protocol, the Health Service Executive has been asked for a full report on the matter. This is now close to completion and I have been assured that the HSE will issue a response to the parents of the boy concerned in the coming days.
9 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to oblige medical card holders to register with a dental practitioner in view of recent restrictions to eligibility for dental care for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24944/10]
10 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the recently announced curtailment of benefits available to medical card holders for dental treatment and in view of the increased number of medical card holders over 2008 levels, if she will clarify her intention of retaining service at 2008 levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24947/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. At my Department's request, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to reduce DTSS expenditure. The intention is not to retain services at 2008 levels but to contain expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million, while protecting access to emergency dental care for medical card patients. There are no plans to oblige medical card holders to register with dental practitioners.
11 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason home help service was reduced by 60% in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24959/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
12 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation whereby the Health Service Executive has refused approval to provide a lower partial denture under the dental area of the medical card scheme. [24961/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
13 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will undertake a review of health services for persons who experience dementia or Alzheimer’s diseases; if her attention has been drawn to the particular gap in services for persons who experience these illnesses in advance of reaching retirement age; and her plans to introduce a statement of strategy outlining goals to be achieved in the coming years. [24966/10]
As the Deputy is aware, dementia is a most distressing condition both for those suffering from it and their families, and presents a significant and growing challenge to health and social services. Alzheimer's disease represents about 70% of the cases of dementia. People are living longer and as a consequence are more likely to develop some form of dementia. While dementia is not solely related to age, the prevalence is higher in older people and increases with age. It is estimated that about 5% of people over 65 years of age have some form of dementia with this figure rising to 20% for people over 80 years of age. The demographic make–up of Irish Society is changing. The population is growing older and the number of people aged over 65 is estimated to almost triple over the next 30 years.
As I have indicated previously, my Department has started the process of developing a policy on dementia that will support the delivery of long-term care services having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for long-term care. This policy will be developed on the basis of the best evidence available from national and international sources. Officials in my Department have engaged with relevant stakeholder groups on the first stage of the process.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that the Health Services Executive (HSE) is currently exploring the potential for changes in care pathways for people with dementia, and will make recommendations for the future provision of dementia care across all health and social services. An audit is underway within the HSE of the current specialist dementia care services available both in residential/hospital and community services. This audit will inform future planning and development of services for people with dementia. The educational needs of staff will also be identified to inform any future staff requirements for working in the area of dementia care. This work will also feed into the overall Dementia Policy formulation.
Finally, the Department is committed to publishing a new Statement of Strategy by the end of 2010, to cover the period 2010-2013, which will contain the goals to be achieved in the coming years.
14 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital budget awarded to the Health Service Executive for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24977/10]
The capital budget for the Health Service Executive for each of the past five years was as follows:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2005 |
564.063 |
|
2006 |
574.556 |
|
2007 |
524.951 |
|
2008 |
593.720 |
|
2009 |
442.763 |
The 2010 capital provision is €443.792m.
15 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients waiting more than four weeks for a colonoscopy as at the end of April 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24978/10]
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational one and would in the normal course of events be referred to the HSE for direct reply. However, owing to industrial action, the matter cannot be referred and accordingly, I have set out the position for the Deputy in so far as information is available to my Department.
In approving its National Service Plan for 2010, I have instructed the HSE to ensure that urgent colonoscopies are provided within four weeks. In the case of non-urgent colonoscopies, the HSE has instructed hospitals to refer patients waiting for longer than three months to the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
The latest information (May 2009) available to my Department shows that in the 19 hospitals which reported data on colonoscopy waiting times, no patient is waiting longer than 28 days for an urgent colonoscopy. In the case of non-urgent colonoscopies, the latest figures (May 2009) available to my Department from the NTPF show 1,081 people waiting longer than three months. Colonoscopies are carried out for a range of possible conditions and this figure would include cases where cancer is not suspected.
16 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the specific grades exempt from the moratorium on recruitment during 2009; the specific grades exempt from the moratorium on recruitment during 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24979/10]
17 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the period during which the moratorium on recruitment will apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24980/10]
18 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff the health service will be reduced by as part of the moratorium on recruitment; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24981/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 to 18, inclusive, together.
The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years. This requires that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the health service will continue to apply until the numbers have fallen to the level set out in the Employment Control Framework (ECF) for the health sector. The ECF for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector. It provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction (for the Health Sector) to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE (or 1,520 per annum). The 2010 ECF also provides for the creation of 265 posts for the implementation of the Ryan Report. The grades exempted from the moratorium/special provisions under the 2009 ECF were as follows:
Hospital Consultants — any new post of hospital consultant was generally to be created by the suppression of two non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) posts;
Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist — up to 450 therapists;
Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, Counsellor — up to 250 new posts;
Social Worker – up to 270 Social Worker posts; and
Emergency Medical Technicians — up to 30 further posts may have been created and filled.
In addition, special provisions applied in relation to Clinical Engineering Technicians, Dosimetrists, Physicists, and Radiation Therapists, which are specialist grades under the National Cancer Control Programme.
Under the ECF 2010-2012 grades exempted from the moratorium/special provisions are as follows:
Medical Consultants — any new post of hospital consultant will generally be created by the suppression of two NCHD posts;
Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist – replacement posts should be filled and up to 380 posts in addition to the Dec 09 outturn;
Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, Counsellor — replacement posts should be filled and up to 230 in addition to the Dec 09 outturn;
Social Worker – replacement posts should be filled and up to 300 in addition to the Dec 09 outturn;
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) — where it is necessary to support the reconfiguration of emergency services between hospitals and there is no scope to meet the needs arising from the redeployment of existing EMTs;
Psychiatric Nurses — up to 100 posts where they are required to support the implementation of A Vision for Change;
Public Health Nurses — up to 70 posts to facilitate the recruitment of student public health nurses;
Nurse Sponsorship Scheme — up to 30 posts to facilitate the appointment successful students from this sponsorship scheme; and
National Cancer Control Programme posts — up to 79 new posts for service developments and
Clinical engineering technician
Dosimetrist
Physicist
Radiation Therapist.
19 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an appointment with an occupational therapist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24988/10]
20 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an appointment with a speech and language therapist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24990/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
22 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the proportion of the population that have a medical card and a doctor-only medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25008/10]
On 1st May 2010, 36.74% of the national population had free access to GP services through a medical card (34.39% / 1,533,511 medical card holders) or GP visit card (2.35% / 104,630 GP visit card holders).
23 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the State of the medical card scheme; the proportion of this that relates to visiting general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25009/10]
The Primary Care Reimbursement Service's (PCRS) Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments 2008 shows that General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme expenditure for 2008 amounted to €2.091 billion, €463 million of which relates to general practitioner fees and allowances.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the HSE it is not possible for the Executive to supply information in relation to 2009. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
24 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Transport the costs incurred between Ennis, County Clare, and Athenry, County Galway, on public road and level crossing improvements; the number of national road crossings improved; the cost of national road crossing improvements; the number of regional, county and local road crossing improved; the cost involved in each of the above; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24875/10]
25 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that phase 1 of the western rail corridor rebuilt from Ennis, County Clare to Athenry, County Galway, has come in under budget; if he will further confirm the areas in which the balance of moneys out of the €106.5 million allocated are to expended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24876/10]
26 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the costs incurred on signalling between Ennis, County Clare, and Athenry, County Galway, on bridge improvement in the same stretch of route; the cost of drainage improvements at Ennis station; the cost incurred between Athenry station and Galway station attributed to the western rail corridor from phase 1 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24877/10]
27 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the cost of passenger facility and infrastructure upgrades at Athenry, County Galway and the construction of new stations at Craughwell, Ardrahan, and Gort stations under phase 1 budget on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24878/10]
28 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the final cost of the provision and restoration of the rail line between Ennis, County Clare, and Athenry, County Galway; the cost of new refurbished stations; the costs of other ancillary works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24879/10]
29 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of costs incurred to date on the reopening of the first phase of the western rail corridor; the costs incurred between Ennis, County Clare and Athenry, County Galway, on track replacement; the cost of track and drainage improvements within the confines of Athenry station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24880/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 to 29, inclusive, together.
