Liz McManus
Ceist:52 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform rent supplement so that payment is made directly to the landlord instead of the tenant. [40034/10]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 5 to 44, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 45 to 51, inclusive, answered orally.
Social Welfare Code
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is intended as a temporary income support payment and is not designed to be a medium to long term housing support or a permanent solution to a person's housing needs. Rent supplement has responded to the dramatic increased demand for income support to support accommodation costs. There are currently 96,500 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 62% since the end of December 2007.
Current legislation already provides for the making of a rent supplement payment to another person (e.g. a relative, a landlord or landlord's agent) on behalf of the recipient, at the tenant's request and is subject to the consent of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Approximately 20% of rent supplement payments are currently paid to a person other than the tenant. Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. To remove the right of the tenant to receive this payment by making it payable only to the landlord would require legislative amendment and I have no plans at present to make this change.
Under the current arrangements, even with direct payment, landlords still have to collect the tenant contribution towards their rent (a minimum of €104 per month). The amount of rent supplement payable depends on the tenant's income; in some cases tenants pay only the minimum contribution while for others the tenant makes an additional contribution to their rent based on their financial circumstances. For example, where a person is in part-time income and receives just 10% of his or her rent directly from the State, the landlord would receive the 10% directly whilst still having to collect the 90% from the tenant.
The efficiency of the scheme would be significantly affected if this arrangement were to be changed, for example, Community Welfare Officer's (CWO's) would potentially have to create a formal relationship with some 96,500 additional clients, the landlords. This would involve greater complexity and significant resources to deal with a new set of third parties. In particular, it would also result in CWOs being drawn into disputes between landlords and tenants. There may also be financial and control implications in cases where a tenant moves address and neither the landlord nor tenant inform the Department. Similarly, where a tenant is no longer eligible for rent supplement and the Department ceases paying the landlord, the Department may find itself involved in eviction proceedings.
Where a landlord has a grievance in relation to the non-payment of rent by a tenant, s/he may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board to have the dispute resolved through the board's dispute resolution process. It is also open to the landlord to bring to the attention of the HSE any instance where a tenant is receiving rent supplement but is not paying their rent. Where a CWO becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement for the purpose for which it was intended the matter is investigated.
Since 2004 local authorities have specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Local authorities are now meeting the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches, including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular the rental accommodation scheme (RAS). In such cases the local authority has a direct contractual relationship with the landlord in RAS tenancies and as part of that contract the local authority pays rent directly to the landlord.
The current arrangements provide tenants with flexibility in terms of location, the freedom to move to a different location whilst allowing recipients time to seek alternative long-term housing solution provided by their local authority. The tailoring of additional payments, such as rent supplement, to meet the specific needs of individuals and making the payment direct to the tenant is regarded as an effective way of helping individuals realise their potential and take individual responsibility.
Social Welfare Benefits
Noel Coonan
Ceist:53 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons claiming rent supplement for more than 18 months in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40005/10]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:84 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to ensure a greater transfer of rent supplement claimants to the rental accommodation scheme. [40046/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 84 together.
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 96,500 tenants benefiting from a rent supplement payment — an increase of 61 per cent since the end of 2007. Over 44,500 have been in payment for 18 months or more. A tabular statement is attached showing the number of persons claiming rent supplement for more than 18 months in each of the past three years.
The rental accommodation scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Details of these cases are notified regularly by the Department to the local authorities. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including: the traditional social housing, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, the RAS. Latest figures from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government show that a total of 28,939 transfers from rent supplement to local authorities have occurred since 2005: 15,986 rent supplement recipients to RAS accommodation and a further 12,953 to social housing.
It is accepted that progress in relation to RAS was initially slower than expected. However the pace of delivery has improved significantly. In total, 14,000 recipients were transferred to RAS and social housing in 2008 and 2009; achieving targets set for RAS transfers for these years. The target established for 2010 is for a further 8,000 rent supplement tenants to be provided with a housing solution by local authorities. In consultation with the Department, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has approved a number of pilot programmes in different local authorities to increase the flow of transfers. These include allowing applicants for RAS to seek out their own properties which, subject to compliance with the normal conditions and the agreement of the landlord, may then be taken into the leasing programme. Approved housing bodies under the leasing initiative have also been advised that they can source applicants for social housing support from long-term rent supplement tenancies also.
The Department continues to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is represented on a number of RAS implementation groups. The purpose of these Groups is to ensure that the RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
|
Total Recipients |
Recipients 18 months+ |
|
|
2007 |
59,726 |
32,123 |
|
2008 |
74,038 |
31,667 |
|
2009 |
93,030 |
35,133 |
|
2010* |
96,100 |
44,573 |
*At end September 2010.
Employment Support Services
Seán Barrett
Ceist:54 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details on his Department’s efforts to help persons return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39993/10]
The Department of Social Protection operates a range of employment support measures designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments. These include the employment support schemes, the activation programme and the Department's role in the National Employment Action Plan. The Department also supports new activation measures undertaken by other agencies, for example, the Work Placement Programme administered by FÁS and the Labour Market Activation Fund 2010 administered by the Department of Education and Skills.
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) is operated by my Department and is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are long term dependant on social welfare payments to make a return to work financially attractive and viable. The main purpose of the BTWEA is to encourage the long term unemployed to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment. The Short Term Enterprise Allowance is payable to a person who qualifies for Jobseekers' Benefit and who wishes to commence in self employment. This allowance is payable for the duration of their Jobseeker's Benefit entitlement.
The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme was launched on 20th June 2010. Under the scheme, if any employer takes on additional member of staff in 2010 who has been unemployed for 6 months or more, s/he will be exempted from paying employers' PRSI for 12 months. The job must be new and additional, be for at least 30 hours a week and last for at least 6 months. The purpose of the scheme is to support job creation and counter the drift of people into long-term unemployment and welfare dependency.
There is also a network of Facilitators (currently 66 serving) at a local level in my Department. Facilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme, the back to work scheme, and the short term enterprise allowance scheme of the Department.
While the primary responsibility for job creation rests with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Innovation, this Department already has a role in supporting people from welfare to work. The National Employment Action Plan is the main activation measure for jobseekers and provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people. It has been in operation since 1998 and has proven successful in that period in assisting people on the live register back into employment. Under the Plan, all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register, are identified by the Department of Social Protection and referred to FÁS for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market.
In the period January to end of August, 2010 (the latest period for which data is available to this Department) a total of 60,797 persons were referred to FÁS — this is an increase of 9% (4,914) over the same period in 2009. 46,146 (76%) were interviewed by FÁS and 9,489 (16%) were placed in jobs, training or education. The Employment Action plan process is a key element in addressing the progression needs of those on the Live Register. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore, under professional guidance, the full range of employment and training services offered by FÁS.
Currently under the National Employment Action Plan customers are referred on an individual basis by this Department to FÁS. Under a new initiative, aimed at increasing the capacity and the efficiency of the process, jobseekers are being referred to group engagement sessions. These group engagements are hosted jointly by FÁS and my Department. At the engagement presentations are given by FÁS and my Department's Facilitators providing relevant information and advice and arranging follow-on individual appointments where appropriate.
Recent statistics (CSO QNHS Q2 2010) show that long term unemployment has increased from 1.5% in Q2 2008 to 5.9% in Q2 2010. Preventing long-term unemployment is important from both economic and social perspectives, especially because long-term unemployment tends to lead to erosion of skills and self-confidence, and damages future employment prospects. Effective prevention depends on being able to identify those at risk of becoming long-term unemployed at an early stage, and referring them to appropriate labour market programmes to improve their chances of obtaining employment. This was the motivation for a recently published ESRI report (National Profiling of the Unemployed in Ireland ESRI Research Series No. 10) which developed a statistical profiling model for Ireland that would identify those individuals with a high risk of becoming long-term unemployed. This model is now being developed for use in the Department.
Under changes in ministerial responsibility announced earlier this year, the rural social scheme and community services programmes have transferred to this Department from the former Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Work is also underway to finalise the transfer of both the Employment and Community Services divisions of FÁS to my Department. Overall, the transfer of functions being implemented will facilitate the delivery of a more effective and streamlined response to the needs of the unemployed. Bringing together, under the aegis of one department, the employment services of FÁS, the expertise of its Placement Officers and the unemployment services of this Department as well as the Community Employment Schemes, Job Initiative Scheme, Community Services Programme and the Rural Social Scheme will offer significant opportunities to generate synergies, improve efficiency and, ultimately, improve service delivery to those availing of those services.
Social Welfare Code
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:55 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the introduction of the carbon tax on 1 May 2010, the reason the promised vouched fuel allowance scheme has not been developed to offset the increases for low income families at risk of fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40010/10]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:71 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason he has not yet adopted measures to compensate the poor for the increase in fuel costs arising from the introduction of the carbon levy in May 2010. [40032/10]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:90 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to address the increased fuel poverty resulting from recently imposed price increases and the carbon levy; if the fuel allowance rate of payment will be increased or extended using the carbon tax income fund and if he has had discussions with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding making the fuel allowance payment more effective through retrofitting of these homes. [40070/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 55, 71 and 90 together.
The Department of Social Protection already assists low income households with heating costs through their basic payments, through the fuel allowance scheme and through the household benefits package of electricity and gas allowances. These schemes have been improved significantly in recent years. The fuel allowance is paid for 32 weeks each year from end September to early May. In the 2010/2011 heating season it is estimated that over 350,000 recipients will benefit from the allowance at a cost of over €239 million.
There are also 380,000 pensioner and other households in receipt of the household benefits package which provides up to 2,400 electricity units per annum (or the gas equivalent) over the year. It is estimated that 140,000 of these households are receiving both the fuel allowance and the electricity/gas allowance under the household benefits package to assist with heating and other energy requirements. The electricity and gas allowances under the household benefit package cost €184 million in 2009. I have recently announced that the electricity allowance has been increased with effect from 1 October 2010 to cover the cost of the Public Service Obligation levy on domestic electricity, which will increase the annual cost of the scheme by €12.6 million.
The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of supports, investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock and energy efficiency awareness initiatives such as the Keep Well and Warm booklet and accompanying associated website. Some 150,000 copies of the booklet have been distributed to date in the last couple of years. The Warmer Homes Scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is the primary mechanism for alleviating the key underlying cause of energy poverty — that of thermal inefficiency of houses. Over 19,000 low-income houses were retrofitted in 2009 with a target of a further 22,500 in 2010.
In his Carbon Budget Statement, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, outlined details of €130 million in funding for insulation, €76 million of which will be used to assist low income families.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio and has convened an Inter- Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area. They were tasked with devising an Energy Affordability Strategy. This strategy will set out existing and future approaches to addressing energy affordability and will have regard both to the impact of the carbon tax on low income households and the range of supports outlined above in making its recommendations.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:56 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on Sinn Féin’s proposal that rather than cutting, taxing or means testing child benefit it should remain universal and at its current rate and the wealthy should be taxed more; his plans regarding child benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40076/10]
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:61 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the way he intends to reform family income supplement to ensure that more low income families qualify. [40040/10]
John Perry
Ceist:67 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform child income support payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40026/10]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:83 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to maintaining the current value of child benefit in 2011. [40067/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 61, 67 and 83 together.
Between 1997 and 2009, overall expenditure on Child Income Supports (Child Benefit, Family Income Supplement, Qualified Child Increases, Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance) grew from just below €900 million to approximately €3.5 billion per year. Clearly social welfare spending and specifically Child Benefit, is a very significant part of overall Government spending. The Government is proud to have been able to direct such substantial increases in financial support to all families in recent years. However, given the scale of the current economic crisis, it is necessary to address all aspects of the public finances so as to ensure that they are sustainable and to ensure that resources are allocated fairly.
With regard to Child Benefit, the Government is conscious that this universal payment can be an important source of income for all families and so in Budget 2010 decided against withdrawing Child Benefit completely from any family. In the context of Budget 2010, the Minister for Finance noted the legal and logistical reasons why means testing or taxing Child Benefit could not be done at that stage. For these reasons in 2010, the Government decided to reduce the Child Benefit payment rates while protecting those children in families who were dependent on social welfare or in low income employment by increasing Qualified Child Increases and FIS income limits.
Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on Child Income Support payments, is currently being considered in the context of the preparation of the departmental estimates for that year. Any plans to change the Child Benefit and Family Income Supplement payments are a matter to be decided in a budgetary context and announced on Budget day.
The Department is currently carrying out a value-for-money review in the area of Child Income Support payments. The review is nearing completion and in line with the overall approach of the expenditure review process, conclusions reached in the review, while not necessarily representing Government policy in this area, can be expected to play a role in informing future policy development particularly directed at securing more coherent, effective and efficient spending of public money on families with children. The question of higher levels of taxation for those with higher wealth or incomes is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:57 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the way his work for the dole scheme will operate and if the scheme will be compulsory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40050/10]
Activation and support for those who are unemployed is a key priority for Government. Earlier this year, the Taoiseach announced a number of changes to improve the delivery of employment, training and community services to the public by bringing together related responsibilities in these areas. These changes included the restructuring of Departmental responsibilities with the objective of providing a stream-lined response to the income support and job search needs of people who are unemployed.
In this context, my Department is devising proposals for the development of new initiatives based on the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Services Programme which will offer social employment opportunities. This new initiative will be an important element in the development and delivery of employment and community services and will aim to provide quality work opportunities to the unemployed and beneficial outcomes to the community. A key feature of the new scheme will be to provide a new activation route that will support unemployed people in remaining job-ready for re-entry to employment as the economic environment improves.
Considerable work is required on these proposals before they come on stream and take their place within the suite of activation measures aimed at supporting unemployed people. I have not set targets as to how many employment opportunities might be created as much depends on the level of resources that will be available to the Department and the capacity of not-for-profit community based organisations to avail of these emerging opportunities. Details of the roll out of this initiative will be made available as soon as possible.
Marriages of Convenience
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:58 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the action, if any, he is taking to address the problem of sham marriages. [40066/10]
Marriages of convenience, or "sham marriages" are marriages which are entered into for the purpose of one of the parties gaining an automatic right of residency based on marriage to a person who already has a right of residency. These marriages exploit Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council which deals with the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. This directive came into force on April 20th 2006. The matter was further compounded by the ruling of the European Court of Justice in the Metock case on 25th July 2008, which held that these rights applied to non-EU national spouses of EU nationals.
As has been widely reported in the media, the Garda National Immigration Bureau has lodged objections to a large number of marriages involving non-EU/EEA nationals, under Section 58 of the Civil Registration Act, 2004. Under the Act, if the objection relates to the possible existence of an impediment to the intended marriage, it is referred to the Registrar General to be investigated. The objection can only be upheld if it is based on the provision of the Civil Registration Act and these do not include questioning the reason for marriage. Since the enactment of the marriage provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 on the 5th November 2007 a total of 73 objections have been lodged by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, for investigation under Section 58(4) of the Act. To date, one of the objections has been withdrawn, and the couple in question has been advised that the marriage could proceed. The remaining objections are still under investigation by the Registrar General.
While objections to marriages are upheld if there is an impediment, it is important to point out that issues which go to the identity of a party to a marriage or to consent to marry can also, potentially, render a marriage invalid. In such cases, it would be unsafe to allow the marriage to proceed. Newly updated Guidelines for Registrars for Marriage Notifications containing requirements concerning notification procedures, including the verification of identity and marital status, have been recently issued by the Registrar General to all registrars. I am also aware that this matter has been considered by the Department of Justice and Law Reform in the context of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, 2010.
I can assure the Deputy that the matter is being researched urgently with a view to identifying what further measures may be taken, including the possibility of legislating for any such measures. I am aware that procedures to prevent marriages of convenience are in place in other EU member States, and I would hope that equivalent measures might be introduced here. The GRO has sought legal advice as to its options and will proceed on the basis of this advice as quickly as possible once it is received.
Public Services Card
Denis Naughten
Ceist:59 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when the roll-out of identity cards will commence for social welfare recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/10]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:76 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated overall cost of the introduction of a system of public service cards with a breakdown of such estimated costs and when it is expected that such cards will be available for issue. [39971/10]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:95 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the time table for the complete roll-out of identity cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39968/10]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:96 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details of the public service card with photographic identity to be rolled out from 2010; the estimated cost of same; the category of claimant to whom it will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 76, 95 and 96 together.
The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, the specifications for a Public Services Card (PSC) under the Standard Authentication Framework Environment, or SAFE, programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The aim is to develop a card that acts as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and authenticating individuals as appropriate and where required.
Legislative provisions in relation to the introduction of the Public Services Card have been included in Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended by Section 32 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007). These specify that the Minister may issue a Public Services Card in the format that he or she deems fit with the person's name, personal public service number, photograph, signature, card issue number and card expiry date to be inscribed on the card. Provision is also included for the person's name, personal public service number, date of birth, sex, all former surnames (if any) of the person's mother, photograph, signature and card expiry date to be electronically encoded on the card. In addition, provision is made for any other information that may be prescribed to be either inscribed or electronically encoded on the card. It is my intention to provide for the addition of place of birth and nationality to the data set to be encoded on the chip in the Act before the end of this year.
Over the past few years significant progress had been made on the implementation of the project including the selection of a preferred bidder to provide a managed service for card production and related bureau services. Technical specifications were finalised and the necessary organisational change was designed. However, in view of the uncertain economic climate, the project was suspended until formal sanction to proceed was received from the Department of Finance at the end of last year. A contract was agreed with the managed service provider from early January.
The remaining elements of the project commenced at that time and are expected to take several more months to complete. Significant preparatory work has been undertaken including decisions regarding the final design of the card and the commencement of the development of a secure site for the personalisation of the cards. It is also necessary to develop a technical infrastructure within the Department to support the management and administration of the cards. Some of this development is being undertaken internally while procurement for the remainder is underway. Exact costs for this aspect are not yet known.
At the moment it is estimated that, following implementation of the necessary registration infrastructure, the production capability will be ready in December and card issue for customers of the Department will commence early in 2011. The overall timeframe for completion of initial deployment of a Public Services Card is dependent on the rate at which it will be possible to securely register all of those to whom it will be issued. Initial registration will be carried out in the Department and it is also exploring what other options exist for external registration. Initial registration will be for those customers seeking PPS Numbers and this will be followed by registration for selected groups of claimants, including phased issue to Free Travel customers.
The Public Services Card will replace cards currently in use, such as the Social Services Card and the Free Travel card, with highly secure cards. Other Departments and agencies will also be in a position to use the card and the infrastructure that will support it. Features such as photographs and signatures and electronic card authentication are expected to minimise the rate of fraud and error arising from incorrectly identified and authenticated individuals.
The managed service provider's costs are for some €24m for a population of 3m with issuance taking about three to five years (i.e. about €8 per card including postage at the volumes stated). The Department's current estimates provide for the cost of technical systems development and initial issue of a quantity of cards. It is intended to mitigate the costs of the PSC through reliance on existing resources and utilisation of relevant data already held by the State, for instance photographs and signatures held by the Department in relation to the All-Ireland Free Travel Scheme, possible use of Passport Office data.
A further benefit of the Public Services Card will be the efficiencies that can be achieved by all agencies and customers using the card. The time spent on establishing identity and authentication will be reduced on both sides, leading to significant potential savings nationally.
Social Welfare Code
Jack Wall
Ceist:60 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to update guidelines regarding the habitual residency rule to ensure a consistent approach by all deciding officers and his further plans to amend the habitual residency rule to provide greater weight to the length of previous residency by the applicant. [40045/10]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:69 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason increasing numbers of returning emigrants who declare their intention to stay, have family ties and produce evidence of disconnection with their previous place of residence are being refused social welfare benefits on the basis of the habitual residence rule; the guidelines on which deciding officers are operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40011/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 69 together.
The determination of a person's habitual residence is made in accordance with Section 246 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. Subsection (4) specifically directs the deciding officer to "take into consideration all the circumstances of the case, including, in particular, the following:
(a) the length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;
(b) the length and purpose of any absence from the State;
(c) the nature and pattern of the person's employment;
(d) the person's main centre of interest, and
(e) the future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances."
These five specified factors have been derived from European Court of Justice case law which examined the concept of habitual residence in the context of social welfare benefits. The Department's guidelines go on to point out that "No single factor is conclusive. The evidential weight to be attributed to each factor will depend on the circumstances of each case. It is necessary to weigh up all the information and balance the evidence for and against an applicant satisfying the habitual residence condition".
The current guidelines regarding determination of habitual residence address the issue of returning emigrants very specifically under the heading: Resuming previous residence.
"A person who had previously been habitually resident in the State or within the Common Travel Area and who moved to live and work in another country and then resumes his/her permanent residence in the State may be regarded as being habitually resident immediately on his/her return to the State. In determining habitual residence in such cases the deciding officer should take account of
purpose of return e.g. expiry of foreign residence permit
the applicant's stated intentions
verified arrangements which have been made in regard to returning on a long-term basis e.g. transfer of financial accounts and any other assets
length and continuity of the previous residence in the State
the record of employment or self employment in another State and
whether s/he has maintained links with the previous residence and can be regarded as resuming his/her previous residence rather than starting a new period of residence."
These guidelines are currently being revised with a view to making them more user-friendly for deciding officers and customers alike. All issues that have been raised recently by Deputies and interested groups are being fully considered in this process.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 56.
Liz McManus
Ceist:62 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social Protection his policy regarding the ending of the ban on cohabitation for persons in receipt of one parent family payment and the replacement of this payment with a parental allowance. [40047/10]
The One-Parent Family Payment, by its nature, is not payable where the lone parent is cohabiting with the other parent of the child or with someone else as husband and wife. The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents", which was published in 2006, proposed that the category of lone parenthood would be abolished. Instead, a parental allowance would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner) with young children on a low income, thus ending the cohabitation rule. It will not be possible for my Department to progress this aspect of the proposal due, in part, to the current economic climate. These proposals have, however, informed deliberations regarding the One-Parent Family Payment scheme.
The current duration of the One-Parent Family Payment, which is payable until the youngest child in a lone parent family reaches the age of 18 years — or 22 years if in full-time education — is not in the best interests of the recipient, their children or society. Social welfare supports for lone parents should be designed to:
prevent long-term dependence on social welfare supports and facilitate financial independence;
recognise parental choice with regard to the care of young children but with the expectation that parents will not remain outside of the labour force indefinitely, and
include an expectation of participation in education, training and employment, with supports provided in this regard.
To meet these social policy objectives, my Department has introduced changes to the One-Parent Family Payment in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010. For new customers, from April 2011, the One-Parent Family Payment will be paid until the youngest child in the family reaches the age of 14 years. For existing recipients of the payment, there will be a six-year phasing-out period to enable them to access education and training and to prepare them for their return to the labour market. Special provisions will be made for families with children for whom the Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid and for the recently bereaved (both married and cohabiting). These changes will bring Ireland's support for lone parents more in line with international provisions, where there is a general movement away from long-term and passive income support.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:63 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time to access the money advice and budgeting service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40016/10]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisers is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. It is important that people coping with debt difficulties take early action and approach MABS for help and guidance. This can be the first positive step for people in addressing debt difficulties.
There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country, with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie. 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation.
The Citizens Information Board (CIB), who has responsibility for MABS, compiles information on the waiting times in each MABS office on a quarterly basis and posts it to the www.mabs.ie website. Based on the latest information available, at the end of September 2010 the average waiting time from first point of contact to first appointment with a money adviser is some 4.9 weeks. This is the average nationally and there are fluctuations between offices. During the waiting period, clients are assessed and those in need of immediate assistance are given a priority appointment, others are provided with assisted self-help to ensure that they have taken steps to assess their situation and if appropriate they are supported to take holding action with their creditors. I am satisfied that MABS provides a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.
Social Welfare Code
Joe Carey
Ceist:64 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details on the review of the mortgage interest supplement scheme; the changes envisaged under this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40024/10]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:74 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans, if any, to abolish the 30-hour rule in respect of mortgage interest supplement. [40038/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 74 together.
There are approximately 18,000 persons currently in receipt of mortgage interest supplement (MIS). This represents a 120% increase since the end of 2008 when there were 8,100 recipients. The Department's review of the administrative, policy and legal aspects of the mortgage interest supplement scheme was published in July 2010 in conjunction with the interim report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group, chaired by Mr Hugh Cooney. The main purpose of the Department's review was to examine how the scheme could continue to meet its primary objective of catering for those who require short-term assistance. The review group included representatives from my Department, the Community Welfare Service, the Departments of Finance and Environment, Heritage and Local Government, together with a representative from the Office of the Financial Regulator. The Department's review is available on the Department's website.
The Department's review of the mortgage interest supplement scheme set out a number of recommendations. These recommendations are centered on the delivery of significant customer service improvement by ensuring that State support for those unable to deal with mortgage arrears is better targeted, consistent and easily understood. Allied with the focus on customer service improvement are recommendations that seek to ensure that lending institutions, borrowers and the Exchequer share responsibilities and commitments in a balanced way.
The key proposals of the Department's mortgage interest supplement review are as follows:
1. Mortgage interest supplement will become a time bound payment.
2. To remove the ‘30 hour rule' — this will allow couples / single people who, due to the economic downturn, have suffered a significant loss of income and now find themselves in a distressed mortgage and require MIS support. Under current rules, due to these people working a full working week they would not be entitled to MIS.
3. The rule excluding mortgage interest supplement where a property is offered for sale is unduly restrictive in the current market and should be suspended and re-introduced when the housing market recovers.
4. Mortgage interest supplement should not be provided where repayments of the capital element of the loan are being made to the lender. This will insure the borrower is not placed under additional financial stress.
5. The applicant should be afforded a six month period of forbearance with the lender before the State intervenes in providing mortgage interest supplement.
6. Mortgage interest supplement should not be payable in respect of any housing loans of other State agencies or housing authorities.
7. Successful applicants must be assisted to ensure that their long term housing support needs, if any, are met prior to the cessation of mortgage interest supplement payment.
My Department is currently developing an implementation plan that will set out a framework for the future of the mortgage interest supplement scheme. This plan will be completed when the recommendations of final report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group are available. This report is expected to be completed shortly.
Social Welfare Benefits
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:65 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the recent research by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice which showed that the income supports available to lone pensioners, families with teenagers and single men all living in rural areas are inadequate to meet their minimum essential budget. [40069/10]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the research report of the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, titled "Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Household Types in Rural Areas” which was published in October 2010. The report has been furnished to my Department and is being studied by my officials. Social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.
Employment Support Services
Mary Upton
Ceist:66 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to increase the number of interviews and consultations for persons during the course of their unemployment. [40031/10]
The number of interviews or consultations that a jobseeker will attend over the course of his or her claim will vary from person to person. Customers claiming jobseeker's allowance may have to be interviewed by an inspector at the beginning of their claim and at any subsequent review of their means. Once a customer is three months on the Live Register, he or she will be selected for interview by FÁS under the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) and may also be interviewed or elect to consult with the job facilitator at any stage during their claim. The Department refers a number of people that have been through the NEAP process to facilitators on a monthly basis.
For entitlement to jobseeker schemes the customer must be available for and genuinely seeking work. As part of the normal control process, a future review date is entered on the payment system for all jobseeker customers. Additional review dates are entered, as necessary, throughout the life of the claim. At each date the claim is reviewed and, where necessary, the customer is interviewed to ensure that he or she continues to satisfy the conditions of the scheme. The current system of interviews and consultations provides the Department with opportunities to assess a customer's commitment to seek work and his/her availability for work. In addition, it provides customers with opportunities to discuss the employment and education opportunities available to them at various points in their claim. The current arrangements are kept under review.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 56.
Social Welfare Benefits
David Stanton
Ceist:68 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of serving members of the Permanent Defence Forces who are receiving family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39976/10]
David Stanton
Ceist:100 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons in receipt of family income supplement; the number of these who are public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39975/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 100 together.
There are currently some 27,228 people in receipt of a weekly Family Income Supplement (FIS) payment of which 3,074 are public servants. The number of serving members of the Permanent Defence Forces who are receiving family income supplement is included in the figure for Public Servants. A separate breakdown is not currently available.
Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 60.
