Olwyn Enright
Ceist:45 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the actions that he is taking to increase trade with Asia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24481/10]
Written Answers
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 7 to 33, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 34 to 44, inclusive, answered orally.
Trade Relations
The Government's Asia Strategy, which ran for the ten years up to the end of 2009, was instrumental in developing Ireland's Trade and other links with the key Asian economies.
The success of the Asia Strategy has been striking. Exports to the eight countries has risen from €4bn in 1999 to €9.6bn in 2009, well ahead of the target of €9bn. The number of Irish companies with a presence in these countries has risen fivefold, from 54 to 272, well ahead of the target of 215.
In addition, growth has been achieved on other targets relating to Tourism, specialist food exports, developing inward student numbers, academic partnerships and a range of other links and developments. These outcomes, together with progress in wider awareness-raising, have been greatly assisted by focused high-level visits. Over the last five years, Taoiseach-led Trade Missions have been organised to China, India and Japan and other Ministerial-led Trade Missions have taken place in China, India, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs has expanded their network of Embassies and Consulates in the region.
An example of our success is that Ireland now has a Trade surplus with China, a dramatic turnaround from the position only three years ago when we had a trade deficit of €2.9bn with that country.
The Government is committed to developing and expanding this engagement, as the key Asian economies represent an exciting and continuously developing market for Irish goods and services. To this end and in response to the Smart Economy Framework, my Department is both reviewing the achievements of the Asia Strategy, as well as working with other relevant Departments and the development agencies to prepare a new Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy. The new strategy will be broader in reach than the Asia Strategy, yet it will still be focused on key high growth emerging markets such as China, India, Japan, the Gulf States and Brazil, as well as on our existing key trading partners, and its aim will be to increase our engagement in these three key areas, with these exciting markets. The Strategy will boost our exports, tourism and investment performance and bring further focus and coherence to Ireland's single-minded pursuit of our international economic and commercial interests. It will be implemented by way of an Action Plan.
The Strategy and Action Plan will be completed by mid-year.
Enterprise Support Services
David Stanton
Ceist:46 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the programmes and policies in place within his Department or organisations and agencies under the aegis of his Department to encourage and support entrepreneurship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24425/10]
As Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Innovation my priority is to ensure that the business environment is supportive of enterprise and export growth and encourages growth in all areas of the economy including entrepreneurs.
The Government's sustained investment under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation has led to year on year increases in R&D and innovation projects in indigenous companies and the growth in the number of spin out and incubation companies.
The State enterprise agencies provide a range of direct financial and non-financial supports to entrepreneurs.
As part of its overall strategy for indigenous industry, Enterprise Ireland's remit includes the stimulation and development of start-ups that have the potential to employ more than 10 people and achieve €1 million in exports. Such start-ups are typically highly innovative and are in a position to sell globally from their earliest stage.
Over the last decade, the Government has made significant investment in development in the broader environment for start-ups. This has included substantial investment in incubators, seed and venture funds, angel networks and mentors. Enterprise Ireland has supported between 50 and 70 start-ups each year over the past decade, 50% of which are located outside Dublin.
In 2009, Enterprise Ireland supported the business plans of 73 High Potential Start-up Companies. These young companies are an integral part of the Government's blue print for the Smart Economy and are from sectors as diverse as life sciences, bio-tech and medical technology, food, telecommunications and internet services.
They are expected to create over 900 new jobs over the next three years, bringing total employment in these businesses to almost 1,500. Total sales over the same period are expected to reach €600 million, with exports accounting for over 80% of this figure.
EI's Business Partners Programme provides funding to enable entrepreneurs to work with researchers who have technology with real potential. The funding allows them to undertake due diligence on the technology and the market and where appropriate spin it off into a new start up.
The CEBs stimulate enterprise potential at local level, play a key role in creating a thriving enterprise sector and promote entrepreneurship.
The County and City Enterprise Boards provide support to indigenous micro-enterprises, employing up to 10 people, in the start-up and expansion phases by both financial and non-financial assistance.
In 2009, the CEBs assisted the micro-enterprise sector through the provision of €10.365 million in grant assistance to 1,120 client projects as well as providing over 25,000 participants with a variety of training and mentoring programmes.
We also want to ensure that entrepreneurial individuals are identified, appreciated and cultivated at an early stage. The Student Enterprise Awards organised by the CEBs attracted almost 15,000 participants this year with representation from 400 schools. Under the programme students researched, set up and managed their own enterprises identifying solutions to business problems.
Employment Support Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the initiatives he has taken or intends to take to create incentives for employers particularly those taking on extra employees; if his attention has been drawn to the existence of a large number of highly skilled, experienced and well motivated persons who have recently become unemployed and whose skills and leadership are invaluable in the context of economic recovery; if he has considered a mechanism to avail of the services of such people rather than consigning them to the unemployment register; his proposals to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24422/10]
The Government has implemented a comprehensive new, sustained growth in business, exports and jobs, based on increasing levels of productivity, competitiveness and innovation.
In terms of direct supports to companies, last year the Government introduced the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) in the context of rising unemployment to help employees retain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers in retaining their productive capacity.
The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund was established to support viable but vulnerable companies who have experienced difficulties due to the current economic climate. The scheme is implemented under the EU State Aid Temporary Framework Guidelines. The aim of the initiative is to help those companies survive the current global downturn by supporting their drive to reduce costs and to sustain employment.
Companies supported under the Employment Subsidy Scheme and the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund have committed to maintaining over 100,000 jobs to the end of November 2010.
Additionally, Enterprise Ireland continues to support the growth of new and existing internationally trading Irish enterprises. A new Fund for Job Expansion has been launched by Enterprise Ireland, which will provide support of up to €150,000 to eligible clients taking on a development plan, which will increase employment. The first call for this competitive Fund closed in May with a further two calls scheduled for September and November of this year. The Fund will assist companies with regard to capital, technology acquisition, training, the recruitment of key managers, employment and consultancy.
The introduction of a scheme of tax exemption on the income and gains of new start-up companies over the first three years of operation is further evidence of the Government's commitment to offer incentives for employers to both create new enterprises and in turn create additional employment opportunities.
The Department of Social Protection are finalising arrangements for the PRSI exemption scheme which is applicable in certain circumstances where a person has been unemployed for six months.
Additional measures targeted at the unemployed include the Work Placement Programme, which is designed to offer unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, the opportunity to obtain quality work experience. Participants on the programme retain their social welfare status and entitlements.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, recently announced that some 6,589 training places will be made available to the unemployed under the Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010.
Courses will be provided in a range of different locations targeting the less-skilled, and those formerly employed in declining sectors such as construction, retail and manufacturing, with particular emphasis on the under 35s and the long-term unemployed.
I am confident that the initiatives outlined above under the remit of my Department and my Government colleagues' Departments will create an appropriate environment, which will encourage employers to develop and grow their business ventures, and in turn assist in the creation of employment opportunities in the future.
Enterprise Support Services
Joe Costello
Ceist:48 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made regarding the commitment given in the Renewed Programme for Government to expand the role of innovation vouchers in allowing growing local enterprises bridge the innovation gap in getting their products or services to the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24339/10]
The objective of the Innovation Voucher Initiative is to facilitate and encourage enterprises, in particular small enterprises, to engage in research or development by availing of the services available from research institutions.
Through this initiative Irish companies are being supported to rapidly and effectively develop and commercialise new processes, products and services profitably. They are helped to acquire, develop and integrate the technologies and supporting knowledge required. They are also supported in developing the leadership skills and capability of company management necessary to drive innovation.
The initiative is already both successful and popular with small Irish businesses. It is playing an important role by opening up access for small companies to a wide source of innovative acumen. It has also encouraged a transfer of knowledge between Third Level educational institutions or research providers to the business community, very often at local level.
The level of interest and engagement by companies speaks for itself — 891 Vouchers worth almost €4.5 million have been redeemed by small companies since the programme was launched in mid-2007. That is potentially 891 new ideas or processes developed with the support of professional expertise.
In addition, feedback from companies has been positive confirming that the application procedures, level of funding, the low level of bureaucracy and the frequency of calls are welcome features of the initiative. Enterprise Ireland has improved the support and assistance provided to assist the engagement of companies with the third level sector. A website was introduced to assist companies in identifying the location of the various areas of skills and knowledge in academic and research institutions.
In 2010, my Department will ensure that Enterprise Ireland will continue to support, manage and grow this initiative with a raised profile. The budget for Innovation Vouchers in 2010 is €2.5 million, representing a 37% increase on the amount spent in 2009. Improvements will continue to be put in place, to make participation easier as experience is gained, and to help business people identify the key researcher who is best placed to address their proposal.
Unemployment Levels
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:49 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he is taking to combat the continuing high level of unemployment as indicated by the live register figures in respect of May and ongoing announcements of job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24341/10]
While I am very concerned at the continuing high level of unemployment as indicated by the May Live Register figures, it has to be regarded as positive that the figures have largely stabilized in recent months and the current priority for Government is recovery and growth.
As the Taoiseach made clear in a recent speech, the whole thrust of Government policy in relation to the restoration of fiscal stability and a properly functioning banking system is to create the conditions in which economic growth will recommence and jobs will be created. It is clear that the decisive action taken to date is bearing fruit. The latest exchequer returns show that tax returns are on target for the period to end April indicating that this Government's firm action to correct fiscal imbalances has taken effect. The evident determination of the Government to take the necessary actions, however unpopular, to tackle this problem and our equally determined actions in the banking sector have significantly restored international confidence in Ireland as evidenced by recent announcements of further investment in Ireland by IDA clients.
At every level of Government activity jobs are at the heart of our strategy. For example,
The public capital investment programme for 2010 is expected to support almost 70,000 jobs in the economy and non-exchequer capital investment for 2010 will be €3.4bn, which is expected to support a further 30,000 jobs.
IDA Ireland has launched a new strategy, which sets the target of 62,000 new jobs over the next five years — which will generate an additional 43,000 knock-on jobs elsewhere in the economy.
Enterprise Ireland is targeting the creation of 40,000 new jobs over the next five years and through the multiplier effect, this is expected to lead to an additional 28,000 jobs elsewhere in the economy.
The Report of the High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise, published in November 2009, has identified the potential to create approximately 80,000 new jobs in Ireland over the coming years.
Implementation of the recommendations of the Innovation Taskforce will create the environment for even more jobs to be created in new, innovative sectors of the economy.
In addition, the Government has taken decisive action to get credit flowing again to business particularly to Small and Medium Enterprises which are the main source of employment in the economy. Undertakings required of the main banks in the recent recapitalisation exercise will ensure that these banks repay the debt they owe to the Irish taxpayer by restoring the flow of credit to enable business to exploit the opportunities offered by recovery in global markets. I have met with the banks and will continue to closely monitor their activities to ensure that they fully honour the commitments given in this regard.
These actions taken by this Government will ensure that the Irish economy is well placed to take advantage of international recovery and restore growth in economic activity and employment.
Departmental Expenditure
Enda Kenny
Ceist:50 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the options he will consider to reduce spending in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25443/10]
The Minister for Finance has previously indicated that a €3 billion adjustment in spending will be required in 2011 to continue the process of stabilising the public finances.
In this context, I am currently reviewing all programme areas under my Department's remit to identify any potential expenditure reductions that might contribute to the Minister for Finance's target. The outcome of this review will be a matter for consideration by the Government in the context of formulating the 2011 Estimates.
The Deputy may be aware that significant administrative savings have already been achieved across my Department and its agencies since 2008. Prior to the transfer of certain functions between my Department and the Department of Education and Skills on 1st May, my Department's allocation for this year reflected pay and associated savings of €34.9 million compared to the 2009 allocation.
I will continue to drive for efficiencies and cost savings through the use of collective procurement and shared services arrangements for my Department and agencies.
For example, my Department already provides shared payroll services to a number of agencies under its remit.
Furthermore, Forfás provides certain shared services to IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government. These shared services are provided in areas where Forfás can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these services. These include aspects of financial and accounting services, human resources, pensions, facilities, property management and management of the FOI network for the enterprise Agencies and some other public bodies.
In addition, my Department has engaged in a series of initiatives designed to reduce energy costs. In recent years, and in consultation with the Office of Public Works and other Government Departments, we have switched electricity suppliers which has resulted in substantial savings. A number of the buildings occupied by the Department have participated in an energy saving programme which has resulted in additional savings of between 5% and 10% in electricity charges in those buildings and I am proposing to extend this initiative to other buildings of the Department.
Following on from the successful cost saving initiative driven by me in the Education sector, I have also asked my officials to examine the possibility of shared procurement between my Department and relevant agencies for electricity and other services. This is intended to increase our bargaining power and securing the best possible value for taxpayers money.
Retail Sector
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:51 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on the recent number of cases highlighted by the National Consumer Agency in which some branches of the country’s four biggest retailers were charging customers more than the prices displayed; if he is satisfied that the law is adequate to deal with such practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24342/10]
Consumer protection law obliges traders offering a product for sale to indicate the selling price and, where appropriate, the unit price of that product and to ensure that the indication of the selling price and of the unit price is clearly visible. Complaints in relation to products being offered for sale where the price or unit price is not clearly visible should be brought to the attention of the National Consumer Agency who have responsibility for enforcing consumer law.
Insofar as instances where a wrong indication of price is concerned, traders who provide false information in relation to the price of a product may be engaging in a misleading commercial practice and may, therefore, be committing an offence under consumer law. Again instances of such practices should be referred to the National Consumer Agency in order that they can be investigated.
I understand that the cases referred to by the Deputy follow on from concerted enforcement activity by the Agency in this area in the course of the latter half of 2009 which involved the Agency visiting 280 retail premises, arising from which a total of 62 separate enforcement actions were taken, including 19 compliance notices issued to traders who charged more for consumer goods than the price displayed.
I very much support the Agency's proactive approach in this area which I am sure will act as a salutary reminder to those who would seek to mislead consumers through the provision of false information.
I am satisfied that the law provides strong protections against traders who would seek to mislead consumers through the provision of false information, such as by the wrong indication of prices.
Corporate Governance
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:52 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on the report, Mapping the Golden Circle, published by the research body TASC, which showed that Ireland’s corporate world was dominated by a small number of interconnected business people, which the report said posed a serious threat to corporate governance; the action he will take to ensure that corporate power does not remain concentrated in the hands of a small number of individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24358/10]
I note the findings of this report.
As regards listed companies (those on the main market of the Irish Stock Exchange), these are subject to the provisions of the Combined Code which applies on a "comply or explain" basis. The code has recently been reviewed and revised in light of the financial crisis. The revised code recommends that all directors of such companies should be subject to annual re-election by shareholders. This would give shareholders a regular opportunity to take account of the number of directorships held by an individual director and whether or not he/she is in a position to give sufficient time to the company to discharge his/her responsibilities effectively, in deciding whether they should be re-elected.
In addition the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) and the Irish Association of Investment Managers (IAIM), who represent institutional investors here, jointly commissioned an independent and detailed review of the level of compliance by Irish listed companies with the Code in Quarter 4 2009. The review showed that while listed companies are meeting disclosure obligations, further steps could be taken by boards to enhance the quality/meaningfulness/usefulness of disclosures contained in annual reports. The ISE and IAIM published a report in the matter in March 2010, which contains a number of recommendations for consideration by the Boards of listed companies. The recommendations for enhanced disclosure include board balance and board refreshment.
The ISE will be consulting shortly on the revised code and the recommendations of their own report with a view to having both applying to Irish listed companies by the end of 2010 for their 2011 financial year.
In relation to financial institutions and insurance companies, which are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance and the Financial Regulator, the Regulator recently published a consultation paper setting out proposals for a corporate governance regime for these sectors. One of the proposals in this paper is that the number of directorships of credit institutions and insurance companies held by a director should be limited to three.
In addition, the consultation paper proposes certain restrictions on the number of directorships a director of a financial institution or insurance company may hold overall. I understand this consultation paper is open for comments from interested parties up until 30 June 2010.
On 3rd June, the European Commission published a discussion paper relating to corporate governance in financial institutions. This paper is suggesting that board members of financial institutions be restricted to three overall. No doubt the Minister for Finance and the Financial Regulator will consider the discussion paper and respond in due course taking account of the results of their own consultation paper.
Economic Competitiveness
Joe Costello
Ceist:53 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made regarding the commitment given in the Renewed Programme for Government to act on recommendations contained in reports of the Competition Authority within nine months of their publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24338/10]
The October 2009Renewed Programme for Government committed the Government to act on recommendations contained in Competition Authority reports within nine months of their publication.
The recommendations made by the Competition Authority result from studies it carries out on various sectors or professions at regular intervals and usually contain a suite of recommendations, aimed at improving competition in the relevant area and are addressed to the responsible Government Department or body.
Following the above commitments given by the Government, my Department drew up an initial prioritised list of 21 recommendations, based on their impact on competitiveness. These 21 recommendations related, directly or indirectly, to five Government Departments.
The Government has reviewed the progress made by these Government Departments in responding to the 21 recommendations and a Government Statement to this effect issued in April 2010.
In the statement the Government also noted that 40% of the total number of recommendations made by the Competition Authority between 2000 and 2009 had been implemented, with a further 9% being progressed.
Since the review by Government earlier this year the Competition Authority has confirmed the following as the current position. Out of a total of 163 recommendations, 69 (42%) have been implemented with a further 13 (8%) recommendations currently being progressed.
The remaining number of recommendations (81 in total; 50%) can be classed as either not implemented; currently being considered by the relevant department or body; no longer relevant; not requiring action; or status unclear.
An exercise is currently underway to clarify the precise status of all of these ‘outstanding' recommendations in order to facilitate decisions on whether to reject or pursue each remaining recommendation.
In line with a recent Government Decision, I intend to bring to Government twice-yearly updates on the implementation of these and any further recommendations made by the Competition Authority.
I should point out that since the October 2009 commitment contained in the Renewed Programme for Government, the Competition Authority has issued one report — in two parts — containing 2 recommendations. The report relates to GP services and of the two recommendations one has already been implemented with the remaining one currently being progressed.
