Vol. 714 No. 4
34 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the continuing failure to reach agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots of Northern Cyprus; and his further views on the attitude of the Council of Europe following decisions of the European Court of Human Rights on property rights in Northern Cyprus. [29591/10]
Ireland takes an active interest in the successful resolution of the Cyprus question. The UN has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement and the Government fully supports the leadership of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative Alexander Downer in this important work.
We will continue to encourage progress towards the achievement of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic rights of all Cypriots. We encourage Turkey to bring its influence to bear in supporting a durable settlement — something I discussed with the Turkish Foreign Minister in the course of our meeting in Dublin on 10 March.
The current phase of negotiations to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem began in September 2008, under the auspices of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Alexander Downer. By the end of March 2010, over 70 rounds of talks had taken place between President Christofias, the leader of the Greek Cypriots, and Mehmet Ali Talat, the then leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.
As Deputies will be aware, Mr Dervis Eroglu was elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in the elections held on 18 April, defeating Mr. Talat. A first round of talks between President Christofias and Mr. Eroglu took place at the end of May. Given the negative positions previously taken by Mr. Eroglu on the negotiations, it was encouraging that the two leaders could agree to continue the talks on the basis of the UN parameters, Security Council resolutions and the landmark joint statements made by Christofias and Talat during their talks in 2008. The two leaders held a further round of talks on 23 June, when discussions focused on property issues. The next meeting between Mr. Eroglu and Mr. Christofias will be held on 9 July.
Both sides have said that they wish to find a solution by the end of 2010. While much needs to be done before agreement can be reached, I believe that the necessary momentum is present.
Regarding property rights in Northern Cyprus: in the case of Demopoulos v. Turkey in March this year the European Court of Human Rights determined that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) provided an accessible and effective framework of redress in respect of complaints about interference with property owned by Greek Cypriots. This Commission was set up in 2005 by the Turkish Cypriot community as a means of recourse for displaced Greek Cypriots.
There have been previous judgments, including the interstate case of Cyprus v. Turkey, which have been transmitted to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, responsible for supervising the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe met in June to discuss the implications of the Demopoulos decision and whether it could conclude that Turkey had now implemented fully that part of the Cyprus v. Turkey judgment dealing with property rights of displaced persons. Cyprus opposed closure of this matter and raised a number of questions which it felt ought to be addressed prior to adopting a final closure resolution on this aspect of the Cyprus v. Turkey case. A number of states, including Ireland, felt that questions raised by Cyprus merited a response and asked the Council of Europe Secretariat, responsible for advising the Committee of Ministers on the execution of judgments, for further information and clarification before making a decision on closure. The Committee of Ministers will meet again in September to consider the matter.
35 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the comments (details supplied) made to an Oireachtas committee on 27 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29627/10]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in 2003, the headquarters of Irish Aid, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, has moved to Limerick.
The decentralisation of Irish Aid is fully complete and is making an important contribution to the economy of Limerick and the Mid-West region. It also contributes to civic life in the area through events such as the annual Africa Day celebration.
The development programme is recognised as one of the best in the world. This was highlighted by a peer review of Irish Aid carried out by the OECD and published in April 2009. The OECD reported that "Irish Aid is a strong, cutting edge, development cooperation programme, fully integrated into the Department of Foreign Affairs". It stated that "Ireland is a champion in making aid more effective".
The report of the peer review is a thorough and detailed document, providing a very positive assessment of the impact, effectiveness and focus of the aid programme. It was based on work conducted while decentralisation was being completed and represents the most authoritative and impartial international assessment which an aid programme can receive.
36 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the finalisation of Europe 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29669/10]
The Government welcomes the new Strategy which was adopted by the European Council on 17 June and fully supports the core elements as they have been agreed . We believe that the Strategy will provide an essential framework for action by the EU and its Member States to achieve higher levels of sustainable jobs and growth as economic recovery is secured.
We are very satisfied with the broad thrust of the five EU headline targets which the European Council have agreed upon, which are: to raise to 75% the employment for women and men aged 20 — 64; raising investment in research and development, including innovation to 3% of GDP; reducing greenhouse gases by 20% compared with 1990 levels; increasing the share of renewable in energy consumption to 20% and working towards a 20% increase in energy efficiency; improving education levels by reducing the school drop-out rates to 10% and increasing the share of 30 — 40 year-olds having completed tertiary or equivalent education to at least 40%; and promoting social inclusion, in particular through reduction of poverty by aiming to lift at least 20 million people out of risk of poverty. As I have mentioned before, we have already exceeded the 40% target for tertiary education and are close to the 10% drop-out rate target at 11.3%.
This choice of targets is consistent with the desire to keep the Strategy focused on key policies which can be mobilised to unlock the growth potential of the European Union. The targets on greenhouse gas reduction and increasing the share of renewables had already been agreed by the European Council in the context of the EU's negotiating position in the UN Conference on Climate Change. The targets also have the added potential for inter-linkage, where progress under one target can contribute to reaching another. In particular, we welcome the conclusions agreed by the European Council on this new Strategy which noted that "a sustainable, productive and competitive agricultural sector will make an important contribution to the new Strategy, considering the growth and employment potential; of rural areas while ensuring fair competition". We believe that this provides a most useful platform on which to build linkages between this Strategy and the agriculture and food sector.
The Strategy will provide an essential framework for action by the EU and its Member States to achieve higher levels of sustainable jobs and growth as economic recovery is secured. We now look forward to the implementation of the Strategy at Member State and EU level. Over the months ahead, we will be taking the necessary measures at national level, supported as appropriate, by action at EU level, to set this ten year Strategy in motion.
37 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his proposal to issue certificates of Irish heritage; the estimate of the proposed fee for this certificate; the details of the third party agency that will administer this certificate; when this initiative will be activated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29633/10]
377 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to introduce a certificate of Irish heritage for those of Irish descent who do not qualify for citizenship; the criteria needed in order to successfully apply for one of these certificates; if his Department is confident this initiative will be treated with popular respect; the number of persons his Department expects will apply for a certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29194/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 377 together.
The establishment of a Certificate of Irish Heritage was proposed in the Strategic Review of Ireland-US Relations, published in March 2009. The initiative is being taken forward by the Government in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme among those members of our Diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship and is a practical demonstration of the inclusive approach adopted by successive Governments when it comes to defining the Irish identity.
The Certificate of Irish Heritage will give official recognition to the many people worldwide who are conscious of their Irish heritage and feel a strong affinity for Ireland, but who are not eligible for Irish citizenship. The Certificate will not confer any citizenship or other legal rights or entitlements to the successful applicant.
My Department published a request on the Government's eTenders website in April seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified service providers for the establishment of a service concession to operate the service on behalf of the Department. A deadline of 28 May was set for the receipt of applications. Expressions of interest were received from a number of interested service providers and are currently under consideration.
Those applying for Certificates of Irish Heritage will be required to submit comprehensive details of their Irish ancestral connections and relevant documents and certificates to show their connection with Ireland. As the tender process for the award of the licence to operate the service is ongoing, I am not in a position to provide details on those companies that may have applied or the fee that is expected to be charged for the service. It is hoped that the scheme will be operational by the end of the year.
Although it is not possible to put a figure on the number of people who may apply for the Certificate, it is expected that there will be a substantial demand abroad for the service.
38 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd, long-serving United States Senator for West Virginia, and his far-sighted opposition to the Iraq war. [29636/10]
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a true American statesman, a hero to the state of West Virginia, and a true friend to the island of Ireland, Senator Robert C. Byrd. In this regard, I would like to note the Senator's support for the International Fund for Ireland, during his time as Chair of the Senate's Appropriations Committee.
Throughout his 52 years in Congress, Senator Byrd had a front row seat to some of America's most memorable moments. Whether it was the assassination of a beloved President, the landing of a man on the moon, or the tragedies of September 11th, Robert Byrd was at hand to lead and to serve not just the people of West Virginia, but the citizens of the United States.
He was never a man to sacrifice his own personal beliefs for the sake of political gain. He would often courageously voice his opinion, with candour, while dedicated to the principles of the US Constitution. As the Deputy notes in his question, this was particularly so in the clear stance Senator Byrd took on Iraq. He was one of the few to change his own views on race relations in America. In the words of President Obama, "He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time.”
Robert Byrd's talents didn't just end in the halls of Congress. Apart from being the longest serving member of the United States Congress, he would often showcase his talents as a fiddle player. Senator Byrd played some of the most famous venues in America, including the Kennedy Centre — even releasing an album while he was Majority Leader.
President Obama referred to the Senator as "uniquely American”, a more fitting description I think you could not find. On behalf of the Irish Government, I wish to extend our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughters, their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all the people of West Virginia who loved and cherished Robert C. Byrd. May he rest in peace.
39 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the steps necessary to progress the Middle East peace process; the steps being taken at EU level to move this forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/10]
53 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which, unilaterally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues, he has managed to positively engage with both sides in the Arab-Israeli conflict with a view to identifying and prioritising issues such as Gaza, resettlement, human rights violations and the treatment of prisoners by either side; and the steps being taken to progress these issues with particular reference to the need for all parties to recognise each other’s existence and right to exist. [29612/10]
79 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the implications for the Middle East peace process of the most recent evictions of civilians from their homes in east Jerusalem. [29655/10]
396 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken through the aegis of the EU to encourage the peace process in the Middle East with particular reference to the need to address the Gaza issue and Israeli resettlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30178/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 53, 79 and 396 together.
While much attention has rightly been concentrated on the recent events surrounding Gaza and their aftermath, it is crucial that we continue to focus on the efforts needed to reach a comprehensive political settlement. Ultimately this is the only way to fully achieve our goals of ending the occupation and its inherent injustices, ending the isolation of Gaza, and providing for the long-term peace and security of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
The proximity talks under the chairmanship of Senator Mitchell commenced in May and are expected to continue for a period of four months, after this the parties will consider the basis for continuing them, or indeed progressing to direct talks, which we would all hope will be possible.
The key issues are borders (including the question of Jerusalem), security, refugees and water. These are difficult issues, but they have been debated for decades now, many ideas and visions have been put forward and the parties have a broad understanding of each others' needs and positions. I believe that these issues are all capable of being resolved, within the two year timeframe set out by President Obama, if the parties are genuinely willing to find solutions.
The process initially involves Israel and the Palestinian Authority but in due course, if progress allows, the wider issues of Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and general Israeli-Arab relations will need to be addressed as well if we are to attain settlement.
We are all very well aware of the mutual distrust and lack of confidence on the part of both the parties that the other is genuinely serious. We are also aware of and concerned by the possibilities of events on the ground derailing the process, intentionally or otherwise. The Irish Government strongly supports the EU, President Obama and his Administration, and the Quartet in their efforts to urge all parties to engage seriously, to refrain from negative acts on the ground, to be mindful of the needs of the other protagonists, and to do all in their power to achieve a final settlement of this destructive conflict.
I would commend in this respect the efforts of President Abbas to speak to the Israeli media, and thus to the Israeli people in order to set out his vision for a shared and peaceful future. I am struck by the contrast between this example of real leadership, and the dead end represented by some elements of Hamas who seem to be fixated on destroying the facilities built by UNRWA for the childrens' Summer Games in Gaza.
Ireland, with our EU partners, will continue to encourage and support the parties in their engagement with each other, and to consider any and all practical steps we can take to help the process, bearing in mind that we need to be ready to assist over the long haul. Ireland will also remain focussed, directly and at EU and UN levels, on the key human rights and justice issues which continue to affect the daily lives of the people of Gaza and the other Occupied Territories, and which have the potential to derail political efforts.
I agree absolutely that the continuing relentless process of settlement expansion and squeezing out of Palestinian families, especially in Jerusalem — which is continuing even if there has been some slowing of the pace this year — is both dangerous and incomprehensible, against a background where both sides are supposed to be committed to reaching a final settlement of borders within a short period.
40 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding provided from the overseas aid budget to non-governmental organisations in 2009; the reductions in NGO funding in 2010; the way these reductions will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27558/10]
The Government's aid programme, administered from within my department by Irish Aid, is sharply focused on the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger. Our partnership with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and missionaries represents a very important element in this effort, reflecting the broad support among Irish people for the development programme. The Irish aid programme channels over 20% of overall assistance through NGOs and missionaries, one of the highest proportions internationally.
Funding for NGOs is administered through a range of funding schemes covering long term development, emergency and recovery assistance and development education. Additional funding is provided to NGOs under the development programmes in the nine priority countries for Irish Aid, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. Irish Aid also cooperates closely with the representative group Misean Cara, providing very significant funding for the work of Irish missionaries with poor communities in the developing world.
In 2009, the Government provided a total of €696 million for Official Development Assistance. €571 million of this was provided under Vote 29 (International Co-Operation) of the Department of Foreign Affairs, for the aid programme managed by Irish Aid. Of this amount, over €152 million was channelled through development NGOs and missionaries, to support their work in livelihood and food security, rural economic development, health, education, gender equality and humanitarian response programmes.
The overall ODA allocation which the Government has provided for 2010 involves a relatively small reduction of €25 million on the total for 2009. As a result, it is likely that the outturn for 2010 will show some reduction in funding for NGOs. However, the precise amount will depend on appraisal and approval processes which are still underway. I can confirm that the amount of funding provided to the five main NGO partners for long term development work and to Misean Cara will remain at the same level as 2009: Concern, Trócaire, Goal, Self Help Africa and Christian Aid will receive a total of €56 million for this purpose, and Misean Cara will receive €16 million.
It will be necessary this year to limit the number of new projects funded, while honouring the multi-annual commitments to NGO partners. As a number of NGO projects have reached the end of their funding cycles with Irish Aid, it will be possible to release some funding for new projects this year. Proposals from NGOs are currently under consideration and I expect that the details of successful candidates will be announced after the summer.
The Government is determined that our aid programme will maintain its focus on poverty and hunger, and that we will continue to strengthen our partnership with civil society, and our concentration on achieving clear development results. This partnership goes beyond funding arrangements, and involves continuous policy dialogue across a range of vital issues, to ensure that the overall Irish contribution to development has the maximum effect on the lives of the poorest people in the world.
41 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress of negotiations for Iceland to join the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29686/10]
Iceland applied for membership of the EU in July 2009. On 24 February, the Commission delivered a largely positive opinion (avis) on Iceland’s readiness to begin accession negotiations and recommended that a date should be set for commencement of talks. In light of the Commission opinion the application was considered by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs Council on 14 June and by Heads of State and Government at the European Council on 17 June 2010. The European Council decided that accession negotiations should be opened and invited the Council to adopt a general Negotiating Framework.
The Negotiating Framework will set out the broad principles, parameters and negotiating procedures governing the talks with Iceland. The Commission has prepared an initial draft of the Framework and this will be discussed by Member States at working group level over the coming weeks. The final draft will then be submitted to the General Affairs Council for approval and the Council will then set a date for the commencement of the formal talks.
Iceland is a country with which we have strong ties of geography, history, culture and politics. It is already closely integrated with the EU in several areas, through its membership of the European Economic Area and the Schengen area, all of which should facilitate the process of negotiating in some areas.
As in any negotiation, the eventual outcome and timeframe cannot be predicted. Some of the areas to be covered in the negotiations will present challenges both for Iceland and for some existing member states. I am confident that workable solutions can be found. The outcome of negotiations must, as I say, be awaited but the possible accession of Iceland is something I would regard as a positive development.
42 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is in recent receipt of appeals from those representing the Ahmedi people who are suffering repression and oppression in Pakistan; the assistance he may have offered; if he has discussed this matter with representatives of the Pakistan Government. [29644/10]
I have received a number of appeals in relation to the situation of the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, most recently in connection with the murder of over 90 members of that community in Lahore as they worshipped in two mosques in the city on 28 May.
I have condemned these murders on a number of occasions in this House, just as I now condemn the murders of innocent civilians in the attack on a Sufi shrine in Lahore last week. Nothing can justify attacks which cause such senseless carnage and destruction. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Government, I once again extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families on their great loss.
These attacks bring to public attention once again the threats which exist to the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, the discrimination they can face there and in neighbouring countries, and issues relating to other minority communities more broadly.
Promoting religious tolerance remains a key objective of Ireland and the EU in relation to Pakistan. Bilaterally, and through the EU, we have urged the Government there to make every effort to promote effectively the rights of minorities and to improve their current conditions. In our bilateral contact with Pakistan, we have emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate protections for minorities in Pakistan. Minority and human rights issues in that country were discussed at political consultations held between Ireland and Pakistan at Political Director level in Islamabad on 10 February last. The issue of the recent attacks has been raised with the Embassy of Pakistan and my Department will continue to discuss issues relating to minorities in its ongoing bilateral contacts with Pakistan.
At EU level, Council Conclusions of 28 April and 8 December 2008 reaffirmed the importance of human rights in Pakistan as a central priority for the EU. Human rights and minority issues are regularly discussed with Pakistan, most recently at the second EU-Pakistan Summit held in Brussels on 4 June.
The Government of Pakistan has made it clear that it is committed to the protection of minorities, the promotion of religious tolerance and combating the terrorist actions of the local Taliban and other radicals. However, it faces very serious challenges in this regard. Many hundreds of innocent Pakistani civilians from many parts of the country, from many tribal and religious groups and from all levels in society have fallen victim to terrorists. In the case of the attacks on the Ahmadiyya community on 28 May, I note that the Punjab wing of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility and that the police are reported to have arrested seven men with alleged links to this group. There are also reports that a further two persons suspected of having taken part in the attacks were arrested in Lahore on 2 June and remain in custody.
The EU has pledged to assist the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to fight terrorism. In this context, leaders at the EU-Pakistan Summit on the 4 June agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, both within the framework of the United Nations as well as in other relevant forums. The EU and Pakistan also reiterated that counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing, and should be implemented in full respect of international law.
43 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities for spending for his Department’s allocation to Timor-Leste in 2010; if the new development strategy being drawn up will pursue the same priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27560/10]
The Government has provided assistance to Timor-Leste through Irish Aid since 2000. In March 2003, Timor -Leste was designated a programme country, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The Conflict Resolution Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs has been working with Timor-Leste since 2008, assisted by Ireland's Special Envoy, Nuala O'Loan.
In 2009, Ireland provided a total of €4.5 million in support to Timor-Leste, covering development activities and conflict resolution efforts. We are providing a similar level of funding this year.
This year, Ireland has completed a new Country Strategy for assistance to Timor Leste, for the period 2010-2013. This is an integrated strategy, bringing together development work and conflict resolution in one coherent programme. In developing the new programme, lessons have been learned from the experience of working in Timor-Leste over the past decade. The overall goal is to contribute to building peace and reducing poverty through three interlinked areas of assistance. Ireland will provide support for the development of basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges in rural areas, which will help create much-needed employment through private sector contractors. We will also help make government more accountable to its citizens through support for elections, building civil society and increasing the participation of women in politics. Finally, the programme will help strengthen peace-building in Timor Leste through support for remembrance and reconciliation efforts, developing systems to provide early warning of conflict, building political and community dialogue and assisting with security sector reform.
Despite the many challenges facing the people of Timor-Leste, important progress is being made in building a democratic system of government, with effective, accountable institutions. When I met President Ramos-Horta during his State Visit to Ireland in March, I assured him of our continuing commitment to working in partnership with government and local communities in Timor-Leste in support of their long-term development goals.
44 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the call from the relatives of 11 unarmed civilians killed in Ballymurphy, Belfast, over three days in August 1971, by the same British army regiment that committed the Bloody Sunday atrocity in Derry just a few months later, for an independent and international inquiry; and if he will press the British government to accede to and co-operate with this demand. [29689/10]
The Government remains in close and regular contact with the British Government about the range of ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles.
On 13 May, I visited Ballymurphy where the relatives of the eleven innocent people killed there between the 9 and 11 August 1971 took to the locations in the area at which their loved ones were killed. My visit was at the invitation of the families as agreed at my earlier meeting with them in January 2009. On both occasions, the relatives told me of their demand for an international, independent investigation, a demand I undertook to relay to the British Government. The families made similar views known to my colleague, Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice & law reform, when they met with him in November 2008. My officials are in ongoing contact with the families and their representatives.
I have raised the relatives' case directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson, as I also did with his predecessor, Shaun Woodward. With both of them, I reiterated the Government's strong support for the Ballymurphy families. I understand that, since we last spoke on the matter, Secretary of State Paterson has confirmed his intention to meet with representatives of the families in the coming weeks.
As the Deputy is aware, the Ballymurphy families are not alone in seeking answers and justice for loved ones lost during the Troubles. Lord Saville's report into the events of Bloody Sunday, published last month, provided welcome relief and vindication for the families of those killed and injured on that dreadful day. Its success in doing so has, naturally, raised the question of how the needs of other victims might best be addressed.
This Government has consistently maintained that there should be no hierarchy of victims. Just as families in Ballymurphy are looking for information about how their loved ones were killed, there are families across the North and, indeed, in this jurisdiction, who lost loved ones in the many other atrocities of the conflict who are anxious to find out more about how their loved ones were killed. The challenge that political leaders in these islands face is finding a way for all of those people to get the answers they need.
Dealing with the terrible legacy of the conflict in the North will not be a single or a simple task. How to address this is a significant challenge for all those with a stakeholding in building a better, shared future, including political leaders.
Last year we saw the report of the Consultative Group on the Past presented to the Secretary of State. Its recommendations were wide ranging and have been much studied and commented on in the months since. The debate which that report provoked was a clear sign that dealing with the legacy of the Troubles will not be an easy task but it is one that is vital. The British Government has not yet responded to the formal consultation on Eames Bradley and I understand, following on from publication of the Saville report, the Secretary of State is intending to consult further on this whole question.
Last week, the Commission for Victims and Survivors presented a paper to the Secretary of State and to the First and deputy First Ministers on dealing with the past. I look forward to meeting with the Commissioners tomorrow to hear from them about their proposals.
As the Deputy himself said in this House last week during the debate on the Saville report “ We remember all the victims of the conflict without exception and sympathise with all the bereaved .” I fully agree. It is for all those victims and their relatives that we must continue to work with the British Government and with the Executive to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.
45 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the resettlement in Ireland and Europe of persons detained in Guantanamo. [29693/10]
At an early stage, a number of EU Member States, including Ireland, agreed to accept former Guantanamo detainees cleared for release. To date, twenty-four former detainees have been received by EU Member States. I understand that in the case of certain Member States, the consideration of whether or not to accept detainees is ongoing.
Two former detainees have been received for resettlement in Ireland. They arrived in Ireland in late September 2009.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland continues to encourage the US to bring about the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in the shortest possible time.
46 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings held and matters discussed on his recent visit to Uganda; his priorities regarding that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29642/10]
I visited Uganda from 27-30 June. The key objectives of my trip were to visit Irish Aid funded development projects and programmes, and to strengthen Irish-Ugandan bilateral and trade relations. Uganda is one of nine priority countries for the Government's aid programme. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 157 out of 182 countries on the UN's Human Development Index.
During my visit I met with 10 Government Ministers including Prime Minister Nsibambi and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Education, to discuss political and development issues. Discussions focussed on key governance issues, human rights, economic and social development and the prospects for the economy in the light of the development of major oil and gas fields. I also had valuable discussions with the Ugandan Human Rights Commissioner and we reviewed both the progress which Uganda has made in human rights and the undoubted challenges that remain. I also met with the Inspector General of Police in relation to assistance that has been requested in community policing from the Garda and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
During my visit, I launched our new Country Strategy for Uganda (2010-2014) which sets out our priorities for the next few years. The Country Strategy has a strong focus on reducing chronic poverty among some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Uganda. Key areas of support will be: HIV and AIDS activities, education, gender, strengthening good governance, private sector development and support for Karamoja, which is one of the poorest and most marginalised regions in Uganda.
In line with the priorities set out in our Country Strategy, I visited the Karamoja region with Mrs. Janet Museveni, Minister of State for Karamoja and First Lady of Uganda, to officially launch Ireland's new programme of assistance for that region. To date, Irish Aid has helped to rehabilitate 11 primary schools and 2 teacher training colleges in Karamoja which has created some 2,000 additional student places. In addition, educational bursaries have been provided to 1,000 students. During my visit to the region, I also visited a local secondary school and opened a new wing which has been funded by Irish Aid. I can confirm that Ireland continues to work with the most vulnerable and marginalised in one of the most difficult operating environments in the world.
While in Kampala, I was pleased to open a new Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, which has been part funded by Irish Aid. I also met with representatives of NGOs and Irish missionaries working on the ground and took the opportunity to thank them for their work, which is a source of great pride to the people of Ireland. Finally, I met with members of the local Irish community and Irish business people who are developing business opportunities in Uganda's growing private sector.
My visit has helped enhance Ireland's bilateral and trade relations with Uganda, which is one of our key partner countries in Africa and one in which there has been enormous progress in the last 25 years. It also provided me with an opportunity to see at first hand the real difference Ireland's development assistance programme is making to the lives of ordinary people in Uganda, and to reaffirm Ireland's commitment to reducing poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries in the world. It also afforded me an insight into the real potential of Uganda, if its resources are husbanded and managed carefully, to become a middle income country within a generation.
47 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to initiate or support efforts to declare the EU fishing agreement, which impinges on issues of self-determination for the Saharawi people, as null and void. [29661/10]
65 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the implementation of a UN backed referendum regarding the future of the displaced persons and occupied territory of the Saraha Arab Republic; if he and his colleague Ministers in the EU have discussed this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29653/10]
81 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of his most recent interaction with MINURSO; when further interaction is planned; and the nature of such discussions. [29654/10]
83 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Saharawi struggle for self-determination and independence; and, in view of this, if he has contacted the United Nations to include the human rights issues in the MINURSCO mandate. [29660/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 65, 81 and 83 together.
Ireland continues to support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, as well as the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the territory based on the principle of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, is continuing his efforts to convene direct negotiations between the two sides, following the last such discussions held in March 2008.
In an attempt to resume contact this year, Mr. Ross hosted a second round of informal discussions in New York in February following an initial round held in Austria in August 2009, but unfortunately he has had to report that so far there has been no real engagement between the two sides, Morocco and the Polisario, in resolving the outstanding issues. The major issue is Morocco's refusal to allow a Referendum in the territory which would include an option of independence for the people of the Western Sahara. This has been provided for in a number of UN peace plans, and it is difficult to see that there can be any genuine self-determination without such a referendum. Mr. Ross visited the region in the early part of this year, and reported back to the UN Security Council in some detail.
Issues pertaining to the Western Sahara are regularly raised at EU level within the framework of the EU-Morocco dialogue. The most recent EU — Morocco Summit took place in Granada on the 7 March. The EU conveyed its concerns over the situation of Western Sahara as well as the need to safeguard the rights of both Moroccan and Saharawi human rights defenders, and these concerns were reflected in the joint statement after the meeting.
The EU-Morocco Fisheries Agreement which was adopted in May 2006 is primarily the responsibility of the Agriculture Council of Ministers. The Agreement is of substantial economic importance to a number of our EU partners. The Agreement relates to Moroccan waters, and while Morocco considers that the Western Sahara and its waters is Moroccan, the EU does not accept this position.
As Morocco controls the territory and their waters, however, there is no practical way to ensure that fishing vessels do not follow the stocks — which move up and down the coast — into Saharan waters.
Ireland and other EU Member States worked to ensure that language was included in the agreement to make clear that it was without prejudice to the EU's position on the status of the Western Sahara, while Ireland also made a National Declaration at the time of adoption reiterating that the agreement was conditional on this.
Three members of the Permanent Defence Forces serve in an observer capacity with the MINURSO mission. Ireland has maintained such a presence with the mission since 1991, when the mission was established under UNSCR 690.
Ireland's Permanent Representation to the United Nations and the Department of Defence monitor and engage, as appropriate, on matters relating to MINURSO on an ongoing basis. Resolution 1920, adopted by the Security Council on 30 April 2010, extended the mandate of MINURSO until 30 April 2011. The Security Council considered a proposal to include human rights monitoring in the mandate of MINURSO, but did not include this in the renewed mandate. The UN Secretary General has reiterated his call that all parties should remain engaged in continuous and constructive dialogue with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with a view to ensuring respect for the human rights of the people of Western Sahara, both inside the Territory and in the refugee camps.
48 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made to ban female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29184/10]
The practice of female genital mutilation is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. It has serious social, health and psychological consequences, and it infringes on children's rights to special protection. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. In Africa alone, it is estimated that three million girls are at risk annually.
Ireland is playing an active role in global policy development, funding and research to address this appalling practice. We recognise that it is a form of gender-based violence, and that it must be an important element in our comprehensive approach to tackling such violence through the overseas aid programme. The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid includes a firm commitment that Ireland will build its support for measures focused on preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Irish Aid, the Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs which manages the Government's aid programme, is a founding member of the Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence, which brings together representatives from Government Departments and Irish development, humanitarian and human rights Non-Governmental Organisations to promote a coordinated response to all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation.
Internationally, we are cooperating with United Nations agencies in a concerted effort to end the practice of female genital mutilation. Last year, the Government provided core funding of €8 million to the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) and €3 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support their work on child protection, gender equality, reproductive health, maternal mortality and HIV and AIDS. We are providing funding at the same levels for 2010. These agencies operate a joint programme to counter female genital mutilation with the aim of ending the practice in seventeen countries by 2012. Ireland contributed €0.5 million to this specific programme in 2007. In addition, in 2009 a total of €1.1 million was provided specifically for support to gender equality and women's empowerment, including through support for the UN Trust Fund for actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
Progress is being made towards ending the practice of female genital mutilation, but detailed international coordination and consultation remains essential. On 6 February 2010, the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, UNICEF and the UNFPA reported that there has been success in reducing the incidence of the practices in several countries where it was once prevalent. They noted that it is important to focus on encouraging change from within societies, and that where communities have chosen to make public declarations against the practice, for example in Senegal, declines of up to 65 per cent have been recorded.
49 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the plight of refugees from Kyrgyzstan taking refuge in Uzbekistan; the assistance or advice he and the EU will provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29637/10]
70 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will respond to the statement by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe that international aid is urgently needed and an independent international commission should be established to investigate recent violence in Kyrgyzstan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29646/10]
74 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current unrest in Kyrgyzstan; and the threat this poses to the plans of the interim Government there for a referendum on constitutional reform. [29584/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 70 and 74 together.
The outbreak of ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan earlier this month left hundreds dead and thousands injured. I join with those who have condemned this violence. I also offer my condolences to the families of those killed and my sympathy to those who were injured or displaced.
The violence in Kyrgyzstan resulted in a serious humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands of ethnic Uzbeks crossed the border into Uzbekistan while thousands more were displaced within Kyrgyzstan itself. The international community and NGOs responded quickly to the crisis. The OSCE, UN and EU have been working together effectively on the ground to help stabilise the situation and provide urgent humanitarian assistance in both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Irish Aid has responded to the crisis through a contribution of €250,000 to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and an airlift of 2,650 blankets and water tanks from its emergency stockpiles. A member of Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps has also been deployed to work as a Protection Officer with the UNHCR in Kyrgyzstan. The European Commission provided €5m in emergency aid. The Commission is also refocusing its €6m stabilisation and democratisation support package for Kyrgyzstan to address current challenges such as institutional reform and inter-ethnic relations.
Despite the violence and humanitarian crisis, the planned referendum went ahead on 27 June. The referendum proposed a new constitution and the confirmation of the appointment of Ms Roza Otunbayeva as Acting President. Provisional results indicate that the proposal was approved by a large majority. Turnout is estimated to have been in the region of 70%. The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which sent a limited mission to observe the vote, noted the peaceful conduct of the election, as well as the high turnout, despite the challenging circumstances. High Representative Ashton, on behalf of the EU, welcomed the peaceful conduct of the vote saying it marks "an important step towards the re-establishment of constitutional order and democratic process in the country".
While the situation in Kyrgyzstan has stabilised, and many of those who fled to Uzbekistan appear to be returning, assistance from the international community will be required for some time. The EU and regional organisations such as the OSCE are now considering ways in which to help Kyrgyzstan overcome both the immediate crisis and to meet its medium and long-term challenges. Ireland will play its part in this process.
50 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on current Russian relations with Belarus regarding gas prices; the implications for Ireland regarding winter energy prices; the communications he has had with the respective EU Commissioners for Energy and External Relations on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29648/10]
58 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding the dispute between Russia and Belarus over gas supplies; his views on the fact that this could have implications for the availability of gas in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29588/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 58 together.
The recent gas dispute between Belarus and Russia appears to be moving towards a resolution and I understand that supplies into Belarus have resumed.
Although the dispute did not have any impact on Ireland, we kept the situation under close review through our participation in the EU's Gas Coordination Group. This expert group, which meets in Brussels, is chaired by the European Commission and consists of representatives from all EU Member States and the European gas industry. Its purpose is to monitor the gas security situation within the EU on an ongoing basis and to coordinate the EU's response to events such as the Russia and Belarus gas dispute.
At a meeting of the Gas Coordination Group on 18 June, Member States were briefed on the unfolding situation between Russia and Belarus by both the Energy and External Relations Directorates of the Commission. Reports were also received from Poland and Lithuania, the EU Member States for which Belarus provides transit for imports of Russian gas. Daily updates were subsequently provided to Member States. I understand that gas flows to Poland and Lithuania have now returned to normal.
The Russia/Belarus gas dispute again illustrates the importance of energy security for the EU and why this issue remains at the top of the EU agenda. A key driver for action to strengthen EU energy security was the experience of the Russia/Ukraine gas crisis in January 2009. Since then the EU's ability to respond quickly to potential gas supply problems has been strengthened significantly. In recent weeks agreement has been reached on a new EU regulation for security of gas supply. The aim of the new regulation is to increase the security of gas supply within the EU by ensuring each Member State has an adequate level of preparedness for a gas disruption. The regulation will greatly enhance cooperation across the EU in all aspects of planning for, and response to, a disruption to gas supply.
While the recent Russia/Belarus situation has not impacted adversely on Ireland, it does remind us that other parts of the EU gas market can experience volatility. As it now appears to have been resolved no impact is expected on our gas prices this winter.
All of this takes place within the political context of the EU's efforts to enhance relations with both its eastern partners and Russia leading to an environment where disputes can be addressed in a constructive atmosphere. In this regard, I welcome the significant improvements we have seen in the EU's relationship with Russia, as evidenced by the more positive atmosphere at recent EU-Russia Summits. I also welcome the ongoing development of the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative which was launched in Prague in May 2009. The Eastern Partnership aims to enhance the EU's relations with our eastern neighbours, including Belarus, and provides a mechanism through which we can help support domestic reform and economic development.
51 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the outcome of the interdepartmental committee meetings on Irish Aid; the position of his Department in such meetings in relation to trade issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29635/10]
The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid included a commitment to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Committee on Development, to be chaired at Ministerial level. The Committee, which is currently chaired by Minister of State Power, was launched in April 2007 with the objective of strengthening coherence in the Government's approach to development and making best use of the expertise and skills available across the public service. It has become a key forum for the sharing of knowledge and views on development issues across Government Departments. The Committee is working to ensure that a strong development perspective is integrated into Government decision-making in all relevant areas, including trade, which is vital to developing countries' efforts to end poverty and eradicate the scourge of global hunger.
The Inter-Departmental Committee has met eleven times to date and has held discussions on a wide range of development policy issues. These have included the report and recommendations of the Government's Hunger Task Force; the impact of climate change on development; the views of Non-Governmental Organisations on improving policy coherence for development; Ireland's engagement with the Bretton Woods Institutions; health issues in the context of development; other countries' experience in developing a more integrated approach to development issues; the findings and recommendations of the OECD peer review of the Irish aid programme; and the upcoming Millennium Development Goals Review Summit in September.
At each meeting, the Committee has received reports on developments at EU level and on the ongoing work on policy coherence for development within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Two Sub-Groups have been established, and report regularly to the Committee. The Sub-Group on Multilateral Organisations focuses on the development of a coherent inter-Departmental policy approach for Ireland's participation in international meetings on development, particularly at the United Nations. The Sub-Group on Skills Sets is examining how to make best use across Ireland's development programme of the range of skills and expertise available throughout the public service.
Ireland's international development policy is strongly focused on the fight against global poverty and the eradication of hunger. In this respect, the Government seeks to ensure that the development of global trade builds economic growth and contributes effectively to the reduction, and eventual eradication, of extreme poverty in developing countries. Irish Aid, in the Department of Foreign Affairs, works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation on trade and development issues, including in discussions at EU level and at the World Trade Organisation.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the close cooperation between relevant Government Departments which has developed under the Inter-Departmental Committee is maintained and strengthened so that the full range of policies, including on trade issues, supports the long term objective of eradicating poverty and hunger among the world's poorest people.
52 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the functions agreed for the new External Relations Agency headed by a person (details supplied) on behalf of the European Union; and the number of persons for such agency from Ireland. [29668/10]
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty to support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.
The functions of the EEAS will focus on the High Representative's mandate to conduct the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and to ensure the consistency of the EU's external action. The EEAS will also have functions relating to the High Representative's role as President of the new Foreign Affairs Council and in respect of her role as a Vice-President of the Commission with responsibility for external relations and for coordinating other aspects of the EU's external action. An important instrument in carrying out its role will be the network of Union delegations which the EEAs will maintain in third countries.
As indicated in my reply to a question on 20 May, Ministers reached a broad political understanding at the April General Affairs Council on the essential elements of a Council Decision which will establish the organisation and functioning of the EEAS. Subsequent discussions with representatives of the Parliament have concluded recently and some amendments to the draft Council Decision have been proposed in light of those discussions. On this basis, it is hoped that agreement can be reached on the Council Decision at the July General Affairs Council.
The Treaty provides that the EEAS will comprise officials from relevant departments of the Commission and the Council Secretariat, as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. The process for recruiting staff from these three sources will be laid out in the Council Decision but appropriate amendments to the EU's Staff Regulations will also be required and it is hoped that these amendments can be finalised in September.
Ireland has consistently pressed for the EEAS recruitment process to be open, transparent and merit-based, while also ensuring that EEAS staffing is representative of the diversity of the Union. I welcome the fact that these principles are reflected in the draft Council Decision. If agreement is reached at the July Council on the Council Decision, the High Representative can begin the process for recruitment to the EEAS although actual recruitment must await the relevant amendments to the Staff Regulations.
Irish candidates will be able to compete for positions within the EEAS on an equal footing with candidates from other Member States and from the EU institutions. My Department has sought general expressions of interest from its officers who might consider working for the EEAS and has received a very positive response. However, it is not possible to say at this stage how many Irish staff will serve in the EEAS as the overall size of the EEAS is still under consideration and it will be some years before it reaches full operational strength.
Staffing from the member States, including Ireland, is likely to start more slowly than from the EU institutions but a target has been set to have one third of the EEAS staff coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States by 1 July 2013. The High Representative has indicated that she intends to achieve this target on a phased basis over the next three years.
I expect there will be tangible benefits to the State from the experience which will be gained by Irish officials serving on rotation with the EEAS and returning to the Irish diplomatic service. I look forward to Irish candidates of the highest calibre being recruited into the new Service.
Before the EEAS recruitment begins formally, the process of appointing Heads of EU Delegations — formerly Commission Delegations — has already been opened to candidates from the diplomatic services of the Member States. I understand that a number of Irish candidates, including officers from my own Department, have applied for these posts, of which 34 are due to be filled this year. Applicants were subject to a preselection process and the remaining candidates are currently being assessed by interview panels on which Member States are represented as observers. Appointments are expected to be made soon.
54 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will offer direct humanitarian assistance to the Saharawi refugee camps in Tindouf and the other occupied territories. [29662/10]
In response to the Moroccan occupation of the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara in 1975 and the ensuing conflict, much of the indigenous population of the region fled into Algeria. This resulted in the creation of the Saharawi refugee camp in the Tindouf region of south-western Algeria, which now represents one of the world's most protracted refugee situations. There is no formal registration of refugees in the camp, but they are believed to number more than 150,000, of whom 80 per cent are believed to be women and children.
Ireland provides core funding to United Nations agencies which work on our behalf in areas such as Tindouf. For example, the World Food Programme, a key partner for Ireland, provides a general food package to the most vulnerable refugees in the Saharawi camp. Since 1986 the value of this assistance has totalled more than €125 million.
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is also active in the Tindouf region, where it provides for basic needs and services in most sectors including food, transport, domestic needs, water, sanitation, health, shelter, community service and protection. Providing health and education assistance is the responsibility of UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). Its role includes vaccination coverage, establishing family centres, distributing schools kits, and supporting the printing of text books and improving teacher training.
In addition, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), to which Ireland has contributed €73 million since 2006, has provided funding for Tindouf. In 2009 UNHCR received funding from CERF for its emergency programmes to help some 90,000 Saharawi refugees.
55 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance he is providing to deal with the food crisis in Niger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27559/10]
The Government is deeply concerned at the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Niger. The country is in the middle of a severe nutrition and food crisis following insufficient and irregular rains in 2009 that caused poor food harvests and water shortages. In Niger, as many as 7.1 million people, representing 48 per cent of the country's population, do not have access to sufficient food. According to the UN, at least 900,000 children are at risk of moderate malnutrition and 378,000 of severe malnutrition over the next 12 months if urgent action is not taken to prevent the consequences of a worsening food crisis caused by drought.
To date in 2010, Ireland has provided €700,000 in humanitarian funding to two of our partners, Concern and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Niger. Concern received funding of €500,000 for a food and nutrition programme targeting children under the age of five and pregnant women in Tahoua region. Funding of €200,000 was directed to MSF for its work in providing medico — nutritional assistance for children under five with acute malnutrition and associated diseases in Zinder region.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in Niger, in co-operation with our partners on the ground including NGOs, the Red Cross and UN agencies.
56 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent upsurge in clashes in Sudan which has led to the deaths of three UN peacekeepers in the Darfur region recently; the steps being taken at international level to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29587/10]
The security situation in the Darfur region of Sudan, where the UN estimates that seven years of conflict have resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 and the displacement of nearly three million, is of grave concern. The persistence of sporadic violence in the region is not only affecting the population but is also directly targeting the humanitarian community. The United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has come under attack on several occasions in recent weeks and the UN has warned that the killing of peacekeepers, repeated kidnappings of humanitarian staff, as well as vehicle hijackings and banditry, are seriously impeding the overall humanitarian access. The most recent incident took place on Monday 19 June, resulting in the deaths of three Rwandan peacekeepers and bringing to 27 the number of UNAMID members killed in Darfur since the force was deployed there in January 2008.
Progress on the political front in Darfur is crucial to seeing some improvement in the security situation. The Doha peace process is the focal point for international efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Darfur. The negotiations are being led by the joint AU-UN chief mediator, Djibril Bassole, whose work Ireland fully supports. Unfortunately, after some welcome progress earlier in the year, the Doha process suffered a serious setback in May when the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), one of Darfur's biggest rebel groups, withdrew from the negotiations.
The AU-UN chief mediator, Bassole, has sought in recent weeks to persuade the main parties back to the negotiating table. JEM has publicly announced a number of requirements before any return to the talks. While the Government of Sudan continues its negotiations with the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) umbrella group of rebels, it is doubtful that this group has enough numbers of combatants in south Darfur to result in substantial security gains on the ground. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Liberation Army/ Abdul Wahid faction (SLA/AW) continues to refuse to participate in the Doha peace process or any other consultative process. The Government of Sudan now seems to be applying a two-pronged approach by trying to weaken militarily JEM and SLA/AW, while negotiating politically with LJM.
The security situation in Darfur is further exacerbated by the fact that those responsible for the violence appear free to operate in the area with impunity. This problem has been raised frequently by the UN Secretary General in his reports on Darfur. It has also been highlighted in the report last year of the AU High Level Panel led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki and by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Louis Moreno Ocampo, most recently in his statement last month to the UN Security Council. In this regard, Ireland urges the Government of Sudan to fulfil its international obligations and cooperate in full with the International Criminal Court.
Ireland, with its EU partners, will continue to support the ongoing efforts of the AU-UN chief mediator to achieve progress in the Doha talks. We also welcome the commitment of other regional and international stakeholders to securing peace in Darfur. At the same time, we believe that it is essential that a unified and coherent international approach is taken. This approach will continue to inform EU policy on Darfur. Ireland will also continue through its humanitarian aid programme in the region, which totalled almost €3.5 million since 2008, to provide assistance to the large numbers of people displaced by the conflict.
57 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent Concord proposals regarding European Union policy on extractive industries in view of the fact that such considered proposals represent a wide consensus among European non-governmental organisations. [29640/10]
A recent report by Concord, the European umbrella organisation for development Non-Governmental Organisations, focuses on the use of tax planning and trade pricing mechanisms by multinational mining corporations to avoid tax payments in African countries. It calls for the implementation of a series of measures to counteract such practices, including "country by country" reporting in European and international accounting regulation and the imposition of sanctions for uncooperative tax havens. The report also focuses on the need to build the capacity of tax collection administrations in developing countries.
The Government believes strongly that the building of developing countries' capacity to mobilise domestic revenues is vital to development. This is particularly the case in countries which are rich in natural resources. Several of the priority countries for Ireland's development programme rely on the utilisation of natural resources to augment their domestic revenues: for example gold, precious stones and minerals in Tanzania, oil in Uganda and copper in Zambia.
The Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) initiative, which has been developed under the EU-Africa Governance Partnership, has been instrumental in supporting improved governance and accountability through the verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining. Ireland strongly supports the further development of this important initiative.
We also support the work now taking placing within the OECD to examine the question of a mandatory county-by-country reporting requirement for the extractive industry sector.
In recent months, Ireland has contributed to the formulation of Council Conclusions on Tax and Development which were adopted by the June 2010 Foreign Affairs Council. They set out an action plan for the further development by the EU of a comprehensive approach to support for tax administration and reforms. They promote improved donor coordination in the tax area, and a concerted EU effort to contribute to the wider OECD agenda on tax transparency, including on transfer pricing, exchange of information, and country-by-country reporting.
The EU also seeks to promote good governance in taxation as an essential element in development cooperation. Ireland is actively supporting these efforts to develop a more transparent, cooperative and fair international tax environment, which we regard as essential to enable developing countries to finance their development, fight poverty and reduce their dependency on aid.
59 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions that he has taken in the two years following the all-party motion of 10 July 2008 calling on the British Government to co-operate with an independent international inquiry into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and other atrocities in which British State collusion is alleged. [29691/10]
I understand that the all-party motion was forwarded by this House to Parliament in Westminster. In the context of the clear view taken by this House on these matters, it would be for this House to decide what further steps, if any, it may wish to take in pursuance of the motion.
60 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current thinking within the EU in relation to European enlargement; the extent to which he has engaged with his EU colleagues on this issue with particular reference to Turkey and the Western Balkans and the identification of a specific timescale subject to compliance with the Acquis Communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29613/10]
399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he has expressed his views to his EU colleagues in respect of EU enlargement, with particular reference to Turkey and the Western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30181/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 399 together.
The issue of enlargement features regularly on the agenda of the General Affairs Council which I attend and in my bilateral discussions with EU Ministerial colleagues. The December 2009 Council adopted detailed conclusions, subsequently endorsed by the European Council, regarding enlargement generally and in relation to the position of various aspirant member states. It underlined that enlargement is based on consolidating commitments, fair and rigorous conditionality and the EU's capacity to integrate new members, and that each country is assessed on its own merits.
On Turkey, the December Council welcomed progress in some areas of reform including judicial reform and civil-military relations. It identified areas where further efforts are required and invited Turkey to step up the pace of reform. Recalling previous conclusions the Council noted with deep regret Turkey's non-compliance with its obligations under the Ankara Protocol and that it had not made progress towards normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. It called for further progress without delay. I may add that I had interesting and productive exchanges with Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu on the negotiations when he was in Dublin on 10 March 2010.
The December Council also reaffirmed its full support for the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, which it considered remains essential for the stability, reconciliation and future of the region. It set out detailed conclusions in respect of each of the countries in the region.
The Council commended Croatia for the considerable efforts it had made in 2009 and the good overall progress achieved in meeting benchmarks in the accession process. It noted that negotiations were entering their final phase and underlined that further efforts would be required in respect of a number of areas of reform and in relation to cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. A working group commenced work on the drafting of the Croatian Accession Treaty in December 2009.
Foreign Ministers had a further discussion on the Western Balkans at the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 June and heard the views of prosecutor Brammertz of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on current cooperation of Serbia and Croatia. The June Council reaffirmed the EU's unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries and reiterated that each country's progress towards the European Union depended on its individual efforts to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and the conditionality of the Stabilisation and Association Process. It welcomed the commitment of the Western Balkans to intensify the pace of reform in key areas and stressed the importance of addressing the challenges ahead.
On 17 June, the European Council decided that accession negotiations should be opened with Iceland and it invited the Council to adopt a general Negotiating Framework.
It is important to note that enlargement is a negotiated process and, as in any negotiation, the eventual outcome and timeframe cannot be predetermined. The next key milestone will be the publication by the Commission in October of annual progress reports on candidates and applicant member states. This in turn will provide a basis for further discussion and conclusions at the December Council.
As a beneficiary of past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is generally supportive of enlargement. The prospect of enlargement bolsters economic and political reform processes and helps to promote stability, security and prosperity in Europe. Ireland takes an active role in discussions on the issue, both at Council meetings and in bilateral discussions with existing and aspirant member states.
61 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on discussion at EU level on possible sanctions on Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29589/10]
71 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to claims that Iran is to begin nuclear talks with Turkey and Brazil, nations which have voted against a sanctions resolution at the United Nations Security Council; the implications such a development will have for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29652/10]
391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU or UN colleagues have engaged with the authorities in Iran with particular reference to addressing the nuclear threat and human rights issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30173/10]
392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he directly or in conjunction with the international community has focused on Iran, with particular reference to the need to encourage peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in the region. [30174/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 71, 391 and 392 together.
The issue of Iran and the major international concerns regarding its nuclear programme was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 14 June, which I attended. Discussion focussed on appropriate follow-up by the EU to the new UN Security Council Resolution 1929 which had been adopted on 9 June and which imposes further sanctions against Iran in light of its continuing non-compliance with previous UN Security Council and IAEA Resolutions. Conclusions were agreed welcoming the adoption of Resolution 1929 and reiterating the Council's support for a negotiated solution and for the continuing efforts of High Representative Ashton to engage in direct negotiations with Iran on its nuclear programme as well as on other important international issues.
I briefed colleagues at the Council on the discussions which I had had with Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki during the course of a recent visit to Dublin. I emphasised that my message to Foreign Minister Mottaki on the nuclear issue had been very firm and clear and that I had strongly encouraged Iran to engage with High Representative Ashton on this and other matters. I also briefed on the discussions which I had had with Foreign Minister Mottaki on human rights issues and the Middle East Peace Process.
The Foreign Affairs Council of 14 June also considered and agreed a draft Declaration on Iran which was subsequently adopted at the European Council meeting in Brussels on 17 June. The Declaration underlined the EU's deepening concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and, in welcoming the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1929, invites the Foreign Affairs Council to adopt accompanying EU restrictive measures which would focus on the areas of trade, the financial sector, the transport sector, key sectors of the gas and oil industry and new visa bans and asset freezes, especially in relation to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The European Council Declaration made clear that these additional EU restrictive measures were necessary because Iran had consistently failed to avail of the many opportunities which had been offered to it to remove the concerns of the international community over the nature of its nuclear programme. Indeed, the decision by Iran to enrich uranium to the level of 20 per cent, contrary to its international obligations under existing UN Security Council and IAEA Resolutions, had further increased these concerns. In this regard, I particularly note the last report of the IAEA of 31 May and the concerns which it clearly identified.
The European Council Declaration also welcomed the recent efforts by Brazil and Turkey to secure progress on the Tehran Research Reactor agreement proposed to Iran by the IAEA in October 2009. As I made clear at my meeting with Foreign Minister Mottaki on 9 June, the tripartite agreement reached between Iran, Brazil and Turkey in Tehran on 17 May, while welcome, essentially constituted a confidence-building measure rather than addressing the core issues arising in relation to Iran's nuclear activities. The involvement of Turkey and Brazil in negotiating this agreement with Iran was no doubt a contributory factor to the decision of both countries to vote subsequently against Resolution 1929 which was otherwise adopted with twelve votes in favour and one abstention by Lebanon. Foreign Minister Amorim of Brazil has indicated that he does not envisage any future role for his country in relation to negotiations on the Tehran Research Reactor.
As the European Council Declaration made clear, Ireland and our EU partners remain fully committed to working for a diplomatic solution of the issue of Iran's nuclear programme. The door to diplomatic engagement remains open and it is very much in Iran's own interests to walk through it and to take up the offer of serious negotiations with High Representative Ashton. Ireland will also continue working with our EU partners to ensure that any accompanying EU measures agreed and adopted in the coming weeks will focus on those within the regime who are driving forward the nuclear programme and will seek to avoid penalising the Iranian people at large.
62 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact he has had with, or the communication he has received from, the Mexican Government regarding the implications which arise following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. [29656/10]
I have not had any contact with or communication from the Mexican Government on this matter.
63 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current deployment of the Rapid Response Corps; the nature and expected duration of each deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27561/10]
The Government's Rapid Response Corps is a roster of skilled and experienced volunteers who make themselves available to deploy at short notice to work in humanitarian emergency situations.
The Corps comprises 155 individuals with specialised skills in logistics, engineering, public health, humanitarian coordination and protection. Most will have worked extensively overseas in humanitarian and/or development settings.
Individual members of the Corps are deployed at the request of the UN and other humanitarian organisations in need of their specific skills. Those agencies and organisations have the requisite knowledge and experience to determine where gaps exist and how best to use the skills of the Corp members.
Since 2007, there have been 82 deployments of the Corps to more than 20 countries. Currently there are 13 members of the Corps on deployment, working for four different organisations in eight different countries. In addition, another five members of the Corps will be deployed in the coming weeks to Haiti (2), Niger, the Philippines and Sudan. Details on the current deployments are set out below.
|
Country |
Agency |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
Chad |
UNHCR |
27-Apr |
26-Oct |
|
DRC |
OCHA |
12-Apr |
31-Jul |
|
Ethiopia |
Concern |
24-Jun |
16-Aug |
|
Haiti |
Concern |
05-May |
06-Aug |
|
Haiti |
OCHA |
01-Apr |
30-Jul |
|
Haiti |
OCHA |
20-Feb |
19-Aug |
|
Haiti |
WFP |
28-Jun |
02-Sep |
|
Haiti |
WFP |
19-Jun |
18-Dec |
|
Iraq |
UNHCR |
14-Mar |
10-Sep |
|
Kenya |
UNHCR |
11-Mar |
10-Sep |
|
Kyrgyzstan |
UNHCR |
02-Jun |
01-Aug |
|
Somalia |
Concern |
24-May |
24-Nov |
|
Somalia |
UNHCR |
04-May |
03-Nov |
|
Country |
Agency |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
Haiti |
Concern |
12-Jul |
10-Sep |
|
Philippines |
OCHA |
17-Jul |
21-Aug |
|
Haiti |
Concern |
22-Jul |
21-Oct |
|
Niger |
Irish Red Cross |
01-Aug |
30-Sep |
|
Sudan |
WFP |
09-Aug |
08-Jan 2011 |
66 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made on resolving the issue of undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29183/10]
I am very much aware of the difficulties confronting undocumented Irish citizens in the United States and the distress which both they and their families in the US and Ireland experience arising from their situation. I would urge anybody who might be tempted in the current economic climate to follow in the footsteps of the undocumented to take account of the plight in which they now find themselves.
Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States continues to be an important priority for this Government. We are also committed to enhancing our bilateral migration arrangements with the US through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable visa scheme, known as the E3 visa, and the further development of the recently agreed working holiday programme.
Over the last 12 months my Department and the Embassy in Washington in particular, has worked proactively with the US Administration and Congressional leaders to achieve positive progress on this important issue. The status of the undocumented can only be changed by virtue of legislation passed by both Houses of Congress in the US — it is not merely a matter of bilateral engagement between the two Governments.
During our St Patrick's Day visit to Washington, the Taoiseach and I took the opportunity to discuss immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish in our meetings with President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and leading members of Congress. As part of his St Patrick's Day address, President Obama offered an assurance that his own commitment to comprehensive immigration reform remains unwavering.
President Obama has since reiterated this commitment to reform, most recently in his comprehensive speech on the issue delivered in Washington on 1 July, in which he signalled his willingness to move forward and shape a "practical, common-sense approach". Previously, President Obama welcomed what he described as the "strong proposal" for reform presented at the end of April by senior Democratic Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer, and Robert Menendez.
The Democratic Senators' outline legislative proposal draws on the draft framework for action on immigration published in March by Senator Lindsay Graham and Senator Charles Schumer. This bipartisan proposal included provision for a path towards legalisation for the undocumented, including the Irish, provided they first admit to having violated US laws, undertake the repayment of taxes and perform community service. This outline legislation also specifically mentions an E-3 visa arrangement for Irish citizens. Although the proposal is only the first step in a long process, the inclusion of an Irish E3 scheme at this initial stage is an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.
While I am encouraged by these developments, very considerable political challenges remain, particularly in an election year.
The Government will continue to maintain very close contact with the US Administration and Congress, as well as with Irish community advocates, to address this issue in the period ahead. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we have provided $285,000 to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, since 2006, to assist with their lobbying efforts. In 2009, we also provided $10,000 to the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.
67 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish passports lost, mislaid or stolen in 2009 and to date in 2010; the percentage as a total of all passports requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29632/10]
Details of the numbers of passports reported as lost or stolen since 2009 are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Passports issued |
Lost or mislaid |
Stolen |
Total |
% of total issued |
|
2009 |
579,508 |
29,801 |
4,821 |
34,622 |
5.97% |
|
2010 to date |
325,998 |
13,328 |
2,188 |
15,516 |
4.76% |
The percentages of Irish passports which are lost and stolen is in line with other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Individual citizens are primarily responsible for the safe keeping of their own passports. In this regard the Department is constantly urging that passports should always be kept in a secure place and that citizens take particular care of the document when travelling. However, passports are lost and the Department strongly advises that citizens notify the Passport Service of any lost passport at the earliest opportunity.
Once a passport is reported lost, this information is relayed to Interpol through An Garda Síochána. Interpol receives these updates on a daily basis. The information is then made available immediately to police forces and border control officers worldwide. Any individual who attempts to travel on a lost or stolen passport will as a result most likely be stopped at border control points.
68 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will guarantee that there will be no further cuts in the overseas aid budget in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27557/10]
403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which it is expected to meet overseas development aid requirements in 2010; how this compares with 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30185/10]
404 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which overseas development aid is likely to proceed in 2010 in view of the likelihood of increased need arising from the world economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30186/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 403 and 404 together.
For 2010, the Government has provided an overall allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €671 million. Based on current projections Ireland's expected expenditure on ODA in 2010 will amount to approximately 0.52% of GNP, and confirms that Ireland will remain one of the most generous donors internationally on a per capita basis.
The 2010 allocation represents a slight decrease of about €25 million on the 2009 ODA allocation of €696 million. Effectively, against a background of enormous budgetary pressures, the Government succeeded in stabilising the 2010 ODA budget at its 2009 level. This was a significant achievement, and firmly reflects the Government's continued determination, supported by the Irish people, to help those in the world who can least help themselves.
As the Deputy is aware, ODA as a percentage of GNP is the internationally recognised comparator of a country's aid effort. The UN has established a target for developed countries to spend 0.7% of their GNP on ODA. The EU has committed to meeting the UN target by 2015. Following the budget last December, the Government committed Ireland to meeting the UN target by 2015, thereby aligning us with our fellow EU Member States. Ireland remains ahead of most Member States in progress towards the 2015 target and we will exceed the interim target set by the EU of spending at least 0.51% of GNP on ODA in 2010.
As we move towards 2015, the Government will make every effort, subject to the need to stabilise our public finances, to progress to the 0.7% target.
For 2010 the Government is determined that our aid programme will continue to maintain its sharp focus on poverty reduction, concentrating on a limited number of very poor, mainly African, countries. I have just returned from visits to Uganda and Ethiopia where I witnessed for myself the excellent work being carried out on the ground by my Department, through Irish Aid and by other development organisations such as NGOs and missionaries. We are making a real and tangible difference in the lives of many and there is great hope for the future.
In the current difficult economic environment, we will work to ensure that we continue to deliver the programme so that it has maximum impact and is rigorously focused on achieving clear results for the lives of the poor and the hungry.
69 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent presidential election in Colombia. [29649/10]
On 20 June 2010, the second round of Presidential elections took place in Colombia. Juan Manuel Santos of the Social National Unity Party (Partido Social de Unidad National), was declared the winner with 69% of the vote while the Green Party candidate, Antanas Mockus, attained 27.5% of the vote. President-elect Santos will take office on 7 August. The Organization of American States electoral observation mission noted that the elections took place in a transparent manner and were conducted correctly.
I note that President-elect Santos has called for a Government of National Unity with a view to consolidating democracy in Colombia. Ireland will fully support all efforts by the incoming Government to advance social and economic development for the people of Colombia.
72 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to set up additional satellite passport offices outside of Dublin and Cork; his views on locating one of these satellite offices at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29582/10]
As I indicated to the Deputy on 02 June last I have asked my officials to examine the feasibility of providing passport production equipment in other parts of the country. 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. At that time the question of additional passport office services will be examined in more detail.
73 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on China’s proposed sale of nuclear reactors to Pakistan; the regional implications of such a sale; his position on the matter; the implications for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29651/10]
I am aware of China's announcement that it is planning to sell two nuclear reactors to Pakistan. This has raised concerns in the international community both in relation to undertakings by China regarding the transfer of nuclear goods, as well as potential proliferation risks associated with Pakistan. At the recent plenary meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, Ireland was among those who expressed concern and sought further information on the issue. A representative of China at the meeting explained that in recent years China has had a level of cooperation with Pakistan in civil/nuclear energy in line with the two countries' legal obligations. He assured the plenary that such cooperation was exclusively for peaceful purposes and that the facilities were subject to IAEA safeguards.
Pakistan has long been the focus of international unease related to nuclear proliferation. There are serious concerns that rogue states or terrorist organizations could obtain nuclear material or expertise from Pakistan. This concern has been heightened due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Afghanistan, and the porous nature of their common border. These worries have not been helped by the knowledge that a former top Pakistani nuclear official — A.Q. Khan — for many years used a clandestine network to supply Libya, North Korea, and Iran with materials related to uranium enrichment.
The proposed China-Pakistan deal underlines again the pressing need for Pakistan to adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon State. Pakistan is one of only three States not party to the Treaty. India — another key regional player — and Israel are the other two. In May this year I addressed the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty in New York and called on these three States to join the Treaty. We will continue to press for the Treaty's universality, and for these three States to place all their nuclear facilities under IAEA Full-Scope Safeguards. Only in this way can the international community have the necessary confidence that potentially deadly materials cannot be diverted for terrorist or other destructive purposes.
76 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on suggestions that food shortages in Africa will encourage a peremptory introduction of genetically modified crops and food; if he is opposed to such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29638/10]
The Deputy has highlighted an issue that is both current and sensitive, and it is true that food shortages give rise to discussion about the potential of genetically modified crops to feed the growing world population.
We have a very clear position on this issue in relation to our aid programme. Ireland's support to the agricultural strategies of partner countries is provided within the context of the national policies of each country and in accordance with Ireland's policy of promoting local ownership of the development process. The use of genetically modified (GM) food and crops to feed the growing population in the developing world is a matter for the government of each developing country and we respect their decision in this regard.
77 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings he plans to hold in preparation for this year’s review of the world millennium development goals; if he will provide further consideration to caucus meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29647/10]
380 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs which sections of his Department will be represented on the official delegation to the UN ten-year review of the millennium development goals in New York in September. [29243/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 380 together.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted by Heads of Government at the Millennium Summit in 2000 provide the framework for international development up to 2015. Progress on the MDGs will be reviewed at a UN Summit in New York in September. The Government has been actively engaged at the UN and with our EU partners to ensure that, working together, developed and developing countries can maintain their commitments to the world's poorest people in the face of increased global challenges and continuing international economic difficulty. Ireland is playing an important role in the preparations for the Review Summit.
The Report on the MDGs for 2010, which was launched recently by the UN Secretary General, notes that much progress has been made and that, through nationally-owned development policies and plans supported by international partners, the MDGs can still be achieved by 2015. However, progress remains too slow and in some cases progress has been eroded by the global financial, economic and food crises since 2007.
The Government has taken a lead internationally to focus attention at the Summit on the continuing scandal of global hunger. We have made the point strongly at meetings in Europe, Africa and the United States that slow progress on the first of the MDGs, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, is not only a scandal in itself, but is impeding progress across the whole range of development goals. We are also arguing that priority be given to those regions and groups that are making the slowest progress, in particular those most vulnerable to extreme poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa, which is the primary geographic focus of the Government's aid programme.
Ireland played a major role in the preparation of a strong EU position for the Summit. Two weeks ago the Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions focusing on increasing the direct engagement of developing countries in achieving the MDGs, improving the effectiveness of development efforts and mobilising resources for development.
Nationally, we are also preparing with the US Administration for the organisation of a joint High Level Forum which I will chair with Secretary of State Clinton during the Summit to promote a comprehensive international approach to the global hunger crisis. This will highlight the need to link agriculture, food security and nutrition programming in order to provide a realistic and sustainable solution to world hunger. We are also consulting closely with Irish and other development NGOs in advance of the Summit.
The Government is determined that Ireland will play an important role at the New York Summit, in line with the effectiveness and international reputation of our development programme. I will ensure that the composition of the delegation from my Department will reflect this foreign policy priority.