Employment Support Services
Damien English
Ceist:70 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details on the proposed integration of the public employment functions of FÁS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39985/10]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:82 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the plans to transfer a number of FÁS responsibilities into his Department; if his Department’s responsibilities are likely to include responsibility for setting the materials budgets of community employment projects and if transferred if he intends to reverse recent developments whereby senior FÁS personnel are severely restricting those budgets (details supplied). [40073/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 82 together.
The Taoiseach announced on 23rd March 2010 that the Department of Social and Family Affairs would be reconfigured as the Department of Social Protection with the transfer to it of a number of functions including the employment and community services programmes of FÁS and the transfer from it of functions relating to social inclusion and family supports. The training services of FÁS will remain under the remit of my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills. The purpose of this reorganisation is to provide a more effective and streamlined service to the unemployed by integrating the income support provided through the social welfare system with supports for activation and re-entry to employment.
The Social Welfare Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2010 provided the legislative basis for transferring policy and financial responsibility for the employment and community services programmes of FÁS from the Minister for Education and Skills. It is intended to commence this part of the Act shortly. From date of commencement, FÁS will continue to provide these services but under the direction of my Department. Further legislation is under preparation to provide for the transfer the relevant staff and related resources from FÁS to my Department during the course of 2011.
A major programme of change is currently being developed by my Department, in close consultation with senior management in FÁS and the Department of Education and Skills, with the objective of developing a new service vision and model for the integrated Department. The aim is to create a Department which is structured around the customer rather than the schemes it delivers so that people can obtain the services they require, and are entitled to, in a seamless, effective and efficient way.
In this regard, a number of significant steps have already been taken to develop a more streamlined and integrated service between FÁS and my Department. For example, as a result of a review of the National Employment Action Plan, a number of enhancements are being made to improve the delivery of services to people who are unemployed. These include the introduction of group engagements with people referred to the employment services and the development of a new case management approach to managing interactions with people signing on for jobseekers payments.
Where the funding of Community Employment projects is concerned, the current resources allocated to this programme will be transferring to my Department. Any decisions as to the future funding of these projects will be taken in the context of the Government's deliberations on the four year budgetary framework.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 55.
Social Welfare Code
John Deasy
Ceist:72 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to centralise the means testing of social welfare benefits; if he has had discussions with the Health Service Executive to ensure non-duplication of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39969/10]
My Department operates a range of means tested schemes and these schemes, including the means testing elements, are administered through a network of local offices, central offices and, in the case of supplementary welfare allowance, through the offices of community welfare officers. My Department is not currently considering the centralising of means testing of social welfare payments. However, two important projects are underway which will enhance the delivery of means tested payments. Firstly, a project to facilitate the capture and storage of means information and the calculation of customer means across social assistance schemes is being undertaken at present. These schemes include Jobseeker's Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance (currently administered by the Health Service Executive).
One of the benefits of this project is that the Department will be, where appropriate, able to re-use means information already held which in turn will provide better customer service by reducing the need for different parts of the Department to request information from the applicant. Other benefits of this project include:
achieving qualitative and quantitative improvements in productivity
achieving value for money in the use of resources;
implementing secure control processes;
providing better management information;
allowing for the future introduction of mobile working to facilitate the electronic capture of data at time of investigation; and
placing the Department in a position to anticipate and respond to changing business demands e.g. additional means factors, changes to scheme rules etc.
This project is expected to be completed in by April 2011.
Secondly, the integration of the Community Welfare Service (CWS) into the Department will result in a more coordinated approach to the provision of service to the public. This will create opportunities to remove duplication of work, including in the area of means assessment. The target date for the transfer is 1st January 2011 and discussions in that regard are continuing with the unions representing the CWS employees concerned and with the unions representing the Department's existing staff.
Social Welfare Fraud
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:73 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated extent of fraudulent claims of social welfare and in particular jobseeker’s payments by those who are living abroad and return occasionally to sign on or otherwise claim payments and the steps being taken to deal with this activity. [39974/10]
The Department processes in excess of two million claims each year and it makes payments to over one million people every week. It is important to emphasise that the vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them. The Department has a broad-ranging and comprehensive control strategy, which aims to keep fraud and abuse to a minimum. The emphasis is to minimise risks of fraud and eliminate incorrect payments.
Controls are exercised at both the initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life cycle. Claims are reviewed on a regular and targeted basis. At the end September 2010 over 546,000 individual claims were reviewed across all schemes. The Department has introduced measures, which are evidence based, to target control activity at higher risk schemes and categories of claimants. These include addressing residency risks in appropriate schemes. An estimate of the extent of fraud described by the Deputy is not available. However at the end of 2009 approx 10% of cases which were specifically targeted for residency reviews resulted in savings in Jobseekers payments while in the Child benefit scheme approximately 3% of overall residency reviews resulted in savings.
Specific controls to target residency as a risk factor include the following:
1. Nationwide residency checks were introduced for non-Irish nationals on a jobseekers payment.
2. New claimants for jobseekers payments do not receive payment into their bank account.
3. Stricter identity checks have been introduced in Post Offices throughout the country for people collecting Social Welfare payments.
4. A comprehensive set of rigorous checks are being applied by Local Offices and Inspectors on claims from people who move from Northern Ireland.
5. Officials also liaise regularly with colleagues in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain to establish if claimants are in receipt of welfare payments outside of Ireland.
6. The Department participates in multi-agency vehicle checkpoints with other agencies.
7. The facility to report suspect activity on the Department of Social Protection website was introduced early this year.
8. The Department's Special Investigation Unit is managed centrally since February, 2010.
Other measures which address control risk factors include the appointment of additional Inspectors. In addition fraud detection systems have been improved through data matching with other organisations. The consequences for social welfare fraud can be severe. Criminal prosecutions may be taken against persons who defraud the social welfare system and employers who fail to carry out their statutory obligations. The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 64.
Pension Provisions
Billy Timmins
Ceist:75 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of defined benefit pension schemes which fail the minimum funding standard; the number of persons affected by same. [39978/10]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:81 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection his response to the sovereign annuity proposal made to his Department by the Irish Association of Pension Funds and the Society of Actuaries. [40041/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 81 together.
Under the Pensions Act, defined benefit pension schemes must meet a minimum Funding Standard which requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge their accrued liabilities in the event of the scheme winding up. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years, although as part of measures announced by the Government, the Pensions Board can now allow a scheme ten years or more to meet the standard in certain circumstances.
At the end of 2009, there were 254,325 members in 1,192 defined benefit schemes subject to the funding standard. It was estimated at that time that in excess of 75% of these schemes were in deficit. In a recent survey undertaken by the Pensions Board 70% of schemes reported to be in deficit. However, the extent of the level of under-funding will not be fully apparent until all schemes carry out their next actuarial assessment and report the results to the Pensions Board.
The Government is very conscious of the pressures on both sponsoring employers and pension scheme trustees, arising from the very significant losses incurred by pension funds during 2007 and 2008. While schemes recovered some of their losses since then, we are anxious to ensure, in so far as we can, that those involved have sufficient time and space to fully assess the implications for their schemes and the remedial action they can take.
Indeed, this was the thinking behind the implementation of a number of measures introduced to ease the pressures being felt by many pension funds. Those measures included the granting of extra time for schemes to formulate funding proposals and allowing longer periods for recovery plans. In addition, the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 amended the Pensions Act to allow for the restructuring of underfunded schemes; to ensure a more equitable distribution of assets in the event of the wind-up of a defined benefit scheme and to strengthen the powers of the Pensions Board in ensuring that pension contributions deducted from wages and salaries are remitted by employers to scheme trustees. This Act also introduced the legislative provisions to enable the Minister for Finance to establish the Pensions Insolvency Payments Scheme (PIPS) to reduce the cost of purchasing pension payments for trustees of pension schemes where the employer has become insolvent. The PIPS came into effect in February 2010 and will ensure a more equitable distribution of assets following the wind up of underfunded pension schemes.
In March of this year the Government launched the National Pensions Framework. As the Deputy is aware, the framework sets out the Government's intention for a radical and wide-scale reform of the Irish pension system. I announced last month that work on the new defined benefit pension model, as outlined in this Framework, would be expedited. My Department will aim to introduce this new model, following legislative changes on 1 July 2011. Following this announcement, the deadline of the 30th November for the submission of funding proposal to the Pension Board was deferred. It is anticipated that the deferral of this deadline will allow scheme time to take account of reforms to the defined benefit model in the preparation of funding proposals for submission to the Pensions Board by a date which will be announced by the Pensions Board.
As you are aware, the Government has established an implementation group charged with bringing forward proposals for the introduction of measures contained in the National Pensions Framework. As part of its deliberations, the proposal for a sovereign annuity mentioned by Deputy Shortall is also being given serious consideration. It must be stressed that the issue is by no means straight-forward and the benefits and risks involved for all stakeholders are being fully assessed.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 59.
Social Welfare Code
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:77 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to abolish the30-hour rule in respect of rent supplement and his estimate of the cost of same. [40039/10]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Rent supplement is not payable where a person or their spouse or partner is in full-time employment, that is for 30 hours or more a week. However, provision was made in 2007 whereby a person on rent supplement, who is accepted as eligible for accommodation under the rental accommodation scheme, may return to full-time work, subject to a means test, without losing entitlement to their rent supplement payment.
The 30-hour per week limit has been in place since 1977 when the SWA scheme came into operation. The use of 30 hours as the part-time limit for SWA is designed to be as advantageous as possible to individuals returning to the employment market without including those in full-time employment, thus reflecting the scheme's original purpose of a short-term income support payment. Support for those in full-time employment and who require long term housing support are provided by local authority housing initiatives which include the rental accommodation scheme and other social housing placement schemes.
Employment Support Services
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:78 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has been contacted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to resolve the outstanding issues that exist regarding work placement and internship schemes; the way they impact on jobseeker’s payments; the steps he will take to resolve these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39970/10]
The Government is currently examining ways of providing further support to graduate retention in the economy, with policy matters in this area being primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Skills. The main existing employment support mechanism for graduates is the work placement programme administered by FÁS. A key element of the programme is that the customer retains their social welfare entitlement. This facility has also been extended to the IBEC gradlink programme. While on either programme a person must be genuinely seeking work and must take up an offer of paid employment if one arises. In this way participants may continue to satisfy the social welfare criteria of being available for and genuinely seeking work.
However, if a participant is paid a top-up by their employer this constitutes reckonable earnings from employment. On this basis they can no longer be considered unemployed. Additionally, in relation to those in receipt of a means tested social welfare payment, such income would fall to be assessed as means. The distinction between employed and unemployed is of crucial importance in the design and administration of any such scheme. Design of a scheme that permits retention of social welfare benefits while a person is in receipt of wages or non-pecuniary emoluments must take cognisance of substitution and replacement effects, while remaining attractive to both interns and hosts. On this basis careful control and demarcation is essential in schemes of this nature. Payments by employers also raise fundamental issues in relation to employment rights, taxation and social insurance. These matters are informing ongoing policy discussions in relation to internships.
Social Welfare Code
Mary Upton
Ceist:79 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans, if any, to reform the withdrawal rate for rent and mortgage interest supplement. [40044/10]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Similarly, mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
Significant improvements to the means test for rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement were implemented in 2007. The assessment of means for these schemes now provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive a rent or mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Since June 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.
Social Welfare Benefits
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he will take to alleviate the congestion in the processing of all forms of social welfare payments having regard to the hardship caused to the persons in need at a time of economic, social and personal stress; if he will arrange for the redeployment of the necessary staff from other Departments to deal with the backlog of applications and appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39973/10]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:91 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to reduce waiting times for processing claims across all schemes. [40042/10]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:357 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to deal with the backlog on social welfare claims. [40366/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 91 and 357 together.
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. To this end, operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are reviewed in all areas of the Department. These reviews are supported by modern technology, the potential of which is continuously harnessed. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme.
Processing times vary across schemes because of both the volume of applications and the differing qualification criteria. For example, means assessments are required for all of the social assistance schemes; medical examinations are required for some of the illness related schemes and customers must also satisfy the habitual residence conditions. In the case of the insurance-based schemes, it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records.
The main impact on service delivery has arisen due to the increase in the Live Register which increased from 240,217 at September 2008 to 419,854 at September 2009 and 442,417 at September 2010. In response, all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims has been examined and streamlined wherever possible. In this context, the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives regarding claims for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit. One of the most significant initiatives, aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending their Local Office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided.
In addition, a range of other process improvements have been introduced which include:
A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires;
A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years;
Application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times;
More straightforward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced;
The Department has also simplified processing methods for some customers who work casually, part-time or on systematic short-time work.
Since May 2008, 766 staff have been assigned to my Department, mainly through the transfer and redeployment of staff from other Government Departments. The staff assigned have filled additional posts and critical vacancies in Local Offices, Support Units, Scheme areas and the Department's Inspectorate. Some of these posts were sourced through a staff levy imposed on other Government Departments in April 2009.
A number of initiatives have also been put in place to enhance the capacity of the Social Welfare Appeals 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 were 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 was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and
Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.
Eight experienced retired Appeals Officers have been re-employed on a part-time basis since July 2010.
In conclusion, I wish to assure Deputies that service delivery remains a key priority in my Department and that processes are kept under continuous review to ensure that services are delivered promptly to customers. Staffing needs are also kept under constant review to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 75.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 70.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 56.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 53.
Social Welfare Code
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:85 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of his discussions with insurance companies in respect of the suggestion of changing social welfare legislation to provide for the reimbursement to the Department by insurance companies of social welfare payments deducted from awards of special damages in respect of loss of earnings. [40051/10]
Social welfare legislation does not currently provide for reimbursement to the Department by insurance companies in cases where adjustments may have been made to special damages awards on foot of social welfare payments received by plaintiffs. Preliminary work has been undertaken by my Department in relation to the issues involved. These issues are complex, not least insofar as there could be consequences for economic competitiveness and negative downstream costs for employers and employees in terms of increased insurance premia in respect of employer liability, public liability and transport cover.
Against that background, the introduction of any changes in this area would necessitate extensive consultations with a wide range of interested parties, including not only representatives of the insurance industry but also the legal profession and employers' representatives amongst others, in order to adequately assess all of the possible implications and to comply with formal Regulatory Impact Assessment requirements. In view of the wider potential implications, I intend to consult with my Government colleagues with a view to securing agreement on the most appropriate course of action in relation to this matter.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:86 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the back to school clothing and footwear allowance falls short of the cost associated with returning to school by between €260 and €510 depending on the age of the child and his plans to address this shortfall and make education affordable for families who are struggling. [40071/10]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when 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. A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment (including family income supplement), or Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels. The purpose of the household income limit is to ensure that the allowance is directed at those with the greatest need.
In Budget 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to back to school clothing and footwear allowance were increased by €50. The rates of back to school clothing and footwear allowance have been increased significantly in recent years. Since 2005, the allowance has increased from €80 to €200 in respect of qualified children aged from 2 to 11 years and from €150 to €305 for those aged 12 to 22. These are increases of 150% and 103% respectively. As a special measure introduced in Budget 2009, an additional allowance of €215 is payable to 18 year olds only in respect of whom compensatory child benefit is in payment. Total payment in respect of children aged 18 is €520.
The number of children benefiting from the allowance increased from 161,000 in 2006 to over 277,000 in 2009. The number of families benefiting has increased from 79,000 in 2006 to almost 140,000 in 2009. Approximately 170,000 families were expected to benefit from the Scheme in 2010 year. At 15 October 2010 in excess 160,444 claims had been paid at a value in excess of €76.5m.
My Department established a Working Group to undertake a review of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme as part of its Expenditure Review Programme. The Working Group published its report in August 2004. In relation to the adequacy of the payment rates of the scheme, the review noted that while the value of the BSCFA had increased by 152% for children under 12 and by 194% for children over 12 since 1990, the Consumer Price Index figure for clothing and footwear dropped by over 24% in the same period. The review concluded that payment rates did not warrant adjustment. Nevertheless, the rates of payment for BSCFA were increased in recent years, including increases in the income limit which have enabled more people to qualify.
The most recent Consumer Price Index figures show that clothing and footwear costs have:
Fallen by 7.4% in the last 12 months;
Fallen by 27.6% since December 2006;
Fallen by 38.1% since December 2001.
The adequacy of back to school clothing and footwear allowance payments will be kept under review. Any further changes to the scheme would have to be considered in the context of future Budgets and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
Pension Provisions
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:87 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to safeguarding the State pension in budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40028/10]
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:93 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is committed to maintaining the value of the State pension at current levels in 2011. [40052/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 93 together.
Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on State pensions, will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.
Departmental Information Services
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:88 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he is taking to improve information services available to employees and employers on the benefits for unemployed persons moving from welfare to work. [40068/10]
The primary objective of the Department's information policy is to ensure that all customers are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur. The Department operates a network of some 125local and branch offices throughout the country. Each local office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. Information officers provide a range of information to customers on their entitlements including, in broad terms, the effect that taking up work may have on their social welfare payments.
In addition, the Department's network of facilitators work closely with FÁS and other agencies at a local level to identify and target appropriate education, training and development opportunities for people. This locally-based service is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.
The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets and these are available in a wide range of outlets, including Social Welfare Local Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices. Leaflets can also be requested through the Department's website www.welfare.ie. The website contains full information on the range of schemes and services, including supports that may be available to jobseekers on return to the workforce such as Family Income Supplement, Money Advice and Budgeting Service, etc. There is a ‘Frequently Asked Questions' section dedicated to Jobseekers which is available in English, Irish and Polish and provides answers to some of the most common queries the Department receives on topics such as taxation of benefits and on options available regarding training, employment, self-employment and voluntary work.
The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, which was launched on June 21st this year, is prominently advertised on our website's home page. The Department also operates a PRSI Mailing List via its website, and the almost four thousand subscribers, primarily employers and tax practitioners, receive mails on PRSI changes each year. Funding is also provided annually to the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) to produce their booklet "Working for Work", which contains full information on jobseekers payments, the training and development options available to jobseekers as well as advice on job searching, tax and other social services provided by other Departments and agencies. INOU provide free copies of the "Working for Work" booklet to people in receipt of social welfare payments.
The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of the Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through the Citizens Information Phone Service (1890 777 121) which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and on their website at www.citizensinformation.ie. The Citizens Information Board recently launched a new website dedicated to people recently made unemployed, called www.losingyourjob.ie. This site provides a single point of information for anyone looking for assistance with unemployment or reduced hours. The Department will continue to increase and improve the channels through which it delivers information services to all its customers.
Pension Provisions
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:89 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection if in recognition of the role played by the State pension in reducing poverty among older persons and in view of the fact that for the majority of older persons the State pension and associated benefits are their only source of income, he will make a commitment to maintain the current rates in the upcoming budget. [40077/10]
Between 1994 and 2008 social welfare pensions increased by 148% while the Consumer Price Index for this period increased by 51%. Increases in the State pension (contributory) have brought the personal rate of pension to a maximum weekly rate up to €230.30 per week. A pensioner couple would be eligible for a weekly income of €436.60. These pension increases demonstrate the significant improvements which were made in real terms in pension rates. In Budget 2010, the Government avoided any cuts in the State pension. Weekly rates of payments to pensioners (those 66 and over) were not reduced and neither were other supports such as the household benefits package which includes the free TV licence, electricity/gas allowance and telephone allowance. The living alone and over 80 allowances were also retained at existing levels.
I have been engaged in an intensive round of consultations with a wide range of welfare representative organisations and I am listening carefully to their views. In an uncertain international environment, my priority will be to ensure that the overall Government strategy is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead. It is important to stress that, at this stage, no decisions have been taken either by me or by the Government with regard to the forthcoming Budget.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 55.
Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 80.
Social Welfare Benefits
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:92 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the national carers’ strategy; if he is committed to helping carers in the community; if he will protect the carer’s allowance from drastic cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40029/10]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:99 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will offer a commitment that he will not remove the half-rate carer’s allowance or reduce the current rate and that he will retain the annual non-means-tested respite care grant at its current rate in the upcoming budget. [40072/10]
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:103 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will publish the national carers’ strategy. [40043/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 99 and 103 together.
During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.
In considering any changes to social welfare schemes, full consideration is given to the impact of any proposals on the recipients involved. The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers. Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age has not changed and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.
Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.
The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package. These levels surpass the ‘Towards 2016' commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008. The Government will continue to support carers and the people they care for within the resources available.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 87.
Social Welfare Appeals
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:94 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection when he intends to consolidate the appeals process for supplementary welfare claims from a two-step appeals process to one. [40036/10]
Where a person is not satisfied with a decision in relation to their entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance, they have a right of appeal in accordance with the terms of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. This provides for the appeal to be considered by an Appeals Officer within the HSE. However, where this appeal is unsuccessful, the appellant can make a further appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). It is assumed that this is the two-step appeals process to which the Deputy refers.
The appeals process in the case of the schemes administered by the Department differs in so far as there is only one right of appeal and that is to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Part of this process involves a review of the case by a deciding officer before it is forwarded to the SWAO. When the Community Welfare Service is transferred to my Department, the HSE Appeals Office will no longer have a role in relation to the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Instead it is proposed that appealable decisions will be dealt with by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in the same way as for other schemes administered by my Department. The legislation governing Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeals when the Community Welfare Allowance transfer to my Department was provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. The provision is subject to a Commencement Order.
Questions Nos. 95 and 96 answered with Question No. 59.
Social Welfare Benefits
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:97 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to allow far greater access to postgraduate study under the back to education allowance. [40048/10]
With effect from 19th July 2010, changes have been introduced to BTEA to increase flexibility in terms of accessing the scheme. The period for which a person is required to be on a qualifying social welfare payment before accessing BTEA was reduced from 12 months to 9 months (a 2 year qualifying period continues to apply to participants coming from Illness Benefit). People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. In addition, a person in certain circumstances can avail of BTEA to resume studies in a second or subsequent year of a third level course whereas prior to July, a person could only apply for BTEA if s/he was commencing year one of a course.
The back to education scheme covers courses of education from second level to higher diploma level in any discipline [level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)] and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching; level 9 in NFQ) which add significantly to a person's employability. BTEA will not usually be approved if a person holds a qualification equivalent or higher than the qualification for which the application has been received. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) are not included.
However, a small number of cases have arisen where a college has granted an exemption from the requirement to hold a primary degree and has admitted a person to a Master's course on the basis of relevant life experience. In the context of the ongoing monitoring of the operation of the scheme, it has been decided to extend entitlement to the Back to Education Allowance in these instances on an exceptional basis.
The focus of the Back to Education Allowance is to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. People in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects. Furthermore, the scheme was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
Willie Penrose
Ceist:98 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to make a charge on financial institutions and or utility companies to subsidise the work undertaken by the money advice and budgeting service in respect of mutual customers and clients. [40037/10]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free, independent and confidential service which assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. MABS promotes the importance of people coping with debt difficulties taking early action with their creditors and approaching MABS for help and guidance. This can be the first positive step for people in addressing debt difficulties. Often people will have multiple creditors and MABS money advisers will assist clients in working out budgets and negotiating on behalf of all creditors, including financial institutions and sub-prime lenders, to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debt.
In addition to face-to-face meetings with a money adviser, MABS operates a National Telephone Helpline, available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday. As 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation, it would not be appropriate to place a financial charge on financial institutions and or utility companies in these instances.
In addition, MABS companies around the country are involved in many local education and information initiatives. This close involvement of MABS staff in education activity ensures that community education remains at the heart of the money advice process; promoting effective household budget management and empowering individuals to help themselves.
I do not propose to introduce measures whereby financial institutions and or utility companies subsidise the work of MABS as this would compromise the independence of MABS services, would not be appropriate where people use assisted self-help services, and would be extremely difficult to do given that most people have multiple creditors.
Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 92.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 68.
Social Welfare Code
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:101 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way he intends to reform the social welfare system to provide greater social security for the self-employed. [40049/10]
Self-employed people pay PRSI class S contributions which provide cover for long-term benefits such as state pension (contributory) and widows/widowers pension (contributory). Employees are covered by PRSI classes A, E, H and P, which provide cover for the above benefits as well as for short-term contingencies such as jobseekers and illness benefits. PRSI coverage is related to the risks associated with employment or self-employment, the annualised system of contributions for self-employed people and the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payments. Self-employed people pay class S contributions at a rate of 3% per annum, as compared to the 14.75% full Class A contributions paid by employees and their employers, to reflect the narrower range of benefits they receive. A system of separate arrangements for employed and self-employed workers within a social insurance context is common in other European social protection systems.
There are no plans to extend cover for short-term benefits to this group of insured workers. Any such measure would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered within a budgetary context. Consideration would also have to be given to an appropriate increase in the rate of the PRSI Class S contribution.
Self-employed workers who do not qualify for an insurance-based benefit may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments such as jobseeker's allowance. They can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate account is taken of the downward trend in the economy and the process recognises the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next.
Employment Support Services
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:102 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the PRSI employers incentive scheme has been promoted, and his intention to extend the scheme into 2011. [40053/10]
The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme has been promoted through a number of channels. Information on the scheme is available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie and also on the FAS website. The main information web page on this scheme on the Department's website was viewed 9,709 times between the 21st June and 22nd October 2010. There has also been a number of press releases in relation to the scheme.
In addition, information regarding the scheme was circulated through a number of agencies including Forfás, the Small firms Association and IBEC. Information was also circulated to the 3,754 people who have subscribed (free of charge) to the Department of Social Protection's PRSI mailing list. This mailing list primarily comprises employers and tax practitioners. The scheme is open to employers who create new and additional jobs in 2010. Successful applicants are exempted from liability to pay their share of PRSI for certain employees for 12 months from the date they are approved for the scheme. Extension of the scheme into 2011 is a matter for the Government to consider in a budgetary context.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 92.
Regulatory Management
Richard Bruton
Ceist:104 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if the OECD peer review team has yet published its report on the Government’s regulatory management capacity; if it has made the report available to the Government; and the key findings of the report. [40359/10]
The OECD Report on Better Regulation in Ireland was published today on the OECD website. It had been presented to Government in October to note its upcoming publication. The publication of the Report is being formally marked by a special conference organised by my Department in which the OECD will participate on 29th of this month.
The Report recognises the considerable progress made on the Better Regulation agenda since the original OECD review in 2001 which compares well with other EU countries. In particular, it commends the Better Regulation Unit (BRU) in my Department for its role as a highly active advocate of Better Regulation across Government and beyond. It acknowledges the BRU's role in raising awareness of the Better Regulation agenda and in the provision of supports for conducting Regulatory Impact Analysis. However, the report also identifies a need for greater engagement with the agenda across the Government system including a need for strong linkages between this agenda and economic renewal and public service transformation strategies.
There are a number of key areas which the report focuses on. With regard to the issue of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), the OECD note that the Irish model and supports such as training, guidelines and helpdesk assistance compare well with those developed in other EU Member States. However, they also point out that the quality of RIAs require improvement together with more frequent publication. These issues are to be addressed by individual Ministers and their Departments. The report notes that while some work is underway to reduce administrative burdens on business considerable further effort will be required from all relevant Departments if the target of a 25% reduction by 2012 is to be made. The team acknowledged also that a good start had been made on addressing the issue of risk-based enforcement.
In addressing the issue of the accessibility of the law, the OECD note the complexity of the Irish legal system which makes a focus on accessibility all the more important. They stress the importance of maintaining a momentum on projects in this area in the face of tight resources. This includes, in particular, Statute Law Revision, Restatement, consolidation and the maintenance of the Statute Book. It is suggested that Local Authorities would be invited to take part in the administrative burden reduction programme. Enhanced consultation mechanisms between the national and local level are also suggested.
As part of its work on the implementation of the Government Statement on Economic Regulation of October 2009, the Senior Officials Group on Economic Regulation, which is chaired by my Department, will pursue the implementation of recommendations set out in the OECD report (from within existing resources).
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:105 Deputy James Bannon asked the Taoiseach the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39684/10]
The following table details grants paid by my Department, to date in 2010. These amounts were paid under Subhead C, Commemoration Initiatives Fund which is a fund established to make resources available to groups and organisations for the study and commemoration of historic events of national importance. By providing financial support to local organisations, the aim of the Fund is to assist and encourage the development of local programmes of commemoration. Given the limited budget available, such funding is, in general and by necessity, of a token nature. In assessing projects for funding issues such as: impact, significance and relevance, geographic spread , balance between popular and academic, educational content and viability are taken into account annually.