Legislative Programme
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:54 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he intends to publish legislation to address employee representation at work which was promised by June 2009 under the Review of Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24352/10]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:68 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he intends to publish anti-victimisation legislation, designed to protect those workers who choose to join a trade union, and which was promised by March 2009 under the review of Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24351/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 68 together.
The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 (paras 9.1-9.3) provides for the establishment of a review process to consider the legal and other steps necessary to enable the employee representation mechanisms that had been established under previous agreements — and in legislation — to operate as they had been intended. The Agreement (para 9.4) also commits the Government to bringing forward legislative proposals to prohibit the victimisation of trade union members and to prohibit the incentivisation of persons not to be members of a trade union.
In furtherance to these commitments, two informal meetings took place late last year, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, at which my Department, the Department of Finance, trade unions and employers were represented. Position papers were prepared by the employer and trade union representatives on the issues which they saw as requiring to be addressed by any new legislation in this area.
While consideration will continue within Government on proposals to address the issues involved, progress in bringing the work to a conclusion will have to take account of other priority legislative commitments to be delivered in the employment area, resource constraints within Departments, and the extent of agreement between the trade union and employer sides in this area.
Industrial Development
Martin Ferris
Ceist:55 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the action he is taking to ensure that the targets set by the Industrial Development Authority to attract foreign direct investment are met after it was revealed that developers cannot secure finance to build appropriate properties for multinational companies; the way the IDA document Horizon 2020 is being re-evaluated since an audit revealed a risk of regional development targets becoming unachievable due to the lack of property solutions in target towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24293/10]
The Government has taken decisive action in order to get credit flowing again. The Bank Guarantee Scheme, the 2009 Recapitalisation Scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the establishment of the National Assets Management Agency have all contributed to the stabilisation of the banking sector with a view to facilitating the flow of credit. The 2010 Recapitalisation package builds on earlier initiatives and includes additional supports for enterprises, including SMEs. In particular, AIB and Bank of Ireland have both committed to making available not less than €3 billion each for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs in both 2010 and 2011. This must include funds for working capital for businesses. Both banks have recently produced plans that include a sectoral and geographic breakdown of how they intend to divide up this new lending. These plans are currently being reviewed by the Department of Finance and the Credit Review Office.
This funding will be a significant increase on the figures reported by the banks for 2009 and will help to sustain the economy and foster growth. This figure can be reviewed as the needs of the economy change.
On the second point relating to the availability of property solutions, this was a concern raised by internal auditors following an internal audit of IDA's property division, completed in early 2009. The audit was clean but the internal auditors raised a concern around the availability of property solutions in Regional towns. At the time, the Agency responded that it did not have concerns in this regard.
The current downturn in the property market has significantly increased the availability of buildings for marketing to clients at more competitive prices and more flexible terms than has been seen before. IDA's property Division has in place a comprehensive suite of IDA owned and private sector solutions to meet the needs of potential investments in Regional locations. Indeed, Ireland's property costs have become more competitive against many of our international competitors. In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), IDA will continue to make smart use of its property portfolio in regions targeted for investment and will continue to work with local authorities to make potential sites as attractive as possible for investors.
The Agency is fully committed to balanced regional development and, as outlined in its recently published strategy document "Horizon 2020”, the IDA is confident that between 2010–2014, 50% of FDI projects will be located outside Dublin and Cork.
Business Regulation
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:56 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the action being taken to assist struggling businesses who are finding it hard to file their accounts on time in view of the fact that the Companies Registration Office has announced that it will not waive sanctions on companies who breach the rules even if economic hardship was the cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24290/10]
Under the Companies Acts every company is required to file an Annual Return with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The filing of this return ensures transparency for all interested parties conducting business with a company. Almost 85% of companies now have a current return filed with the CRO compared with 13% of companies in 1997 filing an annual return on time.
The CRO has introduced a number of initiatives over recent years to assist companies meet their filing obligations under the Companies Acts. These initiatives include: the introduction of a range of electronic or e-forms; incentives in terms of either no filing fee or 50% of the manual equivalent were introduced to encourage take-up and now 60% of all forms lodged are submitted electronically; increased auto-registration of forms speed up processing times and public access to documents; the CRO and Revenue have worked closely in recent months to facilitate companies wishing to file electronically with the CRO to use the Revenue eSignature. In addition the CRO will shortly accept annual accounts in pdf format.
I am satisfied that all of these initiatives reduce the administrative burden on business in their interaction with the CRO.
Job Protection
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:57 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will report on his meeting on 18 May 2010 with executives of a company (details supplied) regarding the future of jobs here; if he received assurances regarding the security of the jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24336/10]
I am pleased to report that the outcome of the meeting was extremely positive. The takeover company has committed to investments already planned by the acquired company and this investment programme will be implemented over the next two years. Agreements have been reached with all key employee groups at locations in Dublin and Kerry regarding a redundancy programme which will reduce the workforce by approximately 200. This redundancy programme was announced by the company in June 2009, seven months prior to its acquisition.
The Government and Enterprise Ireland have communicated to the takeover company that they are anxious to work in partnership with it to explore and capitalise on strategic opportunities that can be delivered so that growth ambitions are maximised. Enterprise Ireland will continue the process of engaging with the takeover company in relation to building research and innovation capability, improving competitiveness and strengthening manufacturing operations.
Enterprise Support Services
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:58 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made regarding the commitment given in the Renewed Programme for Government to establish community and development agencies as a one stop shop for advice on grant supports, business opportunities, training and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24340/10]
The commitment referred to covers a wide range of support services and grants provided through a number of different Departments, including my Department, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and through their respective agencies.
Insofar as my Department and its enterprise development agencies are concerned, work is at an advanced stage in considering the recommendations contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. I would hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly in respect of some of these recommendations.
At present the County And City Enterprise Boards provide a one stop shop facility for start ups and micro enterprises and can direct clients to other agencies where they are not in a position to offer supports.
Economic Competitiveness
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:59 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he has taken to improve the competitiveness of the economy; if he will set out in order of one to five the most serious factors currently impacting negatively on the situation in this regard; the degree to which he has had discussions with the various stakeholders with a view to identifying the most suitable and strategic intervention to address the situation in both the manufacturing and service sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24423/10]
The National Competitiveness Council's report, "Benchmarking Ireland's Performance", provides a comprehensive assessment of Ireland's competitiveness on an annual basis. Our competitiveness is derived from a complex set of factors, not all of which are within our control. The factors with the greatest influence on our competitiveness are costs, productivity and exchange rates with our trade and investment partners, and the overall business environment. The business environment covers areas such as regulation, infrastructure and the availability of necessary business services.
Since January 2008, Ireland has regained competitiveness as domestic inflation remains below that of our main trading partners and the euro weakened. We are seeing lower business costs, which is easing pressures on the business sector. Wage costs, asset prices and energy prices are all on a downward trend. Annual inflation fell by 2.5% in the twelve months to April, in contrast to the rest of the euro area where it rose by 1.5%. The Irish consumer price level relative to its trading partners is now back to levels last seen in 2000/2001.
The price of services to business fell by 5.7% in Q3 2009 compared to Q3 2008, with the largest price reductions in architecture, engineering & technical testing (-9.8%), and computer programming & consultancy (-8.5%). The European Commission forecast that our Unit Labour Costs will fall by 9.4% over the 2009 to 2011 period, against a projected increase of 3.5% for the Eurozone. This equates to a positive swing of 13% in Ireland's favour over the three year period to 2011.
The Government introduced an extensive package of measures to contain energy costs last summer — and this is reflected in a much improved position relative to competitors. Data released in May shows that electricity and gas prices fell for all types of energy consumers in the second half of 2009, and have moved closer to the EU average for most business users.
Competitiveness also includes boosting the total productive capacity of the economy. We are doing this, for example, through targeting R&D and Innovation to drive productivity and ensure that we have the skills and technologies available in Ireland that will give us a competitive advantage. The entire Irish economy must be a smart economy, that is to say, a high-productivity and technologically advanced economy if we are to compete with the rest of the world. The Taoiseach appointed me to Chair the group tasked with implementation of the recommendations of the Innovation task force and this met for the first time earlier this month.
We are focussed on opportunities for growth in a number of key sectors. For example, the Green Enterprise report estimated that 80,000 new jobs could be created in the coming years and there are other opportunities for growth in high-end manufacturing and services. Since my appointment as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, I have met with a range of stakeholder groups, including individual companies and business people both in Ireland and abroad. In my discussions, I have underlined that my priority is to ensure that the business environment is supportive of Irish enterprise, both manufacturing and services, to grow exports and to continue to encourage high value foreign investment.
Redundancy Payments
Liz McManus
Ceist:60 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of redundancies notified to his Department in respect of each year from 2002 to 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of projected redundancies for 2010; the money paid out in statutory redundancy payment in respect of each year from 2002 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24349/10]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:78 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of claims for redundancy payments waiting to be processed at the latest date for which figures are available; the average time taken to process a claim; the steps that are being taken to speed up this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24350/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 78 together.
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
Table 1 below sets out the number of redundancy claims received in the years 2002 to 2009 and provisional figures up to end May 2010. These figures reflect the number of employees who actually qualified for statutory redundancy lump sum payments. They do not reflect those who lost their jobs with less than two years service in employment. It is not possible to project the number of redundancies which will arise in 2010 as this will depend on a number of factors, including economic factors and the rate of recovery in the economy. However, the figures available for the first five months of 2010 suggest that the pattern, at an average weekly intake of 1,400 new claims is down on the weekly average of 1,500 claims experienced in 2009.
Table 2 sets out the monies paid out of the Social Insurance Fund in respect of redundancy claims for the years 2002 — 2009 and provisional figures up to end May 2010. It is not possible to project the amount which will be paid out in 2010 as this will hinge on a number of variables including the number of claims received, the length of service of the claimants etc.
Figures available to the end of May 2010 indicate that the number of redundancy claims on hand and awaiting processing stands at 34,881.
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate claims submitted from November so that the waiting time is approximately 7 months. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating also from October 2009.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include: almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents; prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments; better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008, and made corresponding payments totalling €336m which results in average weekly payments to the value of €6.5m being issued. In the period 2007-009, the level of new claims lodged with my Department has increased cumulatively by 200%. This contrasts with the previous two-year period 2005-2007 in which period the increase in new claims lodged was just 10%. New claims in the first five months of 2010 amounted to 28,587 — a fall off of almost 20% on the corresponding 5 month period in 2009 when 35,559 new claims were lodged. This reduction in incoming claims is welcome. Inroads are being made into the backlog of claims which has reduced from 42,591 in December 2009 to a current level of 34,881 at end May 2010. In the first five months 34,036 claims were processed, up 130% on the same period last year.
Responsibility for the payment of redundancy and insolvency payments is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The intention is to transfer by Government order, the payment functions arising under the Redundancy Payment and Insolvency Payment schemes. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
|
Year |
Number of Redundancy Claims |
|
2002 |
24,432 |
|
2003 |
25,769 |
|
2004 |
25,041 |
|
2005 |
23,156 |
|
2006 |
23,684 |
|
2007 |
25,459 |
|
2008 |
40,607 |
|
2009 |
77,001 |
|
2010 |
28,587* |
*Provisional figures.
|
Year |
Expenditure on Statutory Redundancy |
|
(€000) |
|
|
2002 |
53,978 |
|
2003 |
88,933 |
|
2004 |
152,162 |
|
2005 |
149,172 |
|
2006 |
166,483 |
|
2007 |
183,328 |
|
2008 |
193,711* |
|
2009 |
336,404* |
|
2010 |
204,965 |
*Provisional figures.
Prompt Payments System
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:61 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the level of compliance with the 15 day payment rule throughout Government Departments by percentage of invoices, as well as by general value; the amount of late payment interest that has been incurred across all Departments in respect of non-payment within 30 days for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24296/10]
In accordance with the Government's decision of 19 May 2009, all Departments are required to pay their business suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice. Departments are also required to report quarterly to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation on their performance in meeting the target. Composite details of the information received are published by my Department.
This ongoing publication of composite details by my Department provides clarity on the performance of individual Departments in meeting the terms of the Government decision. While there is some variation between the performance of individual Departments and fluctuations across the different quarters, overall performance has been positive. Table 1 below gives details of payments of invoices by value and by number, paid within 15 days and paid within 30 days. Departments are required to publish in their Annual Reports, details of late payment interest paid by them. My Department does not collate details of late payment interest paid by other Government Departments.
In respect of late payment interest paid by my Department, Table 2 below provides the information sought by the Deputy. No late payment interest arises in cases where payments are made by central Government Departments after 15 days, but within 30 days.
|
Quarter 1 — January – March 2010 |
Q4 — October – December 2009 |
|||||||
|
Table 1: Government Departments |
% of overall Total value paid within 15 days |
Value of Payments within 15 days |
% No. of payments within 15 days |
No. of Payments within 15 days |
% of overall Total value paid within 15 days |
Value of Payments within 15 days |
% No. of payments within 15 days |
No. of Payments within 15 days |
|
% |
€ |
% |
% |
€ |
% |
|||
|
Transport |
100 |
506,144,544 |
98 |
3,690 |
100 |
1,110,785,071 |
98 |
4,772 |
|
Arts, Sport & Tourism |
99 |
9,440,695 |
87 |
436 |
95 |
5,378,254 |
81 |
598 |
|
Health and Children |
99 |
969,807 |
65 |
720 |
99 |
3,367,498 |
99 |
996 |
|
DETI |
98 |
31,095,893 |
82 |
1,586 |
98 |
59,634,427 |
81 |
1,988 |
|
Social and Family Affairs |
96 |
97,900,958 |
43 |
1,669 |
93 |
108,002,080 |
47 |
2,518 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
93 |
2,608,759 |
94 |
1,256 |
97 |
22,293,366 |
97 |
2,379 |
|
Finance |
91 |
2,284,946 |
93 |
952 |
98 |
8,026,615 |
94 |
1,201 |
|
Defence |
91 |
22,677,884 |
94 |
9,029 |
91 |
70,078,324 |
90 |
12,112 |
|
Taoiseach |
90 |
1,884,501 |
76 |
315 |
92 |
2,771,606 |
83 |
447 |
|
Education |
90 |
83,229,602 |
80 |
3,072 |
97 |
123,031,199 |
85 |
3,744 |
|
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
88 |
812,687 |
89 |
445 |
92 |
1,675,843 |
93 |
528 |
|
Environment, Heritage and Local Gov |
85 |
3,574,422 |
84 |
2,796 |
87 |
12,452,756 |
85 |
4,058 |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
84 |
30,484,262 |
75 |
6,739 |
85 |
33,478,337 |
66 |
7,149 |
|
Communications, Marine and Nat Re |
80 |
1,219,497 |
90 |
677 |
96 |
5,344,352 |
93 |
1,150 |
|
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food |
79 |
15,021,766 |
73 |
8,902 |
88 |
33,142,359 |
88 |
12,902 |
|
TOTAL |
809,350,223 |
42,284 |
1,599,462,086 |
56,542 |
|
Quarter 1 — January – March 2010 |
Q4 — October – December 2009 |
|||||||
|
Table 2: Government Departments |
% value of overall total value paid within 30 days |
value of payments within 30 days |
% No. of payments within 30 days |
No. of payments within 30 days |
% value of overall total value paid within 30 days |
value of payments within 30 days |
% No. of payments within 30 days |
No. of payments within 30 days |
|
% |
€ |
% |
% |
€ |
% |
|||
|
Transport |
100 |
506,342,033 |
100 |
3,747 |
100 |
1,111,183,880 |
100 |
4,835 |
|
Arts, Sport & Tourism |
100 |
9,503,723 |
97 |
488 |
100 |
5,628,540 |
99 |
732 |
|
Health and Children |
100 |
982,056 |
66 |
726 |
100 |
3,385,837 |
100 |
1,009 |
|
Taoiseach |
100 |
2,082,447 |
96 |
400 |
99 |
3,000,032 |
97 |
525 |
|
Education |
100 |
91,890,838 |
97 |
3,752 |
100 |
126,669,840 |
98 |
4,359 |
|
DETI |
99 |
31,665,659 |
96 |
1,845 |
99 |
60,540,733 |
96 |
2,338 |
|
Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
99 |
4,155,910 |
98 |
3,249 |
98 |
14,015,332 |
97 |
4,591 |
|
Social and Family Affairs |
99 |
101,008,799 |
63 |
2,420 |
99 |
114,452,841 |
78 |
4,192 |
|
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
99 |
914,909 |
99 |
493 |
100 |
1,822,145 |
99 |
563 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
98 |
2,737,865 |
98 |
1,310 |
99 |
22,710,562 |
100 |
2,444 |
|
Defence |
97 |
24,273,739 |
98 |
9,423 |
99 |
76,628,546 |
98 |
13,274 |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
97 |
35,072,519 |
95 |
8,497 |
98 |
38,624,804 |
87 |
9,439 |
|
Communications, Marine and Natural Resources |
97 |
1,475,761 |
96 |
726 |
98 |
5,489,564 |
97 |
1,202 |
|
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food |
94 |
18,032,657 |
89 |
10,754 |
99 |
37,485,663 |
99 |
14,464 |
|
Finance |
93 |
2,344,567 |
97 |
989 |
100 |
8,197,705 |
99 |
1,257 |
|
TOTAL |
832,483,482 |
48,819 |
1,629,836,023 |
65,224 |
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2005 |
4,971.02 |
|
2006 |
579.07 |
|
2007 |
5,019.46 |
|
2008 |
2,405.33 |
|
2009 |
878.43 |
Credit Supply Clearing Group
David Stanton
Ceist:62 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when the credit supply clearing group was established; the number of businesses which have made contact with the group to date; the impact that current availability or lack of availability of credit is having on businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24424/10]
The Credit Supply Clearing Group was established in May 2009, with bank, business and State representation. The Group is responsible for identifying patterns of events where the flow of credit to viable businesses appears to be blocked and for seeking to identify credit supply solutions relating to these patterns. The Group works to provide a clear picture of any emerging lending patterns while facilitating direct discussion by all the relevant interests in addressing problems.
As part of the ongoing work of the Group, a dedicated e-mail contact point was established in August 2009 to specifically deal with access to bank credit issues. A total of 18 submissions have been received via this contact point. In addition, a small number of cases have also been referred to individual banks on the Group for follow-up action, following representations received.