78 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has held regarding recent processes in certain countries in Africa to punish persons engaged in same-sex relationships with custodial sentences or worse. [29643/10]
I am extremely concerned about the situation of those in same-sex relationships in certain African countries. In many countries in Africa, though not all, same-sex relationships are illegal. Even where they are not illegal, they are often not well tolerated, with people suffering violence and discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation. At the same time, many such countries have signed up to international conventions and made commitments in relation to human rights which they must be urged to respect in full.
Most recently, there have been high profile situations of concern in Uganda and Malawi, which we have been monitoring since they arose. In Uganda a new Private Member's Bill entitled "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009" was submitted by MP David Bahati late last year which aimed to broaden the criminalisation of homosexuality by introducing the death penalty for certain categories of conviction. The Bill subsequently was sent to a committee for review, although it has not yet been withdrawn. In Malawi, two men, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who held a traditional engagement ceremony were charged with "unnatural practices between males and gross public indecency" and subsequently convicted for "unnatural acts" and gross indecency and sentenced to 14 years' hard labour. Although President Mutharika subsequently granted them an unconditional pardon, the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds and the law which was used to convict them has not changed.
Our ongoing dialogues with Governments in Africa include human rights issues. Uganda and Malawi are priority countries for our Irish Aid programme and as such we have better access to the Governments of those countries. Since the Bill was first proposed, our Embassy in Kampala expressed our deep concerns to the Government of Uganda. When I was in Kampala last week, I availed of the opportunity in meeting with Foreign Minister Kutesa, to raise this issue again and to renew our serious concerns. The Foreign Minister assured me that his Government is dealing with the matter; he reiterated that this was a Private Member's Bill which was not sponsored by the Government. I also discussed the matter with the Chair of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, which has been asked by Parliament to give its views on the Bill and which underlined to me its view that Uganda should respect its obligations under international covenants. The Irish Embassy in Kampala will continue to monitor the situation closely and will remain in contact with local human rights and representative groups on this issue.
Similarly, our Embassy in Lilongwe expressed our serious concerns to the Government of Malawi as soon as charges were brought in the case there. My colleague, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, TD, made a public statement condemning the conviction. In addition, we supported a similar statement made by Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Irish Embassy in Lilongwe will continue to coordinate with partners to seek appropriate changes to the relevant laws in Malawi.
Another forum for discussion is the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, which provides opportunities to raise human rights situations of concern and allows each State under review to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. Ireland has been an active participant in this process, raising matters of interest and making recommendations, including on issues of sexual orientation in the case of a number of reviews. The 9th session of Universal Periodic Reviews at the Human Rights Council will take place in November, when the human rights situation in Malawi will be reviewed. Uganda's review will take place at the 12th Session in late 2011.
Both Malawi and Uganda are states parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Human Rights Committee, which monitors the implementation of the ICCPR, has affirmed that the principle of non-discrimination includes the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. This principle underpins the ICCPR, as it underpins the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Along with EU and international partners we shall continue to impress upon both Governments the need for them to comply with their own obligations under international human rights agreements and to protect all their citizens.
80 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the setting up by the UN of a panel to investigate alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka; if he will report on any discussions which have taken place at EU level regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29585/10]
I welcome the decision taken by the UN Secretary General on 22 June to appoint a Panel of Experts to advise on the issue of accountability with regard to alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the final stages of the conflict in Sri Lanka, which ended in May last year.
The Panel will be made up of three distinguished legal officials, Mr Marzuki Darusman (Indonesia), who will serve as Chairperson, Ms Yasmin Sooka (South Africa) and Mr Stephen Ratner (USA). It is expected to complete its work within four months. In particular, it will look into "modalities, applicable international standards and comparative experience with regard to accountability processes, taking into account the nature and scope of any alleged violations in Sri Lanka".
As reported to Deputies previously, I have long called for the establishment of an independent inquiry to investigate responsibility for alleged violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law committed by both the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the course of the conflict in Sri Lanka, particularly during its final months. I believe that accountability is an integral part of the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
The European Union has taken the same view. In Council Conclusions issued on 27 October 2009, EU Foreign Ministers repeated their view that possible violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by all actors in Sri Lanka should be subject to an "independent and credible inquiry".
Regrettably, intensive efforts by the EU last year to secure the agreement of the UN Human Rights Council for the establishment of such an inquiry were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, in spite of this, I am still firmly of the view that an inquiry of this kind is essential, though I am not optimistic that one will be authorized in the near future.
The Panel which has now been set up by the Secretary-General is particularly welcome in these circumstances and I believe its work will form an important element in the overall response of the international community to Sri Lanka's post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction needs. In this context, it is deeply disappointing that the Government of Sri Lanka has reacted in such a negative way to the appointment of the Panel, describing it as an unwarranted and unnecessary interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation.
A genuine process of dialogue and reconciliation must be initiated in Sri Lanka with a view to securing sustainable peace for all the people of the island. Such a process should involve the UN and others in the international community. Without reconciliation there can be no return to long-term security or prosperity for Sri Lanka. Ireland will continue with its efforts, both bilaterally and with our partners in the EU, to support the peace process in Sri Lanka.
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 47.
82 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the relative roles of the Committee on World Food Security and the World Bank within the proposed global partnership for agriculture, food security and nutrition. [29666/10]
The eradication of global hunger is a key component of Ireland's foreign policy and a cornerstone of our development programme. We recognise that strengthening international coordination and enhancing global governance for agriculture, food and nutrition security through a global partnership among development partners, which builds on existing institutions and fosters effective partnerships among key stakeholders, is fundamental to addressing world hunger. We also recognise the central role that the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and its Committee on Food Security play in the shared objective of increasing agricultural productivity and providing food and nutrition security for the world's rapidly growing population.
A reform process is underway at FAO in order to enhance its authority and capacity to effectively and rapidly respond to the challenge of world hunger. While the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has primary responsibility for Ireland's engagement with the FAO and its reform process, I expect that the Committee on Food Security will become the main global forum for discussion on global food and nutrition security issues. Its revitalised role will ensure greater policy convergence including through the development of international strategies and voluntary guidelines on food security and nutrition based on best practices and lessons learned from countries which have managed to make progress in reducing hunger.
The new Committee is also now the most inclusive food security forum, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard in the policy debate on food and agriculture. Its participation has been expanded to include a wide range of organisations working in the food security and nutrition areas from UN agencies and international financial institutions, to civil society and non-governmental organisations, and international agricultural research institutions.
As noted by the Deputy, the World Bank also has a key role to play in the area of agriculture, food security and nutrition. Ireland, acting through the Department of Finance which has lead responsibility, and my own Department, supports the World Bank's activities and operations aimed at increasing agricultural productivity in developing countries and improving nutrition outcomes in the households of the world's most poor and vulnerable people.
Ireland supports the World Bank's International Development Association, one of its development institutions which aims to reduce poverty and improve living standards with a focus on the world's poorest and most food insecure nations. We also support the Bank's International Finance Corporation and its private sector development work, which includes assisting developing countries to enhance the role of agribusiness and improve access to markets for farmers.
We support the World Bank's Global Food Crisis Response Programme established in 2008 to provide rapid financing to poor countries hard hit by rising food prices. We support the Bank's continued investment in agricultural development through its various programmes in developing countries, which is estimated at some $8 billion this year. These programmes focus on increasing agricultural productivity, and improving farmers' access to markets. We supported the establishment last year of a new Agriculture Finance Support Facility to increase farmers' access to financial services, such as credit and insurance.
Just last week, Ireland contributed €500,000 to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme, a new trust fund managed by the World Bank to scale up support to help poor countries improve food security through increased agricultural production.
Our support to the World Bank's agricultural interventions, and for a more effective and coherent Food and Agricultural Organisation and Committee on Food Security, are fully in line with the recommendations of the Government's 2008 Hunger Task Force.
We are committed to giving effect to the recommendations of Hunger Task Force and continue to work on the three priority areas identified in its Report, namely: increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting under-nutrition, especially maternal and infant; and promoting governance and leadership action on tackling global hunger. We are making good progress in implementing the recommendations of the Report across the Irish Aid programme, the overseas development assistance programme channelled and delivered through my Department.
The Government will continue to ensure that Ireland plays its role in all efforts to eradicate the scourge of global hunger and to meet our clear international target, the hunger target of the first Millennium Development Goal, to halve the number of hungry by 2015. Ireland’s Special Envoy on Hunger, Kevin Farrell, will report on the progress that we and our partners are making towards the end of this year.
84 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the ongoing support, in funding and personnel, he is giving the Haitian people to rebuild their country in the vital areas of housing, social and physical infrastructure, urban and spatial planning and shelter advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27556/10]
401 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the follow-up in international aid for Haiti and other disaster areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30183/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 401 together.
The entire world was deeply moved by the plight of the Haitian people following the earthquake on 14 January. The devastation wrought and the impact on peoples' lives were made all the worse by the levels of poverty experienced by most Haitians.
The Government responded quickly to the events in Haiti by undertaking Irish Aid's largest-ever humanitarian airlift. More than 130 tonnes of emergency shelter, water and sanitation equipment were transported to Haiti on two DC10s and a Hercules C130 aircraft and were distributed by Irish NGOs Concern, Goal and Trócaire. More than 12,000 Haitian families received vital assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake as a result of this operation. The Government also provided emergency funding to UN and other humanitarian agencies working to save lives in Haiti. Lives were saved by our rapid response to this enormous natural disaster.
My colleague the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Deputy Peter Power, is visiting Haiti this week to assess the impact of Ireland's contribution to the relief effort and to discuss the recovery and reconstruction of Haiti with representatives of the United Nations. While in Port au Prince he will visit a number of Irish Aid-funded projects being implemented by development agencies, as well as meeting members of Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps.
At an International Conference on the reconstruction of Haiti held on 31 March the Government pledged €13 million over three years towards relief, recovery and development in Haiti. This includes €1 million towards the cancellation of Haiti's remaining debt to the World Bank. The Irish statement to this conference highlighted the generosity of the Irish public in contributing millions of Euro to emergency appeals, as well as the role played by Irish NGOs and others in addressing the humanitarian crisis. The International Conference mobilised more than US$9 billion in donor support for Haiti's recovery and reconstruction, including €1.2 billion from the EU. The international community, in partnership with the Haitian government, has established an Interim Commission to oversee the reconstruction effort and a Trust Fund, which will be managed by the World Bank.
To date direct emergency funding provided by Ireland in response to the earthquake amounts to more than €3.2 million and covers a range of sectors, including sanitation, child protection, education, cash for work and agricultural recovery. Funding has been provided through three groups of partners: UN humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross and NGOs such as Christian Aid, Concern, Goal, Haven, Plan Ireland and World Vision.
Because of the direct impact of the earthquake on personnel and infrastructure, the Haitian Government will require technical and other support from international experts in order to fully discharge its responsibilities. In response to this, Irish Aid has allocated €200,000 to the UN Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, for the provision of technical and secretariat support services to the Haitian Government, to assist them and build their capacity in areas such as housing, social and physical infrastructure, and urban and spatial planning. UN-HABITAT carried out an extensive analysis of the urban spatial and planning requirements of Port au Prince prior to the earthquake and had already identified areas where improvements needed to be made to ensure a safer city.
The Government's contribution of in kind assistance via our humanitarian airlift exceeds €1.4 million. This also includes the deployment to date of eleven members of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps. These highly skilled volunteers have been supporting the emergency operations of organisations such as the World Food Programme, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Concern and Goal.
In addition to our direct support to Haiti, Ireland is a strong supporter of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund which has provided funding to Haiti as part of its remit to respond to humanitarian crises around the globe. Ireland has contributed €73 million to the CERF since it was established in 2006.
85 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the evidence on which he bases his rejection of the call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel and in particular the evidence of any positive influence on Israel as a result of Ireland’s affording it preferential trade. [29690/10]
Trade relations with Israel are determined at EU level.
I have been very active in criticising and drawing attention to those aspects of Israeli policy with which we disagree, particularly in relation to the continuing occupation of Palestinian Territories. I will continue to do so, both directly and at EU and UN level, and also to encourage both Israelis and Palestinians who are prepared to work and engage together to achieve a settlement.
However, as I have made clear on many occasions, including at the ICTU Conference on Palestine in April 2010, the Government does not support proposals for trade, academic, cultural or other boycotts against Israel. This has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments.
Such an approach would not increase our influence on Israeli policy or public opinion, nor among our EU colleagues. Nor is there any possibility of reaching agreement on such a policy at EU level.
As the Deputy will be aware, I set out my views on this matter in more detail in a recent meeting with the Joint Committee on European Affairs, on 22 June 2010.
86 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding jurisdiction claims over Rockall; if the Irish claim has been accepted by the UK; the position regarding agreements between Ireland and the UK on the continental shelf. [29590/10]
Rockall is a small uninhabitable rock, 25 by 30 metres wide, located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St. Kilda and 230 nautical miles to the north-west of Donegal. It marks a point at which the Rockall Bank, part of the very large Hatton-Rockall area of continental shelf extending under the north-east Atlantic Ocean, protrudes 21 metres above sea level. During the 1960s and 1970s the issue of Rockall was a source of legal and political controversy in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom claims sovereignty over Rockall and his sought to formally annex it under its Island of Rockall Act 1972.
As I said in response to the most recent question on this issue on 19 May last, while Ireland has not recognised British sovereignty over Rockall it has never sought to claim sovereignty for itself. The consistent position of successive Irish Governments has been that Rockall and similar rocks and skerries have no significance for establishing legal claims to mineral rights in the adjacent seabed and to fishing rights in the surrounding seas.
During the course of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which took place from 1973 to 1982, Ireland worked hard to achieve agreement on this principle. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was adopted at the conclusion of the Conference on 10 December 1982, provides at Article 121, paragraph 3 that: "Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf." Rockall falls into precisely this category.
In 1988, Ireland and the UK reached agreement on the delimitation of areas of the continental shelf between the two countries, stretching out up to 500 nautical miles from their respective coastlines. This included the division of the Hatton-Rockall area of continental shelf on which Rockall is situated, although under the terms of the Law of the Sea Convention the location of Rockall was irrelevant to the determination of the boundary. According to that determination, Rockall is situated to the north of the boundary agreed with the UK in 1988 and lies outside the zone claimed by Ireland.
As with any claim to continental shelf lying beyond 200 nautical miles from shore, the UN Convention requires that Ireland and the UK submit their claims for examination by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. However, the claims to the Hatton-Rockall shelf agreed between Ireland and the UK are not accepted by Iceland or the Faeroe Islands, which make their own claims. The four sides have met regularly since 2001 in an effort to resolve the overlapping claims issue but to date have been unable to reach agreement. In view of the 10-year deadline for the making of submissions to the UN Commission — which for Ireland expired in May last year — Ireland lodged its national claim for this area in March 2009. While the Commission's rules of procedure prevent consideration of the submission without the consent of all the states concerned, its submission at this time stops the clock on the deadline and preserves Ireland's legal position. In the meantime, the four sides intend to keep the matter under regular review and we will continue to work for the creation of conditions that will permit consideration of the submission by the Commission as soon as possible.
The State's continental shelf has already been successfully extended beyond 200 nautical miles in the area to the west of the Porcupine Bank. Together with France, Spain and the UK, we have also made a successful submission to the UN Commission in relation to a large area of seabed in the Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay and the four countries will shortly begin discussions on its division between them.
87 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of vacant posts at the Limerick office of Irish Aid in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the breakdown of these vacancies between diplomatic and non-diplomatic posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27562/10]
The table below sets out the number of vacant posts in my Department's office in Limerick.
|
Post Type |
Total Posts |
Occupied 2008 |
Vacancies 2008 |
Occupied 2009 |
Vacancies 2009 |
Occupied 2010 |
Vacancies 2010 |
|
Diplomatic |
24 |
23 |
1 |
18 |
6.0 |
18 |
6 |
|
Non-diplomatic |
114 |
102 |
12 |
98 |
18.0 |
97.5 |
16.5 |
|
Total |
138 |
125 |
13 |
116 |
22 |
115.5 |
22.5 |
Staff numbers in my Department, like those across the civil service as a whole, have fallen as a result of the Government's early retirement scheme and the embargoes on promotions and recruitment. This reduction in staff numbers is seen across the Department, including in the Limerick office.
89 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held discussions with colleague Ministers at EU level regarding the need to put pressure on the Government of Angola to allow a neutral and independent national electoral commission to be set up to oversee the preparations for and processes of the forthcoming elections. [29664/10]
93 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the position in Angola regarding reports that institutional corruption is rampant and that those who run the country are not prepared to relinquish power, as is democratically needed; and his further views that a general election due to take place in 2010 will require international assistance in preparation for real participation. [29663/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 93 together.
Angola has undergone major development since the end of its civil war, one of the longest-running civil wars in Africa, in 2002. It has achieved rapid economic growth, thanks to a boom in oil production and high international oil prices. However, this wealth has not translated to the general population but has remained in the hands of a restricted number with a huge disparity between wealth and poverty. In addition, hopes that the ending of the civil war would lead to more political openness have only partially been fulfilled.
Angola last held parliamentary and presidential elections in September 2008. While an EU Election Observation Mission welcomed the peaceful conduct of the elections it did not go as far as describing them as free and fair and made several recommendations in its final report, including strengthening the impartiality the National Elections Commission (CNE). Although the Government of Angola took note of the recommendations of the report, no major changes have been implemented to date. The next Parliamentary elections are due to be held in 2012. In relation to possible international assistance for the elections, the EU-Angola Country Strategy Paper for the period 2008-2013 allows for support to the Angolan electoral cycle as defined. The areas of voter education and capacity-building to key institutions, including the National Electoral Commission have been identified as possibilities for assistance. However, EU assistance, including a possible electoral observation mission, is of course dependent on a request being made by the national authorities.
The situation in Angola has not been the subject of recent discussions at Ministerial level in the EU. It is, however discussed at working group level of the EU and EU missions in Luanda work with the Government of Angola on an ongoing basis including political dialogue within the framework of Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement.
Corruption in Angola is a serious problem, with the country regularly amongst Transparency International's top 20 most corrupt countries. There have been some efforts in recent months by the Government to improve governance and introduce more accountability into the system. Measures include legislation to introduce greater transparency to the national budget which was passed by the National Assembly in March.
Conscious that the country's rapid economic growth masks huge inequalities, Irish Aid provides some funding to the Angolan people, amounting to almost €7.6 million since 2006. This funding is channelled through Irish and international NGOs including Trócaire, Concern and Christian Aid and through Irish missionaries . These funds have been employed in programmes promoting good governance, also programmes combating HIV & AIDS, reducing food insecurity and various humanitarian assistance projects.
90 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings held and matters discussed on his recent visit to Ethiopia; his priorities regarding that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29641/10]
I spent last week visiting Uganda and Ethiopia, two of the nine priority countries for the Government's aid programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance.
I visited Ethiopia from 30 June to 2 July. My main objective was to assess the impact of our development programme on the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Ethiopia, and its contribution to the remarkable development and economic growth which the country has experienced in recent years. I held political discussions with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Acting Foreign Minister, Dr. Tekeda Alemu, and I reviewed regional issues, including the situation in Sudan, with the Chairman of the African Union Commission Jean Ping, at the Headquarters of the organisation in Addis Ababa.
Ireland has been providing development assistance to Ethiopia since 1990. Ethiopia has been a priority country for long term development assistance from Irish Aid since 1994. Building on the remarkable work of Irish missionaries over many decades, the Irish aid programme has focused clearly on hunger and food security and the provision of basic services to the Ethiopian people. I witnessed the impact of this cooperation when I visited health facilities and schools outside Addis Ababa with the Minister of Health, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. I also visited projects being undertaken by Irish NGOs and missionaries with street children and with people living with HIV and AIDS. I met with a wide range of Irish NGOs and volunteers working in Ethiopia with a commitment to partnership with local communities to tackle poverty, hunger and disease and building a brighter future for the country and its people.
Ethiopia has made enormous progress in recent years. The proportion of people living on less than $1 a day has fallen from 60% in 1990 to 36% in 2007. Over the past twenty years, primary school enrolment has quadrupled, and child mortality has been reduced by almost fifty percent. The country continues to face significant development challenges, not least as a result of continuing population growth and the effects of climate change. However, I was deeply impressed by the commitment of the Government and the Ethiopian people to the development of their economy and their country. I visited the new Ethiopian Commodity Exchange, which has been developed with support from Irish Aid, and saw the impact it is having on the lives of producers of basic commodities including coffee, and the influence it is beginning to bring to bear on the lives of rural communities and on Ethiopia's economic role in Africa. I also met with a number of Irish business people who are investing in Ethiopia, helping to create opportunities for employment, trade and new links with Ireland and Europe.
I am convinced that by continuing to focus on a development partnership with Ethiopia aimed at reducing poverty and fighting hunger and at the same time building closer business and trade links between our two countries, Ireland can continue to make a very significant contribution to sustainable development in the country and the wider region.
Ireland's role in Ethiopia over many decades was recognised in all my discussions during my visit. Against this background, I had the opportunity for very open discussions with the Prime Minister and other political leaders on political developments in Ethiopia and on the conduct and aftermath of the recent elections, the human rights situation and the very positive role Ethiopia is playing internationally on global issues, including climate change.
91 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the role of China in the future development of Africa; his further views on the long-term implications of Chinese involvement on the continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29639/10]
China has rapidly increased its engagement with nearly every African state in recent years. Trade between Africa and China has grown an average of 30% per annum in the past decade and now stands at over US$100 billion, making China the continent's second largest trading partner after the US. China shares with other major economic powers a desire to gain access to natural resources, but also important is the desire to tap Africa's huge market of one billion people. This is testament to the enormous economic potential of Africa, which is now the third fastest growing region in the world, after China and India. It is also indicative of a growing trend of economic ties being formed between African and other developing and emerging market countries. This South-South trade cooperation is proving to be a critical new catalyst for Africa's economic growth.
I am aware of the contrast often made between what has been perceived as the commercial focus of China's policy in Africa and the primary focus of Ireland and the EU on issues such as poverty reduction, human rights and good governance. However, I believe that this contrast can be overstated. There are signs that China is increasingly aware of the importance of peace and stability in Africa and, as such, these are areas of shared interest with Ireland and the EU. China also has a large contribution to make in Africa by the sharing of experience on the reduction of poverty, including in some key areas for Africa such as raising agricultural productivity. At the most recent EU-China Summit, held in Nanjing last November, both sides welcomed trilateral dialogue between the EU, China and Africa, and agreed to explore appropriate areas for cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the full and timely achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and to supporting Africa's sustainable development and early economic recovery from the global financial crisis. I am also of the view that the commitment of African countries to human rights, gender equality, good governance and the fight against corruption is not only the product of pressure related to assistance from donors. African countries are participants in a wide range of international instruments which guarantee such freedoms and are, as is Ireland, accountable under the terms of these international agreements.
Ireland, for our part, has had a long and fruitful relationship with Africa. With the increasing globalisation of Africa, opportunities also lie there for Ireland to develop our relationship with the continent in new areas that will benefit us both. Ireland's total merchandise trade with Africa in 2009 was approximately €1.4 billion. However, I firmly believe that there is potential to grow and expand our trading relationship with the continent of Africa. The improvements in infrastructure, energy, and the availability of skilled workforces achieved in many partner countries with support from Irish Aid, means that doing business in Africa can be a real possibility for the right companies in the right sectors. My Department welcomes the opportunity to provide support to Irish companies wishing to expand their business into Africa.
92 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will respond to the concerns shared by a number of non-governmental organisations that in developing its national action plan for the inplantation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Government failed to conduct a broad and inclusive consultation process; if he will confirm that the eight essential steps contained in the best practice guide entitled UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security: Towards an Effective and Inclusive Irish National Action Plan will inform the national action plan. [29692/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply of 22 June last to Parliamentary Question number 26769/10 regarding the extensive consultation process undertaken by my Department as part of the development of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325.
The guide referred to by the Deputy is a welcome addition to the extensive literature already in existence on how to shape a National Action Plan. The eight steps mentioned in this recent publication have informed the work of developing the draft National Action Plan and are an important input to the process. They reflect ideas which have been conveyed by civil society members of the consultative group on 1325, which was established to advise on the drafting of the Plan.
The National Women's Council of Ireland and the Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence were invited to select participants to contribute to the group's work and the Department also nominated other experts to become involved in its work.
A comprehensive audit of Government activity in the areas covered by UNSCR 1325 was also conducted and replies were received from the Departments of Defence and Justice, incorporating responses from the Permanent Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána. My Department also conducted an audit of its own activities and a submission was received from the civil society organisations present on the consultative group. The structure and content of the draft National Action Plan, currently being prepared, draws on the Resolution itself and deals with the key issues of participation, protection and gender perspectives. The draft also proposes a monitoring framework which sets out clear actions and indicators, and allocates responsibility to a specific Government body, with clear timelines for each action.
The success of the National Action Plan will depend on effective monitoring and evaluation and I look forward to further discussions with civil society representatives as to how best this can be achieved.
94 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the support that he and the EU are giving, or propose to give, to enable African countries achieve the aims of the Maputo declaration on agricultural production as a proportion of GDP. [29634/10]
Ireland supports African countries' efforts to achieve the aims of the Maputo Declaration in a variety of ways. We are directly engaged in the agricultural sector in a number of countries particularly Malawi and Tanzania. Ireland's programmes of General Budget Support are also helping our partner countries meet the Maputo Declaration target. We also support the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme, or CAADP.
CAADP is an African owned regional framework for guiding investment in the agricultural sector that was endorsed by the member states of the African Union in the Maputo Declaration of 2003. CAADP is based on the pursuit of six percent average annual growth in the agricultural sector at national level as well as the Maputo Declaration's explicit target of an allocation of ten percent of national budgets to agriculture. Agricultural spending by African governments is now increasing. To date at least eight countries have met the ten percent target while another sixteen countries reached expenditure shares of five to ten percent. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that the agricultural sectors of countries signed up to the CAADP agenda are already demonstrating improved growth.
Ireland supports the CAADP process on a number of levels. Last year we provided €1.5m through the appropriate World Bank Multi Donor Trust Fund which was established to support the development of the CAADP process. Eighteen African countries have now signed up to the framework and aligned their agricultural policies. This year Irish Aid has contributed €500,000 to the new Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme of the World Bank which is managing support for the national investment plans developed through CAADP. In addition we are focusing our support at country level to ensure the quality of these investment plans, particularly in Malawi and Tanzania, two countries where we are coordinating all donors in the agriculture sector. The €23m of Irish Aid funding channelled through the European Development Fund in 2010 is also a significant and relevant contribution to the agricultural work of our partner governments. The European Commission is a major donor to the agricultural sector in general and also to CAADP. In relation to the CAADP process it has provided €5m over the last three years.
The Commission will continue to provide significant levels of funding to the development of the agriculture sector in Africa in various ways that are aligned with CAADP priorities. We understand that the overall level of assistance from the Commission for CAADP and related agriculture sector development programmes is likely to remain above €400m per annum up to 2013.
95 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Taoiseach the age distribution of the population in each electoral district of Meath East in the latest revision; the distribution by social class in each electoral district; and the distribution of permanent private households by year their house was built in each electoral district. [29177/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tables. It should be noted that the information was taken from the Census 2006, but that the figures are for the Revised Meath East as per the Report on Dáil and European Parliament Constituencies 2007.
|
DED |
0- 4 years |
5- 9 years |
10-14 years |
15-19 years |
20-24 years |
25-29 years |
30-34 years |
35-39 years |
40-44 years |
45-49 years |
50-54 years |
55-59 years |
60-64 years |
65-69 years |
70-74 years |
75-79 years |
80-84 years |
85 years and over |
Total |
|
004 Drumcondra |
91 |
93 |
88 |
95 |
87 |
74 |
95 |
73 |
95 |
101 |
88 |
97 |
54 |
38 |
36 |
35 |
30 |
19 |
1,289 |
|
005 Grangegeeth |
38 |
45 |
40 |
35 |
26 |
35 |
44 |
41 |
49 |
35 |
27 |
38 |
19 |
17 |
16 |
14 |
13 |
6 |
538 |
|
006 Killary |
75 |
72 |
82 |
81 |
89 |
74 |
105 |
87 |
83 |
96 |
81 |
64 |
64 |
42 |
36 |
30 |
28 |
10 |
1,199 |
|
007 Culmullin |
54 |
58 |
73 |
100 |
91 |
44 |
60 |
67 |
81 |
78 |
73 |
92 |
55 |
26 |
19 |
17 |
19 |
25 |
1,032 |
|
008 Donaghmore |
583 |
551 |
609 |
702 |
820 |
779 |
728 |
690 |
669 |
584 |
582 |
464 |
283 |
146 |
101 |
68 |
44 |
26 |
8,429 |
|
009 Dunboyne |
723 |
766 |
685 |
680 |
687 |
607 |
641 |
720 |
773 |
662 |
486 |
362 |
273 |
219 |
144 |
101 |
61 |
66 |
8,656 |
|
010 Dunshaughlin |
379 |
469 |
436 |
403 |
363 |
360 |
310 |
450 |
466 |
413 |
341 |
275 |
215 |
128 |
94 |
73 |
51 |
41 |
5,267 |
|
011 Kilbrew |
212 |
168 |
157 |
157 |
202 |
418 |
350 |
219 |
185 |
132 |
114 |
105 |
96 |
41 |
51 |
20 |
19 |
9 |
2,655 |
|
012 Killeen |
60 |
81 |
96 |
75 |
68 |
60 |
67 |
63 |
95 |
84 |
95 |
78 |
57 |
35 |
24 |
22 |
14 |
13 |
1,087 |
|
014 Kilmore |
85 |
98 |
96 |
131 |
131 |
107 |
88 |
100 |
90 |
112 |
133 |
90 |
66 |
36 |
28 |
26 |
12 |
18 |
1,447 |
|
015 Rathfeigh |
60 |
63 |
66 |
86 |
77 |
48 |
61 |
60 |
66 |
74 |
68 |
51 |
38 |
24 |
22 |
24 |
17 |
19 |
924 |
|
016 Ratoath |
1,067 |
907 |
651 |
454 |
418 |
775 |
1,052 |
1,040 |
796 |
475 |
365 |
276 |
179 |
156 |
88 |
60 |
38 |
30 |
8,827 |
|
017 Rodanstown |
70 |
71 |
59 |
64 |
86 |
71 |
56 |
72 |
79 |
68 |
80 |
89 |
79 |
45 |
26 |
19 |
11 |
11 |
1,056 |
|
018 Skreen |
94 |
106 |
106 |
121 |
96 |
71 |
73 |
98 |
122 |
111 |
123 |
88 |
77 |
46 |
43 |
22 |
18 |
12 |
1,427 |
|
019 Ardagh |
27 |
38 |
52 |
58 |
56 |
37 |
39 |
47 |
46 |
38 |
54 |
32 |
29 |
22 |
33 |
13 |
14 |
7 |
642 |
|
024 Carrickleck |
25 |
24 |
41 |
35 |
36 |
28 |
30 |
23 |
30 |
41 |
33 |
36 |
24 |
16 |
19 |
11 |
10 |
4 |
466 |
|
027 Cruicetown |
30 |
34 |
32 |
29 |
19 |
22 |
27 |
22 |
31 |
32 |
21 |
12 |
5 |
16 |
8 |
16 |
3 |
5 |
364 |
|
029 Kilmainham |
49 |
44 |
42 |
56 |
60 |
51 |
55 |
50 |
36 |
52 |
42 |
44 |
36 |
17 |
33 |
23 |
23 |
28 |
741 |
|
032 Maperath |
32 |
32 |
31 |
28 |
21 |
19 |
25 |
36 |
41 |
32 |
32 |
18 |
34 |
36 |
18 |
12 |
11 |
6 |
464 |
|
034 Moybolgue |
16 |
18 |
13 |
14 |
17 |
17 |
12 |
13 |
15 |
25 |
13 |
10 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
215 |
|
035 Moynalty |
42 |
39 |
54 |
34 |
38 |
28 |
46 |
38 |
48 |
37 |
43 |
33 |
21 |
35 |
24 |
20 |
15 |
9 |
604 |
|
036 Newcastle |
25 |
28 |
32 |
27 |
27 |
33 |
36 |
23 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
27 |
13 |
16 |
11 |
10 |
9 |
3 |
402 |
|
037 Newtown |
57 |
65 |
52 |
38 |
40 |
41 |
54 |
65 |
54 |
39 |
15 |
25 |
24 |
19 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
610 |
|
038 Nobber |
42 |
41 |
47 |
47 |
43 |
45 |
46 |
47 |
44 |
57 |
41 |
34 |
23 |
28 |
20 |
11 |
13 |
14 |
643 |
|
DED |
0- 4 years |
5- 9 years |
10-14 years |
15-19 years |
20-24 years |
25-29 years |
30-34 years |
35-39 years |
40-44 years |
45-49 years |
50-54 years |
55-59 years |
60-64 years |
65-69 years |
70-74 years |
75-79 years |
80-84 years |
85 years and over |
Total |
|
039 Posseckstown |
14 |
16 |
13 |
19 |
7 |
5 |
12 |
11 |
8 |
9 |
17 |
7 |
4 |
9 |
12 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
174 |
|
040 Staholmog |
29 |
31 |
32 |
30 |
26 |
30 |
30 |
24 |
33 |
30 |
21 |
16 |
20 |
13 |
13 |
9 |
9 |
4 |
400 |
|
042 Trohanny |
18 |
30 |
28 |
29 |
21 |
20 |
28 |
23 |
34 |
31 |
20 |
18 |
19 |
14 |
9 |
6 |
9 |
4 |
361 |
|
043 Ardcath |
135 |
118 |
147 |
151 |
154 |
130 |
125 |
118 |
143 |
144 |
156 |
138 |
82 |
46 |
29 |
42 |
22 |
8 |
1,888 |
|
044 Duleek |
412 |
352 |
244 |
247 |
327 |
487 |
516 |
422 |
292 |
232 |
174 |
194 |
158 |
109 |
82 |
46 |
32 |
16 |
4,342 |
|
046 Mellifont |
41 |
30 |
29 |
30 |
39 |
26 |
40 |
38 |
47 |
33 |
31 |
30 |
34 |
19 |
21 |
16 |
13 |
8 |
525 |
|
048 Stamullin |
418 |
303 |
208 |
198 |
206 |
436 |
552 |
408 |
260 |
179 |
136 |
167 |
116 |
72 |
54 |
31 |
28 |
52 |
3,824 |
|
050 Ardmulchan |
65 |
62 |
75 |
81 |
66 |
48 |
50 |
60 |
76 |
97 |
79 |
52 |
33 |
24 |
25 |
15 |
12 |
15 |
935 |
|
052 Castletown |
96 |
83 |
81 |
74 |
61 |
78 |
63 |
77 |
100 |
75 |
66 |
41 |
32 |
28 |
29 |
18 |
14 |
6 |
1,022 |
|
053 Domhnach Phádraig |
135 |
157 |
133 |
121 |
97 |
92 |
127 |
147 |
126 |
112 |
116 |
70 |
64 |
39 |
40 |
31 |
24 |
11 |
1,642 |
|
054 Kentstown |
166 |
133 |
118 |
117 |
120 |
175 |
191 |
154 |
121 |
119 |
98 |
96 |
57 |
41 |
27 |
14 |
14 |
8 |
1,769 |
|
056 Painestown |
77 |
89 |
67 |
73 |
90 |
61 |
74 |
96 |
86 |
83 |
83 |
68 |
52 |
31 |
42 |
26 |
17 |
10 |
1,125 |
|
057 Rathkenny |
35 |
37 |
39 |
37 |
37 |
38 |
44 |
48 |
48 |
42 |
24 |
34 |
43 |
14 |
12 |
10 |
5 |
7 |
554 |
|
058 Slane |
132 |
116 |
83 |
93 |
75 |
126 |
176 |
145 |
118 |
91 |
92 |
89 |
70 |
44 |
31 |
35 |
26 |
9 |
1,551 |
|
059 Stackallan |
47 |
50 |
41 |
37 |
33 |
41 |
30 |
42 |
45 |
50 |
39 |
42 |
25 |
19 |
14 |
13 |
11 |
5 |
584 |
|
060 Tara |
70 |
73 |
62 |
73 |
73 |
67 |
58 |
54 |
77 |
82 |
84 |
94 |
75 |
43 |
42 |
28 |
27 |
18 |
1,100 |
|
001 Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Urban |
156 |
178 |
135 |
140 |
145 |
147 |
182 |
175 |
134 |
106 |
114 |
81 |
83 |
64 |
78 |
54 |
34 |
24 |
2,030 |
|
026 Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Rural (part) |
274 |
268 |
264 |
236 |
302 |
333 |
335 |
295 |
303 |
228 |
184 |
162 |
135 |
108 |
82 |
57 |
27 |
33 |
3,626 |
|
Total |
6,256 |
6,037 |
5,439 |
5,336 |
5,477 |
6,184 |
6,733 |
6,481 |
6,073 |
5,149 |
4,510 |
3,839 |
2,873 |
1,949 |
1,547 |
1,116 |
809 |
628 |
76,436 |
|
DED |
Professional workers |
Managerial and technical |
Non-manual |
Skilled manual |
Semi-skilled |
Unskilled |
All other gainfully occupied and unknown |
Total |
|
004 Drumcondra |
77 |
289 |
188 |
257 |
157 |
85 |
236 |
1,289 |
|
005 Grangegeeth |
23 |
141 |
97 |
131 |
74 |
30 |
42 |
538 |
|
006 Killary |
71 |
237 |
186 |
240 |
147 |
97 |
221 |
1,199 |
|
007 Culmullin |
86 |
365 |
184 |
155 |
76 |
34 |
132 |
1,032 |
|
008 Donaghmore |
477 |
2,672 |
1,622 |
1,589 |
814 |
278 |
977 |
8,429 |
|
009 Dunboyne |
709 |
3,090 |
1,582 |
1,388 |
596 |
271 |
1,020 |
8,656 |
|
010 Dunshaughlin |
491 |
1,871 |
906 |
886 |
421 |
128 |
564 |
5,267 |
|
011 Kilbrew |
161 |
840 |
555 |
515 |
217 |
104 |
263 |
2,655 |
|
012 Killeen |
90 |
358 |
176 |
203 |
83 |
52 |
125 |
1,087 |
|
014 Kilmore |
92 |
476 |
287 |
309 |
98 |
57 |
128 |
1,447 |
|
015 Rathfeigh |
48 |
358 |
126 |
157 |
54 |
46 |
135 |
924 |
|
016 Ratoath |
716 |
3,450 |
1,721 |
1,362 |
556 |
174 |
848 |
8,827 |
|
017 Rodanstown |
101 |
367 |
180 |
187 |
73 |
49 |
99 |
1,056 |
|
018 Skreen |
105 |
516 |
236 |
229 |
128 |
42 |
171 |
1,427 |
|
019 Ardagh |
9 |
127 |
93 |
154 |
85 |
38 |
136 |
642 |
|
024 Carrickleck |
6 |
120 |
74 |
123 |
60 |
21 |
62 |
466 |
|
027 Cruicetown |
22 |
81 |
58 |
97 |
38 |
30 |
38 |
364 |
|
029 Kilmainham |
21 |
127 |
85 |
197 |
132 |
42 |
137 |
741 |
|
032 Maperath |
22 |
187 |
60 |
89 |
32 |
20 |
54 |
464 |
|
034 Moybolgue |
10 |
62 |
47 |
47 |
28 |
4 |
17 |
215 |
|
035 Moynalty |
26 |
196 |
85 |
140 |
65 |
32 |
60 |
604 |
|
036 Newcastle |
19 |
98 |
102 |
93 |
34 |
18 |
38 |
402 |
|
DED |
Professional workers |
Managerial and technical |
Non-manual |
Skilled manual |
Semi-skilled |
Unskilled |
All other gainfully occupied and unknown |
Total |
|
037 Newtown |
28 |
112 |
108 |
131 |
96 |
26 |
109 |
610 |
|
038 Nobber |
30 |
150 |
116 |
153 |
79 |
46 |
69 |
643 |
|
039 Posseckstown |
20 |
35 |
28 |
48 |
21 |
2 |
20 |
174 |
|
040 Staholmog |
25 |
59 |
66 |
111 |
45 |
24 |
70 |
400 |
|
042 Trohanny |
22 |
83 |
61 |
94 |
38 |
20 |
43 |
361 |
|
043 Ardcath |
107 |
430 |
306 |
454 |
210 |
90 |
291 |
1,888 |
|
044 Duleek |
146 |
873 |
756 |
941 |
648 |
288 |
690 |
4,342 |
|
046 Mellifont |
36 |
168 |
99 |
101 |
54 |
31 |
36 |
525 |
|
048 Stamullin |
243 |
1,175 |
655 |
805 |
349 |
111 |
486 |
3,824 |
|
050 Ardmulchan |
76 |
308 |
160 |
204 |
71 |
24 |
92 |
935 |
|
052 Castletown |
72 |
249 |
176 |
207 |
101 |
68 |
149 |
1,022 |
|
053 Domhnach Phádraig |
85 |
473 |
267 |
407 |
172 |
79 |
159 |
1,642 |
|
054 Kentstown |
116 |
422 |
313 |
375 |
182 |
89 |
272 |
1,769 |
|
056 Painestown |
49 |
317 |
181 |
265 |
113 |
51 |
149 |
1,125 |
|
057 Rathkenny |
18 |
171 |
84 |
156 |
49 |
34 |
42 |
554 |
|
058 Slane |
94 |
414 |
210 |
311 |
199 |
98 |
225 |
1,551 |
|
059 Stackallan |
35 |
170 |
103 |
125 |
55 |
29 |
67 |
584 |
|
060 Tara |
127 |
309 |
199 |
206 |
79 |
35 |
145 |
1,100 |
|
001 Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Urban |
43 |
289 |
303 |
383 |
325 |
152 |
535 |
2,030 |
|
026 Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Rural (part) |
186 |
989 |
633 |
701 |
468 |
174 |
475 |
3,626 |
|
Total |
4,940 |
23,224 |
13,474 |
14,726 |
7,322 |
3,123 |
9,627 |
76,436 |
|
DED |
Before 1919 |
1919 to 1940 |
1941 to 1960 |
1961 to 1970 |
1971 to 1980 |
1981 to 1990 |
1991 to 1995 |
1996 to 2000 |
2001 or later |
Not stated |
Total |
|
004 Drumcondra |
79 |
42 |
44 |
29 |
86 |
49 |
19 |
31 |
39 |
11 |
429 |
|
005 Grangegeeth |
35 |
19 |
15 |
3 |
24 |
19 |
10 |
16 |
28 |
2 |
171 |
|
006 Killary |
67 |
46 |
34 |
22 |
72 |
48 |
13 |
26 |
42 |
16 |
386 |
|
007 Culmullin |
27 |
19 |
32 |
31 |
84 |
48 |
12 |
13 |
34 |
9 |
309 |
|
008 Donaghmore |
46 |
42 |
39 |
118 |
627 |
538 |
181 |
291 |
774 |
60 |
2,716 |
|
009 Dunboyne |
82 |
90 |
122 |
163 |
367 |
354 |
222 |
618 |
542 |
76 |
2,636 |
|
010 Dunshaughlin |
55 |
40 |
68 |
102 |
211 |
342 |
261 |
274 |
215 |
60 |
1,628 |
|
011 Kilbrew |
45 |
42 |
28 |
31 |
86 |
72 |
32 |
186 |
413 |
24 |
959 |
|
012 Killeen |
49 |
25 |
34 |
25 |
89 |
48 |
14 |
17 |
33 |
3 |
337 |
|
014 Kilmore |
36 |
21 |
73 |
26 |
91 |
65 |
18 |
21 |
65 |
11 |
427 |
|
015 Rathfeigh |
32 |
15 |
25 |
25 |
60 |
46 |
17 |
23 |
29 |
4 |
276 |
|
016 Ratoath |
54 |
51 |
47 |
72 |
245 |
107 |
158 |
640 |
1,371 |
47 |
2,792 |
|
017 Rodanstown |
32 |
27 |
28 |
40 |
101 |
54 |
12 |
19 |
21 |
3 |
337 |
|
018 Skreen |
62 |
42 |
37 |
33 |
110 |
80 |
17 |
22 |
38 |
14 |
455 |
|
019 Ardagh |
37 |
14 |
30 |
16 |
32 |
36 |
6 |
14 |
19 |
2 |
206 |
|
024 Carrickleck |
24 |
21 |
18 |
5 |
29 |
29 |
4 |
7 |
13 |
— |
150 |
|
027 Cruicetown |
25 |
16 |
14 |
5 |
6 |
10 |
6 |
7 |
14 |
5 |
108 |
|
029 Kilmainham |
42 |
20 |
8 |
17 |
38 |
19 |
10 |
27 |
55 |
3 |
239 |
|
032 Maperath |
36 |
18 |
15 |
10 |
33 |
11 |
9 |
14 |
14 |
2 |
162 |
|
034 Moybolgue |
11 |
10 |
7 |
2 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
1 |
66 |
|
035 Moynalty |
55 |
27 |
23 |
11 |
34 |
18 |
8 |
11 |
16 |
1 |
204 |
|
036 Newcastle |
38 |
12 |
11 |
9 |
15 |
12 |
8 |
5 |
22 |
— |
132 |
|
037 Newtown |
19 |
19 |
16 |
2 |
15 |
21 |
5 |
19 |
77 |
6 |
199 |
|
038 Nobber |
40 |
19 |
23 |
24 |
33 |
28 |
11 |
11 |
23 |
6 |
218 |
|
039 Posseckstown |
13 |
8 |
9 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
— |
3 |
9 |
— |
52 |
|
040 Staholmog |
26 |
21 |
9 |
6 |
18 |
15 |
3 |
6 |
11 |
9 |
124 |
|
DED |
Before 1919 |
1919 to 1940 |
1941 to 1960 |
1961 to 1970 |
1971 to 1980 |
1981 to 1990 |
1991 to 1995 |
1996 to 2000 |
2001 or later |
Not stated |
Total |
|
042 Trohanny |
27 |
14 |
14 |
5 |
13 |
16 |
6 |
4 |
8 |
1 |
108 |
|
043 Ardcath |
67 |
49 |
58 |
32 |
188 |
82 |
20 |
27 |
43 |
24 |
590 |
|
044 Duleek |
93 |
45 |
71 |
69 |
207 |
89 |
43 |
194 |
671 |
29 |
1,511 |
|
046 Mellifont |
39 |
21 |
19 |
10 |
36 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
15 |
— |
165 |
|
048 Stamullin |
81 |
25 |
53 |
47 |
128 |
72 |
26 |
130 |
687 |
26 |
1,275 |
|
050 Ardmulchan |
45 |
16 |
34 |
26 |
50 |
50 |
14 |
20 |
25 |
3 |
283 |
|
052 Castletown |
33 |
42 |
40 |
24 |
51 |
34 |
13 |
23 |
40 |
9 |
309 |
|
053 Domhnach Phádraig |
63 |
74 |
38 |
23 |
78 |
51 |
33 |
50 |
71 |
13 |
494 |
|
054 Kentstown |
55 |
25 |
42 |
32 |
95 |
41 |
13 |
26 |
230 |
14 |
573 |
|
056 Painestown |
61 |
33 |
31 |
40 |
79 |
24 |
16 |
26 |
35 |
9 |
354 |
|
057 Rathkenny |
33 |
25 |
15 |
12 |
23 |
25 |
9 |
14 |
23 |
4 |
183 |
|
058 Slane |
75 |
24 |
43 |
31 |
83 |
48 |
30 |
65 |
109 |
20 |
528 |
|
059 Stackallan |
49 |
17 |
16 |
15 |
25 |
17 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
10 |
185 |
|
060 Tara |
37 |
27 |
30 |
40 |
95 |
38 |
11 |
15 |
32 |
9 |
334 |
|
001 Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Urban |
128 |
84 |
81 |
33 |
95 |
33 |
32 |
137 |
103 |
62 |
788 |
|
026 Ceannanus Mór (Kells) Rural (part) |
47 |
39 |
31 |
54 |
244 |
86 |
38 |
184 |
459 |
31 |
1,213 |
|
Total |
2,000 |
1,286 |
1,425 |
1,322 |
4,009 |
2,796 |
1,382 |
3,261 |
6,491 |
639 |
24,611 |
96 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the amount of funding from the national lottery received in each of the years 2007, 2008, and 2009 and if he will give further details of the programmes, services and capital developments for which this funding was used quoting the amount so used in each case and whether the lottery funding fully or partially funded the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29178/10]
My Department did not receive any funding from the National Lottery during the years 2007 to 2009.
97 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Taoiseach the amount paid by his Department in legal fees for each of the years from 2000 to date in 2010; the amount paid in legal fees by each of the agencies and bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29179/10]
The amount paid by my Department in Legal Fees from 2000 to the 31st May 2010 is detailed in the following table.
|
Year |
Department Spend |
|
€ |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
2001 |
3,893 |
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
32,887 |
|
2004 |
8,616 |
|
2005 |
13,609* |
|
2006 |
56,006 |
|
2007 |
12,197* |
|
2008 |
159,677* |
|
2009 |
51,843 |
|
To end May in 2010 |
29,846 |
*175,179 of this spend relates to spend for the Commission of Investigation.
The amount paid by agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department, other then the Tribunals and Commission of Inquiry from 2000 to the 31st May 2010 is detailed in the following table.
|
Year |
National Forum on Europe |
Central Statistics Office |
National Economic and Social Development Office |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2000 |
|||
|
2001 |
|||
|
2002 |
2,704 |
||
|
2003 |
|||
|
2004 |
|||
|
2005 |
|||
|
2006 |
|||
|
2007 |
26,710 |
||
|
2008 |
1,706 |
29,876 |
|
|
2009 |
|||
|
To end May in 2010 |
98 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will give an update on British co-operation regarding the Dublin-Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29245/10]
With regard to the Dublin/Monaghan Bombings the Deputy will be aware that the Clerk of the Dáil received a reply from the Clerk of the House of Commons arising from the Oireachtas resolution of 10 July, 2008. As I have said previously in the House, any future follow up to this should be considered in consultation with the Parties and can be raised with the Whips.
99 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of unprompted voluntary disclosures made by his Department to the Revenue Commissioners in the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 under each of the following headings, Employer issues — PAYE/PRSI, value added tax, public service withholding tax, relevant contracts tax; if, in relation to these unprompted voluntary disclosures, he will provide a summary of the tax, interest, and penalties collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29423/10]
There have been no unprompted voluntary disclosures made by my Department during the years 2005 to end of June 2010.
100 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he has made any settlements with the Revenue Commissioners under Section 985B, Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in the years, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29424/10]
My Department has made no such settlements with the Revenue Commissioners under Section 985B, Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, in the years 2005 to end of June 2010.
101 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of tax audits carried out by Revenue Commissioners' staff on his Department in the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 under each of the following headings: Employer issues — PAYE/PRSI, value added tax, public service withholding tax, relevant contracts tax; if, in relation to the audits, he will provide an analysis of the results, including the amount of tax, interest and penalties assessed and collected; the number of audits where incorrect operation was discovered but no assessment was entered; the number of audits where operation was found in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29425/10]
There have been no tax audits carried out by Revenue Commissioners in my Department in the years 2005 to end of June 2010.
102 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the age and distribution of the population in each electoral district in Dublin South-East in the latest revision of the census; the distribution by social class in each electoral district; and the distribution of permanent private households by year their house was built in each electoral district. [29775/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tables. It should be noted that the information was taken from the Census 2006, but that the figures are for the Revised Dublin South East as per the Report on Dáil and European Parliament Constituencies 2007.
|
DED |
0- 4 years |
5-9 years |
10-14 years |
15-19 years |
20-24 years |
25-29 years |
30-34 years |
35-39 years |
40-44 years |
45-49 years |
50-54 years |
55-59 years |
60-64 years |
65-69 years |
70-74 years |
75-79 years |
80-84 years |
85 years and over |
Total |
|
117 Mansion House A |
158 |
184 |
138 |
193 |
785 |
718 |
343 |
220 |
187 |
179 |
157 |
134 |
119 |
100 |
73 |
56 |
35 |
19 |
3,798 |
|
118 Mansion House B |
13 |
3 |
2 |
17 |
117 |
110 |
61 |
43 |
32 |
17 |
25 |
23 |
22 |
16 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
517 |
|
125 Pembroke East A |
213 |
243 |
242 |
292 |
437 |
627 |
532 |
423 |
301 |
323 |
238 |
203 |
183 |
168 |
137 |
119 |
83 |
23 |
4,787 |
|
126 Pembroke East B |
191 |
189 |
175 |
174 |
259 |
338 |
279 |
231 |
241 |
255 |
206 |
177 |
143 |
109 |
106 |
144 |
85 |
92 |
3,394 |
|
127 Pembroke East C |
166 |
192 |
193 |
188 |
285 |
415 |
333 |
251 |
242 |
242 |
241 |
231 |
168 |
134 |
125 |
120 |
95 |
125 |
3,746 |
|
128 Pembroke East D |
133 |
153 |
168 |
213 |
360 |
388 |
300 |
230 |
223 |
230 |
235 |
271 |
173 |
177 |
191 |
168 |
134 |
127 |
3,874 |
|
129 Pembroke East E |
154 |
117 |
114 |
103 |
258 |
490 |
349 |
268 |
232 |
204 |
232 |
177 |
155 |
121 |
110 |
81 |
56 |
42 |
3,263 |
|
130 Pembroke West A |
160 |
144 |
97 |
117 |
427 |
749 |
545 |
375 |
227 |
198 |
171 |
192 |
135 |
152 |
130 |
94 |
73 |
39 |
4,025 |
|
131 Pembroke West B |
108 |
92 |
65 |
112 |
259 |
360 |
323 |
224 |
215 |
177 |
172 |
129 |
118 |
62 |
75 |
54 |
51 |
50 |
2,646 |
|
132 Pembroke West C |
98 |
78 |
70 |
91 |
358 |
727 |
521 |
296 |
206 |
209 |
197 |
185 |
166 |
131 |
87 |
76 |
51 |
51 |
3,598 |
|
133 Rathfarnham |
163 |
170 |
223 |
442 |
573 |
479 |
310 |
234 |
213 |
272 |
313 |
251 |
171 |
116 |
115 |
126 |
102 |
84 |
4,357 |
|
134 Rathmines East A |
147 |
113 |
101 |
153 |
546 |
817 |
524 |
300 |
238 |
187 |
185 |
176 |
124 |
109 |
105 |
89 |
106 |
131 |
4,151 |
|
135 Rathmines East B |
246 |
175 |
125 |
191 |
622 |
936 |
685 |
410 |
284 |
221 |
231 |
194 |
149 |
136 |
157 |
169 |
128 |
147 |
5,206 |
|
136 Rathmines East C |
199 |
183 |
161 |
189 |
347 |
405 |
246 |
200 |
235 |
235 |
234 |
185 |
145 |
79 |
101 |
99 |
72 |
77 |
3,392 |
|
137 Rathmines East D |
137 |
106 |
91 |
116 |
328 |
556 |
315 |
217 |
187 |
139 |
144 |
109 |
74 |
51 |
49 |
53 |
41 |
28 |
2,741 |
|
138 Rathmines West A |
156 |
91 |
79 |
144 |
902 |
1,305 |
694 |
377 |
203 |
178 |
179 |
137 |
87 |
71 |
86 |
95 |
72 |
42 |
4,898 |
|
139 Rathmines West B |
109 |
78 |
58 |
107 |
566 |
844 |
448 |
251 |
173 |
140 |
126 |
89 |
79 |
56 |
39 |
39 |
23 |
18 |
3,243 |
|
140 Rathmines West C |
119 |
122 |
102 |
111 |
332 |
462 |
292 |
167 |
158 |
151 |
135 |
133 |
78 |
54 |
32 |
29 |
28 |
33 |
2,538 |
|
141 Rathmines West D |
146 |
152 |
121 |
149 |
418 |
586 |
323 |
227 |
181 |
206 |
197 |
140 |
87 |
59 |
67 |
54 |
38 |
29 |
3,180 |
|
142 Rathmines West E |
150 |
125 |
109 |
140 |
392 |
566 |
350 |
237 |
222 |
185 |
172 |
162 |
93 |
78 |
66 |
54 |
68 |
78 |
3,247 |
|
143 Rathmines West F |
105 |
80 |
89 |
107 |
458 |
659 |
336 |
192 |
158 |
125 |
132 |
107 |
93 |
50 |
35 |
31 |
33 |
40 |
2,830 |
|
144 Royal Exchange A |
45 |
50 |
45 |
109 |
540 |
648 |
335 |
208 |
192 |
160 |
123 |
142 |
103 |
70 |
40 |
20 |
26 |
12 |
2,868 |
|
145 Royal Exchange B |
41 |
49 |
55 |
126 |
218 |
219 |
133 |
117 |
118 |
90 |
83 |
58 |
41 |
44 |
34 |
32 |
17 |
4 |
1,479 |
|
146 St. Kevin’s |
144 |
84 |
90 |
180 |
667 |
922 |
579 |
408 |
262 |
189 |
157 |
140 |
129 |
104 |
70 |
59 |
43 |
56 |
4,283 |
|
147 South Dock |
210 |
77 |
86 |
150 |
784 |
1,317 |
697 |
339 |
182 |
167 |
129 |
129 |
88 |
90 |
84 |
61 |
42 |
40 |
4,672 |
|
161 Wood Quay A |
93 |
112 |
110 |
137 |
258 |
275 |
201 |
170 |
200 |
201 |
183 |
164 |
124 |
107 |
92 |
54 |
45 |
19 |
2,545 |
|
162 Wood Quay B |
130 |
101 |
85 |
102 |
443 |
641 |
472 |
314 |
234 |
171 |
146 |
176 |
108 |
85 |
71 |
68 |
56 |
68 |
3,471 |
|
Total |
3734 |
3263 |
2994 |
4153 |
11939 |
16559 |
10526 |
6929 |
5546 |
5051 |
4743 |
4214 |
3155 |
2529 |
2280 |
2051 |
1608 |
1475 |
92749 |
|
DED |
Professional workers |
Managerial and technical |
Non-manual |
Skilled manual |
Semi-skilled |
Unskilled |
All other gainfully occupied and unknown |
Total |
|
117 Mansion House A |
213 |
542 |
468 |
394 |
416 |
237 |
1,528 |
3798 |
|
118 Mansion House B |
71 |
109 |
45 |
20 |
26 |
3 |
243 |
517 |
|
125 Pembroke East A |
322 |
915 |
796 |
865 |
621 |
369 |
899 |
4787 |
|
126 Pembroke East B |
638 |
1,246 |
494 |
228 |
170 |
52 |
566 |
3394 |
|
127 Pembroke East C |
837 |
1,465 |
541 |
137 |
95 |
14 |
657 |
3746 |
|
128 Pembroke East D |
767 |
1,186 |
401 |
214 |
188 |
70 |
1,048 |
3874 |
|
129 Pembroke East E |
685 |
1,110 |
369 |
119 |
81 |
26 |
873 |
3263 |
|
130 Pembroke West A |
559 |
1,252 |
575 |
443 |
266 |
119 |
811 |
4025 |
|
131 Pembroke West B |
548 |
819 |
271 |
98 |
111 |
38 |
761 |
2646 |
|
132 Pembroke West C |
647 |
1,117 |
400 |
169 |
145 |
43 |
1,077 |
3598 |
|
133 Rathfarnham |
1,044 |
1,377 |
563 |
169 |
124 |
33 |
1,047 |
4357 |
|
134 Rathmines East A |
806 |
1,248 |
513 |
220 |
205 |
35 |
1,124 |
4151 |
|
135 Rathmines East B |
1,190 |
1,835 |
643 |
203 |
193 |
37 |
1,105 |
5206 |
|
136 Rathmines East C |
929 |
1,186 |
432 |
184 |
99 |
20 |
542 |
3392 |
|
137 Rathmines East D |
475 |
950 |
388 |
188 |
161 |
31 |
548 |
2741 |
|
138 Rathmines West A |
624 |
1,250 |
771 |
408 |
432 |
124 |
1,289 |
4898 |
|
139 Rathmines West B |
443 |
855 |
466 |
245 |
268 |
81 |
885 |
3243 |
|
140 Rathmines West C |
568 |
834 |
376 |
169 |
126 |
21 |
444 |
2538 |
|
141 Rathmines West D |
506 |
935 |
417 |
246 |
226 |
80 |
770 |
3180 |
|
142 Rathmines West E |
561 |
1,093 |
493 |
198 |
190 |
47 |
665 |
3247 |
|
143 Rathmines West F |
550 |
867 |
443 |
177 |
174 |
43 |
576 |
2830 |
|
144 Royal Exchange A |
245 |
489 |
339 |
208 |
251 |
127 |
1,209 |
2868 |
|
145 Royal Exchange B |
53 |
145 |
162 |
196 |
127 |
87 |
709 |
1479 |
|
146 St. Kevin’s |
408 |
840 |
523 |
399 |
345 |
111 |
1,657 |
4283 |
|
147 South Dock |
682 |
1,281 |
653 |
342 |
328 |
105 |
1,281 |
4672 |
|
161 Wood Quay A |
77 |
304 |
372 |
334 |
368 |
231 |
859 |
2545 |
|
162 Wood Quay B |
383 |
821 |
572 |
387 |
333 |
111 |
864 |
3471 |
|
Total |
14,831 |
26,071 |
12,486 |
6,960 |
6,069 |
2,295 |
24,037 |
92,749 |
|
DED |
Before 1919 |
1919 to 1940 |
1941 to 1960 |
1961 to 1970 |
1971 to 1980 |
1981 to 1990 |
1991 to 1995 |
1996 to 2000 |
2001 or later |
Not stated |
Total |
|
117 Mansion House A |
148 |
317 |
131 |
28 |
55 |
117 |
168 |
249 |
44 |
280 |
1,537 |
|
118 Mansion House B |
101 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
8 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
34 |
191 |
|
125 Pembroke East A |
382 |
283 |
241 |
22 |
196 |
138 |
107 |
144 |
235 |
122 |
1,870 |
|
126 Pembroke East B |
364 |
260 |
183 |
49 |
100 |
141 |
25 |
29 |
42 |
93 |
1,286 |
|
127 Pembroke East C |
253 |
277 |
107 |
65 |
157 |
327 |
59 |
52 |
28 |
144 |
1,469 |
|
128 Pembroke East D |
160 |
106 |
339 |
105 |
146 |
210 |
77 |
83 |
30 |
190 |
1,446 |
|
129 Pembroke East E |
244 |
125 |
117 |
83 |
116 |
231 |
168 |
78 |
33 |
126 |
1,321 |
|
130 Pembroke West A |
635 |
325 |
68 |
27 |
21 |
60 |
120 |
70 |
373 |
160 |
1,859 |
|
131 Pembroke West B |
412 |
89 |
37 |
46 |
72 |
67 |
106 |
94 |
27 |
142 |
1,092 |
|
132 Pembroke West C |
637 |
58 |
123 |
112 |
191 |
192 |
71 |
28 |
17 |
219 |
1,648 |
|
133 Rathfarnham |
364 |
240 |
101 |
63 |
91 |
396 |
87 |
46 |
180 |
123 |
1,691 |
|
134 Rathmines East A |
658 |
113 |
49 |
80 |
136 |
278 |
106 |
46 |
47 |
325 |
1,838 |
|
135 Rathmines East B |
432 |
284 |
88 |
49 |
128 |
249 |
188 |
186 |
323 |
196 |
2,123 |
|
136 Rathmines East C |
596 |
185 |
121 |
56 |
83 |
79 |
23 |
16 |
11 |
146 |
1,316 |
|
137 Rathmines East D |
513 |
203 |
111 |
55 |
32 |
30 |
26 |
8 |
18 |
201 |
1,197 |
|
138 Rathmines West A |
924 |
289 |
230 |
96 |
60 |
99 |
111 |
124 |
150 |
445 |
2,528 |
|
139 Rathmines West B |
675 |
128 |
59 |
56 |
50 |
112 |
115 |
70 |
55 |
275 |
1,595 |
|
140 Rathmines West C |
390 |
120 |
50 |
28 |
54 |
187 |
22 |
10 |
26 |
240 |
1,127 |
|
141 Rathmines West D |
540 |
169 |
73 |
79 |
62 |
175 |
43 |
27 |
49 |
211 |
1,428 |
|
142 Rathmines West E |
659 |
155 |
70 |
45 |
67 |
65 |
59 |
34 |
50 |
257 |
1,461 |
|
143 Rathmines West F |
583 |
116 |
46 |
35 |
95 |
71 |
33 |
24 |
56 |
204 |
1,263 |
|
144 Royal Exchange A |
149 |
27 |
87 |
40 |
28 |
88 |
164 |
222 |
148 |
278 |
1,231 |
|
145 Royal Exchange B |
32 |
60 |
80 |
81 |
50 |
20 |
61 |
18 |
9 |
127 |
538 |
|
146 St. Kevin’s |
727 |
60 |
79 |
109 |
32 |
64 |
126 |
177 |
133 |
208 |
1,715 |
|
147 South Dock |
246 |
48 |
93 |
134 |
95 |
184 |
257 |
455 |
425 |
247 |
2,184 |
|
161 Wood Quay A |
422 |
171 |
78 |
9 |
42 |
60 |
109 |
57 |
53 |
140 |
1,141 |
|
162 Wood Quay B |
1,031 |
186 |
85 |
48 |
51 |
37 |
14 |
15 |
47 |
227 |
1,741 |
|
Total |
12,277 |
4,400 |
2,852 |
1,607 |
2,219 |
3,685 |
2,450 |
2,367 |
2,619 |
5,360 |
39,836 |
103 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 29 June 2010, if he intends to publish the Government proposals on Dáil reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29779/10]
The proposals agreed at Government were brought before the relevant forum of the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform. Work is ongoing with the various Party representatives on this Sub-Committee with a view to achieving the highest possible level of cross-party consensus in relation to proposals for the reform of Dáil procedures.