Commemoration Initiative Fund — 2010 — €100,000 in the Taoiseach's Vote
Grants paid include:
€1,135 towards the restoration of a grave of John Moyney VC;
€2,000 towards the publication of book on the Famine, covering the Act of Union (Northern Ireland Building Communities Trust);
€2,000 towards a book on the experiences of Irish soldiers during World War 1 (O'Brien Press);
€1,500 towards research work into the history of Ulster (UCC);
€1,000 to the Suffolk Historical Society for the 150th anniversary of the consecration of its local Church of Ireland;
€5,000 to the National Folklore Collection towards a publication to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Irish Folklore Collection in 2011;
€23,000 to the Somme Association for a commemoration event held earlier this year in Gallipoli in recognition of the Irish men who fought and died there in World War 1.
Ireland Newfoundland Partnership
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:106 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the year the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership was set up; the role of the partnership; the annually funding it secured from his Department in each year from the year it was set up to when funding ceased in 2009; if he will provide a breakdown of the annual expenses of each board member of the agency for each year from when the partnership was set up until 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39705/10]
The Ireland Newfoundland Partnership (INP) was established in 2001 on foot of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The original agreement, signed by former Taoiseach John Bruton in 1996, together with then Premier of Newfoundland, Brian Tobin, was re-affirmed by my predecessor, Mr. Ahern in 1999 and 2004.
The role of the INP is to manage the agreement between the two Governments, recognising the deep historical links between the two Islands, and to identify new areas for collaboration. It assists Irish organisations to identify and carry out joint projects with Newfoundland partners through government, research, business, educational and cultural activities. The Partnership also aims to raise the awareness of Newfoundland and its Irish heritage. The administrative office of the INP, originally located under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has operated under the aegis of my Department since January 2004.
Since late 2009, the work of the Partnership was integrated into the main structure of my Department. There has been a budgetary saving of €300,000 which was previously provided in my Department's Vote. The Board has also been re-structured and renamed the Ireland Newfoundland Advisory Council. The annual budget provided for the INP from 2004 is outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Subhead |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
313,000 |
|
2005 |
321,000 |
|
2006 |
337,000 |
|
2007 |
361,000 |
|
2008 |
354,000 |
|
2009 |
300,000 |
|
2010 |
0 |
Members do not receive a fee in connection with their work on the Advisory Council. Travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines. The following members received expenses from 2004 to date.
|
Name |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Tomas C Hyland |
4,696 |
7,378 |
2,593 |
4,132 |
2,340 |
795 |
0 |
|
Walter Kirwan |
0 |
1,247 |
627 |
2,650 |
1,047 |
660 |
0 |
|
Patrick Murphy |
620 |
1,016 |
0 |
343 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Una Murphy |
1,537 |
27 |
107 |
1,266 |
1,409 |
1,136 |
0 |
|
Caroline Senior |
1,459 |
656 |
368 |
0 |
0 |
467 |
0 |
|
Total |
8,313 |
10,324 |
3,695 |
8,391 |
4,796 |
3,058 |
0 |
Census of Population
Michael McGrath
Ceist:107 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of his plans for census 2011; the number of persons that will be employed by the Central Statistics Office for the completion of field work in Cork city and county. [39768/10]
The 2011 census will be managed in the field by specially recruited census field staff organised nationally as follows:
6 Census Liaison Officers located in census HQ in Swords responsible for the overall management of the census field operation for their area;
44 Census Regional Supervisors located in regional offices across Ireland responsible for the conduct of the census within their region;
440 Census Field Supervisors working from their own homes responsible for the work of a local team of 11 census enumerators;
5,000 Census enumerators working from their own homes responsible for the delivery and collection of census forms to every home in their area.
Within Cork city and county a total of 436 census enumerators and 50 census field supervisors will be employed; a further 4 people will have responsibility for the management of 4 census regions either completely or partially located in Cork County.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:108 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Taoiseach the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39807/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:109 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Taoiseach the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39822/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
My Department does not rent or lease any premises or sites.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:110 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39927/10]
Procurement of goods and services by my Department is carried out under procedures recommended by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit in the Department of Finance which is responsible for procurement policy, national procurement guidelines and the application of EU directives. These procedures are designed to ensure that appropriate competitive processes are in place to select the providers of goods and services which represent best value to the Department, taking account of a number of important criteria including cost and suitability for purpose.
The procedures in place in my Department, which vary according to the nature and amount of the procurement involved, require purchasers to specify accurately their requirements; to select an appropriate competitive process whether by seeking quotations, advertising, use of central purchasing facilities and centrally negotiated framework agreements or more formal tender processes; to evaluate alternatives according to preset criteria; to agree clear contract terms and to monitor service delivery.
Open source software solutions and generic consumables are not explicitly specified when seeking quotations/tenders but if offered by providers are evaluated against the preset criteria to determine the provider that represents best value to the Department. While no open source software packages are used as part of my Department's email and work support systems the most recent website developed was built using an open source content management system.
Departmental Staff
James Bannon
Ceist:111 Deputy James Bannon asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a breakdown of the number of persons employed in the different sections or divisions of the Department of the Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39960/10]
In accordance with the business needs of my Department, divisions and sections change from time to time. The following table provides a breakdown of whole-time equivalent staff numbers working in the various divisions in my Department at the end of October 2010.
|
Divisional breakdown |
Staff Numbers — (whole-time equivalent) |
|
Government Secretariat and related |
13.80 |
|
Government Information Services and Communications Unit |
17.80 |
|
Protocol and General |
7.85 |
|
Private Office (Taoiseach, Government Chief Whip and Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs) |
33.00 |
|
Northern Ireland |
7.80 |
|
European and International Affairs |
8.60 |
|
Social Policy |
6.60 |
|
Economic Policy |
9.60 |
|
Social Partnership |
4.00 |
|
Public Service Modernisation |
17.60 |
|
Personnel and Change Management Unit |
12.53 |
|
Finance Unit |
7.00 |
|
Information Technology |
9.40 |
|
Management Services Unit (including support staff), Archives and Library |
31.30 |
|
Internal Audit |
1.60 |
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:112 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40255/10]
No printing contracts for my Department have been awarded or given to any company from outside the State in the past three years.
Interdepartmental Committees
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:113 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach if he will name all Cabinet committees in operation here in the year 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of times each committee has met in 2009 and to date in 2010. [40329/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Cabinet Committee |
Number of Meetings in 2009 |
Number of Meetings in 2010 |
|
Economic Renewal and Jobs |
12 |
6 |
|
Science Technology and Innovation (subsumed into Economic Renewal and Jobs in June 2010) |
1 |
— |
|
Health |
8 |
4 |
|
Social Inclusion, Children & Integration |
2 |
1 |
|
Irish and the Gaeltacht |
3 |
— |
|
Transforming Public Services |
7 |
3 |
|
Climate Change and Energy Security |
2 |
— |
|
European Affairs |
6 |
3 |
|
Aspects of International Human Rights |
2 |
— |
|
Strategic Directions for Local Government (established in January 2010) |
— |
17 (including on date of establishment) |
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:114 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40341/10]
In answering these questions I am interpreting "high level groups" as groups which are working on issues of specific interest, which are chaired by my Department and which include representatives from other parts of the civil/public service and elsewhere. Accordingly, the information sought by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.
|
Name of High Level Group |
Purpose |
Year Set Up |
Number of Meetings Approximately |
|
Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on European Affairs (ICCEUA) |
Works to ensure that there is a coordinated Irish approach to key policy issues at European level. The Committee has a particular focus on ensuring the timely transposition of European measures by Ireland. The Committee is also briefed on issues arising at key working groups in the EU. The meetings of the Committee serve to share information among Government Departments on EU issues. |
2002 |
82 |
|
Senior Officials Group on European Affairs (SOG EU) |
Works to ensure that there is a coordinated national approach to EU Affairs. It may also prepare specific material for the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs as required. |
2004 |
87 |
|
Senior Officials Group on Health |
Supports Cabinet Committee on Health. |
2004 |
49 |
|
Working Group on Long-term Care |
Taking account of the proposals in the Mercer and O’Shea Reports to: identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care; and rationalise the range of benefits, services and grants (both statutory and non-statutory) currently in place, and address associated issues. |
2005 |
24 |
|
National Disability Strategy Stakeholders Monitoring Group |
Monitors progress on the implementation of the National Disability Strategy (NDS). |
2006 |
8 |
|
Senior Officials Group on Disability |
Monitors the NDS and reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion, Children and Integration. |
2006 |
9 |
|
Advisory Group on Social Finance and Philanthropy |
Monitor and advise on the implementation of the social finance commitments in Towards 2016. |
2007 |
2 |
|
Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Network |
To promote best practice and facilitate the use of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) within and across Government Departments and Offices. |
2007 |
10 |
|
Senior Officials Group on Climate Change & Energy Security |
To support the work of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security and ensure appropriate synergies with the relevant Cross Departmental Teams. |
2007 |
30 |
|
Senior Officials Group on Economic Renewal |
To support the work of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal |
2008 |
26 |
|
Senior Officials Group on Labour Market Issues |
To support the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal in relation to labour market activation policies. |
2008 |
18 |
|
Marine Co-ordinating Group |
To promote increased co-ordination among relevant Departments in relation to marine related matters. |
2009 |
20 |
|
Transforming Public Services Secretaries General Steering Group |
Supports the Cabinet Committee on Transforming Public Services. |
2009 |
29 |
|
Senior Officials Group on Economic Regulation |
To monitor and implement the actions set out in the Government Statement on Economic Regulation which was published in October 2009. |
2009 |
8 |
|
Regulatory Liaison Group |
The Regulatory Liaison Group, which includes the Senior Officials Group on Economic Regulation and key economic regulators, was set up following the first Annual Regulatory Forum in February 2010 in order to progress key actions set out in the Government Statement on Economic Regulation and other issues agreed at the Forum. |
2010 |
2 |
|
Transforming Public Service (TPS) Assistant Secretary Group |
To widen consultation into the development of the transformation agenda for the Civil Service. |
2010 |
6 |
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:115 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40356/10]
The Department of the Taoiseach is represented on the Interdepartmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction. e Central Statistics Office (CSO) is represented separately on the Group. The Department itself has no legislation that impacts on business. As the CSO has legislation that impacts on business, they are fully engaged in the burden reduction programme.
It should be acknowledged that the compilation of business statistics is absolutely necessary. Therefore, while it is essential to minimise burdens, it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate burdens of this kind. In this context, the CSO published a ranked list of 20 information obligations in the Standard Cost Model Report — Measurement of administrative burden imposed on Irish business by Central Statistics Office inquiries. This report was published in August 2010 and is available on the CSO website. The report estimates that the total cost of the burden to businesses arising from CSO activity for 2008 (the most recent year available) was €10.8 million using the standard cost model (which assumes full compliance). The CSO also publishes an annual statement on total burden to business arising from CSO activity. These reports are available on the CSO website.
FÁS Training Programmes
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:116 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of places filled under the short-time working training programme; the amount spent on the scheme; when the scheme commenced and when it is due to wind up; the number of employers involved; if she will provide any information she has on any reviews of the effectiveness of the scheme; her plans to expand the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40224/10]
The Pilot Short Time Working Training Programme was introduced in May 2009. FÁS initially administered the programme, which aimed to provide training to people on systematic short time for the days they are not working. The programme aimed to provide two days training a week for up to 277 workers over a 52-week period and they received training free of charge for these two days. The Department of Social Protection continues to pay participants social welfare entitlements whilst receiving this training.
In the 2010 budget, FÁS was not allocated funding for the Short Time Working Training Programme, instead Skillnets has been providing for its inclusion in its training networks programme (TNP) of limited numbers of unemployed persons with the emphasis, where possible, on priority cohorts on the live register. It is intended that this will also include provision for some people on reduced working weeks and this supersedes the FÁS Short Time Working Training Programme initiative. Skillnets are now providing training to approximately 4,800 unemployed persons. Skillnets have embarked on an initiative to provide learning support to the unemployed via existing structures of networks who support the learning needs of the unemployed. This has resulted in a very high standard of quality and depth of the support for the unemployed.
In June 2010, Skillnets surveyed unemployed individuals who trained with networks between June and May. 86% of all respondents agreed that the training increased their chances of securing employment. Since completing Skillnets training, one in five people secured work, one in four progressed into further education/training and one in seven became self employed. FÁS are currently in the process of collating other specific information requested about the Short Time Working Training Programme and when this information becomes available FÁS will forward it directly to the Deputy.
Adult Education
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:117 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will approve the mobility allowance scheme under a fund (details supplied); if she will address other concerns of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39671/10]
The issues raised by the Question are currently being progressed by my Department in conjunction with FÁS and the Waterford Crystal EGF Co-ordination Unit.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:118 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from her Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39677/10]
The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would involve a very significant amount of administrative time to compile. However, details of public funding disbursements are made available in a range of publications on an annual basis. The Revised Estimates Volume, published annually by the Department of Finance, contains a significant level of detail regarding funding allocations for the year of publication, together with details of funds disbursed by the Exchequer in the previous year. Additionally the Comptroller and Auditor General publishes the Appropriation Accounts, which are the annual accounts of Government Departments.
Both the Revised Estimates Volume and the Appropriation Accounts categorise expenditure by Government Department and by subhead designation. Within the subheads categorised, major organisations funded by individual Departmental Votes, including the Vote for my Department, can be identified. Other tables within these publications contain significant further information. Additionally, on an annual basis, my Department posts on its website details of organisations part-funded from National Lottery funds. In this regard, funding details for the years 2007-2009 are provided in tabular form in the following spreadsheet. If there is a specific person or body in which the Deputy has a particular interest I would be happy to supply any additional information that is held by my Department in this matter.
|
National Lottery Voted Funds Payments in the year ended 31 December 2007 |
€ |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
42,616,671 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
1,178,401 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
929,000 |
|
Total |
44,953,772 |
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
Assessor of Youth Work — Salary Costs |
79,124 |
|
Belvedere Youth Project, Dublin |
60,000 |
|
Causeway |
83,056 |
|
Child Protection Training |
142,267 |
|
Co-operation Ireland |
55,134 |
|
Council of Europe English Language Course |
45,000 |
|
Curragh Youth Project, Co. Kildare |
60,000 |
|
Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations |
450,969 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
933,000 |
|
Garda Vetting |
300,000 |
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
12,698,180 |
|
Intercultural Strategy |
90,000 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
35,250 |
|
Leargas |
692,242 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
65,000 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
1,600,003 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme — Administrative Costs |
63,000 |
|
Maynooth Diploma Course |
165,000 |
|
Milford Community Youth Project, Co. Donegal |
13,500 |
|
Miscellaneous Expenses |
17,235 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
8,365 |
|
National Association of Youth Drama |
45,000 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
127,000 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
15,000 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
123,500 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
8,568 |
|
No Name Club |
101,663 |
|
North/South Youth Work |
5,505 |
|
Ogras |
24,600 |
|
Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
349,264 |
|
Remember US Youth Project |
60,000 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
291,000 |
|
Skibberreen Youth Project, Co Cork |
13,500 |
|
Special Project for Youth Schemes |
19,910,652 |
|
VEC’s — Additional Programme Costs |
146,200 |
|
Young Irish Film Makers |
80,000 |
|
Young Mens Christian Association |
26,500 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
4,640 |
|
Youth Officers — Capacity Development of VEC’s |
1,488,815 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
2,114,074 |
|
Youth Programme — External Evaluation |
24,865 |
|
Total |
42,616,671 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
|
|
Courses in Irish |
1,178,401 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
|
|
Aontas |
472,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
327,000 |
|
People’s College |
107,000 |
|
Total |
929,000 |
|
Schedule A |
|
|
Grants to Youth Organisations ( Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
An Óige |
240,969 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
49,161 |
|
Boys Brigade |
75,250 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
344,274 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
1,134,290 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
237,203 |
|
Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
21,367 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
171,956 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
161,938 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
35,556 |
|
Feachtas |
117,552 |
|
Foróige |
2,492,926 |
|
Girls Brigade |
57,805 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
562,512 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
22,619 |
|
Macra na Feirme |
596,401 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
133,041 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
71,339 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
787,539 |
|
No Name Club |
194,074 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
728,803 |
|
Ogras |
247,322 |
|
Order of Malta |
63,173 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
1,144,117 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
107,712 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
126,019 |
|
YMCA |
147,507 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
2,625,755 |
|
Total |
12,698,180 |
|
Schedule B |
|
|
Special Projects for Youth (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant |
129,881 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, North Co. Dublin |
103,062 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC |
87,624 |
|
Ronanstown Pilot Project |
15,407 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC |
13,290 |
|
Total |
349,264 |
|
Schedule C |
|
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations (Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Artane School of Music |
45,000 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
45,000 |
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
Total |
229,700 |
|
National Lottery Voted Funds Payments in the year ended 31 December 2008 |
€ |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
43,567,137 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
1,431,705 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
956,000 |
|
Total |
46,184,542 |
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
Causeway, Exchange Programme |
72,298 |
|
Child Protection Unit |
125,380 |
|
Co-operation Ireland Exchange Programme |
49,270 |
|
City of Cork VEC |
36,035 |
|
Development of Quality Standards Framework |
30,613 |
|
Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations |
300,000 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
956,000 |
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
13,465,132 |
|
Intercultural Strategy |
39,731 |
|
Leargas |
638,552 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
58,500 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
1,800,000 |
|
Maynooth Diploma Course |
115,000 |
|
Maynooth Research |
50,000 |
|
Milford Community Youth Project, Co. Donegal |
15,000 |
|
Millstreet Youth Project/Club |
30,000 |
|
Miscellaneous Expenses |
4,498 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
8,735 |
|
National Association of Youth Drama |
25,000 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
154,278 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
142,000 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
6,092 |
|
North/South Youth Work |
4,915 |
|
Other Projects including Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
21,381,006 |
|
Quality Standards Framework — Salary and related expenses |
89,771 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
8,900 |
|
The Fuse Youth Café, Co. Cork |
30,000 |
|
The Hive, Wexford |
25,000 |
|
VEC’s — Capacity Development — Youth Officers |
1,561,900 |
|
VEC’s — QSF Fund |
144,000 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
4,164 |
|
Youth in Action Programme — Annual Declaration of Assurance — Leargas |
4,437 |
|
Youth Officers — ICTU |
9,000 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
2,166,930 |
|
Youth Information — Support Partnership |
15,000 |
|
Total |
43,567,137 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
|
|
Courses in Irish |
1,431,705 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
|
|
Aontas |
487,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
336,000 |
|
People’s College |
110,000 |
|
Total |
956,000 |
|
Schedule A |
|
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
An Óige |
246,993 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
50,390 |
|
Boys Brigade |
78,631 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
354,381 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
1,295,147 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
246,133 |
|
Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
21,901 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
176,255 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
167,486 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
39,445 |
|
Feachtas |
121,991 |
|
Foróige |
2,590,249 |
|
Girls Brigade |
62,250 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
596,575 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
23,184 |
|
Macra na Feirme |
611,311 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
139,367 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
74,622 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
807,227 |
|
No Name Club |
267,051 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
749,023 |
|
Ogras |
255,005 |
|
Order of Malta |
66,252 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
1,202,720 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
111,905 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
130,669 |
|
YMCA |
210,570 |
|
Young Irish Film Makers |
47,000 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
2,721,399 |
|
Total |
13,465,132 |
|
Schedule B |
|
|
Special Projects for Youth (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire VEC |
501,901 |
|
City of Dublin VEC |
4,782,197 |
|
City of Cork VEC |
1,367,153 |
|
County Cork VEC |
476,672 |
|
City of Galway VEC |
1,128,766 |
|
Co. Galway VEC |
38,823 |
|
Co. Leitrim VEC |
39,109 |
|
City of Limerick VEC |
482,143 |
|
Co. Limerick VEC |
405,728 |
|
City of Waterford VEC |
1,202,187 |
|
County Dublin VEC |
2,745,071 |
|
Co. Wicklow VEC |
300,815 |
|
Co. Kerry VEC |
247,235 |
|
Co. Tipperary VEC |
230,000 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
37,991 |
|
National Association of Travellers Centres |
871,393 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
5,605,293 |
|
Offaly County Council |
60,240 |
|
Tionscadal Oibre don Ogra |
76,364 |
|
Health Service Executive |
61,500 |
|
Co. Donegal VEC |
106,441 |
|
Co. Wexford VEC |
115,000 |
|
Co. Longford VEC |
106,441 |
|
City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant |
133,128 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, North Co. Dublin |
115,000 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC |
115,000 |
|
Ronanstown Pilot Project |
15,793 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC |
13,622 |
|
Total |
21,381,006 |
|
Schedule C |
|
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations (Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Artane School of Music |
45,000 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
45,000 |
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
Total |
229,700 |
National Lottery Funding Under subheads B.1 and B.14, a total of €1.148 million was grant aided to support adult education and cultural activities. The subheads in Vote 26 from which the funding was paid are noted below.
|
Recipients of Funding from National Lottery |
2009 |
2008 |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
941 |
956 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
207 |
230 |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)1 |
— |
43,567 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
— |
1,432 |
|
Total |
1,148 |
46,185 |
1Functions in relation to Youth Organisations and Youth Activities were transferred out of Vote 26 with effect from 1 January 2009 to Vote 41 (Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs).
|
Name of Recipients |
Sum received |
|
€ |
|
|
Aontas |
477,000.00 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
333,000.00 |
|
Peoples College |
108,000.00 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000.00 |
|
Total |
941,000.00 |
|
Name of Recipients |
Sum received |
|
€ |
|
|
Foras Éireann |
11,400.00 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
114,000.00 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
41,000.00 |
|
Artane School of Music |
41,000.00 |
|
Total |
207,400.00 |
FÁS Training Programmes
Joan Burton
Ceist:119 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the FÁS Cabra training centre is due to close, or part close, in December or at any point in the near future; if all participants in training courses will be facilitated in completing their training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39696/10]
I am advised that, following a recent inspection of the roof of the FÁS training centre in Cabra, a proposal will be brought to the FÁS Board in November for the phased exit from the centre. These necessary measures are being taken by FÁS primarily with the health and safety of the centre's staff and its trainees in mind. All current courses taking place at Cabra will, where necessary, be redeployed to other Dublin training centres. Where possible, future night training will be facilitated in other FÁS training centres.
Schools Building Projects
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:120 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the action she has taken to resolve the dispute at a school (details supplied) regarding completion of works to standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39723/10]
My Department is aware of the difficulties that have arisen between the school in question, the building contractor and the Consultant Architect that has resulted in delaying the satisfactory conclusion of this project. The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. This certification is a normal requirement before funding can be provided in relation to school projects. The dismissal of the Consultant Architect by the school authority has created difficulties in relation to final certification of the satisfactory completion of the project and, consequently, payment of the balance of funding due. My Department has written to the School Management Authority seeking a meeting to discuss the ongoing difficulties.
Special Educational Needs
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:121 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39759/10]
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 (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. The NCSE has introduced an appeals process whereby schools and parents, where appropriate, may seek to appeal the decision of a SENO in relation to the allocation of resources. Information regarding the appeals process is available on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie. It is open to a school to appeal a SENO's decision under this appeals process.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:122 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39760/10]
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 (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. As the Deputy's question relates to matters concerning operations of the NCSE, I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
Schools Building Projects
Michael McGrath
Ceist:123 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for phase two of a primary schools development (details supplied) in County Cork. [39774/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Phase I development of the school to which he refers was completed in June of last year under my Department's rapid delivery programme. My officials are currently undertaking some preliminary work on the proposed Phase II development. Officials from my Department will be touch with the school authorities shortly, in relation to progression of the project.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:124 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details of the revised tender arrangements to apply for the construction of a national school (details supplied) in County Cork and when she expects the project to move on site. [39776/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the project to which he refers encountered delays in securing planning permission and land transfers. These problems were compounded by certain issues that subsequently arose with the preferred bidder and which resulted in a recent decision to re-tender the project. It is envisaged that the project will be re-tendered shortly. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that it will progress to construction in early 2011.
Higher Education Grants
Joe McHugh
Ceist:125 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the Student Support Bill will make allowances for students who attend a college (details supplied) and are unable to avail of third level grants because it is recognised as a private commercial college; if the Department of Education and Skills will base its grants system on financial circumstances instead of the form of education being received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39788/10]
The statutory framework for the Higher Education Grants Scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants to assist students to attend full-time third level education in approved institutions. The institutions approved under the scheme are, generally speaking, publicly-funded third level colleges offering full-time courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level. Each year, the Higher Education Grants Scheme specifies a list of institutions approved for the purposes of the scheme.
My Department provides very significant funding to publicly-funded third level institutions in the State. This funding is used to provide a very broad range of courses to meet both economic and societal needs. Private commercial colleges, in general, operate on a "for profit" basis and the State has no say in directing their operations. Section 8 of the Student Support Bill as published makes provision for the Minister, in certain circumstances and taking certain matters into account, to prescribe an educational institution as being an approved institution for grants purposes. However, I have no plans to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to private colleges operated on a "for profit" basis at this time.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:126 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39799/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:127 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of premises and sites rented or leased by her Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39814/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
The renting / leasing of Government offices and properties is the responsibility of the Property Management Services, Office of Public Works, which acts as an agent for all Government Departments. The terms and conditions of the leases are a matter for OPW.
Special Educational Needs
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:128 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on contacts with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if she will note the concerns of the school community in respect of issues regarding staffing and the need for immediate action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39826/10]
The Deputy is 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 all mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support and conveys decisions on applications directly to schools without recourse to my Department. Neither I, nor the Department of Education and Skills, interfere with the allocation decisions taken by the NCSE in schools.
As I have previously clarified, I can confirm that my Department has been in contact with the school in question, by letter of 3rd September, to clarify issues raised by them in relation to the school's enrolment policy and also to advise of the role of the NCSE regarding the determination of support levels for pupils with special educational needs in special schools. It is my understanding that the NCSE is presently liaising with the school in question to monitor supports in place for pupils currently enrolled in the school as well as evaluating further applications for support. The NCSE has advised my Department that it hopes to conclude this process shortly.
I wish to assure the Deputy that supports will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support and children with special educational needs will continue to have access to an appropriate education in line with my Department's policy. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
School Accommodation
Joe McHugh
Ceist:129 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will facilitate a school (details supplied) that is currently paying €60,000 annual rent for facilities that are less than ideal at an alternative educational facility in the town; if she will expedite this matter in view of the fact that a decision would have to be made and communicated to the various relevant parties by the end of November 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39838/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has provisional recognition from my Department and that the matter of school accommodation is one, in the first instance, for the school Patron. My Department has no record of having received correspondence from the school authority in question regarding a proposal to relocate from their current premises. Any such proposal received from the school authority will be considered and a response communicated to the school authority in due course.
Skills Development
Tom Hayes
Ceist:130 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the assistance that can be given to participants on a course (details supplied) who took their examinations in June 2009, to enable them to receive their certificates and to ensure that the certificates are dated 2009. [39840/10]
It is a matter for providers or organisers of programmes of education and training such as the one referred to by the Deputy to provide the relevant information and documentation to FETAC for certification in a timely manner, and FETAC encourages providers to do so. It would seem that in this case an unacceptable period of time has elapsed between the completion of courses and assessments and the submission of a request for certification to FETAC. I understand that a number of providers use the premises referred to by the Deputy, and if the Deputy provides further details on the particular provider concerned I will forward that information to FETAC.
With regard to the date of certification, FETAC is not in a position to certify retrospectively learning which has been undertaken. FETAC can only certify learning once all of the relevant information and documentation has been submitted to it by the provider concerned, and FETAC provides opportunities for certification four times per year.