The Government has taken decisive action in order to get credit flowing again to business. The Bank Guarantee Scheme, the 2009 Recapitalisation Scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Banks and the establishment of the National Assets Management Agency have all contributed to the stabilisation of the banking sector with a view to facilitating the flow of credit. The 2010 Recapitalisation package builds on earlier initiatives and includes additional supports for enterprises, including SMEs. In particular, AIB and Bank of Ireland have both committed to making available not less than €3 billion each for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs in both 2010 and 2011.
This funding will be a significant increase on the figures reported by the banks for 2009 and will help to sustain the economy and foster growth.
Outside of the banking sphere, my Department's continuous support for enterprises arises through maintaining a positive business environment and through particular interventions from the State development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, and the County and City Enterprise Boards. The significant allocations in my Department's Estimates for 2010 for the development agencies ensures that we can continue to build on this strategy for the future.
The Government has also introduced formal arrangements to reduce the payment period by central Government Departments to their business suppliers from 30 to 15 calendar days. This commitment has effect on all valid invoices received on and from 15 June 2009 and is helping to ease cash flow difficulties for SMEs.
SMEs are central to our economic development and the range of measures and supports in place will be kept under review to ensure that they continue to help the sector adapt to the current economic climate. The performance of the recapitalised banks in providing credit to businesses will also be monitored in order to ensure that they meet their commitments.
Corporate Governance
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:63 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he expects to publish the promised legislation referred to in an interview (details supplied) to clamp down on crony capitalism to restrict cross directorships and to prevent one person fulfilling the dual role of the chair and chief executive of any company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/10]
The remarks attributed to the Minister for Finance in the interview in question would, no doubt, have been made with the banking sector in particular in mind. Policy responsibility for the banking sector is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.
In this regard, the Deputy may be aware that the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator have launched a consultation paper recently on corporate governance standards for financial institutions and credit undertakings. The matters referred to by the Deputy are among the issues being addressed in the consultation paper. For example, one of the proposals in the consultation paper suggests to limit the number of directorships of credit institutions and insurance companies held by a director to three. The consultation paper also proposes certain restrictions on the number of directorships a director of a financial institution or insurance company may hold overall. The Financial Regulator has invited interested parties to comment by 30 June 2010.
On 3rd June, the European Commission published a discussion paper relating to corporate governance in financial institutions. This paper is suggesting that board members of financial institutions be restricted to three overall.
In the area of company law that falls within my responsibility, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is currently drafting the Company Law Consolidation and Reform Bill. It sets out the corporate duties of directors, company secretaries and auditors on a general basis across all sectors. The Bill will implement the recommendations of the Company Law Review Group in that the fiduciary duties owed by directors to the company will be stated in the new companies code.
Currently, company law does not prohibit cross directorships, whereby a person is a director of more than one company at the same time. The general position is that a person may not be a director of more than 25 companies subject to certain specific exceptions. Directorships of public limited companies (plcs) are not included in the limit of 25. Any consideration of a change in this position for the general cohort of companies operating in Ireland would need to take account of the contribution that non-executive directors make by imparting their mix of expertise and the cross fertilisation of ideas from other areas of the business community.
The Companies Acts do not prevent a person fulfilling the dual role of chair and chief executive of a company. This would in my opinion be unworkable for smaller companies. However, the Combined Code of Corporate Governance which applies to companies whose securities are listed and traded on the Irish Stock Exchange does provide that the roles of chairman and chief executive should not be exercised by the same individual. The "comply or explain" principle, which is now enshrined in law under Statutory Instrument 450 of 2009, requires companies to meet the best practice guidelines or explain publicly why not.
The Government and I are committed to ensuring that our corporate governance regime for the corporate sector generally, accords with best international practice. We will take account of the lessons which emerge from current enquiries and reviews arising from recent developments and we will address, as appropriate, any concerns in this area including by way of legislation if necessary.
Grocery Industry
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:64 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made in drawing up a voluntary code covering the relationship between the major multiples and suppliers to the retail grocery trade; and when he expects the code to be in place. [24406/10]
The Renewed Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to "implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers" and "to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code".
The Government will give effect to this commitment by including a specific provision in the legislation, currently being prepared to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, which will allow for the introduction of a statutory Code of Conduct in the grocery goods sector. I expect to publish this legislation later this year.
In the interim period, until the legislation is enacted, the opportunity will be taken to explore with all relevant stakeholders the possibilities of agreeing a Voluntary Code. To this end I recently appointed Mr. John Travers to facilitate discussions with all the relevant stakeholders with the aim of agreeing the terms of a Voluntary Code. I have asked Mr. Travers to report back to me in relation to his engagement with stakeholders by the end of the summer. I would strongly urge all stakeholders to engage constructively with Mr. Travers as a Voluntary Code offers stakeholders the opportunity to develop a Code most suited to the dynamics of the Irish grocery goods sector and which respects the interests of all parties, including those of the consumer.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:65 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the action being taken to make Irish small medium enterprises aware of the European research and development fund FP7; the Enterprise Development Agency that has been tasked with helping SMEs in their application and advising them of the processes involved; if there will be equal access for all enterprises to make an application in this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24289/10]
The Research Framework Programme is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and successive programmes have been operating successfully since 1984. They have played a particularly important role in bringing European researchers (in academia and in industry) together in collaborative research projects, in facilitating the mobility of researchers across Europe and in supporting economic and social development. Irish participation in the Framework Programmes over the last 20 years has provided essential funding and collaborations, which have fostered the growth and development of the Irish research base.
The current Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) has a budget of over €50 billion, covering the seven-year period 2007 to 2013 and it has been designed to build on the achievements of the previous programmes towards the creation of the European Research Area and carry it further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe. There is a specific focus on SMEs under the programme. The aim is to enable at least 15% of the funding for collaborative projects under the programme to go to SME participants. To help achieve this a specific scheme under the programme involves dedicated measures to support SME participation.
In order to extract the maximum benefit from the opportunities available within FP7, a National Support Network has been put in place, headed by a National Director for FP7 who leads a team based in Enterprise Ireland. This support structure ensures that a coordinated and coherent approach is adopted towards FP7 across all of the government departments, agencies and other organisations involved. Through this support structure, a mix of guidance, advice and financial assistance is available to encourage researchers and companies, large and small, to avail of the opportunities within the programme. As well as having national contact points specialising in specific areas of research, there is a national contact point within Enterprise Ireland dedicated to supporting SME participation in the programme.
The range of financial supports available through the National Support Network to potential participants include travel support, which assists researchers to meet with potential partners, and proposal preparation support for academic coordinators and companies, covering all costs associated with submission of FP7 applications. Further information, including contact details, is available from the website of the FP7 National Support Network, www.fp7ireland.com.
Job Creation
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:66 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the specific efforts he, the Industrial Development Authority, or Enterprise Ireland have made to encourage or provide jobs in County Monaghan over the past five years; his views on whether it is unfair that so little effort has been made and the fact that there are fewer than 400 IDA related jobs in County Monaghan; his further views that County Monaghan, because of its location, suffered more as a result of the Northern Ireland troubles and deserves some degree of special attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24288/10]
Enterprise Ireland activity in County Monaghan is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level.
With this in mind, Enterprise Ireland is working closely with Monaghan County Development Board and Monaghan County Enterprise Board, holding monthly clinics in County Monaghan on the first Monday of each month to advise potential entrepreneurs on the supports available from the different agencies. Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Monaghan were approved a total of €1.25 million to date in 2010 and total payments made to companies in the same period amounted to €2.5 million.
During the last five years Monaghan County Enterprise Board has issued over €1 million in grant support to 89 micro-enterprises, resulting in a net jobs increase of more than 130 in CEB-supported companies in the county. In 2010, Monaghan CEB has continued to support enterprise development in the area through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at county level.
One of the high level goals set out in the recently launched IDA strategy document, entitled“Horizon 2020”, is that, in the period 2010 to 2014, 50% of FDI projects will be located outside of Dublin and Cork. This initiative supports national policy as outlined in the National Spatial Strategy. If FDI is to continue to contribute to balanced regional development, the other regions of the country must be promoted as regions of scale with urban centres that provide the range of infrastructure and services that high value investment projects demand.
I can assure the Deputy that IDA continues to vigorously promote such regions, including Monaghan, to potential investors. I am pleased to say that the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has resulted in the creation of opportunities for the attraction and development of foreign direct investment to the entire border region, including Monaghan, and there is a wide range of cross border activities aimed at economic development. As a result of discussions that I had with Minister Arlene Foster, my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland have agreed on the need to develop a joint proposal for submission to the Special EU Programmes Body for funding under the Enterprise Theme of the Interreg IVA Programme. I understand that Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have met in order to progress this as a priority.
National Minimum Wage
Liz McManus
Ceist:67 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has received any report from the Labour Court regarding a possible change in the national minimum wage; if not, when she expects to receive its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24348/10]
In November 2008, ICTU requested the Labour Court to review the national minimum wage and to make a recommendation concerning its adjustment. The Court subsequently invited submissions on the issue. Various submissions were received, including from IBEC, ICTU and the Department of Finance. The Labour Court also held discussions with these parties.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, the Labour Court can seek to establish, in the context of such consultations, whether a general agreement can be reached between the parties. If, however, the Labour Court is satisfied that such a general agreement cannot be reached, it may still make a recommendation.
The Labour Court has not made any recommendation in relation to the application made under the National Minimum Wage, 2000. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while the matter is still with the Court.
Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 54.
Legislative Programme
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:69 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding the work of the Company Law Review Group; the timeframe for the publication of legislation following the reports of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24344/10]
In accordance with Section 70(1) of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001, the Company Law Review Group's (CLRG) Work Programme is assigned by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation every two years. I have received the Review Group's Report at the conclusion of its 2008-2009 Work Programme and I am considering its recommendations in the context of the drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Council (OPC) of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill. The Report is available on the CLRG's website at www.clrg.org.
While there is no obligation on my part to legislate in respect of any recommendation from the CLRG, the main focus of the Group's work to date has been in relation to the General Scheme of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill which was published in July 2007. The proposed Bill will consolidate all the existing Irish Companies Acts, dating from 1963 to 2009, as well as other Regulations and common law provisions relating to the incorporation and operation of companies into a single Act, comprising more than 1,300 sections. Given its size and complexity it is envisaged that the Bill will be published towards the end of 2011.
Job Creation
Martin Ferris
Ceist:70 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will elaborate on his policy for job creation, specifically the approach recently announced by the Taoiseach to improve competitiveness by allowing wages to fall; if he intends to cut the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24294/10]
The "Jobs and Growth 2010" policy statement, which was published in March, brings together the Government's key strategies for growth, economic renewal and the development of a sustainable, internationally trading enterprise base for the creation of jobs. The Strategy focuses on the policies and actions which are being taken in a number of critical areas. It has at its heart policies targeted at new, sustained growth in business, exports and jobs, based on increasing levels of productivity, competitiveness and innovation. These are the policies that are firmly at the top of my agenda as Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Innovation, and I believe that these policies will continue to show results.
Labour costs are an important factor. At an economy wide level, Irish labour wage rates — when adjusted for productivity — are becoming more cost competitive. The European Commission forecast that our Unit Labour Costs will fall by 9.4% over the 2009 to 2011 period, against a projected increase of 3.5% for the Eurozone. This equates to a positive swing of 13% in Ireland's favour over the three year period to 2011.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, the Labour Court can seek to establish, in the context of such consultations, whether a general agreement can be reached between the parties. If, however, the Labour Court is satisfied that such a general agreement cannot be reached, it may still make a recommendation.
In November 2008, ICTU requested the Labour Court to review the national minimum wage and to make a recommendation to the Minister for Labour Affairs concerning its adjustment. The Court subsequently invited submissions on the issue. Various submissions were received, including from IBEC, ICTU and the Department of Finance. The Labour Court also held discussions with these parties.
The Labour Court has not yet made a recommendation in relation to the application made under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while the matter is still under consideration by the Court.
Job Protection
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:71 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the efforts that are being made to retain jobs in existing industries especially in the small indigenous factories; his views on whether some of the structures put in place to support employment are geared towards larger employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24287/10]
The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards provide support to indigenous micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases by both financial and non-financial assistance. In 2009, the CEBs assisted the micro-enterprise sector through the provision of €10.365 million in grant assistance to 1,120 client projects. In addition, the Boards also provided 25,819 client participants with a variety of soft supports such as training and mentoring, management development and start your own business courses. All of this contributes to job creation by boosting the survival rate amongst micro businesses and facilitating the future growth and employment potential of those businesses. In 2010, with the €28.3 million funding secured by my Department, the CEBs will continue to assist micro-enterprises throughout the country to stimulate the development of indigenous enterprise, to boost employment creation and to maximise entrepreneurial development.
Enterprise Ireland's remit is to support start-ups that have the potential to employ more than 10 people and achieve €1 million in exports. These are start-ups that are typically highly innovative and are in a position to sell globally from their earliest stage. Stimulating the flow of new High Potential Start-ups and supporting their growth is one of the fundamental policies within Enterprise Ireland's overall strategy for indigenous industry.
In 2009, Enterprise Ireland supported the business plans of 73 High Potential Start-up Companies. These young companies are an integral part of the Government's blue print for the Smart Economy and are from sectors as diverse as life sciences, bio-tech and medical technology, food, telecommunications and internet services. They are expected to create over 900 new jobs over the next three years, bringing total employment in these businesses to almost 1,500. Total sales over the same period are expected to reach €600 million, with exports accounting for over 80% of this figure.
Employment Rights
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:72 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he will take to prevent the exploitation of domestic workers, particularly migrant workers in such positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24356/10]
Ireland's body of employment rights legislation protects all workers in Ireland. The Protection of Employee's (Part-Time) Work Act, 2001 provides that all employee protection legislation applies to a person, irrespective of his or her nationality or place of residence, who has entered into a contract of employment that provides for his or her being employed in the State or who works in the State under a contract of employment.
Code of Practice
A Code of Practice for Protecting Persons Employed in Other People's Homes has been prepared under the Industrials Relations Acts 1990. The code seeks to:
Set out certain employment rights and protections
Encourage good practice and compliance with the law and
Increase awareness of the application of relevant legislation and code.
Provision of information
NERA Inspection Services plays an important role in promoting employment rights. Interpretation resources are available to inspectors as required. NERA provides information through a variety of other channels—
24 hour telephone information service provides lo call 1890 80 80 90 — www.employmentrights.ie, — recorded over 1.5 million web page impressions in 2009. Many of the booklets available for downloading are in several different languages.
NERA also liaises with a number of organisations, including the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland. NERA has also appointed a member of its management team to liaise with the MRCI on matters of common interest and to maintain open communications between the organisations. In 2009 €2.5 million in unpaid wages were recovered for over 6,000 workers. This would have included migrant workers.
Power to enter private dwellings
There are considerable protections in the constitution to protect the privacy of personal dwellings. However, NERA Inspectors can enter a private home with the consent of the occupier. It can also, apply to the District Court for a warrant to enter a private home to examine records. Such warrants may only be issued if a judge of the District Court is fully satisfied that the application is valid in all respects and is based on the sworn information of an Inspector that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that information required by an Inspector is held on any premises or any part of premises.
NERA uses information available from a number of sources, including the employment permits database, to identify potential employers of domestic employees. It will also investigate any complaints of suspected breaches of employment legislation received.
Business Regulation
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:73 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps that are being taken to reduce the incidence of and costs associated with red tape in relation to the establishment and maintenance of small business in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24407/10]
The administrative procedures relating to the establishment of Companies is under the remit of my Department and is the responsibility of the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The CRO processed over 380,000 statutorily required documents in 2009 of which13,320 were new company registrations. The customer service target deadlines of five, ten and fifteen working days for the three company incorporation schemes operated by the Office were consistently met and regularly exceeded during 2009.
I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made within current resources to ensure that all customers of the Companies Registration Office receive the best possible service.
The red tape costs associated with maintaining a business in Ireland are, in my view, a key competitiveness issue. That is why my Department has a multi-faceted approach to dealing with these administrative costs, and finding ways to reduce them as much as possible, without damaging the policy goals of the regulations underpinning them.
The High Level Group on Business Regulation was set up in 2007 to act as a standing dialogue between Government, business and unions. The Group's Work-Programme consists of specific red tape issues arising from business workshops and submissions, as well as suggestions fed in directly by the business organisations on the Group.
The Group is effectively a clearing house for these concrete issues. Since its inception, the High Level Group has tackled almost 70 such issues; 38 of these have already been processed to finality to the satisfaction of the business members.
In addition, my Department is leading and coordinating the cross-Government drive to measure and reduce administrative burdens for all business in Ireland. In March 2008 the Government set a 25% target to reduce administrative burdens on business, arising from regulations, by 2012.
This is being done in a prioritised way, drawing from the experience of other Member States involved in administrative burden reduction.
During 2009, a prioritised list of more than thirty Information Obligations in Company Law, Employment Law and Health & Safety Law, which fall within the remit of my Department, were measured. The results of this exercise were validated by business in December 2009.
My Department is running a series of simplification workshops to identify ways to reduce burdens in the three measured areas. The purpose of the workshops is to identify the best practical ways to make real reductions in the red tape burden that businesses face in Ireland.
The ideas generated at these workshops are feeding in to the development of simplification plans in the three areas of regulation. It is intended that these will be presented to the High Level Group on Business Regulation, for their inputs and validation in the Autumn.
At Inter-Departmental level, Departments that have regulation that affects business are identifying the information obligations contained in their legislation that are likely to be causing the biggest burdens for business. A consolidated priority list of information obligations will be agreed and then measured in a single cross-Government project. I expect that this measurement project will be completed in 2011.
Simplification plans will then be developed to reduce the administrative burden by 25% by 2012.
Job Losses
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:74 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when his attention was drawn to the plan by a company (details supplied) to shed up to 785 jobs at plants in this country; the discussions he has had with the management; the steps that are being taken to try to save these jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24357/10]
While the takeover of Wyeth by Pfizer was only recently completed, IDA Ireland had maintained close contact with senior Pfizer and Wyeth personnel both in Ireland and in the company's corporate HQ in order to minimise the negative impact any rationalisation decisions could have on the Irish operations. IDA Ireland kept me informed of their discussions. Details of the impact on Pfizer's Irish operations, arising from its worldwide review, were advised to me on 17th May, 2010.