I do not believe that publication of the Government's proposals at this point in time would in any way help to expedite the achievement of that consensus.
104 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate the level of emigration in each period between censuses since 1911. [29822/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table. Net migration is derived as the difference between the population change and natural increase (births less deaths) for each of the intercensal periods since 1911. Immigration and emigration were only separately estimated from 1986 onwards.
|
Period |
Births |
Deaths |
Natural increase |
Change in population |
Estimated net migration |
Estimated immigration |
Estimated emigration |
|
1911 – 1926 |
65 |
49 |
16 |
-11 |
-27 |
— |
— |
|
1926 – 1936 |
58 |
42 |
16 |
0 |
-17 |
— |
— |
|
1936 – 1946 |
60 |
43 |
17 |
-1 |
-19 |
— |
— |
|
1946 – 1951 |
66 |
40 |
26 |
1 |
-24 |
— |
— |
|
1951 – 1956 |
63 |
36 |
27 |
-12 |
-39 |
— |
— |
|
1956 – 1961 |
61 |
34 |
26 |
-16 |
-42 |
— |
— |
|
1961 – 1966 |
63 |
33 |
29 |
13 |
-16 |
— |
— |
|
1966 – 1971 |
63 |
33 |
30 |
19 |
-11 |
— |
— |
|
1971 – 1979 |
69 |
33 |
35 |
49 |
14 |
— |
— |
|
1979 – 1981 |
73 |
33 |
40 |
38 |
-3 |
— |
— |
|
1981 – 1986 |
67 |
33 |
34 |
19 |
-14 |
— |
— |
|
1986 – 1991 |
56 |
32 |
24 |
-3 |
-27 |
26 |
53 |
|
1991 – 1996 |
50 |
31 |
18 |
20 |
2 |
35 |
34 |
|
1996 – 2002 |
54 |
31 |
23 |
49 |
26 |
53 |
27 |
|
2002 – 2006 |
61 |
28 |
33 |
81 |
48 |
78 |
30 |
105 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Taoiseach if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30059/10]
My Department has not sent any printing jobs abroad in the last 12 months.
106 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views regarding the EU Commission proposal C(2010) 3021 for the use of a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and queries; his further views on whether agencies and regulators under the auspices of his Department should adopt these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29483/10]
Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws was transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instruments No. 290 of 2006 and No. 316 of 2008. My Department coordinates the national response to the Commission's requests for information in respect of this Regulation.
Article 16 of the Regulation specifically mandates the Commission to work with the Member States, in the context of the work of the Committee set up under this Regulation, to develop a common classification for reporting consumer complaints and enquiries, which they will use to inform future policy decisions. On 12 May 2010, the EU Commission issued two documents on this issue: 2010 Document C(2010) 3021 and document SEC(2010) 572. The latter contains very detailed specifications in regard to a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquires across a broad range of sectors. The Commission has requested my Department to use this methodology in reporting consumer complaints and enquiries for 2009. My Department is currently in contact with all relevant stakeholders in this regard.
107 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties of contractors and suppliers of home insulation receiving an audit from the National Standards Authority of Ireland; if his further attention has been drawn to the number of external insulation contractors currently awaiting an audit and the measures he proposes to take in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to deal with this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30101/10]
I am advised that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is running a grant scheme called the "home energy savings scheme" which gives grants to homeowners to upgrade the thermal performance of their homes. Two of the methods that can achieve this are insulating the external wall using external insulation and/or full fill cavity insulation.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), operates certified installer schemes for contractors to allow them to offer services in accordance with the home energy savings scheme. In total, the NSAI currently has 3 installer schemes: Full Fill Cavity Wall Insulation (262 registered installers); Blown Loft Insulation (10 registered installers); External Insulation (34 registered installers). NSAI has established these schemes where the quality of installation and workmanship is critical to the performance of the system/product. The schemes are focused on the verification of the competence of the installers and ensuring that they have a quality system in place.
An additional 125 applications are awaiting an audit. I am advised that all of these outstanding applications are for registration on the external insulation installer scheme. Of the 125 contractors waiting to be audited 78 have been contacted to arrange a suitable date for an audit.
108 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 27 May, 2010, if he will confirm when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) who was made redundant in November 2009 and has not yet received their statutory redundancy payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29207/10]
109 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 29 of 2 June, 2010, if he will confirm when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) who was made redundant in November 2009 and has not yet received their statutory redundancy payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29208/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. 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 statutory redundancy lump sum claims on 25 March, 2010 in respect of the individuals concerned. These claims await 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 November 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 30 June 2010 new claims amounted to 33,876 — a fall off of 20% on the corresponding 6 month period in 2009 when 42,323 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 level of 33,729 at end June 2010. In the first six months of 2010, 40,527 claims were processed, up 115% 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.
110 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the total value of imports from Israel in 2009; the portion of those imports that were entitled to preferential duty; if those imports which did not get preferential duty were produce from settlements illegal under international law; and the percentage of these which did not get a preferential tariff. [29273/10]
In 2009 Ireland imported goods from Israel to the value of €82.5 million. In addition, services imports from that country for 2008, the last year for which data are available, were valued at €75 million.
I understand that a preferential customs status applies for certain goods traded between the EU and Israel but that goods exported from illegal Israeli settlements cannot benefit from these preferential rates. However, it is the Revenue Commissioners Customs Service that is the competent Irish Authority to implement rules of origin controls on imports of goods into Ireland and to apply the appropriate tariff duties. My Department has no function in regard to these matters.
111 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 20 April 2010, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to both the Redundancy and Insolvency Payments Schemes on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. As I advised the Deputy in previous replies, I can confirm that my Department has received claims for the former employees of the company concerned under both Schemes.
In relation to the Redundancy Payments Scheme 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 payable to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can advise the Deputy that payment issued on 14 June 2010 in respect of six statutory redundancy lump sum claims received in my Department over the period October/November 2009 for the former employees of the company concerned.
In relation to the claims under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, my Department received applications from the liquidator in respect of holiday pay for 11 former employees of this company in the period November 2009 to April 2010. These claims have been processed by the Insolvency Payments Unit and payments issued in respect of eligible claims in May 2010.
112 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on the recent proposals by the EU Commission concerning the consumer rights directive, in particular the proposal to adopt a mixed harmonised approach distinguishing between contracts concluded face to face and, on the other hand, contracts concluded at a distance and off premises; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of consumer groups regarding such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/10]
I would like first to clarify that there has been no formal proposal from the European Commission for a mixed harmonisation approach to the proposed Consumer Rights Directive under which a distinction would be made between, on the one hand, on-premises contracts and, on the other, distance and off-premises contracts.
In an address to the European Consumer Day Conference on 15 March 2010, Vice-President Viviane Reding, who took over responsibility for the proposed Directive in February 2010, acknowledged the concerns among member states, consumer organisations and members of the European Parliament that full harmonisation of all aspects of the proposal might reduce the level of consumer protection in some member states and curtail the ability of national legislatures to react quickly and appropriately to new market developments. She indicated that, in the light of these concerns, she would look at whether the level of harmonisation in the proposed Directive was sufficiently targeted towards those issues that would have most benefit from a Single Market point of view. She added that ‘a possibility' in this context ‘could be to go for fully harmonised rules on distance contracts and allow diverging national rules for face-to-face contracts.'
While Vice-President Reding has restated her willingness to take a flexible approach to future discussions on the proposed Directive, her more recent remarks have signalled something of a shift from the previous suggestion that different levels of harmonisation might apply to different types of contracts. In an address to the 2nd Consumer Rights Forum on 2 June 2010, she stated that a distinction between distance and off-premises contracts on the one hand and on-premises contracts on the other was ‘less helpful' in the areas of remedies and guarantees for faulty goods and of unfair contract terms. In the area of pre-contractual information requirements for consumers, she appeared to suggest that the proposed Directive might retain fully harmonised rules for distance and off-premises contracts as these were the types of transaction for which the single market case was strongest. In the case of information requirements for on-premises contracts, however, it ‘could be appropriate to allow Member States to keep their current rules' rather than to have Community rules that would apply on a minimum harmonisation basis.
The comments and suggestions from Vice-President Reding should be viewed in the context of the fluid and complex character of the discussions and perspectives on the proposed Directive. If agreement is to be reached on the proposal, all sides will have to show flexibility and a willingness to consider new approaches while upholding a commitment to the maintenance of a high level of consumer protection.
I am not aware of any specific concerns expressed by consumer groups at suggestions that a mixed harmonisation approach might be taken to the proposed Directive. As consumer groups had previously expressed concern at the across-the-board application of full harmonisation to the proposal, it is not implausible that some may have taken encouragement from the signs of greater flexibility on the issue.
113 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding a site (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29604/10]
In 2005, IDA Ireland identified a site of approximately 54 hectares of land in Carrigtwohill East as suitable for development and acquired it. Amgen subsequently entered into contracts to purchase the entire holding from IDA and, in 2006, applied for Planning Permission for a Bulk Manufacturing facility and associated works. Site ground works commenced in late 2006. The terms of the agreement, between IDA and Amgen included a provision for the reversion of the beneficial interest in the site to IDA in the event of the project not proceeding and this occurred formally in January 2010.
In October, 2007, Amgen announced a postponement of its Cork Project. At that time Amgen gave an undertaking to maintain the site in a good secure manner in order to protect the asset and maintain good local community relations. An assessment of its business needs has led Amgen to conclude that it no longer wishes to proceed with the project. In keeping with the terms of the original agreement, ownership of the Carrigtwohill site has now reverted to IDA Ireland. IDA Ireland will continue to market this Strategic Site and the Cork City Gateway. Since 2007 there have been 35 IDA supported announcements with in excess of 3,000 jobs and over €728 million total investments agreed and announced for the South West.
114 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans for the vacant Industrial Development Authority units in Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30072/10]
The day-to-day management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is an operational matter for the agency and not one in which I have a function. I am informed by IDA Ireland that the Agency has two industrial estates in Youghal, namely Foxhole and Springfield. There are no buildings in IDA ownership in either estate. There was one building in IDA ownership on the Foxhole estate, which was disposed of by the agency in 2009. There were two advance units on the Springfield estate, which IDA disposed of in 1987 and 1996 respectively. IDA Ireland will continue to provide details of the properties in Youghal to prospective investors, however the final decision as to where to locate lies with the investor.
115 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30794/10]
My Department and the Offices of my Department rely on the National Procurement Service of the Office of Public Works for the tendering and procurement of printing services. This service is provided principally by means of drawdown contracts, which sets out prices, terms and conditions under which supplies are delivered. My Department and the Offices of my Department obtain their supplies of printed file covers from Enterprise Stationery Limited of Lurgan, Co Armagh, which was awarded the contract to provide this service by the National Procurement Service. During 2009 and to date in 2010 my Department and the Offices of my Department have paid €13,000 to Enterprise Stationery Limited. All other printing jobs for my Department and the Offices of my Department in 2009, which amounted to €294,870, were awarded to companies based in the State.
I have no information or function in regards to the arrangements made by other Government Departments for the procurement of printing services.
116 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the role that mortgage indemnity insurance can play in the future housing market; his further views on whether it can assist in reducing risk and exposure for high loan-to-value lending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29252/10]
125 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the wider use of credit risk mitigants, such as mortgage indemnity insurance, as a mandatory requirement for the underwriting of high loan-to-value loans in the context of new regulatory requirements for future mortgage lending; if his attention has been drawn to the positive and constructive impact of mortgage indemnity insurance in other jurisdictions in terms of reducing both the capital risk arising from negative equity and the consequent exposure for customers; the steps he is taking to investigate the potential benefits of mortgage indemnity insurance in the context of preparing a prudent regulatory structure for the future mortgage. [29251/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 125 together.
Mortgage indemnity insurance products allow lenders to reduce their exposure in the event of a default. They provide protection, typically, to the lender and not the borrower. As against this, they would reduce the systemic risk of high loan to value loans. Like other insurance products, they have a premium so making such insurance mandatory imposes an additional cost which is likely to ultimately fall on the borrower. I would expect that the role of such credit risk mitigants in the mortgage market going forward will be considered by the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt in the next phase of their work.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a submission from the solid fuel trade group in respect of the impact of carbon tax in view of the country’s economic position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29315/10]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a submission from the solid fuel trade group in respect of the impact of carbon tax in view of the country’s economic position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29864/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
I can confirm that my Department has received many submissions in respect of the carbon tax including from the Solid Fuel Trade Group. I am happy to outline to the Deputy the current situation on the implementation of the carbon tax, at a rate of €15 per tonne, which I announced in the Budget last December. The first phase involved the carbon tax being applied to transport fuels, petrol and auto-diesel, from Budget night onwards, ie, December 10, 2009. The second phase came into effect from 1 May 2010 with the carbon tax applying to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as ‘green diesel' or ‘agricultural diesel'), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The third and final phase involves the application of the tax to coal and commercial peat, which is subject to a Ministerial Commencement Order.
Solid fuels are subject to a commencement order so as to allow time for issues such as fuel poverty and the sourcing of coal of a lower environmental standard from Northern Ireland to be addressed. In the context of preparing for the final phase of the application of the carbon tax the views of the Solid Fuel Trade Group are being considered and indeed meetings have taken place with the relevant Government Departments in this area.
118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 23 June 2009 if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29419/10]
Following the fencing of the site at Rathcrogan, the Office of Public Works now has a grazing regime in place. The OPW is in close contact with Cruachain Aí Visitor Centre in Tulsk on the matter of provision of literature on the site and guided tours. It is intended that invitations to tender for the provision of information panels on the site will be issued shortly.
120 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance when a stamp duty refund will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29980/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the application for refund was furnished in November 2009 but, because of the requirement to furnish supporting evidence and delays in the re-submission of the application under the new stamping system introduced in December 2009, the application was not considered until May 2010. Revenue regrets the delay in processing the application, but can confirm that its examination of the case is now completed and it is in the process of advising the applicant of the outcome.
121 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance when the working group on the Haulbowline site in Cobh, County Cork, will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30018/10]
In April of this year, the Office of Public Works chaired the first meeting of the Working Group tasked with developing a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the former Irish ISPAT site in Haulbowline. The members of this group comprises, in the first instance, representatives from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Defence, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the Department of Finance. The Working Group is currently in session and it is envisaged that a report will be ready for Government before year end.
122 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30059/10]
In general, it is national policy to advertise public contracts, to invite tenders and award contracts in a process that is transparent and achieves best value for money. Under EU rules, contracts for supplies and services above certain thresholds must be advertised EU wide. The thresholds are currently €125,000 for the Central Government sector and €193,000 for most other authorities. It would be a breach of the rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds of nationality and there are legal sanctions which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.
The Government recognises the important business opportunities that public service contracts represent for business enterprises and encourages participation to the greatest extent possible. My Department has been examining issues impacting on the small and medium business sector in the current public procurement market and, in consultation with the recently established National Procurement Service within the Office of Public Works, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other stakeholders in the public procurement market, has developed guidance for contracting authorities on measures to facilitate SME participation in the public procurement market. This will be issued shortly.
123 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Co. Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29190/10]
As the Deputy is aware, it is not the usual practice to comment on any possible changes in taxation prior to the annual Budget.
124 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the likely full year cost to the Exchequer of reducing the rate of VAT charged on non-oral medicines to 13.5%, 5% and 0% respectively; if such reductions are permissible under EU legislation; the reason non-oral medicines continue to attract the standard rate VAT charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer of reducing the rate of VAT charged on non-oral medicines from the current rate of 21% to 13.5%, 5% and the zero rate is estimated to be €30 million, €64 million and €83 million respectively. As the Deputy will be aware, Member States must apply a standard rate of VAT, and may opt to also apply one or two reduced rates of VAT to certain goods and services listed in Annex III of the EU VAT Directive. In addition, where a Member State applied a zero rate or reduced rate to specific goods or services on 1 January 1991, they may retain that system. However, no other items may be charged at the zero rate, or items outside of those listed in Annex III at a reduced rate, where they had not been subject to the reduced or zero rate before 1991. In this context, Annex III permits Member States to apply a reduced rate to certain pharmaceutical products, of between 5% and 15%, and this applies to non-oral medicines. However, as the zero rate did not apply to non-oral medicines on 1 January 1991, they cannot legally apply at that rate.
In Ireland the zero VAT rate applies to oral medicines, as it was in place prior to 1 January 1991. The standard VAT rate of 21% applies to non-oral medicines, as it does to the majority of all goods and services in the State. The standard rate of VAT is applied to non-oral medicines in view of the cost involved in applying a reduced rate. The application of a reduced rate to such medicines would also lead to calls for other goods and services to be charged at a reduced rate.
126 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the total value of imports from Israel in 2009; the portion of those imports that were entitled to preferential duty; if those imports which did not get preferential duty were produce from settlements illegal under international law; and the percentage of these which did not get a preferential tariff. [29274/10]
According to data published by the Central Statistics Office, Ireland imported merchandise goods to the value of €82.3 million from Israel in 2009. Slightly over 40% received preferential treatment. While the remainder did not qualify for preferential treatment, it does not mean the goods were produced in illegal settlements since a large quantity of goods in this category have a zero rate of duty and there is no preferential status to claim in respect of zero rate of duty goods.
127 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of loan refusals that have been referred to the Credit Review Office to date; the number of same that have been processed; the number processed that have resulted in an unfavourable review; the number of cases in which the original loan refusal was upheld as being justified; if he received an analysis from the Credit Review Office of its activities to date; if so, when he will publish this analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29318/10]
I recently received the first quarterly from the Credit Reviewer, Mr. John Trethowan. This report includes, amongst other things, the information which the Deputy has sought in the parliamentary question. I can confirm that numbers of reviews to date are quite low. I intend bringing the report to Government and will lay it before the House as soon as possible after that. I will ensure that a personal copy is provided to the Deputy at that stage.
128 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when he expects the EU Commission to issue its decision on the restructuring plans of banks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29319/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the following institutions were required under state aid rules to submit restructuring plans following receipt of state aid and the plans were submitted on the following dates:
Bank of Ireland Plan — 30 September 2009,
Allied Irish Banks Plan — 13 November 2009
Anglo Irish Bank Plan — 30 November 2009
EBS plan — 31 May 2010
INBS plan — 22 June.
Considerable discussion, dialogue and exchange of information is continuing in respect of the restructuring plans that have already been submitted as the Commission undertakes its assessment of the plans in line with the applicable state aid rules. Negotiations in respect of the Bank of Ireland plan are at an advanced stage, and a decision is expected from the European Commission by mid-2010. AIB has adjusted the content of its plan to reflect the new capital requirements announced by the Financial Regulator in March, while Anglo Irish Bank, on foot of a request by the Commission, submitted a revised plan on 31 May 2010. It is too early to assess when final approval of the restructuring plans for these institutions will be granted by the Commission.
129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if it is envisaged that the dividend rate of the preference shares held by the National Pensions Reserve Fund in Allied Irish Banks will be revised upwards, as happened recently with its preference share holding in Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/10]
The Financial Regulator has determined that AIB must raise additional equity capital of at least €7.4 billion by the end of the year to meet the new base case capital standards. As the first step in meeting its capital needs AIB has commenced the process of sale of overseas assets. The disposal proceeds will provide significant capital but will not be sufficient to address the full requirement. To the extent that the gap is not filled by the private sector the State is willing to convert some or all of its preference shares as required on terms to be agreed that will provide full value for the State. Accordingly, I am not in a position at this stage to say how the dividend rate on the State's preference share investment in the bank will be affected.
130 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 17 June 2010, the number of cost benefit analyses that have been carried out since 2006 on major tax expenditure schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29321/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the following reviews were carried out in 2005 and 2006 as follows (1) Indecon Review of Property-based Tax Incentive Schemes; (2) Goodbody Review of Area-Based Tax Incentive Schemes and (3) an Internal Review of Certain Tax Schemes by the Department of Finance. Furthermore Goodbody Economic Consultants carried out a review of the Proposed Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Scheme in 2006. The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has recently completed a Report on a cost-benefit analysis of Tax Expenditures provided for in Finance Act 2010, setting out the costs of the tax forgone, and the benefits in terms of job creation or otherwise.
The focus in recent years has been, in line with the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation to further restrict and where appropriate terminate major tax expenditures. All expenditure projects are subject to in depth analysis, consultation with key stakeholders, and a rigorous examination at the introductory stage. My Department monitors large expenditure projects and regularly carries out reviews.
131 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the amount of stud fees earned and exempted from taxation from both stallions and greyhounds analysed separately for the years 2004 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29331/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the amount of stud fees exempted from taxation from both stallions and greyhounds is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the years 2004 to 2008, the latest year for which it is available. These are set out in the following table:
|
Exemption |
Year |
Amount Claimed |
|
€m |
||
|
Stallion Stud Fees |
2004 |
28.7 |
|
Stallion Stud Fees |
2005 |
51.8 |
|
Stallion Stud Fees |
2006 |
90.7 |
|
Stallion Stud Fees |
2007 |
59.6 |
|
Stallion Stud Fees |
2008 |
91.4 |
|
Greyhound Stud Fees |
2004 |
0.4 |
|
Greyhound Stud Fees |
2005 |
0.6 |
|
Greyhound Stud Fees |
2006 |
0.4 |
|
Greyhound Stud Fees |
2007 |
0.4 |
|
Greyhound Stud Fees |
2008 |
0.0 |
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return (Form 12) are not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return (Form 11).
The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.
It should be noted that the tax exemption for stallion and greyhound stud fees ceased to apply in relation to any profits or gains arising on or after 1 August 2008.
132 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the Judiciary now paying the levy; if he will name those who have paid and those who have not paid. [29343/10]
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 does not apply to the Judiciary for constitutional reasons. However, arrangements were put in place on an administrative basis between the Chief Justice and the Revenue Commissioners in April 2009 to facilitate voluntary payments by members of the Judiciary in the context of the pension related deduction scheme. I have no function in relation to those arrangements. However, I understand that information in relation to the voluntary payments in 2009 was published in Revenue's Annual Report for that year. This showed that by 31 December 2009, 109 Judges had paid, or made arrangements to make voluntary payments, under these arrangements. The Annual Report also showed that payments amounting to just over €652,000 had been received by the Commissioners by that date. In addition, commitments via standing orders, etc, which amounted to €56,800 per month, had been given. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that arrangements with individual judges are personal information and are confidential. The Deputy may be aware that Section 161 of the Finance Act 2010 replaced the administrative arrangements mentioned above by providing for a voluntary scheme which enables members of the Judiciary to make a gift to the State of an equivalent amount to the pension related deduction imposed on State employees under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. Subsection (8) of that Section specifically provides that:
"(8) The Revenue Commissioners shall publish for each year of assessment only details of the number of donors who avail of this scheme in the year, and the aggregate amounts gifted for the year".
The Deputy will appreciate that in view of this provision, personal information such as names cannot be published and neither can information in respect of voluntary payments in 2010 under the Section 161 arrangements be published at this stage, but I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that it is their intention to publish aggregate information in accordance with section 161(8) after the end of the year of assessment.
133 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the events which led to the acceptance between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2010 by the Revenue Commissioners of a settlement from Donegal County Council in the sum of €799,928, of which € 547,775 in respect of the underdeclaration of PAYE and PRSI and €252,153 in respect of interest and penalties; the number of instances of tax settlements and the amount of money in each case, involving a local authority, State or semi-State authority there have been in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the schedule of all such settlements; the steps that have been taken to ensure that this does not re-occur in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29350/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality, they do not comment or provide details on individual cases except as provided for by law. The settlement of €799,928 paid by Donegal County Council arising from a Revenue audit was published in Iris Oifigiúil in respect of the period beginning on 1 January 2010 and ending on 31 March 2010. The settlement was made in respect of an under-declaration of PAYE/PRSI and comprised the payment of tax in the amount of €547,775 and the payment of interest and penalties in the amount of €252,153.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that information in relation to tax settlements is not maintained separately for local authorities, State or semi-State authorities. As I advised the Deputy when replying to a number of similar questions recently, the Revenue Commissioners maintain sectoral audit records on the basis of an internationally recognised 4 digit NACE Code system. NACE code classifications in tax records are compiled by reference to the primary area of economic activity reported by individual and corporate taxpayers on their own behalf. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided as follows: The Commissioners have identified the following codes to be the most relevant to the Deputy's questions: 7511 — General (overall) public service activities; 7512 — Regulation of the activities of agencies that provide health care, education, cultural services and other social services, excluding social security; 8511 — Hospital activities; 8514 — Other human health activities. The first two codes cover many Government Departments as well as other Government Agencies.
Furthermore, the Commissioners have advised me that they have attempted to exclude obvious private sector bodies, which are also included in those NACE Codes because of the activities they are engaged in. On that basis, the following information may be helpful:
|
Category |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (to March) |
|
Total Number of Audits |
20 |
36 |
26 |
9 |
4 |
|
Number yielding |
15 |
28 |
21 |
7 |
4 |
|
Tax* |
€1,043,571 |
€3,601,000 |
€1,696,000 |
€99,000 |
€576,000 |
|
Interest |
€524,225 |
€406,000 |
€140,000 |
€6,000 |
€91,000 |
|
Penalties |
€240,100 |
€246,000 |
€82,000 |
€17,000 |
€168,000 |
|
Total Yield |
€1,807,896 |
€4,253,000 |
€1,918,000 |
€122,000 |
€835,000 |
|
Number Nil yielding |
5 |
8 |
5 |
2 |
— |
*A breakdown on a tax head basis is not available without conducting an extensive investigation of the individual audit records of the cases.
A similar breakdown is not available for years prior to 2006 as this information was not held in a similar format and is not easily accessible at this stage.
Where material issues, giving rise to tax undercharges, arise in the course of an audit, Revenue will pursue payments for interest and penalties. Where it is clear that a taxpayer has broadly done their best to ensure that the tax returns for the various taxes are accurate, adjustments are not made for small inaccuracies.
Revenue also informs me that, as well as audits, it carries out a range of assurance checks to supplement general audit activity. All such interventions are initiated with the intention of assuring Revenue, without recourse to a resource intensive audit or enforcement activity, that the customer is broadly compliant for the taxes and duties, which are the subject of the intervention. Over 350,000 such checks were carried out in 2009 and would have included public bodies. Due to the volume of these assurance checks, they are not recorded by sector.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies is very clear as to the standard of tax compliance expected from such bodies. The following is a quotation taken directly from the Code: "State bodies should be exemplary in their compliance with taxation laws and should ensure that all tax liabilities are paid on time on or before the relevant due dates."
The Revenue Commissioners inform me that they have emphasised these requirements on many occasions. Most recently, the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners personally wrote to the Secretaries General of all Government Departments highlighting the subject of tax compliance in the context of the corporate governance responsibilities of Departments and their Agencies / Public Bodies in the exercise of their official duties. She advised that tax compliance is a matter that should be part of the corporate governance framework and, in particular, the risk management processes of these organisations. Revenue supplied information on the common issues that arise for Public Bodies under all tax heads.
At a local level, Revenue Districts have engaged proactively with public bodies in advising them of their tax and duty obligations. Revenue officials have made presentations to the Heads of Finance of Government Departments and the Finance Officers of Local Authorities at which tax compliance matters were discussed and contact points given to be used if further tax information or clarification was required.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that Revenue is working closely with representatives (generally finance managers) of County and City managers to support compliance ab initio in relation to the introduction of VAT to Local Authorities from 1 July 2010. As part of this communication initiative, wide ranging discussions have taken place on general tax and duty compliance issues.
134 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance when the first payment for the Convention Centre, Dublin, is due to Treasury Holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/10]
135 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the agreed annual payment due to Treasury Holdings in respect of the Conference Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29363/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.
The Contract for the National Conference Centre project, now known as the Convention Centre Dublin, was awarded to the Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd (SDCCD) Consortium. The first payment to SDCCD is due from August 2010 and the annual payment will be approximately €47m a year for years 1-5 and approximately €23.9m a year from years 6-25.
136 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 11 May 2010, the position regarding this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29387/10]
Tenders for construction and refurbishment works at Clonark Garda Station have been received and are being evaluated by the Office of Public Works. Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the evaluation process, it is anticipated that a contract will be placed within the coming weeks.
137 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on making it compulsory for capital acquisitions tax to be filed on-line; the consideration given to those without Internet or computer access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29400/10]
The Deputy will be aware that Finance Act 2010 introduced significant changes to modernise and simplify the probate process and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT). One of the key changes is to the filing of CAT returns (Forms IT38). A new simplified paper form has been developed and may be used where the following conditions are met:
no relief/exemption/credit is claimed, apart from the small gift exemption;
the benefit taken is an absolute interest without conditions or restrictions; and
the property included in the return was taken from only one disponer (that is, the person making the gift or leaving the inheritance) and is not part of a larger benefit.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that about 75% of all inheritance tax cases are non-taxable. Of the taxable inheritances, it is estimated that the new simplified return can be used in about 25% of cases. Where any other relief/exemption/credit is being claimed, the return must be filed electronically through Revenue's On-line Service (ROS). Returns through ROS may be made by the taxpayer or by a practitioner (for example, a solicitor or accountant) acting on his or her behalf. Reliefs from CAT can be very significant; for example, agricultural and business property reliefs can reduce the taxable values by 90% and dwelling house relief gives a full exemption.
CAT is also one of the more complex taxes resulting in many calculations and potential adjustments. Online filing and calculation reduces the scope for error and miscalculation. The online form is relatively simple and quick to complete as only questions that are pertinent to the return are presented for answers. As information is entered, the system progressively customises the return screens that have to be completed, thus minimising the number of screens and options presented.
Furthermore, the 2009 Report of the Commission on Taxation recommended that where data on "tax expenditures" are required to facilitate evaluation and cost-benefit analysis, taxpayers availing of the tax reliefs should be required to e-file their tax returns. The opportunity was taken to implement the Commission's recommendation for CAT as part of the modernisation and simplification changes.
In summary, the CAT modernisation process has provided a much simpler paper system for 25% of cases, and in cases where electronic filing is mandatory, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it would be very unusual for a person claiming the more complex reliefs not to be represented by a practitioner. If an individual taxpayer in the more complex cases is not using a practitioner and has genuine capacity difficulties in relation to online filing, that individual can contact Revenue directly to discuss his or her individual circumstances and will be facilitated as far as possible.
138 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 27 April 2010, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29412/10]
Following an assessment of the applications submitted by Roscommon County Council under the scheme in question, a total of €888,120 has been allocated to the Council in respect of minor flood mitigation works and studies to be carried out at eleven locations during 2010. This funding is in addition to an amount of €113,923 allocated to the Council for works and studies commenced in 2009 at five locations. The total estimated cost of applications received to date in 2010 from all Local Authorities under the scheme is €26,257,494. As indicated previously, it is open to local authorities to submit further applications during the year.
139 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the stamp duty payable in respect of non first time buyers of both new and second hand houses; the various rates payable depending on value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29427/10]
The rates of Stamp Duty in respect of non first time buyers of new and second hand houses (including apartments) are set out in the following table.
|
Consideration/Value |
Rate of Duty |
|
First €125,000 |
Nil |
|
Next €875,000 |
7% |
|
Excess over €1,000,000 |
9% |
Transactions for residential property, where the consideration (or the aggregate consideration) does not exceed €127,000, are exempt from stamp duty. The purchase of a new house or apartment with a floor area not exceeding 125 square metres is exempt from Stamp Duty where the house or apartment is occupied as the main residence of the purchaser for a period of two years from the date of the purchase.
There is a relief from Stamp Duty in the case of the purchase of a new house or apartment where the floor area exceeds 125 square metres and the house or apartment is occupied as the main residence of the purchaser for a period of two years from the date of the purchase. Under this relief, Stamp Duty at the above rates is charged on the site value or one quarter of the total value of the property (excluding VAT), whichever is the greater. Non-owner occupiers do not qualify for either the exemption or relief from stamp duty for new houses. They are liable to Stamp Duty on the transfer to them of new or second hand residential property at the rates shown above.
140 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who availed of the first time buyers exemption from stamp duty this year on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29436/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the necessary basic data are not currently available in such a manner as to provide a basis for compiling the information requested by the Deputy.
141 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue generated through stamp duty on a county basis to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29437/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the necessary basic data are not currently available in such a manner as to provide a basis for compiling the information requested by the Deputy.
142 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding customers of a bank (details supplied) who still have money in current and savings accounts of that bank after 23 June 2010 when the retail division of the bank closed; if his officials have been in touch with the bank regarding same; if such issues are covered by legislation or the consumer protection code; if he will ensure that arrangements are in place for consumers to reclaim their money if they wish to do so post 23 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29475/10]
The Financial Regulator has advised me of the arrangements that are in place for Halifax current account and savings account customers to reclaim any money owed. As regards closing a current account, Halifax requires written confirmation from the customer either by letter or by completing a closure form. Any credit balances or credit interest due to customers will be returned as part of this account closure. As regards closing savings accounts, Halifax requires written confirmation either by letter or by completing a closure form. On the form customers can elect to receive their funds electronically to another account or by cheque. Halifax has information on its website with regard to how customers should process account closures. The Financial Regulator has been working with Halifax's parent company Bank of Scotland (Ireland) to ensure that consumers' interests are protected in accordance with the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code. As required by the Code all customers were given three months notice of bank closures.
143 Deputy Frank Fahey asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the report from the Irish Insurance Federation regarding the results of the working group established to examine the flooding issue in November 2009; the details of this report; the extent of the withdrawal of cover from households which were the victims of flooding; the other relevant details from the report; and in the event of the report not being available if he will indicate when he hopes to receive the report from the Irish Insurance Federation. [29493/10]
The background to the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) working group was a request from my Department for detailed information in relation to the November 2009 flooding. The type of information being sought included amongst other things a list of the locations where insurance companies were having difficulty providing cover as well as an indication of the number of policies they expected not to renew as a result of the flooding. The reply my Department received provided a breakdown of claims on a county basis. It did not identify the specific problem locations. The IIF did indicate however that approximately 98% of those with household insurance currently have flood cover and that its withdrawal at renewal only happens in exceptional cases where there has been repeated flooding.
In order to develop a better understanding of the situation, more detailed information is required. My Department has therefore requested the IIF to provide information on where people are having difficulties in getting flood cover in particular the specific areas/localities. The OPW has also been asked to outline the extent and location of the flooding problems and what is being done to address them. It is hoped that both sets of information will be provided shortly. The purpose of seeking information from both sources is to align them and determine the extent of the current problem, particularly from a flood cover perspective. Such information is necessary as in many cases remedial work may address flooding problems in the short term or over the next number of years thus making flood cover easier to obtain. This research will provide essential information and context to any future policy decisions in relation to the provision of flood cover. Finally, it should be noted that my Department is also examining how other countries deal with the provision of flood cover in such circumstances.
144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 was taxed on a bonus paid in 2010 on a different basis than those individuals who remained employed by the same company (details supplied); the moneys collected by the Revenue Commissioners in such fashion in 2009 and 2010 to date; the number of individuals to whom this applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29499/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that pay (which includes bonus payments) is appropriate to the year that it is earned and the tax to the year it is deducted. For administrative purposes, where an employer makes a payment that refers to a previous year it applies the current tax credits and standard rate cut-off point to the pay. Where the employee is no longer in the employment, the employer deducts the tax by reference to the amount of the employee's tax credits and standard rate cut-off point, had the payment been made on the date the employee ceased to be employed.
The taxpayer in question ceased employment in November 2008 and received the bonus payment in March 2009. In May and June 2010 the taxpayer's final liability was reviewed for the years 2008 and 2009 and PAYE Balancing Statements issued. The bonus payment was appropriated to 2008 and the tax to the year 2009. The tax overpaid in 2009 was offset against the arrears for 2008. I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as income tax on bonus payments is not distinguished on the P35 return from income tax on other employment income, it is not possible for the Revenue Commissioners to provide statistics on the number of recipients of bonus pay or of the tax deducted there from.
145 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation regarding the proposed changes to the retirement age for public servants; if legislation is required to give effect to raising the retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29527/10]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 removed the maximum retirement age (the age by which a public servant must retire) for most new entrants to the public service; for staff recruited before 2004, a maximum retirement age of 65 generally applies. Retirement age is different to pension age (the minimum age at which a public servant may draw his or her pension without actuarial reduction). As I announced in Budget 2010, legislation is in preparation which will provide a new single scheme for new entrants to the public service and for the setting of a maximum retirement age of 70 years. The Bill will be introduced later this year.
146 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the Valuation Office calculates the rateable valuation in proportion to the rateable value of the property; if this is the case if he will explain the way valuations could be adjusted in light of the reduction in rent now occurring. [29537/10]
The responsibility for assessing the Rateable Valuations of properties rests with the Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act, 2001. There are two provisions in the legislation governing the assessment of valuations, i.e. revision and revaluation. Revision of valuation is the mechanism used to maintain existing local authority valuations lists. It is used to add new properties to the list, to amend the valuations of altered properties and to remove demolished or defunct properties from the list. The valuations of commercial properties at revision are determined by reference to the values of comparable properties on the same valuation list. That is to say that they are compared with similar type properties in the same local authority area to ensure, in so far as it is possible, that they are all treated equally. Therefore rising or falling property values have no impact on valuations determined at revision.
In a revaluation the entire valuation list for a local authority is brought up-to-date by reference to values at a specific valuation date and the entire list is published on one date (usually 31 December) and comes into effect on 1 January the following year. To-date revaluations have been completed in South Dublin and Fingal County Councils and the revaluation of Dún Laoghaire County Council in nearing completion. The Commissioner of Valuation is responsible for the administration of the Valuation Act and is independent in the exercise of his duties under the act and I as Minister for Finance have no function in decisions in this regard.
147 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if agreement has been reached to transfer a property (details supplied) in County Galway; when this transfer will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29706/10]
The position is that the Office of Public Works has agreed to make the site in question available to Galway County Council, subject to a License Agreement. Matters will be finalised when the legal formalities are completed.
148 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No 130 of 15 June 2010, when a reply will issue. [29746/10]
The annual rent paid on behalf of each Government Department/Office for the period 2007-2009 and to date in 2010 is shown in the following table. The expenditure incurred in 2006 is currently being extracted from a former accounts system. The financial values for 2006 and the information relevant to rent reviews will be made available to the Deputy as soon as the required analysis is completed.
|
Department |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Agriculture & Food |
5,544,408.78 |
5,344,949.36 |
6,372,464.46 |
2,278,255.66 |
|
Arts, Sports & Tourism |
1,006,229.69 |
1,073,290.49 |
1,090,403.10 |
329,286.25 |
|
Attorney General |
83,456.36 |
86,015.97 |
89,730.79 |
42,730.09 |
|
Central Statistics Office |
971,728.99 |
964,181.31 |
1,222,105.00 |
289,937.86 |
|
Chief State Solicitor’s Office |
592,339.93 |
609,737.01 |
746,193.18 |
312,453.86 |
|
Communications, Marine & Natural Resources |
3,170,021.76 |
3,197,370.88 |
4,294,413.15 |
1,730,322.46 |
|
Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
1,633,027.74 |
1,783,187.95 |
2,006,930.98 |
974,923.19 |
|
Comptroller & Auditor General |
575,101.71 |
590,690.66 |
738,362.66 |
1,033,707.99 |
|
Courts Service |
910,183.05 |
1,029,598.72 |
1,484,974.58 |
724,881.86 |
|
Defence |
443,859.20 |
417,454.79 |
562,591.91 |
271,792.02 |
|
DPP |
1,074,520.58 |
1,101,279.16 |
695,165.42 |
53,666.15 |
|
Education & Science |
4,457,493.18 |
4,472,297.87 |
4,790,936.79 |
2,049,333.64 |
|
Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
5,976,540.40 |
6,361,653.24 |
7,769,436.76 |
3,444,616.06 |
|
Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
2,261,492.01 |
2,313,522.97 |
3,044,088.13 |
1,274,271.19 |
|
Finance |
3,049,365.28 |
3,210,093.79 |
2,539,916.88 |
799,568.84 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
4,879,556.72 |
5,031,826.81 |
6,720,650.44 |
2,388,957.03 |
|
Garda |
6,378,265.86 |
7,138,717.41 |
7,440,734.35 |
3,474,634.21 |
|
Health & Children |
1,954,648.81 |
1,781,942.67 |
2,042,978.01 |
986,907.55 |
|
HSE |
0.00 |
0.00 |
277,815.00 |
234,710.00 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
872,314.04 |
776,394.21 |
703,304.15 |
269,486.97 |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
13,862,247.18 |
13,828,701.57 |
18,355,265.89 |
6,661,740.85 |
|
Land Registry & Registry of Deeds |
1,395,981.72 |
1,411,026.40 |
1,504,212.29 |
551,563.46 |
|
National Gallery |
21,970.10 |
17,579.90 |
58,239.08 |
53,789.30 |
|
Office of Public Works |
2,843,283.65 |
3,949,189.44 |
6,360,658.04 |
265,509.32 |
|
Oireachtas |
786,043.16 |
887,278.55 |
1,215,860.69 |
744,491.16 |
|
Ombudsman |
1,095,000.00 |
1,095,000.00 |
1,916,250.00 |
547,500.00 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
2,093,698.42 |
2,105,056.08 |
2,454,020.41 |
1,221,503.71 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
16,712,680.63 |
19,629,197.75 |
22,948,844.49 |
8,642,303.32 |
|
Social & Family Affairs |
11,465,426.68 |
12,162,134.25 |
14,163,741.94 |
5,534,151.84 |
|
Taoiseach |
254,623.48 |
177,856.29 |
202,703.55 |
81,081.42 |
|
Transport |
3,875,409.05 |
5,249,625.29 |
5,616,869.95 |
2,427,185.47 |
|
Valuation Office |
1,310,000.00 |
1,310,000.00 |
1,637,500.00 |
661,250.00 |
149 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Laois is in receipt of the correct amount of tax relief at source in respect of their mortgage interest payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29810/10]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the administration of mortgage interest relief through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that following contact with the person concerned and clarification by the person of the precise circumstances of the mortgages taken out in 2006 and 2008, entitlement to mortgage interest relief for 2010 and beyond has been confirmed. Accordingly, unpaid relief to date for 2010 will be paid directly by the lender.
150 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the moneys expended; to whom they were paid; the moneys received during the same period under various headings in respect of a property (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29812/10]
The Commissioners of Public Works are collating the information requested in the property concerned and will revert to the Deputy directly.
151 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 29 June 2010 the way in which a register of persons holding licences can be inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29814/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that while Revenue issues licences as provided for in the Auctioneers and House Agents Act 1947, there are no provisions within that Act for the provision of a register of licensees for inspection, as set out in the query. However, Section 30 of the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009, provides for the display for inspection by the public, of a register of licensees to be known as the Property Services Register. The provision and maintenance of this Register will be the responsibility of the Property Services Regulatory Authority. In that context the Deputy may wish to be aware that the Authority currently has a list of the Auctioneers and House Agents licensed by the Revenue Commissioners under the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts, 1947 to 1973 on its website www.npsra.ie.
152 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 17 June 2010, if he will provide equivalent figures for each of the past five years. [29827/10]
The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) is governed by the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended), the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and the Treaty of Rome and is not directly responsible to me for the cost of financial regulation. However, the Central Bank Act 1942 requires my approval for an annual statement by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) of proposed income and expenditure specifying the amounts to be raised by levies in respect of financial regulation. Once I have approved it, the statement is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. In addition, the annual report of the IFSRA which shows the outcome of income and expenditure in the previous year is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year.
The CBFSAI has advised me that over the last five years some 50 per cent of the total costs of the Financial Regulator have been met by the imposition of levies on the industry. The balance of the total annual costs is provided by the CBFSAI in accordance with Section 33(L) of the Central Bank Act 1942. In 2009, the CBFSAI bore the full cost of certain securities market supervision activities carried out within the Financial Regulator.
The tables below set out the total cost of regulation, the total contribution from industry (annual funding requirement –AFR- set out in the fourth column of each table) and the contribution from each industry category for each of the last five years.
|
Year |
Financial Regulator Total Expenses*** |
Subvention from CBFSAI |
Annual Funding Requirements from Industry* |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2005 |
41.3 |
20.4 |
20.4 |
|
2006 |
48.7 |
24.4 |
21.2 |
|
2007 |
52.6 |
25.4 |
23.4 |
|
2008 |
59.9 |
29.1 |
25.4 |
|
2009 |
61.1 |
27.3 |
34.9** |
*This figure takes account of a surplus or deficit in the previous years funding requirement. Any surplus is offset against the next year's figures.
**This figure includes the 100 percent funding levy on the credit institutions for the cost of the government guarantee.
***The expenses of the Financial Regulator, as published in its Statement of Income and Expenditure, reflect the actual costs incurred each year in the operations of the Regulator. The Annual Funding Requirement (AFR) is determined on the basis of the budgeted expenses of the Financial Regulator for a given year, adjusted for any surplus/deficit from the previous year that may arise from (i) differences between budgeted and actual expenditure and (ii) any shortfall in levies collected within specific industry categories. The AFR is then used to determine the levy to be applied to industry categories and within such categories to individual firms. (In any particular year the figure in column 3 is not calculated by reference to the figure in column 4.)
|
Industry Category |
Net 2004 Surplus/ Deficit |
2005 Budget Funding Requirement |
2005 AFR |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
A: Credit Institutions |
674 |
7,561 |
6,887 |
|
B: Insurance Undertakings |
92 |
4,452 |
4,360 |
|
C: Intermediaries |
414 |
2,868 |
2,454 |
|
D: Securities and Investment Firms |
168 |
1,626 |
1,458 |
|
E: CIS and other Service Providers |
116 |
3,950 |
3,834 |
|
F: Credit Unions |
0 |
1,140 |
1140 |
|
G: Moneylenders |
1 |
137 |
136 |
|
H: Approved Professional Bodies |
23 |
61 |
38 |
|
I: Exchanges |
24 |
117 |
93 |
|
J: Bureau de Change/Money Transmitters |
1 |
31 |
30 |
|
K: E-Money Providers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
L: Default Assessment |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
M: Home Reversion/Retail Credit Firms |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Total |
1,513 |
21,943 |
20,430 |
|
Industry Category |
Net 2005 Surplus / Deficit |
2006 Budget Funding Requirement |
2006 AFR |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
A: Credit Institutions |
685 |
8,074 |
7,389 |
|
B: Insurance Undertakings |
351 |
5,176 |
4,825 |
|
C: Intermediaries |
530 |
2,905 |
2,375 |
|
D: Securities and Investment Firms |
163 |
1,649 |
1,486 |
|
E: CIS and other Service Providers |
355 |
3,917 |
3,562 |
|
F: Credit Unions |
0 |
1,294 |
1,294 |
|
G: Moneylenders |
-13 |
144 |
157 |
|
H: Approved Professional Bodies |
8 |
27 |
19 |
|
I: Exchanges |
31 |
132 |
101 |
|
J: Bureau de Change/Money Transmitters |
0 |
36 |
36 |
|
K: E-Money Providers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
L: Default Assessment |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
M: Home Reversion/Retail Credit Firms |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Total |
2,110 |
23,354 |
21,244 |
|
Industry Category |
Net 2006 Surplus/ Deficit |
2007 Budget Funding Requirement |
2007 AFR |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
A: Credit Institutions |
832 |
9,006 |
8,174 |
|
B: Insurance Undertakings |
172 |
5,008 |
4,836 |
|
C: Intermediaries |
586 |
2,359 |
1,773 |
|
D: Securities and Investment Firms |
112 |
1,812 |
1,700 |
|
E: CIS and other Service Providers |
-272 |
4,249 |
4,521 |
|
F: Credit Unions |
0 |
1,959 |
1412 |
|
G: Moneylenders |
15 |
200 |
185 |
|
H: Approved Professional Bodies |
4 |
26 |
22 |
|
I: Exchanges |
-46 |
122 |
168 |
|
J: Bureau de Change/Money Transmitters |
11 |
53 |
42 |
|
K: E-Money Providers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
L: Default Assessment |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
M: Home Reversion/Retail Credit Firms |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Total |
1,414 |
24,794 |
23,380 |
|
Industry Category |
Net 2007 Surplus/ Deficit |
2008 Budget Funding Requirement |
2008 AFR |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
A: Credit Institutions |
448 |
9,330 |
8,882 |
|
B: Insurance Undertakings |
34 |
5,836 |
5,802 |
|
C: Intermediaries |
257 |
2,445 |
2,188 |
|
D: Securities and Investment Firms |
42 |
2,005 |
1,963 |
|
E: CIS and other Service Providers |
19 |
4,396 |
4,377 |
|
F: Credit Unions |
0 |
1,862 |
1,430 |
|
G: Moneylenders |
27 |
185 |
158 |
|
H: Approved Professional Bodies |
2 |
13 |
11 |
|
I: Exchanges |
21 |
169 |
148 |
|
J: Bureau de Change/Money Transmitters |
-8 |
63 |
71 |
|
K: E-Money Providers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
L: Default Assessment |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
M: Home Reversion/Retail Credit Firms |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Total |
842 |
26,304 |
25,462 |
|
Industry Category |
Net 2008 Surplus/ Deficit |
2009 Budget Funding Requirement |
2009 AFR |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
A: Credit Institutions |
-470 |
18,108 |
18,578 |
|
B: Insurance Undertakings |
253 |
5,549 |
5,296 |
|
C: Intermediaries |
-40 |
2,200 |
2,240 |
|
D: Securities and Investment Firms |
-38 |
2,022 |
2,060 |
|
E: CIS and other Service Providers |
-99 |
4,099 |
4,198 |
|
F: Credit Unions |
0 |
1,769 |
1,394 |
|
G: Moneylenders |
11 |
271 |
260 |
|
H: Approved Professional Bodies |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
I: Exchanges |
9 |
158 |
149 |
|
J: Bureau de Change/Money Transmitters |
-27 |
91 |
118 |
|
K: E-Money Providers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
L: Default Assessment |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
M: Home Reversion/Retail Credit Firms |
0 |
251 |
251 |
|
Total |
-401 |
34,523 |
34,924 |
153 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if persons who have been approved for a medical card are liable for the income and health levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29830/10]
The position is that where an individual has an entitlement to a full medical card they are excluded from the income levy and the health levy.
154 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the off-licence fee paid by large multiple supermarkets to base the fee on turnover as is the case with public houses which pay their licence fee based on revenue bands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29832/10]
As the Deputy may be aware the rate of excise duty on off-licences was reviewed in the context of the 2008 and 2009 Budgets. The annual excise duty payable on each off-licence was increased from €250 to €500. An off-licence selling the full range of alcohol products requires three licences — spirits, beer and wine. Consequently, supermarkets who wish to sell wine, beer and spirits must obtain Retailers Off Licences which usually cost €1,500 per annum. It was decided not to apply a graduated scale of renewal fee charges, based on turnover, to off-licences. In that context it should be noted that while a graduated scale of renewal fee charges apply in the case of pub licences, the maximum rate of excise duty paid is €3,805, and that in excess of 80% of pubs pay licence duty of under €1,500.
155 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied). [29843/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, I set up an Expert Group to report to me with recommendations on a range of matters regarding mortgage arrears and personal debt. In the course of the data gathering phase of its work, the Expert Group met with the Future Group and listened to its submission on how to deal with the issue of providing independent advice to borrowers in difficulty. The Expert Group has recently made interim recommendations to me and are expected to complete a final report by the Autumn. Proposals received from the Future Group and others who made submissions not covered in the interim report will be given full consideration by the Expert Group in the next phase of its work as it completes its final report.
156 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the taxation treatment of a matter (details supplied). [29858/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Ireland has a double taxation agreement (DTA) with Australia since 1983. It generally reflects the provisions found in the OECD model tax agreement. The full text of the Australian DTA can be found on the Revenue website at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/practitioner/ law/double/australia.html The effect of the DTA may be summarised as follows: The purpose of a DTA is the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion. Double taxation arises where the same income or gain is taxed by two jurisdictions. This normally occurs where income or gains arise in one country and are paid to a resident of another country. DTAs seek to allocate exclusive taxing rights to one or other country for particular items of income or, where the DTA allows items of income or gains to remain taxable in both countries, to require the country of residence of the taxpayer to grant credit against its tax on the income or gain for the tax paid in the other country.
In relation to the Australian DTA, business profits earned by a resident of one country from sources in the other country are taxable only in the country of residence of the taxpayer unless that taxpayer has a permanent establishment in the other country. If there is a permanent establishment then the other country can tax the profits earned through it and in such circumstances the country of residence will give a credit for such tax.
Dividends paid by a company resident in one country to a resident of the other country may be taxed at a rate of 15% in the first-mentioned country. The country of residence will give a credit for such tax. Note however that Ireland does not impose any tax on dividends paid to residents of Australia (or any other treaty country). Similarly, payments of interest or royalties from one country to a resident of the other may be taxed in the paying country at a rate of 10% and the country of residence of the taxpayer will give a credit for such tax. Income and gains derived by a resident of one country from immovable property situated in the other country may be taxed in both the country where the immovable property is situated and also in the country of residence of the alienator. The country of residence will grant a credit for such tax.
Income from employment of a resident of one country may be taxed in the other country if the employment is exercised there. However, the income will be taxable only in the country of residence of the taxpayer if the presence in the other country is less than 183 days in the tax year and the employer is not resident in the other country and does not have a permanent establishment there. Pensions are taxable only in the country of residence of the taxpayer. Where a taxpayer is resident for tax purposes in both countries at the same time according to their laws, there are tie-breaker provisions in the DTA that decide which country the taxpayer will be treated as a resident of for the purposes of the DTA. For individuals the main test is where the individual has a permanent home.
157 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his recent dealings with the credit union movement regarding proposals for sections 35A and 35B of the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29873/10]
I engaged in detailed discussions with the credit union representative bodies, ILCU and CUDA, in relation to the Section 35 issue in meetings with each body on two separate occasions in May and June 2010. I also met members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs. Having reflected on the views expressed, I introduced at Report Stage of the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 on 1 July 2010, eight significant measures which amended the section 35 proposals in the Bill as published and imposed an obligation on the Central Bank to establish an advisory group on credit unions. The measures relating to section 35 accord precisely with proposals circulated to the representative bodies on 10 June 2010 and which I put on the record of Dáil Éireann at Committee Stage.
The full eight measures are as follows:
1. The proposed sections 35A and 35B in the Bill as published are deleted.
2. The easing of section 35 lending limits is now linked directly with the necessary balancing provisions in a cohesive framework within section 35.
3. A specific statement is introduced in section 35(2C) meaning that the Central Bank may give notice to credit unions in relation to lending requirements only where it considers it necessary for the adequate protection of members' savings.
4. A further new provision means that in applying requirements in relation to lending by credit unions, the Central Bank must have regard to the lending framework provided for in section 35.
5. Wider powers originally intended for the Central Bank in relation to loans or specified classes or types of loans [under section 35(A)(1) as published] have been dropped.
6. Wider powers to enable the Central Bank to impose requirements other than by making rules [under section 35A(3) as published] have also been dropped.
7. The systems, controls and reporting requirements originally provided for in Section 35(A)(1)(f) are now specifically tied into the lending requirements in the section.
8. The Central Bank must establish an advisory group on the exercise of its powers and functions relating to credit unions.
Taken together, these measures represent a significant package of changes which will establish a lending framework through which the Registrar of Credit Unions can give notice of requirements arising from the relaxation of lending limits provided for in the section 35 in a prudent, balanced and proportionate manner but no more than that. The new advisory group will provide a forum through which the Bank will access the views of credit unions in a more effective and direct way.
Reasonable conditions and generous transitional arrangements will also apply in relation to the new section 35 provisions. For example, the Registrar of Credit Unions wrote to all credit unions on 24 May 2010 indicating that the transitional arrangements will include a 15% provisioning requirement up to 30 September 2011, trial periods, exceptions with regard to top-up loans and relaxation of the 100% provisioning requirement in respect of rescheduled loans which have missed two or more payments. This should help to ease the position for credit unions in the current financial year and the next financial year ending in September 2011 and allow time for credit unions to adjust to the new regime. Overall, the Registrar will take account of individual circumstances in credit unions in exercising the powers being given to him in the Bill. There is no question of a “one size fits all” approach as is being suggested by the League.
The section 35 amendments passed by Dáil Éireann on 1 July 2010 go a considerable way towards meeting the reasonable concerns of credit unions. At the same time, there is an irreducible minimum level of protection which depositors, credit union members and the general public are entitled to expect. Overall, the measures which have been brought forward provide for this level of protection. I believe that constructive engagement and dialogue with the credit union movement are both necessary and appropriate. Credit unions have a valuable role to play in Ireland and my primary motivation and concern is to put in place conditions in which the movement can be sustained and developed over the coming years. My Department and I are willing and anxious to engage with the credit union representative bodies and to discuss issues of concern including the implementation of the statutory changes provided for in the Central Bank Reform Bill. But it is not possible, of course, to give a veto to any group in relation to its own regulation and I feel sure the Credit Union-related organisations would not expect that.
158 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the transfer of land by the Office of Public Works to a local authority (details supplied). [29988/10]
The Office of Public Works has approved the transfer of land to the Local Authority and the Chief State Solicitors Office is currently preparing a license in this regard.
159 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Eurostat survey that found that Ireland has the second highest food and drink prices in the EU; if he will bear this in mind when looking at social welfare levels ahead of the December budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30045/10]
According to Eurostat, food prices in Ireland were among the highest in Europe when surveyed in 2009. This is reflective of factors including the relatively large import content of processed food and our peripheral geographical location. However, in the twelve months to May 2010, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has fallen by 6 per cent in Ireland but remained unchanged on average in the EU as a whole. I would therefore expect to see noticeable convergence when the 2010 data are published next year. Between 2000 and 2010 the non-contributory state pension increased by 59 per cent in real terms while jobseekers' allowance increased by 60 per cent in real terms. Any decision with regard to social welfare rates of payment is a matter for Government for the 2011 Budget.
161 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a building (details supplied) in Dublin 15 owned by the Office of Public Works; the date on which the building was acquired by the OPW; the cost at which the building was acquired by the OPW; the financial outlay by the OPW or other Government authority in respect of this building since its acquisition; the ongoing annual cost of insuring and making secure this building; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of local voluntary and charitable organisations have made inquiries regarding the potential for using this building; the detail of any such enquiries made to the OPW or to him directly; if he will make this building available on a temporary basis to local voluntary and charitable organisations, pending a decision on the building’s long-term future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30077/10]
The property referred to by the Deputy was purchased in April 2002. The total cost of purchase was €1.5m. A sum of €6,129.00 incl. VAT was expended on upgrading works to the facade of the building in August 2006. A further sum of €1,010.15 incl. VAT was spent on removal of graffiti and making good, etc. in December 2006. Ongoing electricity costs amounts to approx. €4,750.00 per annum. There are no direct insurance costs, as the State carries its own insurance. Planning permission to convert the building for use as a Driving Test Centre has been granted and we would propose to proceed with this development when funding becomes available. I am aware that a number of voluntary bodies and organisations have expressed an interest in the past in acquiring the property. However, as the building is not deemed to be surplus to State requirements, it is not feasible at this time to make it available to any such body, even on a temporary basis.
162 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30044/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
163 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a scheme whereby persons whose health condition is unchanging and whose income sources are constant, would not have to submit forms for regular renewal of a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29176/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
164 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount her Department has contributed to the cost of running the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in each of the past ten years; the amount she proposes to contribute in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29191/10]
My Department and the HSE are collating the information requested and I will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as it is at hand.
165 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for dental treatment in respect of a person (details supplied); if the person is entitled to treatment under the medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29210/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
166 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has given direction to the Health Service Executive on the conditions that constitute a clinical emergency with regard to the provision of dentures under the dental treatment services scheme in view of the fact that applications are being returned to dental practices on the basis that the HSE has given no direction to the principal dental surgeons as to what constitutes an emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29250/10]
203 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will withdraw the Health Service Executive circular of 26 April 2010 regarding the dental treatment services scheme in view of its impact on medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29378/10]
278 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has advised principal dental surgeons and contracting dentists of the circumstances under which approval may be given for emergency dentures. [29849/10]
280 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the claims processing staff in the primary care reimbursement service have been apprised of the new arrangements. [29851/10]
281 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the criteria imposed by the Health Service Executive in the recent circular to dentists are clinically and administratively clear and unambiguous; and if she has ensured that operational guidelines have been issued to the principal dental surgeons. [29852/10]
284 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is an appropriate use of medical consultants' time to dictate letters requesting approval for dental treatments which are necessary for patients requiring urgent medical treatments. [29855/10]
286 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the specific arrangements in place for routine dental treatment for medical card patients, who have entitlements under the provisions of the Health Acts, since May 2010. [29857/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 203, 278, 280, 281, 284 and 286 together.
The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. There are no plans to reverse these changes.
Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised. These measures have been introduced to protect access to emergency dental care for medical card holders and to safeguard services for children and special needs groups. Services for high-risk patients and those requiring exceptional care continue to be available. The remaining care provision is subject to prior approval, which will be required from a clinician in the HSE, who will prioritise for:
High risk and exceptional patients,
Those requiring emergency care, and
Patients who are considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.
Where prior approval is required for the treatment, the HSE Principal Dental Surgeons will apply their professional judgment to determine, in the circumstances, whether or not there is a clinical emergency, and whether or not treatment should therefore be approved.
I have given no direction to the HSE concerning what constitutes a clinical emergency. In the DTSS an emergency is determined by the treating clinician, the contracted General Dental Practitioner, in agreement with the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon, or a delegate who is also a clinician. Where a patient requires dental treatment in advance of urgent medical treatment, this must be communicated to the HSE Principal Dental Surgeon. The manner in which this approval is sought has not changed and is a matter for those involved in the process.
The staff of the Primary Care Reimbursement Service of the HSE are aware of the changes and are implementing them. The HSE will continue to engage with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing these changes. The HSE will also monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS.
167 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of jobs at risk and the services that have been reduced or suspended at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary as a result of funding cutbacks to the Daughters of Charity service; if she will address concerns that same cutbacks will lead to further job losses and certain services being terminated; and if she will provide additional funding and support for persons with intellectual disabilities across north Tipperary. [29254/10]
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.
168 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a procedure will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly through the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29257/10]
As this is a service issue the case has been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund for direct reply. A patient's general practitioner or anyone acting on their behalf may contact the National Treatment Purchase Fund on behalf of a patient if their medical condition warrants it. The National Treatment Purchase Fund currently arranges, from within available resources, treatment for patients who have been waiting longest on surgical in-patient waiting lists, and in some cases, diagnostic procedures for public patients.
169 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the new cystic fibrosis units at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29258/10]
211 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 2 July 2009, if she will provide an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29413/10]
215 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the development of life saving isolation rooms for cystic fibrosis patients and services at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29431/10]
216 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the development of the additional isolation rooms for cystic fibrosis patients at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29432/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169, 211, 215 and 216 together.
The project continues to be a priority for the Government and the HSE. Following work with the HSE's senior management, St. Vincent's Hospital and the Department of Finance, I announced in 2009 that the project would proceed to construction on the basis that the building will be paid for at the end of the construction phase. The site at the hospital is cleared and ready for construction to commence and the HSE's capital funding remains ring-fenced for the new development. The 100 inpatient bed unit (in single en-suite rooms) will accommodate many other patients whose medical requirements necessitate single en suite facilities and reflects best practice in terms of infection control. It will also provide 10 single day treatment rooms with en-suite sanitary facilities.
In the normal course payments for construction of a project such as this would have been phased over the construction period. However under the financing method being utilised for this project, the construction company will source bridging finance for the project until the construction is complete. Following receipt of tenders for construction, the procurement process has been particularly difficult and protracted in this case, due to prevailing conditions in the Irish construction industry. The Hospital has now issued a "letter of intent" to a preferred bidder in the tender process for the building of the new ward block.
It is hoped to award the contract in the next few weeks after which construction of the new facility will take about 18 months. The process is under continuous review in order to ensure earliest possible delivery of the new ward block. St Vincent's University Hospital and the HSE remain committed to this project, and are taking every possible step to expedite contract award and earliest commencement of construction on site.
170 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a case in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29259/10]
The matter raised in this question is appropriate to the Health Insurance Authority (HIA), which is the regulator for the private health insurance market. I have no role in relation to the approval or otherwise of cover in respect of particular procedures by Vhi Healthcare or any of the private health insurers. I have asked the HIA to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
171 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused a claim for mobility allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29270/10]
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.