Vocational Education Committees
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:131 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans regarding the proposal to amalgamate the vocational educational committees of Kerry, Limerick and Limerick city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39858/10]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:138 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the estimated savings that will accrue from the restructuring of the vocational education committee model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40079/10]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:139 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the criteria considered in the context of developing the restructured vocational education committee model; the factors that led to the final proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40080/10]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:140 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in the context of the restructuring of vocational education committees, administrative staff will be made redundant or redeployed; the savings that will accrue in this regard; the number of staff that will be affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40081/10]
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:157 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money she expects to save by the amalgamation of the vocational education committees; the savings expected and the way they will be made regarding the amalgamation of Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40308/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 138 to 140, inclusive, and 157 together.
The Government has decided to reduce the overall number of VECs from 33 to 16 and to the merger of particular city and or county VECs. My Department has commenced work on the preparation of legislation so that it can be brought forward in 2011. I have framed this restructuring, having regard to the need to address the current low scale and size of operations in particular VECs together with the need to retain and support the flexibility and adaptability which has characterised the VEC sector to date along with the requirement to meet future challenges across the school sector generally. In addition, geographic factors such as the total area covered by a VEC, the distance between extremities of the area, the road network within the area and the alignment of other regional structures have been taken into account in arriving at these combinations.
I am satisfied that the scale of operations of a significant number of VECs makes restructuring of the sector a key priority to ensure that each VEC has the critical mass of activity while at the same time, retaining the flexibility and responsiveness to meet the needs of the population for which it caters. A VEC's budget for service delivery is the broadest measure of activity. In order to ensure that each VEC will have the required critical mass of operations under the revised structure, I sought to bring as many of the new VEC areas as possible, taking account of the other criteria outlined earlier to a level of activity which would require a budget of €50 million. In this new arrangement, the smallest VEC will have a budget of €39 million and the median for the individual budget measure of scale of operations will move from €26 million at present to €59 million with 13 of the proposed 16 VECs having a budget of €50 million or more.
Flexibility and responsiveness to changing and emerging needs has been a general feature of the operation of VECs. I am satisfied that this restructuring of VECs will not only retain and support this demonstrated capacity for flexibility and adaptability but also position the VEC sector to meet future challenges across the school sector generally and the proposed reconfiguration has been framed on that basis. Some of the likely savings from the restructuring of the VECs will come from the sale of existing VEC buildings. The potential revenue to be raised from the sale of these assets, however, is closely linked to the current state of the property market and it may not be possible to dispose of such buildings satisfactorily in the short term.
This reconfiguration can over time yield savings in the recurrent cost of the headquarter functions of VECs which at present is of the order of €42 million in total, primarily comprising pay provision. The Special Group suggested savings of €3 million. I am satisfied that a saving of that order is reasonable in the medium term.
Many of the detailed aspects of the restructuring, including the location of the headquarters of the new VECs and the number of administrative staff which each of the new VEC entities will have, will be considered and worked through by my Department in conjunction with the VECs involved in any one merger before decisions are taken. Implementation will involve consultation and negotiations with the unions representing employees in the sector and other stakeholders. The Croke Park Agreement provides the backdrop for these negotiations.
Schools Building Projects
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:132 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide information in relation to progress made in regard to the full purchase of the site upon which a school (details supplied) in County Meath is to be located; if she will set out a timeframe for the completion of the purchase of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39890/10]
My Department is currently in negotiations with a landowner with a view to acquiring a site for the school referred to by the Deputy and to this end has recently made a formal offer to acquire the lands. A response is awaited. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further on the matter at this time. Once this acquisition is concluded, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
Special Educational Needs
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:133 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the National Council for Special Education will allocate a special needs assistant to help a student (details supplied) attending a school in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39896/10]
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 educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Schools Building Projects
John O'Mahony
Ceist:134 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be provided for a new school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39904/10]
It is my Department's intention to provide a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers on a site which is being made available by the VEC. My officials are currently undertaking some preliminary work on the proposed project. Officials from my Department will be touch with the school authorities shortly, in relation to progression of the project.
Special Educational Needs
Bernard Allen
Ceist:135 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was refused an education laptop. [39905/10]
The application in respect of the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been examined by the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school in question. The SENO has advised my Department that based on documentation provided, the pupil in question does not meet the criteria for the provision of this equipment. Accordingly, my Department is not in a position to sanction funding.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:136 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the savings that have been made in her Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39919/10]
My Department uses both proprietary and open source software. There is ongoing debate as to whether proprietary or open source software delivers lower total cost of ownership. Any savings that may have accrued from the use of open source software within my Department cannot be accurately quantified as systems of comparable specification have not been developed in both technologies. Generic consumables are not in use within my Department as hardware vendors recommend and only support use of their own brand consumables in their equipment.
FÁS Training Programmes
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:137 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to FÁS payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39944/10]
The issue of present entitlement to payment of a FÁS training allowance is set out in policy measures that were announced as part of the Budget for 2010. The matter raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy is currently under review.
Questions Nos. 138 to 140, inclusive, answered with Question No. 131.
Schools Building Projects
Damien English
Ceist:141 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a new post-primary school building at a location (details supplied) in County Meath for which a site has been purchased in 2009 to facilitate this project; when will the design team be in a position to advance the school project; when she envisages construction works to commence; the reason for the delay in the process to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40096/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has completed the acquisition of a site for the provision of a new post-primary school in County Meath. A proposal to construct a new school was 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 the Department's website at www.education.ie.
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 the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
School Staffing
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:142 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will allow the same appointment numbers for assistants to a school as apply to another school ( details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40106/10]
The number of mainstream class teachers appropriate to a school for the current school year is determined by reference to the school's valid enrolment on 30 September, 2009 in accordance with the staffing schedule (Primary Circular 0021/2010) which is available on my Department's website. The schedule sets outs in a clear and transparent way the staffing schedule for Ordinary National Schools, Gaeltacht Schools and Gaelscoileanna.
Overseas Students
Michael Ring
Ceist:143 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 19 October 2010, if she will clarify the discrepancy between the figures given by her for full-time overseas students as given to her by Enterprise Ireland at 26,000 in 2009 and the statistical data published by the Higher Education Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40107/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:144 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied that the statistical information on the country of origin of students at full-time higher education colleges here, as published by the Higher Education Authority, is accurate and comprehensive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40110/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 143 together.
There are a number of differences in the way the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Enterprise Ireland collect and report data pertaining to international students, reflecting the different purposes for which the data sets are intended. In brief, the Enterprise Ireland data is collected from a larger number of institutions, and covers more categories of student than the HEA data. In line with its remit to promote international education, including both the public and private sectors, Enterprise Ireland reports data from 51 institutions, including universities, institutes and technology and other institutions in receipt of State funding and also HETAC-recognised private sector institutions. In this data, it includes short term exchange students.
The HEA restricts its reporting to full-time students in the universities, institutes of technology and seven other institutions which are in receipt of public funding. Their figures do not include certain categories of exchange students. In line with the Government's new international education strategy, Investing in Global Relationships, it is intended that, from 2011, an annual report on international education will be produced which includes data on all international students in Ireland, bringing together data from the HEA, Enterprise Ireland and also Fáilte Ireland, which collects information on English language students.
Schools Building Projects
Brian Hayes
Ceist:145 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will visit to see at first hand the problems experienced at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40113/10]
My Department is aware of the difficulties that have arisen between the school in question, the building contractor and the Consultant Architect that has resulted in delaying the satisfactory conclusion of this project. The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. This certification is a normal requirement before funding can be provided in relation to school projects. The dismissal of the Consultant Architect by the school authority has created difficulties in relation to final certification of the satisfactory completion of the project and, consequently, payment of the balance of funding due. My Department have recently written to the School Management Authority seeking a meeting to discuss the ongoing difficulties.
Teachers’ Remuneration
John Cregan
Ceist:146 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a teacher (details supplied) is only paid a pass primary degree allowance despite the fact that they hold an honours degree in accountancy and if the reason for this decision can be verified by way of identifying the appropriate departmental guidelines. [40116/10]
The rate of the honours degree allowance payable by my Department is provided for in Circular Letter 0004/2010. It is payable in respect of primary degrees conferred and designated as first, second or third class honours degrees by appropriate awarding authorities. My Department also accepts full membership of certain professional bodies for the purpose of granting certain qualification allowances. The person referred to by the Deputy does not hold a primary honours degree or full membership of a professional accounting body. Therefore she is not entitled to payment of an honours degree allowance.
Schools Building Projects
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:147 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of planning applications for new or extended school buildings lodged to planning authorities where her Department has been informed of such, since the start of September; the number expected to be submitted up to the end of the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40132/10]
My Department has been made aware of eight planning applications for major school building projects which have been lodged since September 2010. It is expected that approximately fourteen planning applications for major school building projects will be ready to be lodged before the end of the year. This is subject to all prerequisites being in order and no issues arising.
The information above does not take into account projects for smaller works, the management of which, including the submission of planning applications, is devolved to school authorities. In addition, my Department and the OPW are working towards submitting a number of applications by end 2010 as part of contract exchange between the Department and the relevant site vendor. The purpose of these applications is to ensure that the site to be purchased will be deemed suitable for land usage purposes to accommodate the required school. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further on the matter at this time.
Computerisation Programme
Michael Ring
Ceist:148 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo to purchase equipment. [40136/10]
As part of the implementation of the Smart Schools = Smart Economy Report and the 2008 ICT Strategy Report, I recently announced ICT grants of over €20m for post primary schools. The school referred to by the Deputy received a grant of €12,232. The grant should be used by the school to work towards equipping each classroom in the school with a teaching computer, with a long range wireless mouse and keyboard, and a fixed digital projector with a particular priority to be placed on equipment for use in the teaching of Project Maths. This latest investment brings the total equipment grant outlay under the ICT in Schools programme to more than €43m within the past twelve months and further grants will issue to primary schools shortly.
Schools Building Projects
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:149 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress regarding an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40141/10]
The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised earlier this year to tender for the appointment of a design team. The Board of Management have finalised their assessment of the tenders and, subject to no issues arising, the appointment process is expected to be completed shortly.
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:150 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress regarding an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40170/10]
The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised to tender for the appointment of a design team. The Board of Management is expected to revert to my Department shortly to finalise the appointment process.
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:151 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress regarding a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40171/10]
The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised earlier this year to tender for the appointment of a design team. Representatives from the Board of Management of this school attended a briefing given by my Department to explain the tendering process and the steps involved. The tender process is currently in progress.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:152 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to extend an existing classroom which is urgently needed given the increase in enrolment this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40177/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has recently applied to my Department for an extension to an existing classroom. The application is currently under consideration in my Department and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.
Michael Creed
Ceist:153 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funding allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the replacement of prefabricated classrooms with permanent structures; if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing effort and expenditure by the school to draw down these funds; if she will confirm that the funds in question remain available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40204/10]
The School in question was approved a Devolved Grant for the provision of a mainstream classroom and a resource room in June 2010. My Department is aware of the difficulties being experienced by the school in relation to planning matters and understands that works are due to commence in early 2011. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the funding allocated for this project will be available in 2011.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:154 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number and job description of persons who have been vetted by the Garda vetting unit for each of the past three years who are at present employed in first and second level education in any capacity full-time, part-time or temporary; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The arrangements for vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff are set out in Department Circular 0094/2006 which is available on my Department's website. My Department will shortly be issuing a new circular updating the requirements for Garda Vetting as part of the recruitment process for all primary and post-primary schools.
The specific data on vetting requested by the Deputy is not readily available from the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU). Irrespective of the position on vetting by the GCVU, where facts or information comes to a Board of Management's attention calling into question a person's suitability to work with children it is a matter for the Board to satisfy itself that the person is suitable to work in that capacity. This will naturally have to be assessed on a case by case basis. The Board will have to consider all the circumstances of the case, give due weight to all relevant factors, and afford fair procedures to the individual concerned before making a decision.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:155 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if any printing contracts for her Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40247/10]
My Department has availed of printing services provided by two companies located outside the state. Paragon Group UK Ltd., located in Tyne and Wear, England, prints pressure seal forms (used for printing payslips, cheques and payable orders) and was paid the following amounts in the years indicated, 2007 — €81,845.34; 2008 — €63,594.97; 2009 — €80,753.03; 2010 (to date) — €63,549.99. Another company, Enterprise Stationery, located in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, prints file covers and was paid the following amounts in the years indicated, 2007 — €3,479.47; 2008 — €7,331.81; 2009 — €3,683.33; 2010 (to date) — €3,476.16. I understand that the use of these companies by my Department arises from a procurement process that was centrally organised by the Office of Public Works.
Aitheantas Scoileanna
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:156 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an raibh coiste bunaithe i bhfeidhm san Uaimh, Co. na Mí, chun bunscoil a bhunú faoi phátrúnacht an Choiste Gairmoideachais i mbliana; más rud é go raibh, ag cén céim den phróiseas ag lorg aitheantais don scoil a bunaíodh an coiste bunaithe; ar chomhlíon an ceantar na riachtanais dhéimeagrafacha chun scoileanna nua a bhunú; an raibh gá leis an scoil; an ndearna pobal an cheantair iarratas ar scoil nua; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40284/10]
Faoi mar is eol don Teachta, b'fhéidir, tá athbhreithniú ar siúl ag an gCoimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoile i láthair na huaire ar na nósanna imeachta um bhunú scoileanna nua. Táim ag súil le tuarascáil an Choimisiúin go luath agus nuair a bheidh sé agam breithneoidh mé cúrsaí beartais agus na socruithe riachtanacha mar aon le haon nósanna imeachta leasaithe a bheidh riachtanach. Fad atá an t-athbhreithniú ar siúl níl i gceist aon bhunscoileanna nua a bhunú ach i gcásanna ina bhfuil gá le scoileanna nua de bharr ardú daonra. Ciallaíonn sin nach mbunófar aon bhunscoileanna nua ar aon chúis seachas méadú daonra.
Ní heol don Roinn seo an raibh coiste ar bun san Uaimh chun bunscoil a bhunú faoi phátrúnacht Choiste Gairmoideachais Chontae na Mí. Fós féin, agus bunaithe ar fhaisnéis déimeagrafach, cinneadh scoil nua a oscailt san Uaimh le haghaidh Meán Fómhair 2010. Roimhe sin bhí dhá cheann de bhunscoileanna pobail i mBaile Átha Cliath i dtreoirscéim de shamhail nua na Bunscoile Pobail. Agus leathnú na treoirscéime seo chuig Baile Brigín, an Uaimh agus Nás á fhógairt ag mo réamhtheachtaí, an tAire O'Keeffe, dúirt sé go raibh sé aireach ar an ráiteas beartais a bhí déanta aige chun samhail na Bunscoile Pobail a leathnú sa bhliain 2010. Chun an tsamhail a mheas i suíomhanna difriúla, gheall an tAire go leathnófaí samhail na Bunscoile Pobail chuig suíomhanna nua, mar aidhm bheartais, sa bhliain 2010. Trí líon teoranta bunscoileanna eile a áireamh sa threoirscéim, beidh sé níos fusa fadhbanna praiticiúla a shainaithint agus réitigh nua a thriail. Beidh ar ár gcumas ansin an tsamhail nua pátrúnachta seo a mheas i suíomhanna difriúla sula ndéanfar cinneadh eolasach ar cheart a leathnú tuilleadh sa todhchaí.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 131
School Services Staff
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:158 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will address the situation whereby in many cases school secretaries and caretakers are not subject to a salary scale, have no pension rights and no sick leave entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40317/10]
In the context of the Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement in 2008, it was agreed that the relevant parties would enter into discussions regarding the terms and conditions of both school secretaries and caretakers. Accordingly, a forum was set up with the aim of establishing the position in schools regarding the terms and conditions of employment of school secretaries and caretakers. The forum is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Finance and includes the relevant management bodies and the unions involved (SIPTU and IMPACT).
In order to establish the factual position of secretaries and caretakers, a survey, developed in conjunction with the school management bodies and the relevant unions, was carried out in all schools. The results of the survey will feed into the work of the forum. As the discussions of the forum are currently in progress, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
Schools Building Projects
Willie Penrose
Ceist:159 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to ensure that a new school is provided at a location (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current arrangement in relation to accommodation is only for a temporary period of three years, and if the opportunity to secure additional lands which is necessary, to provide space for the original is also time limited; when this school is likely to proceed to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40324/10]
The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department in 2005 for large scale capital funding for a new school building. The application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band rating of 1.3. 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 the Department's website at www.education.ie.
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 the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In December 2009, my Department approved grant-aid to facilitate the re-location of the school to its current site. Officials from my Department are in ongoing contact with the school authority regarding their accommodation situation and their proposals regarding the long term accommodation solution for the school.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:160 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of high-level groups operating within her Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40334/10]
The information requested is being collated and will be forwarded to you separately.
School Accommodation
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:161 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount her Department has spent renting prefabricated buildings in the year 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40344/10]
The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation at primary and post-primary level, including — but not limited to — prefabricated accommodation in 2009 was €39m. To date in 2010, the equivalent expenditure is €20.2m.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:162 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if her Department has yet listed information obligations that her Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if her Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if her Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40349/10]
My Department participated in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction in 2008. The administrative burden reduction focused on commercial private sector organisations and regulations made by my Department which impact on education related bodies such as schools were not included. My Department conducted a comprehensive analysis of higher education legislation and found no substantial administrative costs are imposed on businesses arising from provisions in that legislation.
Tax Code
Joe McHugh
Ceist:163 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if motorhomes will be liable to the 13.3% vehicle registration tax rate after 1 January 2010; the cost of the national car test and VRT for motorhomes that weigh less than 3,000 kg unladen; if motorhome providers will receive concessions in the form of delayed VRT bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39731/10]
Joe McHugh
Ceist:169 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if motorhomes will be liable to the 13.3% vehicle registration tax rate after 1 January 2010; the cost of the national car test and VRT for motorhomes that weighs less than 3,000 kg unladen; if motorhome providers will receive concessions in the form of delayed VRT bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39730/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 169 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 130 of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended by Section 102 of the Finance Act 2010) provided for the introduction, from 1 January 2011, of a revised classification system for the assessment of vehicle registration tax (VRT), which reflects the categories used for classification of vehicles at European level under various EC Directives. It also brings the definitions of individual vehicles into line with EC definitions and introduces new definitions for certain terms used for vehicle registration tax purposes.
Accordingly, from 1 January 2011, motorhomes (defined as motor caravans in VRT legislation) with an EC vehicle classification of M1 with a bodytype SA will be charged VRT at 13.3% of the open market selling price of the vehicle in the State. The Commissioners confirm that unladen weight will no longer be a determining factor in the calculation of VRT on the registration of motor caravans from 1 January 2011. The Deputy may wish to note that the VRT charged on registration of a vehicle is reduced by the amount of the fee charged by the NCTS to carry out the pre-registration examination and therefore does not result in any additional charge to the customer. Finally, from 1 January 2011, the 13.3% rate of VRT will be payable on the registration of all motorhomes in the State.
Departmental Expenditure
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:164 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the costs associated with voting and counting arrangements of the 2007 general election campaign; the costs associated with the voting and counting arrangements associated with the 2009 Dublin South by-election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40326/10]
The costs associated with the voting and counting arrangements for the 2007 general election campaign was €14,269,095.99. The costs associated with the voting and counting arrangements associated with the 2009 Dublin South by-election was €212,136.84.
Bank Guarantee Scheme
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:165 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the Financial Regulator’s statement to the Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs on 6 October 2010, that the Government has made its position clear on this matter, that it does not intend to impose losses on senior bondholders, however, this does not rule out the possibility of some negotiations or a liquidity management exercise agreed by consent, if his attention has been drawn to or if he has authorised any such negotiations to take place by any covered financial institution and to provide details of such negotiations, specifying the outcomes and the sums involved. [39644/10]
I wish to reaffirm my Statement of 30 September in relation to the senior debt obligations of Irish financial institutions that these obligations rank equally with deposits and other creditors under Irish law and that I have no plans to change this position. There is no intention to impose losses on holders of senior debt in any credit institution in the State through any legislative measures. I have not authorised, and am not aware of, any covered financial institution in liability management exercise negotiations with senior bondholders.
European Council Meetings
Michael Creed
Ceist:166 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the consideration at Council of Finance Ministers regarding the issue of rating agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39646/10]
On June 2nd last, the European Commission published a proposal to amend the existing Regulation governing the activities of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs). This proposal is currently being examined at Council working group level, as well as within the European Parliament under the co-decision process. The proposal is principally a technical measure to allow the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to assume responsibility for the regulation of CRAs which operate in the EU. ESMA, which is being established as part of the implementation of the recommendations of the de Larosière Report on financial supervision, will become operational at the start of 2011. The proposal amends the existing CRA Regulation (No. 1060/2009) in which national competent authorities (i.e. central banks or financial regulators) were responsible for supervising the activities of CRAs. The national competent authorities will be required to co-operate with ESMA.
The proposal also seeks to put in place a provision whereby national competent authorities would be required to ensure that all regulated financial institutions, which use ratings produced by CRAs, comply with certain requirements when using those ratings.
The proposal also introduces greater transparency on the ratings provided for structured financial products (e.g. asset backed securities). This obligation, which is already in place in some non-EU jurisdictions, will help avoid possible conflicts of interest, for instance, where CRAs are paid by issuers to produce ratings, and will enhance the transparency and quality of ratings. Ireland has supported the basic thrust of the proposals.
The main issue which is emerging is in relation to the treatment of ratings produced in countries outside the EU. Some Member States believe that the regulatory regime for non-EU countries should be equivalent to the European model, whereas others consider that ESMA's endorsement of these regulatory regimes should be sufficient. Ireland is in the latter camp. The Council working group discussions are progressing well and the Belgian Presidency has indicated its desire to achieve agreement on this proposal before the end of the year.
Tax Code
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:167 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the tax or VAT concessions available to a person returning to the workforce as self-employed sole trader after being unemployed for over 12 months following redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39667/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in relation to income tax, there is no specific relief or allowance available to a person returning to the workforce as a self-employed sole trader after being unemployed for over 12 months following redundancy. However, the rules governing the submission of tax returns provide a concession for new business in respect of the first tax year. In general, failure to submit a tax return for a year by 31 October in the following year will result in a surcharge being added to the final tax bill for the year. However, in the case of a new business, the surcharge will not be imposed if the return for the first tax year is made by the return filing date for the following tax year i.e. by 31 October in the second year after the year in which the sole trade started.
The rules governing the payment of preliminary tax can also facilitate start-up business in terms of cash flow. A person has the option of paying preliminary tax on 31 October in the tax year in which trade commences based on either (i) 90 per cent of the liability for the year or (ii) 100 per cent of the liability for the previous year, in order that interest charges will not apply. Where the person opts for the 100 per cent rule, the preliminary tax payment required for the first year can be nil where that person had no taxable income in the year prior to the year in which the trade started. Additionally, where the person wishes to pay preliminary tax in the first year of trade, the person can pay by way of direct debit monthly instalments. This facility is designed to spread the burden of payment throughout the tax year.
In so far as VAT is concerned, there are no concessions for a person who commences business as a sole trader following unemployment — the normal VAT rules apply. Where a person is supplying taxable goods or services and certain turnover thresholds (€37,500 for services and €75,000 for goods) are exceeded, or are likely to be exceeded, in any 12-month period, then, the person is obliged to register and account for VAT at the appropriate rate or rates on his or her supplies of taxable goods and services.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:168 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the income level at which a new 48% income tax rate would have to apply in order to raise €5 billion, €10 billion and €15 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39727/10]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the income level at which a third rate of income tax of 48% would have to apply in order to raise €5 billion, €10 billion and €15 billion. The position is that it would not be possible to raise yields in the order of magnitude the Deputy has outlined by introducing a third rate of income tax of 48% without restructuring the current rate band system. Alternatively, if the 41% rate in its current structure was increased to 48% it would yield in the region of €1.3 billion in a full year, estimated by reference to 2011 incomes. A third rate above this income level would raise even less. This figure is an estimate from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2008 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2011. It is therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 163.
Banks Recapitalisation
Michael McGrath
Ceist:170 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the value of the promissory notes issued to date in respect of the capital injection in Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39766/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below in respect of each institution.
|
€m |
Issue Date |
Interest Rate |
|
Anglo |
||
|
8,300 |
31 Mar 2010 |
4.2% |
|
2,000 |
28 May 2010 |
4.6% |
|
8,580 |
23 Aug 2010 |
5.1% |
|
18,880 |
||
|
INBS |
||
|
2,600 |
31 Mar 2010 |
4.2% |
|
EBS |
||
|
250 |
17 Jun 2010 |
5.5% |
*Will depend on Irish Government 10 year bond yield at time of issue.
The additional capital required by the two institutions referred to in the Deputy's question which I set out in my Statement on Banking on 30 September will be provided by an increase in the value of the Promissory Notes taking into account the burden sharing achieved in relation to holders of subordinated debt in the two institutions.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:171 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the interest liability expected this year and in subsequent years arising from the promissory notes issued in respect of the capital injection in Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society. [39767/10]
Under the current interest terms, it is estimated that the total interest accruing into 2010 in respect of the Promissory Notes issued to date to Anglo Irish Bank, Irish Nationwide Building Society and Educational Building Society is around €560 million. The appropriate accounting treatment of these Promissory Notes under General Government accounting rules is currently under active consideration between the Irish authorities and Eurostat. However, under the current terms of the coupons on the Notes it is estimated that the annual accrued interest element will initially be of the order of €1½ to €1 ¾ billion before declining in future years.
The additional capital required by Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society which I set out in my Statement on Banking on 30 September will be provided largely by an increase in the value of the Promissory Notes. It is, however, not possible to determine the future interest liability which this will give rise to as it will depend on the appropriate Irish Government 10 Year Bond Yield at the time of issue as well as the outcome of the Irish authorities discussion with Eurostat on the General Government accounting treatment of the Notes.
The impact of the Promissory Notes on the agreed target to achieve a General Government deficit of below 3% of GDP by the end of 2014, and their accounting treatment will be finalised by the Department of Finance in the context of preparations for the Four-Year Plan for Budgets and Economic Growth. However, in broad terms taking account of the Promissory Notes means that the deficit will be impacted by about 1% of GDP over the forecast period.
Black Economy
Michael McGrath
Ceist:172 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his Department’s estimate of the value of the black economy in Ireland in 2010 and the estimate of the annual loss to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39769/10]
My Department does not produce estimates of the size of the informal economy nor of the estimated loss to the exchequer arising from such activities. Internationally, a considerable amount of research has been undertaken in this area but, by definition, it is always difficult to quantify the scale of the informal economy. Having said that, the Central Statistics Office in compiling estimates of national income, and in line with best international practice, makes adjustments to the figures in order to control for informal activity in some sub-sectors of the economy. This is done at a very detailed level, with the result that an overall economy-wide estimate is not available.
National Debt
Michael McGrath
Ceist:173 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his current estimate of the amount of interest payable on the national debt for each of the years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. [39771/10]
The detailed macro-economic and fiscal projections for the period 2011-2014 are currently being revised by my Department in the context of the publication of the Government's Four-Year Plan. Projections for debt servicing interest costs are not currently available for the period beyond 2014. While the up-to-date forecasts are still being finalised, the debt servicing costs previously set out are informative. Based on the Budget 2010 estimates, a table outlines the debt servicing interest costs for the period to end-2014 as calculated by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) at that time. In respect of the forecast for 2010, on advice from the NTMA, my Department has already signalled publicly that debt interest costs in 2010 will be approximately €350 million lower than was forecast at Budget time.
|
2010** |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
|
Debt Servicing Interest Costs €bn* |
4½ |
5¾ |
6½ |
7½ |
7¾ |
*Figures in table based on forecasts contained in Budget 2010.