The new enlarged Pfizer reviewed all operations worldwide with a view to rationalising production and support operations. As a consequence of the review the company, on 18th May, announced 6,000 jobs cuts worldwide. The aim of the plan is to integrate the Pfizer and Wyeth manufacturing and supply organisations, which have significant overcapacity following the Pfizer takeover of Wyeth late last year.
I have asked the State agencies to do everything possible to provide training and re-employment services to the 275 workers losing their jobs in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and to work with Pfizer to save the other 510 jobs at risk due to the planned future sale or closure of plants in Cork and Dublin.
Although the company plans to cut its global headcount by 6,000, Pfizer remains a major multinational employer in Ireland, with more than 4,200 workers, in seven locations, involved in the manufacture of high-end life science products for world markets.
The loss of 275 jobs in Newbridge is not immediate. Between the end of this year and 2011, 135 jobs will go, with the remainder to be lost in 2013.
Likewise, any impact on jobs at the facilities in Loughbeg and Shanbally in Cork, and in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin, would occur in 2012 to 2014.
However, IDA is confident that a buyer will be found for at least some of these facilities, and IDA will continue to work closely with Pfizer to achieve that.
In the recent past, IDA and Pfizer have been successful with the sale of Pfizer's Animal Health plant in Sligo and its Loughbeg API plant, preserving jobs at both locations.
I know that Pfizer is planning further capital investments and new positions in its biotechnology operations in Ireland, and both IDA and the Government will do all they can to support the company's growth plans.
Although the job losses in Newbridge are devastating for the workers, their families and communities, it should be acknowledged that the company is retaining a workforce of 770 in the plant.
INTERREG Funding
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:75 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress being made by his Department, in consultation with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Assembly, to draw up a joint proposal to apply for EU funding under the cross-border INTERREG programme for start-up business supports and training initiatives; when he expects a draft proposal will be ready; when the application will be made to the EU; when funding can be expected to be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24292/10]
As a result of discussions that I had with Minister Arlene Foster, my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland have agreed on the need to develop a joint proposal for submission to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) for funding under the Enterprise Theme of the Interreg IVA Programme, and have asked Invest Northern Ireland (NI) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) to progress this as a priority.
It is expected that SEUPB will open its next call for proposals this autumn. Both Governments are represented on the Steering Committee which adjudicates on projects and the timeframe for completing due diligence, approval and letter of offer for successful projects is anticipated to be 6-8 months i.e. project start April/May 2011.
Departmental Expenditure
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:76 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the business expenditure on research and development in each of the past five years; the percentage of this expenditure that was through indigenous enterprises; the percentage that was through multinational companies; how the Departmental budget for research has been affected by budget cuts, in comparison with other years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24295/10]
The table below provides details of Business Expenditure on Research and Development (BERD) for 2003, 2005, 2007 and an estimate for 2008. As the BERD survey is only undertaken every two years, it is not possible to provide actual expenditure figures for the intervening years.
|
Year |
Total BERD Expenditure |
BERD Expenditure by Indigenous Companies |
% of Total Expenditure |
BERD Expenditure by Multinational Companies |
% of Total Expenditure |
|
€ Million |
€ Million |
€ Million |
|||
|
2003 |
1,105 |
330 |
29.9% |
775 |
70.1% |
|
2005 |
1,329 |
390 |
29.3% |
939 |
70.7% |
|
2007 |
1,603 |
443 |
27.6% |
1,160 |
72.4% |
|
2008 Estimate |
1,687 |
521 |
30.9% |
1,166 |
69.1% |
The 2010 Budget provided for science, technology and innovation spend under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation's vote was €293.8 million. While this represents almost 93 % of the provision under this subhead in 2009, the funding must be seen in the context of a financial situation that necessitated a 12 per cent overall reduction in the Government's capital allocation in 2010. Looking back over 5 years, the 2010 provision is 32% above the 2005 provision, and in this period there was a year on year increase in provision of between 4% and 14% in each of the years before 2010.
In a broader context, in excess of €593m has been provided in 2010, in total, across six Government Departments to support science, technology and innovation development.
Supporting innovation as a driver of export growth is critical to sustaining enterprises, maintaining current jobs and driving job creation. Recognising that innovation is the key to success, the Government's commitment to continued investment in science, technology and innovation was reflected in the 2010 Budget for this spending area. The aim is to ensure that incentives for business to undertake research and development are strong and that Ireland continues to invest in developing a knowledge economy. To balance the restricted availability of funding, greater focus has been placed on stronger commercial outputs and on the efficiency of investment. The State is seeking more from less and the policy approach is to derive maximum commercial benefit from the investment made over past years.
In addition, the decision to create a single funding stream for science, technology and innovation expenditure will greatly enhance the efficiency of the spend and the State's ability to re-prioritise as economic circumstances change when the economy recovers.
"Building Ireland's Smart Economy", the "Renewed Programme for Government" and the Report of the Innovation Task Force recognise the importance of the productive public and private investment in research, development and innovation. The State investment through the 2010 Budget confirm a solid commitment to research, development and innovation expenditure, to supporting enterprise programs and driving employment growth.
Job Losses
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:77 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on the announcement by a medical devices company (details supplied) that it will shed almost 200 jobs at its plant in Tullamore, County Offaly; if he has met or plans to meet management at the company to try save these jobs; his plans for industrial development in the area in view of the absence of other significant manufacturing industries there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24635/10]
Covidien informed IDA on 25th May that it would be seeking redundancies for 160 permanent staff on a voluntary basis and the loss of 40 temporary workers, which will be on a phased timescale, commencing in late June-July. These job losses will bring total headcount down to 400.
The company cited increased competition from new, low-cost competitors and a decline in the overall Europe, Middle East and Africa market as the reasons for the planned reduction.
I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to find alternative employment for those people who will be made redundant. FAS will work with the company to facilitate this.
Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Board will also be offering their full services to any workers considering starting up a business.
IDA Ireland's Strategy for County Offaly and the Midlands Region is:
To progress the development of a knowledge economy, in order that the region can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment;
To work with the existing client base in the county and to expand their presence in the county; and,
To provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure.
Under its new strategy IDA will continue to focus on delivering 50% of investment in the priority regional locations outside of Dublin and Cork. I can assure you that within these regions, including County Offaly, IDA is and will continue to be sensitive to particular pressure points as they arise.
I can assure the House that the State development agencies are promoting County Offaly as an attractive location for employment and investment opportunities and they will continue to make the full range of services available to all those who need them.
Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 60.
Insurance Industry
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:79 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of meetings that have taken place of the inter-agency team set up in the wake of the job losses at Quinn Insurance; the number of meetings of the team that he has attended; the progress being made by the team in supporting the workers with workshops and other practical measures; if and when the inter-agency response team met the similar response team set up by the authorities in the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24291/10]
In response to the announcement of redundancies in Quinn Insurance, I established an inter-agency team comprising Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the relevant County Enterprise Boards, FÁS and the Department of Social Protection. The Inter Agency response team held its first meeting in Cavan on Friday 30 April and has met on four other occasions since. Prior to the establishment of the inter-agency team, I met with local agency representatives and other stakeholders, and while I have not attended the meetings of the group, the appointment of Dan Flinter as chair is a signal of the importance, which I attach to the work of this group. Mr. Flinter keeps my Department updated regularly on the work of the group.
It is important to note that this co-ordinated response to the situation in Quinn Insurance is a work in progress. The Group oversees and monitors the direct responses of the State Agencies concerned with the three Quinn Insurance Ltd locations in Cavan, Navan and Blanchardstown. Briefings and information sessions for the employees concerned have been delivered at all three sites by Enterprise Ireland, FAS, the County Enterprise Boards, the Department of Social Protection, the HSE, and other agencies, education providers and financial institutions as required. The County and City Enterprise Boards in the Meath, Cavan and Fingal areas are working together to provide an appropriate co-ordinated response to the announcement of the job losses. The Boards will endeavour to provide every support possible for those directly affected who wish to establish a business or to explore the possibilities of self-employment.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and my Department have agreed that a joint proposal be developed for submission to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) for funding under the Enterprise Theme and InvestNI and Enterprise Ireland are to progress this as a priority. In relation to the co-ordination of the responses, North and South, Dan Flinter and his Northern Ireland counterpart, Leslie Ross, are in regular communication and have met on two occasions to ensure that their actions are co-ordinated and work in a complementary manner. In conclusion, I am confident that the inter-agency team is the response best placed to coordinate the activities of the relevant Government Department, state development agencies and County Enterprise Boards. This team will continue its work to ensure that all available measures are activated so that the Quinn employees facing redundancy are equipped to make appropriate decisions regarding their future employment prospects.
Enterprise Support Services
Joan Burton
Ceist:80 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the supports that are available to young persons, particularly young unemployed persons, to start their own businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/10]
My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but rather provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of Priming, Expansion/Development Grants and Feasibility/Innovation Grants. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. However, in order to more fully explore the range of options that may be available, potential entrepreneurs are advised to contact their local CEB to discuss their business needs with the relevant staff of the Board. Contact details for individual CEBs can be found by accessing the following website: www.enterpriseboards.ie.
Legislative Programme
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:81 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he intends to publish the legislation to amend the Competition Acts to uphold the rights of certain freelance workers such as actors and musicians to collective bargaining, which was promised as part of the review of the Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24353/10]
I intend, subject to consistency with EU competition law, to give effect to the Government commitment in "Towards 2016" regarding the exemption of certain specified categories of vulnerable workers from competition law in the Bill being prepared to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority. Work on the draft heads of this Bill is now at an advanced stage and I intend to bring these draft heads to Cabinet within the coming weeks. I hope to publish the Bill later this year.
State Agencies
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:82 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made on the commitment given in the renewed programme for Government to undertake an independent review of the effectiveness of State agency support for enterprise, including interaction between the Industrial Development Authority, Enterprise Ireland and the county enterprise boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24337/10]
The Government remains committed to undertaking the review in question. However, work on a number of recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes concerning the enterprise development agencies is at an advanced stage and it clearly makes sense to complete this work before asking an independent group to commence the review. It will be important in that review, given the disruption that any significant restructuring of agencies inevitably entails and the major challenges facing the agencies in the years ahead, that care is taken to limit any proposed changes to those that are absolutely necessary to achieve clearly identified objectives.
Quite apart from the review, work to improve co-ordination between the enterprise development agencies is currently underway. In November 2009, a Cross-Agency High Level Group completed a report on Enhanced Agency Collaboration. The High Level Group is continuing to meet to monitor the implementation process which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Overall, there is a general need to strengthen information sharing between the agencies; to maintain a client centric focus — unhindered by agency boundaries where appropriate; and ultimately to ensure that a collaborative culture permeates throughout all levels of the organisations. The process has also identified pockets of existing effective collaboration activity, which is not necessarily pervasive, consistent, or recognised/rewarded. Implementation has been a core objective of the enhanced agency collaboration process and the High Level Group has already initiated, and in some cases completed, actions in areas such as communications, knowledge sharing, and transfer of clients.
There are a number of mechanisms already in situ that facilitate collaboration across the agencies. The powers and functions of each agency are set out in one body of legislation, the Industrial Development Acts. While IDA and Enterprise Ireland serve different client bases, they operate similar schemes and programmes. The specific role of each agency in relation to matters such as Science and Technology and Training is also set out in the legislation, which avoids overlaps or duplication in agency mandates.
Corporate Governance
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:83 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his response to the consultation paper on corporate governance published by the Financial Regulator. [24347/10]
The consultation paper recently published by the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator relates specifically to financial institutions and insurance undertakings. Responsibility for these sectors is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. For my part, I welcome the publication of the consultation paper. I understand this initiative is part of a wider strategy to update the domestic regulatory framework applying to credit institutions and insurance undertakings and that the Regulator plans to develop corporate governance frameworks for other sectors of the financial services industry such as funds and credit unions.
The Financial Regulator envisages that while the new rules should apply to all credit institutions and insurance undertakings, he has not adopted a one-size-fits-all approach. I welcome the Regulator's openness to implementing the rules proportionately, where appropriate, and to recognise institutions with a lesser economic significance and lower risk activities. I understand that the Regulator proposes to implement these new standards, following its consultation, under powers currently available to it under the Central Bank Acts and associated legislation. Interested parties are asked to comment on the proposals by end June 2010 and I look forward to seeing the new corporate governance standards published by the Regulator in due course.
EU Directives
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:84 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of the EU directives for which his Department has responsibility that remain to be implemented; if he will list the directives that are now overdue; if he will give the number of reasoned opinions received from the EU Commission since 2002 regarding delays or the non-implementation of such directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24354/10]
There are currently a total of 14 EU Directives due to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. One Directive is currently overdue — Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market. This Directive is due to be transposed by the end of June 2010. Full details on the state of play of all current EU Directives due for transposition are maintained on my Department's website, www.entemp.ie. My Department has received 26 Reasoned Opinions from the European Commission relating to Directives since 2002. The only outstanding Reasoned Opinion is in respect of Directive 2006/43/EC on statutory audits. This Directive was transposed on 20 May 2010 and it is expected that the case will now be closed. The transposition of EU Directives is an ongoing priority in my Department and is systematically monitored and reported to the Management Board on a regular basis.
Economic Competitiveness
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:85 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the action that he has taken or proposes to take to bring competitiveness in the manufacturing, commercial and service sectors into a more competitive position in respect of adjoining or EU jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25988/10]
Ireland's competitiveness is benchmarked against a number of competitor countries, not just adjoining or EU jurisdictions, by the NCC on an annual basis. Since January 2008, Ireland has regained competitiveness as domestic inflation remains below that of our main trading partners and the euro weakened. We are seeing lower business costs, which is easing pressures on the business sector. Wage costs, asset prices and energy prices are all on a downward trend. Annual inflation fell by 2.5% in the twelve months to April, in contrast to the rest of the euro area where they rose by 1.5%. The Irish consumer price level relative to its trading partners is now back to levels last seen in 2000/2001.
The price of services to business fell by 5.7% in Q3 2009 compared to Q3 2008, with the largest price reductions in architecture, engineering and technical testing (-9.8%), and computer programming and consultancy (-8.5%). However, legal, accounting, public relations and business management consultancy fees dropped by just 1.5pc compared to 2008. The European Commission forecast that our Unit Labour Costs will fall by 9.4% over the 2009 to 2011 period, against a projected increase of 3.5% for the Eurozone. This equates to a positive swing of 13% in Ireland's favour over the three-year period to 2011. The Government introduced an extensive package of measures to contain energy costs last summer — and this is reflected in a much improved position relative to competitors. Data released in May shows that electricity and gas prices fell for all types of energy consumers in the second half of 2009, and have moved closer to the EU average for most business users.
We have also been actively progressing recommendations to increase competition and remove anti-competitive restrictions in the sheltered sectors of the economy. These include competition in transport, electricity, professional services, pharmacy services and the private rental sector. Upward-only rent reviews are now banned. In addition, we are working with relevant parties to see how we can deal further with other aspects of concern in existing leases and a report is expected at the end of June. Minister Kelleher is currently driving a series of workshops that aim to simplify life for Irish business, on Company Law, Employment Law and Health & Safety Law. The Minister is meeting with representatives from business, the professions and local enterprise boards to work out concrete plans to reduce red tape by simplifying some of the core administrative burdens currently placed on business. The ideas generated at these workshops are feeding in to the development of simplification plans in the three areas of regulation. It is intended that these will be presented to the High Level Group on Business Regulation, for their inputs and validation in the Autumn.
Competitiveness also includes boosting the total productive capacity of the economy. And we are doing this, for example, through targeting R&D and Innovation to drive productivity and ensure that we have the skills and technologies available in Ireland that will give us a competitive advantage. The entire Irish economy must be a smart economy, that is to say, a high-productivity economy if we are to compete with the rest of the world. The Taoiseach appointed me to Chair the group tasked with implementation of the recommendations of the Innovation task force and this met for the first time earlier this month.
Since my appointment as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, I have met with a range of stakeholder groups, including individual companies and business people both in Ireland and abroad. In my discussions, I have underlined that my priority is to ensure that the business environment is supportive of Irish enterprise, both manufacturing and services, to grow exports and to continue to encourage high value foreign investment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:86 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the extent to which he or his Department has monitored the various costs affecting economic recovery; the degree to which he has identified the major contributory factors that need to be addressed in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25991/10]
Ireland's competitiveness, including cost competitiveness, is benchmarked against a number of competitor countries by the NCC on an annual basis. Since January 2008, Ireland has regained competitiveness as domestic inflation remains below that of our main trading partners and the euro weakened. We are seeing lower business costs, which is easing pressures on the business sector. Wage costs, asset prices and energy prices are all on a downward trend. Annual inflation fell by 2.5% in the twelve months to April, in contrast to the rest of the euro area where they rose by1.5%. The Irish consumer price level relative to its trading partners is now back to levels last seen in 2000/2001.
The price of services to business fell by 5.7% in Q3 2009 compared to Q3 2008, with the largest price reductions in architecture, engineering and technical testing (-9.8%), and computer programming and consultancy (-8.5%). However, legal, accounting, public relations and business management consultancy fees dropped by just 1.5pc compared to 2008. The European Commission forecast that our Unit Labour Costs will fall by 9.4% over the 2009 to 2011 period, against a projected increase of 3.5% for the Eurozone. This equates to a positive swing of 13% in Ireland's favour over the three year period to 2011.
The Government introduced an extensive package of measures to contain energy costs last summer — and this is reflected in a much improved position relative to competitors. Data released in May shows that electricity and gas prices fell for all types of energy consumers in the second half of 2009, and have moved closer to the EU average for most business users. We have also been actively progressing recommendations to increase competition and remove anti-competitive restrictions in the sheltered sectors of the economy. These include competition in transport, electricity, professional services, pharmacy services and the private rental sector. Upward-only rent reviews are now banned. In addition, we are working with relevant parties to see how we can deal further with other aspects of concern in existing leases and a report is expected at the end of June.
The Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, is currently driving a series of workshops that aim to simplify life for Irish business, on Company Law, Employment Law and Health & Safety Law, which will also lead to reduced costs. The Minister is meeting with representatives from business, the professions and local enterprise boards to work out concrete plans to reduce red tape by simplifying some of the core administrative burdens currently placed on business. The ideas generated at these workshops are feeding in to the development of simplification plans in the three areas of regulation. It is intended that these will be presented to the High Level Group on Business Regulation, for their inputs and validation in the Autumn.
Competitiveness also includes boosting the total productive capacity of the economy. And we are doing this, for example, through targeting R&D and Innovation to drive productivity and ensure that we have the skills and technologies available in Ireland that will give us a competitive advantage. The entire Irish economy must be a smart economy, that is to say, a high-productivity economy if we are to compete with the rest of the world. The Taoiseach appointed me to Chair the group tasked with implementation of the recommendations of the Innovation task force and this met for the first time earlier this month.
We are focused on opportunities for growth in a number of key sectors. For example, the Green Enterprise report estimated that 80,000 new jobs could be created in the coming years and there are other opportunities for growth in high-end manufacturing and services. Since my appointment as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, I have met with a range of stakeholder groups, including individual companies and business people both in Ireland and abroad. In my discussions, I have underlined that my priority is to ensure that the business environment is supportive of Irish enterprise, both manufacturing and services, to grow exports and to continue to encourage high value foreign investment.
Redundancy Payments
John Browne
Ceist:87 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a redundancy payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford which is due to them as a refund on the closure of a company. [25723/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum application on the 15 February, 2010 in respect of the above individual. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from October 2009.
In relation to redundancy claims, the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000. Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
Almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
Prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
Establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. In the period 1 January 2010 to 31 May 2010 new claims amounted to 28,587 — a fall off of almost 20% on the corresponding 5 month period in 2009 when 35,559 new claims were lodged. The reduction in incoming claims is most welcome. Inroads are being made in the backlog of claims reducing from 42,591 in December 2009 to a current level of 34,881 at end May 2010. In the first five months 34,036 claims were processed, up 130% on the same period last year.
Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:88 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a redundancy payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25754/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 26 May, 2010. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from October 2009.
In relation to redundancy claims, the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000. Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
Almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
Prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
Establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. In the period 1 January 2010 to 31 May 2010 new claims amounted to 28,587 — a fall off of almost 20% on the corresponding 5 month period in 2009 when 35,559 new claims were lodged. The reduction in incoming claims is most welcome. Inroads are being made in the backlog of claims reducing from 42,591 in December 2009 to a current level of 34,881 at end May 2010. In the first five months 34,036 claims were processed, up 130% on the same period last year.
Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
Seán Power
Ceist:89 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a person (details supplied) will receive their redundancy payment from the social insurance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25862/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 30 March 2010, which included an Employment Appeals Tribunal decision in favour of his claim, and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the claim has recently been processed and authorized for payment. Payment should issue to the claimant over the next two to three week period.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:90 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 11 May 2010, any progress has taken place in respect of the statutory redundancy payment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that neither the employer nor his legal representative has received any request for further documentation from his Department; the documentation or action that is required in order to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25871/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
As I informed the Deputy in my answer of 11 May, 2010 my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 15 July 2009. In the course of processing the claim, a query was raised with the employer's legal representative; however, I understand that some documentation remains outstanding and the case cannot be finalized. The documentation required in support of lump sum claims is evidence of the employer's inability to pay the redundancy entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting a statement from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the inadequacy of assets to make the redundancy payments and, the latest set of financial accounts for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. In this case admission of liability of the 40% was requested from the employer by letter in March 2010 and by phone from the employer's solicitor's office in May 2010 but remains outstanding.
If the required information is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share that the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees.
If the necessary supporting documentation required from the employer is not provided to my Department, the employee will be advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, the Department is then in a position to make the payment to the employee concerned. Should the outstanding documentation be provided by the employer during the period while the case is pending a hearing before the EAT, this would allow the claim to be processed by my Department in the usual way.
Departmental Agencies
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:91 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if, further to parliamentary Questions Nos. 14 and 15 of 9 June 2010, in respect of the 53 fixed term contracts due to expire over the period to the end of 2012, the overseas offices to which those positions relate; the location of the six posts for which sanction has been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25873/10]
The situation regarding vacant posts and contracts expiring in 2010, 2011 and 2012 is being monitored and negotiations are ongoing between my Department and the Department of Finance in relation to staffing levels in the context of agreeing an Employment Control Framework for my Department and its agencies to cover the period up to the end 2012.
A breakdown of the locations of the 53 fixed term contracts due to expire over the period to end 2012 in Enterprise Ireland's overseas offices is given in the following tabular statement.
A breakdown of the locations of the 6 overseas posts for which sanction was received to recruit is given in the following tabular statement.
|
Region |
Overseas Office |
Local Contracts due to expire up to end 2012 |
|
US |
Palo Alto |
2 |
|
Boston |
2 |
|
|
New York |
6 |
|
|
Toronto |
1 |
|
|
Brazil |
0 |
|
|
UK |
London |
8 |
|
Glasgow |
1 |
|
|
Europe |
Amsterdam |
2 |
|
Brussels |
1 |
|
|
Budapest |
1 |
|
|
Dusseldorf |
2 |
|
|
Madrid |
1 |
|
|
Milan |
0 |
|
|
Moscow |
1 |
|
|
Paris |
1 |
|
|
Prague |
3 |
|
|
Stockholm |
1 |
|
|
Warsaw |
4 |
|
|
Asia |
Beijing |
2 |
|
Dubai |
3 |
|
|
Guangzhou |
1 |
|
|
Hong Kong |
2 |
|
|
India |
0 |
|
|
Korea |
2 |
|
|
Kuala Lumpur |
0 |
|
|
Riyadh |
1 |
|
|
Shanghai |
1 |
|
|
Singapore |
1 |
|
|
Sydney |
2 |
|
|
Tokyo |
1 |
|
|
Total |
53 |
|
Region |
Overseas Office |
EI Posts Sanctioned |
|
UK/Europe |
London |
2 |
|
Dusseldorf |
1 |
|
|
Madrid |
1 |
|
|
Paris |
1 |
|
|
Asia |
Singapore |
1 |
|
Total |
6 |
Redundancy Payments
Tom Hayes
Ceist:92 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding an application for statutory redundancy in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [25879/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm to the Deputy as per my previous answers provided last year that my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum application on the 7 April, 2009 in respect of the above individual. As I explained the employee was advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy as the required supporting information from the employer was not provided to my Department. On receipt of a determination in favour of the employee and confirmation that the payment from the employer remains unpaid the Department can then make the payment to the employee concerned very soon afterwards
The EAT is a quasi-judicial body under the aegis of my Department. I have no role in the discharge by the Tribunal of its quasi-judicial functions. Where a claim has been submitted to the Tribunal, enquiries concerning such a claim can be made directly to the Tribunal Secretariat, by telephone at 01 6313006 or Lo Call 1890 220 222; by email at eat@entemp.ie or in writing at Davitt House, 65A Adelaide Road, Dublin 2.
Loan Guarantees
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:93 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when the commitment from Government regarding guarantee for bank loans for small and medium enterprises is due to be implemented; when potential candidates can commence application for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25954/10]
As previously advised to this House, work is underway in my Department on the examination of a possible scheme of Loan Guarantees for the SME sector which could augment lending by banks by addressing particular market failures. This is in line with one of the recommendations contained in the Mazars Review on Bank Lending to SMEs.
Enterprise Ireland and Forfás carried out examinations of loan guarantee schemes in the UK and in some other countries. Following more detailed examination, Forfás has recently submitted a report to my Department which is being considered. On completion of this work, I will bring the results before the Government.
As with any initiative, we will need to ensure that any scheme developed directly assists businesses, facilitates genuine additional lending in the market and, at the same time, safeguards the interests of the taxpayer.
Tax Code
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:94 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the way in which income from renting a car-space is treated for income tax purposes; the reliefs, credits or other such tax allowances available on such income; and the specific statutory provision covering this area. [25709/10]
It is assumed that the Deputy's question relates to the letting of a single car-space by an individual who does not require it for personal use.
On that basis, the position is that income from the renting of a car-space which is situated in the State is chargeable to tax under Case V of Schedule D. A surplus or deficiency is computed for each year by reducing the gross amount of rent receivable for the car-space by allowable deductions. Where the owner of the car-space has other lettings in the State, a surplus or deficiency is computed separately for each source. The Case V income in any year is the surplus from the car-space letting or, if there are other lettings, the aggregate of the surpluses reduced by the aggregate of the deficiencies. In either situation, unused Case V losses from earlier years may be carried forward and set against Case V income in a later year.
Section 97(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 specifies the allowable deductions for Case V purposes. The main deductions are for: Any rent payable by the landlord in the case of a sub-lease; The cost to the landlord of any goods provided or services rendered to a tenant; The cost of maintenance, repairs, insurance and management of the property; Interest on borrowed money used to purchase, improve or repair the property; and payment of local authority rates in the case of rateable properties used for commercial purposes.
The principal provisions governing the taxation of rental income chargeable under Case V of Schedule D are contained in Part 4, Chapter 8 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:95 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will retain the current rate of tax relief for charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25715/10]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:96 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce the threshold for tax relief to around €100 a year for charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25716/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to certain recommendations that were made in the report of the Commission on Taxation. The first of these mentioned by the Deputy proposed that the income tax relief available for donations made to charitable bodies be available only at the standard rate of taxation. Currently tax relief is available for such donations at the taxpayer's marginal rate. The second recommendation mentioned proposed that the threshold for eligibility for the relief be reduced to €100 from its current level of €250.
The Commission on Taxation made six recommendations in total with regard to the tax exemptions and reliefs that are currently available to charities. It is appropriate to examine these recommendations as a composite group in order to ascertain the effect of their implementation on the charitable sector and indeed on the Exchequer.
The views of the relevant Ministers have been sought in relation to various recommendations of the Commission on Taxation. In this regard, the views of the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs have been sought regarding the recommendations relating to the charitable sector.
Consideration of the responses from Ministers and the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation will be undertaken as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:97 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will to introduce compensation to charities for VAT incurred on independent fundraising for charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25717/10]
Charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT.
With regard to introducing compensation to charities in respect of the VAT incurred by them on fundraising expenses, this would undoubtedly lead to other exempt bodies such as schools, hospitals and sporting organisations, many of which are already registered as charities, seeking to benefit from such a system of refunds. These exempt bodies are already receiving considerable Exchequer funding.
The tax code already treats charities in a favourable manner. The tax code currently provides exemption for charities from Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty, Probate Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax and the uniform scheme of tax relief for donations.
Finally, even if funds were available to offset the VAT paid by charities in Ireland, I am not sure that the most appropriate use of the funds would be to relieve them of the VAT paid on inputs as opposed to grant-aiding their activities using other criteria.
EU Directives
Joe Costello
Ceist:98 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance how he proposes to transpose the Consumer Credit Directive into domestic legislation; when he proposes to do so; if he proposes to include the discretion for credit unions contained in the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25719/10]
The Consumer Credit Directive establishes a harmonised legal framework in the European Union for the provision of consumer credit ranging from €200 up to €75,000. (It does not apply to mortgages). It replaces a 1987 Directive (87/102/EEC), which laid down minimum rules for consumer credit arrangements within the EU.
The Directive was transposed into domestic legislation by Statutory Instrument No. 281/2010 on 9th June, 2010 and came into operation on 11th June, 2010.
I believe that the Directive enhances the strong regulatory regime underpinning consumer protection, and as such, I have decided that credit unions should be subject to its full application.
However, following consultation with representatives of the Credit Union movement, I am aware that the credit unions will require some time to upgrade their systems and train staff so that they can effect compliance with all the requirements of the Directive. Consequently, I have adopted the discretion allowed for under Article 2.5 applying limited provisions of the Directive to them until 11th December 2011, after which date, the full Directive will take effect.
Departmental Agencies
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:99 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 40 of 9 June 2010, the 24 posts referred to in his answer relate to the 53 requested posts by Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25872/10]
Following requests by the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment I sanctioned the following posts, as exceptional measures under the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the public sector:
4 posts for Enterprise Ireland overseas offices in July 2009
A further 2 posts for Enterprise Ireland overseas offices in February 2010.
Pension Provisions
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:100 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 30 March 2010, and the legislation which will treat approved minimum retirement funds improperly sold to individuals as approved retirement funds, the criteria for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25940/10]
In my reply to the previous question of 30 March 2010 referred to by the Deputy, I said that the Government is aware that individuals who invested some or all of their pension funds in an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) because they did not satisfy the specified income requirement at retirement, may later satisfy that condition. The Government has decided to allow those individuals who meet the specified income conditions after retirement to have their AMRFs treated as Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs) to which they will have access.
The issue being addressed relates to the fact that, under current legislation, individuals can be locked into the AMRF arrangement without access to the capital in their fund until age 75 despite the fact that, subsequent to retirement, they may be able to satisfy the specified income condition. This is not a question of AMRFs being improperly sold.
I also mentioned in my previous response that the details of this change will be worked out during the implementation phase of the National Pensions Framework and legislated for in due course. The position is that a Steering Group has been established to oversee the work of implementing the Framework which will take a period of three to five years to complete. However, the Framework includes a commitment to extend, from next year, the option to invest in an ARF to all members of Defined Contribution occupational pension schemes and I would consider that the matter which is the subject of the Deputy's question will be dealt with in the same legislation in 2011. The detail of the legislative change will be made known at that time.
Tax Code
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:101 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance the VAT implications for a new company that will sell silver coins; if silver coins are exempt from VAT or if the standard rate of VAT applies when sold to collectors or investors; if the Central Bank sells silver coins and if VAT applies to these sales; and if so, the rate of same; if VAT applies to Irish collector coins; if so the rate of same; if VAT applies to antique coins; if so the rate of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25941/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the only circumstances in which the supply of silver coins is exempt from VAT is where they are supplied for use as legal tender in any country. This is provided for in paragraph 6(1)(d) of Schedule 1 to the VAT Act 1972 (as amended).
The sale of silver coins, in general, is liable to VAT at the standard rate of 21%. The reduced rate of VAT of 13.5% may apply where the silver coins are supplied as collectors' items or antiques as defined in paragraphs (ii)(b) and (iii) of Schedule 5 to the VAT Act 1972 (as amended). The new company should contact their local Revenue Office for advice on the appropriate VAT rates to apply.
Departmental Statistics
James Reilly
Ceist:102 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the national debt as a percentage of GNP each year from 1980 to 2010; the general Government debt each year from 1980 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25951/10]
The national debt as a percentage of GNP for the period from 1980 to 2010 is set out in Table 1 below.
|
Year |
National Debt |
National Debt % of GNP |
|
€bn |
% |
|
|
1980 |
10.0 |
80.0 |
|
1981 |
12.9 |
85.7 |
|
1982 |
14.8 |
84.7 |
|
1983 |
18.3 |
95.8 |
|
1984 |
21.4 |
103.3 |
|
1985 |
23.5 |
106.0 |
|
1986 |
27.4 |
115.1 |
|
1987 |
30.1 |
117.6 |
|
1988 |
31.3 |
116.2 |
|
1989 |
31.5 |
106.8 |
|
1990 |
31.8 |
99.4 |
|
1991 |
32.2 |
96.0 |
|
1992 |
33.5 |
93.9 |
|
1993 |
36.0 |
93.5 |
|
1994 |
37.1 |
89.0 |
|
1995 |
38.4 |
81.7 |
|
1996 |
38.0 |
73.3 |
|
1997 |
39.0 |
65.5 |
|
1998 |
37.5 |
54.7 |
|
1999 |
39.9 |
51.8 |
|
2000 |
36.5 |
40.9 |
|
2001 |
36.2 |
36.9 |
|
2002 |
36.4 |
34.1 |
|
2003 |
37.6 |
31.9 |
|
2004 |
37.8 |
30.0 |
|
2005 |
38.2 |
27.8 |
|
2006 |
35.9 |
23.5 |
|
2007 |
37.6 |
23.3 |
|
2008 |
50.4 |
32.6 |
|
2009 |
75.2 |
57.2 |
|
2010* |
94.0 |
72.8 |
*2010 figure based on Budget 2010 forecasts.
The General Government Debt is the standard measure of debt used within the EU for comparative purposes. It includes the National Debt as described above, as well as Local Government debt and some other minor liabilities of Government. In addition, it is a gross measure of debt as it does not allow for the netting of cash balances or, in more recent years, the assets of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, both of which are significant and at-end 2009 amounted to some 27% of GDP.
The General Government Debt is usually expressed as percentage of GDP. The figures in the table below have been compiled on an ESA95 basis (the European system of accounting which defines the accounting rules to be used by all EU Member States). Figures are not available on this basis prior to 1990.
|
Year |
General Government Debt |
General Government Debt % of GDP |
|
€bn |
% |
|
|
1990* |
34.2 |
94.5 |
|
1991 |
36.0 |
95.6 |
|
1992 |
37.0 |
92.4 |
|
1993 |
41.1 |
95.2 |
|
1994 |
41.7 |
89.8 |
|
1995 |
43.6 |
82.1 |
|
1996 |
43.2 |
73.5 |
|
1997 |
43.7 |
64.3 |
|
1998 |
42.1 |
53.6 |
|
1999 |
43.9 |
48.5 |
|
2000 |
39.7 |
37.8 |
|
2001 |
41.6 |
35.6 |
|
2002 |
41.9 |
32.2 |
|
2003 |
43.3 |
31.0 |
|
2004 |
44.3 |
29.7 |
|
2005 |
44.4 |
27.4 |
|
2006** |
44.1 |
24.9 |
|
2007 |
47.4 |
25.0 |
|
2008 |
79.9 |
43.9 |
|
2009 |
104.7 |
64.0 |
|
2010 |
134.9 |
83.9 |
*Figures from 1990-2005 have been supplied by the Central Statistics Office.