The overall cost of Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor is estimated at €106.5 million. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that this estimate includes some outstanding works and expenditures including a station at Oranmore, the closure of more level crossings on the route and finalising various property issues.
Funding is allocated to projects and programmes as expenditure is incurred and the question of reallocating any balance where a project comes in under budget does not therefore arise.
The detailed implementation of infrastructural projects such as the Western Rail Corridor, is a day to day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. However I have asked Iarnród Éireann where possible and practical to compile and forward the information sought directly to the Deputies.
30 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the upcoming international conference in Manilla, the Philippines, on international maritime law; the names of the Ministers who will attend the conference; the proposals he intends to put forward at the conference; if any further legislation will be necessary in relation to the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24933/10]
Officials from the Marine Survey Office of my Department will be attending the upcoming Diplomatic Conference to amend the Standards for Training Certification and Watchkeeping, STCW, Convention and the STCW Code of the International Maritime Organization. The Conference will essentially replace the Code on training and certification of seafarers. Proposals have been developed in co-operation with our European Colleagues and these will include: hours of work and rest, medical standards and the communication of information to the IMO and Member States. When the amendments have been adopted they will need to be transposed into the national law of the Member States of the IMO including Ireland.
31 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the implementation of EU Directive 95/21/EC on enhancing maritime safety including pollution prevention and shipboard living and working conditions on ships using Irish ports; if he has received any written correspondence from the European Commission on the implementation of this directive; the steps that are being taken to address the failure to implement the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24934/10]
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), acting for the European Commission, carried out a full inspection of the activities of the Marine Survey Office (MSO) in my Department in relation to meeting the requirements of the Port State Control Directive 95/21/EC in September 2005 and also carried out a follow up inspection in September 2009. My Department is now in receipt of an advanced copy of a Reasoned Opinion from the European Commission, which relates to the findings of EMSA. The report of the 2009 EMSA visit reviewed the position since their initial inspection and whilst it recognised that some issues had been completed and that progress was being made on the other elements, concluded that further work remained to be done. My Department has been in contact with the Commission and will continue to liaise with them regarding measures being taken to meet these requirements.
32 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if any costing was done before the decision was made to outsource the marine search and rescue service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24976/10]
Contracting of the aeronautical maritime search and rescue commenced in Ireland in September 1991 with the transfer of the Shannon base to civilian service delivery. The entire national aeronautical maritime search and rescue service has been fully transferred to contract delivery since 2004.
Prior to commencing the tender process for the next contract, the Department of Transport and the Department of Defence considered the possibility of the Department of Defence taking over responsibility for maritime Search and Rescue operations. The Department of Defence consulted with the Air Corps at that time. It was concluded that the re-entry of the Air Corps to this area of operations was not feasible.
In the tender competition seven contractors passed the expressions of interest stage and two finally submitted valid bids. A Process Auditor oversaw the competition from commencement to nomination of the successful bidder.
The new contract with CHC Ireland will run for 10 years and will represent a stepped improvement in the safety, range, speed, and capability of Ireland's SAR service, using modern medium-load helicopters. CHCI is also the current service provider.
33 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will sympathetically consider an application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24907/10]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 14 October 2009. Following consideration, the application was refused by a visa officer on the 18 November 2009.
The application was refused because the applicant had not shown sufficient evidence of a relationship being in existence prior to the marriage taking place. On the 10 February 2010 the applicant appealed the decision to refuse the visa. An appeals officer upheld the decision of the visa officer on the 12 February 2010 as the original refusal reason had not been addressed sufficiently.
It should be borne in mind that each visa application is considered on its individual merits, the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why a visa should be granted. I can confirm that correspondence has been received by my Department from a public representative with regard to this matter. No further evidence has been supplied to establish the existence of a relationship prior to marriage or indeed subsequent to the marriage.
Only one appeal per visa application is permitted. It is, however, open to the person concerned to submit a fresh visa application at any time. Where doing so, the individual concerned should be in a position to address the above issue in a more substantive way.
34 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons refused entry to Ireland in 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24931/10]
I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that the following table shows the total number of persons refused Leave to Land, pursuant to the provisions of Immigration Act, 2004 for each year between 2007-2010 (31st May, 2010):
|
Year |
Number |
|
2010 |
1,244 (to 31st May) |
|
2009 |
3,857 |
|
2008 |
5,394 |
|
2007 |
6,331 |
However, a number of those persons who have been refused Leave to Land were subsequently permitted to enter the State, having made an application for protection pursuant to the provisions of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended. The following table shows the number of such persons, for each year between 2007 and 2010 (31st May, 2010):
|
Year |
Number |
|
2010 |
112 (to 31st May) |
|
2009 |
317 |
|
2008 |
339 |
|
2007 |
477 |
35 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Operation Charity is still active; the number of gardaí involved; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the cost of the operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/10]
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that Operation Charity is a Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) initiative to tackle the phenomenon of so-called Marriages of Convenience and which is designed to prevent and detect criminality associated with marriages suspected to have been entered into by non-EEA nationals to EU nationals for the purpose of acquiring immigration status. This Operation is still ongoing.
To date, nine (9) persons have been arrested, five of whom were attempting to evade removal from the State. The remaining four (4) were arrested on suspicion of committing criminal offences, including the offence of Bigamy and offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft & Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 in relation to the possession of false documentation. An Investigation File is being prepared for the Law Officers in respect of the alleged bigamy offences; one person has been convicted of two (2) counts of possession of false instruments, with one other person currently before the Courts for similar offences. All five (5) persons attempting to evade removal from the State have since been removed, pursuant to the Dublin Convention.
I am conscious of my responsibility to ensure that the provisions of Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States are implemented appropriately to guard against possible abuses and I would strongly support the actions taken by An Garda Síochána in this regard.
36 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the recreational equipment that is available to prisoners in St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin 1. [24950/10]
37 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that educational opportunities are available to prisoners in St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin 1. [24951/10]
38 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that young persons incarcerated in St. Patrick’s Institution and in the training unit, Mountjoy Prison, do not spend too much time locked in their cells, in some cases up to 18 hours a day. [24952/10]
39 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the facilities available in the training unit, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, for recreation, training and education; the hours a prisoner is expected to spend at those activities on an average day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24953/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 to 39, inclusive, together.
St Patrick's Institution accommodates both remand and sentenced male prisoners aged 16 to 21 years of age. It contains a special unit for those under the age of 18. On 8th June 2010 there were 212 prisoners in custody in St. Patrick's Institution.
In the Work and Training area, a number of vocational workshops are currently in operation — covering Woodwork and Joinery, Metal Work, Computer Training, Industrial Cleaning and Catering. Some inmates also work in the laundry, with others engaged in painting, general cleaning and horticultural work around the Institution.
Education in St Patrick's Institution is provided in partnership with the City of Dublin VEC and there is currently an allocation of 20 wholetime equivalent teachers. A wide range of subjects is taught in the school, including Art, Literacy, PE, Woodwork, Craftwork, Computer Skills, English, Maths, CSP, History and Drama.
A wide range of recreational facilities are available to prisoners in St Patrick's Institution, including a number of gymnasia staffed by trained gym instructors. Other recreational facilities and activities include a library, football, table tennis, chess, pool and television. All prisoners have regular access to outdoor exercise.