**Budget 2010 forecast, on the advice of the NTMA the latest estimate for 2010 is €4.1 billion.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:174 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39802/10]
The Office of Public Works has the following leased buildings with are not currently in use.
|
Building |
Status |
Maintenance/Security Yearly Costs |
|
Sligo, Waterfront House Bridge Street |
Surrender of Lease will be negotiated with Landlord |
€2,640.98 to date in 2010 |
|
Dun Laoghaire, 111 Lower Georges Street, Co Dublin |
Alternative tenants being sought |
€4,174.50 |
|
Cahir, The Mill — Church Street, Co Tipperary |
Early surrender of Lease being explored with the Landlord |
No maintenance costs in 2010 |
|
Ballaugh House, 73-79 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 |
Allocation being considered by the Department of Justice and Law Reform |
€20,656.09 |
The surrender of a number of other buildings (3) is at an advanced stage and these negotiations are at a commercially sensitive stage.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:175 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39817/10]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) leases 458 properties on behalf of Government Departments/Offices. These properties, which attract a rent exceeding €10K per annum, are currently in use. Table A provides the location details of the properties and Table B schedules the rental costs, by Department/Office, for 2008 and 2009.
|
County |
Location |
Number of Leased Properties at Location |
|
CARLOW |
CARLOW |
6 |
|
CAVAN |
BAILIEBOROUGH |
1 |
|
CAVAN |
8 |
|
|
CLARE |
CRUSHEEN |
1 |
|
ENNIS |
3 |
|
|
KILRUSH |
1 |
|
|
SHANNON |
2 |
|
|
CORK |
BANDON |
2 |
|
BANTRY |
2 |
|
|
BLARNEY |
1 |
|
|
CARRIGALINE |
1 |
|
|
CARRIGTWOHILL |
1 |
|
|
CASTLETOWNBERE |
1 |
|
|
CORK |
29 |
|
|
DUNMANWAY |
1 |
|
|
FERMOY |
2 |
|
|
MACROOM |
1 |
|
|
MALLOW |
2 |
|
|
SKIBBEREEN |
1 |
|
|
YOUGHAL |
1 |
|
|
DONEGAL |
BALLEYBOFEY |
1 |
|
BALLYSHANNON |
2 |
|
|
BUNCRANA |
1 |
|
|
DONEGAL |
1 |
|
|
DUNFANAGHY |
1 |
|
|
FALCARRAGH |
1 |
|
|
KILLYBEGS |
1 |
|
|
LETTERKENNY |
5 |
|
|
RAMELTON |
1 |
|
|
DUBLIN |
BALBRIGGAN |
2 |
|
BLACKROCK |
1 |
|
|
CABINTEELY |
1 |
|
|
DUBLIN 01 |
31 |
|
|
DUBLIN 02 |
68 |
|
|
DUBLIN 03 |
2 |
|
|
DUBLIN 04 |
3 |
|
|
DUBLIN 05 |
2 |
|
|
DUBLIN 06 |
3 |
|
|
DUBLIN 07 |
15 |
|
|
DUBLIN 08 |
9 |
|
|
DUBLIN 09 |
2 |
|
|
DUBLIN 10 |
1 |
|
|
DUBLIN 11 |
7 |
|
|
DUBLIN 12 |
1 |
|
|
DUBLIN 13 |
1 |
|
|
DUBLIN 14 |
3 |
|
|
DUBLIN 15 |
4 |
|
|
DUBLIN 18 |
2 |
|
|
DUBLIN 22 |
4 |
|
|
DUBLIN 24 |
12 |
|
|
DUBLIN AIRPORT |
4 |
|
|
DUN LAOGHAIRE |
2 |
|
|
LUCAN |
1 |
|
|
MALAHIDE |
1 |
|
|
SWORDS |
6 |
|
|
GALWAY |
BALLINASLOE |
1 |
|
CLIFDEN |
1 |
|
|
GALWAY |
18 |
|
|
LETTERMORE |
1 |
|
|
LOUGHREA |
9 |
|
|
SPIDDAL |
1 |
|
|
TUAM |
3 |
|
|
KERRY |
BLENNERVILLE |
1 |
|
KENMARE |
1 |
|
|
KILLARNEY |
4 |
|
|
LISTOWEL |
2 |
|
|
TRALEE |
5 |
|
|
KILDARE |
ATHY |
2 |
|
BALLYMORE EUSTACE |
1 |
|
|
ENFIELD |
1 |
|
|
KILDARE |
1 |
|
|
NAAS |
7 |
|
|
NEWBRIDGE |
1 |
|
|
LAOIS |
PORTARLINGTON |
1 |
|
PORTLAOISE |
11 |
|
|
LEITRIM |
BALLINAMORE |
1 |
|
CARRICK ON SHANNON |
1 |
|
|
LIMERICK |
KILMALLOCK |
1 |
|
LIMERICK |
14 |
|
|
NEWCASTLEWEST |
1 |
|
|
LOUTH |
ARDEE |
1 |
|
DROGHEDA |
4 |
|
|
DUNDALK |
3 |
|
|
MAYO |
BALLINA |
4 |
|
CASTLEBAR |
4 |
|
|
CLAREMORRIS |
2 |
|
|
SWINFORD |
1 |
|
|
MEATH |
KELLS |
1 |
|
NAVAN |
5 |
|
|
OLDCASTLE |
1 |
|
|
TRIM |
1 |
|
|
MONAGHAN |
BALLYBAY |
2 |
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
1 |
|
|
CASTLEBLAYNEY |
1 |
|
|
MONAGHAN |
2 |
|
|
OFFALY |
TULLAMORE |
8 |
|
SLIGO |
SLIGO |
12 |
|
TUBBERCURRY |
2 |
|
|
TIPPERARY |
BORRISOKANE |
1 |
|
CLONMEL |
1 |
|
|
NENAGH |
2 |
|
|
ROSCREA |
5 |
|
|
TERRYGLASS |
1 |
|
|
THURLES |
2 |
|
|
TIPPERARY |
1 |
|
|
WATERFORD |
DUNGARVAN |
1 |
|
WATERFORD |
7 |
|
|
WESTMEATH |
ATHLONE |
5 |
|
MULLINGAR |
4 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
ENNISCORTHY |
1 |
|
GOREY |
1 |
|
|
ROSSLARE HARBOUR |
3 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
3 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
ARKLOW |
1 |
|
ASHFORD |
1 |
|
|
BALTINGLASS |
1 |
|
|
BRAY |
1 |
|
|
DUNLAVIN |
1 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
1 |
|
Department |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Agriculture & Food |
5,344,949.36 |
6,372,464.46 |
|
Arts, Sports & Tourism |
1,073,290.49 |
1,090,403.10 |
|
Attorney General |
86,015.97 |
89,730.79 |
|
Central Statistics Office |
964,181.31 |
1,222,105.00 |
|
Chief State Solicitor’s Office |
609,737.01 |
746,193.18 |
|
Communications, Marine & Natural Resource |
3,197,370.88 |
4,294,413.15 |
|
Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
1,783,187.95 |
2,006,930.98 |
|
Comptroller & Auditor General |
590,690.66 |
738,362.66 |
|
Courts Service |
1,029,598.72 |
1,484,974.58 |
|
Defence |
417,454.79 |
562,591.91 |
|
DPP |
1,101,279.16 |
695,165.42 |
|
Education & Science |
4,472,297.87 |
4,790,936.79 |
|
Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
6,361,653.24 |
7,769,436.76 |
|
Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
2,313,522.97 |
3,044,088.13 |
|
Finance |
3,210,093.79 |
2,539,916.88 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
5,031,826.81 |
6,720,650.44 |
|
Garda |
7,138,717.41 |
7,440,734.35 |
|
Health & Children |
1,781,942.67 |
2,042,978.01 |
|
HSE |
0.00 |
277,815.00 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
776,394.21 |
703,304.15 |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
13,828,701.57 |
18,355,265.89 |
|
Land Registry & Registry of Deeds |
1,411,026.40 |
1,504,212.29 |
|
National Gallery |
17,579.90 |
58,239.08 |
|
Office of Public Works |
3,949,189.44 |
6,360,658.04 |
|
Oireachtas |
887,278.55 |
1,215,860.69 |
|
Ombudsman |
1,095,000.00 |
1,916,250.00 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
2,105,056.08 |
2,454,020.41 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
19,629,197.75 |
22,948,844.49 |
|
Social & Family Affairs |
12,162,134.25 |
14,163,741.94 |
|
Taoiseach |
177,856.29 |
202,703.55 |
|
Transport |
5,249,625.29 |
5,616,869.95 |
|
Valuation Office |
1,310,000.00 |
1,637,500.00 |
Tax Reliefs
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:176 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the total cost paid by the State in grants, tax reliefs, allowances and all other means to facilitate the development of hotels in Ireland from 2004 to date in 2010; the cost on an annualised basis; the cost of taxes forgone in that period due to reliefs granted to facilitate the developments of hotels in Ireland from 2004 and to date in 2010; the cost on an annualised basis, the number of hotels developed here as a result of all grants, allowances, taxes forgone and other means in the period 2004 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39827/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the cost to the Exchequer of the property related tax relief for the development of hotels 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 this information is available. These are set out in the following table. The figures are composite costs for both commercial and residential property reliefs.
|
Scheme |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Hotels |
37.7 |
67.0 |
106.6 |
118.0 |
114.7 |
I should also point out that the provisions of section 23 Finance Act 2010 severely curtails the amount of tax reliefs that can be used to reduce the income tax liability of those on high incomes. These provisions ensure that, in addition to the income levy, those with high incomes and using reliefs will have an effective income tax rate of about 30%. This measure applies to a list of specified reliefs, including most of the area and sectoral based property incentive schemes, the use of all of which has been curtailed as a result of this change.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return (Form 12) is 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 estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 41% rate for 2008 in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax. The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the projected cost data requested by the Deputy for the year 2010 in relation to the above-mentioned reliefs.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:177 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the total cost to the Exchequer in grants, tax reliefs or other payments given, and taxes forgone, of the provision of student accommodation from 2004 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39829/10]
As Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the scheme of capital allowances introduced to support the construction of student accomodation. My Department is not involved in the payment of grants for the provision of student accommodation. Section 50 Finance Act 1999 introduced a scheme of tax relief for rented residential accommodation for third level students. The relief provided for a deduction of 100% of the construction, conversion or refurbishment expenditure, which could be off-set against all Irish rental income — whether derived from the premises in question or from other lettings. The purpose of the relief was to increase the supply of quality accommodation for third level students and the scheme was very successful in that respect. The scheme was abolished by Finance Act 2006 with a final termination date of 31 July 2008 for qualifying capital expenditure.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the cost to the Exchequer of the property based tax relief for the provision of student accommodation 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 this information is available. These are set out in the following table.
|
Scheme |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Student Accommodation |
83.8 |
58.0 |
64.3 |
42.0 |
22.7 |
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return (Form 12) is 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 estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 41% rate for 2008 in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax.
The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended. Since tax returns from non-PAYE taxpayers for the tax year 2009 are only now being required to be made, data is not available on which to provide costings for that year or for 2010.
I should also point out that the provisions of section 23 Finance Act 2010 severely curtails the amount of tax reliefs that can be used to reduce the income tax liability of those on high incomes. These provisions ensure that, in addition to the income levy, those with high incomes and using reliefs will have an effective income tax rate of about 30%. This measure applies to a list of specified reliefs, including most of the area and sectoral based property incentive schemes, the use of all of which has been curtailed as a result of this change.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:178 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the total cost to the State of the development of private hospitals, including all tax reliefs, allowances, taxes forgone and all other such costs, since 2004 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39830/10]
As Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the scheme of capital allowances introduced to encourage the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals. This scheme was introduced in Finance Act 2001 and came into effect in May 2002. Capital allowances are available in respect of capital expenditure incurred on the construction or refurbishment of a building coming within the definition of a qualifying hospital set out in section 268 (2A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
As announced in the Supplementary Budget in April 2009 and reflected in section 8 Finance Act 2009, the scheme of capital allowances for private hospitals was terminated on 31 December 2009 along with certain other health-related capital allowances schemes, subject to transitional arrangements for pipeline projects.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief for the development of private hospitals is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for the years 2004 to 2008, the latest year for which this information is available. These are set out in the following table.
|
Scheme |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals |
1.9 |
3.2 |
10.6 |
12.0 |
12.3 |
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return (Form 12) is 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 estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 41% rate for 2008 in the case of individuals. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax.
The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended. Since tax returns from non-PAYE taxpayers for the tax year 2009 are only now being required to be made, data is not available on which to provide costings for that year or for 2010.
I should also point out that the provisions of section 23 Finance Act 2010 severely curtails the amount of tax reliefs that can be used to reduce the income tax liability of those on high incomes. These provisions ensure that, in addition to the income levy, those with high incomes and using reliefs will have an effective income tax rate of about 30%. This measure applies to a list of specified reliefs, including most of the area and sectoral based property incentive schemes, the use of all of which has been curtailed as a result of this change.
National Asset Management Agency
Joan Burton
Ceist:179 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when he expects the publication of the quarterly accounts for the National Asset Management Agency for the second quarter of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39833/10]
Section 55 of the NAMA Act, 2009 requires NAMA to make a quarterly report to the Minister for Finance within 3 months of the end of the quarter to which the report refers. The first quarterly report for the period ending 31 March 2010, accompanied by quarterly financial statements, was submitted to me within this required timeframe and I laid them before each House of the Oireachtas, as required by the Act. The second quarterly report for the period ending 30 June 2010, accompanied by financial statements for the second quarter, was submitted to me as required by the end of September 2010 and I expect to lay the report before each House of the Oireachtas shortly.
Tax Clearance Certificates
Jack Wall
Ceist:180 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can be furnished with a P21 for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39864/10]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE Balancing Statement P21 for the year 2009 will issue to the person concerned shortly.
Public Procurement
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:181 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will quantify the savings that have been achieved by the national public procurement operations unit since its establishment; the costs it has incurred in doing its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39872/10]
Since its establishment in April 2009 the National Procurement Service ( formerly known as the National Procurement Operations Unit ) has achieved, in association with Government Departments, Offices and Agencies , savings in the region of €35 million. The total costs incurred by the National Procurement Service during that time were €1,528,000 or 4.37% of the savings achieved.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:182 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if the national public procurement operations unit works on behalf of State agencies, other public bodies and local authorities or just Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39873/10]
The National Procurement Service, (formerly known as the National Public Procurement Operations Unit) was established in April 2009 on foot of a Government Decision assigning responsibility for procurement to the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works. The National Procurement Service (NPS) strategically works on behalf of and with all Government Departments and their agencies (with the exception of commercial semi-state agencies) the Health Service Executive, Local Authorities, Vocational Education Committees and the Higher Education Authority.
The remit of the NPS covers such areas as putting in place centralised framework contracts for common goods and services across the public sector, significant input into the areas of procurement up-skilling and learning as well as responsibility for the efficient operation of the e-Tenders website. Whilst all of the above is significant I should point out that the NPS has limited resources and substantial procurement activity remains the responsibility of those public sector organisations.
Telecommunications Services
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:183 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the framework for mobile voice and data services, which of the three services has been suspended and the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39874/10]
On foot of an open EU procurement exercise, my Department put in place a framework for the provision of mobile voice and data services to the entire Irish public service in February 2008. Framework agreements were awarded to three providers — Vodafone, O2, and Meteor. In September 2008, my Department met with Meteor to express its dissatisfaction with Meteor's performance under the framework in terms of the services it was offering and the price levels it was demanding. My Department was concerned that Meteor was not responding to the bulk of procurement competitions operated under the framework, and had not been successful in any, arising from its policies.
As Meteor was not in a position to rectify these matters or give an indication of how or when it could do so, the Government Networks Programme Board, which is chaired by my Department, agreed to the suspension of Meteor indefinitely from the framework in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Vendor Particpation Agreement governing the framework. Meteor was notified of this decision in October 2008, and was informed that my Department would be willing to review the suspension on notification from Meteor of changes that would rectify the causes for suspension. Meteor has not responded to that opportunity to date.
Tax Yield
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:184 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the stamp duty yield from the sale of properties in 2009 and the estimated yield for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39875/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net receipt of Stamp Duty from conveyances and transfers of residential and non-residential property in 2009 was €329 million. The estimate for the corresponding yield in 2010 is approximately €200 million.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:185 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39922/10]
My Department, in accordance with Government policy has a procurement policy for the acquisition of all ICT products and services. A procurement exercise must be undertaken based on functional requirements for all software, i.e. not a specific technology brand. The evaluation of such a procurement exercise is conducted on as close to a total cost of ownership (TCO) model as possible and at a minimum includes the following costs: licensing; arising hardware upgrades/ renewals/replacements; IT and user training; support and maintenance; planning, testing and migration; external expertise; and exit costs. My Department has not incurred any expenditure on desktop operating system or productivity software (wordprocessing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email client, etc...) in the last 6 years.
My Department runs a competitive tender exercise each year advertised on the eTenders website for the supply of printer consumables so as to achieve the best value for money. This tender is evaluated with a high emphasis on the cost of supplying the manufacturer's brand of toner as this is the only way of achieving a like with like comparison between the offerings of each vendor. The National Procurement Service is currently establishing a printer consumable framework for the Public Service which is expected to be completed early in 2011, and it is my Department's intention to use this framework for future procurement. The evaluation criteria to be used on the framework will be based on the cost of the manufacturer's brand.
The principal reason for not using generic consumables is the potential for voiding the manufacturer's warranty. Many studies have been carried out on the use of generic consumables and reasons for not using them include:
Generic toners often cannot produce the same quality as genuine toners. Some generic cartridges that have been designed poorly can lead to toner leaks and printer malfunctions; often these faults brought in by inferior parts will also void the manufacturer's warranty.
Generic toners can cost more in the long run. One in four remanufactured or refilled cartridges are dead on arrival or fail prematurely and that almost 30% of pages printed from remanufactured toner cartridges were of limited or no use due to poor print quality, which lead to reprints.
Increased paper usage and paper costs can erode any cost benefit of cheaper toner. Generic toners are also more likely to cause problems with the printer when they cannot effectively emulate patented printer technology resulting in increased printer downtime and repair costs.
Printer blockages, unusable messy printouts and increased print tests are common side affects from generic toners. These are problems that are much less likely to occur using the original manufacturer's toners.
Tax Code
Jack Wall
Ceist:186 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a request for a P21 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39938/10]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE Balancing Statement P21 for the year 2009 will issue to the person concerned shortly.
Property Valuations
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:187 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance when the revision of valuation of all rateable properties throughout the country, as provided for under the Valuations Act 2001 will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40083/10]
The Valuation Act 2001 which came into effect on 2nd May, 2002, provides for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial property. As you will appreciate, the Commissioner of Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters which includes the implementation of the revaluation programme on a nationwide basis as provided for in the Valuation Act 2001.
The revaluation programme began in November 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to the areas covered by Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils. The revaluation of South Dublin was completed in December 2007, Fingal was completed last year and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown will be completed this year (2010). In the coming months the programme will be rolled out to further local authorities. The necessary process of consultation, as provided for under the Act, is underway in Dublin City and in the local authorities of Waterford, i.e. Waterford City and County Council and Dungarvan Town Council. Preliminary work is also underway on the revaluation of Limerick City.
The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system and following completion of the initial national revaluation programme, I am satisfied that there will be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability and that this relationship will thereafter be maintained by means of the recurring revaluations provided for in the Act.
The Commissioner is confident that the national revaluation programme can be delivered in a ten-year period, which accords with relevant provisions of the Act, but is actively reviewing options which might hold potential for delivery within a shorter timeframe.
Budget Submissions
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:188 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to the Irish Farmers’ Association taxation priorities for budget 2011 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40093/10]
The Deputy will be aware that in the lead up to the annual Budget and Finance Bill it is normal to meet when possible with representatives of the various sectors of the economy. My schedule of meetings includes meeting with the Irish Farmers Association on Tuesday 2 November 2010. The proposals submitted by the IFA like all proposals will fall to be considered in the context of the ongoing development of budgetary and economic policy. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
Tax Collection
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:189 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their VAT refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40115/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim for a refund of VAT was received from the person concerned on 16th March 2009. A claimant for such a refund is required to be up to date as regards tax returns to be filed with and tax payments to be made to Revenue. Income Tax returns for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were overdue at that stage. The person concerned was advised that their claim could not be processed until those returns were received and accordingly the completed claim form was returned to him. The 2004 return is still outstanding. The person concerned has been in contact with Revenue on a number of occasions about this matter and is fully aware of the position. Revenue has informed me that when the 2004 return is received they will be in a position to process the VAT refund claim upon resubmission.
Departmental Agencies
Enda Kenny
Ceist:190 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the amount of dividends received by the Exchequer from all State or semi-State agencies for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40134/10]
The amount of dividends received by the Exchequer from companies or bodies, in which the State had an ownership interest, is set out in the table below. This information is extracted from the annual audited Finance Accounts, which are laid before Dail Eireann and published on the Department's website.
|
Year |
Total Dividends |
|
€000 |
|
|
2000 |
18,840 |
|
2001 |
52,038 |
|
2002 |
44,390 |
|
2003 |
36,857 |
|
2004 |
80,905 |
|
2005 |
83,912 |
|
2006 |
82,052 |
|
2007 |
84,106 |
|
2008 |
170,908 |
|
2009 |
145,750 |
Enda Kenny
Ceist:191 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of Exchequer funds granted to all State or semi-State agencies for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40135/10]
The amount of Exchequer funds granted to non-commercial semi-State bodies and agencies is listed in the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) each year under the section entitled “Detailed Expenditure Information On Non-Commercial Semi-State Bodies and Agencies”. The table below lists the total amounts paid in each of the last ten years.
|
Year |
€ m |
|
2000 |
2,237 |
|
2001 |
2,744 |
|
2002 |
3,606 |
|
2003 |
3,606 |
|
2004 |
3,696 |
|
2005 |
4,045 |
|
2006 |
4,717 |
|
2007 |
5,874 |
|
2008 |
5,912 |
|
2009 |
5,658 |
|
2010 |
5,177 |
In general Exchequer funds are not issued to commercial State or semi-State bodies, however, I will write to the Deputy separately with details of all payments made to commercial bodies and agencies over the past ten years.
David Stanton
Ceist:192 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his plans, if any, to relocate the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; his further plans, if any, for the use of the building currently occupied by the Director of Public Prosecutions; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40156/10]
It is proposed to move elements of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to the former Department of Defence building on Infirmary Road, Dublin 7, which is adjacent to the new Criminal Courts Complex. The Department of Defence and elements of the Defence Forces are in the process of moving from Infirmary Road to the new Department of Defence Headquarters in Newbridge, County Kildare. The proposed move of elements of the DPP is part of the ongoing rationalisation of the State's property portfolio, designed to generate much needed savings for the Exchequer.
Decentralisation Programme
David Stanton
Ceist:193 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the new location in Newbridge for Army headquarters and Department of Defence staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40158/10]
The cost of the new decentralised headquarters for the Department of Defence and the Army at Newbridge, Co. Kildare, is €30,394,840.00 including VAT and site acquisition costs. The fitting out of the canteen and the supply and installation of furniture will follow under separate contracts. The provision of equipment such as IT, telephones, staff training and moving expenses, e.g. transfers of files will be a matter for the Department of Defence.
Consultancy Contracts
Brian Hayes
Ceist:194 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if he can assure that economic experts commissioned by the Government to advise on cuts to public expenditure measures do not also advise private sector interests in how to deal with or mitigate their impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40173/10]
My Department has recently retained the services of staff with economic expertise to advise on economic policy issues. Under the terms of their employment, they are subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1963 as amended by the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003. In addition, they are required not to disclose to third parties any confidential information especially that with commercial potential either during or subsequent to the period of employment or engage in other work which would result in a conflict of interest.
State Savings Initiatives
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:195 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40174/10]
I note the helpful suggestion in the correspondence forwarded to me by the Deputy. I think it is worth pointing out that the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) offers a comprehensive suite of State Savings products, details of which are available on the NTMA's website www.StateSavings.ie or by calling 1850 30 50 60.
The full range of State Savings products, which are available at post offices, includes the recently-introduced National Solidarity Bond as well as Savings Certificates, Savings Bonds, Prize Bonds, Instalment Savings and Post Office Savings Bank Deposit Accounts. These products help to fund the Exchequer and form part of the National Debt.
Instalment Savings are designed to accept regular contributions from savers along the lines suggested by the Deputy's correspondent. In addition, it is possible to save money for investment in the National Solidarity Bond by monthly salary deduction where an employer is prepared to facilitate this.
State Property
David Stanton
Ceist:196 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the detailed plans that the Office of Public Works has for Park Gate House, the current location of the Department of Defence; the timescale for any such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40181/10]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) holds two leases on Park House, which are due to expire in 2013. The future of this property will be considered in the context of the overall rationalisation of office accommodation in Dublin.
Offshore Betting
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:197 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his plans in regard to providing a regulated environment (details supplied) so that it can be effectively taxed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40197/10]
I have stated previously that it is my intention to widen, if possible, the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. Bets placed either online or over the phone are generally with out-of-State companies so applying betting duty is therefore problematic. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Justice and Law Reform, are looking at the scope to overcome legal and operational difficulties in this area including extending an appropriate regulatory and tax regime to betting exchanges. Any extension of betting duty will be applied on a fair basis and should not be perceived as an attempt to threaten jobs. Also, tax changes will be in tandem with ongoing work by the Department of Justice and Law Reform on issues surrounding licensing and regulation.
Tax Code
Brian Hayes
Ceist:198 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance, following proposals from the Dutch and Swedish authorities to amend their excise structure to the higher specific rates, 70% and 76.5%, respectively, of tax on tobacco products which is possible through the EU excise directive effective from 1 January 2011, his plans to follow and if so, the changes envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40198/10]
In accordance with the relevant EU Directive the overall excise duty on cigarettes is made up of a specific (fixed) element and an ad valorem element. Ireland already applies a high specific duty element and a low ad valorem element in setting its excise duty for cigarettes relative to other Member States. It is intended to continue that approach in setting our excise duty for cigarettes. It has also to be recognised that Ireland has the highest prices and excise duty levels for cigarettes in the EU. For example the level of excise duty on cigarettes in Ireland (€5.22 for a packet of 20) is double that in Sweden, and slightly less than double that in The Netherlands.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:199 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to introduce a separate rate of tax on individual incomes over €100,000 and married couple incomes over €200,000, the level such a tax would need to be to raise €1 billion, €2 billion and €4 billion in a full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40199/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2011 incomes, of a 1% point increase in the top rate of income tax for those single individuals with incomes over €100,000 and married couples with incomes over €200,000 as referred to by the Deputy would be of the order of €57 million. Consequently, the top rate of income tax would need to increase to 59%, 76% and 111% to yield in the region of €1 billion, €2 billion and €4 billion in a full year respectively. These estimates are based on confining the increased tax rate to the segment of income that is in excess of the stated thresholds of €100,000 and €200,000. These figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2008 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2011. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
National Lottery Funding
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:200 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the headings under which the national lottery funds are distributed at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40205/10]
Section 5 of the National Lottery Act 1986 provides that the surplus from the National Lottery may be used for the following purposes: sport and other recreation; national culture, including the Irish Language; the arts, within the meaning of the Arts Act 1951; the health of the community; and for such other purposes as the Government may determine. The following additional categories have been so determined: youth, welfare, national heritage and amenities.
Tax Yield
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:201 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised in stamp duty each year since the year 2000 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40209/10]
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:202 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised in capital acquisitions tax since the year 2000 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40210/10]
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:203 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised in capital gains tax since the year 2000 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40211/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 203, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the accompanying table. The yield from these three tax-heads increased steadily during the first half of the decade, to peak at a combined amount of just under €7.2 billion in 2006. However, this figure had fallen to just €1.7 billion in 2009, a decline of over 75 per cent. Between their peak in 2007 and 2009, total tax revenues fell by approximately 30 per cent. Consequently, a significant gap has emerged between revenues and expenditures. The Government has already taken very significant action to tackle this shortfall but further efforts will be required and the Four-Year Plan for Budgets and Economic Growth, which will be published later this month, will set out the measures necessary for us to reach our target of a General Government deficit of 3 per cent of GDP by end-2014.
|
Tax Revenue |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
End-Sept 2010 |
|
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
|
|
Capital Gains Tax |
773 |
880 |
627 |
1,443 |
1,516 |
1,960 |
3,100 |
3,105 |
1,430 |
542 |
127 |
|
Capital Acquisitions Tax |
222 |
169 |
151 |
214 |
190 |
249 |
353 |
392 |
332 |
254 |
164 |
|
Stamp Duties |
1,107 |
1,227 |
1,167 |
1,688 |
2,088 |
2,725 |
3,717 |
3,186 |
1,651 |
930 |
708 |
Tax Code
Richard Bruton
Ceist:204 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance following the passing of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, when he will bring forward relevant legislative changes in the area of taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40228/10]
It is my intention that all necessary legislative changes in the area of taxation arising from the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act will be provided for in the next Finance Bill.