172 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive an appointment at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29276/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
173 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 13 and 40 of 27 May 2010, the reason any outstanding applications, made under the former special housing aid for the elderly scheme in counties Laois and Offaly were not completed under the funding allocation of €0.5 million from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2009; the reasons there are outstanding applications under this scheme waiting to be processed and the reason her Department did not apply for additional funding to complete these outstanding applications; if she will provide a breakdown of the proportion of this €0.5 million allocation spent in counties Laois and Offaly; if her Department spent any of this €0.5 million allocation on other schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29277/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
174 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount a hospital (details supplied) has been penalised or awarded under the Health Service Executive casemix management system between 2005 and 2010 inclusively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29278/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
175 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount a hospital (details supplied) has been penalised or awarded under the Health Service Executive casemix management system between 2005 and 2010 inclusively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29279/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
176 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount a hospital (details supplied) has been penalised or awarded under the Health Service Executive casemix management system between 2005 and 2010 inclusively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29280/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
177 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have been assessed and diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder in the mid-Leinster region in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29284/10]
178 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently receiving therapy including psychology, occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy by an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently receiving therapy by an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29285/10]
179 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently receiving therapy including psychology, occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy in post-early intervention service in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently receiving therapy in post-early intervention service in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29286/10]
180 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for assessment from an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for assessment from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29287/10]
181 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with suspected autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for assessment from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with suspected autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for assessment from a post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29288/10]
182 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for therapy with a diagnosis of ASD from an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for therapy with a diagnosis of ASD from an early intervention team in County Offaly. [29289/10]
183 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29290/10]
184 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from an early intervention team in County Laois; the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29291/10]
185 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29292/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 185, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy's questions relates to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
186 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the early intervention team in County Laois; the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29293/10]
187 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on post-early intervention teams in County Laois; the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on post-early intervention teams in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29294/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In this regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to vacancies for therapists, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
188 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy regarding the filling of posts vacant as a result of therapists including occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy services on leave including maternity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29295/10]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In this regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to the filling of therapy posts, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding that is being provided to the Health Service Executive northeast-Louth/Meath/Cavan/Monaghan area for disability services for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29305/10]
191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding for disability services targeted for County Meath in 2009 and in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29307/10]
192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided in 2009 and 2010 for the Meath adult physical and sensory disability service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29308/10]
200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided in 2009 and 2010 for the Meath adult physical and sensory disability service; the amount per capita this equals; the amount of funding that is spent on management or administration and related areas; the amount allocated to clinical supports for adults with physical and sensory disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29348/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 191, 192 and 200 together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent in each area of disability, physical and sensory, autism, intellectual disability and other in 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29306/10]
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.
193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the future of Drogheda Memorial Hospital, the Curragh, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29309/10]
Government policy in relation to Palliative Care is based on the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001). In line with the Report, a ‘Palliative Care Services Medium Term Development Framework' was published by the HSE in July 2009. This Framework sets national priorities which have been agreed by all stakeholders based on solid needs analysis. The national priorities reflect the gaps that currently exist in particular areas and services, and the prioritisation reflects the largest gaps. The national priorities selected are aligned to national healthcare policy and the HSE's Transformation Programme and Corporate Plan. However, all developments are subject to current budget and economic considerations.
As the specific issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which accountancy practices in the Health Service Executive are subject to audit and performance controls; the extent to which this applies to the operation of Tallaght Hospital, sector by sector; the extent to which such stress testing relates to whether buildings, wards, beds or procedures are in accordance with requirements; the action or actions taken if any, in the event of system failure or deficiency; if any specific accountancy or accountability defects in the system have been identified or rectified or both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29310/10]
Each year the HSE prepares an Appropriation Account which is required to comply with the provisions of the Public Financial Procedures, published by the Department of Finance, and other directions of the Minister for Finance and is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and considered each year by the Committee of Public Accounts. Section 36 of the Health Act, 2004 also requires the HSE to prepare Annual Financial Statements (AFS), on an income and expenditure basis. The AFS are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and they are, together with the audit report, laid before the Oireachtas and are examined by the Committee of Public Accounts alongside the Appropriation Account. The accounts of hospitals established by statute are also audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and laid before the Oireachtas. The audited accounts of other service providers funded by the HSE under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 are submitted to the HSE for its examination as part of the framework for accountability in respect of the delivery of services and the expenditure of public funds. The arrangements by the HSE with such service providers also encompass reporting and monitoring arrangements in respect of the provision of services and associated expenditure.
The above position reflects the general arrangements governing the financial and service accountability of the HSE and the service providers it funds. If there are specific matters giving rise to the Deputy's enquiries I will be happy to have these addressed by the HSE.
195 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that speech therapy services for under five year olds at a facility (details supplied) have been withdrawn due to the recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29322/10]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In this regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to speech therapy services, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
196 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29327/10]
197 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29328/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the Executive for direct reply.
198 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the management structure at a facility in north Cork is under the control of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29341/10]
The facility referred to by the Deputy is not under the control of the HSE. It is a voluntary nursing home operated by a religious order.
199 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appointment for surgery is being expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29342/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
201 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the transfer of assets and equipment from St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin 6, to the Health Service Executive; the future plans for this equipment; the names of the members of the Hollywood Committee and their professions; if there was any patient input into which hospitals should be designated as cancer centres of excellence; and the reason St. Luke’s was not chosen as a centre of excellence. [29353/10]
The HSE's National Cancer Control Strategy, which was launched in 2006 set out the future framework for delivery of cancer treatment in Ireland. It also endorsed the National Plan for Radiation Oncology (NPRO) which had been approved by Government in 2005. This Plan was based on the recommendations in The Report on the Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland, otherwise known as the Hollywood Report, which was published in 2003. This recommended that there should be two centres in the East in order to cater for radiotherapy needs.
Extensive consultation formed part of the Group's deliberations in producing the Hollywood Report. A study was commissioned to investigate patient priorities in the development of new radiation oncology services. The aim was to ensure that future service developments would be based on best practice and sensitive to patient needs, preferences and priorities. The study included a series of focus groups and a postal questionnaire, sent by random sample to all major cancer groups who had completed their first course of radiotherapy.
The Members of the Expert Working Group on Radiation Oncology Services, which produced the 2003 Hollywood Report, are listed below.
|
Name |
Organisation |
Position |
|
Prof. Donal Hollywood (Chair) |
St. Luke’s Hospital, Trinity College |
Professor of Clinical Oncology |
|
Dr John Armstrong |
St. Luke’s Hospital |
Consultant Radiation Oncologist |
|
Ms Mary Coffey |
Trinity College Dublin |
Director, School of Radiation Therapy |
|
Dr Harry Comber |
National Cancer Registry |
Director, National Cancer Registry |
|
Dr Tom Conere |
Cork University Hospital |
Chief Physicist |
|
Mr Joseph Cregan |
Department of Health and Children |
Principal Officer |
|
Ms Yvonne Davidson |
Cork University Hospital |
Business Manager, Division of Oncology |
|
Dr Ruth Eakin |
Northern Ireland Cancer Centre |
Consultant Clinical Oncologist |
|
Dr Liam Grogan |
Beaumont Hospital |
Consultant Medical Oncologist |
|
Mr Wilfrid Higgins |
Department of Health and Children |
Engineering Advisor |
|
Dr Tony Holohan |
Department of Health and Children |
Deputy Chief Medical Officer |
|
Dr Maurice Hurley |
Cork University Hospital |
Consultant Clinical Oncologist |
|
Ms Joan Kelly |
Irish Cancer Society |
Nursing Services Manager |
|
Dr Marie Laffoy |
Eastern Regional Health Authority |
Director of Public Health |
|
Ms Eileen Maher |
St Luke’s Hospital |
Director of Nursing |
|
Dr Brendan McClean |
St Luke’s Hospital |
Chief Physicist |
|
Dr Regina McQuillan |
St Francis Hospice |
Consultant Palliative Care Physician |
|
Dr Aiden Meade |
Irish College of General Practitioners |
General Practitioner |
|
Dr Seamus O’Cathail |
Cork University Hospital |
Consultant Radiation Oncologist |
|
Dr Bernadette O’Keefe |
Department of Health and Children |
Deputy Chief Medical Officer |
|
Ms Ber Ryan |
Aid Cancer Treatment (ACT) |
Patient Advocate |
|
Dr Sheelah Ryan |
Western Health Board |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Mr Gordon Watson |
South Eastern Health Board |
Consultant Surgeon |
*Organisational attachments are as applicable at the time of completion of the report.
Following publication of the Hollywood Report, the Chief Medical Officer was asked by the then Minister for Health and Children to advise on the location of radiation oncology services in the Eastern Region. A panel of national and international experts was established to assist in the process. A request for proposals for the development of radiation oncology services in the Eastern Region was issued to six hospitals in Dublin. The document set out the evaluation criteria against which the proposals would be assessed. Six hospitals submitted proposals. These were evaluated by the Expert Panel. Based on the advice of the Panel, I announced in 2005 that radiation oncology services in the Eastern Region should be located at Beaumont and St James's Hospital. This entailed the eventual transfer of St Luke's staff and resources to the new centres.
As part of the implementation of the 2006 National Cancer Control Strategy, the HSE set up an Advisory Group to assist it in configuring the managed cancer control networks and identifying the designated cancer centres. Combined modality treatment, delivered by multi-disciplinary teams, was a key requirement for the designated cancer centres. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme was launched in 2007. It set out the configuration of the cancer services in such centres, and identified the 8 designated cancer centres, including Beaumont and St James's Hospitals.
The two new radiotherapy centres at St James's and Beaumont Hospitals will open at end 2010/early 2011 under Phase 1 of the NPRO, providing significant additional capacity for public patients. These centres will be under the governance of the HSE National Cancer Control Programme. The existing radiotherapy centre at St Luke's and these new centres at Beaumont and St James's will together form the St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network. This will allow for seamless patient transfer between services and more effective, patient-centred services, resulting in best outcomes for patients. Some staff and resources of St Luke's will transfer to other sites in the St Luke's Network in the second half of 2010. Radiotherapy services will continue to be delivered at St Luke's until at least the end of 2014. At that stage, additional capacity is scheduled to come on stream under Phase 2 of the NPRO and the remaining staff and resources will transfer from St Luke's.
202 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 17 February 2010, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29355/10]
I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that it has replied to the Deputy in respect of this matter, by letter dated 24 February 2010.
204 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 308 of 20 April 2010, if she will provide an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29382/10]
The question raised by the Deputy concerns an application for capital grant funding under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which is implemented by my Office.
I understand that Pobal, which manages the day to day operation of the programme, is continuing to work with the applicant in question in regard to this funding request and will report to my Office when it has completed this process. A decision on the matter will then be taken and the applicant will be advised of the outcome at that point.
205 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the interim measures she will put in place in respect of foreign adoption applicants who have submitted applications in advance of the enactment of the Adoption Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29383/10]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
I brought forward at Committee stage an amendment to the Adoption Bill 2009 that will enable prospective adoptive parents to proceed with an adoption from a non-Hague or non-bilateral country, if prior to the establishment date, they have been issued with a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt. The proposed amendment requires that the Adoption Authority (to be set up under the Act) would be satisfied that the particular adoption meets all the standards of the Hague Convention.
206 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of places awarded under the early childhood care and education scheme on a county basis in January 2010; the numbers that have applied for September 2010; her plans, if any, to review this scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties this scheme is creating for some child child care providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29386/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January of this year and which provides a free pre-school year to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school.
The table below sets out the number of pre-school services participating in the ECCE scheme, and the number of children enrolled in the ECCE scheme, broken down by City and County Childcare Committee (CCC) area, for the period up to June 2010. It should be noted that the figure for the number of services counts all services, including where both a 38-week sessional service and a 50-week fullday service in the same facility are participating in the scheme. In total, there are approximately 4,350 participating services in 3,800 facilities. The number of children participating in the scheme amounts to some 53,000, which amounts to approximately 83% of children in their pre-school year. This is in addition to another 5% of children who receive their free pre-school year through other pre-existing State-funded schemes. While there remain a small number of late transfers and appeals to administer, it is not anticipated that these figures will change significantly for the January-August 2010 ‘short' pre-school year.
Applications from pre-school services to participate in the ECCE scheme for the year commencing in September 2010 are currently being processed by the Childcare Directorate of my Office. In addition to the re-applications from existing services in the scheme, 570 new applications have been recieved in respect of facilities seeking to enter the scheme from September. This would include both existing pre-schools and creches that did not enter the scheme from January, and new services that have been established in response to the demand created by the scheme.
All participating services will be required to make a return to my Office in September, giving details of qualifying children attending. When the processing of these returns is finalised, details of numbers participating will be available by reference to the areas covered by the City and County Childcare Committees.
The child intake in September 2010 is expected to be higher than in January, based on a number of factors, including an increase in the birthrate over the period 2005-2007, and the fact that children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2006 could either to enrol in January 2010 and avail of 23 weeks of the scheme, or enrol in September 2010 and avail of 38 weeks of the scheme. It is also expected that the success of the scheme in the first year will enourage even higher levels of participation in what will be the first full year of the scheme.
The scheme has proved to be very popular with the large majority of parents and service providers. While some services have sought to have the scheme amended, to allow them charge parental fees in addition to the capitation fees they recieve, doing so would mean that the scheme was no longer free to all families regardless of income, and that is a key feature of this scheme. I believe that the high levels of participation in the scheme demonstrate that the capitation fee, of €64.50 per week for a pre-school place, rising to €75 per week in services with higher levels of staff qualifications, is sufficient to allow services meet the high standards of the scheme, and make a fair profit.
|
Services |
Children |
|
|
Carlow |
50 |
691 |
|
Cavan |
61 |
970 |
|
Clare |
141 |
1,471 |
|
Cork City |
89 |
1,161 |
|
Cork County |
322 |
4,756 |
|
Donegal |
133 |
2,017 |
|
Dublin City |
331 |
3,462 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
183 |
1,886 |
|
Fingal |
324 |
3,529 |
|
Galway |
287 |
3,133 |
|
Kerry |
130 |
1,615 |
|
Kildare |
240 |
2,902 |
|
Kilkenny |
111 |
1,163 |
|
Laois |
86 |
1,102 |
|
Leitrim |
38 |
483 |
|
Limerick City |
52 |
668 |
|
Limerick County |
135 |
1,678 |
|
Longford |
45 |
494 |
|
Louth |
134 |
1,561 |
|
Mayo |
126 |
1,522 |
|
Meath |
215 |
2,653 |
|
Monaghan |
58 |
881 |
|
Offaly |
67 |
969 |
|
Roscommon |
59 |
723 |
|
Sligo |
67 |
717 |
|
South Dublin |
229 |
2,684 |
|
Tipperary North |
77 |
872 |
|
Tipperary South |
79 |
1,142 |
|
Waterford City |
43 |
628 |
|
Waterford County |
51 |
710 |
|
Westmeath |
100 |
1,234 |
|
Wexford |
136 |
1,918 |
|
Wicklow |
148 |
1,764 |
207 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the operation of the speech and language therapy services in County Clare including the numbers of therapists; the number of persons who are on the waiting list; the length of time that a new client will have to wait before receiving therapy; the typical service delivered to clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29399/10]
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.
208 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the Health Service Executive West for County Clare in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 for the purposes of providing speech therapy; the number of clients that accessed the services in the various years as mentioned above broken down into the different age categories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29402/10]
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.
209 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in the State that currently benefit from a full medical card and from a doctor-only medical card; the number of persons in the State benefiting from each of these medical cards at the end of each of the past five years; the number of persons over 70 years of age currently benefiting from each of these medical cards; the number of means test applications that have been processed in total and for those over 70 years of age, in 2008, 2009 and to date 2010; the average waiting time for the processing of such means test applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29409/10]
Details of the number of medical cards and GP visit cards are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position as at 1st June 2010 and show 1,547,507 medical card holders and 106,373 GP visit card holders on that date.
As at 1st June 2010, the number of medical card holders aged 70 or over was 341,286 and 263 held GP visit cards.
The following table shows the end of year national figure for medical card holders and GP visit card holders for each of the past five years.
|
Year |
Number of Medical Card Holders |
Number of GP Visit Card Holders |
|
31st December 2005 |
1,155,727 |
5,080 |
|
31st December 2006 |
1,221,695 |
51,760 |
|
31st December 2007 |
1,276,178 |
75,789 |
|
31st December 2008 |
1,352,120 |
85,546 |
|
31st December 2009 |
1,478,560 |
98,325 |
As the other information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the HSE to my Department as a matter of routine, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
210 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the fees General Practitioners are paid in respect of each full medical card, doctor-only medical card and over 70 years medical card; the fees in force at the end of each of the past five years; the total amount paid to GPs for each category of medical card and overall for each of the past five years; if any alterations to this fee structure are currently under consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29410/10]
GPs who hold contracts under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme with the Health Service Executive (HSE) are remunerated principally on the basis of fees and payments set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to General Practitioners) Regulations 2009. Prior to that, these fees and payments had been agreed as part of the GMS GP contract and amended as appropriate in line with normal wage agreements. Included among these fees are more than 50 different capitation fees. The fees vary depending on the age and gender of the patient and the distance he or she lives from the GP's surgery. For example, fees currently range from €76.98 for a male patient under 5 years living 3 miles or less from the GP's surgery to €218.37 for a female aged 65-70 years living more than 10 miles from the surgery. In addition, there are special capitation rates of €280.31 for persons over 70 residing at home and €896.07 for persons over 70 residing in private nursing homes. There is also a range of additional payments; for example, in respect of out-of-hours consultations, temporary residents, special items of services (e.g. suturing), panel size, practice support allowances and locum expenses.
In 2009, payments to GPs for services provided under the GMS and other primary care schemes amounted to €489,862 million. A detailed breakdown of this figure is not yet available. The total payments to GPs over the years 2004 to 2008 for the GMS Scheme are set out in the table below.
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
|
|
(000’s) |
(000’s) |
(000’s) |
(000’s) |
(000’s) |
|
|
Total Payments |
€459,476 |
€427,418 |
€391,029 |
€403,071 |
€306,250 |
I have recently completed the review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the amounts and rates fixed by the Regulations mentioned above. This review was carried out in accordance with Section 9 (13) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act (FEMPI) 2009.
Following this review, I have decided to initiate a consultation process under the FEMPI Act to explore the scope for further reductions in fees paid to General Practitioners. An appropriate public announcement will be made when the consultation process commences.
212 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 17 December 2008, the operational status of the units; the number of cases received since they became operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29417/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Galway Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) opened on 24th August 2009. It operates a 24 hour, 7 days a week service. There were 14 attendances in 2009.
The Midland region SATU in Mullingar opened on 2nd February 2009. It operates a 24 hour, 7 days a week service. There were 51 attendances with 50 attendees (one person attended twice) in 2009.
213 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 3 December 2009, if approval has been granted to proceed to tender; when work is expected to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29418/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
214 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 23 June 2010, the reason no reply has been provided to date; and if she will now furnish a reply to the question without further delay. [29430/10]
My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter.
217 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to allocate additional funding to restore the essential respite services provided by an organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29433/10]
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.
218 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a commitment that Unit 3, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis, County Clare, which provides vital elderly long-stay public nursing beds will remain open; her long term plans for each unit in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29445/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
219 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has drawn up the list of outdoor media locations at which alcohol advertising cannot be placed because they are within 100 m from the entrance of a primary or secondary school, designated youth clubs, scouting and girl guide premises, which her Department was required to draw up as part of the revised alcohol marketing, communications and sponsorship code published in July 2008, page 13, section 2; if she will provide a copy of this list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29449/10]
The locations where restrictions currently apply to the display of outdoor alcohol advertising are identified by the outdoor media companies which own the display areas in question. The Department does not have a list of the outdoor media locations where restrictions apply. However, the outdoor media companies have undertaken to adhere to the Code on alcohol advertising and to take the necessary steps to replace alcohol advertising where new locations are identified or brought to their attention. If the Deputy is aware of any such location I would be happy to arrange to have the location examined to verify compliance with the Code.
220 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the 2009 report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body; if so, her plans to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29450/10]
I have recently received the Fourth Annual Report (2009) of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body. It will be published on the Department of Health and Children's website in the coming days. A copy of the Report will be sent directly to the Deputy.
221 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; if she will ensure funding for suicide prevention services are protected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29451/10]
The Budget for the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is set by the Health Service Executive. The annual budget for the NOSP since 2007 is
2007: €4.5 m;
2008: €4.5 m;
2009: €4.3 m;
2010: €3.7 m.
The total annual funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives is in the region of €8 m.
222 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons under 18 years of age covered by the full medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29452/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department as a matter of routine. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
223 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons under 18 years of age covered by the general practitioners only medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29453/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department as a matter of routine. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
224 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the State agencies under the aegis of her Department to which the 2009 code of practice for the Governance of State bodies applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29454/10]
All agencies funded by my Department together with the self funded regulatory agencies under the aegis of my Department are required to comply with the Code of Practice. The agencies in question are the Adoption Board, An Bord Altranais, Children Acts Advisory Board, Dental Council, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Food Safety Promotion Board, Health and Social Care Professionals Council, Health Information and Quality Authority, Health Insurance Authority, Health Research Board, Institute of Public Health, Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Irish Medicines Board, Medical Council, Mental Health Commission, National Cancer Registry Board, National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery, National Haemophilia Council, National Paediatric Hospital Board, National Social Work Qualifications Board, National Treatment Purchase Fund, Office of Tobacco Control, Opticians Board, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, Poisons Council, and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council.
225 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if standards have been established in respect of the provision of facilities in community homes for psychiatric patients; her views on the way it is proposed to conduct inspections to see that standards both physical standards and standards of care provision are meeting requirements; if the moneys being released from the sale of psychiatric residential institutions will be earmarked for a programme of improvements in community homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29498/10]
The Inspector of Mental Health Services is statutorily obliged to inspect every Approved Centre. The Inspector may also inspect any other premises where mental health services are being provided.
Since 2004, the Inspector has inspected the quality of care and treatment, having regard to the Mental Health Commission Quality Framework, in a number of community residences. These inspection reports are available on the Mental Health Commission website. The Inspectorate does not inspect against any specific standards for community homes with regard to physical structures but has commented on any shortcomings discovered. Budget 2010 provided for a multi-annual programme of capital investment to be funded from the proceeds of sale of lands. In 2010 the HSE will dispose of surplus assets and reinvest an initial sum of €50m in modern mental health infrastructure which will include community nursing units and high support residences.
226 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 9 July 2009 if she will provide complete figures for 2009 and from January 2010 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29502/10]
227 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 9 July 2009 if she will provide complete figures for 2009 and from January 2010 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29503/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
228 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 10 December 2009 the value of payments made to date in 2010; the number of payments which have been issued; when repayments will commence in the western region; the timetable for the completion of this process; the reclaim procedure for the next of kin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29504/10]
Payment in respect of retained interest on previously invested Patient Private Property funds has yet to be made in 2010, although work is continuing on identifying the beneficiaries of this interest.
Due to staff resources being re-assigned to process the electronic receipt of Department of Social Protection allowances nationally for HSE clients it has not been possible to progress the repayment of retained interest as quickly as planned.
The HSE is identifying the recipients of these payments from records retained at each Care Centre nationally. There is no requirement on clients or next of kin to make an application for this payment.
229 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 105 and 106 of 12 February and 222 of 6 May 2009 the position regarding the issues raised; the breakdown of the figures in the primary community care areas where waiting lists apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29505/10]
As the Deputy's question refers to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply.
230 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the development of palliative care services in County Roscommon; when all existing facilities will be fully operational; the future plans for capital developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29506/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
231 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive section 39 organisations have implemented pay cuts despite a reply (details supplied) to a parliamentary question; the steps she is taking to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29507/10]
Grant aided agencies (funded under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004) are not directly affected by the pay adjustments provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009. Section 39 agencies are not public service bodies as defined in that Act and their employees are not public servants. However, the grant funding of Section 39 Agencies is subject to the general efficiency savings for the health sector provided for in the Budget. Accordingly, it is entirely appropriate that Section 39 Agencies and other HSE funded voluntary providers take appropriate measures to ensure that they continue to provide the same level of service in 2010 as previously, notwithstanding the reductions in their funding. It is the responsibility of each individual employer to decide exactly what mix of actions should be taken to achieve this goal, to take appropriate legal and other advice, to consult and inform its employees/trade unions as necessary and to manage the HR and industrial relations implications of its decisions.
232 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 16 June 2009, she will provide the corresponding figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29512/10]
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
233 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the European working time directive for non consultant hospital doctors; the manpower implications this will have on small hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29513/10]
Compliance with European Working Time Directive is a challenge to hospitals and to the HSE in relation to the employment of Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). Compliance with the directive is good for patient safety. It serves no good purpose to have over-stretched, over-tired junior doctors treating patients. It is particularly important in smaller hospitals, where there may be a greater tendency to rely on overtime, that progression to EWTD compliance is a priority.
As the precise level of progress made is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. I can confirm that significant progress on compliance has been made in recent years, in particular the past 12 months, following implementation of Labour Court Recommendation No. 19559, which provided for the introduction of EWTD compliant work patterns, rotas, rosters and on-call arrangements for NCHDs. In the short term further progress may be affected by the current shortage of NCHDs.
234 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of defibrillators located in north Tipperary; if they are all operational; the locations of the defibrillators; the way a local community can apply for funding to acquire the machine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29516/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
235 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 3 June 2010, when the outstanding information will issue from the Health Service Executive. [29517/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
236 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 22 June 2010, when the outstanding information will issue from the Health Service Executive. [29518/10]
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.
237 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a bilateral adoption agreement with Ethiopia; if it is envisioned that parents here will be able to adopt from Ethiopia in the near future; if not, if transitional measures will be put in place for parents who have sent their declaration to Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29519/10]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted. The Adoption Bill completed its passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas last week.
Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia in respect of adoption. Consideration of this matter is ongoing. I have been in touch with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Ethiopia as part of an assessment of adoption practice and the child welfare and protection systems in place in Ethiopia.
I brought forward at Committee stage an amendment to the Adoption Bill 2009 that will enable prospective adoptive parents to proceed with an adoption from a non-Hague or non-bilateral country if, prior to the establishment date, they have been issued with a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt. The amendment requires that the Adoption Authority (to be set up under the Act) would be satisfied that the particular adoption meets all the standards of the Hague Convention.
238 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 23 March 2010, when the outstanding information will issue from the Health Service Executive. [29520/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
239 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 27 January 2010, when the outstanding information will issue from the Health Service Executive. [29521/10]
I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that it has replied to the Deputy in respect of this matter, by letter dated 19 February 2010.
240 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money spent annually transporting patients by taxi in County Kildare and nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29533/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
241 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a young person (details supplied) in County Offaly admitted for urgent orthodontic treatment in view of the fact that they have been assessed as being in need of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29535/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
242 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath admitted to the Mater Hospital, Dublin, to have an important surgical procedure carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29536/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
243 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a new bilateral agreement between Ireland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in regard to inter-country adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29538/10]
In the process of re-negotiating a bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption with Vietnam serious issues came to light in relation to the Vietnamese adoption process. The issues were contained in the report on intercountry adoption commissioned by UNICEF and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and carried out by International Social Services (ISS). An earlier report published last August by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) was also considered in this regard. The UNICEF/ISS report, which was accepted by the Vietnamese Government, "proposes that Vietnam suspends intercountry adoptions for the necessary period during the year 2010 that will enable it to ensure optimal implementation of the Hague Convention and to prepare for the entry into force of the new law on adoption in 2011". The Report also raised serious questions regarding adoption practices in Vietnam, including as follows:
(a) inter-country adoptions from Vietnam are essentially influenced by foreign demand, i.e. the availability of children who are "adoptable" abroad corresponds more to the existence of foreign prospective adopters than to the actual needs of "abandoned" and orphaned children;
(b) the circumstances under which babies become "adoptable" are invariably unclear and disturbing;
(c) the inter-country adoption system is grounded in a remarkably unhealthy relationship between the mediating agencies and specific residential facilities; and
(d) Governments and central authorities of "receiving countries" collectively at least, and individually in many instances have not effectively committed themselves to applying the basic principles of the Hague Convention or the recommendations of the treaty's practical operation, in their dealings with Vietnam.
Having considered the contents of the two reports the Government decided, on 13th of January, to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new bilateral intercountry adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. As a result of this decision, all intercountry adoptions from Vietnam will be suspended until such time as the Adoption Bill 2009 has been enacted and both Ireland and Vietnam have ratified the provisions of the Hague Convention. The Adoption Bill completed its passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas last week.
It is my understanding that the Vietnamese Government has recently passed legislation which should allow Vietnam to move to ratification of the Hague Convention. In the event that both Ireland and Vietnam ratify the Convention there is every reason to expect that adoptions from Vietnam could re-commence subject to the provisions of the Convention being met in this regard.
244 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has completed its review of the joint protocol with the Garda Síochána, children missing from care; if it is being implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29593/10]
245 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if a joint Garda and Health Service Executive review of the protocol on the reporting on the disappearance of migrant children has been completed; the changes recommended and implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29594/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
In April 2009, An Garda Síochána and the HSE signed a joint protocol which sets out the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in relation to Children Missing from Care. The joint aim of both organisations is to reduce the incidence of Children Missing from Care placements, including migrant children, to prevent those children from suffering harm and to return them to safety as soon as possible.
The protocol stated that at a national level, both the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána would undertake to review this protocol after six months of operation and at appropriate intervals thereafter. This Review is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
In the interim the Protocol has been operational and is being implemented nationally.
246 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount her Department paid annually for car mileage from 2007 to date in 2010; the amount paid to cover rail and bus tickets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29595/10]
The information requested is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
247 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when sterilisation facilities at Roscommon County Hospital will be upgraded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29596/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
248 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 20 October 2009, the number of children in foster care; the number under the age of five years; the number between five and ten years; the number between ten and 15 years; the number over 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29597/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
249 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 6 May 2009, if she will furnish the corresponding figure for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29598/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
250 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute hospital beds in each hospital that were unavailable in 2009 due to cost containment measures, infection control and refurbishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29599/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
251 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a personal assistant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29607/10]
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.
252 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that Sativex is made available to MS suffers here; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is available to MS sufferers in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29707/10]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the drug Sativex which has recently been licensed in the UK for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
The current legal position in Ireland in relation to cannabis and cannabis based medicinal products such as Sativex is that they are Schedule 1 controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. All Schedule 1 substances are substances which are considered as having no medicinal use and the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis and cannabis derivatives is unlawful except for the purposes of research.
My Department is aware that claims have been made in respect of Sativex and its possible benefits for patients suffering from certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and cancer. As the law currently stands it would not be possible for Sativex to be licensed here for medicinal use or for a General Practitioner to prescribe it. As cannabis is the drug which is most abused in Ireland, I am reluctant to loosen the controls on its use. However, I am seeking expert clinical advice in this matter and I am open to making a change to the Misuse of Drugs legislation to allow for the use of medicinal cannabis based drugs such as Sativex, if the expert advice indicates that a change is warranted.
253 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when surgery will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29714/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
254 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will outline in respect of the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly the number of orthopaedic operations carried out by each surgeon on a month by month basis for the last 24 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29715/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
255 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive the necessary tests and treatment in view of a medical situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29722/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
256 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the Mental Health Commission report resulting in the closure of admissions units at hospitals (details supplied) the facilities being made available to patients who would be referred to the hospital following the closure; her plans to bring the admission units to a standard acceptable to the Mental Health Commission; if it is not planned to do so, when it is planned to close the hospitals as a result of the ceasing of admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29742/10]
The Mental Health Commission has attached conditions to the registration of St Brendan's, St Ita's and St Senan's Hospitals which, inter alia, require that all acute admissions should cease to these hospitals.
Acute Admissions to St Brendan's will transfer to Connolly Hospital later this month. The building of a 54 bed replacement facility for the remaining patients will commence this year and is due to be completed by mid-2012.
A new acute psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital to replace the acute admission unit at St Ita's, will also commence later this year and is expected to be completed by April, 2012. The local mental health management team is preparing contingency plans to deal with the cessation of new admissions from 1 March 2011. A number of other units in St. Ita's will be refurbished before 30 November 2010.
In relation to St Senan's Hospital all acute admissions will transfer to the acute psychiatric unit at Waterford Regional Hospital in 2011. In 2010/2011 the HSE will invest some €18m in the development of community based services which will include a crisis housing, high support residence and a community nursing unit. These developments will enable St. Senan's to close by December 2011.
257 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the taxpayer of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care report of 2001; the cost to the taxpayer of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29744/10]
The costs associated with the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care inclusive of the printing of the Report were €71,252.90.
The total revenue costs arising from the National Advisory Committee Report 2001 was estimated to be €81.57m in the Report at that time.
The overall spend on palliative care by the HSE in 2009 was in the region of €79m. Government policy in relation to Palliative Care continues to be based on the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001). In line with the Report, a ‘Palliative Care Services Medium Term Development Framework' was published by the HSE in July 2009. This Framework sets national priorities which have been agreed by all stakeholders, based on solid needs analysis. However, all future spending and developments are subject to current budget and economic considerations.
258 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the development of acute services in the south-east project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29747/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
259 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the report of the review group on congregated settings; when this report will be published; if she will consult with service users, their families and service providers with regard to the recommendations of the report before implementing any recommendations; if she will ensure that the implementation of any recommendation in respect of the report involves an inclusive process which takes proper account of the need to protect and preserve the care, needs and requirements of service users currently in congregated settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29750/10]
In 2007 the Health Service Executive (HSE) set up a Working Group on Congregated Settings to develop a national plan and change programme for transferring people with disabilities living in institutions into the community. It is expected that the Report will develop a framework based on best international practice and up to date research to guide the transfer of identified individuals from congregated settings to a community based setting.
The HSE has informed me that the Report of the Review Group on Congregated Settings is currently at an advanced stage of preparation. Among the issues under consideration by the Group is the setting up of a number of demonstration sites to validate the main recommendations on a proposed new model of service delivery. In addition to the Review on Congregated Settings, a HSE Review of the provision of Adult Day Services for people with disabilities has been completed.
My Department is also engaging in a Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for 2009-2011. This in-depth review of Disability Services will assess how well current services for people with disabilities are meeting their objectives and support the future planning and development of services within the appropriate policy framework. The evaluation will focus on the current provision of disability services and explore the way forward for the development of services within a value for money context.
All of these policy initiatives are being informed by principles of mainstreaming, community inclusion, independence and choice. A structured consultation process with all stakeholders, including service users and their families, will be an integral part of bringing these policy reviews and their recommendations to finality.
260 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 136 of the 13 May 2010; the efforts being made to re-open a facility (details supplied); the discussions she has had in respect of this matter. [29752/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that I met with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Assistant National Director responsible for disability services on a number of occasions in recent weeks to discuss the emerging difficulties in the voluntary intellectual disability sector.
I have asked the HSE to confirm that the reduction in financial allocations to the voluntary agencies in the disability sector has been applied consistently across all HSE regions and in line with the reductions applied elsewhere in the health services. Furthermore, I have requested that the HSE validate, as a matter of urgency, the methodology used to calculate the reductions in allocations for the various agencies. I have also requested details of those service providers who are continuing to provide respite services, despite the reduction in their allocation, in order to determine the factors which lead to a decision on the part of a service provider to reduce or close respite services.
With respect to the Bawnmore services, preliminary data provided indicates that the funding reductions implemented by HSE West are in line with the budget reductions applied to HSE services generally and do not compare unfavourably with the average figures presented for the HSE Section 38 agencies nationally.
The overall budget for the Brothers of Charity services in the Limerick area is €25 million. The Brothers have indicated that the respite service can be largely restored for €150,000 in the current year. The HSE has given a commitment to continuing to actively engage with the Brothers of Charity services locally.
261 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the back to school clothing and footwear allowance will be open for applications for September 2010; if different arrangements have been made for 2010 to process this payment; if additional staff have been allocated to processing this payment for 2010 in view of the increase in applications in 2009 particularly regarding the administration of the scheme in south Tipperary, which was delayed in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29757/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
262 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appeal for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a decision will issue on this appeal. [29763/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
263 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds available in child and adolescent mental health services in each county; her plans to increase the level of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29769/10]
The Health Service Executive has prioritised the development of mental health services for children and adolescents. During 2009 the bed capacity for children and adolescents almost doubled, bringing the total number of in-patient beds to 30 — 10 in Galway, 8 in Cork and 12 in Dublin (6 in St. Vincent's Fairview, 6 in Warrenstown). In addition, two purpose built 20-bed units are under construction at present in Cork and Galway.
264 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Cork; when construction work will be complete; when the new unit will the open to patients; the number of staff that will be appointed to this unit; when staff will commence working in the new unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29770/10]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
265 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons diagnosed with eating disorders here in each of the past five years, broken down by age and gender in tabular form; if she has reviewed the consequences eating disorder problems have for both the patient and the health service; her plans to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29771/10]
Statistics on the number of persons diagnosed with eating disorders are not routinely collected by my Department. ’A Vision for Change’ makes a number of recommendations in relation to the services for people with eating disorders. The implementation of ’A Vision for Change’ is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Your question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
266 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason all requests for financial safety net support made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 were refused by the community welfare officer. [29784/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
267 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the payments to date and the payments yet to be made to a child care group (details supplied) in County Laois in respect of a new child care facility; if she is satisfied that all funds paid to date have been used in respect of the particular child care facility; if any outstanding grant payments will be used for this purpose; if she is satisfied with the financial arrangements regarding the provision of the new child care facility being paid for a grant from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29785/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), under which capital grant funding is made available to community and commercial child care providers for the development of child care facilities.
In March 2007, the company in question was approved capital grant funding under the NCIP of up to €1 million to develop a child care facility. I understand from Pobal, who assist my Office in administering the NCIP, that €556,848 of the grant has been paid to the company to date for work undertaken on the project. I also understand from Pobal that they are expecting the company to submit a work plan for the completion of the project, following which it would be expected that additional capital funding, not exceeding the total grant approval of €1 million, will be released in respect of eligible expenditure. All NCIP capital grant funding is subject to compliance with strict reporting requirements.
268 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthopaedic operations carried out by each surgeon on a monthly basis for the past 24 months in respect of a hospital (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29811/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
269 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of respite places that will be closed as a result of budget cuts to disability services; the locations of these closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29813/10]
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.
270 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an operation will be arranged as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will expedite the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29816/10]
271 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in arranging an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the person will be referred to a private specialist as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29817/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
272 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the plan to abolish the on-call ambulance service operating at night time out of towns (details supplied) in counties Cork and Kerry; if she supports this plan; if this plan will enhance the health and safety of the people in the Health Service Executive south area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29825/10]
274 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to amalgamate ambulance services between Youghal, Midleton and Fermoy, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29840/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 274 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
273 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the Health Service Executive policy and practice in regard to the outsourcing of medical transcription; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29826/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
275 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the cervical cancer vaccine will be made available to children older than 16 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29845/10]
The HPV vaccination programme will provide free HPV vaccine to first year girls in secondary school rather than to a specific age group. The programme will continue with the vaccine being offered to all girls in first year in secondary school each year. It is not proposed to extend the public vaccination programme beyond that.
276 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has ensured that the Health Service Executive has a rapid approval mechanism in place for the treatment of patients requiring emergency fillings under the dental treatment services scheme; if so, the precise nature of that mechanism; the definition of high risk in regard to medical card patients requiring treatment of gum disease and if this was done using appropriate clinical expertise; and if this definition has been communicated to the principal dental surgeons and dental treatment service scheme contractors involved. [29847/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
277 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Health Service Executive has principal dental surgeons in place in all areas to deal with the new approvals process and questions that arise daily as a result of the new arrangements. [29848/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
279 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the effort made to advise general medical practitioners of the new circumstances pertaining to the dental treatment service scheme which will impact on patients’ health. [29850/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
282 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is an appropriate use of Exchequer funding to treat infection using antibiotics without treating the underlying disease. [29853/10]
I am committed to ensuring the rational use of all pharmaceutical agents including antibiotics. My Department continues to promote the rational use of antibiotics and also their non-use in cases of viral infection. The Guidelines for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Hospitals in Ireland aim to promote the sensible prescribing of antibiotics. Data on antibiotic consumption collected by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), shows a welcome decrease in antibiotic consumption in hospitals in 2008 for the first time since 2000. Data for 2009 shows a further drop in consumption over the 2008 rates.
Ireland participated in the first two European Antibiotic Awareness Days in 2008 and 2009; an education programme for healthcare staff and the general public launched the 2008 programme and the 2009 campaign built on that platform.
283 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the specific arrangements in place for the treatment of adult special needs patients under the dental treatment service scheme or otherwise. [29854/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
285 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce legislation limiting medical card patients’ entitlements to dental care under the provisions of the Health Act 1970. [29856/10]
I have no plans to introduce such legislation.
287 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the closure of St. Joseph’s ward for paediatric care in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. [29861/10]
As this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
288 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the present position regarding plans to develop a new national children’s hospital; the expected overall cost and when she expects the new hospital to open. [29862/10]
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and the HSE are making very good progress in their work to bring this important project to fruition. The Integrated Design Team, appointed in Oct 2009, completed the concept designs for the new children's hospital and the Ambulatory & Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght in February 2010. The tendering process for the enabling works for the ceded site on Eccles Street has commenced. This work is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2010 subject to planning permission being secured.
I am very pleased to note that the planning of the new hospital is proceeding on schedule with the hospital due to be operational by the end of 2014. The development costs for the hospital are currently under detailed review by the Board. The development will be funded through a combination of direct Exchequer funding and other sources, including philanthropic contributions. The overall development costs will be known following completion of the competitive tendering exercise and are expected to reflect the increased value for money currently applying to large construction contracts.
289 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the definition of high risk in relation to medical card patients requiring treatment of gum disease, if this assessment was carried out using appropriate clinical expertise and if this definition has been communicated to the principal dental surgeons and dental treatment service scheme contractors involved. [29865/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
290 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report of the independent group to monitor progress on the implementation of A Vision for Change will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29874/10]
I published the Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision of Change on 1 July 2010.
291 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the minimum age requirement for adoption from the United States; if this policy is consistent across all health board areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29877/10]
Section 33 of the Adoption Bill, 2009 provides for a minimum age of 21 at which an adoption order may be made or recognition given to an intercountry adoption effected outside the State. There is no upper age limit for eligibility to be assessed for inter-country adoption. However, prospective adoptive parents are assessed for eligibility and suitability to adopt a child. All applications for assessment to adopt are dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the HSE having regard to a range of factors including the prospective adoptive parent's capacity to safeguard the child throughout his or her childhood.
292 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the new rent supplement scheme which is administered from a PO box number in Dublin and where applications are taking approximately eight weeks to process (details supplied); her plans to improve this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29892/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
293 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a service will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29987/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
294 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to appoint a minimum number of five acute medical consultants as espoused by the director of reconfiguration for the Cork and Kerry region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29990/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
295 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has given consideration to introducing the EU recommended 116000 hotline number for missing children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29991/10]
I have discussed the proposal to put in place a hotline for missing children that is operational in some EU Member States with members of charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations with a view to providing some level of service. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments in this regard.
296 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will derogate the public sector recruitment embargo and employ nursing staff at a community nursing unit (details supplied) in order to facilitate the re-opening of eight beds at the hospital that are closed because of the recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29994/10]
The Government has made it clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years.
The Employment Control Framework for the health sector provides for a net reduction in employment of 6,000 in wholetime equivalent (WTE) terms from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE. Therefore, the net target reduction in numbers in 2010, and in each of the following two years, is 1,520 wholetime equivalents.
The Government decision has been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people, persons with a disability, mental health services, and cancer services. The Framework, accordingly, provides for a number of grades and posts that are exempt from the moratorium on recruitment and promotion.
In addition, the HSE also has some degree of flexibility under the Framework to sanction the filling of certain other posts (both within its own organisation and in voluntary service providers funded it by it) on an exceptional basis provided it achieves the overall target reductions in both staffing levels and pay costs. The requirement is that a post or posts of equivalent value must be suppressed in order to meet the cost of the post being filled.
Against the background of reduced budgets and staffing levels in the health sector, a reorganisation and restructuring of work is required not only to maintain the level, quality and safety of services but also to expand the range and accessibility of community services in order to avoid the necessity for hospital attendances. The new Public Service Agreement, recently ratified by the Public Services Committee of ICTU, clears the way for the implementation of a major transformation programme for the health sector to commence on a collaborative basis involving unions and employers. The programme is designed to achieve significant cost efficiencies while protecting the quality and effectiveness of services to the public.
The position in regard to the management of employment levels in specific areas is a service matter, and the Deputy's question has accordingly been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
297 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive has informed a person (details supplied) that it will no longer deliver antibiotics to the person's home; and if this decision can be reversed. [29998/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
298 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on the request for an outpatient orthopaedic appointment at Cork University Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied). [30019/10]
The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.
299 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Information and Quality Authority has issued a report in respect of Cobh Community Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30023/10]
The Health Act, 2007 provides for the registration and inspection of all nursing homes. Inspections are carried out by the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority. Following each inspection a report is compiled and published at www.hiqa.ie. I would like to advise the Deputy that HIQA has not inspected Cobh Community Hospital to date.
300 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30027/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
301 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30029/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
302 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30058/10]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
303 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will order an investigation into an incident on 4 June 2010 involving an ambulance callout which was subsequently discontinued. [30074/10]
I understand that the HSE National Ambulance Service is examining the alleged incident referred to by the Deputy.
304 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the dates preferred bidders were selected for co-located projects at hospitals (details supplied) in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30081/10]
305 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the dates project agreements have been signed for co-located projects at hospitals (details supplied) in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30082/10]
306 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the dates planning permission was granted for co-located projects at hospitals (details supplied) in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30083/10]
307 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if building work has begun on any of the co-location sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30084/10]
308 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated length of time it will take to build co-location projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30085/10]
309 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of capital allowances to co-located projects; the estimated cost of tax reliefs to co-located hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30086/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 to 309, inclusive, together.
The Renewed Programme for Government re-affirms the Government's commitment to the current co-location programme.
The Board of the HSE approved the selection of preferred bidders for the Beaumont, Cork University, Limerick Regional, St James's, Sligo and Waterford Regional Hospital co-location projects in July 2007. Project agreements were signed for the Beaumont, Cork, and Limerick projects in March 2008. The St James's project agreement was signed in December 2008. Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála for the Beaumont project in November 2008 and for the Limerick project in May 2009. The Cork project received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in June 2009. An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the St James's project in June 2010.
Two other projects are at earlier stages of the procurement process.
The co-location programme is a complex public procurement process. It is a matter for each successful bidder to arrange its finance under the terms of the relevant project agreement. The co-location initiative, like other major projects, has to deal with the changed funding environment. The HSE is continuing to work with the successful bidders to provide whatever assistance it can to help them advance the projects.
The Finance Act 2009 provides for the termination of the schemes of capital allowances for private hospitals and certain other health facilities, subject to transitional arrangements for projects already in development. Where planning permission is required, the qualifying condition for a termination date beyond 31 December 2009 is that a valid application for full planning permission must have been submitted and acknowledged by the relevant planning authority on or before that date. In such cases, the termination date in the case of qualifying hospitals is 31 December 2013.
Provided that a hospital project conforms to the requirements of these transitional arrangements, and otherwise satisfies the general requirements of the scheme of capital allowances, the tax relief will apply. This includes co-location projects if they arrange their financing on the basis of the capital allowances scheme. The value of the tax relief in each case will depend on the level of qualifying capital expenditure incurred. No tax expenditure has been incurred so far and none will be incurred until construction is completed and services are opened.
The HSE has estimated that, from the start of building, the overall construction and commissioning period for the projects will range from about 28 to 36 months, depending on the scale of the project.
310 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated loss of private health insurance income to Beaumont, Cork University, Limerick Regional, St. James’s, Sligo and Waterford Regional hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30087/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
311 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if payments will be made earlier for back to school clothing and footwear allowance in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30093/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
312 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital cost of the new ambulance centre on the St. Davnet’s complex, Monaghan; the number of vehicles, and at what cost, were provided for the site and the number still there; the number of personnel and their status and if she is satisfied that the service is working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30096/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
313 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a proposal to house PCC facilities at the new primary health care facility in Mallow, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30105/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
314 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review a decision regarding an application for supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30127/10]
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.
315 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30131/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
316 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30194/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
317 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take regarding policies and services for young carers following the publication of the report study of young carers in the Irish population compiled by NUI Galway and commissioned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30208/10]
The report on the Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population was published in May, 2010. As I indicated at the time, the study is preliminary and exploratory in nature. It is clear from the study that the identification of and reaching young carers is, in itself, challenging. In that respect the report highlights the importance of creating a better understanding of children as carers in Ireland.
My Office have requested the Central Statistics Office to include a question in its Census of Population 2011, to be asked of people of all ages, on whether they provide any unpaid personal help for a friend or family member with a long term-term illness, health problem or disability. I understand this will happen, and will improve our knowledge of the extent to which children and young people in the population are involved in caring activities.
It is also clear that the response to the needs of young carers will need to be cross-sectoral, multidepartmental and multi-agency. It is anticipated that further assessment of how to better identify young carers and co-ordinate existing supports will be undertaken in the new National Children's Strategy in conjunction with the relevant Departments and agencies including the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Education and the Health Service Executive.
318 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30797/10]
The Department of Health and Children has not sent any printing jobs abroad since 2005.
319 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the research carried out by his Department in respect of the possible introduction of cycle contraflow lanes in Dublin; if he will consider the introduction of a cycle contraflow scheme on a pilot basis; if not, the reason for same in view of the fact that other major European cities have such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29192/10]
The research which preceded the production of the National Cycle Policy Framework (NCPF) identified the potential of contra-flow cycling lanes in improving the permeability of our cities and towns for cycling and the NCPF refers to this possibility.
My Department is aware that a contra-flow cycle lane has been operational for some considerable time in St Andrew's Street in Dublin and is also aware of the operation of a pilot contra-flow cycle lane in Galway during the recent National Bike Week.
It is possible for local authorities to introduce contra-flow cycle lanes under the current legal framework. As a matter of principle, I would encourage their use in appropriate locations, subject to adequate attention being given on a case by case basis to issues such as the management of traffic from such lanes at junctions, and wider safety issues for users.
320 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the DART underground project; if he will provide an update on the submission of a railway order for the DART underground project; the expected start date; the timeline for completion of the project; the funding allocation for the project for both 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29229/10]
323 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the amount that has been spent each year and in total on the Dublin rail interconnector; the amount that is estimated to be allocated for the Dublin rail interconnector each year in direct costs and through public private partnerships and any other payments from 2010 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29325/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 323 together.
Since 1st December 2009, this is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
321 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to public disquiet expressed regarding the absence of regulation of privately owned car parks; his plans to regulate this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29269/10]
324 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether private parking enforcement operators are governed sufficiently by legislation in the manner of their operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29369/10]
325 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport the checks, if any, that are carried out on private parking enforcement operators to ensure they follow regulations regarding clamping that is, that there is accurate signage to advise motorists of the rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 324 and 325 together.
The provisions of the Road Traffic Acts relating to parking apply only to the parking of vehicles on public roads or in local authority car parks. The practice of clamping or the removal of vehicles on private property does not come within the scope of Road Traffic legislation and I have no plans to regulate in this area.
322 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money allocated in the departmental budget in respect of public private partnerships in 2010; if the allocation is set to rise to €600 million per annum and when the higher level of PPP payments will begin; the amount that has been spent on PPP payments each year from 2000 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29323/10]
To date the only contractually committed Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects, which involve ongoing operational payments, relate to the National Roads Authority's first roads PPP programme. The first operational payments in relation to these projects arose in 2007 and, as indicated in response to an earlier question from the Deputy, I have been advised by the National Roads Authority (NRA) that an operational payment of €4.6m. was made in that year in respect of one project.
Since 2008 funding has been provided from a specific subhead in my Department's current budget to cover operational payments for the NRA's roads programme as follows:
2008 €7.936 million;
2009 €7.936 million.
The amount allocated in the Department's vote for 2010 for this subhead is €51million and it is expected that the provision for operational payments under this programme will peak in 2011 at around €85 million. The final figure payable each year is determined by the inflation rate.
The NRA has initiated a second PPP roads programme and tender competitions in relation to a number of projects are currently underway. The timing and amount of PPP payments in respect of these projects will depend on final contractual arrangements. It is not envisaged that payments will arise before 2013 on the schemes included in the second roads PPP programme.
The T21 priority public transport projects, Metro North and Dart Underground, will be delivered by PPP. Neither of these projects has as yet received planning approval and the procurement processes are ongoing.
Payments associated with these projects can only be established once the procurement process is complete and final contracts signed.
326 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that regulations are properly followed for each site before a decision is made to clamp a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/10]
The legislative basis for the application of immobilisation devices to vehicles which are illegally parked on public roads or in Local Authority car parks is set out in Section 101 (B) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as inserted by the Dublin Transport Authority (Dissolution) Act 1987. Regulations entitled the Road Traffic (Immobilisation of Vehicles) Regulations were made in 1998 to give effect to that Section.
The implementation of these regulations is a matter for the Local Authorities. Where Local Authorities have contracted private operators for enforcement in relation to public car parking, any issues regarding implementation or the appropriateness of individual decisions to apply clamping are matters for the Local Authorities and the operators to address in the context of their contractual arrangements.
327 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport the number of incidents in the past three years when clamping decisions were successfully appealed and clamping fees refunded by private parking enforcement operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29372/10]
Where Local Authorities have contracted private operators for enforcement in relation to public car parking, any appeals against clamping are matters for the Local Authorities concerned, and my Department has no role, and no data, in regard to this.
328 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to ensure that ballast water does not transport alien species to estuaries here and as a result inland waterways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29394/10]
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments 2004 (BWM Convention), which will apply internationally, will prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ships' ballast water and sediments.
The Convention has not yet entered into force as ratification by States has not yet reached the required number i.e 30 States, or the required world tonnage level of 35%.
My Department has prepared the legislation required to give effect to the Convention in the State when it enters into force. Draft Regulations to implement the convention have also been prepared in anticipation of the Convention coming into effect.
329 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any correspondence from Iarnród Éireann concerning proposals to close the Rosslare-Waterford line; if the National Transport Authority has been contacted about this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/10]
Irish Rail briefed me on the deterioration in its financial position due to declining demand and revenue and increased costs. The company is implementing a wide-ranging cost recovery plan to ensure its financial viability, including the suspension of services on the Waterford-Rosslare line.
Decisions in regard to services such as those on the Waterford-Rosslare route and their links with other railway routes and services are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction, in the case of public service obligation services, with the National Transport Authority.
330 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the complaints that have been received by the Commission for Aviation Regulation from consumers following the recent volcanic ash disruption; the number of these complaints that have been resolved to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29486/10]
The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the competent authority in the State in respect of EU Regulation 261/2004. I have no function in the matter.
331 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent developments in the Netherlands where consumer rights information desks in airports have been opened and an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for air passengers to assist them to pursue redress against airlines has been established; if he will support such measures here in recognition of the fact that consumers have rights but in many cases find it very difficult to vindicate their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29487/10]
I am aware of the initiative in the Netherlands that the Deputy refers to. I have no plans to introduce such measures here. As the Deputy will be aware, comprehensive protections and rights for passengers when travelling by air are already enshrined in European law. Regulation (EC) 261/2004 established common European rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of cancellation or long delay of flights or in the event of being denied boarding. The Regulation has direct application in Member States and the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) has been designated as the National Enforcement Body for the Regulation in the State.
Last week, the European Commission launched a European-wide publicity campaign aimed at raising public awareness of passenger's rights and entitlements under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. As part of the campaign, posters will be displayed in airports in all Member States and passengers will also be able to consult a new dedicated website, the address of which is http://ec.europa.eu/passenger-rights.
332 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport the reasons Ireland is being referred by the European Commission to the EU Court of Justice for failing to implement fully the first railway package; the measures he is taking to avert this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29488/10]
The proceedings being taken against Ireland relate to the transposition of Directive 2001/14/EC. This Directive, which is part of the first railway package, provides for the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure and safety certification.
In February of this year I signed the European Communities (Railway Infrastructure) Regulations 2010 which updated previous Regulations to provide for access to the international passenger rail market and other provisions of Directive 2001/14/EC.
In a reasoned opinion under Article 225 of the EU Treaty, the European Commission has notified Ireland in October 2009 of a number of aspects of the implementation of the Directive over which it has concerns. Ireland provided a detailed response to the European Commission's reasoned opinion on 7 December 2009.
Despite the response it is understood that the European Commission proposes to take court proceedings against Ireland as regards the manner of implementation of Directive 2001/14/EC. Precise details of the exact nature of these proceedings are awaited and Ireland will respond to the proposed proceedings when they are received.
333 Deputy Frank Fahey asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the planning of the Claregalway inner relief road; the amount of moneys granted to Galway County Council in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 for the planning and design stage of this proposal; if a business case and robust costings, as requested by his Department on 10 July, 2008 has yet been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29489/10]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Galway County Council is currently reviewing alternative routes for this project. When the Council has selected a preferred route, it will then need to prepare a business case for the project.
The funding provided for this project over the last three years is outlined in a table:
|
Year |
Payment/Allocation |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
0 |
|
2009 |
71,852 |
|
2010 Allocation |
228,148 |
Progress of this project is a matter for Galway County Council.
334 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the nature of the contact and at what level within the Air Corps was it made in respect of the proposed search and rescue service helicopter service being provided by the Air Corps; if the Air Corps has been asked if it had the aspiration to provide this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29494/10]
My Department as is normal in such circumstances consulted with the Department of Defence concerning the possibility of that Department taking over responsibility for aeronautical Search and Rescue operations. The Department of Defence confirmed that it would not be possible for the Air Corps to take on the role at the end of the current contract.
The Air Corps withdrew from Maritime SAR in 2004 following operational difficulties in the provision of a consistent and satisfactory level of service. This included very significant difficulties experienced in retaining the necessary highly skilled and experienced helicopter pilots.
335 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed new search and rescue service helicopter service; if the new contract has been signed; the total cost of same; if a value for money audit has been done on this proposed contract, and if so by who; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29495/10]
Civilian aeronautical Search and Rescue services started in Shannon in 1991 and the entire delivery has been contracted since 2004. The Department of Transport reviewed this service as part of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes process.
In 2008, in preparation for re-tendering, a broad spectrum of Government and other stakeholders contributed to the requirements for the new contract and in the creation of the Request For Tender (RFT). The requirement was advertised in the EU Journal, broadly requiring the continuation of the existing level of service. A process auditor from PA Consulting Ltd oversaw the procurement stages.
The change in helicopters, which is the essential difference in the service, is necessitated by safety, certification, maintenance and performance considerations. Final contract details are being completed and signing will take place shortly.
336 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to any independent socioeconomic studies being undertaken of rail infrastructure here; if he will undertake to examine any such independent data on rail viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29532/10]
From time to time my Department receives copies of various proposals and studies related to rail infrastructure. These are reviewed by my officials and where appropriate may inform policy in relation to rail investment.
Decisions in relation to infrastructure on the rail network are a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance.
The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 gave the National Transport Authority responsibility for public service obligation contracts for bus and rail services outside the Greater Dublin Area. As such, decisions in relation to the maintenance and development of rail services which are the subject of PSO contracts are a matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the NTA.
337 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that have been made between his Department and Cork County Council regarding a road (details supplied); the total cost of this project and the timescale involved. [29741/10]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Officials from my Department recently met with the County Manager from Cork County Council to discuss options for progressing this project. Since then, my Department has written to the Council confirming its commitment to part fund the land acquisition for this project, which will allow the land acquisition to proceed in the near future. The estimated cost of this project is €14.4 million.
338 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport the support he will provide to help develop the Cork docklands project and the eastern gateway bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29772/10]
There is no record of a submission for funding for these projects under the regional and local roads investment programme being received in my Department. However, I understand that a proposal for funding was submitted to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for these projects under the Gateway Innovation Fund.
339 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be provided for the upgrade of a bridge (details supplied) in County Donegal; his views on whether this bridge in its current state poses a serious hazard to the safety of motorists and pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29889/10]
341 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding for the construction of a new bridge at Cockhill, Buncrana, County Donegal under his strategic regional and local roads grants budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30028/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 341 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads and bridges are funded from local authorities own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department has no record of an application for funding for the Cockhill Bridge from Donegal County Council. All 2010 regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which an additional allocation could be made. However, it is open to Donegal County Council prioritise this project and to make a formal submission for funding in 2011. Alternatively, the Council may fund this project from its own resources.
340 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the revitalised Cork to Swansea ferry service; the dealings he has had with the company operating this route; the way the success or otherwise of this route has been evaluated since it reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30013/10]
My Department are regularly informed by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) of the progress of Fastnet Shipping Line and all other operators providing ferry services to and from the island of Ireland.
Fastnet Shipping Line reinstated a passenger and freight ferry service between Swansea in Wales to Cork in Ireland in March 2010. I understand that initially the service started with six sailings per week, which at the beginning were hampered by some technical problems with the vessel. Volumes carried during this start-up phase as reported by the operator were small but consistent.
In April 2010 the volcanic ash cloud that closed European air space boosted passenger volumes utilising the service. During the three week period of air travel uncertainty the vessel was running to capacity most days. The company also added an additional sailing during the peak of the crisis to facilitate additional national sea ferry capacity.
I also understand that following the re-opening of European air space passenger volumes fell slightly but were still higher then expected. For July and August sailings have been increased to eight per week. I understand that the company has so far met its initial targets for passenger numbers.
I hope that as the service continues to maintain its reliability and frequency more passengers will be attracted to the route.
342 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30800/10]
Since January 2009, there were 3 printing contracts awarded to companies abroad. They are as follows:
1. Vehicle Registration Certificates
2. A booklet entitled ‘Powerboat' printed on behalf of the Irish Coastguard
3. Departmental File and PQ covers
343 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the latest crime statistics to the end of June 2010 for Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and comparable figures for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29232/10]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
344 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gardaí and community police currently stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station, Dublin; if he will provide comparable figures for each of the past three years; if any changes are foreseen during the remainder of 2010 and in 2011 in the number of gardaí and community police stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29233/10]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength, including Community Gardaí, of Blanchardstown Garda Station for the past three years and for the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Station Strength |
Community Gardaí |
|
|
31 December 2007 |
180 |
20 |
|
31 December 2008 |
193 |
24 |
|
31 December 2009 |
204 |
21 |
|
31 May 2010 |
200 |
21 |
Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána and the situation is kept under continuing review.
345 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29255/10]
I wish to inform the deputy that the person concerned made a visa application in May of this year and was granted a multiple-entry visa until 19 June, 2010 in line with the permission to remain in the State which he then had. I should add that the father of the person to whom the Deputy refers was granted permission to remain in the State in October of 1997 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish citizen children. As the dependant of a family in which the parent/s were granted permission to remain under the aforementioned arrangements, the person concerned availed of the same permission to remain as that granted to his father. The person in question subsequently registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, in his own right, in June of 2007. I am informed that the person concerned presented at his local Immigration Office on 30 June, 2010 in order to renew his permission to remain in the State. This permission to remain is currently valid until 19 June, 2011. My Department has no record of the person concerned having subsequently applied for an extension of his multiple-entry visa.
346 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) is not being allowed to bring their spouse with them to live here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29303/10]
I refer the Deputy to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 33 of Thursday 10 June, 2010 and the written reply to that question. The position is as set out in detail in that reply. It is open to the applicant to make a fresh visa application at any time and I would strongly urge that the refusal reasons outlined in that reply be comprehensively addressed in any fresh visa application.
347 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will review an asylum application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29314/10]
The Deputy will be aware that in cases involving applications for asylum it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that remain pending. However, in this case, the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim, which included an examination of the representations he submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State.
348 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/10]
From the information provided by the Deputy it would appear that the person concerned may have left the State without seeking the necessary re-entry visa. In such circumstances, it would be necessary for the person concerned to apply for a new visa to travel to Ireland.
All persons who are visa required and who are not in possession of same may apply to their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for the appropriate visa. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why a visa should be granted. Comprehensive information when making a visa application is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).
349 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the roll out of the national speed camera network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29380/10]
The Garda Commissioner and I signed the contract for an outsourced safety camera network with the preferred service provider in November, 2009 following a tender and evaluation process.
In accordance with the provisions of the contract, following the necessary preparatory work rollout of the national safety camera network is scheduled to commence in October, 2010 and will increase to full capacity in early 2011.
An Garda Síochána will determine the scheduling of the speed monitoring and survey sessions to be carried out, and a Garda Superintendent will oversee the day-to-day running of the project. The selected service provider will have responsibility for ensuring monitoring and survey sessions are conducted in accordance with the schedules and procedures drawn up by An Garda Síochána and the provision of the resulting survey and monitoring data to An Garda Síochána. The selected supplier will provide the necessary vehicles, monitoring and survey equipment and operators. An Garda Síochána will issue fixed charge notices to speeding drivers who are detected and pursue any court prosecutions undertaken.
The service provider will be paid according to the level of service contracted for. The number of speeding drivers detected will have no effect on the level of payments to the service provider. The purpose of the contract is to reduce speed, and so increase road safety, and not to generate revenue either for the State or the service provider.
350 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29408/10]
I presume the Deputy is referring to an application for asylum in respect of the person concerned. If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.
351 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 380 of 7 July 2009, the progress made to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29420/10]
The legislation programme of my Department is being advanced as quickly as possible. The details of the Legal Costs Bill and the Family Law Bill continue to be developed as part of that programme.
352 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding plans for a new prison in Kilworth, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29446/10]
I am fully committed to replacing Cork prison with a new modern prison facility at Kilworth. It is anticipated that the capacity of the new prison will be in the region of 450 and the proposed development will also include accommodation and facilities for female prisoners.
The development of a new prison facility at Kilworth Co. Cork which will serve the Munster region is a key part of the ongoing significant prisons modernisation programme. A suitable site has already been identified at Kilworth following consultation with the Defence Forces. In addition, preliminary discussions have been held with Cork County Council in relation to the provision of the necessary services to the site. It is intended to commence preliminary planning and design work on the project this year and to deliver the project on a phased basis.