St Patrick's Institution is a closed prison and operates to the standard prison regime therefore inmates have 7 hours and 15 minutes out of cell time. Under eighteens get 8 hours out of cell time because they dine communally.
The Training Unit is a semi-open, low security prison for males aged 18 years and over, serving sentences up to life. On 8 June 2010 there were 114 prisoners in custody in the Training Unit.
There are a number of vocational workshops in the Training Unit which provide accredited training in a range of disciplines, including Welding, Computer Skills, and Catering. In addition, a number of prisoners participate in external placements on day release.
In partnership with the City of Dublin VEC the Training Unit has a teaching staff of 7.5 wholetime equivalents. A wide range of educational courses is provided, ranging from literacy and numeracy up to certified courses including FETAC and Junior and Leaving Certificate.
Recreational facilities are available to all inmates from 5pm to 9.30pm every day and at weekends and public holidays from 9.00am to 9.30pm. There is a large sports hall staffed by trained gym instructors. Other recreational facilities and activities include a library, football, table tennis, pool and television. All prisoners have regular access to outdoor exercise.
As a semi-open prison the Training Unit is able to allow its prisoners more latitude in terms of out of cell time than prisons that have a higher security rating. All prisoners are unlocked between 8.15am and 9.30pm.
40 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions in the past five years for cycling on footpaths; and if the gardaí are proactive in dealing with this issue in view of the fact that it is causing distress to citizens, particularly elderly people. [24954/10]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on cycling on footpaths on an ongoing basis as part of their normal duties. In addition, breaches of the Road Traffic Acts are regularly targeted by way of various Garda operations. Such operations target specific localities for breaches of road traffic legislation, including cycling on footpaths.
41 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of suspects who have re-offended while on bail in the period 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24971/10]
42 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of suspects who have re-offended while on bail in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24972/10]
43 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of suspects who have re-offended while on bail in the period June 2008 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24973/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 to 43, inclusive, together.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
44 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoner places that currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24974/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the number of prison places available on 9 June 2010 was 4,066.
It is the case that there has been a consistent growth in the total prisoner population over recent years. This situation is particularly apparent over the past 12 months during which time the total number in custody has increased by 366. This represents an approximate 9.4 % increase in the number in custody.
The Irish Prison Service has been engaged in an extensive programme of investment in prisons infrastructure which has involved both the modernisation of the existing estate and the provision of extra prison spaces. Since 1997 in excess of 1,720 new prison spaces have come on stream in the prison system. These include the new prisons in Castlerea, the Midlands, Cloverhill, the Dóchas Centre and new accommodation in Limerick, Portlaoise and Castlerea prisons and at the open centres in Shelton Abbey and Loughan House.
Current projects will see a further 200 prison spaces provided in the short term by means of a new block in Wheatfield. In addition, we hope to proceed in late 2010 with a new accommodation block in the Portlaoise/Midlands prisons complex which will provide 300 prison spaces in the medium term.
In the short term, work is due to commence on converting an administrative building on the Dóchas site into a new accommodation block. This will provide 30 rooms with sufficient area to double up if required and is due to be completed later this year.
The Deputy will also be aware of the Government's commitment to developing a new prison campus at Thornton Hall, County Dublin. The new prison facility will provide accommodation for 1,400 cells with operational flexibility to accommodate up to 2,200 in a range of security settings.
The development is now proceeding on a phased basis with phase one comprising essential enabling works required for the development including the construction of the dedicated access road, perimeter wall and off-site services. Tenders for the construction of the access road were published in March of this year and tenders for the construction of the perimeter wall will be published in September.
Phase 2 will include the development of the main prison campus. The detailed appraisal is underway in accordance with Department of Finance Capital Expenditure Guidelines and is at an advanced stage of preparation.
45 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí currently working in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24975/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 30 April 2010, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was 14,594. There are a further 116 Student Gardaí in phases 1 to 3 of their training.
46 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will intervene to ensure that a person (details supplied) receives their passport in time to travel on 28 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24884/10]
The passport application for the person named was registered with the Passport Office in Molesworth Street on 01 June, 2010. The application will be processed shortly and will be available for collection in time to travel on 28 June.
47 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the recent recommendation of the UN Special Rapporteur on Burma that an official UN commission of inquiry be established to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. [24898/10]
Ireland fully supports the suggestion of the UN Special Rapporteur on Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, that United Nations institutions consider the possibility of establishing a commission of inquiry with a specific fact-finding mandate to address the question of international crimes in that State. In addition to the evident systematic repression of political dissent and expression throughout the country, we are deeply concerned about the allegations that have been made by a number of ethnic groups that they have been subjected to grave breaches of international humanitarian law by the Burmese regime and we feel that such allegations should be formally investigated.
Given our very deep concerns about the situation faced by Burma's ethnic groups, my Department commissioned the Human Rights Centre at the National University of Ireland Galway to undertake independent research into the treatment of Burma's Rohingya ethnic group, one of the most ill-treated of all the ethnic groups, who are a minority within a minority. That study, which I will be launching next week, provides accounts of systematic persecution of, and discrimination against the Rohingyas. As a result of the actions against them by the regime, which include a denial of their right to citizenship, the Rohingyas are being forced over the border into Bangladesh or to flee out to sea, where they end up in appalling conditions in refugee camps or detention centres in neighbouring countries, if they do not perish at sea.
I shall, of course, be providing copies of the Report also to all members of the Oireachtas, to Irish NGOs and to the Irish media on its publication, and copies will also be made available to all UN Members, relevant UN bodies themselves and to international human rights NGOs. Besides the Rohingya, a range of other ethnic groups have presented allegations and evidence of serious and systematic humanitarian abuses in the course of military offensives and other actions against them by the Burmese military regime. Despite widespread calls for decisive action for such allegations to be formally investigated, I very much regret that there seems little chance that an official UN Commission of Inquiry will be set up any time in the near future. Sadly, I do not believe that there is currently sufficient international consensus to facilitate the instigation of a formal international legal process against the Burmese regime. This was very much in evidence in the wake of the appalling events of September 2007 — when the regime launched a ruthless crack-down on monks and other peaceful protestors, killing large numbers of them, and wounding and/or detaining many others — when efforts at that time to gain Security Council action and the initiation of a formal Inquiry failed due to insufficient international support, particularly among some of Burma's neighbours and friends.
On my own part, and that of the Government more broadly, we will continue, as we have long done, to work pro-actively — bilaterally, through the EU and at the international level — in support of the cause of democracy and justice for the people of Burma, for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, for elections later this year that are free, fair and inclusive, for the horrific crimes against the ethnic peoples of Burma to end, and for the perpetrators of the many crimes against the Burmese people to be brought to justice.
48 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of persons (details supplied). [24943/10]
Passport applications for the first two named persons were registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 19 May, 2010. On 3 June, the applicant contacted the Passport Service and provided information of imminent travel plans. The applications were subsequently prioritised and passports were issued on 8 June. A record of a current passport application for the third named person can not be traced in the Passport system. A passport application for the fourth and last named person was registered with the Passport Office in Molesworth Street on 19 May, 2010. A passport in respect of this application was issued on 5 June.
49 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of backlogged passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24984/10]
On 9 June 2010, there were 62,946 applications in the system. It is presently taking up to twenty five working days to process individual applications submitted through the Passport Express Service, the Northern Ireland Passport Express Service and at the counters in the Passport Offices. Applications submitted through ordinary post are taking up to eight weeks to process. In recent days, additional staff have commenced work in the Passport Service and will be working to clear this backlog. While this will take some time, every effort is being made to minimise the inconvenience to the travelling public, including through the operation of a process to prioritise the applications of citizens able to demonstrate proof of travel.