Cash for Gold Schemes
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:205 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if the cash for gold industry is supervised and regulated by the Financial Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40234/10]
The practice to which the Deputy refers is not supervised or regulated by the Central Bank. For information, the Deputy may wish to note that the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority ceased to exist with the commencement of the Central Bank Reform Act 2010 on 1 October 2010 and its regulatory functions were subsumed into the Central Bank of Ireland.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:206 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40250/10]
My Department has not awarded or given any printing contracts to any company from outside the State in the past three years.
Tax Collection
Michael McGrath
Ceist:207 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a refund of deposit interest retention tax. [40270/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the refund of Deposit Interest Retention Tax in this case was held pending submission of outstanding income tax returns. According to Revenue records a reminder letter issued to the customer on 14th. October 2009 advising that the refund could not be issued until outstanding Income Tax Returns (Forms 11) for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 were submitted. To date there has been no response to that letter. Any further queries may be directed to Pearse Penney, Revenue Commissioners, Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork. Telephone: 021-6027266.
Departmental Properties
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:208 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance if he will list the buildings and structures owned or leased by his Department in Cork city and county for use by his or other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40271/10]
The Office of Public Works states that the following lists schedule the buildings and structures, owned (142) or leased (22) in Cork city and county. The leases scheduled are all of an annual rental value of €10,000 and above.
|
Building Name |
Address |
Building Usage |
|
Adrigole GS + MQ |
Glengariff Road |
Garda Station |
|
Anglesea Street GS |
Anglesea Street |
Garda Station |
|
Ballincollig GS+Sewer/Plant-GS |
Former Military Barracks |
Garda Station |
|
Ballincollig GS+Sewer/Plant-Sewr |
Former Military Barracks |
Sewerage Plant |
|
Ballineen GS |
Main Street |
Garda Station |
|
Ballingeary GS |
Ballingeary |
Garda Station |
|
Ballinhassig GS |
Bandon — Cork Road |
Garda Station |
|
Ballinspittle GS + MQ |
Ballinspittle |
Garda Station |
|
Ballycotton MES |
Ballycotton |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Ballydaniel NS |
Ballyclough — Doneraile Road |
School — National |
|
Ballydehob GS + MQ + RAX — GS/MQ |
Ballydehob |
Garda Station |
|
Ballydesmond GS |
Boherboy Road |
Garda Station |
|
Ballyfeard GS + MQ |
Carrigaline Road |
Garda Station |
|
Ballygurteen GS + MQ |
Dunmanway — Clonakilty Road |
Garda Station |
|
Ballyhass NS |
Mallow — Kanturk Road |
School — National |
|
Ballynoe GS + MQ + RAX — GS/MQ |
Ballynoe |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Ballyvourney GS + MQ |
Killarney — Macroom Road |
Garda Station |
|
Baltimore GS + MQ |
Skibbereen Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Baltimore MES |
Baltimore |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Bandon GS |
Weir Street |
Garda Residence |
|
Bantry GS |
The Quay |
Garda Station |
|
Barrack Street GS + MQ(4) |
Fort Elizabeth |
Garda Station |
|
Barry’s Cove MES |
Barry’s Cove |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Baurleigh NS |
Kilbritten |
School — National |
|
Bishopstown GS |
Wilton Avenue |
Garda Station |
|
Blackrock GS — Cork |
Ringmahon Road |
Garda Station |
|
Blarney Garda Residence |
13 Woodville |
Garda Residence |
|
Boherbue GS + MQ |
Mallow Road |
Garda Station |
|
Bridewell (Cork) GS + MQ |
Cornmarket Street-Kyrl’s Street |
Garda Station |
|
Buttevant GS+Res+RAX GS |
Off Richmond Street |
Garda Station |
|
Buttevant GS+Res+RAX Res |
Off Richmond Street |
Garda Residence |
|
Cape Clear NS |
Keenleen |
School — National |
|
Carrigaline GS + MQ + RAX |
Carrigaline |
Garda Station |
|
Carrignavar GS |
Mallow Road |
Garda Station |
|
Carrigtwohill GS |
Carrigtwohill |
Garda Station |
|
Castlefreke MES |
Rosscarbery — Clonakilty Road |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Castletownbere GS |
Glengarriff Road |
Garda Station |
|
Castletownroche GS |
Mallow Road |
Garda Station |
|
Castletownshend GS+MQ+RAX GS/MQ |
Main Street |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Castletownshend NS |
Skibbereen Road |
School — National |
|
Charleville GS +RAX |
Chapel Street |
Garda Station |
|
Cloghduv NS |
Crookstown — Cork Road |
School — National |
|
Clonakilty Agricultural College |
Darrara |
School — Agricultural |
|
Clonakilty D/CMNR & BIM |
Clonakilty Enterprise Park |
Office — Agriculture & BIM |
|
Clonakilty GS + MQ + RAX — GS/MQ |
Barrack Street |
Garda Station |
|
Cloyne GS + MQ + RAX |
Cloyne |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Coachford GS + MQ |
Cork — Macroom Road |
Garda Station |
|
Cobh Custom House |
Lynch’s Quay |
Custom Post |
|
Cobh GS |
Cobh Railway Station |
Garda Station |
|
Cork Agric Campus Blood Test Lab |
Model Farm Road |
Laboratory |
|
Cork Agric Campus Dairy Sci Lab |
Model Farm Road |
Laboratory |
|
Cork Agric Campus Reg Vet Lab |
Model Farm Road |
Laboratory |
|
Cork Airport Marine |
Cork Airport |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Cork Asylum Centre |
Kinsale Road |
Asylum Seekers Accom |
|
Cork Bessboro Rd Creche |
Mahon Industrial Estate |
Creche |
|
Cork C&E Parnell Place |
15 Parnell Place |
Office — Custom & Excise |
|
Cork C&E Watercourse Road |
Watercourse Road |
Office — Custom & Excise |
|
Cork Custom House |
Customs House Quay |
Custom Post |
|
Cork Elizabeth Fort |
Barrack Street |
Heritage Property |
|
Cork Gov Off |
Skehard Road Mahon |
Office — Central Statistics Office |
|
Cork Gov Off Sullivans Quay |
10-19 Sullivans Quay -Drinan Str |
Office — Central Statistics Office |
|
Cork Mallow Road GS |
Mallow Road |
Garda Station |
|
Cork OPW Office |
14 Old Blackrock Road |
Office — OPW |
|
Cork Revenue House |
Assumption Road |
Office — Revenue |
|
Cork SWO — Hanover Street |
Hanover Street |
Office — Social Welfare |
|
Cork Watercourse Road GS |
53 Watercourse Road |
Garda Station |
|
Crookstown GS + MQ |
Macroom Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Crosshaven GS Nos 1 and 2 |
Crosshaven — Myrtleville Road |
Garda Station |
|
Crosshaven MES |
Crosshaven — Myrtleville Road |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Darara NS |
Clonakilty |
School — National |
|
Doneraile GS |
Main Street |
Garda Station |
|
Doneraile House/Court |
Doneraile |
Heritage Property |
|
Donoughmore GS + RAX |
Stuake |
Garda Station |
|
Douglas GS |
Maryborough Hill |
Garda Station |
|
Dromagh NS |
Mallow Road |
School — National |
|
Dunmanway GS |
Main Street |
Garda Station |
|
Dunmanway Model School |
Skibbereen Road |
School — Model |
|
Durrus GS + MQ + RAXMob GS/MQ |
Kilcrohane Road |
Garda Station |
|
Fermoy GS |
O’Neill Crowley Quay |
Garda Station |
|
Fermoy Military Barracks |
Fermoy |
Military Property |
|
Garnish Island Pav & Clock Tower |
Glengarriff |
Heritage Property |
|
Glantane GS + MQ |
Banteer — Mallow Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Glengarriff Flahives Lodge |
Glengarriff |
Lodge |
|
Glengarriff GS + MQ + RAX |
Bantry Road |
Garda Station |
|
Glenville GS + MQ |
Cork — Mallow Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Goleen GS + MQ |
Crookhaven Road |
Garda Station |
|
Goleen MES |
Goleen Mizen Head Road |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Gurranabraher GS |
Gurranabraher |
Garda Station |
|
Gyleen MES |
Gyleen |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Hare Island NS |
Co Cork |
School — National |
|
Inchigeela GS + RAX — GS |
Macroom Road |
Garda Station |
|
Innishannon GS + MQ + RAX — GS/MQ |
Main Street |
Garda Station |
|
Kanturk GS + RAX — GS |
Percival Street |
Garda Station |
|
Kealkill GS + MQ + RAX Mob GS/MQ |
Bantry — Macroom Road |
Garda Station |
|
Kilbrittain GS |
Bandon — Kinsale Road |
Garda Station |
|
Kilbrittain NS |
Bandon Road |
School — National |
|
Kilcoe NS |
Roaring Water Road |
School — National |
|
Kildorrery GS |
Mallow Road |
Garda Station |
|
Killeagh GS |
Main Street |
Garda Station |
|
Kilworth GS + MQ |
Clanworth Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Kinsale Charles Fort + MES |
Summer Cove |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Kinsale GS |
Church Street |
Garda Station |
|
Knockaclarig NS |
Co Cork |
School — National |
|
Knocknagree GS + MQ |
Knocknagree |
Garda Station |
|
Kyle NS |
Killeagh |
School — National |
|
Liscarroll GS + MQ + RAX |
Main Street |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Long Island NS |
Co Cork |
School — National |
|
MacCurtain Street GS |
MacCurtain Street |
Garda Station |
|
Macroom GS |
Barrack Lane |
Garda Station |
|
Mallow GS |
The Bowling Green |
Garda Station |
|
Mallow NS |
Shortcastle Street |
School — National |
|
Mallow Storage |
Glenmount |
Storage |
|
Mayfield GS |
Silver Spring Lane |
Garda Station |
|
Meelin GS |
Newmarket Road |
Garda Station |
|
Midleton GS |
Oliver Plunkett Place |
Garda Station |
|
Milford GS + MQ |
Milford |
Garda Station |
|
Millstreet GS |
Main Street |
Garda Station |
|
Mitchelstown GS |
Upper Cork Street |
Garda Station |
|
Newmarket GS + MQ |
Church Street |
Garda Station |
|
Oysterhaven MES |
Oysterhaven |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Rathcormac GS + MQ |
Cannon Street |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Rathduane NS |
Rathduane |
School — National |
|
Rathduff GS + MQ + RAX |
Mallow — Cork Road |
Garda Station |
|
Rathduff NS |
Rathduff |
School — National |
|
Roches Point Met Station |
Whitegate Road |
Meteorlogical Station |
|
Roscarberry GS + RAX — GS |
Church Street |
Garda Station |
|
Schull Garda Area HQ |
Schull |
Garda Station |
|
Seven Heads MES |
Seven Heads |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Sherkin Island NS |
Sherkin Island |
School — National |
|
Skibbereen GS |
High Street |
Garda Station |
|
Tarleton GS + MQ + RAX |
Crookstown — Dunmanway Road |
Garda Station |
|
Timoleague GS + MQ + RAX — GS/MQ |
Mill Street |
Garda Station |
|
Timoleague NS |
Timoleague |
School — National |
|
Toe Head MES |
Toe Head |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Togher GS |
Caseys Cross |
Garda Station |
|
Trafask NS |
Trafask |
School — National |
|
Watergrasshill GS + MQ |
Cork — Fermoy Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Whitegate GS + MQ + RAX |
Lower Road |
Garda Station & Married Quarters |
|
Youghal GS |
O’Brien Place |
Garda Station |
|
Youghal MES |
O’Briens Place |
Marine Emergency Service |
|
Youghal SWO — O’Briens Place |
O’Briens Place |
Office — Social Welfare |
|
Building Name |
Address |
Occupant |
|
Bandon School Inspectors Office |
The Weir Centre |
Education |
|
Bandon SWO |
Weir Street |
Social Protection |
|
Bantry Customs and Excise |
Old Convent House |
Revenue |
|
Bantry SWO — 7 Main Street |
7 Main Street |
Social Protection |
|
Blarney Garda Station |
The Square |
Garda Siochana |
|
Carrigaline DSFA Office |
Units 2 & 4 |
Social Protection |
|
Carrigtwohill Garda Station |
Cork Road |
Garda Siochana |
|
Castletownbere SWO |
Church Gate |
Social Protection |
|
Cork C&E Centre Park House |
Centre Park House |
Revenue |
|
Revenue |
||
|
NERA |
||
|
Revenue |
||
|
Cork C&E Centre Park House Car Parking |
Centre Park House |
NERA |
|
Cork C&E Centrepoint Store |
Unit 4 Centrepoint |
Revenue |
|
Cork Crawford Hall Car Parking |
Crawford Hall |
Social Protection |
|
Cork DAF Cityhall Car Parking |
Eglington Street |
Agriculture |
|
Cork Education Office |
Block C Heritage Business Park |
Education |
|
National Council for Special Education |
||
|
National Education Welfare Board |
||
|
Cork Environment Office |
Unit 7, Eastgate Avenue |
Environment |
|
Cork Gov Office Connolly Hall |
Connolly Hall |
Social Protection |
|
Agriculture |
||
|
Social Protection |
||
|
Cork Gov Office Doughcloyne — Warehouse |
Doughcloyne Industrial Estate |
Transport |
|
Cork Gov Office Hibernian House |
Hibernian House |
Agriculture |
|
Social Protection |
||
|
Social Protection |
||
|
Cork Gov Office Irish Life Bldg |
Irish Life House |
Foreign Affairs |
|
Revenue |
||
|
Passport Office |
||
|
Foreign Affairs |
||
|
Education |
||
|
Agriculture |
||
|
Office of Public Works |
||
|
Prisons Service |
||
|
Foreign Affairs |
||
|
Cork HIQA Decentral Office |
Unit 1301, City Gate, Mahon |
HIQA |
|
Cork Marine Office |
Riverview Business Park |
Marine |
|
Comm Marine & Natural Resources |
||
|
Cork Marine Office/Warehouse |
Acorn Business Campus |
Comm Marine & Natural Resources |
|
Cork Prob & Wel Serv Cove St |
St Nicholas Church |
Probation & Welfare Service |
|
Cork Probation & Welfare Service Cove St Car Parking |
St Nicholas Church |
Probation & Welfare Service |
|
Cork Revenue Store Boland Industrial Estate |
7-8 Boland Industrial Estate |
Revenue |
|
Cork SWO — ESB Premises |
Marina |
Social Protection |
|
Dunmanway SWO Office |
Main Street |
Social Protection |
|
Fermoy OPW Storage |
Unit 1 Block A, Fermoy Ent. Park |
Office of Public Works |
|
Fermoy SWO — Connolly Street |
Connolly Street |
Social Protection |
|
Macroom SWO (New) |
Bowl Road |
Social Protection |
|
Mallow SWO |
72 Main Street |
Social Protection |
|
Mallow SWO (New) |
Fair Green |
Social Protection |
|
Skibbereen Forestry Office |
Townsend Street |
Agriculture |
|
Youghal SWO — Main Street |
14 Main Street |
Social Protection |
Departmental Committees
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:209 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number of times the committee for public management research has met in the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the allocated funding and expenditure by the committee in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40328/10]
The Committee for Public Management Research was wound up at the end of 2007, following a review. The table below sets out the details of meetings, allocated funding and expenditure during the years 2005-2008.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
No. of meetings |
5 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
Allocated funding |
€406,400 |
€406,400 |
€406,400 |
0 |
|
Expenditure |
€399,210 |
€409,920 |
€380,520 |
€190,396 |
Funding was retained in the CPMR account to facilitate the completion of its work programme in 2008.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:210 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40336/10]
The Deputy has clarified that the information sought is in respect of high level groups appointed by myself to examine a specific issue and involve stakeholders outside the Department such as interest groups. The table below sets out the detail requested in respect of such groups.
|
Entity |
Purpose |
Date formed and number of times the group has met |
|
Credit Union Advisory Committee |
The Credit Union Advisory Committee is a statutory advisory committee whose function is to advise the Minister for Finance in relation to— (a) the improvement of the management of credit unions; (b) the protection of the interests of members and creditors of credit unions; and (c) other matters relating to credit unions |
The current Advisory Committee was established from 1st September 2010 and has met on 2 occasions since then. The Committee plans to meet once a month on an ongoing basis over its 3 year term. |
|
Civil Service Adjudicator and Civil Service Arbitration Board |
The Chairperson (nominated by the Minister for Finance and appointed by the Government) and the two members of the Arbitration Board for the Civil Service (Employer representative and Staff representative) and the Adjudicator were appointed/re-appointed in July 2010. The term of appointment is until 30 June 2011. |
The Civil Service Arbitration Board has not met in the period since appointment in July 2010. The Adjudicator has adjudicated on a number of hearings on an ad-hoc basis since January 2010. |
|
Under the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for the Civil Service, there are two forms of arbitration — an Arbitration Board and an Adjudicator, The Arbitration Board deals with significant claims and the Adjudicator deals with other issues. |
||
|
Disciplinary Code of Appeals Board and the Independent Mediator |
Both the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson are appointed by the Minister for Finance for a three year period — the current terms expire in June and December 2011. |
Sits as required to adjudicate on appeals made to the Board Appointment is renewed annually |
|
Current arrangements for handling grievance cases provides, amongst other things, for the appointment by the Minister for Finance of a Mediation Officer to whom certain grievance issues could be referred if they could not be resolved at earlier stages of the grievance procedure. |
||
|
Implementation Group for Reform of Regulatory Structures |
A joint high level Department of Finance and Central Bank Group to implement reforms to the structures and associated powers and functions of financial regulation. |
Established in 2009 and has met 12 times since then. |
|
Preferred Policy Options Group |
To examine CO2 mitigation options for Ireland. |
First meeting — 22/07/09 and has met 12 times since then. |
|
Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Expert Group |
Having regard to the commitments in the Renewed Programme for Government to protect the family home and help those in personal debt, in February 2010 the Minister for Finance established the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Expert Group, under the independent chair of Mr. Hugh Cooney, and insolvency accountant, to make recommendations to the Minister on options for improving the current situation for families with mortgage arrears and personal debt. |
The Group has met on 23 occasions since its establishment. |
|
The Expert Group is made up of the Chairman and 7 other external experts along with senior civil servants from Government Departments. The external members of the Expert Group are working on a pro-bono basis. |
||
|
The Expert Group submitted an interim report to the Minister in July. All of the recommendations were later accepted by Government and are being implemented. The Expert Group is due to complete its final Report shortly. |
. |
|
|
Steering Group for the Introduction of a Single Social Contribution |
This Interdepartmental Steering Group was established by the Minister of Finance in February 2010 to examine the issues surrounding the introduction of a Universal Social Contribution and to report back to him. The Group consists of representatives of the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Protection and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. |
The group has met 3 times thus far. |
|
Tax Strategy Group |
The Tax Strategy Group is an interdepartmental committee chaired by the Department of Finance which was set up in 1993. Membership comprises senior officials and advisors from the Departments of Finance, Taoiseach, Health and Children, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise Trade and Employment, Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners. The Group examines tax issues and Social Welfare issues in the run up to each year’s Budget and Finance Bill. |
The Group meets approximately 7 times a year. |
|
Review Group on State Assets |
This Group was established to examine State assets and liabilities and to advise on how the assets can be better used or disposed of to support economic growth and national investment priorities. |
This work is ongoing in nature and is expected to provide an interim report before the end of the year. |
|
Independent Review of the Department of Finance |
The Independent Review Group was established to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the systems, structures and processes of the Department of Finance relating to those elements of budgetary, economic, financial and public service management that are relevant to its role. |
The work is ongoing in nature and an interim report is expected before the end of the year. |
|
Commission of Investigation into the Banking Sector in Ireland |
The Commission was established under Statutory Instrument No. 454 of 2010 to examine specific matters considered by the Government to be of significant public concern in relation to the Banking Sector in Ireland during the period 1 January 2003 to 15 January 2009. |
The work is ongoing on this investigation. |
|
Domestic Standing Group on Financial Stability |
The DSG was established under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dept of Finance, the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator in July 2007. The Group provides a mechanism for exchange of information relevant to the discharge of the parties’ respective responsibilities in relation to financial stability. |
The Memorandum of Understanding establishing the DSG provides that it will normally meet on a quarterly basis. However with the onset of the financial markets crisis the DSG has met more frequently than this. |
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:211 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40351/10]
The measurement of administrative burdens using the Standard Cost Model is an exercise that was called for by business, as a baseline for the 25% administrative burden reduction programme, and is being carried out across all Departments with any substantive regulation that affects business. My Department has already listed burdens arising from regulations under its responsibility, e.g. administrative requirements on companies applying for public contracts; the need to provide tax clearance certificates; statements of good standing; possible evidence of financial capacity; technical capacity etc. Measurement of the cost to business is expected to be completed in 2011 and, following this, simplification plans will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, for implementation.
Civil Service Language Service
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:212 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the Civil Service language service; if he will outline its role; the amount of money spent by the service in each if the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40367/10]
Language training programmes in the civil service are provided by Gaeleagras and the Civil Service Language Centre which operate under the aegis of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre in my Department.
Gaeleagras
Gaeleagras delivers training in the Irish Language to civil servants to enable Departments to meet their obligations under the Official Languages Act, 2003. It provides accredited Irish Language courses at its offices in Lansdowne House, Dublin and specialised in-house training to Departments and Offices. In addition, Gaeleagras organises a number of scholarship programmes each year in Gaelteacht areas; it provides a confidential translation service for this Department and a translation service for official publications. It is also responsible for the Irish Proficiency Test throughout the wider civil service.
Costs for Gaeleagras cover the salaries of teaching staff (whole-time and part-time) and general expenditure associated with the provision of Gaeleagras's services. Details for the period requested are as follows:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2005 |
428,895 |
|
2006 |
444,691 |
|
2007 |
464,349 |
|
2008 |
424,865 |
|
2009 |
413,430 |
|
2010 to date |
206,829 |
Civil Service Language Centre
The Civil Service Language Centre (CSLC) delivers training to civil servants (including members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces) in modern European languages, Mandarin and Irish Sign Language. Courses are available in the following languages: French; German; Irish Sign Language; Italian; Polish; Russian; Spanish; Standard Mandarin. Programmes are delivered by a team of part-time language trainers and a director of tuition. Training is facilitated in Departmental offices in Lansdowne House, Dublin and Tullamore. A translation service for Government Departments and Offices is also provided.
Costs associated with the provision of this service, apart from administrative and incidental costs, derive from the salaries paid to the Director and the cohort of part-time teachers delivering the training programmes. Details for the period requested are as follows:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2005 |
204,597.99 |
|
2006 |
236,446.41 |
|
2007 |
233,812.83 |
|
2008 |
287,619.21 |
|
2009 |
262,498.07 |
|
2010 to date |
213,314.17 |
Full-time teaching staff, on secondment from the Department of Education and Skills, were engaged by the CSLC prior to September 2007. Details of their salaries for the academic years in question are as follows:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2004/05 |
145,570.30 |
|
2005/06 |
154,477.90 |
|
2006/07 |
75,007.00 |
Irish Blood Transfusion Service
Brian Hayes
Ceist:213 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the pension levy is being paid by employees of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service as they do not have a state pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39695/10]
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department. A contributory funded pension scheme, sponsored by the employer, was set up for employees in 1963. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is a public service body as defined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 and, consequently, its employees are public servants within the terms of that Act. The pension scheme in place comes under the scope of a public service pension scheme as defined in section 1 of the Act ‘provided for under an administrative measure to like effect as the Superannuation Acts'.
Services for People with Disabilities
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:214 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the cost of disability here is examined and progressed without delay. [39851/10]
There are a range of financial supports in place which are designed specifically to address the issue of additional costs associated with disabilities including weekly/monthly allowances, additional income supports, other benefits such as medical cards/free travel/mobility allowance and tax concessions. It is important to be aware that the provision of a cost of disability payment raises a number of very complex questions.
Not all people with disabilities incur additional costs, nor do they incur costs to the same extent. A national system of needs assessment is a prerequisite for any cost of disability payment scheme. The Government was committed to considering the issues around the feasibility of cost of disability payment following the development of the needs assessment system provided for in the Disability Act. However, with the major changes in the economic environment and the deferral of the implementation of the Disability Act, the Government is not in a position to progress consideration of the feasability of introducing a cost of disability payment.
Health Services
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:215 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork has to pay for a specific service. [40154/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services
Dan Neville
Ceist:216 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether due to the increase in death by suicide it is now necessary to increase financial support for all the mental health services as it is well documented that in times of financial crisis there is a massive burden on persons’ mental health due to financial stress, debt and unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40394/10]
Joe McHugh
Ceist:217 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the implementation of the 2006 policy A Vision for Change; her views on its effects in replacing institutionalisation with community based services to date; if she will acknowledge in the context of budget 2011 spending reductions that the mental health budget has been reduced by 9.2% since 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40453/10]
Dan Neville
Ceist:218 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to the crisis in our mental health services and if she will ensure that there are no further cuts in the mental health services in the next budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40392/10]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:256 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39943/10]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:276 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40225/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 to 218, inclusive, 256 and 276 together.
The Government will be considering the 2011 Estimates for the health service over the coming weeks in the context of its strategy for economic recovery and its target to reduce the general government deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014. Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs and to support ongoing reform of the public health services within the resources available for health. To achieve this, staff at all levels will have to work together to deliver services in a more flexible way. It is essential that the impact on frontline services of any cuts is minimised while ensuring that the needs of service users remains the highest priority.
The HSE is working within limited financial resources. The appropriate management of the public finances means that the health sector, which represents over 27% of public expenditure, must operate within the approved budget set out at the start of the year. Under Section 31(1) of the Health Act, 2004, the HSE is required to prepare an annual National Service Plan. The Plan, which must indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the HSE, is submitted to the Minister for Health and Children for approval. The appropriate management of the health services also means that the mental health services must be funded in an equitable and sustainable manner.
The estimated cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ is €150m over 7 — 10 years. Development funding totalling €54 million has been allocated to the HSE since the launch of the Report in 2006. In addition, almost €1 million was allocated this year under the Dormant Accounts Fund for a programme of suicide prevention measures to help communities to develop integrated local action plans for suicide prevention. To further the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’, the 2010 Employment Control Framework for the health service provided an exemption from the moratorium on recruitment and allowed 100 psychiatric posts to be filled by nurses or therapists.
There are substantial resources already invested in mental health. The reconfiguring and remodelling of these resources will be the main focus for the immediate future. While implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ has been somewhat slower than originally anticipated it is important to say that in many parts of the country, services are pressing ahead with the implementation of the policy. Significant progress has been achieved including: shorter episodes of inpatient care, improved child and adolescent mental health services, fewer involuntary admissions and the involvement of service users in all aspects of mental health policy, service planning and delivery. Acute admissions to St Brendan’s Hospital have ceased. Plans for the transfer of acute inpatient admissions from St Ita’s Hospital to a new purpose built unit on the Beaumont Hospital Campus are proceeding. New Community Nursing Units in Ballinasloe and Mullingar have been developed.
The number of child and adolescent inpatient beds will increase from 30 to 52 before the end of 2010. This together with the Mental Health Commission code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 will greatly reduce the need to admit children to adult units.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:219 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. [39650/10]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:257 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the outcome of a recent meeting (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39945/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 257 together.
I met with the Jack and Jill Foundation on Tuesday 12th October last. The Health Service Executive was also represented at the meeting. We discussed a range of issues including additional State funding. I will continue to engage with the Jack and Jill Foundation. Both the Minister and I and the Health Service Executive recognise the valuable contribution that the many agencies and charities make in the provision of health and personal social services to people with a disability.