353 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour orders that have been issued each year since the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29466/10]
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act, which relates to anti-social behaviour by children, was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to adults, these include a behaviour warning and the making of a civil order by the court. With regard to children, they range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and finally to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, up to 31 May, 2010, 1,804 behaviour warnings have been issued to adults and 1,324 to children. Thirteen good behaviour contracts have been issued to children. Four civil orders (in respect of adults) and three behaviour orders (in respect of children) have been issued by the courts.
In setting up the regime the intention was that interventions short of a court order would address the problem behaviour. If they succeed, there will be no need to apply to the courts. It is only if they fail to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question, that a court order will be applied for.
354 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of March 9 2010, if the guidelines to facilitate the commencement of test purchasing as provided for in section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 have been finalised; when he expects to commence the section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29467/10]
The draft guidelines in respect of the procedures to be followed during test purchasing operations are being finalised at present. I intend to launch the guidelines in the autumn to coincide with commencement of the relevant provisions in section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.
355 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gardaí in each Garda division; the corresponding number of Garda reserves; the number in each category that are on long term leave due to illness, maternity and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29508/10]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda Division including Reserves, as at the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Division |
Strength |
Reserves |
|
DMR East |
475 |
20 |
|
DMR North |
824 |
52 |
|
DMR North Central |
713 |
21 |
|
DMR South |
640 |
38 |
|
DMR South Central |
778 |
34 |
|
DMR West |
795 |
44 |
|
Kildare |
330 |
17 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
332 |
12 |
|
Meath |
313 |
11 |
|
Westmeath |
259 |
10 |
|
Wicklow |
360 |
11 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
407 |
11 |
|
Donegal |
471 |
13 |
|
Louth |
312 |
20 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
324 |
13 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
321 |
15 |
|
Tipperary |
399 |
17 |
|
Waterford |
305 |
21 |
|
Wexford |
286 |
12 |
|
Cork City |
698 |
39 |
|
Cork North |
306 |
12 |
|
Cork West |
312 |
10 |
|
Kerry |
343 |
4 |
|
Limerick |
645 |
20 |
|
Clare |
331 |
10 |
|
Galway |
602 |
38 |
|
Mayo |
318 |
21 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
297 |
9 |
Figures are not currently available which would enable me to reply to the specific query from the Deputy on long term leave. However, I will arrange to have a report sought from the Garda Commissioner on the matter and will communicate directly with the Deputy in due course.
356 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that the attention of non visa required nationals is drawn to the requirements that can be asked of them by immigration officers at point of entry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29509/10]
As previously stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 367 of 18th May 2010, I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that there is no requirement or obligation on Immigration Officers, nor is it common practice internationally, to ensure that the attention of non visa required nationals is drawn to the requirements that can be asked of them by Immigration officers at a point of entry. However, if a person has a specific enquiry regarding the immigration requirements of this State, it is open to them to visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website; www.inis.gov.ie.
357 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons who were refused leave to land here in 2008 and 2009; the number of these persons who had inadequate documentation to satisfy the immigration officer of their bona fides in 2008 and 2009; the number of these persons who were visa required and non visa required nationals in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29510/10]
I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that the table below outlines the number of non-nationals who were refused permission to enter the State and the number of whom were subsequently permitted to enter the State having made an application pursuant to the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended);
|
Refused Permission to Land |
Permitted after application under Refugee Act 1996 |
|
|
2009 |
3,857 |
317 |
|
2008 |
5,390 |
345 |
The table below outlines the number of non-nationals, not being exempt, by virtue of an order under Section 17, from the requirement to have an Irish visa, who were refused permission to land in the State in 2008 & 2009, due to not being the holder of a valid Irish visa;
|
Number of non-nationals, not being exempt from the requirement to have an Irish visa, who were refused permission to land |
|
|
2009 |
1,009 |
|
2008 |
1,221 |
A decision to refuse leave to land for any of the reasons outlined in Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 could have been based, or partly based, on the inadequacy of documentation produced to an immigration officer. The number of non-nationals who were refused permission to land in the State based on having inadequate documentation to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Act, 2004, is not readily available and would require a disproportionate level of Garda resources to collate.
358 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin was invited by a senior Garda officer (details further supplied) to view a relevant document in a communication dated 16 March 2010 and then on 17 June 2010 the same senior officer denied ever having extended such an invitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29525/10]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy when the report is to hand.
359 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the sale of Garda houses (details supplied) attached to the Garda College, Templemore, County Tipperary and in particular the sale of houses to the long-term occupants of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29555/10]
The allocation and utilisation of Garda resources, including accommodation, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the houses referred to by the Deputy are not among those identified for sale by the Commissioner.
360 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a decision will issue on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the length of time this person is entitled to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29608/10]
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 October 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.
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.
The person concerned was granted Leave to Remain in the State for a one year period, from 24 June 2003 to 23 June 2004. He applied for the renewal of this permission and was granted Leave to Remain in the State for a further three years, to 25 May 2007. His permission to remain was further renewed on 11 June 2007, for a further period of three years, and again on 10 June 2010, to 10 June 2013.
361 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will investigate the case regarding a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/10]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned made an application for residence in the State based on his marriage to a British national on 13 October 2009. The person referred to by the Deputy was informed of the decision on 13 April 2010. A request by the applicant and his spouse for a review of this decision was received on 13 May 2010. All applications for review are dealt with in chronological order of date of receipt and a decision will issue in the coming weeks.
362 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the immigration status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; when a decision will issue on the application for asylum or leave to remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29726/10]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 27 January 2003 and made an application for a declaration of refugee status. This application was ultimately unsuccessful, and a deportation order was made in respect of the person concerned on 3 June 2010. The person concerned instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 24 June 2010, challenging the deportation order made in his respect. Accordingly, as this matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
363 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [29829/10]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy when the report is to hand.
364 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the amount spent on the installation of kitchens for normal purposes and for training purposes at Fort Mitchell Prison in County Cork between 1992 and its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29836/10]
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that compiling the specific information requested in respect of the period from 1992 to 1999 would involve a disproportionate and inordinate amount of time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
I can, however, advise the Deputy that in 1999 it was decided to upgrade the kitchen facilities at Fort Mitchel, Place of Detention, Spike Island. This project was completed in 2001 when the new facilities were brought into use for both training and normal purposes. The work carried out at the prison facility at Spike Island included, as well as the installation of a new, fully fitted kitchen at the prison, other elements including improvements to office accommodation. Due to the integrated nature of the project, which was tendered and delivered in one lot, it is not possible to identify and extract the specific costs associated with the kitchen elements.
365 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if an application for stamp 4 has been received in respect of a person (details supplied); the estimated time for completion of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29878/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a change of Immigration status was refused on 2 March 2010. A letter issued to the person referred to by the Deputy informing him of this decision on that date.
366 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps he has taken to reduce incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in the lead up to Halloween; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30016/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that during the Halloween period appropriate policing measures will be put in place in every Garda Division and District as part of Operation Tombola. Operational orders will be prepared in every Garda Region, in particular in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and Border Divisions, to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks and police the Halloween period generally. During the Halloween period, An Garda Síochána will engage with local communities, local authorities and other stakeholders, such as Dublin Bus and the vintners' associations, while putting plans in place to address the issues that arise at that time. Through the Schools Programme and other local programmes, members of An Garda Síochána will deliver the message that fireworks are illegal and highlight the dangers associated with illegally imported fireworks. Gardaí will have a liaison mechanism in place with local authorities for the removal of identified stockpiles of combustible materials. They will also liaise with managers of off-licences to ensure that their staff are aware of their obligations and responsibilities under licensing legislation relating to the sale of alcohol, in particular to underage persons.
Proactive policing arrangements will be put in place for the period. Additional patrols will be carried out by uniform personnel as part of high visibility policing initiatives, supported by plain clothes personnel, including District detective and drug units, Divisional crime task force and Traffic Corps personnel and community policing and mounted bike units, supported by public order units as required. An Garda Síochána will utilise the strong legislative provisions in place to combat anti-social behaviour and the misuse of fireworks, including those in the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts 1994 and 2003, the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.
367 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the function of the National Property Services Regulatory Authority; the legislation under which it operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30025/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the intended functions of the Property Services Regulatory Authority are set out in section 11 of the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009. The Bill has completed all stages in the Seanad and is awaiting Second Stage in the Dáil.
I also wish to refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 486 of 22 April 2009, Question No. 349 of 9 February 2010 and Question No. 128 of 17 February 2010 concerning the work carried out by the Authority to date.
368 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if there is legislation in place or planned, to limit the time that a minor offence will be remain on a person’s record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30075/10]
Section 258 of the Children Act 2001 provides for non-disclosure in respect of most offences committed by persons under 18, once certain conditions have been met. That section came into operation on 1 May 2002. Its effect is that, where the relevant conditions have been met, the person is to be treated for all purposes in law as a person who has not committed, been charged with, prosecuted for, found guilty of or dealt with for an offence and the person may, except as provided for in the section, withhold information about the offence and the circumstances relating to it.
At present there is no similar provision in legislation in respect of adult offenders. However the Spent Convictions Bill 2007 which is currently before the House will address the position of adult offenders. The Bill completed Second Stage on 18 December 2008. It was introduced in October 2007 as a Private Members Bill by my colleague, Minister Barry Andrews TD. Subsequently, in early 2008, the Government agreed to progress it as a Government Bill.
The Bill provides that those who had been subject to a fine or to a sentence of no more than 6 months imprisonment may, after a period of time without further conviction, withhold details of the conviction that gave rise to the fine or the sentence of imprisonment. However, disclosure will always be required in the case of sexual offences and for a small number of other specified offences and in the case of certain posts (for example, child care). The Bill has been reviewed in light of suggestions made at Second Stage and in the course of consultations undertaken by my Department. Mr Andrews and I are now considering a range of matters; these are likely to give rise to amendments at Committee Stage.
369 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the measures in place to deal with the issue of illegal car modifications; the equipment available to An Garda Síochána to measure the engine size of cars; if this equipment is available to gardaí in the Cork west division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30094/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that section 20 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 allows a member of An Garda Síochána to detain a vehicle for inspection, where he or she observes the vehicle in use in a public place and suspects that there is a defect which renders the vehicle a danger to the public.
I am also informed that where a member of An Garda Síochána, following an examination of the vehicle by a public service vehicle inspector, suspects that an engine has been re-mapped or modified, such tests as the Garda considers reasonable can be carried out, including a computerised assessment of the vehicle by a main dealer for the vehicle.
I am further informed that it would not be feasible to supply members of An Garda Síochána with equipment to carry out such tests, due to variety of types and models of vehicles and the expertise required to operate such equipment.
370 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total cost of asylum accommodation for the year 2009; the cost to date in 2010; the corresponding figures for the number of persons accommodated within the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30112/10]
The budget outturn for the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department was €86.51 million in 2009. At the end of 2009, there were 6,494 people availing of direct provision accommodation. The 2010 budget for RIA is €77.5 million. At the end of May 2010, RIA has spent €32.225 million and the number of people availing of direct provision accommodation at the end of May was 6,337.
371 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total number of asylum applicants awaiting a decision at first instance and on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30113/10]
As at 31 May 2010, the number of asylum applicants awaiting a decision at first instance in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) was 489, of which 92 were on hands for over six months. As at 31 May 2010, the number of asylum applicants awaiting a decision at appeal stage in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) was 1,590, of which 1,004 were on hands for over six months.
372 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons deported to third countries in 2009; the cost involved; the ten most expensive separate deportations; the corresponding figures to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30114/10]
The deportation costs provided below refer to the removal from the State of illegal immigrants and persons whose asylum applications were refused. The vast majority of the removals involved persons whose asylum applications were refused.
Set out below is information for 2009, and 2010 up to 30 June. These figures include the travel costs relating to the deportees and their Garda escorts. The Deputy might wish to note that the figures below do not include the cost of overtime or subsistence payments for Garda escorts.
|
Year |
Cost of Deportations |
Numbers Deported |
|
€ |
||
|
2009 |
1,069,634.00 |
291 |
|
2010 (up to 30 June) |
377,385.71 |
130 |
My Department deports persons to non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries. To identify the ten most expensive deportations would involve a disproportionate use of resources in disaggregating those individual costs from the cost figures quoted above. During the period in question however, notwithstanding the foregoing, the single most expensive deportation involved the removal of a Georgian man in March 2009 at a cost of €35,205.22.
In considering the costs of deportations, the considerable expense arising from the continued presence in the State of persons who are the subject of deportation orders has to be taken into account. These costs include social welfare costs, direct provision costs, and detention costs in certain cases. While it is important to keep deportation costs to a minimum, not to remove persons refused permission to remain in the State would call into question the integrity of the entire immigration system. This would leave this country open to further illegal immigration and even more expense to taxpayers.
373 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when naturalisation will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30135/10]
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 October 2009.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
374 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a review of the file of a person (details supplied) will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30193/10]
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 was deported following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim, and a comprehensive and thorough examination of the representations he submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must remain out of the State.
375 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved. [30202/10]
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 August 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 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 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.
376 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30798/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that no print contracts have been placed by my Department with foreign-based suppliers.
Question No. 377 answered with Question No. 37.
378 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will be sending a delegation to the international AIDS conference in Vienna in July 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29241/10]
The International AIDS Conference, held biennially, is an occasion for partners in the fight against HIV and AIDS to congregate and review progress over the preceding two years, look at the current context and plan for the future.
The Irish delegation to the International AIDS Conference in Vienna will include a senior HIV and AIDS advisor from Headquarters, experienced HIV and AIDS advisers from Ethiopia and Uganda, two of Ireland's Programme Countries, and the adviser of Ireland's Regional HIV and AIDS Programme for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Ireland has acquired a high profile internationally for its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ireland is active and influential in international fora on HIV/AIDS, with a focus on protecting the interests of the worst affected countries and vulnerable populations. The Irish team will provide invaluable experience from the field and learn from the wealth of knowledge that I expect will be disseminated during the conference.
Combating HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases is a core priority of Ireland's aid programme and this year we will spend more than €100 million in pursuit of this priority. Our assistance is targeted at those countries most affected by the pandemic including Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia and Malawi.
We support cutting edge research initiatives in the areas of vaccine development and the development of new prevention tools. We invest in empowering women and girls to protect themselves against infection. We support the fight through national governments, civil society programmes, and international public-private partnerships such as the Clinton Foundation.
Ireland will be an active participant at the forthcoming conference in Vienna, and we will continue to collaborate with international partners in tackling the HIV and AIDS crisis.
379 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the money that has been allocated in 2009 and 2010 to address the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents as set out in the international conference on population and development, the Beijing platform for action and millennium development goal 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29242/10]
382 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the money that has been allocated in 2010 to address millennium development goal 5, including its targets, and indicators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29260/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 382 together.
The achievement of universal access to reproductive health is one of the objectives of the Programme of Action agreed at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994. It is also an objective of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted in 2000. Specifically, the fifth of the eight MDGs is to reduce the maternal mortality rate by 75% by 2015.
The 2010 Report on progress towards the MDGs which was launched recently by the UN Secretary General, notes that some progress has been achieved in reducing maternal mortality, with significant progress in a number of countries. However, the rate of reduction is still short of the progress needed if the MDG target is to be met. Fewer than half the women giving birth in Sub Saharan Africa are attended by skilled health personnel. Poor women, especially in rural communities, face particular challenges in accessing antenatal care. The UN report also notes that poverty and lack of education continue to contribute to high adolescent birth rates in poor countries. It recognises the link between slow progress on the achievement of universal access to reproductive health care and low levels of empowerment of women and lack of access by girls to secondary education.
Through Irish Aid, the Government is working in close cooperation with a number of key UN agencies in the UN to address maternal health issues in developing countries. The implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action forms part of the core mandate of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with which we have developed a close working partnership. In recognition of the UNFPA's important mandate, the Government has contributed significant levels of funding to the agency in recent years. In total, over the six years 2005-2010, the Government has provided €26.5 million for the work of the UNFPA.
In addition, through the bilateral aid programme, Irish Aid's regional programmes on malaria and HIV and AIDS promote interventions which contribute significantly to a reduction in mortality in women of reproductive age. Our support for health sector programmes in African countries in particular, promotes reproductive health and HIV protection for young people. Specific NGO support is also provided to deal with gender based violence. Irish Aid is also supporting maternal health improvements through our global partnerships with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and the International Partnerships for Microbicides.
Ireland has made a specific contribution in recent months to preparations for the review of progress on MDG 5 at the forthcoming Review Summit in New York. Ireland organised a high level panel discussion on maternal mortality at the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN in New York in March. The theme of the event was Overcoming Barriers and Accelerating Progress towards MDG5. Discussions focused on how to accelerate progress between now and 2015, defining a number of key actions for policy makers in advance of the Summit.
381 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the policies that are in place within Irish Aid to address the health needs of adolescents and young persons, as distinct from children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29244/10]
The Government's White Paper on Irish Aid is the framework governing and guiding Ireland's overseas development programme, including the health sector. This overarching policy framework is further elaborated in documents such as Irish Aid's Health Policy and Strategy (2006) and the HIV and AIDS Policy and Strategy which is presently being updated.
Health development policies emphasise the importance of responding to the health needs of adolescents and young people with particular emphasis on HIV protection for adolescent girls alongside sexual and reproductive health, including maternal health. This emphasis on the health needs of young girls is justified by compelling evidence of a feminisation of the HIV pandemic in Southern Africa and a pattern of poor access to basic health by young women in poorer settings, which contributes to the unacceptably slow progress towards Millennium Development Goal 5, the reduction of maternal mortality.
Ireland's commitment to this policy position is given expression in the Ireland's aid programme through our support to UN Funds, Programmes and Specialised Agencies that work in this area (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNIFEM, UNAIDS) and through our funding and engagement with Global Health Initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Further, Ireland's support for the development of new HIV prevention products is intended to benefit young people in particular, and two regional programmes in Africa dealing with malaria and AIDS give special attention to young women.
In Ireland's Programme Countries, young people's health is addressed through our support to the health sector and the national response to HIV and AIDS. Where appropriate, support is provided directly to in-country initiatives dealing with health issues for young people, for example to the Health Equity Network in Tanzania.
It is widely recognised that education is a key factor in promoting awareness of health issues amongst vulnerable populations, including young people. Ireland's strong record of support for education in developing countries is significant in this regard.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Ireland's overseas development programme will continue to address the health needs of adolescents and young people.
383 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the money that has been allocated to the United Nations population fund the global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, international partnership for microbicides, international AIDS vaccine initiative and the global alliance for vaccines and immunisations and UNIFEM in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29261/10]
A substantive partnership with UN Funds and Programmes, and Global Health Initiatives including those tasked with developing new products for neglected diseases, is an important element of Ireland's development cooperation programme and of our contribution to the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals. Ireland engages actively with these organisations, participating in meetings and shaping and influencing policy decisions, and we are generous financial contributors to their work.
In 2010 Ireland has provided approximately €9 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, approximately €3 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), €1 million to the International Partnership for Microbicides, €525 000 to the GAVI Alliance (previously known as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation) and €300,000 to UNIFEM. Future support to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative is under consideration.
These organisations contribute to advancing Millennium Development Goals 3, 4, 5 and 6 that are concerned with health, AIDS, gender equality and women's empowerment.
UNFPA supports sexual and reproductive health, including maternal health, while Ireland's support to UNIFEM assists action at various levels to address gender equality and to empower women. The Global Fund and GAVI Alliance continue to document the considerable impact they are having on the incidence of deaths associated with AIDS and other communicable diseases, especially amongst children in the poorest regions of the world. The International Partnership for Microbicides plays an important role in strengthening women's capacity to prevent HIV transmission.
I believe that engagement with these organisations, each of which has an important contribution to make to the achievement of the MDG goals, will remain an important part of Ireland's overseas development programme.
385 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the contents of the Saville report published on 15 June 2010; the impact this will have on the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27877/10]
The deaths, injuries and suffering resulting from the actions of the British Army on Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972, brought relations on this island and between Britain and Ireland to breaking point. This was compounded by the stain which the Widgery report placed on the characters of men now finally and publicly acknowledged to have been innocent.
The publication of Lord Saville's report into the events of Bloody Sunday has been widely welcomed, most particularly by the Bloody Sunday families themselves. On the day after the publication, members of the Bloody Sunday families travelled to Dublin to meet with the Taoiseach and told him of their satisfaction with Prime Minister David Cameron's acknowledgement that the events of that day were ‘unjustified and unjustifiable'. The report vindicates the families' long and dignified campaign to clear their loved ones' names and, in their own words, ‘set the truth free'. I am pleased that successive Governments have been able to play our part in this process.
The Saville report is the product of what was one of the longest and most complicated inquiries in legal history: it runs to over 5,000 pages. The Government, just as the families and their representatives, will take our time to examine it in close detail. No doubt it will also need to be given careful consideration by the appropriate authorities in the North and in Britain.
As the Taoiseach noted in addressing the Dáil last week, the Saville Inquiry was not about re-opening old wounds, but about healing scars left by injustice. The report and the brave and honest words of Prime Minister Cameron in accepting its findings have the potential, I believe, to further the process of reconciliation on this island and between these islands and consolidate peace. These were the sentiments which were expressed in the All Party Motion passed by the House that day.
This potential for healing was underlined when, on the morning after the publication, representatives of the Protestant churches — Bishop Good, Moderator Hamilton and President Kingston — joined with Bishop Daly and the families in the Bogside to remember those who died on Bloody Sunday and throughout the Troubles. The spirit of reconciliation shown that day, a spirit which guided the families in their long campaign for truth, can be a solid platform for the future.
386 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will ratify Serbia’s stabilisation and association agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29708/10]
The Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Serbia was signed, subject to approval by the parties to it, including Ireland, in Luxembourg on 29 April 2008. At the time of signature of the Agreement, the Council of Ministers decided that the procedures for its formal ratification would begin when the Council agreed unanimously that Serbia was cooperating fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 June 2010, Ministers received a positive assessment from the Chief Prosecutor of the ICTY regarding Serbia's ongoing cooperation with the Tribunal. On that basis, the Council decided, by consensus, to submit the Stabilisation and Association Agreement to their national parliaments for ratification. The Council also underlined that full cooperation with the ICTY remained an essential element of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
Preparations for the ratification by Ireland of the Agreement are under way and I expect that a motion asking Dáil Éireann to approve the terms of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and Serbia will be moved in the autumn.
387 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will guarantee that responsibility in development policy within the EU will remain undiluted in a single accountable agency. [29765/10]
The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty has led to significant changes in the European Union's institutional arrangements. These include the creation of a full-time President of the European Council, the establishment of a new post of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the creation of a European External Action Service (EEAS). The EEAS is intended to support the work of the High Representative across the entire range of EU external relations.
Article 208 of the Lisbon Treaty states that development cooperation policy shall have as its primary objective the reduction and, in the longer term, the eradication of poverty. It further states that this primary objective must be respected in all other EU policies that are likely to affect development policy.
Given the central role that the EEAS, under the responsibility of the High Representative, is to play in the EU's external relations, some Member States, including Ireland, were concerned to ensure that no aspect of development policy would be weakened in the process of integration into the EEAS. Following the protracted and detailed discussions on the subject between the Commission, Council and Member States, I believe that arrangements have been agreed which can raise the profile of development policy and promote policy coherence across all areas of the Union's external relations. This was a key objective of the Lisbon Treaty.
The European External Action Service will play a central role in development policy and development programming, working in close collaboration with the Commission throughout the full aid programming, planning and implementation cycles. The EEAS and the Commission will both be responsible for specific elements of the programming cycle, with the Development Commissioner allocated the role of main decision maker. This will encourage a high level of coordination and cooperation between the High Representative, the External Action Service and the Development Commissioner in all stages.
These new arrangements have the potential to mark a significant improvement in the coherence and consistency of the EU's external policies, including development policy in all its aspects. In line with the spirit and ambition of the Lisbon Treaty, I am confident that they will assist in the more effective integration of development into the EU's overall external relations and improve the effectiveness of both development policy and broader foreign policy, with a strong, central focus on poverty reduction.
It is also important to note that the proposal by the High Representative, which was agreed to by Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in April, is not set in stone. A review of the EEAS is scheduled for 2012. It will be based clearly on the experience of the next two years, and on the views of Member States, including Ireland, on issues including the effectiveness of the Union's development programme. The Government will continue to follow this important issue very closely.
388 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in protecting the Baha’i community in Iran. [29766/10]
393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community has engaged with the authorities in Iran to ensure that academic and other dissidents involved in civil disobedience are treated in accordance with international human rights requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30175/10]
394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the most recent developments in the case of a person (details supplied), an Iranian academic who was arrested in Iran on 9 July 2009; the extent to which he is being treated in accordance with human rights requirements. [30176/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 388, 393 and 394 together.
Deputies will be aware that Ireland, along with our EU partners, has been seriously concerned about human rights violations in Iran for some time. I have consistently raised these concerns at the highest level with the Iranian authorities, most recently during the course of my meeting with Foreign Minister Mottaki in Dublin on 9 June. Among the issues I raised at that meeting were the current human rights situation in Iran, including the ongoing detention of the Baha'i community leaders and our concerns about the extensive use of the death penalty. I also expressed my serious concern that the Iranian authorities have effectively refused to receive EU demarches on human rights issues, and emphasised that we expect to be able to convey our position on human rights and other issues in Tehran.
The overall human rights situation in Iran has continued to deteriorate over the course of the past year, since the disputed presidential election of June 2009. Measures taken by the Iranian authorities to repress dissent and to further marginalise minorities such as the Baha'i community include executions, arrests and actions against free speech, such as closing newspapers, blocking websites and arresting contributors to websites of Iranian human rights organisations, as well as detentions on charges such as espionage, propaganda and activities against the Islamic order. Worryingly, Iran's rate of executions has risen in the past year, and the Iranian authorities appear to be using the threat of the death penalty as a method of discouraging further dissent.
Our Embassy in Tehran is actively engaged, in concert with our EU partners, in closely monitoring and reporting on human rights issues in Iran. High Representative Ashton also issued a strong statement on 12 June, the first anniversary of the 2009 Presidential election, condemning Iran's human rights abuses, including the increasing use of the death penalty, as well as reiterating concerns over the ongoing trial of the seven Baha'i community leaders.
I have reported to the House on a number of occasions in relation to the growing oppression of the Baha'i minority, including the arrest and trial on very dubious charges of leading members of the faith. As indicated, I expressed my concerns on the treatment of the Baha'i community in Iran and the ongoing trial of its leaders at my meeting with Foreign Minister Mottaki on 9 June. There are some unconfirmed reports that the trial of the seven community leaders has now concluded, after three days of successive court hearings from 12-14 June. It is clear that the Iranian authorities are persecuting a minority for their religious beliefs, and indeed they appear to be actively trying to suppress a religious faith.
In relation to the specific case of Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh, I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave on 27 April to his question on the matter. Dr. Tajbakhsh was sentenced on 10 February to five years imprisonment for a variety of charges linked to the post-election disturbances in Iran. He has been released on bail since 13 March, and it remains to be seen whether he will in due course be permitted to leave the country. I discussed Dr. Tajbakhsh's case with Foreign Minister Mottaki at our meeting on 9 June and requested that he and his family be permitted to leave Iran.
Ireland will continue to raise human rights in Iran and to express our concerns about the marked deterioration in respect for such rights at every suitable opportunity, both bilaterally and at EU and UN level.
389 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding reports that there has been a further abuse of Irish passports in recent developments in the United States where reports suggest a forged Irish passport has been recovered from a person. [29782/10]
I would refer the Deputy to my answer to Priority PQs Nos. 27 and 30 of today.
The current Irish passport system is one of the most secure in the world. The taxpayer has made significant investment in enhancing the security of our passports. The passport has been designed to ensure that the technologies used are those strictly controlled and mandated by the relevant international body, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) in Montreal. Officers of the Passport Service meet regularly with other similar jurisdictions and ICAO to ensure that the Irish passport meets these international security demands and best practice.
While the fake Irish passports used by those suspected of involvement in the Dubai assassination were of a type produced before the introduction of the current APS Passport in 2005, it must be emphasised that these passports conformed fully to the highest international standards in place at that time. The passport was further enhanced in 2006 with the addition of a biometric chip, the Irish ePassport.
As forgery techniques advance, through the availability of more sophisticated production equipment, it is essential that the security of the Irish passport is kept under constant review. It is in this context I announced last week that I have requested the Passport Service to initiate an ongoing review of passport technology to ensure that the Irish passport continues to be a trusted and secure travel document. This review will include consultations with the ICAO Secretariat.
In regard to the issue of the alleged use of counterfeit Irish passports, on Sunday 27 June, U.S. federal agents arrested a number of people for allegedly carrying out long-term, "deep cover" assignments in the United States on behalf of the Russian Federation. The individuals were subsequently charged with conspiring to act as unlawful agents of the Russian Federation within the United States and in the case of some of the individuals additional charges related to money laundering. The affidavit lodged by the F.B.I. alleges that one of the defendants had travelled to Moscow using a false Irish passport.
Upon hearing of this allegation, I immediately asked the Passport Service to investigate the matter and to work in close cooperation with An Garda Síochána. Investigations are currently underway. They are at a very preliminary stage and therefore I am not in a position to provide more detail today.
At this time, what we are confronted with is an allegation in a US Court that an individual had travelled from Rome to Moscow on a false Irish passport. Our own investigating officers are working to establish the veracity of this allegation and to establish the nature of the evidence to substantiate this. Accordingly, it is premature to reach any conclusions or make representations to other Governments at this time.
I wish to see the current investigations concluded at the earliest opportunity. However, I am conscious that there is a legal process underway in the United States. I am sure Deputies would share with me the necessity not to comment or act in any way which might influence the outcome of these proceedings.
390 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff at his disposal including those within his Department; the number of staff currently registered to work in his constituency office; his overall staff budget for 2010; his overall staff budget was for 2007 to 2009, inclusive; if he will provide a breakdown of the way this money was spent regarding staff; and the title or position of each member of staff. [30080/10]
12.8 full-time equivalent staff work in my Private and Constituency Offices. A breakdown of their positions is provided in the following table.
|
Position |
Number of staff |
|
Private Secretary |
1.0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1.0 |
|
Executive Officer |
2.0 |
|
Staff Officer |
1.0 |
|
Clerical Officer |
4.8 |
|
Special Advisor |
1.0 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1.0 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1.0 |
|
Total |
12.8 |
Eight of these posts are in my Private Office — seven civil servants and one personal appointee. In my Constituency Office, there are 4.8 staff, 2.8 of whom are civil servants and two of whom are personal appointees. The number of staff assigned to my Private and Constituency Offices complies with the relevant Department of Finance guidelines.
I do not have a specific budget for these staff. Their salaries and any official expenses that arise in the course of their duties are paid for from the overall budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
395 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has generated discussion with his EU colleagues regarding issues in the western Balkans; the extent to which EU and or UN peacekeepers-observers are likely to be required and deployed in the future in view of locally expressed concerns and information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30177/10]
The Western Balkans was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 14 June which I attended. This came shortly after a high level meeting on the Western Balkans which took place in Sarajevo on 2 June and was organised by Spanish EU Presidency. The meeting in Sarajevo was attended by all EU and Western Balkans countries, including Serbia and Kosovo. Ireland was represented at the meeting by Minister of State Mansergh.
The Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg reaffirmed the EU's unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries while noting that each country's progress towards the EU depends on its individual efforts to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and the conditionality of the Stabilisation and Association Process. The Council also welcomed the commitment of countries in the region to intensify the pace of reform in key areas and stressed the importance of addressing the challenges ahead. The importance of strengthening regional cooperation was underlined and recent positive initiatives regarding reconciliation were welcomed. The EU's support for the goal of the abolishment of the visa regime for all the countries of the Western Balkans was also recalled.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, remains committed to enhancing stability in the Western Balkans region. The EU perspective for the countries in the region, agreed at the June 2003 Thessaloniki European Council, is essential in helping to build and maintain this stability. The EU's Stabilisation and Association process provides the framework for cooperation on economic, political and legal matters aimed at bringing countries in the region towards EU standards and principles.
The high level meeting held in Sarajevo in 2 June took place in a positive, constructive and pragmatic atmosphere and served to build on positive developments we have seen in the region over the last six months.
From an operational perspective, there are several actors with significant presences on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Kosovo. The international military presences in both Kosovo and in Bosnia and Herzegovina are gradually downsizing in line with the improving security situation while the civilian peace operations continue to focus on building up local rule of law and police capacities, in particular supporting the fight against organised crime and corruption, in both countries.
The UN peace presence in the Western Balkans is now restricted to the residual UN interim administration in Kosovo (UNMIK). With the declaration of Kosovo's independence and the deployment in 2008 of the EU rule of law mission EULEX, UNMIK relinquished its executive role for one of support to minority communities, encouragement of reconciliation and facilitation of dialogue and regional cooperation.
The key international presence in Kosovo is EULEX, the EU's largest civilian mission that aims to assist and advise Kosovo institutions in developing and professionalising across the rule of law area, specifically police, judicial and customs authorities. While the initial mission mandate was for two years, it is foreseen that the mission will continue to further assist the Kosovo authorities with the development of their capacities to guarantee that all members of society in Kosovo benefit from the rule of law. The April 2010 EU Foreign Affairs Council welcomed the mission's increased presence on the ground in the north of Kosovo and its intensified efforts in the fight against organised crime and corruption.
The UN-mandated and NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) helps the local authorities and EULEX to maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. Deployed under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of June 1999, in June 2008 KFOR assumed new tasks of supporting the development of professional, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo security structures. Over time, KFOR has gradually adjusted its force posture to what it calls a deterrent presence: essentially a reduced number of troops progressively relying more on flexibility and intelligence. At their meeting in June 2010, NATO Defence Ministers and Ministers from non-NATO KFOR contributing nations agreed that this gradual transformation of KFOR into a smaller and more mobile force is proceeding successfully.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, both main international peace operations are from the European Union: the military stabilisation Operation Althea and the police reform mission EUPM. The EU Police Mission, established in 2003 to follow on from the UN's International Police Task Force, focuses on capacity-building and professionalising the local law enforcement authorities, in particular in relation to the fight against organised crime. The April 2010 EU Foreign Affairs Council welcomed the refocusing of the mission's mandate on the support to the fight against organised crime and corruption.
Under UN Security Council mandate the EU's military operation Althea was launched in December 2004 to succeed the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR). Althea supports the efforts of the Bosnian authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment. In January 2010, the EU underlined its readiness to maintain an executive military role to support these efforts beyond 2010, under a UN mandate, should the situation so require. At the same time, Operation Althea will commence capacity-building and training of the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
398 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have focused on the situation in Myanmar-Burma; the result of any such discussions and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30180/10]
As the Deputy will be aware from previous statements in this House, most recently on 20 May, the Government has long been deeply concerned about the situation in Burma. We remain very actively engaged at both the EU and international level in monitoring the situation in the country and in our efforts to support the Burmese people in their struggle for justice, democracy and development.
The situation at present is particularly difficult and I regret that there is still very little of a positive nature, in terms of the situation and initiatives, on which I can report. The Burmese authorities are pushing ahead with plans to hold elections later this year. Despite a broad view that the terms of the discredited 2008 Constitution virtually precluded the possibility of credible elections, the international community felt it important to do all in its power to urge the regime to conduct elections, and an electoral process, in a way which would be free, fair, inclusive and transparent. We also made clear the need for all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, to be released without delay and for a process of national dialogue and reconciliation, involving all opposition and ethnic groups, to be initiated in advance of the elections. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was particularly clear in articulating international expectations during his visit to the country last July.
However, instead of being given her freedom, Aung San Suu Kyi's detention was extended for a period of 18 months in August last year, to ensure that she would not be in a position to contest the elections or to lead her party in them. Few other political prisoners were released and no effort was made to initiate national dialogue. Military offensives against a number of other ethnic groups continue, designed to crush their resistance in the lead-up to the elections.
The electoral laws issued on 10 March by the Burmese authorities demonstrated unequivocally that there is no interest on their part in listening to what their own people or the international community have been saying in terms of the elections. Instead of providing for an inclusive process which would permit opposition and ethnic groups to participate freely, the electoral laws demonstrated that the regime intends to control every aspect of the preparation of the elections, their outcome and the future government which will emerge from them.
The most serious consequence of these laws are the restrictions placed on the registration of political parties and individuals, which have effectively forced Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD party, who have done much to promote justice, democracy and reconciliation in Burma, to disband as a political organisation.
The Deputy will be aware that the Obama Administration took the decision to increase its engagement with the Burmese regime, with a view to determining if such a course might help to achieve the objective of dialogue and credible elections. While US Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell has paid two visits to Burma in this context, the most recent in early May, and although he succeeded in meeting separately with Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her NLD party, he was unable to make any progress on the agenda of electoral inclusiveness, credibility and legitimacy. The US is not optimistic that the regime will change its position between now and the time of the elections. They will, however, continue to engage with the regime, while maintaining sanctions.
The EU is pursuing a similar approach. The European Council agreed last December that, while maintaining its sanctions policy, the EU should send an exploratory, official-level, mission to Burma to examine the possibilities for a more pro-active EU role there. Given the range of negative developments in Burma, I called for a discussion on the situation in Burma and the EU's response to it to take place at the April Foreign Affairs Council. At that Council, we highlighted our very serious concerns regarding the current situation and urged that the proposed EU Mission be very carefully considered, planned and targeted. While there are concerns in relation to organising this visit, it is important that we listen to the strong message from Aung San Suu Kyi supporting international engagement.
400 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, through the EU or UN, has identified the most blatant known worldwide human rights abuses; the ongoing or proposed action to deal with these issues at the specific locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30182/10]
Unfortunately, no part of the world is totally free from human rights abuses. As has been stated on previous occasions, in response to similar Questions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up a ‘league table' of countries deemed guilty of the most blatant human rights abuses. The complexity and specificity of individual country situations could render such an exercise difficult and probably of little value. Ireland, both bilaterally and in association with the EU and other like-minded partners, makes frequent and numerous interventions with regard to human rights concerns in the countries which have the most serious human rights abuses.
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations.
Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.
We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses, including supporting the role of UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. At these UN bodies, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries from all regions. Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
The Universal Periodic Review mechanism is one example of how Ireland and the international community can bring pressure to bear on those responsible for human rights violations. Ireland has engaged proactively with this UN Human Rights Council mechanism since its creation in March 2006. At the eighth session of the UPR, which took place in Geneva, from 3-14 May 2010, Ireland made a number of interventions, raising issues such as gender based violence, the right to education, the death penalty, independence of the media, freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom of assembly, the role of National Human Rights Institutions and the protection of human rights defenders within the States under review.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
The risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. Development is essential to allow people the full enjoyment of their human rights, and this is a key concern for Ireland's development co-operation programme. Irish Aid supports specific actions designed to promote human rights, including strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions, in particular through legal training. Support is also provided for legal aid programmes targeted at victims of human rights abuses. Irish Aid has a specific focus on governance in several programme countries.
The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms and instruments as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation affecting the ten African countries most seriously threatened by hunger, war, genocide and human rights abuses; the extent to which the international community continues to assist or influence in a positive way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30184/10]
It is not the policy of the Government to list countries most seriously affected by such issues as hunger, war, genocide or human rights abuses, which are issues that affect many countries in Africa and elsewhere, and I shall therefore not focus on individual countries.
With regard to the issue of hunger and famine, it is estimated that more than a billion people today do not have enough food. Ireland is responding to this challenge, working bilaterally in our programme countries with our EU partners and other donors, and at a global level through the UN agencies. Since the publication of the report of the Hunger Task Force in September 2008, Ireland's focus on hunger reduction has become a cornerstone of Irish Aid's development programme. In particular, efforts are concentrated on the three priority areas identified in the report, namely: increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting under-nutrition (especially maternal and infant); and promoting governance and leadership action on tackling global hunger. Nowhere is this work more challenging than in countries affected by conflict where it is critically important to move quickly with large-scale emergency food assistance in order to save lives.
With regard to security, UN and EU peacekeeping missions in Africa have a role in stabilising former and current conflict zones. Members of the Irish Defence Forces have participated in numerous UN and EU peacekeeping missions in Africa, including in the Congo, Eritrea, Liberia and most recently in Chad.
Situations which fully conform to an internationally accepted definition of genocide are thankfully extremely rare. Nevertheless, there are a number of current situations in Africa which give rise to extreme concern. The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide is mandated to alert the international community to the potential of genocide in a particular country or region, and to make recommendations on actions to prevent or halt genocide.
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland monitors closely the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official and non-governmental organisations.
Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, including, in the case of the latter, through the new Universal Periodic Review process whereby the human rights performance of each UN State is reviewed.
Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, the UN and the Council of Europe provides opportunities for Ireland to voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights.
For example, together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
In developing a sustainable approach which properly addresses the root causes of famine, war, genocide and human rights abuses, African leadership and responsibility are crucial. This is recognised by the EU and UN, which are both working to build the capacities of African States and the African Union to respond to these challenges. Ireland is committed to playing its part in this work, and I believe that our comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of poverty, hunger and famine, conflict, security and human rights abuses stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people in Africa.
405 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30796/10]
My Department's largest print requirements are for passport application forms and passport booklets. Both of these contracts are currently held by Irish companies with all technical and production facilities located in Ireland.
However, in accordance with Irish law (which gives effect to Ireland's international obligations in these matters), these contracts are tendered periodically and are open to competition from suppliers in all EU/EEA countries as well as suppliers from countries that are parties to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
I appreciate that this is a competitive challenge to Irish companies. However, under the same agreements, there is an equivalent entitlement for Irish companies to compete for a vast range of public sector contracts in all EU countries as well as in all GPA countries. This is an opportunity that is in our national economic interests as an exporting economy to pursue. Details on how to access opportunities in international public sector markets can be found on my Department's website and the Deputy can be assured that my Department, including at embassies abroad, will be happy to assist Irish companies in pursuing procurement opportunities.
In the case of smaller print jobs (for reports, stationery etc) my Departments makes use of drawdown contracts that have been put in place by the Government Procurement Service of the Office of Public Works, and I understand that Irish companies have been awarded all such work.
My Department's missions abroad have occasional small print requirements and it is more economically advantageous to source such requirements locally.
406 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will provide funding for the local authority swimming pool programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29298/10]
No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme. The question of funding a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme will be a matter for discussion as part of the Estimates process between the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Department of Finance later this year.
407 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the contributions made towards promoting and supporting a festival (details supplied); her plans to provide funding towards next year’s festival; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29438/10]
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. State support for the arts is mainly channelled through the Arts Council, which, although funded by my department, is completely autonomous in its funding decisions. I have forwarded the Deputy's enquiry to the Arts Council for consideration and direct reply.
408 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of applications from the Munster region that were received for sports capital funding from national lottery funds for the year 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of these applications that have so far been successful; if she will provide a breakdown of the amount allocated to each successful application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29701/10]
411 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the amount of funding available under sports capital funding in 2010; the amount not spent to date; and the amount available in 2011. [30100/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 411 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is part funded by the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
The 2008 Sports Capital Programme was last advertised on 13 and 14 January 2008. Allocations were made at the end of July that year. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme.
An amount of €48m has been provided in the Department's Estimates for 2010 to meet payments in respect of previously allocated grants under the Programme. At the end of June just over €20,000,000 remained for distribution to grantees allocated funding under previous rounds of the Programme. The amount of funding available for next year will be decided in the context of the 2011 estimates process.
409 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29983/10]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, funding is allocated to projects that are directly related to the provision of sports facilities and are of a capital nature. This means that the project must involve:
improving or building an asset;
or buying non-personal sports equipment that will be used for at least five years.
The programme does not provide grants towards buying sites, premises or personal equipment. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme.
The Department also operates, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners, a scheme for Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies. This scheme can be used, inter alia, to raise funds for the purchase of land or buildings. More information on this scheme can be found on the Department's website www.tcs.gov.ie or the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
410 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the steps she has taken to ensure that Ireland is well placed to serve as a host nation for sports teams ahead of the 2012 London Olympics; if investment in the national sports campus is being considered in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29989/10]
A high-level coordinating group, chaired by my Department, is looking at the opportunities that may arise for Ireland, across the sports, tourism and cultural sectors, from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The group comprises representatives from Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland, Paralympic Council of Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
One of the issues that the group is looking at is Ireland's potential to attract international teams and athletes for training camps in the lead up to London 2012. My Department has funded the development of a number of top quality facilities around the country designed to meeting the training needs of elite competitors in a variety of sports. Among the projects which have been supported are the National Aquatic Centre, the National Rowing Centre at Inniscarra, sports facilities at the University of Limerick and University College Dublin (UCD) and Morton Stadium.
A number of these sports facilities have produced brochures to market their facilities as pre-London training camps. The National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA) is actively promoting the National Aquatic Centre as a training venue for Olympic and Paralympic teams in the lead up to the London Games. I also attended the launch of UCD as a London 2012 pre-training camp venue in April.
My Department is producing a CD which will contain the details of a number of Irish elite sports facilities which are suitable as pre-London training camps. This CD will be promoted through the network of National Olympic/Paralympic Committees and the Irish Embassies abroad in the coming months. The high-level coordination group will continue to meet on an ongoing basis over the next two years to maximise opportunities from the London 2012 Games.
412 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30789/10]
According to my Department's records, no printing jobs have been or are being sent abroad.
413 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will re-introduce the summer jobs scheme which was introduced in 1993 to address the high levels of unemployment among young persons who could not find summer work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29460/10]
This scheme was discontinued in 2003 and I have no plans at present to reintroduce it.
414 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of funding the work of the task force on active citizenship in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29477/10]
415 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings the steering group for the task force on active citizenship has held each year in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29478/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 415 together.
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for progressing the active citizenship agenda was transferred from the Department of the Taoiseach to my Department in May 2010. My Department will be supported in its role by the Steering Group on Active Citizenship, chaired by Ms Mary Davis, which is working to develop community engagement and encourage greater levels of civic-minded activities by citizens who are committed to making a positive difference within their communities.
Overall, I welcome the integration of this work into my Department, which will complement our ongoing efforts to encourage voluntary activity and community development. I met with Ms Davis recently to discuss how we can quickly progress the agenda, and I am looking forward to a productive engagement with the Steering Group into the future.
With regard to the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I understand from the Department of the Taoiseach that the cost of funding the work of the Task Force on Active Citizenship for the past five years was as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2006 |
274,839 |
|
2007 |
111,835 |
|
2008 |
5,365 |
|
2009 |
17,003 |
|
2010 |
Nil to date |
The Steering Group has met five times since its appointment in October 2008 — once in 2008 and four times in 2009.
416 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the quotas in place across the public sector to ensure the employment of persons with a disability; the number of persons with a disability employed locally in Cork city and county, at vocational education committee level in Cork city and county and all other State agencies in Cork city and county. [29984/10]
Under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, public bodies are obliged to employ 3% of staff with disabilities, unless there are good reasons to the contrary. This provision has been in force since 31 December 2005.
The "2008 Report on Compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 on Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service" contains the most recent official figures for the number of people with declared disabilities employed in State agencies that adhere to the definition of a public body set out in section 46 of the Act. The figures are neither collected nor broken down on a regional or county basis.
Vocational Education Committees (VECs) do not adhere to the definition of a public body as set out and so do not come under the remit of Part 5 of the Act. However, some VECs voluntarily submitted the relevant information, which is contained in Appendix C of the Report for 2008.
The report is available from the National Disability Authority website at www.nda.ie.
417 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will endorse the alternative model of engagement put together by the NCDF and submitted to his Department on 11 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29364/10]
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).
All community development projects (CDPs) and local development companies (LDCs) that are currently in receipt of funding through the LCDP have signed up:
to implement the new programme in the context of my Department's integration strategy; and
to meet specified deadline dates (submission of workplan by 26 March 2010 and of integration plan by 30 June 2010).
The position is that, unless a project has received provisional approval from my Department for an alternative LCDP integration model, groups were still required to submit their plans for full integration by 30 June.
My Department has set out a national model involving full integration of CDPs with LDCs, but has made it clear that other options can be considered and that it is not a question of ‘one size fits all'. Alternative models will, however, be required to meet a range of criteria, including a reduction in the number of structures, promoting the potential for integrated delivery of services to the public, supporting efficiencies and reducing the burden of company law compliance for CDPs. The only option not acceptable is one that seeks to preserve the status quo: some models proposed by CDPs and other parties in the period since the launch of the LCDP have had to be rejected on that basis.
In recent weeks, I have been able to respond positively to possible alternative models put forward by the Paul Partnership and Limerick City CDPs, and by HSE South and a number of CDPs in the Cork/Kerry area. While agreement has not yet been fully finalised in these cases, I am confident that a real possibility for agreement exists.
Additional proposals from other CDPs and LDCs, including Northside Partnership, the National Community Development Forum and others, have also been under consideration. However, a model that does not entail significant change is unlikely to meet the specified criteria.
The model proposed by the Forum, while having the potential for integrated service delivery, does not meet the objective of reduced structures, and, in fact, would constitute maintenance of the status quo with regard to those structures. In addition, it does not appear to have the potential to reduce the administrative and legal burdens currently required of CDP board members. However, I can assure the Forum that my Department will continue to respond positively to all constructive proposals that it receives, based on the specified criteria, and that my officials will continue to be available to meet with the boards of projects.
It is important to note that, despite what is stated by some commentators, full 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 a CDP can continue to be delivered under the proposed new LCDP structure 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.
A number of CDPs have raised concerns about the treatment of assets (particularly buildings) in a full integration situation, where all assets and net liabilities would usually transfer by agreement. However, I want to emphasise that other arrangements are possible — for example, the ownership of buildings need not transfer to an LDC. This was also made clear in the context of the information event for CDPs and LDCs, held by Pobal on my Department's behalf, on 10 June last.
May I take this opportunity to reassure all concerned that my focus remains firmly on ensuring that scarce resources are targeted at the most vulnerable communities through optimising our efforts and resources at the front-line.
418 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the State agencies under the aegis of his Department to which the 2009 code of practice for the governance of State bodies applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29476/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies was updated and published by the Department of Finance in May 2009. I can confirm that a copy of the Code has been provided to each of the bodies/agencies that are funded from my Department's Vote Group.
The bodies/agencies to which the Code applies specifically are as follows:
Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests
Dormant Accounts Board
Western Development Commission
Údarás na Gaeltachta
An Coimisinéir Teanga
Equality Authority
Equality Tribunal
Irish Human Rights Commission
National Disability Authority
Family Support Agency
With regard to the North/South Implementation Bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group — An Foras Teanga and Waterways Ireland — the position is that these bodies follow best practice in both jurisdictions in matters of corporate governance and in the development of their own internal codes of practice. This includes compliance, as appropriate, with the Code of Practice and equivalent guidelines in Northern Ireland.
419 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs when his review of the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector will be concluded; if he has been in contact with all groups that receive funding under the scheme to hear their views and concerns on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29767/10]
Funding contracts under the Scheme referred to by the Deputy are due to expire on 31 December 2010.
Officials in my Department are currently carrying out a review of the Scheme and all organisations involved in the Scheme are being consulted as part of that process. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me at the appropriate time.
420 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the allocation to each organisation under the local development social inclusion funding programme; the amount drawn down to date in respect of each group; the funding committed by each group and the balance yet to be committed or drawn down in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29807/10]
Details provided to my Department by Pobal regarding the 2010 allocations to groups under the Local and Community Development Programme (i.e., the successor programme since 1 January 2010 to both the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme) are set out in the table below:
|
Group |
Allocation |
Cumulative paid to date (June 2010) |
Balance for drawdown* |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Rathmines Information & Community Services |
376,428 |
182,306 |
182,306 |
|
Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership |
307,505 |
76,876 |
227,116 |
|
South & East Cork Area Development Ltd |
425,767 |
212,884 |
212,884 |
|
IRD Duhallow |
476,499 |
238,250 |
238,250 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd |
559,735 |
279,862 |
279,862 |
|
North & East Kerry Leader Partnership |
1,371,966 |
685,983 |
685,983 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company |
274,250 |
130,917 |
137,125 |
|
Comhar na nOileán Teo |
62,200 |
25,338 |
32,207 |
|
Breffni Integrated Ltd. |
715,655 |
356,490 |
356,490 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
611,169 |
305,071 |
305,071 |
|
Ballyfermot Partnership |
845,026 |
421,727 |
421,728 |
|
Ballymun Partnership |
887,111 |
443,519 |
443,519 |
|
Blanchardstown Area Partnership |
836,662 |
418,331 |
416,767 |
|
Canal Communities Partnership |
787,393 |
393,630 |
384,687 |
|
Bray Partnership |
883,668 |
441,834 |
441,734 |
|
Clondalkin Partnership |
1,120,797 |
560,172 |
560,171 |
|
Comhar Chathair Chorcaí Teo |
1,137,455 |
568,669 |
568,669 |
|
Donegal Local Development Co. |
995,894 |
497,797 |
497,797 |
|
Dublin Inner City Partnership |
615,867 |
253,885 |
350,023 |
|
Tolka Area Partnership |
1,041,376 |
519,485 |
499,788 |
|
Galway City Partnership |
798,250 |
399,126 |
399,124 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company |
1,002,911 |
500,982 |
501,455 |
|
Longford Community Resources Ltd |
707,801 |
350,210 |
353,900 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta |
1,873,974 |
936,987 |
936,987 |
|
Northside Partnership |
1,112,831 |
547,427 |
545,582 |
|
PAUL (Limerick) Partnership |
1,285,163 |
637,334 |
637,334 |
|
County Sligo Leader Partnership |
692,091 |
344,574 |
344,574 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership |
753,213 |
376,599 |
376,599 |
|
Southside Partnership |
1,008,148 |
501,246 |
501,246 |
|
Dodder Valley Partnership Ltd |
1,232,833 |
599,841 |
631,016 |
|
Waterford Area Partnership |
835,976 |
412,285 |
411,484 |
|
Waterford Leader Partnership |
377,531 |
78,133 |
231,530 |
|
Westmeath Community Development Lim |
933,519 |
233,380 |
700,139 |
|
West Limerick Resources Ltd |
698,277 |
340,591 |
340,591 |
|
Forum |
300,000 |
137,983 |
142,275 |
|
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership Ltd |
440,173 |
213,350 |
213,350 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
731,153 |
365,400 |
365,400 |
|
Louth Leader Partnership |
1,570,614 |
785,299 |
785,299 |
|
Monaghan Integrated Development |
761,344 |
372,367 |
372,366 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
357,070 |
178,534 |
178,534 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
1,795,949 |
887,275 |
887,275 |
|
Clare Local Development |
789,483 |
363,134 |
363,134 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
729,222 |
355,274 |
355,274 |
|
South Tipperary Development Company |
446,696 |
223,313 |
223,313 |
|
County Wicklow Community Partnership |
549,670 |
259,129 |
259,130 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership Company |
387,377 |
288,746 |
96,248 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership |
554,974 |
277,487 |
277,487 |
|
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teoranta |
985,451 |
490,931 |
488,744 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development Company |
581,342 |
269,359 |
269,469 |
|
Mayo North East Leader Partnership |
496,326 |
248,163 |
248,163 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited |
730,389 |
365,191 |
365,097 |
|
North Tipperary Leadership Partnership |
520,282 |
251,540 |
251,540 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
851,577 |
425,703 |
425,789 |
|
Meath Community Rural and Social Development Part. |
334,030 |
167,014 |
167,014 |
|
North West Inner City Network Limited |
102,050 |
21,335 |
80,715 |
|
Inner City Organisation Network (ICON) Ltd |
94,587 |
31,529 |
63,058 |
|
Daughters of Charity Community Services Ltd — Tara |
33,838 |
11,279 |
22,559 |
|
New Communities Partnership |
35,249 |
11,750 |
23,499 |
|
South West Inner City Network Limited |
85,011 |
28,337 |
56,674 |
|
Community Technical Aid Limited |
108,255 |
36,085 |
72,170 |
|
Dublin Employment Pact |
170,486 |
127,864 |
42,622 |
|
Westmeath Employment Pact |
90,336 |
42,654 |
45,168 |
|
Total |
42,277,875 |
20,507,757 |
21,295,098 |
*Taking account of any balances on hands.
421 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the allocation to each organisation under the rural development programme; the amount drawn down to date in respect of each group; the funding committed by each group and the balance yet to be committed or drawn down in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29808/10]
My Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP), for which overall funding of the order of €425m is available. There are 36 Local Action Groups contracted on my Department's behalf to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these Groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding.
The table below details: the indicative allocation to each Group under the Programme to date; the amount drawn down by each Group to date; the funding committed by each Group to be drawn down; and the balance yet to be committed.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is imperative, particularly in the current economic climate, that the RDP maximises the funding available for the Programme on the ground, in order to ensure the improvement of the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification of the rural economy. With this in mind, I recently announced that the Groups are free to enter into commitments up to the value of €40m for 2011. In announcing this initial allocation for next year, I urged the Groups to focus their energies on supporting projects that will bring jobs and real and sustainable growth to communities across rural Ireland. Overall, I am confident that the availability of this initial €40m allocation for next year will allow the Groups to do this.
|
Local Action Group |
Overall Programme Allocation 2007-2013 |
Total spend to date |
Funding committed |
Balance to commit |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
9,057,810 |
961,627.87 |
797,217.02 |
7,298,965.11 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
11,673,519 |
1,278,904.58 |
729,859.41 |
9,664,755.01 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
8,878,177 |
554,913.07 |
1,249,676.20 |
7,073,587.73 |
|
Cavan Part & County Monaghan Area Part |
12,035,118 |
462,741.84 |
542,871.06 |
11,029,505.10 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
14,028,529 |
1,063,707.28 |
874,219.00 |
12,090,602.72 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
4,642,415 |
376,302.23 |
421,679.23 |
3,844,433.54 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
12,831,901 |
925,420.87 |
314,263.37 |
11,592,216.76 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
7,766,780 |
400,547.73 |
172,087.52 |
7,194,144.75 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
9,668,965 |
334,339.14 |
462,052.03 |
8,872,573.83 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
15,257,985 |
1,000,342.22 |
941,486.09 |
13,316,156.69 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
8,286,143 |
619,081.42 |
566,525.37 |
7,100,536.21 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
10,315,943 |
958,076.37 |
1,304,944.00 |
8,052,922.63 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
12,282,448 |
481,031.64 |
175,561.94 |
11,625,854.42 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
11,523,729 |
830,127.88 |
1,205,971.95 |
9,487,629.17 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development |
10,993,608 |
491,886.56 |
648,838.50 |
9,852,882.94 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
10,845,497 |
807,668.04 |
599,797.81 |
9,438,031.15 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
8,714,110 |
742,395.54 |
541,485.89 |
7,430,228.57 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
8,839,815 |
620,659.06 |
1,005,090.76 |
7,214,065.18 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership |
10,751,894 |
1,037,252.11 |
978,281.22 |
8,736,360.67 |
|
Meath Partnership |
12,748,771 |
1,076,271.32 |
885,339.94 |
10,787,159.74 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta |
17,278,809 |
1,039,589.06 |
1,409,642.70 |
14,829,577.24 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
10,558,882 |
635,054.10 |
955,019.06 |
8,968,808.84 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
9,708,008 |
514,979.29 |
553,324.82 |
8,639,703.89 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
11,520,489 |
870,177.10 |
600,490.20 |
10,049,821.70 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
12,838,021 |
888,848.65 |
1,344,205.28 |
10,604,967.07 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
10,888,673 |
857,779.19 |
1,258,724.77 |
8,772,169.04 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
10,641,494 |
668,415.74 |
1,519,008.82 |
8,454,069.44 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
12,370,667 |
862,785.35 |
764,298.80 |
10,743,582.85 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited |
11,106,187 |
737,632.12 |
1,193,908.04 |
9,174,646.84 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
12,150,007 |
934,345.45 |
1,584,592.49 |
9,631,069.06 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
10,558,519 |
819,324.65 |
376,337.91 |
9,362,856.44 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
14,601,149 |
594,974.62 |
1,266,298.98 |
12,739,875.40 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
9,997,751 |
411,702.58 |
616,074.05 |
8,969,974.37 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
10,987,060 |
454,488.11 |
499,830.83 |
10,032,741.06 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
12,515,565 |
1,085,331.36 |
1,707,931.82 |
9,722,301.82 |
|
County Wicklow Partnership |
11,135,560 |
685,962.86 |
530,614.00 |
9,918,983.14 |
|
Totals |
399,999,998 |
27,084,687.00 |
30,597,550.88 |
342,317,760.12 |
422 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the contents of Labour Court Recommendation No. CD/09/806 dated 26 March 2010, which recommended that employees made redundant by Wexford Area Partnership in July 2009 should receive the same redundancy terms as those which applied to redundant employees of Pobal, that is three weeks pay per year of service in addition to statutory redundancy; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Wexford Area Partnership is unable to meet the terms of this recommendation without a specific financial allocation from his Department; the steps he will take to ensure that this Labour Court recommendation can be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29841/10]
I am aware of the Labour Court recommendation in this case. However, the position is that my Department was not, and never has been, the employer of the staff in question. Such staff are employed by independent companies, limited by guarantee, and have employment contracts with those companies. Therefore, any employment matters are solely for the boards of those companies.
I would also draw the attention of the Deputy to section 2(3) of the Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007, which provides that:
The Minister shall not be, or be deemed to be, an employer, within the meaning of the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001, by virtue of the provision of funding to a person or persons under any scheme.
Against this background, the Deputy will appreciate that the matter referred to by him is not a matter for my Department.
423 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30791/10]
In relation to the matter referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy, there has been no such occurrence in 2010 in the case of my Department.
Question No. 424 withdrawn.
425 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will grant rent supplement to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29786/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned but that no decision has been made on the application to date. The Executive has further advised that they have requested further information from the person concerned in order to process his application for rent supplement. A decision will be made on his application when the information requested by the Executive has been provided.
426 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he is taking to open a premises in Balbriggan, County Dublin, for the unemployed (details supplied); if he will consider having a one stop shop facility incorporating the community welfare officer and training services for the unemployed in any new building he sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29888/10]
A new temporary social welfare local office will open at 18 Mill St, Balbriggan shortly and will provide a range of services to the public. The office will provide a claim taking service, information service and will also be used for appointments with local office staff, inspectors and job facilitators.
Following the opening of this temporary office, customers will no longer have to travel to Coolock to make a claim for jobseeker's benefit or allowance.
Signing is currently suspended for customers living in Balbriggan and the Department is seeking additional temporary premises to enable this to be resumed locally.
The Department has asked the Office of Public Works to seek permanent premises in Balbriggan which would allow for the provision of a full social welfare local office service, and would also provide accommodation for the community welfare service and for the employment service of FÁS.
427 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a payment of supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30020/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was awarded a rent supplement as an exceptional measure for an 8 week period as his rent was in excess of the maximum rent limit for his family size. During this 8 week period the person concerned was advised to seek alternative accommodation within the maximum rent limits appropriate for a single person or the payment of rent supplement would cease. The Executive further advised that as the person in question had not secured accommodation within the maximum rent limits, payment of rent supplement ceased.
This decision was appealed to the Community Welfare Officer to the HSE Appeals Office. The HSE Appeals Office upheld this decision. The person concerned has further appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will contact the person directly when a decision has been made on his appeal.
429 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff working in the Blanchardstown social welfare office at present and at end 2009; the waiting time for the processing of claims for jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance respectively; the steps taken in the past six months to bring down waiting times; the extent to which staff have been deployed to or from this office over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29234/10]
The current staffing level of the social welfare local office in Blanchardstown is 41.1 posts and was 40.6 posts at the end of 2009. During the past two years 7 additional staff were assigned to the office and a further 7 staff were assigned to fill vacancies that occurred in the office.
The current processing times for claims in the office are 1.17 weeks for jobseeker's benefit and 8.44 weeks for jobseeker's allowance. Last December the comparable figures were 1.31 and 9.19 weeks respectively. The percentage of claims pending award has also fallen from 19% of the claimload at the end of December 2009 to 14% at the end of June 2010.
A range of measures have been used to reduce the backlog of claims awaiting decision, including re-vamping the appointments system to get more appointments done and to get more claims decided at the appointment stage, the use of overtime including weekends and use of the regional support unit to assist in deciding claims.
Overall the measures taken to reduce the waiting time are proving worthwhile, but during the period December 2009 to June 2010, industrial action taken by staff reduced the effectiveness of the measures. Now that this action has ceased, it is expected that further improvements will be seen in the processing times. The workflows in this office and customer service generally are being monitored closely by local management.
430 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of clients served by the Blanchardstown Money Advice and Budgeting Service office to date in 2010 and for each of the past five years; the number of staff currently working in the office and the number of staff working there at the end of each of the past five years; the waiting time for new clients for an initial appointment at the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29235/10]
The number of people in Blanchardstown who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) for the past five years is outlined in the table below. Please note that these statistics were not routinely gathered prior to 2006 and figures for 2005 could not be collated in the time available.
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
End May 2010 |
|
|
Active Clients at 31st December |
550.0 |
749.0 |
985.0 |
943 |
690 |
|
New Clients at 31st December |
486.0 |
394.0 |
422.0 |
372 |
218 |
|
Total Staff (Full Time Equivalent) |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
5 |
5 |
The waiting time for appointment is up to 6.5 weeks however all urgent cases are seen within 48 hours.
Support provided for new clients while awaiting appointment includes referral to MABS Helpline, provision of information pack and telephone contact with a Money Advisor.
An additional part-time money advisor was appointed to Blanchardstown MABS in 2009 and I am satisfied that the additional resource will assist Blanchardstown MABS to meet the demand for their services.