50 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25001/10]
The application in question was received in the Passport Office in London on 18 May, 2010 and has now been approved. The passport will be with the applicant in advance of travel.
51 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many community groups at the reported closure of projects funded under the community development programme; if he will reconsider his decision to discontinue these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24962/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme were my Department's two main social inclusion/community development programmes. These came to an end on 31 December last and have been superseded by a new integrated programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). A key difference between the new LCDP and its predecessor programmes is the fact that, when fully implemented, it will be delivered nationally on an integrated basis by a reduced number of companies.
It is important to note that, despite what is stated by some community development projects (CDPs) and by others, integration does not mean closure of a CDP or the cessation of CDP activities in any given area. As has been stated previously, any worthwhile community development activity or service delivered under the CDP can continue to be delivered under the new LCDP and by the same staff who currently do this work.
My Department has set out a model involving full integration of CDPs with local development companies (LDCs), but has made it clear that other options can be considered and that it is not a question of ‘one size fits all'. The only option not acceptable is one that seeks to preserve the status quo: some models proposed by CDPs and other parties in the period since the launch of the LCDP have had to be rejected on that basis. In recent weeks, however, my Department has been able to respond positively to a number of other alternative models put forward by both LDCs and CDPs. While agreement has not yet been fully finalised in these cases, I am satisfied that the real possibility for agreement exists. Additional proposals from other CDPs or LDCs are also being considered positively but are less developed at this stage. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to respond positively to all constructive proposals that it receives.
My overall aim is to ensure that, notwithstanding the difficult budgetary position, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme and better integrated actions. As previously indicated, my primary concern in this most difficult economic climate is to make every effort to ensure the front-line services provided by or supported through my Department, especially those focused on the needs of the most disadvantaged communities, are protected and to minimise overheads and ancillary costs.
52 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for supplementary welfare assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [24896/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
53 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who are no longer able to claim jobseeker’s benefit as they are over the 12 month limit in Cork city and county and have now had to come off the live register in tabular form. [24897/10]
The figures requested by the Deputy are not available.
54 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years in receipt of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24904/10]
55 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons aged 18 and 19 years who have qualified for the €204 rate of jobseeker's allowance and basic supplementary allowance since 1 May 2009 due to the fact that they qualify under the exemptions announcement in supplementary budget April 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24905/10]
56 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons aged 18 and 19 years who are in receipt of the reduced rate of jobseeker's allowance and basic supplementary allowance of €100 per week which was introduced in May 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24906/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 to 56, inclusive, together.
At week ending 5th June 2010, there were 62,955 people under 25 years of age in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and 15,427 in receipt of jobseeker's benefit. These figures include those in receipt of farm assist, those working a reduced week and other categories not included on the Live Register.
There are 4,266 jobseeker's allowance customers under age 20 who are entitled to the full personal rate of €196. This is the current maximum personal rate as the rate was reduced from €204.30 in Budget 2009. A further 7,288 customers are entitled to the reduced personal rate of €100.
There are 243 supplementary welfare allowance customers under 20 years of age who are entitled to the full personal rate of €196. A further 755 customers are entitled to the reduced personal rate of €100.
Detailed statistics of the number of people under 20 years of age who have qualified for the full personal rate since May 2009 are not readily available. In the intervening period, some customers would have moved to the higher rate of payment for a variety of reasons, including being married or co-habiting where an increase for a qualified child is payable. Others will have signed off having found work or commenced a course of training.
57 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection when a rent subsidy application will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied). [24919/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
58 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection when a rent subsidy application will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [24920/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
59 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection when a rent subsidy application will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [24921/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
60 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for a contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24970/10]
A claim for State pension (contributory) submitted by the person concerned is currently being processed. He will be notified of the outcome of a decision on his entitlement in due course.
61 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24992/10]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received by the Department on 12th August 2009 from the person in question. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child did not satisfy the medical criteria for payment. A letter issued to the person in question on 12th October 2009 to advise of this decision.
Further medical information was submitted and reviewed by a Medical Assessor who found the child not medically eligible. Additional medical information has since been received and this is currently being reviewed by another Medical Assessor and a decision will issue shortly.
62 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has not received a reply to their appeal for domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24998/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
63 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the statutory basis for not pursuing maintenance in respect of parents with an annual income of less that €18,000; and the reason for setting the amount at this level. [25006/10]
In every case where a one-parent family payment is awarded, the Department seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of one-parent family payment.
Part 12 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, sets out the legislative basis for the implementation of the Liability to Maintain Family Provisions. The methods of assessment of the liable relative's ability to pay are specified in detail in Regulations (S.I. 571 of 2006 and S.I. 142 of 2007). The financial and new dependency situation of each liable relative is assessed in detail. The assessment is based on the net weekly income (i.e. income from all sources less income tax and PRSI) with deductions for a personal allowance in respect of personal needs, a child dependant allowance in respect of each child living with the liable relative, and an allowance may also be granted in respect of the liable relative's accommodation costs. Any maintenance currently being paid to the one parent family recipient is also taken into account.
It has been found that, following the assessment based on net income and when the appropriate deductions are made, liable relatives earning less than €18,000 p.a. are not usually liable to make a contribution under the existing Regulations. €18,000 p.a. has therefore been adopted as a guideline for operational purposes. It is not stated in Regulation. It is kept under review by the Department.
64 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which unmarried life partners are treated for the purposes of widow’s contributory pension. [25007/10]
Widow's or widower's contributory pension is paid to the husband or wife of a deceased person and is available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or on that of the deceased spouse. A means-tested widow's or widower's non-contributory pension may be payable to those who do not satisfy the social insurance conditions. If the person has qualified children, they may instead qualify for the means-tested one-parent family payment.
A key condition for receipt of the widow's or widower's pension is that the person is the surviving partner of a married couple.
The Civil Partnership Bill provides for registration of civil partnerships by same-sex couples. It is proposed that on enactment of the Civil Partnership Bill civil partners will receive treatment under the social welfare code equivalent to that of spouses. The required changes to social welfare legislation will be brought forward when the Civil Partnership Bill is enacted.
65 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who joined the Defence Forces in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24929/10]
The position in relation to recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force over the past five years and to date in 2010 is as follows:
|
Year |
Total General Service Recruits |
Cadets |
Apprentice |
Direct Entries |
Total |
|
2005 |
384 |
55 |
28 |
12 |
479 |
|
2006 |
559 |
55 |
56 |
6 |
676 |
|
2007 |
565 |
48 |
28* |
8 |
649 |
|
2008 |
507 |
41 |
Nil |
8 |
556 |
|
2009 |
Nil |
42 |
Nil |
5 |
47 |
|
2010 — To Date |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
— |
*Subsequent to this 2007 intake 2 Apprentices withdrew resulting in an intake of 28 rather than the initial 30 as outlined in previous documentation.
Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 30 April 2010 was 9,856 comprising 8,036 Army, 797 Air Corps and 1,023 Naval Service personnel.
Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard I have recently approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits for the Naval Service. In addition, the military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.
I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.
66 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure the protection of an archaeological site (details supplied) in County Dublin, which is the subject of a preservation order, is a national monument and is reportedly subject to illegal vandalism and interference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24956/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 435 of 1 June 2010.
In the meantime, my Department has written to An Garda Síochána requesting an investigation of any offences under the National Monuments Acts and the initiation of prosecutions, as appropriate.
67 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a property (details supplied) in County Meath falls within the Navan urban renewal scheme as defined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/10]
Designations under the Urban Renewal Scheme were based on Integrated Area Plans (IAPs) submitted by local authorities and were in line with recommendations made by an Expert Advisory Panel which was established by the Minister to assess all of the plans submitted. The Deputy is advised to contact the relevant local authority, i.e. Meath County Council, directly, with the complete address at Kennedy Road, Navan, to ascertain the position in respect of the specific property in question.