Reflecting the current economic situation the health sector must manage service levels within available resources. The HSE together with the ‘non-statutory organisations' who provide services on behalf of the HSE, will continue to review how these services are provided in order to protect the delivery of front line services as much as possible. In the current environment, this is a challenge for all, including the HSE and non statutory charity organisations. The HSE will continue to work closely with all agencies and bodies in the sector, including Jack and Jill, to provide whatever assistance it can from within its resources, in the context of the annual Service Level Agreement arrangements.
The very difficult financial position facing the country will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure, including the disability sector. Notwithstanding this difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect patient services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs, and to support ongoing reform of the public heath services within the resources available for health.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:220 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [39659/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Phil Hogan
Ceist:221 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the centralising and processing of all medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39663/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE), with my full support, decided to centralise the processing of all medical cards and GP visit card applications and renewals to its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. In January 2009, the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. In September 2009, the processing of all applications from two Local Health Offices in Dublin transferred to the PCRS.
In June 2010, the HSE introduced a new website, www.medicalcard.ie, which enables people anywhere in the country to apply for a medical card through a simple and efficient online application process. Online assessments are immediate and for applicants who supply all evidence/documentation and are eligible on income grounds, medical card delivery is guaranteed within 15 days of receipt of the completed application pack. The HSE has also made provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately. The PCRS is receiving approximately 3,000 applications each week via this new channel, with more than 50% of these being made outside normal office hours.
Significant progress has been made in this national project in providing an improved service to the public at less cost to the State. Up to 8th October 2010, the PCRS has received 211,801 medical card applications and reviews and issued 171,237 medical cards. The next phase of the project will move the processing of all new applications to the Central Office following a consultative process with staff representatives in line with the recent agreement on pay and reform in the public service. As the centralisation process continues, more initiatives will be introduced and the current initiatives will continue to be enhanced as the HSE receives feedback and continues to engage closely with advocacy groups, staff, public representatives and primary care contractors.
When the centralisation process is finalised (estimated completion date is 31st March 2011), staff in Local Health Offices will continue to have access to the national system and will be available to help clients with enquiries about their application or review and will also be able to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:222 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from her Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39681/10]
My Department administers a National Lottery Discretionery fund from which grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations. The total amount paid out in 2009 was €3,985,000, and the funding available in 2010 is €3,786,000. Prior to 2009, details of all recipients of lottery grants were set out in the Appropriation Account of my Department. Following a decision by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Appropriation Accounts no longer provide this detail, but require each Department to publish this information. As stated in the Appropriation Accounts for Vote 39, details of the recipients of lottery grants are available on my Department's website at www.dohc.ie.
The Agencies directly funded by my Department and their budget allocations for 2010 are set out in the following table. The audited accounts of these agencies are submitted to the Minister and are placed in the Oireachtas library as a matter of course.
|
Agency |
2010 |
|
€ |
|
|
National Social Work Qualification Board |
538,000 |
|
Irish Medicines Board |
3,650,000 |
|
Food Safety Authority Ireland |
17,427,000 |
|
Institute of Public Health |
1,542,000 |
|
Health Information and Quality Authority |
14,757,000 |
|
Mental Health Commission |
18,190,000 |
|
National Council Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery |
4,162,000 |
|
Office of Tobacco Control |
1,726,000 |
|
Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council |
3,161,000 |
|
Childrens’ Acts Advisory Board* |
1,000,000 |
|
National Treatment Purchase Fund |
90,092,000 |
|
Food Safety Promotion Board |
6,665,000 |
|
Health Research Board |
34,157,000 |
|
Ombudsman for Children |
2,223,000 |
|
Office of the Disability Appeals Officer |
501,000 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
2,975,000 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
962,000 |
2010 Figures as per Revised Estimates Volume.
*Due to be abolished in 2010.
Nursing Education
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:223 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 21 October 2010, if she will confirm the requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39699/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Cancer Screening Programme
Richard Bruton
Ceist:224 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider arranging access to cervical smear tests, where appropriate, without charge for persons under the age of 25 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39708/10]
CervicalCheck, the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60. The CervicalCheck Programme Report published this year reported that over 284,800 women were screened during the period 1 September 2008 — 31 August 2009.
International best practice currently recommends that population-based cervical screening programmes should target women aged from 25 or 30 years to 60 or 65 years. The scientific literature would suggest that there is no additional public health benefit in starting screening below the age of 25 years and published research in fact has shown that the disadvantages of screening women under the age of 25 years may be greater than any potential benefit.
The NCSS keeps under constant review the evidence base, involving any research conducted in Ireland or internationally, that would influence the target population for CervicalCheck. CervicalCheck is a programme for women without symptoms. Irrespective of her age, any woman who has symptoms causing concern should seek the advice of her doctor.
Medical Training
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:225 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of training one general practitioner, broken down according to cost of undergraduate medical training and postgraduate general practitioner training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39718/10]
As the information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department as a matter of routine, 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.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:226 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will supply information on a matter (details supplied). [39720/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:227 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39722/10]
The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. The management of hospital services generally, including out-patient waiting lists, is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:228 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that day care services at a home (details supplied) remain suspended despite a decision and commitment made in April 2010 by the Minister of State with responsibility for older people and health promotion to reinstate these services; if she will restore these facilities as they provided a vital and valuable service for over 50 persons from the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39729/10]
This Government is committed to supporting people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate and we continue to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country and to ensure quality and patient safety.
The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and personal social services, including those at facilities such as Plunkett Home, Boyle. The Executive indicated that it temporarily closed the Day-care Service at the Plunkett Community Nursing Unit in Boyle from Monday March 8th. The HSE appreciates that this is an inconvenience for clients of this service but there must be appropriate staffing levels to run any service safely. The Executive has indicated that it is unable to re-open this facility at present as there are a number of vacancies in the service and it has not been able to recruit appropriate staff.
General Medical Services Scheme
James Reilly
Ceist:229 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the cost of the State drugs bill for each of the following years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39741/10]
The cost of drugs and medicines reimbursed by the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service in respect of the GMS and community drug schemes is as follows:
|
Year |
€ m |
|
2003 |
1,046.79 |
|
2004 |
1,234.11 |
|
2005 |
1,366.90 |
|
2006 |
1,572.42 |
|
2007 |
1,749.97 |
|
2008 |
1,903.92 |
|
2009 |
2,026.02 |
|
2010 (Jan to Sept) |
1,407.30 |
The cost of drugs and medicines provided by hospitals and community services is as follows (national data prior to 2007 is not available):
|
Year |
€ m |
|
2007 |
363.92 |
|
2008 |
391.88 |
|
2009 |
419.81 |
|
2010 (Jan to Sept) |
297.33 |
Hospital Services
James Reilly
Ceist:230 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the hospital budget for each of the years 1997 to 2010 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39743/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Year |
€bn |
|
1997 |
1.466 |
|
1998 |
1.566 |
|
1999 |
1.825 |
|
2000 |
2.051 |
|
2001 |
3.291 |
|
2002 |
3.801 |
|
2003 |
4.181 |
|
2004 |
4.011 |
|
2005 |
4.440 |
|
2006 |
4.541 |
|
2007 |
5.004 |
|
2008 |
5.727 |
|
2009 |
5.475 |
|
2010 |
5.275 |
Source: Provisional Outturn 1998-2009 as published in the Revised Estimates Volumes 1998-2010. 2010 Provision as set out in REV 2010.
It is important to note that these figures are not directly comparable, as following the establishment of the Health Service Executive in 2005 the programme breakdown in the Revised Estimates Volumes changed. Up to 2004 (2003 outturn figures) the programme breakdown provided was in relation to the "General Hospital Programme" and included services provided in district hospitals, county hospitals and long-stay hospitals. Many of the costs related to these areas are now reflected in other programmes, such as care of older people and the mental health programme. Following the establishment of the HSE, the programme breakdown for hospitals is now the acute sector only, with long-stay and other residential services reflected in other programmes. It should also be noted that the figure for 2010 includes savings arising from public service pay reductions and other economies.
Departmental Expenditure
James Reilly
Ceist:231 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the average cost per patient attending hospital for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39744/10]
James Reilly
Ceist:232 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the average cost per inpatient procedure for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39745/10]
James Reilly
Ceist:233 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the average cost per day case procedure for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39746/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Nos.147, 148, and 149 of the 7th July 2010. The information requested for 2009 is not yet available, as its compilation has been delayed by industrial action in the Health Service Executive earlier in 2010. The information is expected to be available in the coming months.
Medical Cards
James Reilly
Ceist:234 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the average number of prescriptions issued for medical card holders for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39747/10]
I understand that the Deputy was referring to the average number of prescription items dispensed to medical card holders per annum. The information requested is as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2003 |
29 |
|
2004 |
32 |
|
2005 |
34 |
|
2006 |
35 |
|
2007 |
36 |
|
2008 |
39 |
|
2009 |
37 |
These figures are based on the actual number of persons who availed of service.
James Reilly
Ceist:235 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the average number of prescriptions issued to medical card holders for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39748/10]
I understand that the Deputy was referring to the average cost per item for prescription items dispensed to medical card holders. The information is as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2003 |
20.18 |
|
2004 |
21.79 |
|
2005 |
22.21 |
|
2006 |
23.18 |
|
2007 |
23.63 |
|
2008 |
23.76 |
|
2009 |
24.85 |
Care of the Elderly
Joe Behan
Ceist:236 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39764/10]
I met with members of the Save Wicklow Hospital Campaign and local public representatives to discuss the proposed closure of Wicklow Community Hospital on 27th October 2010. Wicklow Community Hospital, built in the 1940s, currently provides 26 long stay care beds, 4 respite care beds and 1 palliative care bed. HSE Management commissioned two reports recently arising from concerns in relation to the physical infrastructure of the residential unit at the Hospital. One was a comprehensive architectural survey and the other a report in relation to Fire Safety compliance.
While the Architectural Survey is still underway, the Fire Safety report was completed and submitted on 14th October. It found approximately 80 issues requiring significant and urgent attention. In addition, it became clear that if works were undertaken to bring the current building up to meet the requirements under the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People the likely numbers of residents that could be accommodated at the Hospital would be reduced to between 10 and 12 which would render the residential element of the Hospital unviable.
Consequently, the HSE has decided that the best option is to close the hospital and informed HIQA of this decision on 22nd October. The HSE has met with representatives of residents, and Wicklow Public Representatives. Staff representative bodies have also been apprised of the situation.
The welfare of the residents is the primary concern. The Director of Nursing and her Assistant Director, who know the residents and their familes, informed them of the decision. The Director of Nursing and her staff continue to make themselves available at all times to the residents and their families in supporting them through the transfer process. A helpline phone number has been set up and given to the residents and their families. They have been offered a choice in relation to their future homes. Currently most of the residents have chosen to move to St. Colman's, Rathdrum, or to Blainroe Nursing Home in Wicklow.
Residents are being assessed by the staff from the units where they will make their new homes to ensure that their assessed needs can be met. The General Practitioners who provide a medical service to the residents have also been informed. Suitable transfer arrangements will be facilitated for the residents when they are ready to transfer to their new homes. They will be accompanied by appropriate staff from Wicklow Hospital to ensure continuity of care in relation to their needs as indicated in their individual care plans.
Community Care
Michael McGrath
Ceist:237 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department is still accepting applications under a particular grant scheme (details supplied). [39775/10]
My Department has a National Lottery Discretionary fund in place which provides once-off grants to community groups and organisations, providing a range of health related services. If an organisation wishes to make an application for National Lottery Funding they should send in a formal application. Detailed procedures, along with the application form are set out on my Department's website — www.dohc.ie
Preschool Services
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:238 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for the early childhood care and education scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39779/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which provides for a free pre-school year to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school.
Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months in September of the relevant year. This means that children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 are eligible for the free pre-school year which commenced in September 2010 and children born between 2 February 2007 and 30 June 2008 will be eligible in September 2011. The child in question will be eligible in September 2011 but if her parents decide to send her to primary school at that time she will not be able benefit from the ECCE scheme. There is no provision under the scheme to enrol children that are below the qualifying age.
The objective of the ECCE scheme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to all children in the year before they commence primary school. Services participating in the pre-school year are expected to provide appropriate age related activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. It is necessary, therefore, to target the pre-school year at a particular age cohort and to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children participate in the scheme. In setting the minimum and maximum age limits, account was taken of a number of factors, including the variation in school admission policies and the fact that the majority of children commence primary school between the ages of 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months.
Vaccination Programme
Joe McHugh
Ceist:239 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive will refund fees to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39781/10]
The national HPV vaccination programme commenced in May in secondary schools for girls in first year. The second phase of the HPV vaccination programme is now underway. During this calendar year all girls currently in second year and those who entered first year in September are being offered the vaccination. 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 vaccination programme to other classes at present. Unfortunately it will not be possible to refund the costs of vaccinations administered privately.
Health Services
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:240 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive dental unit in Cornmarket was to move to a local building and had secured funding for the refurbishment of that unit and that the HSE agreed to pay the rent; however because the HSE is now not willing to pay the rent the dental unit in Cornmarket has been closed by the HSE and staff moved temporarily to Crumlin health centre resulting in the 16 local schools and those in the south-west inner city who used this service having to go to Crumlin and if she will confirm the location of the permanent unit for users from the south-west inner city. [39792/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:241 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the dental service in St. James’s Hospital is being closed. [39793/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:242 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39804/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:243 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of premises and sites rented or leased by her Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39819/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works. The only relevant lease currently held by my Department is Block D, Irish Life Mall, which formerly accommodated the Women's Health Council. This agency was subsumed into my Department as part of wider rationalisation initiatives. However, my Department has arranged that the Disability Appeals Office currently occupying a leased premises in Clondalkin will very shortly relocate to Block D, Irish Life Mall.
|
Year |
No of Premises |
Location |
Lease/Rent |
Service Charge (Inc maintenance and Security) |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
2008 |
One |
Block D, Irish Life Mall, Dublin 1 |
98,500 |
41,507 |
|
2009 |
One |
Block D, Irish Life Mall, Dublin 1 |
98,500 |
41,366 |
Health Services
Dan Neville
Ceist:244 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review will be carried out by the Health Service Executive and the necessary assistance provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39844/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Services for People with Disabilities
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:245 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that access to disability specific services (details supplied) is protected in the forthcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39849/10]
I recognise the valuable contribution made by the many agencies and charities to the provision of health and personal social services for people with a disability.
Reflecting the current economic situation the HSE must manage service levels within available resources. In the current environment, this is a challenge for all, including the HSE and non statutory charity organisations. By working together and finding innovative ways to provide value for money we can help to protect services. With this in mind we must improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disability funding. There are many organisations providing services to people with a disability. It is essential that organisations operate models of service that maximise the significant resources available. The HSE will work closely with all agencies and bodies in the sector to maximise their efficiency and effectiveness, in the context of the annual Service Level Agreement arrangements.
Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are continuing in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The very difficult financial position facing the country will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure, including the disability sector. Notwithstanding this difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect patient services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs, and to support ongoing reform of the public heath services within the resources available for health.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:246 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason inquiries from a person (details supplied) regarding their application to the health repayment scheme appeals office have gone unanswered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39853/10]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.
The claimant lodged an Appeal with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 15 October 2008. Following a review of the appeal, the Appeals Officer wrote to the claimant requesting additional evidence. The claimant supplied some information to the Appeals Officer on 30 September 2009. The Appeals Officer continues to investigate the appeal. As part of these investigations the Appeals Officer has been liaising with the HSE institution concerned and the Scheme Administrator in relation to the patient's records. When the Appeals Officer has made a determination on the appeal he will write to the claimant providing the reasons for the decision.
Hospital Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [39854/10]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Jack Wall
Ceist:248 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will receive a date and time for an appointment at the paediatric clinic, Portlaoise General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39857/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Mary Upton
Ceist:249 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the concerns of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39865/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Jack Wall
Ceist:250 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be issued with a replacement medical card as their original one was lost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39877/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:251 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [39891/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:252 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report from the expert advisory group on diabetes; if she is in a position to implement the recommendations particularly in relation to paediatric services in the Cork area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39900/10]
The Health Service Executive Report of the Expert Advisory Group on Diabetes was published in 2008. The implementation of the recommendations in this Report with respect to services in the Cork area is a service matter and therefore it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Care of the Elderly
Michael Ring
Ceist:253 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can be reviewed and restored to their original amount. [39906/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:254 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the retention of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39907/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:255 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings that have been made in her Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39924/10]
My Department has a small ICT Unit and staff concentrate on core technologies with single platforms for ease of operational and support reasons. In key areas such as web site and some database systems, where skill sets are available, considerable use is made of open source software. It is difficult to evaluate the savings made in deploying these products due to the variety of comparative technologies available on the market but I am confident they are more economical to deploy and maintain. In relation to consumables, it is intended to purchase via the National Procurement Service consumables tender as soon as their procurement framework exercise is finalised early in the new year. It is planned to exhaust all current stocks of consumables and any requirements in the interim will be made via a small draw down arrangement until the new framework is in place. My Department earlier this year has evaluated the concept of a managed print service and the use of generic consumables to achieve better value for money but has decided to approach the issue via the proposed framework agreement.
Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 216.
Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 219.
Hospital Services
Pat Breen
Ceist:258 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39946/10]
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.
Asylum Support Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:259 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 5 October 2010, if women in direct provision centres have been consulted directly to establish their views on whether women-only centres are warranted or desirable for their and their children’s safety. [40095/10]
The Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice and Law Reform is responsible for coordinating the provision of services to asylum seekers.
Medical Cards
Michael Ring
Ceist:260 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card holder who requires a certificate to apply for a driving licence is required to pay the general practitioner for this documentation. [40102/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:263 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person over 70 years of age who holds a medical card is required to pay their general practitioner for some services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40105/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 263 together.
A medical card as issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE), confirms that the holder is entitled, free of charge, to a range of health services, which includes:
General medical and surgical services including all in-patient services and out-patient services in a public ward in a public hospital (including consultant services);
A choice of general practitioners (GP) from those doctors who have a General Medical Services (GMS) contract with the HSE;
Supply of prescribed approved medicines and appliances; and
Dental, Ophthalmic and Aural services
GPs who hold GMS contracts with the HSE must not seek or accept money from medical card or GP visit card holders.
The contract between the HSE and GPs under the GMS Scheme stipulates that fees are not paid to GPs by the HSE in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences".
Consultation fees charged by GPs to GMS patients outside the terms of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between the clinicians and the patients. While I have no role in relation to such fees, I would expect general practitioners to have regard to the overall economic situation in setting their fees. My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has also called on providers of professional services in the private sector to adjust their fees in line with the reductions in fees of those providing such services in the public sector.
Hospital Staff
Brendan Kenneally
Ceist:261 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive will act on her instruction to appoint a third cardiologist to Waterford Regional Hospital in order that a full interventional cardiology service can be provided for the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40103/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Capital Programme
Brendan Kenneally
Ceist:262 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital sums expended in each year from 2006 to date in 2010 in respect of Waterford Regional Hospital, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, South Infirmary, Cork and Western Regional Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40104/10]
The management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter for the Health Service Executive and the question has therefore been referred to the Executive for direct reply in relation to capital expenditure for projects in the counties Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Galway.
Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 260.
Hospital Services
James Reilly
Ceist:264 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the health system here spends over four times more per year on the care of stroke patients in nursing homes than it does on providing stroke patients with acute hospital care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40128/10]
James Reilly
Ceist:267 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is aware that hundreds of lives could be saved each year, hundreds more stroke patients could be saved from institutionalisation and millions of euro of taxpayers’ money could be saved through the wider availability of stroke unit care and thrombolysis treatment. [40131/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 267 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
James Reilly
Ceist:265 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Cost of Stroke in Ireland report published by the Irish Heart Foundation shows that less than €7 million per year is currently spent on community rehabilitation for stroke patients, equivalent to the cost of one session of physiotherapy or speech and language therapy per person, despite the fact that this rehabilitation is essential in assisting persons in living independently after a stroke and in maintaining their quality of life; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that it may not be possible to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of spending on community rehabilitation because data are not currently collected and collated by the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40129/10]
My Department is currently considering the Cost of Stroke report recently published by the Irish Heart Foundation. I intend to meet with the Irish Heart Foundation shortly to discuss this report.
James Reilly
Ceist:266 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that patients in Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary covered by the mid-western hospital network have no access to 24-hour CT scanning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40130/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 267 answered with Question No. 264.
Mental Health Services
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:268 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding provided to mental health each year since 2007; her plans to fund this area in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40139/10]
The following table provides details of expenditure on mental health services since 2007.
|
Year |
Mental health expenditure |
|
€ million |
|
|
2007 |
1,000 |
|
2008 |
1,000 |
|
2009 |
1,000 |
|
2010 |
977 (estimated) |
Source: Revised Estimates for Public Services.
The funding for mental health in 2011 will be considered in the context of the 2011 Estimates process for the health service over the coming weeks.
Hospital Services
David Stanton
Ceist:269 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the decompression chamber located in Galway University Hospital is currently non-operational; the last time the decompression chamber was operational; the plans, if any, for the future use of the decompression chamber; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40142/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Joe McHugh
Ceist:270 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated from the National Treatment Purchase Fund to referrals from Letterkenny hospital in 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40151/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the chief executive of the fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
Joe McHugh
Ceist:271 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the National Treatment Purchase Fund budget is currently being reviewed as part of the Government’s preparations for budget 2011; if she will indicate, in so far as is possible within existing pre-budget guidelines, whether the budget is being targeted for cuts or whether she can guarantee that the budget will not be cut; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40152/10]
The allocation to the National Treatment Purchase Fund will be determined in the context of the estimates for 2011.
Medical Cards
John Browne
Ceist:272 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to have an application for a medical card reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [40191/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:273 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, she has in regard to health facilities on the island of Inishbiggle, County Mayo (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40196/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Facilities
Mary Wallace
Ceist:274 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the car park at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, has a parking ticket and clamping system in operation (details supplied); if she will raise the issue with the Health Service Executive with a view to considering a barrier system similar to that in operation at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, under which persons pay at the barrier when exiting the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40200/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:275 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a service to be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) through the Health Service Executive south. [40216/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 216.
Prescription Charges
Denis Naughten
Ceist:277 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the prescription charges legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40233/10]
Since 1 October 2010, medical card holders have been required to pay a 50 cent charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists. The charges are subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family.
The implementation and impact of the prescription charges will be kept under constant review.
Health Services
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:278 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40239/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:279 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children how a medical card holder who has been denied treatment under the dental treatment services scheme is expected to obtain the treatment they need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40240/10]
The Government decided to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) 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 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, which is subject to prior approval from a clinician in the HSE, prioritises high risk and exceptional patients, plus patients requiring emergency care, and patients who are considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.
Treatments that are not available under the DTSS may be obtained privately. While consultation fees for such treatments are a matter between individual dentists and their patients, I would expect dentists to have regard to the overall economic situation in setting such fees. My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has also called on providers of professional services in the private sector to adjust their fees in line with the reductions in fees in the public sector.
Hospital Services
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:280 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria (details supplied) her Department uses to determine whether a stroke service is an acute stroke unit; how compliance with these criteria is monitored and audited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40241/10]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:281 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the stroke services currently referred to by the Health Service Executive as stroke units which have the most basic of stroke care — a lead stroke consultant, a stroke nurse, 24-hour CT scanning and 24-hour thrombolysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40242/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Departmental Contracts
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:282 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if any printing contracts for her Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract, if tendering took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40252/10]
The Department of Health and Children has not sent any printing jobs abroad in the past three years.
Hospital Services
Sean Fleming
Ceist:283 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will undergo a surgical procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40280/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Sean Fleming
Ceist:284 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be called for an appointment in respect of their need for a surgical procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40281/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
John Browne
Ceist:285 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card application will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [40305/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:286 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [40309/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Cards
Finian McGrath
Ceist:287 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [40310/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:288 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [40311/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:289 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of high-level groups operating within her Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40338/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:290 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if her Department has yet listed information obligations that her Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if her Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if her Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and, if so, the total cost. [40353/10]
The Department of Health and Children is a member of the Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, on Administrative Burden Reduction.
To date the Department has identified 11 Information Obligations (I.O.s) arising from primary legislation and a further 8 Statutory Instruments in the area of food safety from which I.O.s may arise. These have yet to be ranked by reference to the level of impact on business.
In order to ensure consistency in measuring costs to business and reduce costs to individual Departments, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has suggested that consultants be engaged to measure those I.O.s for all Departments and Agencies. A proposal in this regard will be put to Government shortly.
Public Transport
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:291 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will give further details on the awarding of a licence for a route between Galway city centre and Knocknacarra; to whom this award has been given; if the offer has been accepted and his views on the way this will impact on those persons who currently provide a service for this route. [39665/10]
The position regrding an application for a passenger road service in the Galway City area remains the same as stated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question, No. 321, on the matter as follows.
My Department is obliged to process any application received for an annual passenger license submitted under the 1932 Act. In considering the grant or refusal of an application, under Section 11(3)(a), I must have regard to whether the service in respect of which such application is made is required in the public interest having regard to the passenger road services available to the public on or in the neighbourhood of the route of the proposed service.
With regard to an application for a passenger road service in the Galway City area, a decision has been made taking into account all existing road passenger services on or in the neighbourhood of the proposed service. The applicant has been informed of my Department's decision and had been given time to accept or reject this decision. If the applicant rejects the decision, they have to be afforded the opportunity to lodge an appeal.
The details of the applicant and the application remain confidential until such time as the process has been completed.
Grant Payments
James Bannon
Ceist:292 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39686/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded shortly.
Regional Airports
Joan Burton
Ceist:293 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the midlands regional airport project; the representations he has received on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39698/10]
As I have indicated in this House, private interests may develop airports in whatever location they wish provided that the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority are met and that planning permission is secured. The financial demands of running an airport are very challenging and it is, of course, a matter for the promoters to be satisfied that a new airport can function as a viable commercial entity.
While representations have been made in relation to a proposed Midland Regional Airport my Department has no plans to support the development of any new airports.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:294 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39809/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:295 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39824/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for arranging office (and other) accommodation required for my Department. The issue of rental agreements and or leasing terms is a matter for the OPW.
A programme of rationalisation of office space used by my Department in Dublin has commenced, in conjunction with the OPW, with a view to reducing the number of buildings from five to three to ensure that the space allocated is used to the optimum capacity in line with good principles of property management.
Road Network
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:296 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of the Dublin Port tunnel; the original estimated cost; the expenditure on lawyers’ fees, on land costs, on reports and other ancillary costs connected to the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39828/10]
I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The planning, design, implementation and maintenance of individual national road projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Departmental Correspondence
John O'Mahony
Ceist:297 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport when he will respond to correspondence (details supplied). [39862/10]
My Department has raised the subject of the Deputy's letter with the Road Safety Authority, and a reply will issue to the Deputy shortly.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:298 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39928/10]
My Department currently uses open source software packages on a limited scale. Developments in the area are carefully monitored and the possible use of such packages is considered in the context of upgrading the Department's Software Systems. It is estimated that the Department has saved approximately €4,650 by use of Open Source Software Packages.
My Department makes use of the central procurement service for Government Departments provided by the National Procurement Service. The contracts in place allow supplies to be ordered from the supplier's commercial catalogues at discounted prices and the Department makes use of generic consumables whenever possible. It is estimated that the Department has saved approximately €23,400 by the use of generic consumables.