**Figures for 2006-2010 taken from the Maastricht returns published on 22nd April 2010.
Flood Relief
Phil Hogan
Ceist:103 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance when the necessary finance will be allocated to Kilkenny County Council to deal effectively with a flooding issue (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25976/10]
Engineering staff from the Office of Public Works and Kilkenny County Council met in 2009 to assess the flooding problem in Ballyragget. It was agreed that the Council would prepare and submit a detailed report on the flooding problem to the OPW to enable the matter to be considered further. The OPW is awaiting this report.
It would be open to the Council to submit an application for funding for works at Ballyragget under the ongoing scheme administered by this Office, which provides funds to local authorities to carry out minor mitigation works to address localised flooding problems.
If an application is submitted, it will be assessed in accordance with the relevant eligibility criteria, and having regard to the total funding available for flood mitigation works this year.
Dormant Accounts Fund
Willie Penrose
Ceist:104 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that her Department has received an application for funding for the establishment of new youth cafe facilities, strand two, from an organisation (details supplied) in County Westmeath from the dormant accounts fund 2010; if she will ensure that this organisation is allocated the appropriate and necessary funding to allow the establishment of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25722/10]
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the recently announced OMCYA Dormant Accounts Youth Café Funding Scheme which is being administered by POBAL on behalf of my Office. My Office does not accept applications for this scheme. All applications for this scheme must be made to City & County Development Boards who will then submit a short-list of suitable applications to POBAL. Full details of the scheme are available on www.pobal.ie.
Child Care Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:105 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a business (details supplied). [25745/10]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:112 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [25740/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 112 together.
I have responsibility for implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which capital grant funding is provided to community and commercial child care providers for the development of child care facilities.
Following the review of Government expenditure which was completed in April of last year, the NCIP closed to new capital grant applicants. During 2010, capital funding is continuing to be paid to meet existing NCIP commitments. With regard to the case raised by the Deputy, I regret to advise that new applications for capital funding cannot be accepted at this time.
Departmental Schemes
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:106 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to prevent a repeat of the difficulties that arose in 2009 in relation to overpayments and significant delays on the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme arising from the administration of the scheme by centralised units. [25858/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff
James Reilly
Ceist:107 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that home care providers who are contracted and paid by the Health Service Executive are charging elderly patients an extra hourly fee on top of the money they receive from the HSE; the amount of money a home care provider (details supplied) received in 2009 from the HSE to provide care; the number of patients this home care provider was contracted to care for in 2009; the number of hours of care that this provider was contracted to provide in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25707/10]
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.
Health Services
Joan Burton
Ceist:108 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of respite support by a charity (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if she will confirm that this service is to be discontinued and explain the rationale for this decision; if her attention has been drawn to the negative effect the discontinuation of this service will have on persons who depend on the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25714/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Joe Costello
Ceist:109 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will accede to the request of a family for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of their mother (details supplied). [25718/10]
I am informed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that the hospital in question undertook an independent internal Review which was led and chaired by an independent external reviewer. Once this report was completed it was sent by the hospital to the family concerned in February 2010.
I understand that the hospital is in the process of implementing the recommendations of the report of the independent internal Review.
I was previously made aware of this case which is being dealt with by my Department in line with the Patient Safety Protocol which was adopted in September 2008. The protocol deals with correspondence from patients, doctors, health service staff and solicitors. It is managed by the Chief Medical Officer on my behalf as a medical assessment of any potential patient safety issue is required.
The HSE has informed my Department that the case referred to is the subject of legal proceedings against the hospital concerned. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment further on the issue raised.
Health Services
John Browne
Ceist:110 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children the expenditure by the Health Service Executive on orthopaedic footwear in the Dublin area and nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25726/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:111 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps a parent should take whose child demonstrates signs of developmental delays or disabilities where the child is under five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25737/10]
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on 1 June 2007 in respect of children aged under 5 years; this includes an entitlement to an independent assessment of health and education needs. The Health Service Executive has appointed 32 Assessment Officers to carry out this function under the Disability Act 2005. These officers were appointed in each local health office. Contact details for Assessment Officers are available on the Health Service Executive website at:
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Disability_Services/Disability_Assessment/ Assessment_Officers.html
From the date of commencement, any parent who has concerns that their child aged under 5 may have a disability should apply for an assessment of need under Part 2 of the Disability Act.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 105.
Hospital Services
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:113 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will instruct the Health Service Executive to provide additional funding to Tallaght Hospital to enable the hospital to deal effectively with the difficulties which have arisen regarding the number of dermatology referrals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25869/10]
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.
Medical Cards
Jack Wall
Ceist:114 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25883/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Services for People with Disabilities
Finian McGrath
Ceist:115 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the respite services of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [25885/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Staff
Richard Bruton
Ceist:116 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if nurses have been included in the early retirement proposals introduced in the past two years; if the further development of such schemes for nursing is contemplated in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25929/10]
The Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) in the public health sector, announced by the Minister for Finance in his Supplementary Budget Statement of 7 April 2009, is now closed.
As the Minister for Finance indicated in his Financial Statement on Supplementary Budget day, this is the only voluntary early retirement scheme that the Government intends to make available in the civil and public service. Any pre-existing early retirement scheme, such as the Pilot Early Retirement Scheme for Nurses and the Pre Retirement Initiative is therefore closed. Nurses, who met the eligibility criteria under ISER, had access to the scheme. All public health sector employees may still avail of the existing Cost Neutral Early Retirement Scheme (Department of Health and Children Circular 5/2005 refers).
The closing date for ISER in the public health sector has now passed and there are no plans to re-open it at the moment.
General Medical Services Scheme
Richard Bruton
Ceist:117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the proposed charges for medical card holders will become effective; if she has had cause to reconsider any elements of these charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25930/10]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the announcement in Budget 2010 that, in order to address rising costs in the General Medical Scheme (GMS) scheme, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item would be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family.
The full details of the prescription charges will be set out in legislation which is expected to be circulated shortly.
Hospital Services
Richard Bruton
Ceist:118 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has investigated the experience of mothers who survived the practice of symphysiotomy but suffered serious side effects; and if she plans any initiatives to investigate the position of survivors and offer support. [25932/10]
I have asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to prepare a report for me concerning the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. I have asked that the report would: provide the Institute's assessment of the circumstances in which symphysiotomy was carried out in Irish obstetric units; indicate what protocols or guidance existed over the years to guide professional practice; and specify when the practice changed and why it changed at that time in Ireland.
I am also committed to ensuring that the greatest possible support and services are made available to women who continue to suffer effects of having undergone this procedure. The women concerned continue to receive attention and care through a number of services which have been put in place including: the provision of medical cards to all Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) patients who requested them; the nomination, since 2003, of a Liaison Officer for a patients' group comprised of women who underwent a symphysiotomy procedure; the availability of independent clinical advice for former patients by Liaison Officers who assist in co-ordinating the provision of services to those patients; and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up, including Medical Assessment, Gynaecology Assessment, Orthopaedic Assessment, Counselling, Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Home Help, Acupuncture, Osteopathy and fast tracked hospital appointments — I understand that 125 women have availed of some or all of the services offered by the HSE; the refund of medical expenses related to symphysiotomy in respect of medication/private treatments; the establishment of a triple assessment service for patients at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin in January 2005; and a Support Group facilitated by a counsellor which was set up in 2004 in Dundalk and Drogheda for women living in North East region.
I have been assured by the HSE that it will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for women. In doing so the HSE is committed to being proactive in seeking out and offering help to women who had symphysiotomies and who may wish to avail of the services offered by the HSE.
Grant Payments
Richard Bruton
Ceist:119 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a grant is available to adapt a car by fitting a swivel seat in order to accommodate the transport of a spouse whose mobility is severely impaired. [25933/10]
The main supports available for disabled drivers and passengers are the Mobility Allowance, the Motorised Transport Grant and the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme. The Mobility Allowance is a means tested monthly payment payable by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to people aged between 16 and 66 who have a disability and are unable to walk or use public transport and who would benefit from a change in surroundings; (for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey).
The Health Service Executive may pay a Motorised Transport Grant towards the purchase of a vehicle and/or adaptations to a vehicle being purchased by a person with a severe disability who is 17 years or older where a vehicle is essential for him/her to retain employment. The vehicle must also be purchased and registered in the name of the person with the disability and the applicant must hold a driver's licence (full or provisional). Qualified persons with a disability who are incapable of driving or who have been medically advised not to drive, and who have to be driven to and from his/her place of employment will only be considered eligible for a grant provided that he/she will be driven by another named person to and from his/her place of employment. In these circumstances it is not necessary for the vehicle to be purchased and registered in the name of the person with the disability.
http: //www.citizensinformation.ie/index/SUBJECT/transporthttp://www.citizens information.ie/index/SUBJECT/people_with_disabilitieshttp://www.citizensinformation.ie/ index/SUBJECT/health_service_payments
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides a range of tax reliefs linked to the purchase and use of vehicles by disabled drivers and disabled passengers. Under the terms of the scheme, a person can claim remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax (VRT), repayment of value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of a vehicle and repayment of VAT on the cost of adapting a vehicle.
The Health Service Executive has the responsibility for the medical assessment of applicants for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme on behalf of the Department of Finance and for processing applications for Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant. As such, I would recommend that the Deputy inform the individual mentioned that it is open to them to contact their local health office directly.
Health Services
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:120 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive is withdrawing funding from a facility (details supplied) which provides valuable respite services for 80 users; if the Health Service Executive has taken into account the hardship that closing this facility will cause to many families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25936/10]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Frank Feighan
Ceist:121 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be admitted to hospital for a procedure. [25950/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Services for People with Disabilities
David Stanton
Ceist:122 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has completed the Review of Congregated Settings; the conclusions of the review in relation to the transfer of people with intellectual disabilities living in such institutions to more appropriate accommodation including those inappropriately placed in psychiatric hospitals; the timescales for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25977/10]
The Review of the Congregated Settings is being carried out by a group chaired by a senior HSE official. I understand that the group is at an advanced stage in its work. However, it would be a matter for the HSE to advise you on the current status of the review. 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.
Mental Health Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if or not it is possible to investigate, assess or offer assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who was never psychologically assessed, who may well benefit from same; if she will initiate inquires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26005/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the further support or back up that is likely to be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if it is intended to put in place a specific programme to meet the requirements identified in the course of the psychological assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26006/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Food Safety
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:125 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the need to provide consumers with more information on food products produced using novel technologies and associated benefits in order to provide them with the knowledge to make more informed food choice decisions and to increase consumer acceptance on the basis that strategic reviews of the Irish food industry have consistently emphasised the need for companies to invest in their technological and marketing capabilities to manage risk in new product development and increase value added levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21967/10]
EU food labelling requirements look to provide consumers with the information needed to make informed choices and to make safe use of food. A key principle underlying the labelling of food is that the purchaser must not be misled. The information on the label must be clear and unambiguous and must not be such as could mislead the consumer to a material degree.
Novel foods and the use of novel technologies in food production are governed by Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients. This regulation stipulates that any food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the EU prior to May 15, 1997 requires authorisation before being placed on the market. This Regulation also stipulates that prior authorisation is required where a novel process is used that gives rise to significant changes in the composition or structure of the food, which in turn affects the nutritional value, metabolism or level of undesirable substances. Additional labelling of novel foods may be stipulated in the authorisation as part of a risk management strategy without prejudice to general food labelling requirements. Where a company wishes to market a new food on the basis of proposed nutrition or health benefits, any related claims must be validated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in advance so that consumers' interests are protected.
Voluntary Health Insurance
Joan Burton
Ceist:126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeline for the injection of funds into the VHI to enable it to meet its solvency requirements in advance of privatisation; the level of funding she expects to have to inject into VHI before its privatisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25621/10]
A key element of the Government's strategy for the future of the private health insurance market is to establish VHI Healthcare in a position where it is authorised by the Financial Regulator and therefore regulated for prudential solvency purposes on the same basis as its competitors. The Government has committed to making a substantial capital investment into the VHI in order to secure its authorisation as a matter of urgency. The procedure for authorisation necessitates that VHI not only have sufficient capital in place to satisfy the requirements of the Financial Regulator, but also to display that it can sustain the necessary capital over a three to five year period. This will require VHI to demonstrate that it has a robust business plan in place which will satisfy these requirements. As Minister responsible for the VHI, I and my officials will be in close contact with the Board and management to ensure that such a business plan will be in place.
The actual amount of capital which will be required will be determined between the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children in light of the advice of experts. The level of capital required will be affected by a number of issues, including the amount of reinsurance and/or subordinated debt which the VHI may secure. It is not possible to specify precisely at this time what the figure for capitalisation will be. The timing for capitalisation and sale of VHI will depend on a number of factors, which will be decided by Government in light of the advices of the experts on the appropriate sequencing and structure of the disposal of the company. These experts will be appointed on foot of a competitive tendering exercise which I expect will take place shortly.
Bonding Regulations
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:127 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fact that the number of travel agents here has halved in the past two years, he will consider changing the bonding requirement to be catered for by a single common fund rather than requiring the over-expensive individual funding of all travel agents; and if his further attention has been drawn to the importance of travel agents in supporting inward tourism through the retention of air routes. [25713/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, in 2008 I requested the Commission for Aviation Regulation to undertake a review of travel trade licensing and bonding regulations. Among the recommendations arising from this review was that a collective bond scheme could be developed in concert with the insurance industry.
In November 2009, as part of the Review of the Consumer Aqcuis, the Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO) of the European Commission launched a review of the Package Travel Directive. Given this development, there would not appear to be any merit in undertaking fundamental reform of the bonding regime at this time without a clearer understanding of what the Commission is proposing in this area.
Citizenship Applications
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:128 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will issue regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25704/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2008. All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Crime Levels
Finian McGrath
Ceist:129 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [25744/10]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:137 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [25975/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 137 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy is in the Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of a number of burglaries occurring in the area. These incidents are under active Garda investigation, and a number of persons have been charged and are currently before the courts. I am further informed that there have been no reports of incidents of speeding or road traffic collisions in the area in 2010 to date. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to the area and regularly meets local residents.
The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the local Detective and Drugs Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Traffic resources and strategies on speeding are prioritised and deployed in accordance with the Collision Prevention Programme and specific complaints. The area has traffic calming measures in place and a speed limit of 50 kph. Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
Community policing is a central feature and core value of the Garda Síochána policing policy. Current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences, anti-social behaviour and breaches of road traffic legislation, thereby promoting an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life for residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
Juvenile Offenders
Joe Carey
Ceist:130 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of places available to young offenders to participate in educational programmes in St. Patrick’s Institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25748/10]
Joe Carey
Ceist:132 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will list and name the number of workshops available in St. Patrick’s Institution; the number of participants on each scheme; the length of each course; if there is a waiting list to access the various workshops, if so, the length of the waiting period; his plans to introduce new workshops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25751/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 132 together.
In St Patrick's Institution educational classes and courses are provided by a team of twenty whole-time equivalent teachers. All young persons are interviewed on committal for both Work/Training and Education and offered places in one or other of these activities. While the primary focus is on basic literacy and numeracy, the educational courses offered cover a wide range of subjects including English, Maths, Computers, Art, Crafts, Music and Home Economics. Various FETAC courses are on offer and a variety of subjects are offered up to Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate standard. Currently 115 prisoners are participating in educational classes, with up to 70 attending on any given day. In addition, all inmates have access to library facilities and a fully fitted gymnasium.
In the Work and Training area, a number of vocational workshops are currently in operation — covering Woodwork and Joinery, Metal Work, Computer Training, Laundry, Industrial Skills and Catering. The average weekly participation rate in Work and Training is 49 prisoners. The period of attendance in workshops depends on a range of factors including the length and complexity of the coursework, the ability of the prisoner and the length of sentence. There are no waiting lists in operation and there are currently no plans to expand the number of workshops in the Institution.
All prisoners are encouraged and facilitated, subject to security considerations, to engage in constructive activities. In addition to participation in education and work and training there are on any given day an average of 58 inmates engaged in other structured activities such as painting, general cleaning, laundry, kitchen and horticultural work.
Joe Carey
Ceist:131 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the drug treatment facilities that are available in St. Patrick’s Institution; the number of young offenders availing of these services; if there are plans to increase this service; the number of drug-free landings in St. Patrick’s Institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25750/10]
The Irish Prison Service has committed significant investment in recent years to respond to drug misuse within prisons in keeping with our policy and strategy "Keeping Drugs Out of Prisons" which continues to be implemented. A comprehensive range of services and programmes are provided in all closed prisons including St. Patrick's Institution. Drug rehabilitation programmes seek to reduce demand for drugs within the prison system through education, treatment and rehabilitation services. Particular initiatives include the provision of detoxification, methadone maintenance, education programmes, addiction counselling and drug therapy programmes, coupled with work, training and education access. Rehabilitation addresses needs beyond the physical management of addiction and also endeavours to equip individuals with life and vocational skills that may help them reintegrate into society on release. Because of this multifaceted approach, it is not possible to give comprehensive detail of the numbers engaged in various treatment modalities.
Any person entering prison giving a history of opiate use and testing positive for opioids on committal is offered a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification for operational reasons. Patients can, as part of the assessment process, discuss with health care staff other treatment options which may include stabilisation on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance while in prison and when they return to the community on release. There are a very small number of young offenders on methadone substitution treatment. Adolescents tend to experiment with a wide variety of drugs. Some of these might include opiate-type drugs but the numbers on substitution treatment remain very low. This would indicate there is no demonstrable evidence to suggest a wide dependence on opiate-type drugs. In 2009, 19 prisoners in St. Patrick's Institution were prescribed methadone. Only one of this number was not known to the drug treatment services in the community.
Merchants Quay Ireland provides a full range of counselling services in St. Patrick's Institution including addiction counselling and evidence based counselling interventions with defined care plans and goals. From January to April 2010 there were in excess of 450 prisoner contacts. Merchants Quay Ireland assess all those referred to them and determine appropriate actions which can include onward referrals, individual counselling, group work all of which includes interventions such as harm reduction, relapse prevention, cognitive behaviour therapy and release planning. An in-reach addiction psychiatrist also attends St. Patrick's Institution each week. At a corporate level the IPS are continuing to enhance and expand addiction treatment provision in partnership with community based addiction services across the prison estate.