68 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with a delegation (details supplied) from County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25014/10]
My colleague, Minister of State Finneran, met a deputation from the Kilreekill Group Water Scheme in March 2010 in relation to the provision of a water supply to the village from the Loughrea Regional Water Supply Scheme. Since then, I have published the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, which provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure to be undertaken in County Galway. The total value of contracts under way and those proposed for commencement during the period of the Programme in County Galway is some €130 million. The Loughrea Water Treatment Plant Scheme is included in the Programme amongst the list of schemes in the county to advance through planning in this period.
With the changed economic climate and the finalisation of the first cycle of River Basin Management Plans, the new Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues. It also fully supports economic and employment growth as envisaged in the Government's policy document Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal . The scope and format of the Programme for 2010 to 2012 is designed better to reflect ongoing environmental and economic priorities, to maximise the return on public funds being invested in the sector and to ensure that the Programme is realistic in its level of ambition.
In developing the Programme, a review was undertaken of all contracts and schemes listed in the previous Programme on which there had been little progress over the past 2 years, to ensure that those proceeding were aligned with current priorities. In this context, while the proposals for upgrading Loughrea Water Treatment Plant were considered to reflect programme priorities, the planning of this infrastructure under previous programme cycles had not sufficiently advanced to allow for its inclusion as a contract to start construction in the Programme period. Upgrading the treatment plant is a prerequisite to providing a water supply to Kilreekill village.
In February 2010, my Department received Galway County Council's revised Preliminary Report setting out the latest design proposals for this Scheme. The Council has subsequently written to the Department with further information regarding proposals to connect Kilreekill to the Loughrea Water Supply Scheme. My Department is examining this report and correspondence and will convey a decision on it to the Council as soon as possible.
I have included an annual review process as one of a number of new measures in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, under which the Programme will be reviewed and updated annually to allow for any re-prioritisation required. The format and timing of the annual review process has still to be decided by my Department. However, when finalised, it will be a matter for Galway County Council to decide whether to submit the trunk main to Kilreekill element of the Loughrea Regional Water Supply Scheme to my Department for consideration for inclusion in the new Programme.
My Department will continue to work closely with Galway County Council to ensure that the Loughrea Scheme and the other water services contracts and schemes included in the Council's Water Services Investment Programme are advanced as far as practicable over the course of the next 3 years. The Kilreekill Group Water Scheme should maintain contact with Galway County Council regarding progress with the advancement of the Loughrea Scheme.
69 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding an application for the warmer homes scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [24910/10]
I am advised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) that direct contact has been made with the individual in question and it has been confirmed with her that the Warmer Homes upgrade to her house has been scheduled for installation within the next 6 weeks.
More generally the Deputy may wish to note that a dedicated Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) hot line — 1800 250 204 — has been in operation for some time and all queries, from scheme applicants and public representatives, on delivery dates for individual households and/or funding agreements are dealt with immediately. In addition, the WHS programme manager, Mr. Michael Martin of SEAI is available to deal with queries on 042 939 1548. The availability of both points of contact ensures that there is no delay in dealing with specific queries related to the delivery of the Warmer Homes Scheme.
70 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated number of rural properties nationally and in County Meath that are currently without landline broadband and that are unable to access wireless broadband due to local topography; the provision he is making for broadband services to be provided to these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24963/10]
My Department does not hold data regarding the number of properties that are currently without landline broadband or that are unable to access wireless broadband due to local topography and accordingly I am unable to provide the estimated numbers sought by the Deputy.
In implementing the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), my Department undertook an assessment of broadband coverage in the State in mid-2008 and prepared a coverage map based on electoral divisions. This enabled the Department to determine which electoral divisions should be included in the NBS.
EU State aid and competition rules govern how States can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. Broadband platforms do not respect exact geographic boundaries and are difficult to define due to radio propagation or DSL reach issues. The nature of broadband networks is such that they provide a coverage footprint over a certain area rather than an individual link to isolated premises.
It was necessary to guard against the NBS coverage footprint spilling over to an extent which would be unacceptable from a state aids perspective, onto surrounding areas already served by existing service providers. Accordingly, an unacceptable level of market distortion would have resulted from including premises that are located in areas considered to be already substantially served by existing service providers. These areas had to be excluded from the scope of the scheme and will not be addressed by the NBS. The uncovered buildings in the electoral divisions excluded from the NBS (c. 12,500 buildings) represent c.0.7% of all buildings in the State.
In addition to those premises identified as being outside of the coverage of service providers, there are also premises outside of the NBS areas that appear to have persistent difficulty in obtaining a broadband service. This is primarily due to technical and locational reasons (suitability of telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). There is no substantiated estimate of the number of consumers who find themselves in this situation.
Funding for rural broadband has become available from the European Economic Recovery Plan through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. My Department is in the process of developing a new measure under the Rural Development Plan to use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability to remaining unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.
A key element of putting any scheme in place will be to identify those remaining premises where no broadband service is available. In a fully liberalised market it is essential to intervene only where the market is unable to provide a service and the Department will be consulting fully with the existing service providers in this respect. It is intended to commence the scheme later this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is expected that the roll-out phase of the scheme will be carried out during 2011 and 2012.
71 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will arrange an independent audit of the new quality payment system for cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24939/10]
The new QPS payment system for cattle was introduced in December 2009 following negotiations between representatives of Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). The price paid for cattle is a matter for the meat plant and the farmer and my Department has no role to play in this commercial transaction.
72 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the single farm payment entitlement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he intends to honour the offer of additional entitlements from the national reserve as communicated in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24940/10]
The person named submitted applications for the 2005 and 2009 National Reserve under Category A. This category catered for farmers who inherited, leased or otherwise received land free of charge, or for a nominal amount, from a farmer who had retired or died before 16 May, 2005, a holding that was leased out to a third party during the reference period 2000 — 2002.
Under the 2005 National Reserve the person named was deemed successful and he received 17.68 National Reserve entitlements at a total value of €6,519.85. The processing of the 2009 National Reserve application was delayed as the person named did not submit his 2007 or 2008 Single Payment forms until March 2009 and this created issues regarding the usage of his National Reserve entitlements. The issue regarding usage has recently been rectified and an official from my Department is currently in contact with the person named with a view to obtaining outstanding legal documentation required to finalise his 2009 National Reserve application.
73 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applicants under the new entrants to dairying scheme as recently administered by his Department; the number of successful applicants for new entrants to dairying; the number of successful applicants for additional milk quota; the number of applicants identified as eligible under Category B in respect of this section of the scheme; the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was not approved for additional quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24948/10]
I recently announced the results of the Scheme for New Entrants to Dairying. In this Scheme applications were invited under 2 categories; Category A was for brand new entrants — those who had not previously held quota and, Category B — was for existing quota holders — those who had previously purchased quota as a New Entrant under a Milk Quota Trading Scheme. A total of 58 applications to Category A and 53 applications to Category B were received by the closing date of 9 April 2010, giving an overall total of 111 applications to the Scheme.
Of the 111 applications, 73 were successful, with 41 applicants in Category A being awarded 200,000 litres each and 32 applicants in Category B being awarded 181,250 each. The selection process for the Scheme involves the assessment of a business plan by an independent panel of experts. In the case of the named person, the panel did not consider that the application merited selection under this process.