431 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection the workings of the liability to maintain a family scheme and to whom it applies; the money recovered under this scheme in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29246/10]
Part 12 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, sets out the legislative basis for the implementation of the Liability to Maintain Family Provisions. The methods of assessment of the liable relative's ability to pay are specified in detail in Regulations (S.I. 571 of 2006 and S.I. 142 of 2007). In every case where a one parent family payment is awarded, the maintenance recovery unit of the Department seeks to trace the other parent, referred to as the liable relative, in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of one parent family payment.
The financial and new dependency situation of each liable relative is assessed in detail. The assessment is based on the net weekly income (i.e. income from all sources less income tax and PRSI) with deductions for a personal allowance in respect of personal needs, a child dependant allowance in respect of each child living with the liable relative, and an allowance may also be granted in respect of the liable relative's accommodation costs. Any maintenance currently being paid to the one parent family recipient is also taken into account.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are notified by the Department and they are issued with a determination order setting out the amount of contribution assessed. The amount assessed can be reviewed where new information comes to light about the financial or household circumstances of the liable relative. Decisions on the amounts assessed can be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
A liable relative is given the option to commence making payments to the recipient of the one parent family payment (OFP) or directly to the Department. When payments are made directly to the recipient there may be a reduction in the rate of OFP payment by the Department. However the lone parent would still be better off as a result of the MRU activity. The financial impact of the maintenance recovery unit's activity for the past five years is as follows:
|
Year |
Value of Direct Cash Receipts |
Value of OFP Claims Reduced |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2005 |
1,944,863 |
561,818 |
|
2006 |
1,958,334 |
799,708 |
|
2007 |
1,476,287 |
983,931 |
|
2008 |
1,194,596 |
966,025 |
|
2009 |
876,694 |
545,492 |
In addition to the above the Department benefits from substantial savings where OFP claims are terminated as a result of the activity of the maintenance recovery unit activity.
432 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision of the High Court last year regarding the Enforcement of Court Orders Act has had an impact upon the operation of the liability to maintain a family scheme; if the Enforcement of Court Orders Amendment Act 2009 addressed these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29247/10]
Part 12 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, sets out the legislative basis for the implementation of the Liability to Maintain Family Provisions. The methods of assessment of the liable relative's ability to pay are specified in detail in Regulations (S.I. 571 of 2006 and S.I. 142 of 2007).
Neither the High Court case nor the Enforcement of Court Orders Act, referred to by the Deputy, have had an impact upon the operation of the liability to maintain a family scheme within the Department.
433 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will refer to casual welfare a claim in respect of a person (details supplied), who has been refused welfare payments as a result of their ‘payment slips’ allegedly going missing in the Department’s office; the reason these moneys have not been paid to date despite the fact that the person further submitted a second set of details relating to days worked and if money due will be awarded without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29256/10]
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned registered for jobseeker's benefit on 23 February 2010. He was requested to bring in documents within 7 days of this date. The local office has no record of any documents being submitted by the person concerned and on 19 March 2010 his claim was closed.
The office has been in touch with the person concerned and he is to bring in the missing documents to enable his claim to be progressed.
434 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder currently in receipt of domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29266/10]
Since the 1st April 2009 this Department has been administering the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) for new applicants and from September 2009 for existing claimants. This follows the transfer of the scheme from the Health Service Executive on foot of a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme.
In the period 1st April 2009 to 30th June 2010 a total of 154 claims have been awarded where the child has a medical condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, there are a further 1016 claims with ADHD recorded as the medical condition of the child that were awarded by the HSE prior to April 2009 and that remain in payment at present.
435 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection If any children diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis are currently in receipt of domiciliary care allowance; and the number of same. [29267/10]
Since the 1st April 2009 this Department has been administering the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) for new applicants and from September 2009 for existing claimants. This follows the transfer of the scheme from the Health Service Executive on foot of a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme.
In the period 1st April 2009 to 30th June 2010 a total of 11 claims have been awarded were the child has a medical condition of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In addition, there are a further 40 claims with juvenile idiopathic arthritis recorded as the medical condition of the child that were awarded by the HSE prior to April 2009 and that remain in payment at present.
436 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29302/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement then she should contact the Community Welfare Officer at her local health centre.
437 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the relevant papers in the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be referred to the appeals officer; the estimated time within which such a response is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29312/10]
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received on the 26th February 2010 from the person in question. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA.
A letter issued to the person in question on the 23rd April 2010 where she was advised of the decision to refuse DCA. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
In this case the applicant submitted additional medical information in respect of her claim. The Department forwarded this to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and they have registered an appeal. As part of the appeal process, the application will be reviewed by a Medical Assessor who will take the new medical information into consideration. If the result of the medical review is that the child is not considered eligible for DCA, the file will be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for decision.
438 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [29345/10]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 19 February 2010. The investigation of the person's means has been completed and the file is with a deciding officer for immediate decision.
439 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded jobseeker’s allowance. [29376/10]
The person concerned was awarded jobseeker's allowance from 8 June 2010 at the maximum weekly rate of €196. A payment of €620.70 covering the period from 8 June 2010 to 29 June 2010 was issued to him on 2 July 2010.
440 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the situation whereby persons in receipt of the carer’s allowance who are providing care to a child are eligible for the free travel pass, however, the child is not; if he has evaluated the cost of extending this entitlement to such children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29384/10]
Carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain older people or people with a disability with full time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit. Persons who are in receipt of carer's allowance also receive the annual respite care grant, the household benefits package and the free travel pass. In the majority of cases, persons who are being cared for will be in receipt of a payment in their own right (for example a State pension or disability allowance) and will be entitled to have a free travel pass. This includes anyone aged over 16 who qualifies for disability allowance.
For a child requiring full-time care who is under age 16, a domiciliary care allowance of €309.50 per month may be paid to the parent or guardian. This payment is not means tested and is to provide for the additional costs involved in providing care and supervision that is substantially more than that normally needed by a child of the same age. This may include additional travel costs.
A child who is attending school may be eligible for assistance under the Department of Education and Skills school transport scheme.
I have no plans at present to review the qualifying criteria for the free travel scheme or to provide free travel passes for children other than those who are in receipt of a qualifying payment from the Department.
441 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the rate of payment a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive if they were to claim jobseeker’s allowance in their own right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29403/10]
It is open to the person concerned to make an application for jobseeker's allowance at his Social Welfare Local Office. Until such time as an application is received and processed, no determination can be made with regard to her entitlement.
442 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will establish an independent appeal mechanism to which young persons who have had their social welfare cut on the basis that they do not accept a reasonable offer of education or training can lodge an appeal against a decision by FÁS or officers of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29461/10]
Appeals from young persons who have had their social welfare cut for any reason by a Deciding Officer of the Department, including on the basis that they do not accept a reasonable offer of education or training, may appeal such a decision to the Social Welfare Office which provides an independent appeals service for persons who are dissatisfied with such decisions.
Appeals Officers, including the Chief Appeals Officer and the Deputy Chief Appeals Officer, are statutorily appointed by the Minister for Social Protection and are required to exercise their functions in an independent and quasi-judicial manner.
The legislation provides that, in general, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and can only be overturned in the light of new facts or evidence or by the High Court if a mistake has been made in relation to the law or the facts.
443 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to a recent report in the mid-west which found that the cuts in social welfare to young people aged 18 to 24 years were contributing significantly to youth homelessness; if he will carry out a independent review of the policy to cut social welfare to young jobseekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29462/10]
I am aware of the draft Mid-West Homeless Framework Plan, produced by the Mid-West Homeless Forum.
Receiving the full adult rate of a jobseekers payment without a strong financial incentive to engage in education or training can lead to welfare dependency. While many young people with low levels of education and training were able to get work in construction and other areas when the economy was doing well, they are likely to find it much harder to get work of the next few years. The measures referred to will encourage young jobseekers to improve their skills in order to avoid the risk of becoming long-term unemployed and will help them to progress into sustainable employment on a long-term basis.
In light of increased demand for training and education, the Government is now providing, through FÁS, a total of 128,000 training and activation places for the unemployed this year. This is a substantial increase on the approximate 66,000 places provided last year. There is a wide range of education and training opportunities available through my Department, the Department of Education and Skills and FÁS to jobseekers to support them in strengthening their qualifications and skills base and thereby maximising their chances of meeting the requirements of the modern labour market and gaining employment.
The measures referred to represent one element of ongoing reforms and enhancement of the national employment action plan and will work in tandem with changes in ministerial responsibility and other developments such as customer profiling and restructuring of agencies to deliver a better outcome for users of services and for the taxpayer
It may also be noted that the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides for a weekly supplement to meet specific needs such as rent and/or mortgage interest supplement, diet supplement, heating supplement, or a once-off payment to help with the cost of any exceptional needs a person may have which they could not reasonably be expected to meet from their own resources, such as support to those requiring assistance with a rent deposit. One of the most important supports provided to homeless people through the social welfare system is assistance with rent deposits to enable them to secure private rented accommodation.
444 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the savings made by his Department as a result of the payment of reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit to young persons under 25 years of age since 1 May 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29464/10]
The estimated savings, based on the number of recipients at the end of May 2010, arising from the introduction of age related rates of jobseeker's allowance in May 2009 and January 2010, is €20.6m. No age related reductions was applied to the jobseeker's benefit scheme either in 2009 and 2010.
There are further savings which cannot be readily quantified arising from the fact that some persons who have means may not have qualified for any payment under the new arrangements.
445 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of raising the qualified child increase by €5 a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29465/10]
The estimated cost of raising the rate of qualified child increase by €5 per week is €100 million per annum.
446 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection if the social welfare options for persons (details supplied) on disability payments who reach 65 years of age and must wait until they reach 66 before old-age pension can be claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29530/10]
Where a person in receipt of a disability-related payment, such as Invalidity Pension, Illness Benefit or Disability Allowance, continues to satisfy the qualifying conditions for that scheme, the pension or allowance will continue to be paid up to age 66, at which point the person can apply for a State Pension (Contributory) or State Pension (Non-Contributory) as appropriate.
447 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for a domiciliary allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29569/10]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 1st December 2009 from the person in question. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that her child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued to the person in question on the 25th January 2010 where she was advised of the decision to refuse DCA. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days. In this case no additional medical information has been submitted or no appeal has been registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
448 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in an appeal for mortgage interest relief in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29605/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that mortgage interest supplement was refused as the means of the person concerned were in excess of the mortgage interest payable. The person concerned appealed the decision of the Executive to the HSE Appeals Office. The Executive has further advised that no decision has been made on the appeal. The HSE Appeals Office will contact the person concerned directly when a decision has been made on her appeal.
449 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions No 215 of 24 June 2010 and No 407 of 15 June 2010, the reason a reply has not been issued to date; and if he will now expedite a reply to the questions. [29727/10]
In order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where claim to rent supplement is made (and the person intends to reside). Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned applied for rent supplement on 29 May 2010. The person concerned was advised that in order to process his application for rent supplement he would need to provide proof of being in rented accommodation for 6 of the previous 12 months or be assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support. The Executive further advised that the person concerned has not provided the information to date.
450 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to introduce homemaker’s credits for qualification for a State contributory pension as outlined in the national pensions framework; when such a scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29728/10]
451 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the introduction of homemaker’s credits for qualification for a State contributory pension will operate within the current pension framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29729/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 451 together.
The National Pensions Framework which was launched in March 2010 will introduce a system of homemaker's credits to replace the current system of disregards from 2012 and allow backdating to 1994 for the purpose of the averaging system that will continue until 2020. This means that people reaching pension age after the credits are introduced will have credits rather than disregards applied to their records to cover periods of care since 1994 (up to a maximum of 20 years).
Upon introduction of the total contributions approach in 2020, the maximum number of credits applicable for pension purposes will be 520 (i.e. 10 years). It is intended that a standard approach will apply to the various categories of people who receive credited contributions, including jobseekers and people with disabilities.
An implementation group chaired by my Department has been established to develop the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the necessary changes into operation.
452 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare appeals awaiting a response; the average length of time taken to process such appeals; the longest period for which a person is currently awaiting resolution of their appeal; if he will ensure that those people awaiting a response will be informed of the possible length of time before their case is determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29740/10]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office there are currently 21,622 appeals being processed. The receipt of each appeal is acknowledged and appellants are kept informed of the progress of their appeals. However, given the volume of appeals, it is not possible to estimate the length of time before a case is determined.
During 2009, the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 24 weeks. However, if allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time falls to 15.8 weeks. This represents an increase of 2 weeks in the time taken to process appeals when compared to 2008.
The longest period for which a person is currently awaiting resolution of an appeal is seven years, but this case has been delayed pending the outcome of related matters currently before the High Court. The majority of cases on hands were received since mid-2009 and during 2010.
There has been a significant growth in the number of appeals over the past couple of years with an expected intake of some 35,000 in 2010 compared with around 15,000 per annum up to and including 2007 and, while this growth is clearly impacting on processing times, it must also be remembered that such processing times cover all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examination by the Department's Medical Assessors in certain illness related cases, further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors where required and circumstances may also arise where further information is sought from the appellant. Delays can also occur where the appellant submits new information or evidence, often at an advanced stage in the proceedings. In some cases adjournments may be sought by the appellants or their representatives.
A number of initiatives are currently underway designed to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard:
2 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009,
A number of additional staff are being assigned to the administration area of the Office,
The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity,
A project to improve the business processes in the office is underway and a number of improvements have already been implemented, and
Significant enhancements are being made to the office's IT and phone systems.
Notwithstanding these measures, it is clear that additional staff are required in the short term to address the backlog that has developed. It has been decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis. To facilitate this initiative, the Social Welfare Bill, has commenced second stage in Seanad Eireann, includes an amendment to allow these retired officers to decide appeal cases. The Chief Appeals Officer is monitoring the situation closely.
453 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded farm assist. [29743/10]
The farm assist application from the person concerned is currently with a Deciding Officer. A decision will be made as soon as possible and he will be notified of the outcome.
454 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29758/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 58.5% in the number of appeals received to the end of June 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.
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.
455 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will support a matter (details supplied). [29788/10]
I fully appreciate that the changes made in the welfare area are not easy for people but I believe that if the Government had not taken the steps now to reduce overall public expenditure and restore stability to the public finances, we would have run the risk of making the economic and social situation far worse for everyone, particularly welfare recipients, in the medium term. Despite the social welfare changes made in the last Budget, the expenditure of my Department will still increase in 2010. Nearly €21 billion will be spent on social welfare this year or €500 million more than in 2009.
The October 2008 budget provided for increases of between 3% and 3.8% in the basic payment rates at a time when inflation for 2009 was expected to be 2.5%. Prices declined by an average of 4.5% in 2009. This trend continued in January when prices declined by 1.1%. While there have been some increases in inflation in recent months, consumer prices are back at March 2007 levels. However, the lowest weekly rate of payment for those aged between 25 and 66 is currently over €10 higher than in 2007.
I note that the Poor Can't Pay coalition, in a recent statement, is concerned about the impact of any further welfare changes. Social welfare changes for 2011 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.
456 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29796/10]
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on the 21st June 2010. This application together with medical reports has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the person concerned. Currently it takes approximately eight weeks to process an application.
457 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time a person (details supplied) in County Dublin must wait to have their application for jobseeker’s assistance processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29839/10]
The person concerned applied for jobseekers allowance on 22 September 2009. As he failed to supply documentation requested by the Social Welfare Inspector in support of his claim, his entitlement could not be established. His claim was subsequently closed. He made a further claim for jobseeker's allowance on 2 March 2010. His claim was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that he failed to disclose full particulars of his means. He was notified of this decision on 6 May 2010.
The person concerned appealed this decision. The appeal was forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11 June 2010. The Appeals Office will be touch with him directly in relation to his appeal.
458 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was disallowed a claim for the contributory pension when a decision could have been deferred until the outstanding issues were resolved. [29842/10]
Section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for receipt of State pension (contributory) unless all outstanding PRSI contributions have been paid. The person concerned has been advised to contact his local Tax Office in relation to his outstanding PRSI liability, and that when this has been finalised he should contact this Department. His pension entitlement will then be reviewed.
459 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons refused benefit under the Habitual Residence Condition to date in 2010. [29891/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available as decisions in relation to habitual residence are mainly now made at local level.
460 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has received an application for a social welfare payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30040/10]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 30 September 2009. Her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not habitually resident in the State. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of appeal. She appealed against this decision and the appeal was referred to the Social Welfare Appeals Officer and her appeal is awaiting determination.
Subsequent to her application for jobseeker's allowance she was employed but no PRSI contributions have been returned for her. As she had paid social insurance contributions in the United Kingdom, she may have an entitlement to jobseeker's benefit, provided she has at least one reckonable PRSI contribution paid in this jurisdiction. A social welfare investigator is now examining this employment to determine her potential entitlement to jobseeker's benefit.
461 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is on a transfer list for his Department; their position on that list; the vacancies within his Department in this grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30043/10]
The position is that in accordance with formal procedures agreed between the Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU) and the Department of Finance, the names of officers applying for transfer to a location are entered on the Department's transfer lists in the order in which they are received. Vacancies which arise are then filled by reference to these lists in strict order of application date.
The person in question previously worked in the Central Statistics Office in Dublin. He was facilitated with a transfer to the Limerick office of my Department in October 2009. His name appears on transfer lists for my Department's offices in Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore. He is placed 31st, 68th and 37th on the respective transfer lists. The officers placed ahead of this person would have to be considered before him in the event of any vacancies arising in these offices, which are fillable by transfer. There are currently no vacancies in his grade in the relevant offices.
462 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection if a survey has been carried out on the number of persons who cannot register as unemployed on jobseeker’s assistance due to their spouses’ income; his plans to introduce a scheme which would give these unemployed persons access to retraining and or re-education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30088/10]
If a person is unemployed, and does not qualify for jobseekers allowance they may be entitled to sign for credits, provided that they are available for and genuinely seeking work. The information sought by the deputy is not recorded by the Department. However, as of June 2010, there were 23,330 recipients of jobseekers credits.
In light of increased demand the Government is now providing, through FÁS, a total of 128,000 training and activation places for the unemployed this year. This is a substantial increase on the approximate 66,000 places provided last year. There is a wide range of education and training opportunities available through my Department, the Department of Education and Skills and FÁS to jobseekers to strengthen their qualifications and skills base and thus maximise their chances of meeting the requirements of the modern labour market and gaining employment.
Unemployed persons who are not receiving jobseekers benefit or assistance due to their spouse's income may apply for and participate on FÁS training programmes including day, evening, part-time, and e-learning courses. They will not, however, qualify for payment of a FÁS training allowance. They may also register for other FÁS services, including a vocational guidance interview with a FÁS employment services officer, and avail of the services of FÁS-funded jobs clubs.
463 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason there is a different means test for single-parent families and two-parent families for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance. [30110/10]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides an annual payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs. The income limits for 2010 are €563.60 for a couple with one child and €410.10 for a lone parent with one child. The limit is increased by €29.80 for each additional child.
The rationale for the different income limits for lone parents and couples is to take account of the fact that there is an extra adult in the couple household who has to be provided for and the income limit for couples reflects this.
464 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will accept evidence of electronic transfers as proof of the UK pension paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo from the bank statement already submitted to his Department from the bank that he now deals with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30132/10]
466 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason he sought specific bank account statements from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that the account was closed 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30141/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 466 together.
State pension (non-contributory) is a means tested payment and all income is assessable as means. Income includes cash income, private pensions, foreign pensions, the value of any property and the value of any investments, monies held in financial institutions and capital which the claimant may have. Where a social security payment is being received from a paying authority in another jurisdiction, it is the policy of the scheme area to seek official documentary evidence from the client of the specific amount being paid by that authority. Accordingly, the scheme area does not normally accept evidence of a social security payment by way of entries on bank statements.
There is an onus on the Social Welfare Local Officer to request any documentation necessary to clarify the position in regard to any aspect of a client's means in order to assess a claim for State pension (non-contributory). It is also incumbent on that officer to investigate the current position with regard to information which may have been submitted earlier in the application process. If a particular bank account is no longer in operation, then the onus is on the client to provide documentary evidence of that fact from the relevant bank.
465 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted farm assist. [30140/10]
The farm assist application from the person concerned is currently with a Deciding Officer. A decision will be made as soon as possible and he will be notified of the outcome.
467 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, currently on disability benefit, qualifies for invalidity pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30187/10]
The application for invalidity pension, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who was of the opinion that he was not considered to be permanently incapable of work. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal was opened on 9 June 2010 and the 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.
468 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when one parent family allowance appeal will be heard payment awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30188/10]
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. 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.
469 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30189/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned but that no decision has been made on the application to date. The Executive will contact the person directly when a decision has been made on her application.
470 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30191/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned but that no decision has been made on her application to date. The Executive will contact the person directly when a decision has been made on her application.
471 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the one parent family payment. [30201/10]
A decision in this case is pending a response from the person concerned to an enquiry which was issued to her on 14 June 2010.
472 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30799/10]
All outsourced printing contracts are awarded by the Department following competitive processes which are carried out strictly in accordance with Government procurement guidelines and in line with the relevant EU procurement policies. All current print contracts are placed with companies based in Ireland. In addition, a number of Departmental forms and reports are printed using the Department's internal printing facilities.
473 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence his plans to develop Fort Camden, County Cork; if he has discussed the possibility of handing it over to Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29768/10]
The Department of Defence disposed of its lands at Fort Camden, Crosshaven, County Cork in 2007 to Cork County Council. The Department has had no further involvement with the property since that time.
474 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if officers in the Defence Forces have engaged in selling arms to the Seychelles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29880/10]
I am advised by the Military authorities that the investigation into the matters referred to is continuing. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matters until this investigation has been concluded.
475 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the length of time the Defence Forces were using the services of institutional laundries such as Magdalene Laundries, as distinct from commercial laundries, post-1941; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29887/10]
I would refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question number 28567/10 of Wednesday, 30 June 2010 in which I said that the information sought by the Deputy refers to contracts that were in place up to almost 70 years ago. In the short space of time available for answer, it has not been possible to establish the extent to which the records still exist and, if so, to locate them. However, the Department will seek to locate relevant records and will correspond directly with the Deputy in this regard in the near future.
476 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence when the 2010 recruitment phase for the Defence Force will be advertised; the number of personnel who will be recruited to the army and when his commitment to maintain the force at a level of 10,000 for all ranks will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29986/10]
Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2010 was 9,809 comprising 7,996 Army, 795 Air Corps and 1,018 Naval Service personnel. Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard I have recently approved the recruitment of 40 recruits to the Naval Service and the recruitment process is currently underway. In addition, the military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.
The question of a cadet class for the Permanent Defence Force in 2010 is being considered in the context of the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces on foot of the Government approval, in the context of Budget 2010, to maintain a complement of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel. I will consider the matter in the context of the results of this review. I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.
477 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence his plans to reactivate the Curragh of Kildare legislation; if not, his plans regarding the stated area; the progress that has been made since the legislation was withdrawn; the meetings that have taken place and with whom; the results of such meetings; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of interested groups, commercial community and historical regarding the future of the area; if he or his Department has met with any such groups or any local groups in relation to such concerns; if his Department has met or is proposing to meet with local authority in relation to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30204/10]
There are no plans at present to proceed with the legislation in question, the primary focus of which was to set up a separate statutory authority to manage the Curragh lands. A separate statutory authority would give rise to additional costs in terms of staff and accommodation, which cannot be justified in the current economic climate.
I have recently met with the Kildare Archaeological Society and their concerns have been noted. In addition, officials from the Department are continuing to meet interest groups concerning the management of the Curragh. I consider the input from local groups to be very important in the context of seeking to ensure best practice in the management of the Curragh lands into the future.
478 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if the monuments and graveyards within the remit of the Curragh Camp and Plains, County Kildare, are under the control of his Department; if there are any listings or details of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30205/10]
The entire area of the Curragh is classified as a Recorded monument under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. There are an estimated 150 monuments within the overall Curragh complex some of which are within the area of the Curragh under the responsibility of the Department of Defence. In addition there are a number of other monuments, such as those in Donnelly's Hollow and within the Curragh Camp, which are under the control of the Department of Defence or Military Authorities.
A map showing the location of the recorded monuments at the Curragh camp and plains is available from the National Monuments Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There is one graveyard on the Curragh, which is under the control of the Department of Defence. Within that graveyard there are 106 graves that are under the administration of the Commonwealth War Grave Commission. By agreement the Department provides for the maintenance of the grounds while the Office of Public Works provides for the upkeep of the headstones.
479 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the transfer of an estate (details supplied) to a local authority; if, in view of a previous parliamentary question reply, funding has been provided to carry out repairs; if all of the houses in the estate have now been purchased by the occupants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30206/10]
Discussions are ongoing with Kildare County Council to facilitate the works required for the take over of the estate. When Kildare County Council takes the estate in charge, the Department will no longer be responsible for roads, public lighting, sewerage or refuse disposal services. To date ninety four (94) houses in the estate have been sold. The Department is actively pursuing the disposal of the remaining six (6) remaining houses, four (4) of which are currently overheld.
480 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30792/10]
In 2009 and to date in 2010, no printing jobs were assigned to companies abroad by the Department of Defence.
481 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in granting a foreshore licence to a company (details supplied) in County Kerry for their liquefied natural gas project on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29365/10]
488 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the delays in granting a foreshore licence to a company (details supplied), County Kerry, for their liquefied natural gas project on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank are acceptable in view of the fact that it will create up to 400 jobs in the North Kerry West Limerick region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29360/10]
489 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects a foreshore licence to be granted to a company (details supplied), in County Kerry, for their liquefied natural gas project on the Tarbert Ballylongford landbank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29361/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 481, 488 and 489 together.
I refer to the reply to the Dáil adjournment debate on this issue taken on 29 June 2010. The draft leases and licences were received from the Chief State Solicitor's Office, and issued to the applicant for their agreement, on 1 July 2010.
482 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the current balance of development levies held on account by Fingal County Council; the balance of development levies held on account by Fingal County Council at end 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; the total development levies received or expected for each of these years and for 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29226/10]
As Minister, my role is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each planning authority.
Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides that planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of, the local authority that benefit development in the area. Development contribution schemes are drawn up by each planning authority and approved by the elected members following a public consultation process. It is a matter for the members of the planning authority to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply.
Details of individual development contribution schemes are available directly from each planning authority. Each planning authority is also required to include details of contributions received and contributions owing to it, together with information on how the contributions have been expended, in the statutory annual report of the authority. The balances for the period 2004-2008 are set out in the table below. On completion of the audits for the 2010/2011 audit cycle in March 2011, my Department will have full information on the balance of development contributions for 2009.
|
Year |
Balance at 31st December |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
52,916,022 |
|
2005 |
74,545,191 |
|
2006 |
110,130,239 |
|
2007 |
215,744,569 |
|
2008 |
191,589,470 |
483 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when finance will be allocated for the construction of waste water treatment plants at Goresbridge, Freshford and Johnstown, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29301/10]
The Freshford / Johnstown / Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012. A contract for an interim wastewater treatment plant for Freshford, Johnstown and Goresbridge is listed amongst the list of contracts due to commence construction in the period 2010 to 2012, at an estimated cost of €1.4m. My Department approved the Preliminary Report for this Scheme in November 2008 and it is now a matter for Kilkenny County Council to progress the preparation of contract documents.
484 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the membership of the working group who prepared and drafted the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/10]
The Working Group on the Management of Dog Breeding Establishments, which reported in 2005, comprised the membership set out below. The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 has regard to the majority recommendations of the group.
|
Name |
Organisation |
|
Mr. Finbarr Heslin |
Independent Chairman of Working Group Beaufield Veterinary Centre, Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
|
Mr. Frank McRory |
C/o Veterinary Council of Ireland, 53 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. |
|
Mr. Aidan Reid |
Garda Superintendent, Operational Support Unit,Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. |
|
Mr. Bobby Behan |
National German Shepherd Working Dog Association,160 Thomond Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. |
|
Mr. Pat Brangan |
Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector, Department of Agriculture and Food, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. |
|
Mr. Denis Histon |
Irish Greyhound Board, 104 Henry Street, Limerick. |
|
Mr. Garret Shine |
Veterinary Inspector, Louth County Council,County Hall, Millenium Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth (Nominee of City and County Managers’ Association) |
|
Mr. Fred Cuthbert |
C/o The Irish Kennel Club, Fottrell House, Harolds Cross Bridge, Dublin 6W. |
|
Mr. Paul Flood |
The Dog Breeders Association of Ireland, 938 Ballysax, The Curragh, Co. Kildare |
|
Mr. Conor Dowling |
ISPCA Inspectorate Supervisor, ISPCA National Animal Centre, Derrygloger Lodge, Keenagh, Co. Longford. |
|
Mr. Kevin Ring |
Principal Officer, Roads and Local Services Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Block 6, Floor 2, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. |
|
Mr. Sean O Laoide |
C/o Veterinary Ireland, 13 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22 |
|
Mr. Frank Gallagher Working Group Secretary |
Roads and Local Services Section |
485 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding State agencies in his Department; the number that have been set up in his Department since his appointment in 2007; the persons who he has appointed to these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29351/10]
No new agencies have been established since my appointment in June 2007. The bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department, and the appointments made to them by me since my appointment in 2007, are as follows:
|
Name of State Body/Board |
Names of Persons Appointed since July 2007 |
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
Catherine Gorman |
|
Conn Murray |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Thomas O’Connor |
|
Margaret Byrne |
|
|
Building Regulations Advisory Board |
Jay Stuart |
|
Brian McKeon |
|
|
Cian O’Lionáin |
|
|
Jack Callanan |
|
|
Jimmy Keogan |
|
|
Mark McAuley |
|
|
Noel Carroll |
|
|
Sean Balfe |
|
|
Jacqui Donnelly |
|
|
Sarah Neary |
|
|
Terry Prendergast |
|
|
Insp Maria Walsh |
|
|
Edel Collins |
|
|
Kevin O’Rourke |
|
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
Senator Mark Dearey |
|
Councillor Pat McMahon |
|
|
Councillor Cora Long |
|
|
Councillor Des Hurley |
|
|
Councillor Michael Abbey |
|
|
Councillor Jim Darcy |
|
|
Deirdre Ellis King |
|
|
Ruth Flanagan |
|
|
Colette O’Flaherty |
|
|
Robin Adams |
|
|
Jim Foran |
|
|
Paul Sheehan |
|
|
Gerardine Moloney |
|
|
Comhar Sustainable Development Council |
Shirley Clerkin |
|
Tom O’Mahony |
|
|
Jackie Maguire |
|
|
Micheal O’Cinneide |
|
|
Dr Clare Penny |
|
|
Emer Dunne |
|
|
RuaidhrI Deasy |
|
|
David Korowicz |
|
|
Frank Corcoran |
|
|
Pat Finnegan |
|
|
Jack O’Sullivan |
|
|
Fr Sean Healy |
|
|
Niamh Garvey |
|
|
Elaine Nevin |
|
|
Seamus Boland |
|
|
Sue Scott |
|
|
Deirdre McGrath |
|
|
Prof Vincent O’Flaherty |
|
|
Michael Layde |
|
|
Mary Stack |
|
|
Mairead Cirrillo |
|
|
Finola McDonnell |
|
|
Molly Walsh |
|
|
Ann Irwin |
|
|
Prof Ray Bates |
|
|
Ciaran Byrne |
|
|
Pat Farrell |
|
|
Dr Matthew Crowe |
|
|
John McCarthy |
|
|
Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board |
Ciana Campbell, appointed as CoChair |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority Board |
Gerry McCaughey |
|
Prof. Niamh Brennan |
|
|
Mark Griffin |
|
|
Yvonne Farrell |
|
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority Council |
Deaglain O’ Brian |
|
Maurice Scully |
|
|
David Walsh |
|
|
Greg Clarke |
|
|
Niall Ring |
|
|
Claire O’Regan |
|
|
Ray McAdam |
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency* |
Larry Stapleton |
|
Micheal O’Cinneide |
|
|
Mary Kelly |
|
|
Laura Burke |
|
|
Dara Lynott |
|
|
Matthew Crowe |
|
|
The Heritage Council |
Conor Newman |
|
Kealin Ireland |
|
|
Dr Henry Lyons |
|
|
Gráinne Shaffrey |
|
|
Ian Lumley |
|
|
Brian Lucas |
|
|
Helen O’Carroll |
|
|
Housing Finance Agency |
John Bolger |
|
Philip Nugent |
|
|
Irish Water Safety |
Laurence Kelly |
|
Dave Corcoran |
|
|
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency |
John Fitzgerald |
|
Brendan Kenny |
|
|
John Laffin |
|
|
Kathleen Stack |
|
|
Michelle Shannon |
|
|
Mary Moloney |
|
|
Tom Mackey |
|
|
Alec Fleming |
|
|
Ned Gleeson |
|
|
Willie Keane |
|
|
Anne Cremin |
|
|
Paddy Flannery |
|
|
Michael Tiernan |
|
|
Pat Fitzgerald |
|
|
Pat McSitric |
|
|
Eddie Lewis |
|
|
Nuala Kernan |
|
|
Mary Donnelly |
|
|
Tom Coughlan |
|
|
Frank McGlynn |
|
|
Thomas Mahon |
|
|
Mary Tully |
|
|
David Sheahan |
|
|
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency |
John Fitzgerald |
|
Brendan Kenny |
|
|
John Laffin |
|
|
Kathleen Stack |
|
|
Michelle Shannon |
|
|
Mary Moloney |
|
|
Tom Mackey |
|
|
Alec Fleming |
|
|
Ned Gleeson |
|
|
Willie Keane |
|
|
Fr. Pat Hogan |
|
|
Ann Kavanagh |
|
|
Liam McElligott |
|
|
Pat Fitzgerald |
|
|
Pat McSitric |
|
|
Eddie Lewis |
|
|
Anne Bourke |
|
|
Mary Donnelly |
|
|
Tom Coughlan |
|
|
Frank McGlynn |
|
|
Thomas Mahon |
|
|
Mary Tully |
|
|
David Sheahan |
|
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Paul McDonald |
|
Paul Lemass |
|
|
Laurence Kelly |
|
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Martha Doyle |
|
Paul Lemass |
|
|
Paul McDonald |
|
|
National Building Agency |
John McCarthy |
|
Eddie Lewis |
|
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) |
Orla Coyne |
|
Liam Gleeson |
|
|
Aideen Hayden |
|
|
Ciaran McNamara |
|
|
Dr. Eoin O’Sullivan |
|
|
Thomas J Reilly |
|
|
Cian O Lionain |
|
|
Dessie Larkin |
|
|
Aidan Brennan |
|
|
Finian Matthews |
|
|
John Tiernan |
|
|
Joan O’Dowd |
|
|
Vincent P. Martin |
|
|
Gene Feighery |
|
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) |
James Fitzmaurice |
|
Nuala Ahern |
|
|
Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald |
|
|
Dr. Kevin Kelleher |
|
|
Dr. Éamann Breatnach |
|
|
Darina Muckian |
|
|
John O’Dea |
|
|
Adi Roche |
|
|
Paddy Gilligan |
|
|
The Rent Tribunal |
Moya Quinlan |
|
Mary Doyle |
|
|
Louise Moloney |
|
|
Morette Kinsella |
|
|
Kieran Buckley |
|
|
William Stanbridge |
|
|
Fred Devlin |
|
|
Fire Services Council |
Brendan Mahon |
*Appointments to the EPA board are made by Government under Section 24 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992.
486 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding reports or reviews commissioned by him since his appointment in 2007; the number of reports or reviews that have been commissioned since his appointment; the remit of the reports; the cost to date of each report or review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29352/10]
The information requested in respect of my Department is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
487 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the provision of a drinkable water supply for Lettermore, County Galway, which currently takes its water from Lough Illiuntaisna which is an unsuitable supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29357/10]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Galway. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €130 million in the county during the period of the Programme.
The Lettermore supply is part of the Costello Regional Water Supply Scheme which is included in the Programme amongst the list of contracts in the county to start in the period 2010-2012. The Council is currently advancing the detailed planning of the Costello scheme. In advance of these major works, my Department approved funding of €432,000 last March to allow Galway County Council to upgrade the Lettermore water treatment plant to improve quality of supply. I understand that Galway County Council has signed the contract to upgrade the Lettermore plant and that work is expected to commence later this year. Further information on progress with this contract may be had from the Council.
490 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1048 of 16 September 2009, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/10]
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce comprehensive legislation to address noise nuisance. The General Scheme of a Noise Nuisance Bill was approved by the Government in May 2009. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, is progressing matters in this regard and the Bill is scheduled for publication later this year.
491 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure the proper regulation of exotic pond plants in shops and gardening outlets; the implications this may have for biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29393/10]
The threat to biodiversity and habitats by non-native invasive plant and animal species is widely recognised. My Department is currently finalising draft new Habitats Regulations which will be published shortly for public consultation. These Regulations will include provisions to prohibit the sale and distribution of non-native plants and animals that are known to pose a threat to native species and habitats.
492 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Building Energy Rating Certificate; the cost of this to the homeowner in view of the fact that it is needed on all homes for sale or rent; the reason this cost is necessary for persons who are not selling their property and are not in a position to have any works carried out to their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29405/10]
493 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Building Energy Rating Certificate issued by Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, following an assessment by a qualified BER assessor; the person who must be registered with SEI; the persons who are the qualified BER assessors; the steps a person interested in becoming a qualified BER assessor needs to take in order to qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29406/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.
The European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 — 2008, which transposed Directive 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of buildings into Irish law, require a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate to be obtained prior to a building being offered for sale or letting out or prior to a newly commissioned building being occupied for the first time. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), as the designated issuing authority under the regulations, is responsible for the day to day administration of the BER scheme. The assessment of buildings must be carried out by independent BER assessors who are registered with SEAI.
The primary purpose of the BER certificate and advisory report is to enable prospective purchasers or tenants to take a building's energy performance into account when deciding on whether to avail of a building offered for sale or rent. In line with other Member States, no official fee for BER certificates has been set in order to encourage a cost competitive market for BER assessment services.
Any person seeking to become a BER Assessor for Dwellings is first required to have an appropriate construction related qualification of at least Level 6 (Advanced Certificate/Higher Certificate) or equivalent. This enables the candidate to undergo a training course on the BER certification of dwellings with one of the approved training providers listed on the SEAI's website. Training participants must achieve a score of 70% of the available marks at the end of course examination in order to be certified as a fully trained and qualified assessor.
A certified assessor may apply to register with SEAI as a BER Assessor for Dwellings, subject to payment of the appropriate registration fee. BER Assessors are required to renew their registration annually; this process involves a further competency test in order to ensure that their BER assessment skills are maintained to a high standard.
494 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to make Dungarvan Harbour and the Back Strand, Tramore, County Waterford, special protection areas; when this new designation will be in place; the reason this decision was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29439/10]
My Department is currently engaged in a programme of classification of Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive. This exercise includes the re-classification of many existing SPA sites, including Dungarvan Harbour and Tramore Back Strand, which were first designated some sixteen years ago. A judgement delivered by the European Court of Justice against Ireland in December 2007 found that Ireland's classification of its SPAs had been inadequate in some respects and this has necessitated the re-classification of many of the older sites.
The proposal to update the designation of Dungarvan Harbour and Tramore Back Strand Special Protection Areas (SPAs) was advertised on 26 May 2010. Appeals by affected landowners or land users may be made up to 26 August. The re-designation process will be concluded, following consideration of any appeals submitted, with the making of new Statutory Instruments for both sites.
495 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received any report from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the quality of bathing water in respect of County Waterford for 2009; the content of any such report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29440/10]
The EPA published its' report on The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland 2009 in early June 2010. The report found that 93% of the 131 bathing areas nationwide complied with EU mandatory standards.
In relation to the 6 designated beaches in the Waterford area the report found that:
3 beaches complied with the higher EU guide standard (Bonmahon, Clonea and Tramore);
2 beaches complied with the mandatory EU bathing water quality standard (Ardmore and Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East);
1 beach failed to comply with the mandatory EU bathing water quality standard (Dunmore Strand, Dunmore).
My Department's recently published Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 provides for a Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme, which includes Dunmore East, and which is due to start construction within the period covered by the Investment Programme. Implementation of this measure should assist in improving the water quality at the bathing site in Dunmore East.
496 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local government auditor criticised Waterford County Council over their deteriorating collection levels and for not properly maintaining a register of lands; if his Department have had any communications with the council regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29441/10]
Each Local Authority is required to prepare and publish a financial statement in respect of every financial year. These financial statements are audited by the Local Government Audit Service which provides an independent and professional public sector audit service to the Local Government sector. I received the Local Government Audit Service report for Waterford County Council for the year ended 31 December 2009 on 5 May 2010. My Department wrote to the Council on the main issues identified in the report and a response has been received.
497 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made on the applications for foreshore leases (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29497/10]
Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act, 2009, my Department assumed responsibility on 15 January 2010 for a range of foreshore functions. I understand that the eight foreshore applications, which were made by Harbour CAT Ferries Holdings Limited, relate to the same project viz the establishment of a fast passenger ferry service for Cork Harbour. These applications are currently at an advanced stage in the foreshore consent process and I expect to be in a position to make a decision on them in the near future.
498 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when legislation to deal with puppy farming will become law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29522/10]
The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 was initiated in, and has passed all stages in, the Seanad. It commenced second stage in the Dáil on 2 July, and second and remaining stages are scheduled to conclude on 8 July.
499 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason behind initiating a review of the way in which planning laws and policy are being implemented by a number of local authorities around the country; the reason he chose the six authorities; the contact he has had with each authority to date, up to and including the announcement of this review; the total cost of this review; and the time scale involved. [29540/10]
I recently announced a planning review to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level. The review will consider what measures may be required to ensure a consistent approach to these issues across all planning authorities, and to improve the delivery of planning services generally.
To assist the review, my Department wrote to the following six planning authorities — Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils, and Cork and Dublin City Councils — on 23 June, asking them to examine a range of submissions made to me by stakeholder groups and individuals covering different planning issues and to provide a detailed response to the issues raised by 16 July. I have also included Donegal County Council as part of this review on the basis of previously having requested and received a comprehensive report from the Council on a range of planning matters highlighted to my Department. These planning authorities represent a broad geographical spread of both urban and rural areas as well as both large and small authorities. My Department will be establishing a panel of experts to undertake these reviews. It is not possible to estimate the total cost of the review at this stage.
500 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the purchase of boglands (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in the processing of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29554/10]
Contracts of sale for this case were executed on my behalf in October 2008 and the purchase monies were provided to the Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) to progress the sale. However, it is my understanding that difficulties relating to the title of the lands arose during the closing process. The CSSO is currently awaiting documentation from the vendor's solicitor to resolve the matter and complete the purchase.
501 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will make the necessary funding available to allow the relocation of the library in Gaoth Dobhair to its proposed new facility in the Aislann Gaoth Dobhair, Doirebeaga, County Dhun na nGall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29736/10]
On 5 July 2010, I announced the library capital programme for 2010 and 2011, including grant aid of €600,000 towards the proposed new facility in Gaoth Dobhair.
502 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Gweedore sewerage scheme in County Donegal will progress to tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29737/10]
The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as a contract to start within the lifetime of the Programme. My Department is awaiting additional information from Donegal County Council in order to complete its examination of the Design Review Report for the scheme.
503 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Glenties and Dungloe sewerage scheme in County Donegal will progress to public tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29738/10]
The Dungloe and Glenties Sewerage Schemes are being advanced jointly and are included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as a contract to start within the lifetime of the Programme. Donegal County Council's Tender Documents for the contract are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
504 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Falcarragh sewerage scheme in County Donegal; when it will progress to tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29739/10]
The Falcarragh Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as a scheme to advance through planning. My Department is awaiting the submission by Donegal County Council of the Preliminary Report for this scheme.
505 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 29 June 2010, the reason the provisions necessary to address the matter were not included in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009; when he expects they will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29745/10]
My Department consulted with the office of the Attorney General in relation to the possible inclusion of the relevant provisions in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009, by way of Committee Stage amendment. On the advice of the Attorney General the provisions were not included in that Bill. However, I have requested my Department to arrange to have the provisions necessary to address this matter included in the first appropriate legislative vehicle that becomes available.
506 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the seven towns and villages sewerage scheme in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29748/10]
The Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 at an estimated cost of over €50m. The scheme provides for the construction of new or upgraded wastewater treatment and collection systems in Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeaden, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow. Waterford County Council is advancing the scheme on the basis of separate contracts for the collection systems and a single Design Build and Operate (DBO) contract for the wastewater treatment plants.
The sewerage collection systems for the towns of Tallow and Kilmacthomas are completed. Construction work has started on the Cappoquin collection system and on the interim sewerage treatment facilities at Ardmore pending the construction of the treatment plant there. I recently approved funding to allow Stradbally collection system to go to construction. The Council also expects to go to tender for the Ballyduff/Kilmeaden and the Ardmore sewerage collection systems shortly. Waterford County Council has submitted contract documents to my Department for the Dunmore East sewerage scheme. Following the technical examination of these documents, my Department has written to the Council outlining a number of issues that the Council will need to address before approval can be given. The contract documents in respect of the waste water treatment plants have also been submitted to my Department for examination. Additional information has been requested from the Council to enable my Department to undertake a full assessment of these documents.
507 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of the 27 April 2010; if he has received an application for a foreshore licence in respect of a project (details supplied); when a decision will issue in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29753/10]
My Department has not received an application for a foreshore licence in respect of works at Doolin Pier. I understand, however, that Clare County Council is preparing such an application for submission.
508 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 978 of the 3 November 2009; the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29754/10]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Clare. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €38 million in the county during the period of the Programme. While the Corofin Sewerage Scheme is included in the Programme amongst the list of contracts in the county at construction in the period 2010 to 2012, it was not possible to include the Ballyvaughan and Doolin Sewerage Schemes amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion.
The new Programme prioritises projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth as envisaged in the Government's policy document Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Clare County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in my Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.
509 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 621 of 1 November 2006, the status of these regional water schemes; when he will approve funding for the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29760/10]
A comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure has been approved for County Roscommon in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 -2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The Programme provides for the commencement of a number of contracts in the period 2010-2012 to improve the water supply infrastructure in the county with a total value of some €34 million.
Of those contracts, the Arigna, Boyle/Ardcarne (Phase 2), Roscommon Central and South Roscommon Regional Water Supply Schemes are being advanced as a single project by Roscommon County Council. Under this project, the Council will upgrade the networks under the Arigna and Boyle/Ardcarne Schemes and provide four new water treatment plants, with the network upgrades to be procured under a single contract and the four treatment plants to be procured under a single Design Build Operate contract.
I understand that work is nearing completion on the networks contract for the South Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme. My Department awaits the submission of Roscommon County Council's revised contract documents for the other elements of the project.
510 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application from an organisation (details supplied) in County Laois; if any payments have been made in respect of site acquisition or other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29761/10]
A revised proposal in respect of this project was received from Laois County Council on 18 June 2010. No payments have been made by my Department in respect of the project. The proposal will be considered for inclusion in the list of projects to be funded under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme in 2011 in the light of, inter alia, available funding and the relative priority afforded to the project by Laois County Council.
511 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 58 and 74 of 8 July 2008, if a waste management plan exists for the site at Haulbowline, County Cork, as required under Council Directive 1993/31/EC; if so, the location at which a copy of same can be inspected by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29776/10]
512 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 58 and 74 of 8 July 2008, if a conditioning plan exists for the site at Haulbowline, County Cork, as per Article 18(1) of Council Directive 1999/31/EC; the location where same is held and can be viewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29777/10]
513 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 58 and 74 of 8 July 2008, the person who is the competent licensing authority for the permit for waste management at Haulbowline, County Cork; if a copy of the permit is available for inspection by the public; the location at which this can take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29778/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 to 513, inclusive, together.
As provided for in the European Communities (Amendment of Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 2000) Regulations, 2002, any landfill facility that ceased to accept waste for disposal prior to 16 July 2001 is exempt from the requirement to submit a waste management plan, also referred to as a conditioning plan, to the Environmental Protection Agency, which is the national competent authority for the licensing of waste facilities. The determination of the licensing requirements to be applied to the site referred to will be a matter for the Agency.
514 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the purchase of the civic amenity site in Gorey, County Wexford; the number of meetings held in respect of the purchase of the site. [29780/10]
Under the grants scheme towards the capital costs of the development of Civic Amenity Facilities operated by my Department, projects may be funded for up to 75% of the capital expenditure under approved categories. In the case of land purchase, this grant is limited to 20% of the cost involved. The actual purchase of a site and any related negotiations and meetings are a matter for the local authority concerned.
In 2004, Wexford County Council outlined their intention to provide for a Civic Amenity site in Gorey, in line with the Waste Capital Grants Scheme under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Over the subsequent years, further correspondence from the Council indicated substantial changes in their proposals and estimated costings. As final approvals under the scheme were completed in 2008, Wexford County Council reapplied to my Department under a new Waste Recycling Capital Grants Scheme, which was launched in 2008. A final revision of the project cost was received from Wexford County Council in December 2009 and a site visit to assess the project was carried out by my Department on 31 May 2010. A decision on the application will issue to Wexford County Council as soon as possible.
515 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the extension of the wastewater treatment plant for Gorey town. [29781/10]
Full details of the schemes and contracts that are currently under construction, expected to commence construction in the period 2010-2012 or to be further progressed through planning in the period 2010-2012 in County Wexford are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The upgrade of the Waste Water Treatment Plant for Gorey, at an estimated cost some €11.7m is amongst the contracts identified to start in the course of the period covered by the Programme. I recently approved the Tender Documents submitted by Wexford County Council for the wastewater treatment plant up-grade, which is to be procured as a Design Build and Operate Contract. It is now a matter for the Council to proceed to seek tenders for the works involved, in line with the Department's approval.
516 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Dundrum wastewater treatment plant in County Tipperary; the funding that has been applied for and is outstanding; the next stage to progress this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29799/10]
518 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Newcastle wastewater treatment plant in County Tipperary; the funding that has been applied for and is outstanding; the next stage to progress this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29804/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 516 and 518 together.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in South Tipperary. While the Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €41 million in the county during the period of the Programme, it was not possible to include the Dundrum and Newcastle Sewerage Schemes amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion.
The new Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth as envisaged in the Government's policy document Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including South Tipperary County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.
517 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Mullinahone wastewater treatment plant in County Tipperary; the funding that has been applied for and is outstanding; the next stage to progress this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/10]
The Mullinahone Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as a scheme to advance through planning. My Department is awaiting the submission by South Tipperary County Council of a detailed design brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme.
519 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the power to sell local authority dwellings in multiple unit developments to tenants will be brought into effect; if he will issue a circular to local authorities outlining the optimal legal transfer arrangements in the coming months. [29805/10]
Part 4 of the 2009 Act provides for tenant purchase, along incremental purchase lines, of apartments in designated existing local authority complexes. Preparatory work is underway and I expect to make the necessary statutory instrument early in 2011 to enable the apartments sales scheme to be brought into operation as quickly as possible thereafter.
Once the Regulations have been made detailed guidance material will issue to housing authorities setting out all of the operational and legal aspects of the scheme.
520 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to comments in Dáil Éireann (details supplied) on 10 December 2009 regarding fire safety, if Dublin City Council has provided his Department with an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29866/10]
The background to this case was set out in Minister Killeen's statement to the House as part of the adjournment debate on 10 December 2009. As indicated in that statement, enforcement notices under the Building Control Act 1990 and fire safety notices under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 have been served on the owners and builders of the apartment complex at Priory Hall, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 by Dublin City Council, in whose administrative area the development is located. I understand from Dublin City Council that this enforcement activity is ongoing and that all reasonable steps are being taken to secure progress on the issues of non-compliance.
521 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the EU Commission has investigated breaches of EU Environmental Law in respect of a company (details supplied) in County Cork. [29875/10]
The European Commission originally corresponded with my Department in August 2002 on complaints received concerning the manner in which Ireland implemented Council Directive 75/442/EC on waste, as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC. The issues raised concerned irregular waste movements and illegal waste trafficking in Ireland, and the adequacy of Ireland's administration and controls in relation to these matters. The complaint in particular related to movements of waste from the company concerned.
My Department replied to the Commission on the issues raised, highlighting the significant reforms carried out in the areas of administration of waste movements and the enforcement of waste legislation. The Commission decided, in light of the replies received, to close this particular case against Ireland.
522 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the new planning guidelines in relation to national secondary roads will allow for one off houses along the the N72 and N73; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29993/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 498 of 29 June 2010.
In relation to the specific national secondary roads mentioned, it is a matter for the relevant planning authority to assess individual planning applications, having regard to the overall proper planning and sustainable development of the area, specific provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant Ministerial or Governmental policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.
523 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding special area of conservation lands in County Sligo in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29996/10]
My Department recently received correspondence from the person in question as he wished to make a late appeal to the boundary of the River Moy candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) in County Sligo.
The person in question had been notified of the designation in December 2006 and informed of his right to appeal the boundary and of the time-limits which applied. However, no appeal was made prior to the statutory three-month deadline for receipt of appeals. It is not possible to re-open the appeals process for candidate Special Areas of Conservation once the statutory deadline has been passed.
My Department wrote to the person in question on 12 February 2010 and explained this position to him.
524 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding outstanding works in an estate (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30003/10]
Under sections 34(4)(g) and 180(2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a planning authority may attach conditions to a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a proposed development and, if a development is not subsequently completed satisfactorily, apply such a security for the satisfactory completion of that development.
The drawing down of such bonds in appropriate circumstances is entirely a matter for the relevant planning authorities. I have no role in the matter and have no power to direct the planning authority in this regard.
Furthermore, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, including an enforcement matter, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
525 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to close a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30007/10]
The decision to close a landfill is a matter for the landfill owner and/or the Environmental Protection Agency. It is not a matter in which I have any function.
Under section 60(3) of the 1996 Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances of functions conferred on the Agency or a local authority under the Act.
526 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the report on sea lettuce in Clonakilty, County Cork; his views on the recommendations contained in the task force report; when he expects to make a decision on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30010/10]
I received the final Report of the Sea Lettuce Task Force in May 2010, which recommended the assignment of the clean-up task, along with the necessary resources, to Cork County Council to implement actions identified for the collection and subsequent management of the sea lettuce accumulations.
I have approved the provision of financial support for the collection and management of the sea lettuce based on its reuse. A tender process to achieve this objective, at the most economic cost, is currently being undertaken by Cork County Council.
527 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received requests for funding from Cork County Council in relation to the Bandon sewerage scheme; if funding will be provided for the scheme from other non local government sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30014/10]
Full details of the schemes and contracts that are currently under construction, expected to commence construction in the period 2010-2012 or to be further progressed through planning in the period 2010-2012 in County Cork are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
Contracts for both a treatment plant upgrade and networks for the Bandon Sewerage Scheme are included in the Programme at an estimated total cost of €13 million. My Department is currently examining the Contract Documents for the scheme submitted by Cork County Council. Once the Contract Documents are approved, the Council can begin the process of preparing tender documents and in due course advertising for tenders for the work.
The Government's water pricing policy in relation to the provision of water services infrastructure provides that the Exchequer funding is only available for the provision of services to the domestic sector while local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services infrastructure from the non-domestic sector. Accordingly, the cost of the Bandon Sewerage Scheme will be met in part by my Department and in part by Cork County Council. Generally, the costs arising for the authority are financed from borrowing which is recouped from charges on the non-domestic sector, development levies or once-off capital contributions (where capacity is reserved for or assigned to particular industries). In the light of this, it will be a matter for the Council to consider how the Council's contribution towards the cost of the scheme will be met.
528 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the establishment of a working group on the Haulbowline site, County Cork; his further views on whether a baseline health study should be carried out as part of the deliberations of the working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30015/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 294 of 9 June 2010 which sets out the position in this matter.
529 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a water supply scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30055/10]
530 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a water supply scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30056/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 530 together.
Full details of the schemes and contracts that are currently under construction, expected to commence construction in the period 2010-2012 or to be further progressed through planning in the period 2010-2012 in County Cork are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
Contracts are included in the Programme relating to both the Watergrasshill Water Supply Scheme (€3.77m) and the Cobh /Midleton /Carrigtwohill Water Supply Scheme (€3.14m). These are nearing completion.
531 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be given for a new water scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/10]
Full details of the schemes and contracts that are currently under construction, or expected to commence construction or to be further progressed through planning in the period 2010-12 in County Cork, are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The Programme includes a contract to start in relation to the Mallow/Ballyvinter Box Cross Scheme in the period 2010-12, with further works relating to the scheme to advance through planning during the period. I have recently approved funding to allow Cork County Council to accept a tender for the Box Cross Phase 1 contract. Further progression of this contract is now a matter for Cork County Council.
532 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to start the Mallow sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30061/10]
533 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Midleton sewerage scheme, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30062/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.
Full details of the schemes and contracts that are currently under construction, expected to commence construction in the period 2010-2012 or to be further progressed through planning in the period 2010-2012 in County Cork are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The Programme provides for contracts to commence in the period 2010-2012 for both network and treatment plant improvements in respect of the Mallow Sewerage Scheme and an upgrade of the waste water treatment plant in respect of the Midleton Sewerage Scheme.
Cork County Council is currently revising the Preliminary Report for the Mallow Scheme. The Midleton Sewerage Scheme is a devolved scheme and so it is a matter for the Council to progress through procurement. At that stage, the Council is required to confirm that funding is in place, before accepting the tender and advancing to construction.
534 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Mitchelstown Sewerage Scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30063/10]
535 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Mitchelstown north Galtees water supply scheme, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30064/10]
536 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Whitegate/Aghada Sewerage Scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30065/10]
537 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Youghal Water Supply Scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30066/10]
538 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Fermoy Sewerage Scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30067/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 to 538, inclusive, together.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €232 million in the county during the period of the Programme.
The new Programme prioritises projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth as envisaged in the Government's policy document Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Cork County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.
The Fermoy Sewerage Scheme, Mitchelstown Sewerage Scheme, Mitchelstown North Galtees Water Supply Scheme, Whitegate/Aghada Sewerage Scheme and Youghal Water Supply Scheme have been included as schemes to advance through planning during the period. The precise scope, phasing and cost of such schemes will be determined through the detailed appraisal to be undertaken during the planning phase, which will also take account of relevant statutory processes.
539 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to commence the Conna Regional Water Supply Sewerage Scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30068/10]
Full details of the schemes and contracts that are currently under construction, or expected to commence construction or to be further progressed through planning in the period 2010-12 in County Cork, are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
In relation to the Conna Regional Water Supply scheme the Programme includes a contract to start in the period 2010-12, and a further element of the scheme is to be advanced through planning in the same period.
540 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the proposals to change the licensing arrangements in respect of a landfill site (details supplied) in County Cork to allow for unbaled waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30071/10]
The landfill site referred to is a landfill operated under a waste licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Under the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2010, licensing powers, including powers relating to a change to a licence, are conferred on the Agency.
Under section 60(3) of the 1996 Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances of functions conferred on the Agency or a local authority under the Act.
541 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in issuing letters of notification to local authorities regarding housing association schemes in the south east, the south and the mid-west who have been sanctioned under the capital assistance scheme but cannot proceed until such letters are issued; the reason for this continuing delay; the action that has been taken to remedy same; when letters will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/10]
My Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for older people, the homeless, persons with special needs, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence. In February 2010, I announced the approval of funding for some 75 voluntary and co-operative housing projects at various locations around the country.
My Department's involvement with the CAS relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the scheme, including the certification that projects comply with its terms and conditions, the processing of applications and the payment of capital grants in respect of approved housing projects, are the responsibility of the local authority.
In terms of overall CAS allocations, provisional allocations issued in January 2010 and the position in respect of each of the individual schemes to be advanced was discussed with the respective local authorities at Housing action Plan meetings in February and March 2010. Final allocations issued on 8 April 2010 and the allocations letters confirmed details of the new CAS projects approved for advancement in the 2010/2011 work programme.
The inclusion of a project in the allocations listing did not automatically confer approval of each project, as all projects have to be processed in compliance with the relevant requirements and guidelines for the management of CAS schemes, including compliance with capital appraisal guidelines. Due to localised industrial action, there was a delay in my Department in the first quarter of 2010 in issuing correspondence to certain local authorities on matters requiring further follow up in regard to new CAS projects. Letters have since issued to all the authorities affected, other than in respect of eight new projects in the South East, and letters will now issue on these following the suspension of industrial action by the union concerned at the end of June.
542 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response to the proceedings instituted against Ireland in the European Court of Justice by the European Commission for continually failing to fulfil its obligations under the Waste Directive 75/442/EEC since 1977; if Ireland is currently in compliance with the Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30102/10]
A formal response by Ireland to the judgement of the European Court of Justice issued to the European Commission in October 2005 detailing the measures being taken to ensure compliance with the provisions of Council Directive 75/42/EEC of 15 July 1975 on waste, as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991. There has been subsequent correspondence with the Commission and bilateral meetings have been held to clarify aspects of Ireland's response.
The latest letter issued to the Commission on 16 February 2010 and included updates on the remaining waste sites, on which concerns still exist.
Significant efforts have been made since 2005 to address the issues highlighted in the court judgement, particularly in how we manage waste, and also in the area of enforcement. The progress made has been acknowledged by the Commission. The outstanding requirements relate to historical waste issues and I am determined that these will be resolved as soon as possible.
The closure of this case is ultimately a matter for the Commission. However, I am satisfied that the progress we have made has ensured that a robust framework for regulation and enforcement of waste activities is now in place.
543 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing environmental pollution and danger to drinking water caused by domestic sewage from the septic tanks and other effluent treatment systems; the reason for the lack of effective action by his Department in dealing with the problem; the reason for the absence of regulation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30103/10]
544 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his response, if any to the call in May 2009 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee to provide effective standards, joined up regulation, effective policing and guarantees on performance and durability of waste water treatment systems, together with the provision of credible certification including site inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30104/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 and 544 together.
Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency have identified septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of groundwater sources which are an important source of drinking water for many people; this is particularly the case in areas with sensitive environments or high densities of on-site systems.
The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. In October 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that Ireland failed to make adequate legislation for dealing with domestic wastewater from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. Ireland's defence in the proceedings sought recognition for a range of monitoring and inspection powers under the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990, the Building Control Acts 1990-2007, the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 and the Water Services Act 2007. However, the ECJ found that the provisions cited only partially implement procedures to ensure the objectives of the Waste Directive. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation is, therefore, required to give effect to a new inspection and monitoring system for septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.
On the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's report, I wrote to the Chairman to note that its recommendations were both timely and welcome and to assure the Committee that its report was being carefully considered. I expect that the issues raised in it will be addressed comprehensively in the proposals that I will be bringing forward to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government and to ensure compliance with the Court ruling. My Department is considering how this monitoring and inspection system should operate and has been consulting extensively with the EPA, the local authorities and other key stakeholders on the matter. I intend to undertake consultations with wider stakeholders, and to bring proposals to Government to address these matters later this year.
545 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the towns being considered for the new waste water treatment plant for 2010, 2011 and 2012; the number of waste water treatment plants that are delayed an extension due to inaction of the Department; and when did the applicants for waste water treatment plants, being considered for the above years, first apply for extensions. [30106/10]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, which is available in the Oireachtas Library, sets out the contracts and relevant locations where works relating to the provision of wastewater treatment plants are envisaged over the period 2010-2012. The timing of the commencement of contracts within that period is a matter for the Water Services Authorities subject to the need for my Department's approval at key stages in the progression of projects through planning and on to construction. Details on the progression of individual contracts can be obtained from the local authorities involved.
The length of time to progress a scheme from initial design to completion varies with the scale and complexity of the scheme and the number of contracts involved, and is particularly dependent on the number and type of statutory processes required at the planning stage. My Department has made every effort over the years to advance projects as expeditiously as possible, and in a manner consistent with meeting its responsibilities in relation to management of Exchequer funds. This has included reviews of administrative procedures and improvements to project management systems. Once the Preliminary Report has been approved for schemes where the procurement/construction stage budget is less than €5 million, contracts within the scheme may proceed up to and including the seeking of tenders without the need for further Departmental approval, subject to the cost remaining within approved budgets.
546 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a policy will be implemented to ensure that, where contractors, under the improvement works scheme have not fulfilled their obligations, that there would be some recourse for the beneficiary of the scheme when works have not been carried out properly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30107/10]
In the case of housing adaptations carried out with assistance provided under my Department's suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, relevant building works must be carried out in accordance with the Building Regulations and, in the case of new dwellings, in accordance with Part M of the Regulations in order to ensure visitability by people with disabilities. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of the local authorities, acting as Building Control Authorities.
In the case of improvement works falling outside of the remit of the Building Regulations, including the carrying out of repairs and the provision of fixtures and fittings, any issue relating to the standard of workmanship or materials is a matter between the householder and the contractor.
At my Department's request, the Centre for Housing Research carried out an evaluation of the grant schemes in consultation with stakeholders, including the local authorities and representative organisations for older people and persons with a disability, and with a cross-section of grant applicants. I expect to receive the evaluation report shortly. I will consider the need for any changes in the policy and operation of the grant schemes in the light of the recommendations contained in the report.
547 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30795/10]
The information requested in the question covering the period from 1 January 2009 to the current date is set out in the following table. The orders were placed under centralised National Procurement Service framework contracts, and totalled some €12,550 over the period.
|
Company |
Details of Print Jobs |
|
Enterprise Stationery Limited, NI |
Ten orders for printing and supply of file covers |
|
Paragon Group UK Limited |
Three orders for printing and supply of pay slips and payable orders |
548 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a grant is available for window replacement in line with energy conservation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29316/10]
Window replacement works are not eligible for support under the Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme or the Warmer Homes Scheme, both administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on behalf of my Department.