There is currently one designated drug free landing in St. Patrick's Institution which can accommodate 75 prisoners at any one time. Upon committal to St Patrick's, inmates are provided with information about the drug free wing and invited to apply for same. Before going onto the drug free division, two clean urines must be given and there must be no disciplinary reports for the previous month. Considerable effort is employed by staff in St. Patrick's Institution to ensure that initiatives such as education and drug awareness, urine screening and psycho-social interventions are made available to all prisoners.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 130.
Visa Applications
Joe Costello
Ceist:133 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to refuse permission to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied); if he will allow them time to establish if they are eligible for British citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25850/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question has submitted additional information in support of her application for permission to remain. This application is currently under consideration and officials in my department will contact the person concerned in the near future.
Garda Vetting Services
John O'Mahony
Ceist:134 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their Garda clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25884/10]
I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 243 of 25 May 2010 in this matter. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Central Vetting Unit has not yet received the completed application from the registered organisation in respect of the person to whom he refers. Once the completed application is received by the Vetting Unit it will be processed accordingly.
Psychotropic Substances
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:135 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking directly with the Chinese Government and at EU level to address the reports from the BBC and other media outlets of the mass production of psychoactive, head shop-type products in China for the EU and Irish markets; if he has contacted the Chinese Ambassador in respect of the alleged production of head shop-type products in China for the market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25942/10]
The increasing emergence of a large number of new unregulated psychoactive substances specifically designed to circumvent drug controls in Europe is currently a matter of primary concern for the European Union. While officials from various Government Departments, including my own, continue to work closely with the EU and UN international drugs policy fora tackling this issue, I firmly believe that decisive national action is also needed to address this problem. The production of such psychoactive products and substances can occur anywhere worldwide including China.
Given this and the availability and use of the Internet to market and sell such substances and the fact that organisations involved in such manufacturing operations can move locations relatively easily I believe that strong general controls by way of criminal justice legislation to deal with the supply of such substances is the most effective means of dealing with this problem. It is for these reasons that I am introducing the Criminal Justice (Psychotropic Substances) Bill 2010 which will criminalise the unlawful importation and or sale of psychotropic substances. The publication of this Bill is imminent and these measures will complement our existing Department of Health and Children's Misuse of Drugs legislation under which substances are deemed to be controlled drugs. In addition, I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the Gardaí will, at the most senior levels, continue to closely monitor the operation of head shop premises in this jurisdiction.
Garda Deployment
Frank Feighan
Ceist:136 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give a commitment that the garda who has left Cloone, County Leitrim, will be replaced with a permanent full-time garda who will reside in the Cloone area. [25948/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a Garda has been allocated to Cloone Garda Station and will take up duty there on the 17 June 2010.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 129.
Deportation Orders
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26007/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy has no application pending for residency. The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim, his application for subsidiary protection and his application to remain temporarily in the State. He has been evading his deportation since 16 March 2010 and should he come to the notice of the Garda authorities, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without any further delay. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Passport Offices
Joe McHugh
Ceist:139 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any progress has been made on his proposal to establish a passport office service on the north and west of this island; if he will outline the outstanding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25705/10]
As I indicated to the Deputy on 27 May last I have asked my officials to examine the feasibility of providing passport production equipment in other parts of the country. This could include the case for establishing a passport office service in the North West region. However, I do not expect that a decision in this regard will be made in the short term. The priority for the Passport Service at present is to reduce the substantial backlog in passport applications and to restore the normal turnaround time for passport processing at the earliest opportunity.
Human Rights Issues
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:140 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking with the Israeli Government to emphasise his shock and concern in respect of the recent events at Gaza; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25866/10]
I addressed a special debate in the Dáil on 1 June in relation to the deaths which occurred the previous day when Israeli forces intercepted and carried out a military assault on the Free Gaza flotilla. I spoke again on the subject in the Seanad on 2 June. These debates were important opportunities for members to express the shock and concern felt in the country, and on behalf of the Government I set out clearly my own strong views and reaction to these events. I advised the Oireachtas that I had immediately called in the Ambassador of Israel on 31 May to convey these views directly to him, and through him to his Government. The Government's position has been repeatedly stated on many occasions since in official level exchanges through Ireland's Embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel's Embassy in Dublin.
I discussed these issues also with my EU colleagues at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 June, and we considered in particular how we might work to bring to an end the drastic restrictions on movements of goods into and out of Gaza which have led to this tragic outcome. The Council believes that an immediate, full and impartial inquiry into the recent events and the circumstances surrounding them is essential. The Conclusions also make clear that to command the confidence of the international community this should include credible international participation. I drew attention to the valuable proposals made by the UN Secretary General in this matter.
Trade Relations
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:141 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that he is putting in place to ensure better trade with China; and can he make a statement about his recent trip there. [25939/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the primary responsibility for promoting Irish trade rests with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. However, my Department has an important role to play in this area and I have set the promotion of our economic interests abroad as one of the key priorities for our Missions overseas.
Ireland's trade with China has increased very substantially over the last thirty years since we established diplomatic relations. Since the adoption by the Government of the Asia Strategy in 1998, which was designed to focus official efforts and attention on the development of our economic links with the fast growing countries of that region, and notably China, our merchandise exports to China increased from €75.4 million in 1998 to €1.64 billion in 2009. Exports of services have also increased significantly, reaching €1.4 billion in 2008.
The Irish Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Shanghai work closely with the promotional agencies — Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, An Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland, to promote trade, investment and tourism with China.
An important part of our strategy in China, and one where my Department plays an active role, has been to increase the number of high level visits as a means of deepening our mutual understanding and developing links for increased cooperation, politically and economically.
My visit to China at the end of last month covered five cities in five days and my objective at each opportunity, including at my talks in Beijing with China's Vice Premier, Li Kiqiang, and Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi, was to promote our diplomatic, trade, investment and education links with China. The consistent message I delivered throughout the week was that Ireland has one of the best educated, highly skilled and talented workforces in the world, and that our country is the pre-eminent location for fresh thinking where smart people turn innovative ideas into world class goods and services.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to visit Expo 2010 in Shanghai, a city which is twinned with Cork. 200 countries are represented at this world trade fair and up to 80 million people are expected to visit it over the summer. Almost 15,000 people visited the Irish Pavilion on the opening day and the China Daily, the country's largest English language newspaper, recommended the Ireland Germany Pavilions as a ‘once in a lifetime experience.'
My visit formed part of a programme of visits from Ireland to China this year and was organised to complement and lead up to the visit of President McAleese, who is in China this week. The President met with Vice Premier Xi Jinping last Sunday in Beijing and will attend Ireland Day at Expo in Shanghai on Thursday. The President will also participate in business events hosted by Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland, to assist in developing Ireland's trade and investment interests in China.
I am determined to ensure that my Department continues to do everything possible to support the promotion of our economic interests in China. Last month, I held a consultative meeting with representatives of the public and private sectors to discuss what more my Department could do to assist their efforts to develop trade with China. While I was in Shanghai, I met with Asia-Pacific members of the Global Irish Network, one of several successful initiatives to emerge from the Farmleigh Global Economic Forum last year. This meeting afforded an opportunity to develop relations established last September and to discuss the economic situation in Ireland, and how best to promote Irish business interests in the region. Through these continuing contacts with the business community, I intend that our Missions in China will provide every possible support to our trade with that country.
Travel Documentation
Billy Timmins
Ceist:142 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. [25980/10]
Irish passports are valid in Spain, including the Canary Islands, until the date of expiry written on the document. This has been confirmed with the Embassy of Spain in Dublin. In these circumstances the child should have no difficulty in travelling.
Tourism Industry
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her policy in relation to the optimum number of hotel beds needed to cater for the tourism level on a county or regional basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25998/10]
According to figures compiled by Fáilte Ireland, there were just over 60,000 registered hotel rooms in Ireland in 2009, compared with approximately 42,900 in 2003 and 26,350 in 1996. The existing hotel stock is regarded as more than sufficient to meet current levels of demand. In a report commissioned by the Irish Hotels Federation and prepared by Peter Bacon and Associates, Economic Consultants, it was estimated that there was a surplus of between 12,300 and 15,300 hotel rooms at present. The provision of hotel rooms, and the optimum number required to cater for business, at national, regional and county level, while at the same time allowing for a profitable and competitive hotel sector, is best left to the market to determine and is primarily a function of supply and demand.
Increased quality, competition and control of costs had led in recent times to a superb range of value-for-money offers being available to overseas and domestic tourists. This is a welcome development for those choosing to holiday in Ireland.
Our existing tourism policy seeks to support a competitive and sustainable tourism sector, including hotels, through a wide range of overseas and domestic marketing and promotional programmes to stimulate demand as well as an array of business support programmes to assist individual businesses, including hotels, to improve their efficiency and profitability.
Departmental Reviews
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:144 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the review of the Equality Authority; the costs associated with that review; the further position regarding the report conducted by Department of Justice and Law Reform; the cost of that report; the main recommendations of that report; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25732/10]
I have commenced work on a review of the legislation, structures and arrangements involving the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal and the Irish Human Rights Commission in order to enhance equality in an effective way. As part of this process, a scoping exercise has been initiated on the better integration of equality, human rights and social inclusion policy formulation and implementation. Tenders were sought on 11 June for the production of three background papers identifying issues that will need to be addressed in the review. The tender documentation can be downloaded at the public sector procurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie. The Deputy will appreciate that at this stage of the tender process, I am not in a position to provide costing details.
The value for money review referred to by the Deputy, which was commissioned by the then Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has been completed. Its findings, where relevant, will fall to be considered in the context of the more wide-ranging review which I am carrying out. I am informed that to date a sum of €36,450 has been expended on the value for money review. Publication of this report will be considered when my review is completed.
Security of the Elderly
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:145 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding will be provided to the carer’s association to provide personal alarms to the elderly; when this funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25855/10]
An application for grant support was received from the Carers Association Cork under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People on 13 May 2010. Officials of my Department contacted the group on a number of occasions to address outstanding items, including incomplete application forms for the applicant older persons. These matters have now been resolved and I am advised that a payment will issue in the coming week.
Community Development
Finian McGrath
Ceist:146 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support the community development programmes in 2010 (details supplied). [25886/10]
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. Of course, CDPs may opt out of the LCDP integration process and decide to go it alone. In such cases, my Department will be supportive in relation to the retention of any assets acquired with programme funding and may also be in a position to provide for some limited funding for a transition period, subject to certain conditions.
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. 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 and 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 and that my officials will continue to be available to meet with the boards of projects.
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.
I am aware that some CDPs have a range of concerns about assets, the impact on local service delivery, local buy-in and accountability. However, I am confident that all of those issues can be addressed in the implementation process previously outlined by my Department and now under way. In this regard, an information session for stakeholders was held by Pobal, on my Department's behalf, on 10 June last.
Dormant Accounts Fund
Jack Wall
Ceist:147 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding an application for funding by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25928/10]
The Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in May 2003 to end-May 2010, the net transfers to the DAF have totalled some €359m.
The projects to which the Deputy refers are currently funded under a measure managed by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I understand that the projects in question received approval for grants totalling some €93,000, of which some €27,000 was for capital needs and the balance of some €66,000 for operational purposes. The nature of funding received from the DAF is that it is once-off in nature and this is made clear to projects at the time of application.
Further details of the projects to which funding has been allocated to date and a summary of the status of the DAF are available on my Department's website
www.pobail.ie/en/DormantAccounts.
Social Welfare Appeals
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:148 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on the appeal in respect of an application for domiciliary allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if this appeal will be processed. [25708/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
If the person concerned's means are insufficient to meet their needs it is open to the person to apply to the Health Services Executive (Community Welfare Officer) for financial assistance while the appeal is being processed.
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.
Social Welfare Benefits
Richard Bruton
Ceist:149 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider relaxing the means test rules for jobseeker’s and disability allowance, when a qualifying person takes in sub-tenants in order to spread the cost of the mortgage in view of the fact that if the tenants were expelled the State could face paying both the mortgage interest supplement and the full rate of jobseeker’s allowance. [25721/10]
For the purposes of Jobseeker's Allowance and Disability Allowance, any cash income derived from the rental of a portion of a house in which the claimant normally resides is assessable as income for means test purposes.
Deductions from such income are allowed in respect of any mortgage interest or ground rent in proportion to the area used by a tenant. In addition, in the case of furnished rooms let, 5% of the gross amount received is allowed for wear and tear while a further 15% is allowed for voids (i.e. periods when accommodation is vacant between lettings).
Any changes to the current arrangements could only be considered in a Budgetary context and in the light of available resources.
Mary Upton
Ceist:150 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent allowance will be restored to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
James Reilly
Ceist:151 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time a person (details supplied) who appealed the refusal to grant them a carer’s allowance must wait in order to have their application processed; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person must care for both elderly parents full time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25864/10]
The application for carer's allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the grounds that the care recipient was not so invalided or disabled as to require full-time care and attention and weekly means derived from her spouse's employment exceeded the statutory limit.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal was opened and relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal were sought. These are now to hand and will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
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.
Social Welfare Benefits
James Bannon
Ceist:152 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the benefits a person (details supplied) in County Longford who is unemployed and liable for housing rental is entitled to claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25874/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
James Bannon
Ceist:153 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the benefits a person (details supplied) in County Longford who is unemployed and liable for housing rental is entitled to claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25875/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Joe McHugh
Ceist:154 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on pensioners’ concerns that have arisen from recent public discussion that the State pension may be cut or means tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25882/10]
The current Government policy in relation to pensions is laid out in the National Pensions Framework which was launched in March of this year. The framework includes a number of changes to the State pension in order to make it more transparent, simple and equitable for those who reach pension age.
Recognising that people are living longer and healthier lives, the Government has decided to amend State pension age in three separate stages: in 2014, the State pension transition will be abolished. The effect of this will be to standardise State pension age at 66; in 2021, the State pension age will be set at 67; and finally, in 2028, State pension age will be set at 68.
Finally, for those people who wish to postpone drawing down their State pension, arrangements will be put in place to enable them to receive an actuarially increased benefit when they decide to retire. In addition, for those with contribution shortfalls at pension age, arrangements will be put in place to allow them to receive additional benefit at a later date if they continue to make paid contributions for pension purposes while remaining in work or self-employment.
From 2012 social insurance credits will be introduced for people who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. This will replace the current homemakers disregard and will assist people — particularly women — to qualify for a contributory pension or a higher level of payment.
In addition, from 6 April 2012, and as provided for in legislation since 1997, the minimum number of paid contributions required for State pension (contributory) will increase from 260 to 520.
From 2020, the way in which eligibility for State pension is calculated will be simplified. Specifically, there will be a switch from the way in which pensions are currently calculated over the average working life. Under the new system, the level of pension paid will be based on the total number of social insurance contributions made by a person over his or her working life.
A person will need to make contributions for 30 years to qualify for a maximum pension. Once a person has the minimum number of paid contributions required, he or she will accumulate 1/30th of a pension for each year of contributions up to a maximum 30 years. Upon introduction of the total contributions approach, the maximum number of credits that can be used for pension purposes will be set at 520.
An implementation group for the National Pensions Framework has been established by my Department and this group will work through the relevant issues in implementing the measures contained in the framework.
Social welfare changes for 2011, including any changes to State pensions, will be considered later this year in the context of next year's Budget preparations, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs.
Social Welfare Benefits
Frank Feighan
Ceist:155 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [25949/10]
The person concerned applied for Carer's Allowance on 16 April 2010. On 26 April the file was referred to an Investigative Officer of this Department for means assessment and confirmation that the conditions for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and he will be notified directly as soon as possible.
Enterprise Allowance Schemes
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:156 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if social welfare officers are acting upon the chief executive officer of the Road Safety Authority request that due to the reduced market size of his industry, no funding will be provided to persons by his Department to enable them to become approved driving instructors; if this request is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25953/10]
The Department of Social Protection operates the short term enterprise allowance (STEA) and back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) schemes to assist unemployed people who wish to take up self employment.
A person in receipt of a social welfare payment who decides to set up as an approved driving instructor may be eligible to apply for STEA or BTWEA. However, one of the important steps under both schemes is that those taking up self-employment must first have their business venture approved as viable and sustainable.
This will be done by the relevant integrated development company (formerly known as partnership company) or by the Department's local facilitator. Approval normally involves an interview with the applicant to assess the viability of the proposed project, to provide advice on funding, on "Start Your Own Business" courses and other relevant aspects.
Each application for STEA or BTWEA is decided on its merits within the criteria set down for the scheme. In assessing viability, cognisance is taken of the demand for, and supply of, the particular service at local level.
In his letter to the Department, the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Safety Authority urged that, in light of over supply of driving instructors, anyone seeking to enter the trade undertakes the appropriate market research regarding volumes of work present. The Chief Executive Officer's letter has been brought to the attention of the Department's Facilitation Service.
Social Welfare Appeals
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:157 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the application for carer’s allowance will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied). [25983/10]
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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when one parent family allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied for same last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26001/10]
The person concerned claimed one parent family payment from 21 May 2009. His claim was disallowed on 11 September 2009 as he failed to disclose his means.
The person concerned lodged an appeal on 30 September 2009 and his file was sent to an inspector for a review of his case. All documentation requested by the inspector has not been furnished despite a number of requests to do so.
The case has now been referred to the social welfare appeals office in order that the appeal can be progressed.
Defence Forces Investigations
Martin Ferris
Ceist:159 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that the person (details supplied) named and implicated with regard to arms sales in the Seychelles has been suspended from their duties in the weapons wing, which buys weapons for the Defence Forces, pending the outcomes of these investigations. [25972/10]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:160 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if persons (details supplied) who were serving members of the Defence Forces at the time of alleged arms sales to the Seychelles have been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of these investigations. [25973/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 274 of 9 June 2010, I have been advised by the military authorities that they are conducting an investigation into the matters referred to. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matters until this investigation has been concluded.
Tax Code
Máire Hoctor
Ceist:161 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied). [25870/10]
Motor tax on commercial and goods vehicles is governed by the unladen weight of the vehicle. In order to be taxed at the commercial or goods rate, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for use as a commercial or goods vehicle and used for the conveyance of goods or burden in the course of a trade or profession. This generally means that passenger seats must be removed in order to allow for the carriage of goods.