74 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the suckler cow grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24969/10]
The person named applied for 21 animals in 2009 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, for herds of more than 10 cows, the animals must be weaned in at least two separate groups with at least five days between the weaning of each group. Payment will not issue until all of the animals have been weaned to ensure compliance with this condition. Also there are a number of queries regarding some of the animals and when these have been resolved payment can issue. I have arranged for an official of my Department to make direct contact with the applicant to deal with the issues involved.
75 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether it is fair that a store (details supplied) is not allowed to sell lamb in Ireland, as Irish lamb, that they purchase from a company which is the local lamb factory for a large portion of farmers in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24985/10]
It is not clear from the question what is prohibiting the retailer from describing the product as Irish. Lamb which has been produced in the Island of Ireland can be called Irish. If the lamb has been slaughtered in Northern Ireland, then it would have to have the number of the approved premises on the label which would include "UK" in the oval mark. However the label could indicate that the lamb was Irish providing it is from the Island of Ireland.
76 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 467 of 23 February 2010, if he has plans to set up a satellite service for farmers in County Clare on mart days to facilitate those farmers who have to travel long distances as a result of the decision to close the local Department’s office in Ennis. [24994/10]
A major rationalisation plan for my Department was approved by Government last year. This plan involves a comprehensive restructuring of the Department's local office network and provides a fully integrated service to our farming clients and the wider agri-food and rural environmental sectors at regional level. The plan involves reducing, from 57 to 16, the number of offices from which the Department will operate. These new structures will not alter existing arrangements at marts.
77 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if FÁS has ever funded privately owned companies to run community employment schemes. [25004/10]
The majority of Community Employment Schemes funded by FÁS are operated by Companies limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. These companies (called Sponsors) are formed by community groups 'incorporating' to comply with FÁS contractual guidelines for operating CE schemes, i.e. there has to be a legal entity. The remainder are generally made up of public bodies such as County Councils etc.
FÁS as a matter of course does not typically fund privately owned companies to run Community Employment Schemes. However, Commercial State or Private Companies are eligible for consideration as Sponsors of projects in exceptional circumstances as a vehicle for enabling such companies to make a contribution to local development.
Any Project carried out must be external to and separate from the main business of the Sponsor (i.e. a separate legal entity/public company, as above) and it must not in any way impact on the existing or future workforce of the business e.g., no displacement of staff as a result of a Community Employment project or the work carried out there under.
Such a project must not impact on the financial gains of a company's business, i.e. profits and/or benefits of the project should not directly or indirectly accrue to the Sponsor's business as a result of their sponsorship of the project or the work carried out there under.
The company's sponsorship of a project would be divorced from the businesses of the company for the life of the project. This would be incorporated into a legal agreement between the Sponsor and FÁS.
78 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Galway and their UK associates have developed a special education programme to try to reduce the level of obesity in schoolgoing children; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that this particular model works very well in UK schools and that part of this programme can be taught with almost every class in the school and as such does not require any extra teachers; if she or the Health Service Executive are aware of this particular educational system to try control obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24891/10]
The individual referred to by the Deputy has made contact with my Department and has also met with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children. I understand that the initiative referred to by the Deputy provides a range of programmes and products for schools, community groups and corporate events, which involve interactive workshops on food choices, the preparation and cooking of food and the various skills involved. They also provide modules and lesson plans for implementation by schools, recipe books, posters, and offer advice to schools on school menus and approaches to promote positive nutrition. The programmes and advice offered appear to be in line with a variety of UK national initiatives that promote healthy nutritional choices.
It is a matter for individual schools if they wish to engage with this company as part of their strategies to promote health and wellbeing. It should be noted that the subjects Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Physical Education (PE) at primary level, and these subjects together with Home Economics at second level cover the areas of healthy eating and the food pyramid, healthy lifestyle, physical health, body care, exercise, relaxation and diet. They are evaluated in schools by the inspectorate using indicators specific to primary and to second-level schools as appropriate.
Addressing the obesity issue requires a multifaceted approach that involves the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that influence behaviour on food selection and consumption and also engagement in appropriate levels of physical activity. Many schools are making conscious efforts to support students in the development of these behaviours to promote health and wellbeing. Schools in Ireland also have a strong and proud tradition of developing sport outside of the school time-table. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, and the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for schools to participate in sport.
Schools have worked on devising healthy lunch policies as part of Social, Personal and Health Education and Physical Education The curriculum support services at primary and post primary level have a number of activities in place to promote healthy living in schools, and Healthy Eating policies. Planning templates to assist in school planning for the implementation of the PE Curriculum and the wider aspects of physical activity and school sport are also available. In addition extensive opportunities for professional development for teachers are provided in this area, including in SPHE, PE and Home Economics.
The majority of schools currently participating in the School Completion Programme operate breakfast clubs or other meal provision, in accordance with the Nutritional Guidelines issued by the Department of Social Protection. In addition, the Food Dudes programme is being rolled out on a national basis to all primary schools over a 5 year period. My Department also promotes Sport for All Day, the Active School Awards and National Healthy Eating Week.
The 2008 State of the Nation's Children Report shows that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first among the 40 countries surveyed in being physically active for at least four hours per week.
79 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in the context of the embargo on filling middle management posts, her Department has provided financial help to schools, where a special duty teacher retired and the school cannot then carry out the task of that teacher, an example might be an exams secretary in order that some other person was employed for the purpose of carrying out that task and funding provided by her Department. [24900/10]
Under existing arrangements schools are allowed an allocation of 15 exam aide days for the administration of the certificate examinations. Examination aides are paid a standard daily rate and the arrangements for using this resource are made at school level, i.e., they may recruit someone or pay an allowance to an existing staff member for the work. These arrangements for the administration of the certificate examinations were not affected by the moratorium on the filling of posts of responsibility.
When the moratorium was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal appointments in all primary and post-primary schools and these continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Assistant Principal and Special Duties allowances payable to teachers on promotion.
I am conscious that the impact of the moratorium on middle management posts has applied unevenly in schools depending on the level of retirements. My Department has not issued any financial assistance to schools impacted by the moratorium. However, discussions are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to some limited alleviation for schools that are acutely affected by the impact of the moratorium. Schools will be advised of the outcome of the discussions at the earliest possible stage so that they can plan ahead for the coming school year.
It is a matter for school authorities to re-organise and prioritise, as best as possible, the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing the moratorium.
80 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of unemployed persons who have received support to undertake certificate and degree-level programmes which was announced in the supplementary budget in April 2009; the number of young people under 25 years in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24901/10]
81 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of unemployed graduates who have received support to date to undertake part-time postgraduate diplomas or conversion programmes, which support was announced in the supplementary budget in April 2009; the number of young persons under 25 years in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24902/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
1,752 unemployed people were supported to embark on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses that support the goals of the 'Smart Economy' from September 2009.
A preliminary analysis by the HEA of information received to date from participating institutions shows that approximately 19% are 25 years of age or younger. The majority of students are male and aged between 26 and 40 with previous qualifications at NQF 6 or above. Some 50% of participants were previously employed in the engineering, manufacturing or construction sectors. Over 70% were between 6-12 months on the live register and 55% indicated that their motivation for undertaking the programme was to enhance their career prospects.
82 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of young persons under 25 years on the vocational training opportunities scheme programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24903/10]
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a full-time second chance education initiative designed specifically for unemployed persons over 21 years of age. Its primary target groups are the longer-term unemployed, the low-skilled and the disadvantaged.
Latest figures (1 January 2010) indicate that there are 861 VTOS participants (359 males and 502 females) under 25 years of age.
83 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the repair of a school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Meath. [24908/10]
My Department has no record of an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. It is open to the school to apply for capital funding on the appropriate forms, which are available on the website of my Department.