The HES Scheme is open to all home owners and provides grant assistance of up to 40% for energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, very high efficiency boilers and heating controls. Grant aid is also available to the homeowner to have a Building Energy Rating assessment conducted, a precondition of grant aid under the scheme.
I am advised that grants for window replacement are available to those over 60 under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, operated by local authorities on behalf of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This means tested scheme provides grants of up to €10,500 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning and painting.
The Warmer Homes Scheme provides for the direct installation of energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying low income applicants at a token cost or free of charge. These measures include cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, draught proofing and energy efficient lighting.
549 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if funding will be made available to Fermoy Town Council, County Cork for repairs to the weir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29838/10]
I have previously advised the House that the onus under the Fisheries Acts rests with Fermoy Town Council, as owners of the weir, to maintain and repair the structure. The Department is not in a position to fund the necessary repairs. This is a matter for the Town Council.
550 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the recently announced funding of €13.5 million for broadband will include areas (details supplied) in County Galway which are not facilitated for broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29271/10]
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, could not be included.
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.
That mapping exercise found that at least one existing broadband supplier was already active in the locality which includes the areas referred to in the Deputy's Question and consequently the areas were excluded from the Scheme. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie
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 for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability 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.
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.
551 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the electoral divisions in County Laois that have received broadband under the national broadband scheme; the electoral divisions that have yet to be provided with broadband under the scheme; if he will provide a timetable for completion of this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/10]
My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme ("NBS") in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed 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. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area must have broadband connectivity by Autumn 2010.
With particular reference to County Laois, all of the designated 28 EDs within the County can now avail of NBS broadband services. The table below lists all of these 28 EDs.
|
Electoral Divisions (ED) Covered by the NBS in Co. Laois |
|
|---|---|
|
ED Name |
ED Reference No. |
|
ARDERIN ED |
107003 |
|
BALLYBROPHY ED |
107010 |
|
BALLYLEHANE ED |
107013 |
|
BALLYROAN ED |
107015 |
|
BLANDSFORT ED |
107017 |
|
BRISHA ED |
107020 |
|
CAHER ED |
107021 |
|
CARDTOWN ED |
107024 |
|
CASTLECUFFE ED |
107025 |
|
CLONMORE ED |
107032 |
|
COOLRAIN ED |
107034 |
|
CUFFSBOROUGH ED |
107035 |
|
CULLAHILL ED |
107036 |
|
DONORE ED |
107041 |
|
DYSARTGALLEN ED |
107045 |
|
EMO ED |
107046 |
|
ERRILL ED |
107047 |
|
GARRYMORE ED |
107050 |
|
GRANTSTOWN ED |
107053 |
|
KILCOKE ED |
107055 |
|
KILDELLIG ED |
107057 |
|
KYLE ED |
107063 |
|
KYLE SOUTH ED |
107064 |
|
LACKA ED |
107065 |
|
MARYMOUNT ED |
107067 |
|
MONEENALASSA ED |
107069 |
|
NEALSTOWN ED |
107075 |
|
RATHASPICK ED |
107082 |
552 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the implications of the European Court judgment ruling in a case (details supplied) which found that member states can prohibit telecom providers from imposing a package of services on consumers, such as making broadband services contingent on the conclusion of a contract for telephone services; the action he will take to ensure that providers do not impose telephone landline and other fees on consumers who wish to avail of a broadband service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29480/10]
The case in question concerns a specific provision in a Polish law of 2004 that prohibits a telecommunications operator with significant power from obliging an end user to subscribe to services which that end user does not require. There is no corresponding provision in Irish national legislation and therefore the Court's ruling has no implications for Ireland.
Under the provisions of the European Union regulatory framework for electronic communications, Eircom is subject to an obligation not to unreasonably bundle its services. This general obligation, which is imposed by ComReg under Regulation 14 of the Universal Service and Users' Rights Regulations 2003, sets out that where Eircom offers a number of services within a bundle, it shall ensure that end-users are able to purchase an individual service included in any such bundle without being required by contractual or non-contractual means to purchase the entire bundle of services and that tariffs for the individual services comprising any such bundle comply with the principle that end-users should not be required to pay for services or facilities which are not necessary for the service requested.
This obligation not to unreasonably bundle is not imposed on any undertaking other than Eircom, as Eircom is the only undertaking with significant market power (SMP) in a retail market. Customers may purchase an Eircom bundle of services or a customer may purchase Eircom's calls separate from broadband. Where a customer obtains either calls or broadband from Eircom it is necessary for the customer to pay for line rental since this is how these services are delivered.
ComReg monitors compliance by Eircom with its obligation not to unreasonably bundle and considers that its regulation of bundles in Ireland is consistent with the judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU in case C-522/08 Telekommunikaja Polska.
553 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason there is no provision for an independent dispute resolution procedure for consumers who have complaints against telecommunications providers as per section 12 (c) of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002; if he will ensure the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution procedure for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29481/10]
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) offers an independent complaints handling procedure for customers of telecommunications service providers. I understand from ComReg that92% of all issues logged with its consumer care team were closed within 10 days or less in 2009.
The first point of contact for any consumer complaint is the service provider. ComReg requires each service provider to publish guidelines on handling consumer complaints. This approach is consistent with a provision in (EU) Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services which requires EU member states to make available an inexpensive dispute resolution procedure to decide on unresolved disputes.
I am satisfied the procedures adopted by ComReg are consistent with the related obligation addressed to it in the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, and the European Communities (Electronic Communications) (Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003 implementing (EU) Directive 2002/22/EC.
554 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent draft 2010-2012 strategy document of the Commission for Communications Regulation; if his Department made a submission or had an input into the strategy; if he is satisfied that the strategy sufficiently addresses the needs of consumers and end users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29482/10]
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the independent national regulatory authority for the electronic communications market in Ireland. ComReg is required by the Communications Regulation Act 2002 to adopt and publish a Strategy Statement every two years and conducts a public consultation process prior to each publication.
The promotion of consumers' interests is addressed to ComReg in section 12 of the 2002 Act. ComReg published its Strategy Statement for 2010-2012 on 1 July 2010. Section 6.1 addresses the matter of consumers' interests and lists various key priority actions in that regard.
My Department and I received a presentation from ComReg on the draft statement prior to its publication. I am satisfied ComReg has met its statutory obligations in this matter.
555 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the State agencies under the aegis of his Department to which the 2009 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29484/10]
I can inform the Deputy that the State Boards, agencies, regulators or other bodies under the remit of my Department are as follows:
An Post;
Bord Gáis Éireann;
Bord na Móna;
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland;
Inland Fisheries Ireland;
Commission for Communications Regulation;
Commission for Energy Regulation;
Digital Hub Development Agency;
EirGrid;
Electricity Supply Board (ESB);
Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission;
Irish National Petroleum Corporation;
Mining Board;
National Oil Reserves Agency;
Ordnance Survey Ireland;
Radio Telefís Éireann;
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland;
Teilifís na Gaeilge.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies to all of these bodies, which requires them to comply with requirements relating to a broad range of matters, including remuneration, risk management, audit, procurement and capital investment, and to report annually to me on compliance with those requirements. Given the broad range of size, structure and nature and scale of activities of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the requirements of the Code are adapted to take account of each bodies particular circumstances.
My Department takes very seriously its responsibilities in respect of the governance of agencies under its remit. Agencies are required to confirm that they comply with the up-to-date requirements of the Code of Practice and are regularly reminded of their corporate governance responsibilities.
556 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date regarding the implementation of section 42 subsection 4 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to develop a code to prohibit the advertising of foods and beverages containing fat, trans-fatty acids, salts or sugars considered to be contrary to the public health interests of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29485/10]
Under the Broadcasting Act, 2009, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), which is an independent statutory organisation, has responsibility for the preparation of broadcasting codes to be observed by broadcasters, including those referred to by the Deputy. The BAI is required to present a copy of any code to the Minister as soon as may be after it is made.
I have not received a copy of a code relating to classes of food and beverages.
I have, however, written to the Chairperson of the BAI for a report on the matter and I will let the Deputy know the outcome in due course.
557 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the areas in County Cork that will receive broadband under the national broadband scheme; the areas that have received broadband to date under this scheme; the timeline for those still awaiting connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29601/10]
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, using a mix of technologies, to all fixed residences and businesses that are located within the NBS Coverage Area and who seek a service.
3 continue to progress its network rollout and NBS broadband services are available in over two-thirds of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (EDs) 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. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area must have broadband connectivity by Autumn 2010.
With particular reference to County Cork, the table below outlines the position regarding the 95 EDs to be covered under the NBS in the County. 76 of the 95 EDs are now enabled. The timing of the enablement of the remaining EDs is an operational matter for 3.
|
Electoral Divisions (ED) to be Covered by the NBS in Co.Cork |
||
|---|---|---|
|
ED Name |
ED Reference No. |
Status |
|
ADRIGOLE DED |
47002 |
Live |
|
AHIL DED |
47008 |
Live |
|
ALLOW DED |
47009 |
Live |
|
ARDAGH DED |
47010 |
Live |
|
ARDFIELD DED |
47011 |
Planned |
|
ARDSKEAGH DED |
47012 |
Live |
|
BALLINTEMPLE DED |
47019 |
Planned |
|
BALLYFOYLE DED |
47026 |
Planned |
|
BALLYHOOLAHAN DED |
47029 |
Live |
|
BANTEER DED |
47040 |
Live |
|
BARLEYHILL DED |
47043 |
Live |
|
BARNACURRA DED |
47044 |
Live |
|
BAURLEIGH DED |
47045 |
Live |
|
BAWNCROSS DED |
47046 |
Live |
|
BEALANAGEARY DED |
47047 |
Planned |
|
BEALOCK DED |
47049 |
Live |
|
BENGOUR DED |
47051 |
Live |
|
BOHERBOY DED |
47055 |
Live |
|
BUTLERSTOWN DED |
47059 |
Planned |
|
CAHERDUGGAN DED |
47063 |
Live |
|
CAHERMORE DED |
47065 |
Live |
|
CANDROMA DED |
47066 |
Live |
|
CANNAWAY DED |
47067 |
Planned |
|
CAPE CLEAR DED |
47068 |
Planned |
|
CASHEL DED |
47078 |
Live |
|
CASTLECOOKE DED |
47080 |
Planned |
|
CASTLECOR DED |
47081 |
Live |
|
CASTLEHAVEN SOUTH DED |
47083 |
Live |
|
CASTLEMAGNER DED |
47085 |
Live |
|
CHURCHTOWN DED |
47091 |
Live |
|
CLONFERT EAST DED |
47098 |
Live |
|
CLONFERT WEST DED |
47099 |
Live |
|
CLONMEEN DED |
47100 |
Live |
|
CLONMULT DED |
47102 |
Planned |
|
COOLCRAHEEN DED |
47110 |
Planned |
|
CRINNALOO DED |
47118 |
Live |
|
CROOKHAVEN DED |
47119 |
Live |
|
CURRYGLASS DED |
47123 |
Live |
|
DANGAN DED |
47124 |
Live |
|
DERRAGH DED |
47125 |
Live |
|
DOUCE DED |
47131 |
Live |
|
DROMINA DED |
47139 |
Live |
|
DUNBEACON DED |
47141 |
Live |
|
DUNMANUS DED |
47144 |
Live |
|
FARRANBRIEN DED |
47150 |
Live |
|
GLENGARRIFF DED |
47160 |
Planned |
|
GLENLARA DED |
47161 |
Live |
|
GOLEEN DED |
47163 |
Live |
|
GORTNASCREENY DED |
47165 |
Live |
|
GORTNASKEHY DED |
47166 |
Live |
|
GREENVILLE DED |
47172 |
Live |
|
IMPHRICK DED |
47174 |
Live |
|
INCH DED |
47175 |
Live |
|
INCHIGEELAGH DED |
47176 |
Live |
|
KILBERRIHERT DED |
47182 |
Live |
|
KILBRIN DED |
47184 |
Live |
|
KILCASKAN DED |
47187 |
Live |
|
KILCATHERINE DED |
47188 |
Live |
|
KILCORNEY DED |
47191 |
Live |
|
KILCRONAT DED |
47192 |
Live |
|
KILCULLEN DED |
47193 |
Live |
|
KILDINAN DED |
47195 |
Live |
|
KILLATHY DED |
47201 |
Live |
|
KILMACDONAGH DED |
47205 |
Planned |
|
KILMEEN DED |
47209 |
Live |
|
KILNAMANAGH DED |
47213 |
Planned |
|
WILLIAMSTOWN DED |
47219 |
Live |
|
KNOCKATOOAN DED |
47225 |
Live |
|
KNOCKAVILLY DED |
47226 |
Live |
|
KNOCKMOURNE DED |
47227 |
Live |
|
KNOCKNAGREE DED |
47228 |
Live |
|
KNOCKTEMPLE DED |
47233 |
Live |
|
LISCARROLL ED DEC |
47238 |
Live |
|
LISGOOLD DED |
47240 |
Planned |
|
MASHANAGLASS DED |
47249 |
Live |
|
MEENS DED |
47252 |
Live |
|
MILLTOWN DED |
47257 |
Live |
|
MOUNTRIVERS DED |
47262 |
Live |
|
NAD DED |
47266 |
Planned |
|
NEWTOWN DED |
47268 |
Live |
|
RAHALISK DED |
47272 |
Live |
|
RATHBARRY DED |
47274 |
Planned |
|
RATHCOOL DED |
47276 |
Live |
|
ROWLS DED |
47285 |
Live |
|
SHEEPSHEAD DED |
47289 |
Planned |
|
SKAHANAGH DED |
47292 |
Live |
|
SPRINGFORT DED |
47297 |
Live |
|
TEERELTON DED |
47301 |
Live |
|
TEMPLEBODAN DED |
47302 |
Planned |
|
TEMPLEMARTIN DED |
47304 |
Live |
|
TEMPLEMARY DED |
47305 |
Live |
|
TEMPLEMOLAGA DED |
47307 |
Live |
|
TINCOORA DED |
47311 |
Live |
|
TOORMORE DED |
47312 |
Live |
|
TULLYLEASE DED |
47314 |
Planned |
558 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding or grant aid available through his Department or the EU to provide individual or group schemes to generate wind energy for individual households; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29712/10]
Micro-generation is currently being supported through the pilot micro-generation scheme being run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and a domestic feed-in tariff offered by ESB under certain terms and conditions.
The principal objective of the SEAI pilot programme is to investigate and test technical, market and regulatory issues associated with the installation, network connection and operation of small and micro scale generation technologies. An associated programme objective is to assess measures required for supplier and product qualification to minimise the risk of adverse outcomes at small-scale and micro-generation installations, hence promoting the robust growth of a supply base.
It is recognised that the equipment used for microgeneration needs to be safe and reliable and should perform to the specified standards. Installation quality may also impact performance and safety, and therefore there is a need for standards for microgeneration installations and for installer training. All pilot installations in SEAI's microgeneration pilot programme are subject to a performance monitoring period of 18 months. The pilot programme is expected to run until mid 2011.
In conjunction with the pilot trials, the market potential of microgeneration and the possible supports that would be needed to achieve that potential are being assessed by my Department in conjunction with SEAI and ESB.
ESB Customer Supply is the only electricity supply company currently offering domestic consumers a microgeneration feed-in tariff under certain terms and conditions. This tariff is offered on a commercial basis and it is open to the other supply companies to enter this market.
I consider that the introduction of a robust framework for the development of a vibrant microgeneration sector is a key component of building societal acceptance of energy infrastructure and ownership of the national renewable energy targets.
I am committed to developing a comprehensive microgeneration framework in the near term.
559 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a grant scheme (details supplied) administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. [29764/10]
The Home Energy Saving Scheme commenced in March 2009. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland operated a limited pilot phase of the scheme in operation in 2008, but this was restricted to a few small areas, not including Cork. Based on the information provided by the Deputy, it would seem that the works were carried out long before the scheme came into operation. The rules of the scheme do not provide for the payment of a grant for work carried out prior to application, as the scheme is designed to stimulate and incentivise investment as distinct from rewarding past investment.
560 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the body, statutory or otherwise, responsible for monitoring emissions from telecommunications masts. [29844/10]
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for monitoring emissions from telecommunications masts to ensure compliance by Electronic Communications Network operators with various conditions attached to licences issued by ComReg.
561 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount an application by a company (details supplied) has cost to date; if he is satisfied with the way the company put forward their application; when they will be eligible to reapply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29871/10]
EirGrid applied for planning consent for the 400kV Meath-Tyrone Interconnection project in December 2009, under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as inserted by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
An Bord Pleanála convened an oral hearing on the matter on Monday 10th May 2010. On Thursday 24th June, it was drawn to EirGrid and the Inspector's notice that there was an error in the newspaper public notice and site notice relating to pylon height ranges for a section of the project. It is the case that full details of the correct heights of the towers concerned were fully described in the Environmental Impact Statement and in the accompanying planning drawings which were submitted to An Bord Pleanála.
Following consultation with its legal advisers EirGrid was advised that under the applicable legislation, there is no mechanism to correct the error within the context of the application. EirGrid therefore notified An Bord Pleanála on Tuesday 29th June, of the withdrawal of its application for the Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development.
The Meath — Tyrone interconnection project is of significant strategic importance from an all-island electricity market perspective, and from the perspectives, both North and South, of security of supply, competitiveness, economic growth and renewable electricity integration. I have already made clear my disappointment that EirGrid has had to withdraw its planning consent application for this important development. EirGrid is undertaking a full review of the circumstances which led to the error in the public notice and I have asked to be fully informed of the findings of this review.
While I have no operational role in respect of transmission development or planning, I fully expect EirGrid to work assiduously and quickly to prepare a new planning consent application, with a view to avoiding any further delays in progressing this important project. EirGrid has indicated that it will submit a new application as quickly as possible over the coming months.
It is estimated that the total costs incurred by EirGrid on this project since 2006 are approximately €8 million. These costs include work on key project milestones such as project definition, environmental studies, surveys, consultation, route section, technical design, reports, analysis, production of an Environmental Impact Statement and the submission of an application for planning consent. EirGrid advises that most of this work remains valid and applicable to any new planning consent application and that the new application will largely reflect the original application.
562 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding State agencies in his Department; the number that have been set up in his Department since his appointment in 2007; the persons serving on these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30078/10]
I can inform the Deputy that the number of State Boards, agencies, regulators or other bodies under the remit of my Department is 18.
The number of bodies under the remit of my Department that have been established since June 2007 is 2. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland was established under the Broadcasting Act 2009 and replaced the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission. The new inland fisheries authority, Inland Fisheries Ireland, was established under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010. The new authority replaces the Central Fisheries Board and seven regional fisheries boards.
The table below sets out the members of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland. In respect of Inland Fisheries Ireland, further appointments will be made on the nomination of the Joint Oireachtas Committee in accordance with the statute.
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
Board Members |
|
Dr. Maria Moloney |
Mr Bob Collins |
|
Mr John Waters |
Mr Larry Bass |
|
Ms Michelle McShortall |
Ms Paula Downey |
|
Ms Siobhain Ní Ghadhra |
Professor Colum Kenny |
|
Michael Moriarty |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
Board Members |
|
Mr. Brendan O’Mahony |
Ms. Lily Collison |
|
Mr. Andrew Duncan |
Mr. Lal Faherty |
|
Dr Frances E. Lucy |
Mr Liam Berney |
563 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding reports or reviews commissioned by him since his appointment in 2007; the number of reports or reviews that have been commissioned since his appointment; the purpose of these reports; the cost to date of each report or review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30079/10]
In the time available, it has not been possible to conclude an examination of the relevant records.
Officials within my Department are continuing their examination of the position and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
564 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to issues and anomalies with the home energy savings scheme and its application to upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30089/10]
I am not aware of any issues or anomalies with the Home Energy Saving Scheme. If the Deputy has specific issues of concern which he wishes to convey to me I will arrange to have them forwarded to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for direct reply. The scheme, which is administered by the SEAI commenced in March 2009 and provides grant assistance to homeowners for retrofit energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, very high efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments.
Homeowners can apply online and receive speedy same day grant approval once key eligibility criteria are met. All payment is made by Electronic Funds Transfer and all notifications are by email (for online applicants) with the exception of Declarations of Work which requires the signatures of both homeowner and contractor to draw down approved funds.
There is a parallel postal system for homeowners without access to the online system. The commitment that the SEAI gives is that postal applications will be processed within 21 days. I am advised by SEAI that in practice the typical turnaround for such applications is one week. The average turnaround time for all requests for payment is four to five weeks. Since launch last year, the scheme has dealt with over 72,000 applications and processed payments worth €36m relating to the installation of 78,000 measures in over 41,000 homes.
565 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the home energy saving scheme; the amount of money that has been paid out for this scheme since it was launched in March 2009, not the approximate commitments made but the amount of money paid out to date since the launch in March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30108/10]
The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, provides grant assistance to homeowners for retrofit energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, very high efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments.
Since the Scheme was launched in March 2009, grants totalling €36 million have been paid to homeowners across the country. Some 41,000 homes have benefitted from 78,000 measures under the scheme to date.
566 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30790/10]
In the time available, it has not been possible to conclude an examination of the relevant records.
Officials within my Department are continuing their examination of the position and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
567 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify the members of the independent panel who adjudicated on applications to the scheme for the allocation of milk quota to new entrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29197/10]
The Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants was introduced in 2009 with a second scheme implemented in 2010.
Applications that satisfied the eligibility criteria as set out in the detailed rules of the scheme were required to be presented for assessment to establish the extent to which each applicant could demonstrate a real and long-term commitment to dairying.
A panel was established for this purpose. The panel was required to recommend, for approval, only those applications considered to provide the best evidence of a viable and sustainable enterprise. The panel was chaired by a representative of ICOS and consisted of a member of Teagasc and two members of the Department.
568 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will quantify the financial penalty involved in the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork due to non compliance with the nitrates regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/10]
The deduction involved in this case amounts to €308.43. The deduction was made because the Department's records indicate that in 2007 the amount of nitrogen from livestock manure applied to land on the holding (including that deposited by animals) exceeded the limit of 170kgs per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations. It is open to the person named to appeal this deduction, within a three month time limit from day of final decision, by letter to the Agriculture Appeals Office, Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The Agriculture Appeals Office is an independent body established to provide an appeals service to farmers in respect of decisions of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food relating to entitlements under the various schemes available. The appeal must be made in writing within three months of the date of notification of the penalty. In making the appeal a person must include all the facts and contentions upon which they intend to rely, together with such documentary evidence that they may wish to submit in support of an appeal.
569 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will issue on the release of funding for a project (details supplied); the timescale for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29218/10]
The Slipway at Fountainstown, Co. Cork is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with that Local Authority in the first instance. Under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme my Department has, in previous years, provided funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned harbours, piers and slipways. Unfortunately, due to the current budgetary situation, funding has not been provided for Local Authority owned facilities under the 2010 Programme. It is of course open to Cork County Council to give consideration to funding works at Fountainstown from its own resources.
570 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review a decision regarding a fish culture licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29262/10]
The aquaculture operator referred to by the Deputy does not have a valid Aquaculture Licence within the provisions of the relevant legislation. Therefore the question of review does not arise. This information has been conveyed to the operator by my Department on numerous occasions.
571 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an early retirement application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be determined. [29264/10]
An amended application from the person named is currently being examined in my Department. The applicant will be informed of the outcome once this examination is complete.
572 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of a specific payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29275/10]
There were issues to be resolved in this case before it could be approved for payment. Payment will now issue to the person named within ten working days.
573 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount grant aided for the years 2004 to 2009 under the horse and greyhound fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29332/10]
Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund which was established under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 (the Act). In accordance with the Act, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon respectively. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the amounts paid from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund over the period 2004-2009 were as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ (000) |
|
|
2004 |
66,914 |
|
2005 |
68,350 |
|
2005 |
70,059 |
|
2007 |
73,111 |
|
2008 |
76,286 |
|
2009 |
68,128 |
This investment has been the catalyst for a period of sustained growth and development within both the horse and greyhound racing industries, which are significant to Ireland's rural economy.
574 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to enhance the live cattle trade to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29377/10]
The live export trade complements the processed beef trade and is an important component of our meat and livestock industry. Overall live exports in 2009 increased by 94% on 2008 levels. In the same period, exports to the UK increased by 159%, with those to Great Britain increasing by 440%, and those to other destinations by 74%. Up to the end of week 25 of 2010, live exports were 49% ahead of the levels achieved during the same period in 2009, reflecting exceptionally strong demand for all classes of cattle in our main markets. Again exports to Great Britain grew significantly above those to other destinations, increasing by some 118%, while those to Northern Ireland increased by 78% and those to all other destinations by 40%. The weakening value of the euro against sterling offers opportunities to Irish beef exporters and there are indications that the live trade to Britain will increase in the short term as domestic demand there is expected to outstrip supply. Bord Bia continues to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom, the Continent and international markets. Its activities include ongoing contact with leading retailers in Britain to establish their interest in cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.
575 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for installation aid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/10]
My Department has no record of having received an application under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme from the person concerned. As the Deputy will be aware, the Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008.
576 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to publish the animal health and Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29421/10]
582 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when legislation to update the 1911 Animal Health and Welfare Act will be law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29523/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 582 together.
The Animal Health and Welfare Bill which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is being prepared in my Department. The new bill will consolidate a wide range of existing legislation as well as repealing other legislation including the 1911 Protection of Animals Act. The bill will also update much of the existing legislation to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. Its consolidation into a single statute will provide considerably more convenience to all those who deal with or have an interest in animal health and welfare matters. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this bill to the Government at an early date.
577 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans, if any, to have Teagasc refund farmers who have been overcharged for participation in the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29443/10]
The Agri-Environment Options Scheme was structured so that farmers were not required to employ the services of a planner in order to apply for entry to the Scheme, except where a Sustainable Management Plan had to be put in place for Commonage or Natura land. It was therefore open to farmers without Natura or Commonage land to make an application without incurring the cost of employing a planner. In cases where farmers did engage a planner, the terms of the contract for the provision of the planning service, including fees, was a matter for the two parties concerned and my Department has no involvement.
578 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the State agencies under the aegis of his Department to which the 2009 code of practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29479/10]
The 2009 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies to all the State agencies under the aegis of my Department.
579 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the commencement date for the opening of applications under the capital aid grant scheme for sheep fencing and handling facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29490/10]
My Department has received EU approval for the introduction of a number of new on-farm investment schemes, including the provision of grant-aid for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities. However, due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of work, my priority has been the introduction of the Poultry and Sow Welfare Schemes which were launched on 16 June last. I now intend to progress the three remaining schemes, including the Sheep Fencing/ Handling Scheme. No date has yet been fixed for the introduction of the Scheme.
580 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will take to reduce the costs associated with the disposal of fallen animals by the knackeries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29491/10]
The disposal of fallen animals is subject to Regulation (EC) No 1774 of 2002. Under this Regulation, animals which die on-farm must generally be disposed of through approved intermediate plants (knackeries) and rendering plants. While my Department's contribution to the Fallen Animals Scheme in general ceased with effect from 14th April 2009, I have continued to provide financial support for the collection of certain fallen animals, in particular bovines over 48 months of age, for sampling, as required under the ongoing national TSE surveillance programme. With the ending of the Fallen Animals Scheme the cost of collection and rendering for animals not covered by the new scheme became a matter for negotiation between individual collectors/rendering plants and their customers.
My Department is continuing, within the boundaries of legal requirements, to make every effort to facilitate measures to maximise flexibility and enable reduction in the costs associated with the disposal of fallen animals. This includes allowing cross border trade, permitting direct delivery by farmers to authorised plants and encouraging indigenous use of meat and bone meal (MBM) for energy purposes. Approval conditions have been drawn up to facilitate the collection of fallen animals direct from farms by approved rendering plants, including arrangements to provide for TSE testing of these animals where required. Discussions are also continuing between my Department and farmer and hunt representatives, to consider the feasibility of extending the network of plants authorised to act as knackeries.
581 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm a substantial penalty in a single farm payment by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will clarify the reason for this reduction; if same relates to his REP scheme plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29492/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 24 April 2009. This application was selected for a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. During the course of the ground eligibility inspection a discrepancy was discovered with parcel number D23102066. The claimed area for Single payment of 29.7ha was reduced to 29.33. When tolerance is added this area was increased to 29.38 ha. As the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held penalties will be applied per the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. In this case the number entitlements held by the person named is 29.7. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is not more than 3% and under 2ha, the area put forward for payment under the Single Payment Scheme was 29.38ha. For the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, the area declared of 29.7ha was reduced to 25.97ha as deductions were made on parcel D23102066 as REPS 3 Habitats are not eligible for DAS.
As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 3%, under EU Regulations, the difference between the area found and the area claimed is doubled and deducted from the area found. This left a shortfall of 3.73 ha which resulted in 14.36% of an over claim. I have forwarded this file to the relevant section for review and the person named will be duly notified of the outcome and of his right to seek a review of this decision with 21 days. The person named will also have the right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. As regards REPS, my Department is still waiting for documentation which was requested from the person named after an inspection in August 2009. When that information is received, he will be notified of the outcome of the inspection.
583 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the 2007, 2008 and 2009 single payment scheme. [29609/10]
An application was received from the person named on the 3 May 2007 requesting the transfer by way of inheritance of 15.37 Single Payment entitlements from his late uncle under the 2007 scheme year. Subsequent applications relating to the same set of entitlements were received for the 2008 and 2009 scheme years. As the required testamentary information and documentation has not been supplied in support of the claim of the person named, it has not been possible to complete the requested transfer. To allow my Department to proceed with the transfer to the person named, the solicitor administering the estate should provide an account of the current legal status of the estate. If Letters of Administration have been extracted, the solicitor should supply a completed Transfer of Entitlements application form that has been signed by the person appointed as administrator. If the estate is not extracting Letters of Administration, the solicitor should provide a list of persons who are beneficiaries of the estate and such beneficiaries may sign waivers in favour of the person named. While such a list has been requested, and three waivers have been received, no comprehensive list of beneficiaries has been provided.
584 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the early retirement scheme will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29722/10]
On examination of the application received from the person named under the Early Retirement Scheme, a number of queries arose and my Department has requested clarification from her regarding outstanding documentation. Until these queries have been answered satisfactorily, processing of the application cannot be finalized.
585 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the early retirement scheme will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29723/10]
On examination of the application received from the person named under the Early Retirement Scheme, a number of queries arose and my Department has requested clarification from him regarding outstanding documentation. Until these queries have been answered satisfactorily, processing of the application cannot be finalized.
586 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a milk quota will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29724/10]
The named person sold his milk quota into the first stage of the 2009/2010 Milk Quota Trading Scheme. In accordance with the detailed rules of the scheme, a person who sells his or her entire quota under this Scheme will not be entitled to be allocated quota in subsequent trading or other quota schemes for a period of 3 years.
587 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce an independent appeals mechanism to be undertaken by his Department at the meat plants in order to ensure farmers are paid fairly and correctly for their cattle in view of the recent cattle grading controversy of meat plants and the failure of the mechanical grading machine and the losses incurred by farmers. [29787/10]
There are no plans to introduce an independent appeals mechanism by my Department at the meat plants. My Department proposes, in conjunction with the industry, to introduce a range of measures to enhance the existing system of monitoring the performance of mechanical grading.
588 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the changes he has made to cross-compliance penalty tolerances by SMR since their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29876/10]
Following on from discussions with the farming organisations in the context of the charter of rights for farmers in 2005, Ireland adopted a weighting system within the cross-compliance inspection regime whereby due account was taken of infringements of the cross-compliance requirements which were, on their own, inadvertent and minor in nature, and were capable of occurring in practical farming situations. In such circumstances a certain level of tolerance was applied while, at the same time, the farmer was notified of the infringement. Following a Commission review in 2007 on the operation of cross compliance, some legislative changes have been made which set rules for the non-imposition of sanctions for minor breaches of the cross compliance.
Under the new regime, where a tolerance is initially applied, the farmer must be told of the non-compliance. If the non-compliance is not immediately remedied, it must be remedied within a certain period of time, otherwise a penalty of a minimum 1% will apply and the normal rules of repetition will apply. Checks must be carried out to ascertain whether or not the non-compliance has been remedied. These checks can be of an administrative or other nature. Council and Commission Regulations are now in place implementing the new arrangements with effect from 1 January 2008.
589 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29883/10]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant as soon as possible.
590 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the young farmers installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29885/10]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant as soon as possible.
591 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a REP type scheme will be available in 2011, in view of the fact that some 20,000 farmers are due to leave REP scheme three between 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29981/10]
By the closing date of 17 May 2009, my Department had received over 9,000 applications under the recently introduced Agri-environmental Options Scheme from farmers who, if they prove eligible, will be entitled to up to €5,000 per year for the period ending 31 December 2015. Together with ongoing commitments in REPS, this means that all EU funding for agri-environment payments up to the end of 2013 is now fully committed. Any further support for agri-environment schemes in that period will, therefore, have to be funded entirely by the Exchequer and this is a matter which will be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process.
592 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he is taking in view of the recent increase in brucellosis in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29982/10]
I am aware that there has been an increase in the incidence of Brucellosis in certain parts of Northern Ireland, particularly Co Armagh, since the beginning of 2010. However, based on available figures, the number of outbreaks in the province as a whole in the period January to April has fallen from 83 in 2008 to 36 in 2009 and again to 25 this year. Notwithstanding the improvement in the overall situation, DARD has introduced additional testing in the Armagh area and they believe that the situation is now under control. There are on-going contacts between officials from my Department and their counterparts in the Department Agriculture, Rural Development (DARD) in Northern Ireland in connection with the brucellosis situation there. My Department's DVOs situated in border areas have been requested to carry out a risk assessment of the situation and to draw up plans for additional testing measures if they are required. As Monaghan is geographically most at risk, a comprehensive plan has been put in place involving some additional testing in selected areas and in selected high risk herds in that county. Other border county DVOs are also planning additional testing.
Imports of eligible animals from Northern Ireland are both pre-movement tested before leaving NI and post-movement tested for brucellosis on arrival in the South. Any further controls on imports from Northern Ireland would be contrary to EU legislation on trade in live animals. Nevertheless, my officials will continue to monitor the brucellosis levels in Northern Ireland and will keep in close contact both at local and central level with their colleagues in Northern Ireland.
593 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department is on target to meet the payment deadlines set down in the Farmers Charter for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29985/10]
In general, the payment deadlines set down in the Farmers Charter for 2010 have been met with the exception of the REPS scheme and the Young Farmers Installation Aid Scheme where some delays have occurred. I recently established a Farmers Charter Monitoring Committee which will meet later this month to monitor the implementation of the Charter.
594 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will issue on the 2009 single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when payment will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30036/10]
The application of the person named under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme has now been fully processed and payment will issue later this week, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
595 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the European Parliament will publish its own initiative report in relation to the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30069/10]
An own initiative report on the future of the CAP after 2013, prepared by MEP George Lyon, was agreed by the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee last month. That report will be voted on at the plenary session of Parliament in July. This is the first own initiative report to be prepared by the European Parliament on the future of the CAP after 2013. A second report will be prepared by Parliament later this year following the publication of the communication from the Commission. A third and final report will follow the publication of the legislative proposals.
596 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of a REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30070/10]
The person named began her REPS 3 contract on 1 October 2006. She was paid in advance on 23 November 2009 for the contract year beginning on 1 October 2009 and therefore there is no payment due to her.
597 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when agri-environment options scheme contracts will commence; the number of months payments that will be made this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30117/10]
Under EU Regulations, all applications for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme must be administratively checked for eligibility before approval can issue. This process is under way and will be completed as quickly as possible. My Department has already written to all applicants acknowledging receipt of their applications, and advising them that once all applications have been assessed they will be told whether their applications have been successful. Payment will be made from the date of commencement of the contract.
598 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish beef carcasses classification results based on the mill grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30118/10]
Officials of my Department are currently examining the new computer generated reports required to report beef carcase classification data in a format compatible with the new beef pricing grid (MII Grid). The new reports will be available once the necessary IT software programming is completed.
599 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding REP scheme four payments for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30119/10]
The number of applicants in each county and the numbers that have been paid in full up to 1 July 2010 are set out in the following table.
|
County |
Applicants |
Paid |
|
Carlow |
300 |
283 |
|
Cavan |
1,101 |
919 |
|
Clare |
1,333 |
1,275 |
|
Cork |
3,221 |
2,346 |
|
Donegal |
1,898 |
1,750 |
|
Dublin |
51 |
38 |
|
Galway |
2,757 |
2,377 |
|
Kerry |
1,999 |
1,321 |
|
Kildare |
373 |
337 |
|
Kilkenny |
833 |
776 |
|
Laois |
761 |
711 |
|
Leitrim |
880 |
741 |
|
Limerick |
1,344 |
1,200 |
|
Longford |
681 |
596 |
|
Louth |
218 |
188 |
|
Mayo |
2,703 |
2,231 |
|
Meath |
561 |
454 |
|
Monaghan |
903 |
799 |
|
Offaly |
706 |
652 |
|
Roscommon |
1,405 |
1,282 |
|
Sligo |
917 |
757 |
|
Tipperary North |
854 |
805 |
|
Tipperary South |
1,004 |
893 |
|
Waterford |
675 |
610 |
|
Westmeath |
709 |
657 |
|
Wexford |
783 |
729 |
|
Wicklow |
406 |
375 |
|
Totals |
29,376 |
25,102 |
All of the participants who have not been paid have issues to be addressed and their payments will be processed as these are resolved.
600 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce the new targeted measures for dairy hygiene, sheep handling, fencing and water harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30120/10]
My Department has received EU approval for the introduction of a number of new on-farm investment schemes, including the provision of grant-aid for dairy equipment, water conservation, and sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities. However, due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of work, my priority has been the introduction of the Poultry and Sow Welfare Schemes which were launched on 16 June last. I now intend to progress the three remaining schemes. However, no dates have yet been fixed for their introduction.
601 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a breakdown per county of the money paid out under both REP scheme three and REP scheme four contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30121/10]
The following tables provide a breakdown of REPS 3 and REPS 4 payments issued between 1 January and 1 July 2010.
|
County |
Number paid |
Amount |
|
€ |
||
|
Carlow |
73 |
453,453 |
|
Cavan |
368 |
1,960,711 |
|
Clare |
430 |
2,770,812 |
|
Cork |
625 |
4,122,825 |
|
Donegal |
874 |
5,397,318 |
|
Dublin |
23 |
124,123 |
|
Galway |
1,315 |
7,724,031 |
|
Kerry |
520 |
3,681,734 |
|
Kildare |
123 |
742,307 |
|
Kilkenny |
299 |
1,939,244 |
|
Laois |
206 |
1,297,201 |
|
Leitrim |
304 |
1,681,655 |
|
Limerick |
261 |
1,595,941 |
|
Longford |
146 |
836,160 |
|
Louth |
73 |
386,803 |
|
Mayo |
922 |
5,160,463 |
|
Meath |
242 |
1,503,439 |
|
Monaghan |
272 |
1,280,113 |
|
Offaly |
349 |
2,237,310 |
|
Roscommon |
533 |
2,946,574 |
|
Sligo |
261 |
1,518,750 |
|
Tipperary (NR) |
228 |
1,510,939 |
|
Tipperary (SR) |
258 |
1,713,029 |
|
Waterford |
209 |
1,422,080 |
|
Westmeath |
202 |
1,197,240 |
|
Wexford |
339 |
2,168,270 |
|
Wicklow |
213 |
1,369,269 |
|
Total |
9,668 |
58,741,795 |
|
County |
Applications Received |
Number paid |
Amounts paid |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow |
300 |
283 |
1,405,601.65 |
|
Cavan |
1,101 |
919 |
3,534,743.36 |
|
Clare |
1,333 |
1,275 |
5,853,391.94 |
|
Cork |
3,221 |
2,346 |
11,673,992.88 |
|
Donegal |
1,898 |
1,750 |
7,866,158.63 |
|
Dublin |
51 |
38 |
191,383.61 |
|
Galway |
2,757 |
2,377 |
10,634,949.95 |
|
Kerry |
1,999 |
1,321 |
7,509,368.46 |
|
Kildare |
373 |
337 |
1,540,747.48 |
|
Kilkenny |
833 |
776 |
3,933,644.37 |
|
Laois |
761 |
711 |
3,189,785.68 |
|
Leitrim |
880 |
741 |
2,861,266.10 |
|
Limerick |
1,344 |
1,200 |
5,759,185.47 |
|
Longford |
681 |
596 |
2,570,997.82 |
|
Louth |
218 |
188 |
926,576.51 |
|
Mayo |
2,703 |
2,231 |
9,743,027.63 |
|
Meath |
561 |
454 |
2,144,117.23 |
|
Monaghan |
903 |
799 |
2,863,594.81 |
|
Offaly |
706 |
652 |
3,029,909.36 |
|
Roscommon |
1,405 |
1,282 |
5,172,531.36 |
|
Sligo |
917 |
757 |
3,190,223.11 |
|
Tipperary North |
854 |
805 |
4,061,190.80 |
|
Tipperary South |
1,004 |
893 |
4,713,071.68 |
|
Waterford |
675 |
610 |
3,458,707.76 |
|
Westmeath |
709 |
657 |
2,772,533.64 |
|
Wexford |
783 |
729 |
4,042,298.44 |
|
Wicklow |
406 |
375 |
2,097,094.68 |
|
Totals |
29,376 |
25,102 |
116,740,094.41 |
602 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of single farm payment and disadvantaged area payments that were clawed back from farmers for each year when he deemed that the farmer had overclaimed an area declared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30122/10]
Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulations, payments under both the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme may be made only in respect of eligible land. Applicants under the Schemes are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them and details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded onto the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), my Department's computer-based land parcel tracking system. As LPIS underpins all the direct payments, it is crucial that it accurately reflects the true position on the ground.
It is also necessary for applicants to exclude ineligible features such as scrub, roadways, etc. Therefore, the LPIS database has to be amended on an ongoing basis to reflect any permanent changes such as parcel boundary changes, addition of new parcels, etc. In the vast majority of cases, applicants make sufficient deductions for the ineligible features. However, where over-claims are detected and confirmed, the appropriate sanctions, as defined in the governing EU Regulations, must be applied. Indeed, from the point of view of the integrity of the entire SPS/DAS processing system within my Department and mindful of the combined value of payments under these Schemes — in excess of €1.8 billion annually (including REPS) — it is crucial that LPIS accurately reflect the position on the ground and, furthermore, that any breach of the governing rules are dealt with appropriately.
As mentioned, the vast majority of applicants under both the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme traditionally make sufficient allowances for ineligible areas and, consequently, do not suffer the consequences of over-claims. To date, since the advent of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005, the monetary value of over-claims under both SPS and DAS is some €4.6 million, which represents 0.06% of the €7.7 billion paid under both schemes during the period in question.
603 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide an update on the disadvantaged area review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30123/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the EU Court of Auditors raised concerns about the procedures for the designation of intermediate Disadvantaged Areas (also known as Less Favoured Areas) in the European Union. The concerns related to the number and variety of criteria used to designate such areas — Member States have used more than one hundred criteria — and the lack of transparency.
The EU Commission has made a number of attempts to address these criticisms. During 2004/2005, the Commission proposed these areas be designated using criteria based on area classification, reflecting poor soil qualities and climate conditions (e.g. average cereal yields, stocking density, percentage of permanent grassland, etc.) but this approach was rejected by the Council of Ministers.
In 2007, the Commission commenced working with its Joint Research Centre (JRC) to establish a common soil and climate criteria that would support the delineation of Disadvantaged Areas. The intention was that a Commission proposal would be submitted to the Council in early 2009 for adoption by the Council of Ministers by the end of 2009. However, this was also abandoned by the Commission, in favour of the current approach, using biophysical criteria such as soil and climatic criteria to designate areas of natural handicap.
Currently there are three categories of Disadvantaged Areas in the EU viz: Mountain Areas — none in Ireland but covers 16% of land area across the EU; Intermediate Less Favoured Areas — over 99% of Ireland's Least Favoured Areas (LFAs); Areas of Specific Handicap — 0.4% of Ireland's LFAs (Coastal Regions). The areas, which are subject to the current review, consist of almost all of the Disadvantaged Area in Ireland.
The Disadvantaged Areas, which, according to the Commission's suggestion, are to be re-titled as Areas of Natural Handicap, would be delineated by Member States using soil and climatic criteria, based on the following: Climate, including Low Temperature and Heat Stress; Soil, including Drainage, Texture and Stoniness, Rooting Depth and Chemical Properties; Soil and Climate, including Soil Moisture Balance and Soil Moisture Deficit; Terrain, including Slope.
The Commission have asked each Member States to use the suggested biophysical criteria that is relevant to farming in its territory to delineate, on a preliminary basis, the areas identifies as Areas of Natural Handicap. Bi-lateral meetings between the Member States, the Commission and their experts in the Joint Research Centre (JRC) have taken place; at these meetings (and in correspondence) officials of my Department, supported by research data provided by Teagasc, have indicated that the rainfall issue is the most important issue for Ireland; we have pointed out that the current EU Drainage criteria does not properly address the issue. We have pointed out that given that 90% of the country is grassland, with high rainfall and poor evaporation, trafficability on farmland is a huge problem. Areas with the highest annual levels of rainfall tend to have the lowest animal stocking densities, with a limitation on the farming enterprises that can be pursued.
Following submission by my Department of the results of the required simulation exercises, further discussions took place with Commission and JRC representatives, following which my officials undertook to submit further supporting refined and detailed data. It is expected that this further data will be submitted shortly, following which there will then be further bi-lateral contact. It is my firm intention that everything will continue to be done to persuade the Commission and their JRC colleagues of the legitimacy of our arguments. This is a very important issue for Ireland, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland's total land area. From an economic perspective, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic conditions in Ireland.
The Commission's intention is to submit a proposal to the Council some time in the second half of 2011 with a view to adopting it in advance of 2014, when it will come into force. Council Conclusions were unanimously agreed at Council, which essentially summarise the work carried out to date on the revision of intermediate LFAs and the objectives, basis and methodology for future work. It is envisaged that any changes to the Scheme will not be introduced before 2014.
604 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding claims for flooding when the amount claimed exceeded the State’s guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30124/10]
Mindful of the hardship and distress caused by the widespread flooding experienced during the latter part of last year, on 27 November 2009 I announced the introduction of the Fodder Aid Scheme, targeted directly at those farmers who encountered damage to fodder in the affected areas. While I was very anxious that the funding reach the affected farmers as quickly as possible, it was essential that farmers demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and to what extent. To this end, therefore, it was necessary that each claim be verified by an on-the-spot inspection. Immediately applications began to be received by my Department, the necessary inspections were begun, following which the applications were further processed for payment.
The Scheme required farmers to demonstrate that the fodder was damaged and the extent of that damage: the aid was only payable in instances where genuine damage to silage, hay, concentrates or straw was caused by the flooding in November 2009; applications were required to be submitted by Friday 18 December 2009; all applications were subject to an on-farm inspection, during which the damaged fodder was required to be evident; aid was not payable where flood damage to fodder was covered by the farmer's insurance policy.
In addition, the financial assistance under the Fodder Aid Scheme was paid in accordance with State Aid regulation EC1535/2007 (de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector) — all applicants were required to complete a declaration in this regard.
I am pleased to say that payments commenced issuing on 18 December and, to date, payments worth almost €530,000 have issued; payments continue to issue as individual cases are confirmed eligible. I am particularly pleased at the speed with which these payments have been made directly to the affected farmers. Of the 256 farmers who have benefited under this Scheme to date, eight had their payments capped at the maximum allowable under the de minimis rules i.e. €7,500. In these cases it was not possible to pay in excess in view State Aid de minimis rules.
605 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers who qualified under the hardship clause resulting from the closure of the early retirement scheme in October, 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30125/10]
My Department received 175 applications following the temporary reopening of the Early Retirement Scheme from 23 September to 30 October 2009. The applications are being processed and, to date, 71 have been approved for payment. Twelve of the applications could not be accepted for processing and a further four applications have been rejected following processing as they did not meet the conditions of the Scheme.
Of the total number of applications received, 39 were returned to the applicants as they were submitted under the provision of the Early Retirement Scheme that envisaged the transferees being set up under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. As that scheme is closed to new applicants, the transferees in these cases could not satisfy that requirement. The applicants were offered the option of resubmitting their applications under an alternative provision of the Scheme which involved the holding being enlarged by the transferee. Thirty-three of these applications have been resubmitted on this basis and are currently being processed.
606 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite a payment to dairy farmers (details supplied). [30126/10]
The Dairy Hardship Compensation Fund is part of a package of measures agreed at the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, as part of which €300 million was made available to support dairy farmers across the EU who were severely affected by the fall in milk prices. Each Member State's share of this fund was calculated based on their milk production in the 2008/2009 milk quota year, and on this basis, Ireland received €11.5 million.
Having consulted widely, I decided to allocate the money on a flat rate basis, as it was agreed that this was the optimum method of allocation to those dairy farmers most affected by the crisis. In order to keep red tape to a minimum, it was decided that dairy farmers would not have to submit an application for payment. Instead, payments were made to eligible farmers using the Single Payment System, the most efficient way possible. The flat rate payment equated to a rate of €590 to each farmer. While Member States were required to make the payments by the end of June 2010, the approach adopted by my Department allowed payments to commence in early March, with the majority of payments issuing at that stage.
When initially considering eligibility under the Fund, it had been decided that only one payment would be made to each qualifying milk producer, Milk Partnerships being deemed to represent a single milk producer. Subsequently, following review, it was decided that an individual payment would be made to each member of a Milk Partnership and the necessary arrangements were made to give effect to this decision. I am pleased to say that this work has now been completed and payments will issue to 91 of the 105 partnership cases later this week. Those issues, highlighted at computer validation, which are currently preventing payment to the remaining 14 cases, are currently being investigated and, immediately they are resolved, payments will issue to the individuals concerned.
607 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he supported the current support level of 20 cents per litre for milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30129/10]
The EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) provides a range of support measures that can be used to manage the dairy market, and these were modified in the CAP reforms of 1999 and 2003. In the Health Check negotiations in 2008 there was pressure to remove or weaken the support measures significantly. At that time I fought hard to keep the key market instruments in place and the importance of the retention of these support measures was proven in 2009 when the dairy market experienced a dramatic decline. Last year I frequently pressed the Commission to take all appropriate measures to deal with the dairy market situation, and there is no doubt that the implementation of the range of support measures helped to stabilise the market in 2009. I will continue to maintain close contact with the EU Commission and the Council to ensure that support measures are activated at levels that will make a real impact on the market.
Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. In Ireland the average producer milk price in 2009 was 24.1 cent/litre, and the dairy premium is 3.6 cent/litre. Market forces have a major influence on the price paid to farmers for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales.
608 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for early retirement scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when same will be determined. [30136/10]
An amended application from the person named is currently being examined in my Department. The applicant will be informed of the outcome once this examination is complete.
609 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30788/10]
No printing contracts on behalf of my Department have been awarded to companies based outside this country.
610 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has received the report of the working group developing a training and employment framework for young persons and early school leavers which is due for publication in June 2010; when she plans to publish this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29455/10]
The Working Group developing a training and employment Framework for young persons and early school leavers is chaired by the Director of Curriculum and Quality Assurance at FÁS. The Group comprises representatives from all of the relevant Divisions within FÁS including its Employment, Community, Training and Service to Business Divisions, as well as its Planning and Research Unit and Social Inclusion Unit.
The FÁS Youth Framework Document is currently in draft format, and following external consultation with other relevant bodies and/or organisations, will be finalised in the near future.
611 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills his views on the introduction here of a youth job guarantee for young persons to address the high levels of youth unemployment along the lines of the scheme introduced in the Netherlands in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29456/10]
The Government is committed to tackling unemployment, including youth unemployment. In successive budgets, we have allocated substantial additional resources to provide increased training, education and work experience places for the unemployed. As a result, my Department will provide almost 190,000 training, education and work experience places this year specifically for the unemployed.
For early school leavers, the main specific provision continues to be training at Community Training Centres and VECs under the Youthreach Programme. There are currently 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella. The programme is directed at unemployed young early school leavers aged 15-20. The programme provides basic skills and work experience and facilitates early school leavers with opportunities to acquire certification and progress to further training or employment.
Another initiative, which is a way of preparing the unemployed for future job opportunities, is the Work Placement Programme. This Programme is aimed at providing up to nine-month work experience placements to the unemployed. The programme consists of two streams each consisting of 1,000 places. The first stream is for graduates and the second stream is for all others with 250 places ring-fenced for those under 35 years of age. To date a total of 1,286 individuals have participated in the Programme and there are currently in excess of 1,300 additional placements currently available.
Under the Dutch Guaranteed Youth Employment Scheme, young people who have been unemployed for a period are offered training and/or work experience. The work experience concerned mainly consists of guaranteed places with the government and in the subsidized sector. The scheme embodies an explicit sanctions policy: those young people who repeatedly refuse to accept either training or work experience lose their entitlement to a social security benefit.
In Ireland, the Government have adopted a more incentive based approach to encourage those under 25 who are unemployed to participate in activation measures. For those under 23, unemployment benefit is reduced to €100 per week and for those 23 and 24 years of age, unemployment benefit is reduced to €150 per week. However, should these individuals participate in any of the full-time education, training or work experience programmes (including the Work Placement Programme), then they will receive the full normal weekly allowance of €196.
Between the Work Placement Programme, the increased number of training and education places for the unemployed and the incentive based approach to social benefits for those under 25 years of age, Ireland has in place a range of measures designed to activate young people who are unemployed and maintain their linkages with the labour market.
612 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Cork can be facilitated in participating in a specific scheme. [29863/10]
As Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills I do not have a role in the administration of individual cases. The administration of individual cases is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act 1987.
613 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of her recent meeting (details supplied) with a delegation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30073/10]
I met with a delegation from the Salesian College College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick on 16th June. The matters discussed are currently under consideration and I will be glad to communicate with the Deputy when there are further developments in the matter.
614 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that the survivors of children’s homes and in particular a home (details supplied) are exempt from the fee for freedom of information requests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29193/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department generally only holds records on those former residents of Industrial & Reformatory Schools that were placed there by way of a Court hearing. There are many other institutions, some of which are listed on the Schedule to the Redress Act, in respect of which my Department had no involvement and, as a consequence, would not maintain any records.
However, in relation to the former residents of the Industrial & Reformatory Schools, and in keeping with the spirit of Section 47 (4) (a) and (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, there is no charge to any survivor seeking access to personal records held by my Department. I would like to reassure the Deputy that my Department has dealt with approximately 13,000 requests for personal records by survivors under the terms of the aforementioned Act and no person has ever been charged for the issue of any personal records located.
As the Deputy maybe aware, under Section 6(4)(a) and (5) of the Freedom of Information Act, the provisions of that Act apply only to records created after the commencement of the Act (in 1998) with the exception of records relating to personal information.
615 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her policy on health and safety in one or two-teacher schools where a teacher may have to leave a classroom unattended during the school day and the students are left unsupervised; her plans to allow small schools to recruit classroom assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29195/10]
The responsibility for day to day management of schools is at local school level. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and to participate in supervising pupils when the pupils are on the school premises, during school time and/or on school activities. In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The Safety Statement should be reviewed on a regular basis.
In 2002, my Department agreed arrangements for the provision of funding for supervision in respect of mid-morning and lunch-time breaks which are set out in Circular 21/02. Specific arrangements apply in the case of small schools, i.e. 1, 2 and 3 teacher schools. In such schools, each teacher may claim payment for up to 37 hours per school year for the provision of supervision services. Payment for further hours of supervision, up to a maximum of 122 hours per school year, is made by grant to the Board of Management of the school. Some or all of the 122 hours may be undertaken by an external supervisor appointed by the school. For example, if the teacher(s) in the school opt out of the supervision scheme, all 122 hours can be undertaken by an external supervisor. My Department has no plans to introduce classroom assistants to small schools.
616 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount paid by the Churches towards the compensation of victims of child abuse in residential institutions; the way this money is held; the way it is paid out; the role of survivors of child abuse, if any, in the disbursement of these moneys. [29203/10]
Under the terms of the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, eighteen Congregations agreed to make a contribution of €128 million towards the cost of the Redress Scheme. This sum was broken down as follows: Property Transfers €76.86m; Cash Contribution €41.14m; Provision of Counselling Services €10.00m.
In actual terms, whilst the overall figure of €128 million has not altered, the form in which it has or is to be transferred to the State has altered somewhat in terms of the property and cash contributions. The alterations to the agreed amounts have occurred where the State agreed to accept and has since received cash in lieu of properties to the value of €13.28 million. Hence, the breakdown of the practical implications of the Indemnity Agreement is: Property Transfers — €63.5m Cash Contributions — €54.5m Provision of Counselling Services — €10
All cash contributions have been received as well as Counselling to the value of €10 million. It was agreed in principle that 64 properties would be accepted subject to good and marketable title and agreed valuations. This number has reduced to 61 as the Department has since accepted and received a cash sum in lieu of three properties where good and marketable title could not be established. As at 27th May 2010, good and marketable title has been established on 33 properties which have been fully transferred. The remaining 28 properties have not been fully and finally accepted by the Department under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement. While physical transfers of these properties have taken place, with the properties being in use or available for use by the intended recipients, the Chief State Solicitor's Office continues to pursue the legal requirements issue under the Indemnity Agreement.
Of the €54.4m million paid in cash, €12.7million was earmarked for former residents and their relatives in the form of grants to assist them access educational services. This is now the responsibility of the Education Finance Board. The balance in the fund, which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency, was €5.35m at end 2009. The Board consists of a Chairperson and 8 ordinary members, four of whom are former residents. The remaining cash was used towards the payment of redress awards to former residents by the Residential Institutions Redress Board.
As the Deputy will be aware following publication of the Ryan Report, the Government and subsequently Dáil Éireann called on the Congregations to commit to making further substantial contributions by way of reparation. In response, the Congregations are offering significant additional contributions, which they have valued at €348.51m. More detailed work and discussion with the Congregations will be required in relation to the detail of the property offers. The Government has proposed to utilise the cash element of the Congregations' offers of contributions which is intended to amount to €110m over the next few years, to establish a Statutory Fund in keeping with the all-party Motion passed by Dáil Éireann, supporting the proposal for a Trust for the support of victims and to other education and welfare purposes. Following consultation with the Congregations and the former residents as to the exact nature of the fund, how it will operate and the uses to which it will be put, the arrangements for the Statutory Fund will be considered by the Government.
Having considered the report of the independent Panel appointed to assess statements of their affairs submitted by the Congregations and the response of the Congregations, the Government's view is that the overall costs of the response to residential institutional abuse should be shared on a 50:50 basis between the taxpayer and those responsible for the residential institutions. Assuming that the Congregations' offers of contributions are fully realised, the collective contribution of the Congregations would be €476.51m, leaving a target of over €200m to reach the 50% share of some €680m. The Government has requested that additional contributions be provided to the greatest degree possible in cash as a contribution to the planned National Children's Hospital.
617 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review her decision to refuse resource hours to a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29212/10]
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 resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
618 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if family support considerations will be taken into account when allocating student grants to mature students; if grants to mature students will be cut; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29213/10]
The assessment of means under my Department's third level student maintenance grant schemes is based on gross income from all sources, with specified social welfare and health service executive payments being excluded from the calculation.
For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students. An independent mature student is defined as a mature student who was not ordinarily resident with his or her parents or legal guardian from the October preceding entry to an approved course.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the schemes specify that parental income or legal guardian's income must be taken into account. Independent mature students, on the other hand, are assessed without reference to their parents' income or that of a legal guardian. The reckonable income of an independent mature student is that of the candidate only and of his or her spouse where appropriate.
Under the student grant schemes all mature candidates, if approved, are automatically provided with the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance which, this year, ranges from €810 to €6,355 depending on individual circumstances. The entitlement to the non-adjacent rate applies regardless of how far the college is from the mature candidate's residence and whether or not the candidate is dependent on or independent of his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). In addition, the childcare costs of a number of students are also supported under the ESF-aided Student Assistance Fund, which is resourced by my Department and allocated directly to students by their higher education institutions.
Changes in the rates of student grant are considered as part of the annual Budget process each year and rates become effective on a financial, rather than an academic year basis.
619 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the schools in the Dublin 15 area who have made applications to have works carried out under the 2010 summer works scheme; those applications which have been successful; the details and amounts of each successful application; those applications which have not been successful and the reasons these applications were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29220/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that details of 1490 successful applicants under the current Summer Works Scheme were announced on 19 April, 2010 and published on my Department's website, www.education.ie. Eight applications were received from schools in the Dublin 15 area and six of these were successful.
I set out below a list of successful and unsuccessful applications under the Summer Works Scheme from schools in Dublin 15 for the Deputy's convenience.
The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has contacted all schools approved for grant aid with details and instructions on how to proceed.
The Deputy will understand that the Department does not provide information on the value of projects prior to tender stage as to do so could prejudice the tendering process.
|
County |
Sector |
Roll No. |
Name of School |
Category |
Outcome |
|
Dublin 15 |
Primary |
19505L |
SN Oilibhéir |
Window Replacement |
Successful |
|
Dublin 15 |
Primary |
19601H |
St Philip the Apostle JNS |
Window Replacement |
Successful |
|
Dublin 15 |
Primary |
19755L |
Sacred Heart NS |
Toilet Upgrade |
Successful |
|
Dublin 15 |
Post Primary School |
60100Q |
Castleknock College |
Structural Improvements |
Successful |
|
Dublin 15 |
Post Primary School |
70081V |
Riversdale Community College |
Mechanical Upgrade |
Successful |
|
Dublin 15 |
Post Primary School |
91315O |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin |
Home Economics Room Upgrade |
Successful |
|
County |
Sector |
Roll No. |
Name of School |
Category |
Outcome |
Reason |
|
Dublin 15 |
Primary School |
19470S |
St Francis Xavier SNS |
Replace carpets |
Unsuccessful |
Maintenance issue |
|
Dublin 15 |
Post Primary School |
76062B |
Castleknock Community College |
Structural Improvements |
Unsuccessful |
Desirable but not essential |
620 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the current situation in respect of the site for the proposed VEC Luttrellstown Community College at Kellystown/Porterstown, Dublin 15; if this site has been acquired and if there is now permission to proceed with the drawing up of architectural plans, tendering and commissioning the building; the arrangements, if any, that remain to be completed in respect of the acquisition of the site and the building of the school; the amount that is being, or has been paid, to acquire the site; the funding that has been allocated in the capital programme for the construction of the school for 2010 and 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29221/10]
Fingal County Council have advised that the negotiations in relation to the acquisition of a site for the school in question have concluded. My Department, as sought by the local authority, has arranged to provide funding to the Council to enable the transaction to be completed which is being acquired under the Fingal Model Agreement. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further on the matter at this time. The future building project for the school will be considered in the context of the existing and competing demands on the schools building capital programme.
621 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding made available for 2010 and for 2011 for the construction of schools in Tyrellstown, Dublin 15; when the relevant school sites will be acquired; when these school projects will come on stream; if a needs assessment for the location of a secondary school in Tyrellstown has been conducted; his views on the potential location of a Gaelscoil in Tyrellstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29222/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 identified locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary accommodation requirements. Overall school accommodation requirements in the Tyrellstown and Mulhuddart areas, including any requirement for a gaelscoil and additional post-primary accommodation, are being considered as part of this process. However, the Deputy will be aware that a new post-primary school with capacity to accommodate 1,000 pupils is currently under construction in Phibblestown which should assist in easing any accommodation pressure at post-primary in the Tyrellstown/ Mulhuddart area in the short-term.
My Department has recently completed the purchase of a site in Tyrellstown under the Fingal Model Agreement intended to accommodate two schools. Officials from my Department have had preliminary discussions with the Local Authority in relation to the planned primary schools. A project manager has recently been appointed to oversee the delivery of the project. A master plan for this site is currently being developed with a view to lodging planning applications in the coming months.
622 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will detail all Dublin 15, inclusive of The Ward and Rivervalley-Swords, school building and refurbishment projects currently underway, under preparation or under consideration, including their current status and delivery schedules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29223/10]
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
Included for the Deputy's convenience, are lists of projects in Dublin Fingal, at tender and construction, in architectural planning and at application stage, for ease of reference.