Motor tax assessment generally relates directly to vehicles and the use to which vehicles are put, rather than the status of persons using or driving such vehicles. The level of motor tax payable in individual instances is determined by reference to factors such as engine size or CO2 emission levels in the case of private cars. Whether or not a vehicle is used for the transport of children is not a factor taken into account in the assessment of motor tax rates.
Farm Plan Scheme
John Cregan
Ceist:162 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when applications will be accepted under the hen harrier compensation scheme; and if the criteria for qualification will remain the same. [25720/10]
My Department will continue to accept new applicants to the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme for designated areas and commonages subject to available funding. Applications to join the scheme will be screened on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and the overall cost. The criteria for entry to the hen harrier element of the scheme will remain the same.
A draft version of the scoping form which will be used for the screening of applicants to the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme is currently available for public consultation. It is expected that this form will be finalised circa July 2010.
Planning Issues
James Reilly
Ceist:163 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will issue a ministerial directive which will subject head shops to planning laws and regulations under which their opening hours are restricted to the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and they cannot be located within 10 km of a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25759/10]
As indicated in the reply to Question No. 51 of 27 May 2010, the Government intends to introduce a range of controls on the availability of psychotropic products which are sold in so-called head shops, and is bringing forward specific legislation in this regard.
In support of these broad-ranging initiatives, my Department will keep under review the role the planning system might play in addressing this issue, through, for example, a more restrictive use of the change of use provisions under planning legislation or the inclusion of appropriate policies in planning authority development plans. I have no plans at this stage to issue a Ministerial Directive on the matter.
Foreshore Licences
Michael McGrath
Ceist:164 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application for a foreshore licence (details supplied) in County Cork. [25937/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 457 of 18 May 2010.
My Department subsequently advised Cork County Council of the arrangements to be made for public advertisement of the application. I understand, however, that the local authority has now decided to await the outcome of a planning application for the development before proceeding further with the foreshore application.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:165 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will be in a position to respond to an invitation of the 12 March 2010 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs to attend at a committee meeting to discuss the compensation claim on behalf of 15 landowners lodged with National Parks and Wildlife Service in August 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25956/10]
A response to this invitation issued from my office on 10 June 2010. I am not in a position to attend the proposed meeting. However, I have requested that my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service be available to attend on my behalf.
Social and Affordable Housing
Chris Andrews
Ceist:166 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding within the social housing budget 2010 that has been allocated for social housing refurbishment in Dublin South East. [25971/10]
It is a matter for individual housing authorities to plan the composition and management of their social housing investment programmes having regard to the specific social housing needs and priorities in their areas and to the Exchequer funding allocations available to them.
Dublin City Council was advised of its Social Housing Investment Programme allocation in April 2010. A total of €179.085 million was allocated to the City Council, including €94.340 million for Housing Supply and €75.745 million for Housing Improvement. The Housing Improvement allocation included €62.295 million for regeneration, €2.7 million for remedial works, €7 million for retrofitting voids and energy upgrades, €2 million for compliance with new rented standards and €1.75 million for improvement works.
It is a matter for the City Council to determine the content of these programmes, including any plans for social housing refurbishment in Dublin South East, taking into account its existing commitments, priority projects and any related co-funding and timescale considerations, subject to compliance with any necessary Departmental sanction terms and conditions.
With regard to social housing maintenance issues generally, under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock, which is largely financed from internal resources, is a matter for each housing authority.
Fisheries Protection
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:167 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when snap net salmon fishing will be allowed on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25878/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the taking of salmon by any means is permitted only in those rivers that are meeting their conservation limits and which have an identified surplus following appropriate assessment and scientific advice. Details of the rivers which are open in 2010 can be found in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2009 (SI No. 557 2009).
In order to permit the taking of salmon, the stock has to be shown to exceed the required number of spawners arriving into the river. The River Suir (including Clodiagh and Lingaun waters) has been assessed as being below its conservation limit by the Standing Scientific Committee. Accordingly no mortality by the taking of salmon is permissible in the river Suir and it remains closed during the 2010 season. The status of the stocks of salmon rivers is reviewed annually. If the stocks improve as a result of the ongoing conservation effort, as was the case in the River Nore in 2009, for example, it may be possible to permit the taking of salmon in the future.
Telecommunications Services
Billy Timmins
Ceist:168 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25710/10]
The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. I have no function in the case of the provision by service provider of broadband services to individual customers. More generally, in cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so.
Prior to the commencement of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those which, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, were to be excluded.
EU State Aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
Precise details of the electoral divisions throughout the State that are to be included in the National Broadband Scheme can be viewed on my Department's website www.dcenr.ie.
Details of the telecommunications service providers operating in County Carlow can be found at www.callcosts.ie on ComReg’s website.
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding and granted State Aid approval for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would be available to unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.
Frank Feighan
Ceist:169 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the provision regarding the provision of broadband for Cloone, County Leitrim. [25947/10]
In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The company is required to provide services to all fixed residences and businesses that are located within the NBS Coverage Area and who seek a service.
3 continues to progress its network rollout and NBS broadband services are now available in more than two thirds of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. Details of all the areas to be covered by the NBS, including the status of the NBS rollout, are available at www.three.ie/nbs.
The general area of Cloone, County Leitrim, will be covered under the NBS. While it is not possible to predict when precisely broadband services will become available in this area, under the NBS contract, all EDs within the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.
Foreshore Licences
John O'Mahony
Ceist:170 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a foreshore licence application by Mayo County Council to facilitate the construction of a new slipway at Kilcummin Pier, Kilcummin, Carrowmore-Lacken, Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25974/10]
Consideration of the application for a foreshore lease in respect of this development is at a very advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to make a determination regarding the matter shortly.
Grant Payments
Billy Timmins
Ceist:171 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if same will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25711/10]
The Early Retirement Scheme application for the person named has been approved for payment backdated to the date when my Department received a valid application from him, which was 24 September 2009. He will receive his first payment at the end of June.
John Browne
Ceist:172 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will arrange to have at least part payment of the single farm moneys due in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [25728/10]
My Department has received Single Payment Scheme applications for the years — 2005 to 2009 — on behalf of the Estate of the father of the person named. Despite numerous requests for the submission of the grant of probate and other supporting documentation — they have not been submitted to my Department. The processing of the applications cannot be finalised until the requested documentation is received.
John Browne
Ceist:173 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the full amount of single farm payment was not awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [25729/10]
The person named was paid on his SPS entitlements on 27th January 2010 following deduction without penalty, on the ground of force majeure/exceptional circumstances, of a land parcel also claimed by another applicant.
Departmental Offices
Joe Carey
Ceist:174 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has considered the proposal to provide an out-reach office on the grounds of Clare Marts, Ennis, County Clare to facilitate farmers on mart days in view of the inconvenience caused by the closure of the local Department’s office on the Kilrush Road, Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25747/10]
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.
Community Employment Schemes
Billy Timmins
Ceist:175 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an unemployed person who is anxious to take up a community employment scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25854/10]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The purpose of CE is to help unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.
The criteria for participating on the Community Employment programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. In general, the Part-time Integration Option is for people of 25 or over who are receiving social welfare payments for 1 year or more, and people of 18 years or over in receipt of disability-related payments. The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and in receipt of social welfare payments for 3 years or longer.
Those persons not meeting the criteria under the Part-time Integration or Part-time Job Options, or who are signing for credits, or are receiving social welfare benefits from a different country, are not eligible to participate on Community Employment.
CE is not designed to cater for short-term unemployed persons as they are not as far removed from the open labour market as the main client group for the programme. FÁS provides a range programmes aimed specifically at the short-term unemployed, details of which are available from any FÁS Employment Services office, Local Employment Service offices or from the FÁS website www.fas.ie.
Higher Education Grants
John Browne
Ceist:176 Deputy John Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a higher education grant was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will agree to have their entitlement fully reinvestigated. [25725/10]
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the student grant schemes specify that students' means and those of their parents/guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that the parents' income be taken into account, irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.
Only in exceptional cases, where compelling evidence of estrangement from parents/ guardians is provided, can candidates who are under 23 be assessed without reference to their parents/guardians income or address. The type of independent verification/evidence required would be a letter from a social worker or other appropriate officer of the Health Service Executive explaining the circumstances under which the candidate is estranged from his/her parents/guardians. Confirmation that a candidate is living separately from parents/guardians is not sufficient in this regard. Where candidates are estranged from parents/guardians, the necessary evidence in support of their case should be submitted to the relevant Local Authority or Vocational Education Committee for consideration. In the case referred to by the Deputy, the matter may be re-examined if such evidence is made available to the relevant Local Authority or VEC.
School Libraries
Finian McGrath
Ceist:177 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will support a matter (details supplied). [25742/10]
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:178 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans regarding the renewal of contracts for junior certificate school programme librarians under the demonstration library project for the 2010/2011 academic year and subsequent years; if the contract will be renewed for the JCSP librarian at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick and that the programme will continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25757/10]
Joe Costello
Ceist:179 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that the contracts of the librarians who are facilitating the Junior Certificate Schools Programme are renewed for the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25851/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 179, inclusive, together.
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. However, I am pleased to say that it has been decided to retain the library staff for the coming school year.
School Transport
Brendan Kenneally
Ceist:180 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements that are in place to approve school transport for children with special education needs, which normally is approved by the local special education needs officer, when such an officer is on holiday during school term and will not return until after the schools have gone on holidays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25861/10]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my Department that it issued guidelines to schools in February 2010 setting out the timelines within which schools should submit applications for transport for children with special education needs enrolling in September 2010.
Primary schools were advised to submit applications to the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) before the 21st May and post primary schools before 21st April to ensure that applications are processed before the end of the current school year, taking into account the volume of applications received from other schools and also other issues such as short term planned absences.
The NCSE has advised my Department that, in general, applications received since 21st May will be processed by them within the next 3-4 weeks.
Having considered the applications, the SENOs provide a report to my Department's School Transport Section. All applications are then assessed within the terms of the School Transport Scheme for children with special needs. Bus Éireann which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department contacts the parents/guardians of eligible pupils to make the necessary transport arrangements.
Summer Works Scheme
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:181 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she expects to make a decision on the summer works appeal in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [25867/10]
I can confirm that my Department has received an appeal from the school to which the Deputy refers in relation to its application under the Summer Works Scheme 2010. The appeal is under consideration and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.
School Libraries
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:182 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm funding for the junior certificate school programme library initiative at schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if she will appreciate the importance of this initiative and give assurances in the matter. [25868/10]
Funding is currently allocated to all schools hosting the Demonstration Library Project. However it should be noted that the librarians in these schools, 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. However, I am pleased to say that it has been decided to retain the library staff for the coming school year.
Teaching Qualifications
Michael McGrath
Ceist:183 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to a matter (details supplied). [25877/10]
As the Deputy may be aware, the recognition of teacher qualifications is now a matter for the Teaching Council, the body with responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards in the teaching profession.
My officials have made enquiries with the Teaching Council regarding this case and are advised as follows: The Teaching Council is aware that Qualified Teacher Status awarded in the General Teaching Council for England is not sector or subject specific. However, there are distinct differences in the forms of registration granted by the respective Teaching Councils in that the registration granted by the Teaching Council in Ireland is specific to the educational sector and to the curricular subjects at post-primary level. In granting registration to the person who is the subject of this question, the Teaching Council has complied fully with the requirements of EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
The Teaching Council grants registration on the basis of qualifications. It cannot register a teacher on the basis of qualifications in primary education when that teacher has completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in secondary education. The Council's requirements of a qualification in primary education are set out below (Schedule 1 to the 2009 [Registration] Regulations).
I have directed that teachers proposed for appointment to teaching posts for which salary grant is being sought from my Department should be registered with the Teaching Council in accordance with Section 31 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 and have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which s/he is proposed.
SCHEDULE ONE
The following is an outline of the principal requirements of the Council in relation to a satisfactory course in the theory and practice of education for the purposes of Regulation 2.
The applicant must provide officially certified evidence of satisfactory achievement in initial teacher education as outlined hereunder.
The course of initial professional preparation shall include all three of the following major areas: Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education, Professional Studies, and a Practical Teaching Programme.
(A) Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education
Substantial courses in each of the following Foundation Disciplines of Education:
(i) Philosophy of Education;
(ii) Sociology of Education;
(iii) The Psychology of Teaching and Learning;
(iv) The Psychology of Child Development;
(v) History of Education;
(vi) Inclusion and Diversity — Meeting diverse needs including:
Children with Special Educational Needs, Educational
Disadvantage and Intercultural Education.
The programme should have equipped the applicant with an understanding of the Foundation Disciplines of education as these relate to the study of educational issues. The Foundation Disciplines may have been taught separately or in an integrated way. If the disciplines were taught in an integrated way, the evidence provided by the applicant must clearly specify the precise content of the relevant modules as well as accurately specifying the amount of programme time devoted to the coverage of the relevant content or topic areas.
(B) Professional Studies
Substantial courses of relevant studies in professional studies in the pedagogy of the entire range of subjects which is included in the Primary School Curriculum (listed below). The courses should have been directed towards the entire age range of pupils in classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. They must have included:
(i) the content and teaching methodology of each subject;
(ii) an integrated understanding of early childhood education;
(iii) the principles of school organisation and classroom management;
(iv) use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning;
(v) assessment, evaluation and curriculum studies.
Curriculum Subjects as listed in the Primary School Curriculum:
(i) English;
(ii) Gaeilge;
(iii) Mathematics;
(iv) Social, Environmental, and Scientifi c Education (SESE):
a) History;
b) Geography;
c) Science;
(v) Arts Education:
a) Visual Arts;
b) Drama;
c) Music;
(vi) Physical Education;
(vii) Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE);
(viii) Such other areas as may be included in Curaclam na Bunscoile.
The programme of teacher education followed should have enabled participants to:
(i) acquire an understanding of appropriate ways of relating to and providing feedback to pupils, parents, fellow teachers and other professionals;
(ii) develop an understanding of, and skills in, teamwork and whole-school planning and development;
(iii) gain an understanding of their ethical and legal obligations as teachers.
(C) Practical Teaching Programme
The programme of teacher education followed by the applicant must have included practice in teaching under supervision in a recognised primary school. For the purposes of fulfilling this requirement, an applicant must have spent a minimum of 18 school weeks directly teaching a class or classes across the range of subjects in the Curriculum. The practice in teaching must also have been directly supervised by the university or college concerned.
The applicant must have passed the Teaching Practice element of his/her teacher education programme independently of other subject areas.
School Curriculum
Michael McGrath
Ceist:184 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to an issue (details supplied). [25880/10]
Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and it is the board of management, not the patron, which is the employer of school staff including teaching staff.
Provision is made for the inclusion of religious education on the curriculum for primary schools. Thirty minutes of the standard school day of five hours and forty minutes is allocated for this purpose.
It is the case that the vast majority of primary schools are Catholic in ethos and accordingly preparation for catholic sacraments forms part of the religious education curricula in such schools. However, parents also have the right, if so desired, to ensure that their children do not receive religious instruction. In accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act (1998), no student can be required to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student.
The provisions regarding Religious Instruction in Primary Schools are also set out in rules 68 and 69 of the Rules for National schools. These rules state, inter alia, that: No pupil shall receive, or be present at, any religious instruction of which his parents or guardians disapprove. The periods of formal religious instruction shall be fixed so as to facilitate the withdrawal of pupils where above applies. Where such religious instruction as their parents or guardians approve is not provided in the school for any section of the pupils, such pupils must, should their parents or guardians so desire, be allowed to absent themselves from school, at reasonable times, for the purpose of receiving that instruction elsewhere.
Special Educational Needs
Richard Bruton
Ceist:185 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has received a submission from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 2 regarding the difficulties it is experiencing in coping with recent reductions in resources; and if she will arrange for a review of their particular need in view of the special needs of all of their pupils. [25934/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving a submission from the school in question.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resources to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Psychological Service
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the parents of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who were never contacted by the National Educational Psychological Service Agency and were not aware of its function, and consequently are still awaiting information on the way this person can continue their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26002/10]
I refer the Deputy to my predecessor's response to his parliamentary question of 9th February, 2010 (Reference number 6827/10) in direct connection with this matter. As was explained on this occasion, my Department's National Educational Psychological Service encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist.
Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a student be referred for individual psychological assessment. It is the responsibility of the school Principal in the first instance to identify and prioritise pupils for assessment under the process.
Furthermore, students who manifest very special or urgent need in school and who are brought to the attention of the assigned NEPS psychologist by the school principal will usually be prioritised for NEPS involvement as soon as possible. This is done on the basis of specific signed consent from the student's parents or guardian to allow the NEPS psychologist to engage in the situation.
It was confirmed in the previous response referred to above that the student in question had not been brought to the attention of the NEPS psychologist and advised that the matter of his educational assessment should be raised in the first instance with the school principal.
The parents of the student in question contacted my Department's NEPS service on 26th May last requesting clarification on the current position in this regard. No formal request for involvement by NEPS has yet been received from the school and a response to this effect has issued recently in this regard.
Special Educational Needs
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a school place at second level will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is autistic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26003/10]
The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools.
The National Council for Special Education, through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs), co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level. SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. SENOs work with schools to sanction additional special class provision as necessary.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
School Enrolments
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when school placement will be offered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare and whose tuition was cut from 18 hours to 9 home tuition hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26004/10]
I must advise you that the selection and enrolment of pupils in schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.
My role as Minister does not involve me identifying specific placements for individual children, but requires me to provide for Education by providing grants and funding for buildings, equipment, salaries of teachers, as well as the recognition of qualifications and inspection of facilities.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The National Educational Welfare Board will be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) can also assist parents with regard to education services for persons with special educational needs.
Where a child is without a school placement, Home Tuition support may be provided to parents to assist in providing for their child's education, as an interim measure, pending the sourcing of a school place. I am advised that in this instance, that a grant of nine hours per week for Home Tuition has been provided by the Department for the periods, during school term time, that the child has been without a school placement and that there has been no reduction in the number of tuition hours.