84 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reconsider her decision to withdraw funding from the junior certificate school programme library scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the scheme which commenced recently was proving to be of significant benefit to school children from disadvantaged areas; if she will arrange to renew the contracts of the librarians involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24911/10]
Library staff, like other public servants in the Education Sector, other than teachers and SNAs, are subject to the public sector recruitment moratorium.
Exemptions from the moratorium are, in the context of the public finances, a matter for serious deliberation. In this context, I am working together with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in relation to this issue.
85 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the schools in which school librarians are employed, on a county basis; if she can confirm that the contracts of these librarians will not be renewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24912/10]
Under the terms of the DEIS Action Plan, a commitment was made to extend the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) Demonstration Library Project to Schools in the School Support Programme (SSP) with the highest concentrations of disadvantage over the five years to 2010, with extension to further SSP schools to be considered subsequently.
To date, the Project has been extended to 20 additional SSP schools, bringing the current number of schools with a Demonstration Library to 30. The schools in the project are listed hereunder:
Donegal
Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola
Meath
Beaufort College
Waterford
Colaiste Chathail Naofa
St. Paul's Community College Wexford
Enniscorthy Vocational College
Wexford Vocational College
Wicklow
Abbey Community College
St. Kilian's Community School
Cork
Terence MacSwiney Community College
Dublin
Larkin Community College
Mount Carmel Secondary School
Kylemore College
Colaiste Eoin
Patrician College
St. Kevin's College
Riversdale Community College
Collinstown Park Community College
St. Kevin's Community College
Jobstown Community College
Killinarden Community School
St. Aidan's Community School
Marino College
Colaiste Dhulaigh
St. Paul's C.B.S.
Presentation Secondary School
C.B.S. James' Street
Plunket College
Trinity Comprehensive School
Galway
Galway Community College
Limerick
St. Enda's Community School
Library staff, like other public servants in the Education Sector, other than teachers and SNAs, are subject to the public sector recruitment moratorium.
Exemptions from the moratorium are, in the context of the public finances, a matter for serious deliberation. In this context, I am working together with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in relation to this issue.
86 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to allow Irish citizens currently teaching abroad in a non-EU country, who wish to return to Ireland to advance their studies, be exempt from the regulations governing residency status here, in order to qualify for a higher education grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24923/10]
The residency requirement in the State for grant eligibility for the academic year 2010/2011 will be increased from one year to three out of the past five years for the student. This amendment is in line with provisions already outlined in the Student Support Bill. In fact, the change in the residency requirement to three out of the last five years instead of the year immediately before entering college will in many instances provide greater flexibility for students who may be returning from abroad. The new residency requirement will also ensure that persons applying for grants will have more established links with and integration in the State.
The residency requirement must be met by the student him/herself in all cases and is no longer linked to the residency of the parent/legal guardian for certain categories of students. However, a candidate may qualify for a grant, having met the residency requirement during the course of their studies.
87 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of training places available through FÁS in each of the past four years to date in 2010; the extent to which this has increased along the relevant attendant of funding in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24928/10]
The information requested is being researched and I will reply substantively to the Deputy in the matter as soon as possible.
88 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of school building projects in Dublin 5, 13 and 17 that will proceed in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24930/10]
The following is the situation in relation to major building projects to proceed to construction or currently on site in 2010 in Dublin 5, 13 and 17: A major building project for Springdale National School (RN: 18646B), Raheny, Dublin 5 is currently on site.
In addition to the major projects outlined above, some schools in these areas have been approved grants for works of a smaller scale under grant schemes operated by my Department.
89 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the damage being done to the future of a college (details supplied) in County Dublin as a result of her decision to cut back on apprentice provision for the academic years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 which means that 9.6 teachers will lose their jobs, thereby resulting in the discontinuation of many of the established successful courses in a wide range of areas; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is happening when there is growing unemployment in the country, and also when the Department of Social Protection intends taking action against persons in receipt of lone parent allowance and jobseeker’s allowance who refuse to take up further educational courses such as those that are being provided in the college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24964/10]
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 (HEA) 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. The college referred to by the Deputy was informed earlier this year of the independent panel's allocation of the available apprenticeship provision to that institution for the 2014/15 academic year.
The education requirement for apprentices is expected to drop further before picking up to the levels of provision required for the 2014/15 academic year and I understand that all colleges have been briefed on the potential difficulties and constraints in attempting to distribute the reduced number of blocks between now and 2014/15.
The college referred to by the Deputy is an approved PLC centre which is managed and funded by Dun Laoghaire Vocational Education Committee (VEC) from grants provided by my Department. PLC providers, mainly VECs, submit applications annually for an allocation of approved PLC places. In respect of VECs further distribution of these places to their schools or colleges is a matter for each VEC. Staff are allocated to deliver PLC courses on the basis of a pupil teacher ratio (PTR) of 17:1 (compared to the 19:1 PTR that applies to second level teaching). For the 2009/2010 academic year, Dun Laoghaire VEC was allocated over 100 extra PLC places (including 75 from the 1,500 additional places announced as part of the 2009 Supplementary Budget), bringing its total allocation of approved PLC places to 2,151. That allocation is being maintained for the 2010/2011 academic year.
Each VEC is an independent statutory body established under the Vocational Education Act 1930. My Department has no direct involvement in the deployment of teachers within individual VECs. Teacher allocations to all VECs are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment and, in accordance with these rules, each VEC is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are a matter for the individual VECs.
90 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details of all new school building and repair projects planned in the Dún Laoghaire area of County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24965/10]
Full details of my Department's Capital Programme, including projects in the Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown area are available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
This includes details of: Projects on site or progressing to tender and construction in 2009/10; Projects in Architectural Planning; and Applications for Major Capital Works.
Information presented on the website is updated periodically. However, for ease of reference by the Deputy, details on major projects and applications in the Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown area are provided in the tabular statement below.
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced details of the successful applicants under this year's Summer Works Scheme on 19th April 2010 and these details are also available on my Department's website. This scheme covers projects in school buildings such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works. Details of successful Summer Works Scheme applications, including successful appeals, in the Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown area are also provided for the Deputy in an attached tabular statement.