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Current Status |
Band Rating |
Project Description |
|
Dublin |
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS, Dublin 15 |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
1.1 |
New school |
|
Dublin |
17472M |
Baile Falbach, Lusk |
Commencing Architectural Planning |
2.1 |
New school |
|
Dublin |
20201V |
Tyrellstown Educate Together NS, Dublin 15 |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
1.1 |
New school |
|
Dublin |
20282B |
Bracken Educate Together NS, Balbriggan |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
70120F |
St Finian’s Community College, Fingal |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
1.1 |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
76129H |
Ardgillan Community College, Castlelands |
Commencing Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin |
20252P |
Gaelscoil Baile Bhrigin, Balbriggan |
Awaiting Design Team Appointment |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
17914S |
St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Malahide, Dublin. |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
2.2 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
17961E |
Scoil Náisiúnta Lusca, Lusk, Co Dublin |
Commencing Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
New School |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
18046A & 18047C |
Scoil Bhride Boys NS & Scoil Bhride Girls NS Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
In early Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
18778S |
SN Naomh Mochta National School, Clonsilla |
In early Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
19535U |
St Cronan’s Senior NS, Brackenstown, Swords, Co Dublin |
In early Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
19545A & 19636D |
St Patrick’s Junior and Senior Schools, Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
Commencing Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
New School |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
19624T |
Scoil Caitríona NS, Kenure, Rush, Co Dublin |
Commencing Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
19660A |
Rush NS, Rush, Co Dublin |
Commencing Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
Extension/refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
20161M |
Donabate Educate Together, Ballisk Common, Donabate, Co. Dublin |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
New School |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
20240I |
Hansfield NS |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
1.1 |
New School |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
60343T |
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush |
In early Architectural Planning |
2.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
60370W |
St. Fintan’s High School, Dublin Road, Sutton, Dublin 13 |
In early Architectural Planning |
2.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Malahide Road, Dublin 3 |
In early Architectural Planning |
2.4 |
Extension/Refurbishment |
|
County |
Roll No. |
School |
Band Rating |
Project Description |
Status |
|
Dublin Fingal |
00697S |
St. Brigid’s NS, Castleknock |
1.1 |
Extension/ refurbishment |
Progressing to Tender |
|
Dublin Fingal |
76062B |
Castleknock Community College, Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15 |
1.1 |
Extension/ refurbishment |
Progressing to Tender |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60010P |
Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan |
1.1 |
Extension/ refurbishment |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
|
Dublin Fingal |
76104O |
Donabate Community College |
1.1 |
New School |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
20095C |
Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe, Swords, Co Dublin |
1.1 |
New School |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
20145O |
Swords Educate Together NS, Applewood, Swords, Co Dublin |
1.1 |
New school |
Tender Stage — Progressing to Construction |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19898K |
Gaelscoil an Duinnigh, Feltrim, Swords |
1.1 |
New School |
In Construction |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20231H |
St Bendicts Ongar NS, Littlepace |
1.1 |
New School |
In Construction |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20247W |
Scoil Ghráinne Community National School, Phibblestown (see also 76098W) |
1.1 |
New School |
In Construction |
|
Dublin Fingal |
76098W |
Pobail Scoil Setanta, Phibblestown (see also 20247W) |
1.1 |
New School |
In Construction |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20202A |
Balbriggan ET |
1.1 |
New School |
Practical Completion 2010 |
|
County |
Roll No |
School |
Current Status |
Application for |
Provisional Band Rating |
|
Dublin Fingal |
11583O |
St Andrew’s NS, Malahide, Co Dublin |
Design Team to be appointed |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19515O |
St Teresa’s National School, Balbriggan |
Design Team to be appointed |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
01170G |
S N Na H-Aille The Naul (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
09492W |
Balscadden N S Balscadden (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
12358M |
Swords Borough N S Swords Borough N S (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
15315J |
St Georges N S St Georges N S (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
15569R |
Scoil Moibhi Milverton (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
16267G |
St Patricks Boys National School Portrane Road (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
16332O |
St Patricks Snr Mixed Skerries (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
16970A |
St Molaga Senior Ns Bremore (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
16972E |
S N Peadar Agus Pol N Balbriggan (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
17569E |
Blessed Oliver N S Baile An Ridire (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
17928G |
Sn N Sailbheastar Nfa Malahide (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School Baldoyle (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
18412W |
S N C Naomh Padraig Donabate (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
18976W |
S N Cholmille B Swords (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
18977B |
S N Cholmcille C Swords (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier J N S Roselawn Road (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19549I |
St Fintans Ns St Fintan N S (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19601H |
St Philip The Apostle Junior N S Mountview (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19643A |
St Philips Senior N S Mountview (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
19757P |
St Michaels Spec Sch Hacketstown (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
County |
Roll No |
School |
Current Status |
Application for |
ProvisionalBand Rating |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20095C |
Gaelscoil Brian Boroimhe Coill Na Núll (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20145O |
Swords Educate Together Ns Applewood (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Together Ballisk Common(Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20176C |
Rush And Lusk Educate Together Ns Hanna’S Avenue(Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20240I |
Hansfield National School Hansfield (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20269J |
Flemington Ns (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
20348F |
Holywell ETNS, (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60021U |
St Marys Secondary School Baldoyle (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60100Q |
Castleknock College Castleknock (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60120W |
Mount Sackville Secondary School Chapelizod (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60343T |
St Joseph’s Secondary School Convent Lane (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60380C |
St Dominic’s High School Santa Sabina (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 4 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60383I |
Coláiste Choilm Dublin Road (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60383I |
Coláiste Choilm Dublin Road (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
60810B |
Loreto College Swords (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College Pine Ridge (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
76062B |
Castleknock Community College Carpenterstown Road(Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
76128F |
Hansfield Community College Hansfield (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
91315O |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin Cluain Saileach (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
91316Q |
Blakestown Community School Blanchardstown (Dublin Fingal) |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
623 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools Dublin 15, inclusive of The Ward and Rivervalley- Swords area, that use prefab buildings for some or all of their classes; the number of prefab classrooms for each primary and secondary school in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29224/10]
My Department records numbers of rented prefabricated buildings on a county by county basis. There are currently 304 prefabricated units being rented by 110 schools throughout Dublin city and county.
I include a table of these units on a school by school basis for the Deputy's information.
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
00697S |
St Brigids Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
00697S |
St Brigids Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
00697S |
St Brigids Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
00697S |
St Brigids Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
00714P |
Lucan BNS |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
00752A |
Central Model Senior Mixed NS |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
01170G |
Naul National School |
Naul |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
01170G |
Naul National School |
Naul |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
01170G |
Naul National School |
Naul |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
03359N |
Ballyroan Boys NS |
Ballyroan Road |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
06200O |
St Mary’s BNS |
Grotto Place |
Boosterstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
09492W |
Balscadden School |
Balscadden |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
09492W |
Balscadden School |
Balscadden |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
09750S |
St Joseph’s BNS |
Terenure Road |
Terenure |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
09932B |
Stanhope St Convent |
Mandr St |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
12014D |
St Andrew’s NS |
Chapel Hill |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
12014D |
St Andrew’s NS |
Chapel Hill |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
12014D |
St Andrew’s NS |
Chapel Hill |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
14180H |
Holmpatrick NS |
Convent Lane |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
15618E |
Sandford Parish NS |
Sandford Close |
Ranelagh |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
15618E |
Sandford Parish NS |
Sandford Close |
Ranelagh |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16333Q |
St. Patricks JNS |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16333Q |
St. Patricks JNS |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16577V |
St Brigid’s GNS |
Old Finglas Rd |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16577V |
St Brigid’s GNS |
Old Finglas Rd |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16577V |
St. Brigid’s GNS |
Old Finglas Rd |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16860Q |
Corpus Christi NS |
Home Farm Rd |
Drumcondra |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16970A |
St Molagas NS |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
16972E |
SS Peter & Paul JNS |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16972E |
SS Peter & Paul JNS |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
16972E |
SS Peter & Paul JNS |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17083B |
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal |
Dublin 8 |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17472M |
Hedgestown NS |
Hedgestown |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17559B |
St. Mary’s NS |
Garristown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17569E |
St Oliver Plunkett NS |
Balrothery |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17569E |
St Oliver Plunkett NS |
Balrothery |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17683C |
Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2 |
Crumlin Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17683C |
Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2 |
Crumlin Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17683C |
Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2 |
Crumlin Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17820J |
Rolestown NS |
Rolestown |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17928G |
SN N Sailbheastar NFA |
Malahide |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
17928G |
SN N Sailbheastar NFA |
Malahide |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17928G |
SN N Sailbheastar NFA |
Malahide |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17928G |
SN N Sailbheastar NFA |
Malahide |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17928G |
SN N Sailbheastar NFA |
Malahide |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17928G |
SN N Sailbheastar NFA |
Malahide |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17953F |
Edmondstown NS |
Edmondstown |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17977T |
Scoil Aine |
Raheny |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
17978V |
Naiscoil Ide |
All Saints Drive |
Raheny |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
17978V |
Naiscoil Ide |
All Saints Drive |
Raheny |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhríde BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhríde BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhride BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhride BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18386B |
Marist NS |
Crumlin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18386B |
Marist NS |
Crumlin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18411U |
St Marys NS |
Bancroft Ave |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18411U |
St Marys NS |
Bancroft Ave |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18411U |
St Marys NS |
Bancroft Ave |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18412W |
Scoil Phadraic C |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18623M |
Castleknock NS |
Main St |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18632N |
SN Eoin Bosco |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18671A |
St Michaels House |
16/17 Grosvenor Rd |
Rathgar |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18763F |
St Michaels Special NS |
Ballymun Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18673F |
St Michaels Special NS |
Ballymun Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18673F |
St Michaels Special NS |
Ballymun Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18815V |
Our Lady of Lourdes |
Rochestown Ave |
Dún Laoghaire |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18817C |
Scoil Bhride |
Ranelagh |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
18976W |
St Colmcilles BNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18976W |
St Colmcilles BNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18977B |
St Colmcilles GNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18977B |
St Colmcilles GNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
18977B |
St Colmcilles GNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19066L |
Loreto Primary |
Dalkey |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19220S |
Scoil Ide |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19220S |
Scoil Ide |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19221U |
Scoil Aine |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19221U |
Scoil Aine |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19221U |
Scoil Aine |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19259W |
St. Patricks GNS |
Foxrock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19319O |
St Olafs NS |
Balally Drive |
Dundrum |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19319O |
St Olafs NS |
Balally Drive |
Dundrum |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19319O |
St Olafs NS |
Balally Drive |
Dundrum |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
Beechpark |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19390U |
St. Marks SNS |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19470S |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Coolmine |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallagh |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19474D |
St Colmcilles JNS |
1 Drone Ave |
Knocklyon |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19496N |
St Fiachras JNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumont |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19545A |
St Patricks JNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19574H |
Divine Word NS |
Marley Grange |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19574H |
Divine Word NS |
Marley Grange |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19589U |
Gaelscoil Inchicore |
South Circular Rd |
Islandbridge |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19601H |
St Philip the Apostle JNS |
Mountview |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19605P |
Scoil Mhuire JNS |
Blakestown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19624T |
St Catherine’s NS |
Kenure |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19624T |
St Catherine’s NS |
Kenure |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19624T |
St Catherine’s NS |
Kenure |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19625V |
Scoil Realt na Mara |
Balbriggan Rd |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19625V |
Scoil Realt na Mara |
Balbriggan Rd |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19625V |
Scoil Realt na Mara |
Balbriggan Rd |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19628E |
St Fiachras SNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumount |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19628E |
St Fiachras SNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumount |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19628E |
St Fiachras SNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumount |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19643A |
St Philips SNS |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19643A |
St Philips SNS |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
19644C |
St. Ciaran’s NS |
Hartstown |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19652B |
Sacred Heart NS |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19662E |
St Michael’s Primary School |
Dominican Campus |
Ballyfermot |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19676P |
Scoil Aine Naofa |
Esker |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19676P |
Scoil Aine Naofa |
Esker |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19757P |
St Michaels Special NS |
Skerries |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
19877C |
Holy Family SNS |
River Valley |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19877C |
Holy Family SNS |
River Valley |
Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19898K |
Scoil an Duinninigh |
Draighnean |
Feltrim,Swords |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
19907I |
Gaelscoil Mologa |
Charleville Road |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
19949B |
Muslim NS |
19 Roebuck Rd |
Clonskeagh |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20012S |
Griffith Barracks Multi D School |
The Old Guard House |
South Circular Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20012S |
Griffith Barracks Multi D School |
The Old Guard House |
South Circular Rd |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20035H |
St. Gabriels NS |
Cowper St |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20043G |
Gaelscoil Chnoc liamhna |
Sean Bhothar Chnoc Liamhna |
Cnoc Liamhna |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20047O |
Gaelscoil Bharra |
Ascal an Fhasaigh |
Cabra |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20047O |
Gaelscoil Bharra |
Ascal an Fhasaigh |
Cabra |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20098I |
Castleknock ET |
Beechpark Avenue |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20098I |
Castleknock ET |
Beechpark Avenue |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20098I |
Castleknock ET |
Beechpark Avenue |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20139T |
Inchicore NS |
Sarsfield Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20139T |
Inchicore NS |
Sarsfield Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
20139T |
Inchicore NS |
Sarsfield Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20161M |
Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS |
Portrane Rd |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20168D |
Glasnevin Educate Together NS |
Church Ave |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20168D |
Glasnevin Educate Together NS |
Church Ave |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holly Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
20304I |
St. Francis of Assisi |
Belmayne |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20308Q |
Belmayne ETNS |
Belmayne |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20334R |
Gaelscoil Ros Eo |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
20334R |
Gaelscoil Ros Eo |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
County |
Type |
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
Clonkeen Rd |
Blackrock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
Clonkeen Rd |
Blackrock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
Clonkeen Rd |
Blackrock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
60343T |
St Josephs Sec School |
Convent Lane |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
60343T |
St Josephs Sec School |
Convent Lane |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
60343T |
St Josephs Sec School |
Convent Lane |
Rush |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
60370W |
St Fintan’s High School |
Sutton |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
70230M |
Killester College |
Collins Avenue |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
76062B |
Castleknock Community College |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
76062B |
Castleknock Community College |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
76104O |
Donabate Community College |
Donabate |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School |
Malahide Road |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School |
Malahide Road |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
|
|
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School |
Malahide Road |
Dublin |
Pre-fab |
624 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total number of staff employed in primary and secondary schools in Dublin 15, inclusive of The Ward and Rivervalley-Swords; the total number of staff employed in primary and secondary schools in Dublin 15 at the end of 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; if he will provide a breakdown of these staffing levels by school and by function; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29225/10]
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of staff employed in schools in Dublin 15 is not readily available in the requested format.
625 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the higher education grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29239/10]
A reply from the former Minister for Education and Science Mr. Batt O' Keeffe T.D. issued to the candidate referred to by the Deputy on the 7th of October 2009.
Clause 2.2 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme provides that a candidate is not eligible to hold a grant if s/he holds:
"(i) a scholarship/grant awarded by another Local Authority, a Vocational Education Committee or the Department of Education and Science, or
(ii) any other award payable from public funds, or
(iii) the equivalent of (i) or (ii) from another E.U. Member State
The provisions at (ii) or (iii) do not include awards such as scholarships, prizes or bursaries, made by the institution being attended or postgraduate research grants where the grant received does not exceed a specified amount, which for the 2009/2010 academic year, is specified to be €16,000."
As the total value of the postgraduate research grant award to the candidate referred to by the Deputy exceeded the specified amount in each year of his doctorate degree as outlined in Clause 2.2, he is ineligible for a maintenance grant under the Higher Education Grant Scheme.
626 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will secure an amendment in the rules for national schools and the guidelines to ensure that any child withdrawing from a religious instruction class or religious practice is to be facilitated in another class in which secular subjects are being taught, to ensure that there is no adverse discrimination against such a child when compared to those receiving religious instruction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29282/10]
627 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will secure an amendment of the guidelines for national school boards to include the constitutional entitlement of children to withdraw from religious instruction and the concomitant obligation on any national school in receipt of public money to make practical provision for same in a non-discriminatory way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29283/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 627 together.
Chapter 11(n) of the Primary Board of Management Information Manual, issued in 2007 to all members of Boards of Management of primary schools, refers to the rights of pupils and parents regarding religious instruction.
It states that the State shall not oblige parents in violation of their conscience and lawful preference to send their children to schools established by the State, or to any particular type of school designated by the State. It also states that under 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.
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.
However, parents also have the right, if so desired, to ensure that their children do not receive religious instruction.
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.
In the event that the religious education programme being followed in a school is contrary to the conscience of a parent, arrangements should be entered into at local school level to facilitate the required outcome.
628 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 223 of 13 May 2010, if she will confirm that an assessment has been completed; when a report and recommendations will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29326/10]
I can inform the Deputy that a psychologist from my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) conducted an educational assessment on the pupil referred to in this question on 17th June, 2010. A feedback meeting on the assessment findings was held between the psychologist and the school authorities and parents in question on 21st June. A formal report on the matter is currently in preparation and should issue to the parents and school by the end of July.
629 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider allocating funding for the establishment of an early start unit for Travellers in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29336/10]
The provision of an additional Early Start unit for Traveller children would be contrary to the recommendations set out in the 2006 Traveller Education Strategy. This strategy built on earlier reports, including the 1995 Task Force on the Travelling Community which specifically recommended the end of segregated provision at all levels of the Education system. This includes the pre-school sector.
With the introduction in January 2010 of universal pre-school provision (ECCE scheme) for all children, all children, whether from minority or majority groups are entitled to a free pre-school year of appropriate programme-based activities in the year before they start primary school. There are sufficient places available for pre-school children within community and private pre-schools. Adding a segregated Early Start unit for Traveller children would be contrary to principles of inclusion and against the recommendations of an agreed strategy.
630 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will re-examine an application for a student maintenance grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29347/10]
The candidate referred to by the Deputy was awarded the full non-adjacent rate of grant for the 2009 academic year. I understand that the candidate did not qualify for the Special Rate of maintenance grant as total reckonable income in this case exceeded the qualifying threshold and the awarding authority's decision in this regard was upheld on appeal by my Department. If there has since been a change of circumstances with regard to reckonable income, the candidate may apply to the awarding authority to be re-assessed on that basis.
631 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine an appeal in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding the proposed reduction from one temporary teacher to four part time teaching hours per week of English as a foreign language support for the year 2010 to 2011 in view of the fact that 94 out of 373 students do not have English as their first language which is equivalent to 25.2% of the school population thus placing excessive demands on the school learning support team; if an urgent meeting can be held with his officials and the school authorities to discuss a resolution of this critical issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29349/10]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools are published annually on my Department's website. Department Circular 0015/2009 set out the resources available to schools for language support (EAL) and is also available on the Department website. Under present arrangements a school can be allocated up to 4 language support teachers.
Additional support is also available for those schools which have at least 25% of their total enrolment made up of pupils that require language support (pupils with less than B1 (Level 3) proficiency). Such applications for additional language support are dealt with through the Staffing Appeals process.
I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board. The Board determined that the school was ineligible to appeal and thus a departure from the EAL staffing schedule was not warranted in this case. The school has been notified in this regard. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
632 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [29366/10]
I have arranged for officials of my Department to provide the information requested directly to the person named by the Deputy.
633 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding that has been spent on purchasing of land for the years 1980 to 2010 by her Department outlining in which constituency the money was spent in each year in tabular form. [29375/10]
As the Deputy may be aware, historically, it was church authorities rather than the State that acquired the vast majority of land for educational purposes. In the recent past, the Department relied primarily on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to source and acquire suitable lands for schools. More recently the Department has utilised a number of avenues to acquire land, including the VEC sector, Local Authorities, the OPW and direct negotiations by Department officials. The detailed historical information in the format sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the Department. However, the vast majority of expenditure on sites in recent years occurred in rapidly developing areas.
634 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new primary school for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29388/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned a band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
635 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon to the post-primary school building unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29389/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department approved funding for improvement works to the water mains and sewerage in March 2010 and for roof works in June 2010 at the school in question.
636 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon to the post-primary school building unit. [29390/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers applied to my Department for large scale capital funding, following completion of an extension to provide additional classrooms and ancillary accommodation.
The application has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned a band 4 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
The school also made an application under Summer Works Scheme 2010. However, this was not successful as the proposed works were not eligible under the scheme. I can confirm that my Department has received an appeal from the school in relation to this application. The appeal is under consideration and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.
637 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon to the primary school building unit in view of the recent announcement on prioritisation of the school building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29391/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned a band 3 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
638 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to the primary school building unit by a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29392/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned a band 3 rating.
An updated application for large scale capital funding was recently submitted by the school to the Department. This application is being processed and will be assessed and assigned a band rating in due course.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
639 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the review of school transport boundaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29395/10]
As the Deputy is aware, School Transport was approved by Government as a topic for inclusion as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews.
This review is looking at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved, and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review is also looking at fundamental issues such as eligibility criteria and catchment boundaries, with a view to achieving efficiencies and value for money in the Scheme.
The report of the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme is currently being finalised.
640 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills his plans in respect of a site at Kingswood Heights (details supplied), Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29407/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to use the site in question for buildings for educational purposes, in accordance with demand for such facilities and the availability of the necessary resources.
My Department is not aware that there are any issues regarding the condition of the site.
641 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29414/10]
The new post primary school referred to by the Deputy, is one of eight schools which were approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.
This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in respect of the eight schools. Following completion of the pre procurement process, the Bundle will be ready for handover to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.
The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.
642 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the criteria for the appointment of special needs assistants in primary schools; if she will extend the criteria to include the education needs of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29415/10]
Special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated to schools to enable them to support pupils with disabilities who also have significant care needs. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
SNAs and teachers have separate yet complementary roles. The class teacher is responsible for educating all pupils in his/her class, including any pupil with a special educational need. In this task, the teacher may be supported by a learning support teacher and/or resource teacher. SNAs are recruited specifically to assist in the care of pupils with disabilities in an educational context.
My Department is currently carrying out a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme. This is a comprehensive review of the rationale for the scheme, including the role of the SNA. It is expected that this review will be completed in 2010. The report, when completed, will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
643 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to upgrade facilities and the capacity of science laboratories at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29416/10]
As part of the multi-annual school building programme, my Department has invested heavily in the modernisation of school facilities throughout the country, including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of all major projects at post-primary level. Typically, this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science.
Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Scheme to refurbish science laboratories. Under my Department's 2009/10 Summer Works Scheme, 11 schools were approved grant aid to facilitate the refurbishment of science laboratories.
Additionally, the Department has funded the provision of class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences.
644 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances under which qualified tutors in the applied behaviour analysis programme are having their statuses changed to that of a special needs assistant; the reason her Department is ignoring its own circulars by requiring current applied behaviour analysis tutors under the proposed changes to fulfil a teaching role as a special needs assistant when previous circulars have clearly stated that a special needs assistant is prohibited from teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29429/10]
The Deputy will be aware that 12 centres in the ABA pilot scheme have applied to be recognised as special schools. Following discussions with the ABA tutors' union, it has been agreed that the ABA tutors will become Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in the special schools. The question of ignoring Departmental circulars does not arise as the normal terms and conditions of the SNA grade will apply. A redundancy package has been agreed for any ABA tutor who does not wish to transfer to the new special schools.
645 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the processes that must be adhered to by a university (details supplied) when they appoint a nominated local authority member to their governing authority; if there are specific criteria to be met; if there is an interview process; if nominees are required to forward their curriculum vitae; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29435/10]
The composition of university governing authorities is determined by Section 16 of the Universities Act 1997. In the case of the appointment of a local authority member to Dublin City University, Section 16(5)(a)(i) of the Act specifies that a committee of the Governing authority shall be established comprising the Chief Officer of the university and two other members, nominated for that purpose, by the councils of the administrative counties of Fingal, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and the Corporation of Dublin county borough.
Neither I nor my Department has any role to play in relation to the process for nominating persons to this committee.
646 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the level of whiteboard use in Waterford schools; and the way this compares with the level of use in other counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29442/10]
Interactive Whiteboards play an important part in the integration of ICT across the curriculum in schools. They offer opportunities for student participation and increased classroom interactivity. However, effective investment in this technology is dependent on an existing positive ICT culture in schools, teachers who are experienced in using ICT in the classroom and on an existing desirable level of ICT access throughout the school. The 2008 ICT Strategy recommends a baseline of a fixed digital projector and teaching computer for each classroom. The 2009 Smart Schools = Smart Economy Report supports this recommendation. My Department issued €22m in ICT grants to primary schools in 2009. Under this grant schools were required to purchase the recommended baseline equipment before the purchase of equipment such as interactive whiteboards.
Statistics in relation to the level of interactive whiteboards in use on a county basis is not currently available. A recent ICT survey of post primary schools indicated that the availability of interactive whiteboards is not an ICT priority at post primary level. A survey on the use of ICT in primary schools will take place in the autumn.
647 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29447/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers has made an application for a new school building and the project has been assigned a Band 2 rating.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
In the meantime, it is open to the school authority to apply to my Department for temporary accommodation to meet its immediate accommodation needs.
648 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the fact that only 1,752 of the 2,500 places available under the programme of part-time undergraduate and postgraduate places for jobless workers were availed of; the reasons for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29468/10]
649 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide details of the colleges, name of the courses and numbers per course which the 1,752 participants on the programme of part-time undergraduate and postgraduate places for jobless workers have commenced study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29469/10]
650 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications received and the number of applications rejected under the programme of part-time undergraduate place for jobless workers which commenced in September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29470/10]
651 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications received and the number of applications rejected under the programme of part-time postgraduate third-level places for unemployed workers which commenced in September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29471/10]
652 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer in 2009 and to date in 2010 of supporting the 1,122 jobseekers who commenced study under the programme of part-time postgraduate third-level places for unemployed workers which commenced in September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29472/10]
653 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer in 2009 and to date in 2010 of supporting the 630 jobseekers who have commenced study under the programme of part-time undergraduate places for jobless workers which commenced in September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29473/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 to 653, inclusive, together.
The following table contains details of the institutions, programmes, student numbers and costs involved in providing part-time undergraduate and postgraduate places for unemployed people from September 2009.
It is estimated that in excess of 3,000 applications were received for places under the scheme, almost 2,100 offers of places were made and more than 1,750 places were filled.
The take up of the scheme is regarded as high given the short lead in time available to advertise and to recruit potential students, the specific focus of the courses available and the geographical spread of the programme offerings. Admission requirements for higher education programmes are a matter for the individual institution but it could be expected that not all applicants for the places available would have met the entry requirements for a particular course. In addition, a number of students made applications to more than one programme/institution but would only be able to take a place on one course. The HEA worked very closely with the colleges concerned throughout the period of the application process to ensure, to the extent possible, that when places on particular programmes were not filled due to lack of demand those places were then reallocated to other programmes and institutions.
|
Undergraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Athlone Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
B.Sc in Sustainable Construction |
7 |
35 weeks × 2 years |
8 |
20,000 |
||
|
B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energy |
7 |
36 weeks × 2 years |
1 |
2,500 |
||
|
Bachelor of Business in Applied Accounting |
7 |
1 year |
2 |
5,000 |
||
|
Higher Certificate in GMP & Technology |
6 |
24 weeks per year × 2 years |
1 |
2,500 |
||
|
B.Sc Toxicology |
7 |
24 weeks |
1 |
2,500 |
||
|
B.SC Chemistry |
7 |
24 weeks |
2 |
5,000 |
||
|
B.SC Biotechnology |
7 |
24 weeks |
1 |
2,500 |
||
|
HEI Total |
41 |
25 |
16 |
40,000 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown |
||||||
|
B.Sc in Sustainable Electrical & Control Technology |
7 |
31 |
2 years |
31 |
77,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Engineering in Mechatronics |
6 |
17 |
2 years |
15 |
37,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Science in Computer Systems Management |
6 |
28 |
18 months |
28 |
70,000 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Business |
6 |
43 |
2 years |
42 |
105,000 |
|
|
Bachelor of Business |
7 |
9 |
1 year |
9 |
22,500 |
|
|
HEI Total |
128 |
3 |
125 |
312,500 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Carlow |
||||||
|
Certificate in Supply Chain Management |
7 |
3 |
1 year |
3 |
7,500 |
|
|
BSc in Management (Craft) |
8 |
2 |
2 |
5,000 |
||
|
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering |
7 |
6 |
1 year |
6 |
15,000 |
|
|
Certificate in Computer Systems |
6 |
26 |
1 year |
13 |
32,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Business |
6 |
1 |
1 year |
1 |
2,500 |
|
|
HEI Total |
38 |
13 |
25 |
62,500 |
|
Undergraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Certificate in IT System Maintenance |
6 |
17 |
1 year |
17 |
42,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Process Control and Automation |
6 |
12 |
1 year |
5 |
12,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Engineering Technology |
6 |
11 |
1 year |
11 |
27,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Sustainable Energy Systems |
6 |
18 |
1 year |
18 |
45,000 |
|
|
Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice |
6 |
15 |
1 year |
11 |
27,500 |
|
|
Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Business |
7 |
6 |
1 year |
2 |
5,000 |
|
|
HEI Total |
79 |
15 |
64 |
160,000 |
||
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Certificate in Electronics and Computer Systems |
6 |
15 |
1 year |
14 |
35,000 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Computing |
6 |
14 |
2 semesters |
14 |
35,000 |
|
|
BSc (Ord) in Manufacture of Medicinal Products (with exit award option) |
7 |
20 |
1 year minimum |
20 |
50,000 |
|
|
HEI Total |
49 |
1 |
48 |
120,000 |
||
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Diploma in Business in Sales & Marketing (Minor Award) |
7 |
42 |
1 year |
38 |
95,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Bioprocess Engineering (Minor Award) |
7 |
14 |
1 year |
9 |
22,500 |
|
|
HEI Total |
56 |
9 |
47 |
117,500 |
||
|
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice |
6 |
3 years |
||||
|
Honours Degree in Applied Biopharmaceutical and Healthcare Science |
8 |
6 |
2 years |
5 |
12,500 |
|
|
Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical) |
8 |
2 years |
||||
|
Higher Certificate in Energy Engineering |
6 |
21 |
3 years |
21 |
52,500 |
|
|
Ordinary Degree in Energy Engineering |
7 |
2 years |
||||
|
HEI Total |
27 |
1 |
26 |
65,000 |
|
Undergraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Certificate in Science — Pharmacy Technician |
6 |
11 |
3 years |
10 |
25,000 |
|
|
Certificate in Computing |
6 |
7 |
1 semester |
5 |
12,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Engineering — Wind Energy |
6 |
16 |
2 semesters |
12 |
30,000 |
|
|
HEI Total |
34 |
7 |
27 |
67,500 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Sligo |
||||||
|
Higher Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice |
6 |
3 |
3 years |
3 |
7,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Science Management and Technology |
6 |
0 |
||||
|
Higher Certificate in Environmental Science |
6 |
17 |
2 years |
15 |
37,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Business |
6 |
11 |
3 years |
9 |
22,500 |
|
|
Bachelor of Business (Honours) |
8 |
3 |
2 years |
1 |
2,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Computing |
6 |
12 |
2 years |
10 |
25,000 |
|
|
HEI Total |
46 |
8 |
38 |
95,000 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Tallaght Dublin |
||||||
|
BSc Honours IT Management (1 year add on) (Major award) |
8 |
7 |
1 year |
7 |
17,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology (Major Award) |
6 |
12 |
2 years |
9 |
22,500 |
|
|
BSc in Pharmaceutical Production (Major Award) |
7 |
2 semesters |
||||
|
Higher Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Major Award) |
6 |
32 |
2 years |
29 |
72,500 |
|
|
Bachelor of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Systems (3 year ab initio) (Major Award) |
7 |
49 |
3 years |
47 |
117,500 |
|
|
HEI Total |
100 |
8 |
92 |
230,000 |
|
Undergraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Waterford Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing |
8 |
5 |
4 years |
|||
|
B Eng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering |
8 |
11 |
4 years |
|||
|
BSC (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science |
8 |
2 |
4 years |
|||
|
BA (Hons) in Finance and Investment |
8 |
9 |
3 years |
|||
|
B.Sc Information Technology |
7 |
17 |
3 years |
|||
|
HEI Total |
44 |
|||||
|
Dublin City University |
||||||
|
BSC in Information Technology Programme |
8 |
65 |
3/4 years |
3 |
62 |
155,000 |
|
University College Dublin |
||||||
|
Distance Learning Diploma or Degree in Business Studies |
8 |
45 |
2 years |
6 |
39 |
97,500 |
|
NUI Galway |
||||||
|
B.Sc in Science and Technology Studies** |
8 |
24 |
Diploma: 2/4 years. Degree: 4/8 years |
3 |
21 |
52,500 |
|
Shannon Consortium (UL, MIC, LIT, IT Tralee) |
||||||
|
(UL) Faculty of Science — 22 Courses |
8 |
61 |
Flexible — 1/4 years. UL will concentrate on recruitment to 3rd and 4th year but may also recruit into 1st and 2nd years. |
|||
|
(UL) Kenny Business School — 2 Courses |
8 |
54 |
Flexible — 1/4 years. UL will concentrate on recruitment to 3rd and 4th year but may also recruit into 1st and 2nd years. |
|||
|
HEI Total |
115 |
27 |
88 |
220,000 |
|
Undergraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
(LIT) HC in Science (Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology) (minor award) |
6 |
14 |
3 years |
|||
|
(LIT) B.Eng in Manufacturing Technology |
2 |
3 years |
||||
|
(LIT) B.Eng in Electrical Technology |
5 |
3 years |
||||
|
HEI Total |
21 |
|||||
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Business Management |
6 |
12 |
1 year |
10 |
25,000 |
|
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Entrepreneurship Studies |
8 |
17 |
1 year |
15 |
37,500 |
|
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Environmental Science |
7 |
7 |
1 year |
6 |
15,000 |
|
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Engineering Technology |
6 |
8 |
1 year |
9 |
22,500 |
|
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Building Insulation Applications |
6 |
5 |
1 year |
5 |
12,500 |
|
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Renewable Energy |
7 |
28 |
1 year |
29 |
72,500 |
|
|
(IT Tralee-special purpose/minor award) Certificate in Information Technology |
8 |
9 |
1 year |
7 |
17,500 |
|
|
HEI Total |
86 |
5 |
81 |
202,500 |
||
|
Consortium Total |
222 |
|||||
|
National College of Ireland |
||||||
|
Higher Certificate in Business |
6 |
33 |
26 weeks × 2 years |
31 |
77,500 |
|
|
Higher Certificate in Computer Applications and Support |
6 |
33 |
26 weeks × 2 years |
33 |
82,500 |
|
|
BA Hons in Financial Services |
8 |
34 |
1/4 years |
34 |
85,000 |
|
|
BSc Hons in Business Information Systems |
8 |
25 |
26 weeks × 4 years |
25 |
62,500 |
|
|
HEI Total |
125 |
2 |
123 |
307,500 |
||
|
OVERALL TOTAL |
1,123 |
136 |
922 |
2,305,000 |
|
Postgraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Institutes of Technology |
||||||
|
Athlone Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Diploma in Business |
8 |
13 |
2 years |
|||
|
HEI Total |
13 |
2 |
11 |
27,500 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown |
||||||
|
Higher Diploma in Science in Computing in Software Engineering |
8 |
16 |
18 months |
16 |
||
|
Masters of Computing |
9 |
7 |
18 months |
4 |
||
|
HEI Total |
23 |
3 |
20 |
50,000 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Carlow |
||||||
|
Higher Diploma in Business (Management) |
8 |
15 |
1 year |
|||
|
HEI Total |
15 |
0 |
15 |
37,500 |
||
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Certificate in Advanced Software Development |
9 |
2 |
1 year |
1 |
||
|
Certificate in Advanced Industrial Automation |
8 |
12 |
1 year |
11 |
||
|
Certificate in Product Design and Development |
8 |
2 |
1 year |
2 |
||
|
Certificate in Environmental and Energy Engineering |
8 |
23 |
1 year |
23 |
||
|
Certificate in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering |
8 |
1 year |
0 |
|||
|
Certificate in Embedded Systems Engineering |
9 |
1 |
1 year |
1 |
||
|
HEI Total |
40 |
2 |
38 |
95,000 |
|
Postgraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Energy Management |
9 |
33 |
1 year |
33 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Energy Management |
9 |
4 |
1 year |
4 |
||
|
MSc in Energy Management |
9 |
1 |
1 year |
1 |
||
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Process Technology |
9 |
6 |
2 years |
6 |
||
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Software Development |
9 |
14 |
2 semesters |
14 |
||
|
HEI Total |
58 |
0 |
58 |
145,000 |
||
|
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology |
||||||
|
Posgraduate Diploma in Digital Media |
9 |
17 |
18 months |
|||
|
HEI Total |
17 |
0 |
17 |
34,000 |
||
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Diploma in Science and Computing |
8 |
5 |
2 years |
5 |
||
|
Higher Diploma in Business in Small Enterprise Support |
8 |
23 |
18 months |
18 |
||
|
HEI Total |
28 |
5 |
23 |
57,500 |
||
|
Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Diploma in Computing |
8 |
9 |
18 months |
8 |
||
|
Higher Diploma in Arts in Financial Services Technologies (2010) |
8 |
4 |
||||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting |
9 |
2 |
||||
|
HEI Total* |
9 |
0 |
14 |
35,000 |
|
Postgraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Institute of Technology Sligo |
||||||
|
Masters of Science in Quality Management and Technology |
9 |
3 |
2 years |
3 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Science |
9 |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
HEI Total |
6 |
0 |
6 |
15,000 |
||
|
Institute of Technology Tallaght Dublin |
||||||
|
MSc Information Technology Management |
9 |
8 |
2 years |
6 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma — Information Technology Management |
9 |
|||||
|
MSc — Pharmaceutical Production |
9 |
|||||
|
Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Production |
8 |
11 |
18 months |
10 |
||
|
HEI Total |
19 |
3 |
16 |
40,000 |
||
|
Waterford Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
Higher Diploma in Computing — Business Systems Analysis |
8 |
9 |
1 year |
|||
|
Masters in Electronic Engineering |
9 |
1 |
1 year |
|||
|
Masters of Science — Sustainable Energy Engineering |
9 |
8 |
1 year |
|||
|
Master of Engineering Science in Innovative Technologies |
9 |
10 |
1 year |
|||
|
HEI Total |
28 |
|
Postgraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Shannon Consortium |
||||||
|
University of Limerick |
||||||
|
Specialist Diploma in Web Application Development |
9 |
5 |
1 year |
|||
|
Specialist Diploma in Lean Healthcare |
9 |
3 |
1 year |
|||
|
Specialist Diploma in Lean Sigma Systems |
9 |
32 |
1 year |
|||
|
Specialist Diploma in Technology Commercialisation |
9 |
9 |
1 year |
|||
|
Specialist Diploma in Project Management |
9 |
32 |
1 year |
|||
|
Specialist Diploma in International Financial Services |
9 |
3 |
1 year |
|||
|
HEI Total |
84 |
1 year |
9 |
75 |
187,500 |
|
|
Limerick Institute of Technology |
||||||
|
M.Sc. in Computing |
9 |
1 |
2 years |
|||
|
HEI Total |
1 |
|||||
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
||||||
|
Certificate in Business Information Systems |
9 |
3 |
1 year |
|||
|
HEI Total |
3 |
0 |
3 |
7,500 |
|
Postgraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
Universities |
||||||
|
University College Dublin |
||||||
|
Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship “Dare to Venture” |
9 |
78 |
71 |
|||
|
Graduate Certificate in ICT Skills |
9 |
22 |
2 semesters |
21 |
||
|
Graduate Certificate in NanoBio Science |
9 |
7 |
2 semesters |
6 |
||
|
Graduate Certificate in Green Technologies |
9 |
44 |
1 year |
43 |
||
|
Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development |
9 |
6 |
1 year |
6 |
||
|
HEI Total |
157 |
10 |
147 |
367,500 |
||
|
University College Cork |
||||||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology |
9 |
4 |
2 years |
5 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing Science |
9 |
1 |
2 years |
9 |
||
|
Higher Diploma in Applied Computing Technology |
8 |
11 |
2 years |
1 |
||
|
HEI Total |
16 |
1 |
15 |
37,500 |
||
|
NUI Galway |
||||||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management |
9 |
6 |
2 years |
6 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in International Business |
9 |
15 |
2 years |
15 |
||
|
MSc (Business Information Systems) |
9 |
4 |
2 years |
4 |
||
|
MSc (Accounting) |
9 |
6 |
||||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Technology Commercialisation |
9 |
6 |
1 year |
|||
|
HEI Total |
31 |
0 |
31 |
77,500 |
|
Postgraduate Programmes |
Level |
Number of Places Filled |
Duration of Courses |
Attrition |
Student Numbers 1st March 2010 |
Cost based on Final Verified Numbers |
|
€ |
||||||
|
NUI Maynooth |
||||||
|
MA in Accounting |
9 |
2 |
2 years |
2 |
||
|
MSc Economic and Financial Risk Analysis |
9 |
3 |
2 years |
3 |
||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic Engineering majoring in Biomedical Science |
9 |
9 |
2 years |
9 |
||
|
Higher Diploma in Information Technology |
9 |
20 |
2 years |
20 |
||
|
Higher Diploma in Mathematics |
9 |
|||||
|
Higher Diploma in Statistics |
9 |
3 |
2 years |
3 |
||
|
HEI Total |
37 |
0 |
37 |
92,500 |
||
|
Dublin City University |
||||||
|
Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma in Science Education |
9 |
1 |
2 years |
1 |
||
|
Graduate Diploma in Plasma and Vacuum Technology |
9 |
2 |
1 year |
2 |
||
|
Graduate Certificate in Corporate Treasury |
9 |
8 |
1 year |
8 |
||
|
MSc in Investment, Treasury and Banking |
9 |
2 |
2 years |
2 |
||
|
(1) Msc in Information Systems Strategy, (High ICT content) (2) MSc in Internet Systems, (High ICT content)(3) MSc in Operations (Low ICT content)(Exit Points at Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma) |
9 |
19 |
2 years |
19 |
||
|
HEI Total |
32 |
0 |
32 |
80,000 |
||
|
Trinity College Dublin |
||||||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing with Advanced Interdisciplinary Outlook |
8 |
2 years |
8 |
|||
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Conversion) with Interdisciplinary Outlook |
5 |
2 years |
6** |
|||
|
HEI Total |
13 |
0 |
14 |
35,000 |
||
|
Overall Total |
630 |
30 |
572 |
1,430,000 |
* Letterkenny has 5 additional students as one programme started in 2010
** An additional student registered in December 2009
654 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the State agencies under the aegis of her Department to which the 2009 code of practice for the governance of state bodies applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29474/10]
As requested by the Deputy, a list of those State agencies under the aegis of my Department to which the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies is as follows.
|
Name of Body |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) |
|
Commission into Child Abuse (CICA) |
|
Education Finance Board (EFB) |
|
Foras Áiseanna Saothair (see note 1) (FÁS) |
|
Further Education & Training Awards Council (FETAC) |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency (GGDA) |
|
Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) |
|
Higher Education Authority (HEA) |
|
Léargas — The Exchange Bureau |
|
National Centre for Technology in Ireland (NCTE) |
|
National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE) |
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) |
|
National Council for Special Education (NCSE) |
|
National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) |
|
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) |
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) |
|
Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC) |
|
Skillnets Ltd (see note 1) |
|
State Examinations Commission (SEC) |
|
The Teaching Council (see note 2) |
Note 1: Responsibility for FÁS and Skillnets Ltd transferred from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (D/ETI) to this Department from 1st May 2010.
Note 2: The Teaching Council has been self-financing since March 2008.
655 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if guidelines on countering bullying behaviour in primary and post-primary schools dated September 1993 are still in force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29529/10]
Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established. Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
In accordance with the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour. These guidelines were issued to schools in 2008 and state, inter alia, that the Board of Management of a school must have policies to prevent or address bullying and harassment and that schools must make clear in their code of behaviour that bullying is unacceptable. The guidelines further state that as well as making explicit that bullying is prohibited in the school, and having an anti-bullying policy, the code of behaviour should indicate what action the school will take in relation to alleged breaches of the school's bullying policy.
My Department's "Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post-Primary Schools" were issued in September 1993, as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.
In 2007 my Department published, on its website, policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies and takes account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes. Reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
The National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) was established in 2006 in response to the recommendation in "School Matters", the report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools. The NBSS is currently working with over 70 Post Primary Schools to promote and support positive student behaviour.
The National Centre for Technology in Education's Webwise Internet Safety initiative includes an integrated educational programme with the following elements:
1. The development of an integrated educational programme in partnership with the SPHE Support Service called — Be Safe Be Webwise, which is delivered in the context of the SPHE module on Personal Safety by the SPHE Second Level Support Service
2. Delivery of Internet Safety Seminars for parents in schools in partnership with the National Parents Council Primary
3. Provision of Internet safety continuing professional development training for teachers
4. The Watch Your Space awareness campaign, which was launched in February 2007, seeks to raise awareness and promote safe, responsible practice by young people when on-line. The campaign has a strong peer-to-peer perspective and centres on an interactive on-line service, www.watchyourspace.ie developed by the NCTE. This site offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given from teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture-sharing websites
5. The EU Safer Internet Programme campaign WATCH_YOUR_SPACE — STOP CYBERBULLYING was launched in 2009. This social marketing campaign combined blanket and targeted messages delivered through a wide range of media channels and involving children and young people themselves, to the promotion of effective responses to cyber bullying by young people. In Ireland, the campaign included an on-line source of information and advice for young people, watchyourspace.ie, and the TEENTXT active listening service of the ISPCC
The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is also part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.
656 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will recognise the salaries, entitlements and pensions and so on of primary school secretaries; the number of primary school secretaries employed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29531/10]
The Boards of Management of primary schools are responsible for the employment of school secretaries and my Department provides funding towards the cost of school secretaries in Primary schools under two separate schemes.
One is the 1978/79 scheme under which my Department meets the full cost of salary and the school secretaries are paid directly through my Department's payroll. They have access to a Pension Scheme and other entitlements. The 1978/79 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. There were 193 primary school secretaries on my Department's payroll on 31st March 2010.
The 1978/79 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools including secretarial services. The scheme is flexible in nature giving Boards of management and schools discretion as to the manner in which these services are provided. With regard to salaries for secretaries, a forum has been set up with the aim of establishing the position in schools regarding the terms and conditions of employment of school secretaries. The forum is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Finance and includes the relevant management bodies and the unions involved.
657 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the grants, if any, that are available to assist a person who is doing a post graduation course on-line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29556/10]
The statutory framework for the Maintenance Grants Scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education.
An approved course, for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme is, generally speaking, a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one-year duration pursued in an approved third-level institution. The institutions approved under the scheme are, generally speaking, publicly funded third level colleges offering full-time courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level.
On-line or distance learning courses are not regarded as full-time programmes of study. Accordingly, such courses are not included under the Higher Education Grants Scheme.
Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved full-time and part-time courses in both private and publicly-funded third level colleges and universities. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
658 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Galway will receive notification of the start of a replacement school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29592/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for major capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.
In addition, a 2.54 acre site was purchased by my Department to supplement the existing 0.48 acre site to provide a site for a new school building.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
659 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if school support and resource teaching will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite the matter. [29696/10]
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 resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
660 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of school principals retired in each county here in the years 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29730/10]
The information requested by the Deputy, in relation to retirement of school principals in each of the calendar years 2008 and 2009 from primary, secondary, community and comprehensive schools, is set out in the following Tabular Statement. The figures for second level principals do not include principals of VEC schools where the retirement awards are made by the relevant VEC.
|
County |
Number of Principals |
|
|
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Carlow |
3 |
4 |
|
Cavan |
6 |
5 |
|
Clare |
4 |
13 |
|
Cork |
17 |
28 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
13 |
|
Dublin |
33 |
51 |
|
Galway |
10 |
23 |
|
Kerry |
11 |
18 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
13 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
12 |
|
Laois |
1 |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
12 |
17 |
|
Longford |
2 |
6 |
|
Louth |
7 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
8 |
14 |
|
Meath |
2 |
18 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
4 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
9 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
12 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
14 |
16 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
7 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
9 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
13 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
5 |
|
Total |
173 |
321 |
|
County |
Number of Principals |
|
|
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Carlow |
1 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
1 |
|
Clare |
1 |
4 |
|
Cork |
3 |
11 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
2 |
|
Dublin |
12 |
22 |
|
Galway |
1 |
8 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
3 |
|
Laois |
0 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
3 |
|
Longford |
2 |
1 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
3 |
|
Meath |
1 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
2 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
3 |
|
Total |
42 |
78 |
661 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of new school principals appointed in 2008 and 2009; the training and supports provided for new school principals; the changes made to the training and supports available to school principals since 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29731/10]
Since 2003 the Leadership Development for Schools Programme (LDS) has expanded the range of supports and services that it offers to school leaders and over 10,000 teachers from principals to middle managers have successfully completed LDS module programmes such as Misneach, Spreagagh, Forbairt, Tánaiste, Cumasú and Cothú. This investment has now led us to a point where there are structured professional development opportunities for all school leaders in our system from their point of appointment to day of retirement.
Both Misneach and Tánaiste are professional development programmes for newly appointed school Principals and Deputy Principals respectively,
Misneach is a professional development programme for newly appointed school leaders. This programme seeks to help new leaders to meet these challenges by developing their personal and professional capacities. The programme consists of 4 modules based on the following: — Leading Learning, Leading People, Leading the organisation and Personal development.
Tánaiste aims to develop the skills necessary for Deputy Principals to approach their role with confidence and to work effectively with the Principal and other school leaders to ensure high quality teaching and learning in the school.
Both these programmes consist of various modules which include leadership skills, motivating and inspiring staff in schools as well as self motivation for the leaders themselves.
In September 2008 LDS, in conjunction with NUI Maynooth, introduced Toraíocht, a formal training programme for aspiring school leaders. The Toraíocht Programme was designed in conjunction with the Department of Education at Maynooth and the wider educational partners and responds to the need for motivation and professional development that prepares school leaders of the future. This Programme has been highly successfully with the first cohort of students graduating in March 2010.
The information sought by the Deputy on the number of new school principals is not currently available. Relevant information will be forwarded to the Deputy directly when it becomes available.
662 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the schools in the constituency of Donegal South-West that have submitted applications for new school buildings, extensions and refurbishments. [29732/10]
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
For the Deputy's convenience, a list of major capital school building projects in Co. Donegal, including those in the constituency of Donegal South West, is given for ease of reference.
663 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a national school (details supplied) in County Donegal will be allowed to proceed to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29733/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my officials have signed contracts for the site in question. The contracts are conditional on my Department obtaining a final grant of Planning Permission. My Department expects to submit an application for planning permission to the Local Authority in the coming weeks.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
664 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when work will commence on a new sports hall in a secondary school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29734/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently authorised the Design Team to issue the letter of acceptance to the preferred bidder. Assuming that no issues arise, it is expected that the contractor will commence work on site within the next four weeks.
665 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29735/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers was given approval for grant aid for the provision of an additional mainstream classroom at the school, in light of an increase in the staffing schedule at the school. The school authority was notified of this decision earlier this year.
In addition, the school's application for grant aid to replace windows at the school under the Summer Works Scheme 2010 was successful and the school authority was notified of this decision earlier this year.
666 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of the 24 February 2010, if she will report on the progress regarding the provision of a permanent autism unit at a facility (details supplied) in County Clare. [29751/10]
The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for the provision of an ASD Unit for the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and has been assigned a band 1.2 rating under the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
In the meantime, the school has been provided with temporary accommodation to meet its needs.
667 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No, 506 of 1 June 2010 and her subsequent letter, if she will detail the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to all teachers primary and secondary under the headings production costs, printing costs, delivery costs for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29756/10]
Details of the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to Primary and Post Primary Teachers by my Department, under the headings of production, printing and delivery costs for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 are laid out in tabular format as follows.
|
Production Costs |
Printing Costs |
Delivery Costs |
Total Annual Cost |
|
|
2007 |
22,026 |
85,052 |
728,343 |
835,421 |
|
2008 |
23,055 |
75,396 |
780,937 |
879,388 |
|
2009 |
21,927 |
95,232 |
800,426 |
917,585 |
|
Cost to date 2010 |
9,593 |
54,096 |
400,039 |
463,729 |
The fluctuations in the yearly printing costs are a consequence of the timing of the purchase of payslip stationery.
Increases in delivery costs reflect increased postage costs. These costs were offset somewhat in 2009 by a reduction in the volume of items.
668 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the enactment of part five of the Teaching Council Act, 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29759/10]
As the Deputy is aware, Part 5 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 sets out the Council's investigating and disciplinary functions. The Council or any person may apply to the Investigating Committee for an inquiry into the fitness to teach of a registered teacher where: the teacher has failed to comply with or has contravened the Teaching Council Act, 2001, the Education Act, 1998, the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 or the Vocational Education Acts, 1930 to 1999, or any regulations rules or orders made under those Acts; the teacher's behaviour constitutes professional misconduct; the teacher's registration is erroneous due to a false or fraudulent declaration or misrepresentation; he or she is medically unfit to teach.
When it is deemed appropriate to do so, the Council's Disciplinary Committee will conduct a hearing on a complaint referred to it by the Investigating Committee. Such hearings may lead to withdrawal of registration on a temporary or permanent basis. Draft rules of procedure for panels of the disciplinary committee of the Teaching Council, as required in Section 2 of Schedule 3 of the 2001 Act have been drawn up by the Teaching Council.
Discussions between my Department and the Teaching Council regarding the commencement of Part 5 have taken place and the Teaching Council has indicated its view that Part 5 and Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 should be commenced together. As previously stated, it is intended that Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act be commenced in the near future. The commencement of the section will include provision for it to be regulated that a school may employ unregistered personnel on a time limited basis in exceptional circumstances, and this necessitates a change to the primary legislation.
I intend to commence both Part 5 and Section 30 as soon as is practicable.
669 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of assistant principals and special duty teachers in the Cork area who have retired from primary teaching since the embargo on filling middle management posts was introduced in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29773/10]
Since the introduction of the moratorium in March 2009 and up until 30 June 2010 a total of 18 teachers with allowances for posts as assistant principals and 34 teaches with allowances for post as special duties teachers have retired from primary schools throughout Cork.
When the moratorium was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal appointments in all primary and post-primary schools and these continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Assistant Principal and Special Duties allowances payable to teachers on promotion.
Unlike other areas of the public service retirement vacancies are actually being filled and what the school loses is the capacity to make a promotion by awarding the extra pay allowance to another teacher. The position whereby just over 50% of all teachers have promotion allowances is simply not sustainable.
Further retirements and promotions later this year will impact further on middle management posts. I am conscious that the impact of the moratorium on middle management posts has applied unevenly in schools and as I have already acknowledged the impact is not just due to the level of retirements but also as a consequence of promotions that are made to principal and deputy principal posts. In this context I have agreed with the Minister for Finance arrangements for a limited derogation from the general moratorium on the filling of promotion posts in schools. These measures are set out in Department Circular 0042/2010 which is now available on my Department website.
670 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to respond to the repeated calls for the introduction of bonus points for maths at leaving certificate level; if such a decision will be taken in time for students entering fifth year in September 2010 to make an informed choice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29774/10]
The admission criteria for entry to higher education institutions are legally a matter for determination by the institutions themselves. I indicated my view that the introduction of CAO bonus points for achievement in Leaving Certificate mathematics at higher level would send an important signal to students. I also wrote to the President of the Irish Universities Association, the Chairperson of Institutes of Technology Ireland and the President of the DIT asking them to look favourably at the introduction of a workable CAO bonus points scheme which would encourage those at risk of dropping down to ordinary level to sit the exam at higher level. Consultations within and between colleges on the matter are currently being progressed.
The Council of Registrars in the Institutes of Technology has indicated their support for bonus points, recommending that it would be best that any bonus scheme or scale is agreed on a system-wide basis, with a common scheme offered by all Higher Education Institutes. More recently the Irish Universities Association has written to me indicating that a number of universities have decided in principle to award bonus points with effect from 2012, and that the matter is receiving attention in a number of other colleges. In addition a number of technical issues are being discussed. The Association will keep me informed of progress in the matter.
671 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be considered for the higher education access route for school leavers from socio economic disadvantaged backgrounds. [29869/10]
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves. The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance.
672 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider re-classifying junior certificate school programme librarians as front line staff to ensure the maintenance of libraries in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29886/10]
As the Deputy may be aware, 30 schools are currently included in the JCSP Demonstration Library project. I am pleased to say that the Librarians in those schools who are currently employed under the terms of Fixed Term Contracts will be retained for a further year.
673 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 599 and 605 of 29 June 2010, the rationale upon which a common pay date of the 11 November has been introduced for the July Education Programme; if this deferred payment date could give rise to circumstances in which parents could not afford advance payment will be facilitated; if she has satisfied herself that the proposed new arrangements for payment will not disadvantage any child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29893/10]
The common pay date for the July Education Programme was introduced in 2009 as part of my Department's continued effort to improve our service to parents of children with special educational needs.
The benefit of the common day date is that parents and teachers receive payment on the same date irrespective of whether they are included in a school-based or home-based programme. The common day date is well advertised prior to the start of the programme and gives both parents and teachers an exact date on which they can expect payment from my Department.
These arrangements worked exceptionally well in 2009. No child was in any way disadvantaged by its introduction. As previously advised, the decision in 2010 to change the common pay date from 30 September, as in 2009, to 11 November was made after consideration of the available staffing resources within my Department.
674 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a new building by a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30046/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
675 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school building (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30047/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
676 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will expedite an application by a school (details supplied) in County Cork for works under the capital works programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30048/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
677 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the State agencies that are available to assist a private college here to attract foreign students to study and live in Ireland; if she will provide the contact details of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30049/10]
Enterprise Ireland are the State agency responsible for assisting private higher education institutions in attracting international students, both on an institutional basis and on a sectoral basis. The responsible section within Enterprise Ireland is the International Education Services section. This section is based in Enterprise Ireland's headquarters in East Point in Dublin, and can be contacted at (01) 727 2000.
678 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30050/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 4 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
679 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 563 of 30 June 2010 the date of the deadline for the State agencies under her control to confirm that they have complied with the 2009 code of practice for the governance of State bodies; the name of all agencies that have, to date, confirmed their compliance with the code of practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30052/10]
The dates of the deadlines to which the Deputy refers are outlined in Sections 12 and 13 of the revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. Section 13 details the additional information that the Chairperson must furnish to me in conjunction with the annual report and accounts of the body including confirmation that the ‘Code of Practice has been adopted and the extent to which it is being complied with subject to Board approval' (13.1 xi).
Corporate Governance arrangements relating to State Bodies under the aegis of my Department including the implementation of the requirements of the Code of Practice and ongoing monitoring are overseen by the appropriate Line Divisions of my Department. The relevant line sections of my Department are presently liaising with these bodies in respect of 2009 Annual Reports and Accounts. To date three agencies under the aegis of my Department have confirmed compliance with the revised code, namely the Higher Education Authority, the Teaching Council and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
680 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for DES funding by a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30053/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has recently approved funding for fire safety works at the school in question.
681 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 559 of 29 June 2010, the way she intends to fulfil Section 5 (a) of the Employment Control Framework if her Department does not monitor the number of staff employed in each grade within the higher education sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30054/10]
It is the responsibility of the individual higher education institutions, subject to the continued oversight and review by the HEA and both my Department and the Department of Finance, to manage their staffing resources in the context of implementing the Employment Control Framework and to ensure compliance with all the conditions. Institutions are required to maintain appropriate records in relation to their observance of the conditions and to make those records available as required.
In that regard, I understand that the HEA is currently setting up a process for the development of a comprehensive staff database for all its higher education institutions. This will enable detailed analysis of a wide range of issues in relation to staffing across the sector as well as facilitating monitoring of all aspects of the ECF.
682 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the possibility of increasing the number of personnel involved in community type work through FÁS or any other structure in view of the fact that there is now almost 440,000 persons unemployed; her views on whether it would not only be in the interests of the participants to have the opportunity to work 19 to 20 hours per week but it would also improve the services available to the elderly, disabled and communities in general; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30095/10]
The aim of Community Employment Programme (CE) remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills.
Within the current very difficulty budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE have been increased to 23,300 in 2010. In delivering these places, FÁS will continue to operate flexibly in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.
683 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of bike grants that have been processed to date in 2010 by teachers who are paid directly by her Department; if it is the case that because of the demand for the bike grant by teachers who want to reduce their tax liability with the introduction of the tax on car park space in 2010, that no applications for the grant can be processed by the relevant section or sections of her Department until 2011 and that the relevant section or sections of her Department have informed teachers that this is the position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30111/10]
My Department operates payrolls for the payment of approximately 85,000 serving and retired teaching and non teaching staff on a fortnightly basis.
A total of 913 applications for the cycle to work scheme for 2010 have been processed for the serving teaching and non teaching staff paid on these payrolls. The applications for the scheme were processed with existing staffing resources.
As a high percentage of retirements and new appointments take place at the commencement of the new school year the period from July to December is a very busy one for the section involved with paying the teaching and non teaching staff on the payrolls. Accordingly, it is not possible to process further applications for the cycle to work scheme this year.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I do intend to allow greater flexibility for application to the scheme in 2011. A Circular outlining the revised terms of the scheme for 2011 will issue in the near future.
684 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will rule out further increases in school transport charges in the next budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30130/10]
The arrangements currently in place for school transport annual charges, namely €300 per eligible and concessionary post primary pupil, €200 for concessionary primary pupil and a maximum family charge of €650 will remain in place for the 2010/2011 school year. As the Deputy will be aware eligible primary children and children with special educational needs are currently transported free of charge and charges are waived in the case of eligible post primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card.
The Deputy will also be aware that the McCarthy report made recommendations to levy charges, at both primary and post primary level, at a rate of €500 per annum per child or 50% of the full economic cost of providing the service, with the exemption for social welfare recipients continuing to apply.
The recommendations in the McCarthy report fall to be considered as part of the annual estimates and budget process. It would not be appropriate to comment specifically on whether any of these recommendations or indeed other expenditure issues will be included in next years estimates and budget prior to Government consideration and decisions on estimates 2011.
685 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to a previous Parliamentary Question, the number of pupils the two new primary schools planned for Ballincurra in County Cork will accommodate; and the discussions, if any, her officials have had with education partners and or local authorities in respect of plans to construct two new primary schools. [30138/10]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department recently submitted a planning application for two sixteen classroom schools. This application was made as part of the exchange of contracts for the acquisition of the potential school site. As part of the pre-planning process my officials met with the Local Authority planners. It was not considered necessary to meet with the education partners in relation to this planning application.
686 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills to support a school (details supplied). [30207/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support.
The correspondence referred to by the Deputy raises issues in relation to consultation and planning in the context of Circular 0038/2010 issued by my Department in May this year. I wish to clarify that the purpose of the circular is to signal the process through which enrolment practices and resource allocations will be addressed in Special Schools for the 2011/12 school year and to set out the transition arrangements that will apply in relation to these issues for the 2010/11 school year. The Circular explains that the Department of Education and Skills and the NCSE met with representatives of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA), the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE), the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the National Parents Council Primary to consider these issues with a view to putting a process in place to engage in a collaborative manner to clarify the position on these issues and to identify appropriate staffing arrangements which will apply with effect from the 2011/2012 school year. It was agreed that the parties will consult further in the near future in this regard.
As such, I would be grateful if the Deputy could advise the correspondent to also ensure that her concerns are brought to the attention of her relevant representative body, so that these views might be represented on her behalf at the upcoming consultation process.
The correspondence also refers to engagement regarding the report on Special Schools and Classes. I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the Research Report on the role of Special Schools and Classes in Ireland was commissioned by the NCSE. I have received a copy of this report. This research, including recommendations, needs to be considered first of all by the NCSE. While the NCSE has funded this research, the report clearly states that the views and opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the NCSE.
I understand that the report may be one of a number of many strands of evidence to be considered by the NCSE when formulating its position in relation to special schools and special classes. Ultimately, it is expected that advice received from the NCSE will assist my Department with policy formulation in relation to the role of special schools and special classes. I look forward to receiving the considered views of the NCSE in relation to this issue.
687 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 4 March, 2010 the progress the forward planning section of her Department has made in its detailed analysis of primary school accommodation requirements at 40 locations; if Middleton and the east Cork area is one of these locations and if so, if it has completed its analysis of this area; the conclusions that have been drawn by her Department in relation to primary school provision up to 2015 in the Middleton and east Cork area; the action she will take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30209/10]
688 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 4 March 2010 if the forward planning section of her Department has completed its detailed analysis of primary school accommodation requirements at 40 locations; if Midleton and east Cork area are one of these locations; if the more detailed analysis of post primary school accommodation has been completed for Midleton and the east Cork area; the conclusions that have been drawn by her Department in relation to primary school provision in this area up to 2015; the action she will take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30210/10]
689 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 1 December 2009, the further progress that has been made by her Department in the analysis of the requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary in Middleton, Carrigtwohill and the east Cork area due to significant changes to demographics in these areas; the number of new classrooms which she envisages will be needed to meet additional primary demand in 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively; if she can advise the expected additional secondary accommodation requirements for each of these years respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30211/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 687 to 689, inclusive, together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection and with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis has been on primary school accommodation requirements. This will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary school accommodation requirements. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in the short to medium term is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas.
Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these initial identified areas in order to identify school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/15. School accommodation requirements in the Midleton/ Carrigtwohill area have been considered as part of this detailed study of the identified areas, which indicates that up 38 additional primary classrooms may be required across that area to cater for increased enrolments up to the school year 2014/15. When the required reports have been completed for all the initial identified areas Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. School accommodation requirements in the remainder of the East Cork area will be considered as part of this process.
Any proposed building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
690 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 30 June 2010, if she will confirm that there is to be no compensatory measure in the marking scheme for the approximately 200 students given an incorrect high level accountancy paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30212/10]
The State Examinations Commission has operational responsibility for the certificate examinations. I have been advised by the Commission that it continues to assess the situation and has sought special reports, in addition to the normal reporting, from the examination superintendents who were invigilating the Leaving Certificate Accounting examination sessions in the 16 schools affected by the production error in the examination paper. The SEC is also considering correspondence received from the schools and candidates, and their parents, involved. Consequently this matter is ongoing and will be kept under review by the SEC.
691 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will facilitate a re-examination of an application for a third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30213/10]
The closing date for receipt of grant applications under the 2009 maintenance grant schemes was the 31st August 2009. However, clause 11.1 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme provides the awarding authorities with discretion to accept applications after this date and treat such applications as if they had been received on time. Therefore, the candidate referred to by the Deputy should take up the matter with the relevant local authority in Cork in this instance.
692 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will deal with a matter (details supplied). [30793/10]
The information sought is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