|
Area |
Roll Number |
School |
Works |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
05600C |
Clochar San Dominic Dún Laoghaire |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
06200O |
Booterstown Boys Booterstown |
Toilets |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
14586M |
Carysfort Ns Convent Road |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
16352U |
St Brigids Boys N S Foxrock |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
16353W |
St Brigids Girls N S Foxrock |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
16794G |
St Brigids N S Merville Rd |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
17470I |
St Raphaelas N S Upper Kilmacud Road |
Toilets |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
17954H |
Scoil Caoimhin Naofa Mount Merrion |
Roofs |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
17970F |
Cl Scoil M Na Trocaire Baile An Bhothair |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18647D |
S N San Treasa The Rise |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18806U |
Kilternan N S 1 Kilternan |
External Environment |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18863J |
Benincasa Special School 1 Mount Merrion Ave |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19066L |
Loreto National School Dalkey |
External Environment |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19258U |
Scoil Padraig Naofa B Hollypark |
Toilets |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19259W |
St Patricks Gns Foxrock Ave |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19319O |
St Olafs N S Balally Drive |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19321B |
Our Lady Good Counsel Gns Johnstown |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19396J |
Na Maighdine Muire Girl Ballinteer |
Roofs |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19438W |
Scoil Colmcille Senior Wyattville |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19497P |
Scoil Mhuire Shankill |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19612M |
Dalkey School Project Glenageary Lodge |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19641T |
St Colmcille Jun Ns Wyattville |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19716B |
St Attractas Senior N S Meadowbrook |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19840C |
Holy Family School Dunedin Park |
Roofs |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19901T |
Booterstown N S Cross Ave |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19904C |
Holy Cross N S Upper Kilmacud Road |
Toilets |
|
Area |
Roll Number |
School |
Works |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19922E |
Our Ladys N S St Columbanus Road |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19938T |
St Josephs Tivoli Road |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19939V |
Scoil Naisiunta An Dea Aoire Whitehall Road |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19960M |
St Johns N S Ballybrack |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19979K |
St Kevins N S Sallynoggin |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60030V |
Blackrock College Blackrock |
Roofs |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60041D |
Coláiste Eoin Baile An Bhóthair |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60042F |
Coláiste Íosagáin Bóthar Stigh Lorgan |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60050E |
Oatlands College Mount Merrion |
Roofs |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60070K |
Dominican College Sion Hill |
Roofs |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60081P |
Rockford Manor Secondary School Stradbrook Rd |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60140F |
Mount Anville Secondary School Mount Anville Rd |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60160L |
Notre Dame Secondary School Upper Churchtown Road |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60250M |
Holy Child Secondary School Military Road |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60260P |
St Joseph Of Cluny Bellevue Park |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60261R |
St Benildus College Upper Kilmacud Rd |
Toilets |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60262T |
St Laurence College Loughlinstown |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60310E |
Da La Salle College Upper Churchtown Road |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60361V |
St Raphaela’s Secondary School Upper Kilmacud Road |
Toilets |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
61010U |
Wesley College Ballinteer |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
70050K |
Dun Laoghaire College Of Further Education |
Mechanical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
70110C |
Stillorgan College Of Further Education Further Education |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
91330K |
Holy Child Community School Pearse St |
Windows |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
91343T |
St. Tiernan’s Community School Parkvale |
Electrical |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
20218P |
Archbishop Mcquaid, Loughlinstown, Dun Laoghaire |
Windows |
|
Area |
Roll No. |
School |
Works |
|
DL/Rathdown |
19335M |
Guardian Angels NS, Blackrock, Co. Dublin |
Access for All (wheelchair access) |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Project Description |
Status |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19355S & 20028K |
Ballyowen Meadows and Setanta Special School, Beech Park, Stillorgan, Co Dublin |
New School |
In early Architectural Planning |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
20190T |
Holy Trinity National School, Sandyford, Dublin 18 |
New School |
In early Architectural Planning |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60092U |
Clonkeen College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin |
Extension/Refurbishment |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60180R |
Christian Brothers College, Monkstown Park, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin |
New School |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60650F |
St Andrews College, Booterstown, Co. Dublin |
Extension/Refurbishment |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18451J |
Scoil Lorcain, Eaton Square, Monkstown |
Extension/refurbishment |
Progressing to Tender |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19474D & 19742C |
St. Colmcille’s Jnr & Snr NS, Knocklyon, Templeogue |
New School |
Progressing to Tender |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
81001L |
Newpark Comprehensive School, Blackrock |
New School |
Progressing to Tender |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19374W |
Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14 |
Extension\refurbishment |
Progressing to Tender |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60860Q |
Our Lady’s School, Templeogue Road, Terenure,Dublin 6W |
Extension\refurbishment |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
70030E |
Senior College, Dun Laoghaire |
Extension\refurbishment |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Project Description |
Status |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
02872U |
Sandyford Mixed National School, Woodside, Sandyford |
Extension/Refurb |
Design Team to be appointed |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
06200O |
Booterstown Boys |
New School |
Design Team to be appointed |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
14586M |
Carysfort Ns Convent Road (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
16352U |
St Brigids Boys N S Foxrock (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
New School |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
16353W |
Sr Brigid’s Girls National School, The Park, Cabinteely |
Extension/Refurb |
Design Team to be appointed |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18647D |
S N San Treasa The Rise (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18815V |
Our Lady Of Lourdes School Rochestown Ave (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
New School |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
18863J |
Dominican Convent Special School, Blackrock (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19723V |
Queen Of Angels Primary School Wedgewood (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19901T |
Booterstown N S Cross Ave (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
19949B |
Muslim NS, Clonskeagh |
Extension/Refurb |
Design Team to be appointed |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
20056P |
Gaelscoil Phadraig Ascaill Shileann (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
New School |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
20121A |
St John Of God Special School Glenageary (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
New School |
Application |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Project Description |
Status |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
20141G |
The Harold School Eden Road (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60030V |
Blackrock College Blackrock (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60050E |
Oatlands College Mount Merrion |
Extension/Refurb |
Design Team to be appointed |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60070K |
Dominican College, Sion Hill |
Extension/Refurb |
Design Team to be appointed |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60081P |
Rockford Manor School Stradbrook Rd (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60090Q |
Rathdown School Glenageary (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60130C |
Loreto Abbey Secondary School Dalkey (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
60891E |
Our Ladys Grove Goatstown Road (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
61010U |
Wesley College Ballinteer (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
70050K |
Dun Laoghaire College Of Further Education (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
91343T |
St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown) |
Extension/Refurb |
Application |
91 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24982/10]
A project to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers involves the acquisition of a site. Contracts for the provision of a site for the school are now being exchanged and my Department has recently issued instructions to the CSSO to complete the transaction.
The progression of a building project for the school from initial design stage through to construction phase will then be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school at this time.
92 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the Labour Market Activation Fund opened the tender competition; when the tender competition closed; the number of organisations and bodies that tendered for the activation fund; the number of organisations and bodies that were successful in the tender; the location of the successful organisations; the number of training and education places that are expected to be created in each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24987/10]
On 12th March 2010, I launched a call for proposals to be funded under the new €20 million Labour Market Activation Fund. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 5.30pm on 8th April 2010. 370 tenders, from orgnaisations across the private, not for profit and public sectors, were received by the deadline.
Twenty six programmes, providing 6,500 additional training and education places for priorty groups of the unemployed, have now been approved for funding. These programmes will be coming on stream from this month onwards, subject to completion of satisfactory contractual arrangements. The organisations promoting the proposed programmes are located across a wide regional spread, enabling the priority groups at whom the Fund is targetted to access programmes in many locations.
93 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25000/10]
The Teaching Council has registered teachers under the provisions of sections 31(2) and (3) and section 31(5) of the Teaching Council Act 2001. Any person that did not apply under the provisions of section 31(2) and (3) can only apply for registration under section 31(5) which involves the full registration process, provision of transcripts and evidence of character (to include Garda Vetting).
The Registration Council was the designated authority for the recognition of qualifications for the purpose of teaching in secondary schools prior to the establishment of the Teaching Council. In 2008, the qualifications requirements of the Teaching Council were exactly those as inherited from the Registration Council. The current Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations were signed by my predecessor on November 18, 2009 and came into effect on that date.
Any teacher that was registered by the Registration Council is deemed to have met qualifications requirements for registration with the Teaching Council on the basis that they were previously recognised as a teacher. This provision is also included in each of the new Teaching Council Registration Regulations. If a teacher was registered on the basis of qualifications in a particular curricular subject by the Registration Council (and can provide documentary proof thereof), this is honoured by the Teaching Council and reflected on the register and in the documentation confirming registration.
In summary, all those registered by the Registration Council will continue meet the qualifications requirements for registration with the Teaching Council. However, only in cases where a curricular subject was specifically recorded on the register of the Registration Council will this subject be recorded on the register of the Teaching Council.
In relation to securing a position in a school, a range of Circulars dealing with appointments, staffing arrangements, requirements for teacher recruitment, registration are available on my Department's website.
94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a budget will be allocated for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which is in need of new accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25005/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which he refers has been approved funding on a devolved basis to build an additional four mainstream classrooms to meet its accommodation needs.
The school recently applied for funding to allow the re-configuration of existing rooms to create Technical Graphics and Design and Communication Rooms. This application is under consideration and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.