Departmental Contracts
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:299 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract, if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40256/10]
The printing contracts awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years are as follows:
|
Contract |
Year |
Company appointed |
Location |
Amount of Contract |
Tendering |
|
€ |
|||||
|
Departmental File Cover and PQ Covers |
2007 |
Enterprise Stationery Ltd |
Northern Ireland |
1,746.39 |
Contract awarded under a Framework Agreement arranged by the Office of Public Works |
|
Departmental File Cover and PQ Covers |
2008 |
Enterprise Stationery Ltd |
Northern Ireland |
463.72 |
Contract awarded under a Framework Agreement arranged by the Office of Public Works |
|
Vehicle Registration Certificates |
2008 |
Joh. Enschede Security Print |
The Netherlands |
135,000 |
Contract tendered for by the Office of Public Works |
|
Reprint of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft |
2008 |
Maritime Intelligence Ltd. |
UK |
16,590 |
The 2008 contract was for a reprint of the safety publication which was the subject of a printing tendering process in 2006. |
|
A booklet entitled “Powerboat” for the Irish Coastguard |
2010 |
RNLI, Dorset |
UK |
3,698.51 |
Source directly from RNLI |
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:300 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40342/10]
There are working groups across my Department involved in the ongoing monitoring of various activities and which meet regularly. However, set out below is a list of high level working groups operating under a specific or sectoral agenda.
|
Name of Group |
Purpose of group |
Year was set up |
Number of times group met |
|
Transport 21 Monitoring Group |
Monitor the implementation of projects and programmes provided for in Transport 21 |
2006 |
19 |
|
Steering Group |
Report on the proposed merger of the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency |
2010 |
8 |
|
Irish Aeronautical and Maritime Emergency Advisory Committee (IAMEAC) (Formally known as MEAG) |
To bring us into line with current International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)/ International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidance on the co-ordination and oversight of State Aviation, Marine and Land Search and Rescue (SAR). It had its terms of reference amended to reflect current IAMSAR(International Aeronautical and Maritime search and rescue) Guidance on national SAR Committees |
2010 |
Meet approx twice a year |
|
The National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) |
To advise the Government and the civil aviation industry of security policy for civil aviation, to recommend and review the effectiveness of security measures and to provide for co-ordination of the various interests involved |
1974 |
Since the formation of the Department of Transport on 18th June 2002 this group has met 11 times |
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:301 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and, if so, the total cost. [40357/10]
My Department is a member of the Inter-Departmental Group on Reduction of Administrative Burden. As the Deputy will be aware the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (D/ETI) continues to lead and co-ordinate this project. My Department has identified seven priority information obligations. In keeping with the timelines outlined by the D/ETI measurement is expected to be completed in 2011.
Citizenship Applications
Jack Wall
Ceist:302 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason the Garda national immigration bureau will not supply information to a person (details supplied); the procedures the person must undertake to ensure the information requested can be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39669/10]
I am informed that the person concerned has recently contacted her local immigration office. The immigration officer explained to her the periods of her residency in the State which are considered reckonable with regard to her child's application for Irish citizenship. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:303 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39682/10]
I can inform the Deputy that the information requested can not be readily disaggregated in the manner sought without applying a disproportionate use of resources. There are in the region of sixty subheads in my Department's Vote, covering the head office area and other areas of my Department together with a range of other bodies and services. The method of payments to these bodies varies, from direct payment of the expenditure arising from the Department's centralised accounting system for the most part, to payments of Grant-in-Aid in other cases. The allocation and associated expenditure for the offices and bodies in question is published annually in my Department's Appropriation Account. In addition, any such body required by statute, publishes and presents its accounts to the Oireachtas, as appropriate.
Residency Permits
Jack Wall
Ceist:304 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) seeking to obtain a renewal of a permit has had to pay the stated fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39688/10]
The person who is subject of this question was granted permission to remain in the State pursuant to the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, following consideration of an application made to the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) under the Irish Born Child Scheme (IBC/05). Such permission is granted subject to condition that the person receiving such permission does not contravene the laws of the State.
On 15th January 2010 the person attended at Kildare Garda Station to register a renewal of his permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Renewal Scheme 2010. However in view of an incident which resulted in the person being convicted of an offence contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 and which is subject of an ongoing appeal, the Immigration Officer granted the person a permission for six months, pending the outcome of that appeal. A second permission, for six months, was again granted to the person on 19th August, 2010, as the appeal had still not been determined by the Courts.
The requirement to pay a prescribed fee in respect of the issuing of a registration certificate is provided for in the Immigration Act 2004 (Registration Certificate Fee) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 336/2008). The payment of this fee is not related to the period of validity of the registration certificate.
All visa required foreign nationals who wish to travel outside of the State must obtain a re-entry visa which will facilitate the person's return to the State. Comprehensive information relating to making an application for a re-entry visa is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service ( www.inis.gov.ie ). The cost for a single journey re-entry visa is €60.00 whilst a multiple journey re-entry visa may be obtained at a fee of €100.00.
A multiple-re-entry visa can be applied for once the applicant is registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau ( GNIB ). It will be valid from the date of issue until the expiry date on the Registration Card issued by GNIB or the expiry date of the applicant's passport, whichever is the earliest (up to a maximum of 5 years).
I have been informed by officials in the Visa Section of my Department that there is no record of a current visa re-entry application having been received from the person referred to by the Deputy, nor is there any record of a fee of €200 having been received from the person concerned in this regard.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Garda Vetting Services
John Deasy
Ceist:305 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of outstanding applications for Garda clearance; the average processing time from receipt of an application to issuing a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39706/10]
John Deasy
Ceist:306 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his views on the long delays in processing applications from care workers for Garda clearance; if he will allocate additional resources to eliminate the backlog of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39707/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. The GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives — 187,864 in 2007; 218,404 in 2008 and 246,194 in 2009. At present, there are approximately 60,000 vetting applications in the course of being processed.
The processing time for vetting applications fluctuates in line with periods of increased demand. Furthermore, additional time may be required to process an individual vetting application in cases where clarification is required as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. Registered organisations have been advised to take account of this in their recruitment and selection process. However, the Gardaí make every effort to reduce the time to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out the necessary checks. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the current average processing time for vetting applications received at the GCVU is approximately 12 weeks.
The allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. Due to the high volume of applications, an additional ten persons have recently been recruited to the Vetting Unit on a temporary basis. In addition, overall staffing arrangements at the Unit are kept under review.
Croke Park Agreement
Alan Shatter
Ceist:307 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the proposals detailed in the action plan prepared by him relating to his Department under the terms of the Croke Park agreement to bring about reform, efficiencies and financial savings in the justice and law reform area and the steps taken to date to agree implementation of what is proposed in the plan [39757/10]
The Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 provides a sustainable framework to manage the provision and delivery of essential public services despite the reductions in public service numbers and in a period of unprecedented pressure on resources. Reflecting this, my Department's Action Plan is ambitious and contains measures, the implementation of which will bring about efficiencies over the period of the Agreement. These include
Redeployment of staff where appropriate with regular reviews in the light of available resources, resulting in a better match of resources to priorities.
Increased staff mobility and flexible opening times (where appropriate) to address unexpected demands, pressure points and changing priorities/requirements.
Development of governance arrangements across the Justice Sector leading to a more integrated Justice system and improved performance.
More effective use of IT/e-facilities leading to enhanced customer service and long term cost savings.
Business process improvement leading to administrative efficiencies.
Development of shared services approaches where possible.
Use of Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) to drive performance and to deal with instances of underperformance.
The Plan has been submitted to the Department of Finance which will incorporate it, along with those of the Courts Service, the Legal Aid Board and the Property Registration Authority, as appropriate, into the Civil Service Action Plan.
A meeting of a sub-committee of my Department's Departmental Council is scheduled to take place on 3 November 2010 to progress implementation of the Plan in consultation with the Unions.
An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prisons Service report directly to their respective Implementation Bodies on this matter.
Garda Operations
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:308 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39762/10]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to these matters within the letter referred to by the Deputy which fall within the remit of my Department. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
Proposed Legislation
Chris Andrews
Ceist:309 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his views on whether the policing and enforcement of gambling and gaming legislation is effective in view of that fact, that the law is being flagrantly flouted with slot machine operators trading without sanction on the high street; in view of the fact that the Government is considering the introduction of new legislation covering Internet operators, integral to which will be the effective enforcement on non-Irish based operators to protect Irish jobs, the way we can have any confidence that the legislation can or will be enforced, since we do not enforce against illegal gambling operators on our own doorstep [39791/10]
The fact that current law governing gaming is outdated and in need of reform if it is to reflect the realities of a modern gaming sector, including gaming over the internet, is one of the reasons why I initiated a review of gambling. That review is currently underway in my Department and addresses reform of the gaming and other sectors.
The objective of the wide-ranging review is to provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State. As I have already pointed out in this House, in reply to previous Questions, it is a matter of record that successive Governments have shied away from attempting any significant reform of our gambling laws since our existing gaming and lotteries legislation was enacted over 50 years ago. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, I am resolved to make our gambling laws relevant to the 21st century. In light of this commitment, I feel we must take the time to make sure this is done effectively. We must first achieve a policy in relation to a new gambling architecture that is capable of winning broad spectrum agreement. It is when this goal is achieved that we will be in a position to address the matter of legislative change, with some degree of confidence.
Any such new policy aimed at modernising our gambling code must take account of the issues raised by new technologies, particularly the internet. In addition, policy must also be premised on the three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes. These are:
that young people and the vulnerable are protected
that gambling should, in all respects, be fairly and openly conducted and
that gambling is kept free of crime.
While taxation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, it can be anticipated that as far as regulatory compliance is concerned there will be no question of disadvantaging domestic or Irish operators.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, and as I have pointed out on previous occasions in this House, it is a matter for the Garda Síochána to investigate breaches of our current gaming legislation and to take whatever action is deemed appropriate. I have been assured that gaming premises receive Garda attention and if breaches of the legislation are detected appropriate action is taken. I invite the Deputy, if he has information about any specific breaches of the relevant provisions of the Acts, to bring this to the attention of the Gardaí. I can assure the Deputy, however, that should the law need to be changed to ensure an appropriate level of enforcement or control of gaming, I will not hesitate to do so as part of the outcome of the review of gambling currently underway. In that context, may I say that following the settling of policy, arrangements will be made in the normal course to address the necessary legislative change.
As the first comprehensive review of our gambling law, effectively since the enactment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, draws to a close, it is reasonable to expect that any new legislation that may arise, will be both complex and comprehensive.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:310 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 29 April 2010 in which he stated that it was not his Department’s responsibility to legislate against forced marriage if he will reconsider his reply in view of reports of two Latvian women being trafficked into Ireland and falsely imprisoned for the purpose of forcing them into marriage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39794/10]
I am of course aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. As he will understand, this matter is the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific aspects of the case or on any possible criminal charges that might arise. Also, as I outlined in my earlier reply, my Department does not have responsibility for marriage registration. That said however, I can outline the general position in the criminal law where a person is held against their will with a view of forcing them into marriage. There is not on the statute book a composite offence of holding someone against their will with a view to forcing them to marry. However a person who engages in this activity would be in breach of existing criminal laws in respect of its constituent elements.
False imprisonment, which essentially consists of restricting the personal liberty of another person, is an offence under section 15 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 and carries a life sentence. Unlawfully intimidating a person with a view to compelling him or her to do something which he or she has a right not to do, e.g. attend a marriage ceremony, amounts to coercion, which is an offence under section 9 of the 1997 Act punishable by a fine and up to five years in prison.
The seriousness of the offence of false imprisonment is also marked by the additional provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. The 2007 Act allows for a person suspected of false imprisonment to be detained by Gardai for investigative purposes for up to seven days (subject to judicial authorisation). It also provides for the courts to make Monitoring Orders for persons convicted of false imprisonment. Courts may also make Protection Of Persons Orders prohibiting offenders from engaging in any behaviour that would cause the victim of the offence fear, distress, alarm or intimidation. The same Act provides mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders.
The whole area of marriages of convenience is a complex one and there are no easy solutions. It is a question of adopting a number of complementary strategies including international police co-operation. In addition to the criminal sanctions as outlined above, where coercion is found in time then the marriage can be prevented. If a marriage has taken place and is later found to have involved coercion then any immigration benefit can be withdrawn.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:311 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39805/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:312 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39820/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.
I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy at this time, but will do as soon as the information is available.
Departmental Correspondence
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:313 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39897/10]
I confirm that the correspondence referred to has been received. A response will issue this week to the person concerned.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:314 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/10]
I can inform the Deputy my Department has deployed various software applications, including open source packages, to ensure the efficient conduct of its business. All software applications are monitored to ensure that the Department continues to obtain maximum return on its investment. Purchases are made solely on the lowest price for a suitable product at any given time; brand is not a factor in product purchase. The volume of generic or branded consumables purchased is not recorded.
Visa Applications
Alan Shatter
Ceist:315 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the current visa arrangements applicable to Chinese citizens who wish to attend a recognised school or third level college here and to visit Ireland as tourists; the reforms, if any, he intends to introduce to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39953/10]
Comprehensive guidance in relation to the current visa arrangements applicable to Chinese citizens is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).
As with all visas in all countries worldwide, the central concern is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of those who intend travelling for legitimate purposes and who are likely to abide by the terms of their visa. Each visa application is decided on its individual merits and I believe that, in most cases, my Department achieves this balance.
Currently, straightforward ‘visit' visa applications are being decided upon within 10 working days by the Visa Office, Beijing. The decision time frame is even shorter where applications are lodged via a Chinese government approved tourist agent, such applications being decided upon within 1-3 working days. The current processing time for straightforward ‘study' visa applications is 20 working days.
My Department continually examines ways in which the visa process can facilitate the promotion of tourism in the State, including in cooperation with the United Kingdom with which we have a common travel area, in conformity with the needs of an effective immigration regime. In this respect, as the Deputy will be aware, a document entitled "New Immigration Regime For Full Time Non-EEA Students" was launched by the Government on 22 September. This was in tandem with the Government's 5 year strategy document " Investing in Global Relationships — Ireland's International Education Strategy 2010–15". Copies of these documents are available from the websites of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and the Department of Education and Skills respectively.
Proposed Legislation
Alan Shatter
Ceist:316 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if the legislation is being prepared to facilitate this State to ratify the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance adopted on the 23 November 2007 to better facilitate the international enforcement of spousal maintenance and child support orders; the reason for the delay in preparing such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39954/10]
The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance will not come into force until it is ratified by two states. It has yet to be ratified by any state. In a parallel development Council Regulation (EC) No. 4/2009 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and cooperation in matters relating to maintenance obligations will apply from 18 June 2011, as between Member States of the EU. Many of the provisions in the Regulation mirror those contained in the Convention.
Discussions are taking place in Brussels as to the feasibility of the Convention being ratified by the Community as a whole as opposed to by individual Member States of the EU. Until a final decision has been reached on this, it would not be possible to decide on the actual content of any legislation that may be needed to give effect to the Hague Convention in our relations with non-EU countries which may ratify the Convention.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:317 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the progress made to date in cross-Border discussions with regard to the management of sex offenders between Northern Ireland and this State; the legislation, if any, he proposes to introduce to facilitate the harmonisation of laws in practice in both Northern Ireland and this State in this area; the differences to date identified between the two jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39955/10]
Arrangements for the management of registered sex offenders is a matter which I discuss regularly with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, including under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Co-operation on Criminal Justice Matters. We share a determination that the border should not be used in any way by such individuals to evade their obligations. To this end there is close co-operation between the two police forces and probation services.
The management of registered sex offenders is one of the discrete areas of co-operation under the Agreement. A Registered Offenders Project Advisory Group, co-chaired by senior members of An Garda Síochána and PSNI and including representatives of other relevant criminal justice agencies, takes directly responsibility for ensuring that the two jurisdictions work closely together on this issue. This work is overseen by the Working Group which co-ordinates overall policy in relation to North-South criminal justice co-operation and which reports directly to Ministers.
The Sex Offenders Act 2001 already contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. The Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State, including from Northern Ireland.
My Department is working on proposals for the greater approximation of the laws North and South of the border in relation to the respective notification systems so that sex offenders can gain no advantage living either side of the border. Currently, the notification period for the purposes of the sex offenders register in this jurisdiction is 7 days. I propose to reduce this period to 3 days to bring it into line with requirements in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
An Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to the current requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions. The Unit maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act.
The Probation Service works closely with An Garda Síochána and has developed common risk assessment instruments related to the management of sex offenders which match those used by the probation and police services in Northern Ireland. Best practice indicates that different jurisdictions as well as different agencies within jurisdictions should use the same risk assessment instruments so as to support effective communication.
An Garda Síochána and the PSNI maintain close contact and exchange intelligence on convicted sex offenders. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Irish and British Governments in 2006 on the sharing between An Garda Síochána and British police forces, including the PSNI, of information on sex offenders. An Garda Síochána and the PSNI have subsequently signed an agreement on the sharing of personal data in relation to the investigation of sexual offences and the monitoring of sex offenders.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:318 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps being taken by the Garda Síochána to counteract the upsurge in the use of illegal mobile phone jammers; if they are being used by gangland criminals during bank raids to prevent persons from calling the Garda Síochána; his views that the current law is adequate to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39956/10]
I am informed that a person may be prosecuted summarily or on indictment for the offence of using any apparatus for the purpose of interfering with any wireless telegraphy. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which is under the aegis of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has a range of powers to monitor and enforce the laws prohibiting the supply, possession and use of mobile phone blockers. These include powers to enter and search premises, seize any such blockers that are found, initiate prosecutions and prosecute summary offences. The governing legislation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I have also requested a report from the Garda authorities setting out the current position insofar as they are concerned and I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
Asylum Applications
Alan Shatter
Ceist:319 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the announced review into the cases of asylum seekers who are waiting five years or more to receive a final decision on applications made to continue residing here; the number of individuals in such circumstances; when the review will be complete and to detail the purpose of the review. [39957/10]
My Department did not announce a review of the nature referred to by the Deputy. On a regular and ongoing basis my Department assesses the cases on hand to ensure that, as far as possible, persons who are waiting for a decision for the longest periods have their cases finalised first.
By way of clarification, the cases referred to by the Deputy are those at the repatriation stage of the asylum/immigration process i.e. where persons who have failed in their application for refugee status and have had their asylum claims rejected proceed to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection and/or written representations for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). Approximately 1,100 cases in the system are there five years or more following the finalisation of their asylum application. This represents some 11% of all such cases. It should be borne in mind that many of these cases are the subject of legal actions instigated by the applicants which must first be dealt with by the Courts before my Department can proceed to finalise them.
Garda Equipment
David Stanton
Ceist:320 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of water cannons available to security forces; when and from where they were procured; the circumstances that would lead to these being put into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40086/10]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána does not currently possess water cannon. The provision of equipment for the Force is, of course, primarily a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
Departmental Properties
Denis Naughten
Ceist:321 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 7 July 2010, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40100/10]
I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service are developing proposals for the utilisation of the facilities at Harristown House beside Castlerea Prison. These proposals will entail the provision of enhanced regime opportunities for approximately 20 prisoners within a secure setting. The proposals are currently being evaluated and costed with a view to submitting a business case to my Department.
Visa Applications
Michael Ring
Ceist:322 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 19 October 2010, if he will detail what a visa transaction is; the number of persons granted visas to enable them to enter Ireland for the purpose of attending a full-time higher education course in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [40108/10]
A visa transaction, as referred to in my reply to Parliamentary Question 355 on 19 October 2010 is a single visa application. When completing the first stage of the visa application process (an on-line visa application form) an applicant is assigned a unique visa transaction number. This detail is unique to the application concerned and must be provided where a query on the status or other inquiry regarding a visa application arises. The provision of this unique visa transaction number ensures that accurate and current information is provided to the authorised inquirer.
It is worth reiterating that the figures referred to in my response to Parliamentary Question 355 relate to visa transactions, for non-EEA nationals, resulting in approval decisions and do not refer to unique individuals. There may be instances where a visa applicant may have made multiple applications. Each of these would count as a transaction but, for the reasons outlined above, it cannot be taken that the number of transactions equals the number of persons granted visas in any one year.
For those students requiring a visa, while the subject to be studied and the level of qualification to be obtained are essential considerations in deciding individual study visa applications, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) does not routinely produce statistical reports of visa applications using the parameters of course title, awarding body or level of qualification. Although the information requested by the Deputy is, therefore, not readily available, analysis carried out as part of the Final Report and Recommendations into a New Immigration Regime for Full-Time Non-EEA Students may be useful. This analysis showed that there were 12,555 non-EEA students enrolled in higher education courses in October 2008, 13,412 in March 2009 and 12,888 in March 2010.
Residency Permits
Alan Shatter
Ceist:323 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of non-EU nationals who have applied for continuing residency here this year to date as a spouse who has married a non-Irish EU national here; the breakdown of the nationality and gender of the applicants and their EU spouses; the nationalities and number of applicants granted such residence to date; the numbers awaiting decision; the numbers refused such residency and the reasons for such refusal. [40126/10]
I should point out that the applications referred to by the Deputy can be based on marriages which do not necessarily have to have taken place in Ireland. My Department does not keep records in such a way that would allow the ready separation of applications based on the location of the marriage. Records in relation to the number of non-EU nationals who married in Ireland in 2010 are held by the General Registrars Office which is under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection.
However, I can inform the Deputy that to end-September 2010 there were 1,950 applications made by non-EU nationals for residency under EU Treaty Rights, of which 1,487 involved spousal applications. For the same period in 2010 there were 1,193 applications granted, with 542 applications being refused and 167 not accepted or withdrawn. Some of these decisions would have related to applications carried over from 2009. At the end of September 2010, there were 1,158 applications on hands awaiting a decision.
Refusals were due to non-compliance with Directive 2004/35/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (the "Directive") and the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 and 2008 (the "Regulations") which transposed the Directive into Irish law.
My Department has prepared statistical information in response to the Deputy's query including a table giving a breakdown by applications based on marriage by the top ten applicants by nationality and by spousal nationality for 2010 and a further two tables give the top ten nationality and gender analysis of EU Treaty Rights applicants based on marriage for 2010. The Deputy will appreciate that the details in this regard are too extensive for inclusion on the normal electronic system for answering Parliamentary Questions. I have, however, made arrangements to have this portion of my reply delivered under separate cover to the Deputy in manuscript form.
For the Deputy's information, certain information on the situation this year, up to 30 September 2010, has been extrapolated from the statistical tables prepared. Pakistani nationals have made the most applications — 286 — based on marriage to an EU citizen with 128 of those applications based on marriage to a Latvian national. Of those 286 Pakistani applicants, 266 were male and 20 were female. The second highest number of applications was made by Nigerian nationals with 185 applications being made based on marriage to an EU citizen with 40 of those applications based on being married to a English national. Of those 185 Nigerian applicants, 121 were male and 64 were female. In total, 293 Latvian spouses have been attached to applications for EU Treaty Rights with 47 being male and 246 being female. There were 227 English spouses attached to applications for EU Treaty Rights with 118 being male and 109 being female.
Asylum Applications
Martin Ferris
Ceist:324 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick can expect a decision on their application for residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40155/10]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 29th January, 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned. This case will be processed to completion as soon as possible.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Departmental Expenditure
Brian Hayes
Ceist:325 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the cost of providing security by members of the Garda Síochána to ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps while living in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40172/10]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and would have to be specially compiled. I have also been informed that this would require the deployment of substantial resources and, in the circumstances, I regret that I am not in a position to provide the relevant details.
Residency Permits
Damien English
Ceist:326 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will review an application for a stamp four for a person (details supplied), in view of the fact that this person has been resident here since January 2002 therefore satisfying the condition that an applicant has completed five years or 60 months legal residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40175/10]
An application for Long Term Residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 14 September 2010.
Long Term Residency is granted on the basis that a non-EEA national has completed five years legal residency in the State on work permit work/work authorisation/working visa conditions. Residency is calculated from the corresponding Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements in an applicant's passport and not by the dates of commencement and expiry of each work permit. Periods of time where a person has not had legal residency cannot be counted in any application for Long Term Residency. On this basis, the person referred to had less than one year's applicable residence and did not satisfy the criteria for obtaining Long Term Residency. A letter setting out the position in this regard issued to the person concerned on 26/10/2010. It is of course open to him to reapply for Long Term Residency when he satisfies the above-mentioned criteria.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Asylum Applications
Martin Ferris
Ceist:327 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry can expect a decision on their application for permission to stay in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40179/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 9 August 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), he was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 29th November, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations were received on his behalf at that time.
On 8th March, 2010, a formal "take back" request was received from the Belgian immigration authorities in respect of the person concerned, in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulations. This request was made because the person concerned had made an application for asylum in Belgium. This request was accepted and arrangements were made for his return from Belgium on 25th May, 2010.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned. The case of the person concerned is amongst a sizeable number of such cases which are awaiting a decision at present. However, the Deputy can be assured that this case will be processed to completion as soon as possible.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Registration of Title
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:328 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns which have been expressed about the operation of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and in particular sections 35 to 39 thereof relating to unregistered easements which may be extinguished if not registered by agreement or confirmed by court order prior to 31 December 2012 which may result in title uncertainties and legal conflicts all over the country; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Law Society conveyancing committee has now raised concerns in this regard; if he will establish a group to examine the issue and advise in good time on any appropriate amendment to the Act. [40213/10]
The position is that my Department has recently received a submission from the Law Society's Conveyancing Committee in relation to this matter. The issues raised in the submission are being examined at present.
Residency Permits
Jack Wall
Ceist:329 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40215/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 522 of Tuesday, 20th April, 2010, in this matter. The person concerned now falls to be considered for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Proposed Legislation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:330 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to initiate the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40227/10]
I am in consultation with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Social Protection with a view to commencing the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 as soon as possible, consistent with the need to make provision in the tax and social welfare codes for civil partners.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:331 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number and job description of persons who have been vetted by the Garda vetting unit for each of the past three years who are at present employed in first and second level education in any capacity full-time, part-time or temporary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40232/10]
In the education sector the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting in respect of persons who are applicants for paid, voluntary and student placement positions in this sector. A number of organisations operating in the education sector are registered with the GCVU for vetting purposes. All vetting applications must be submitted through one of these registered organisations.
The Garda Central Vetting Unit does not maintain records of placements or employment received by vetting subjects with the organisations which have sought the vetting. That is a matter for the organisations themselves. It is, therefore, not possible to give the information sought by the Deputy. In addition it would take a disproportionate amount of Garda resources and time to provide details of the number of Vetting Applications received from registered organisations within the Primary and Secondary education sector which were processed by the GCVU during the last three years.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:332 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40253/10]
My Department uses only one company outside of Ireland for printing purposes. The work in question is in respect of the printing of visa stickers. The company, based in Paris, has successfully produced Irish visa stickers for several years on behalf of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. A core consideration in accessing such services is that the company is a recognised and reputable provider of such visa stickers to several European countries. In order to minimise illegal immigration and fraud, visa stickers utilise a range of essential and complex security features such as hologram, unique serial number identification and other specialised printing features, and they must conform to a very detailed EU standard.
Visa Applications
Phil Hogan
Ceist:333 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a holiday visa will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) who intends to travel here for a two week holiday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40273/10]
I am advised by Officials in the Visa Office of my Department that the visa transaction number provided by the Deputy does not correspond with the visa transaction number for the person referred to. Perhaps if the Deputy clarifies the application which is the subject of his question my Department will endeavour to provide the requested information.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Deportation Orders
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:334 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) who was deported to Nigeria at midnight on 28 October 2010 had been promised by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that a medical professional would personally examine their child prior to the deportation to ensure their fitness to travel; if he will confirm if any such examination by a medical professional took place prior to the deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40316/10]
I can confirm that the family in question including the minor referred to by the Deputy were returned to Nigeria on 28 October 2010. The minor was medically examined prior to the flight's departure by a doctor who was aware of the child's full medical history and deemed him fit to fly home with his family. On arrival in Nigeria, the child was again medically examined by the same doctor (who had travelled on the flight) who raised no concerns.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:335 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40339/10]
I can inform the Deputy that in November 2007, a High Level Group chaired by an Assistant Secretary, involving An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and the National Office for the Prevention of Sexual, Domestic and Gender-based Violence (Cosc) was established in my Department. Their role was to examine the current arrangements in place for the management of sex offenders with a view to strengthening inter-agency cooperation and further enhancing public protection and safety. Their remit included a review of the procedures and legislation relating to the assessment, monitoring and supervision of convicted sex offenders. In January, 2009 the group published a discussion document and following that, a response document was published on 11 October, 2010. The Group has met on 17 occasions since its establishment.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:336 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40354/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department was represented on an Inter-Departmental Group established and chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to oversee and monitor progress on reducing the administrative burden of regulations on Irish-based business by 25%.
My Department has fully participated in the process to identify and reduce administrative burdens based on guidance from the lead Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. Officials from my Department and agencies have attended training sessions, participated at bilateral and Inter-Departmental Group meetings and followed up on any queries raised by officials from the lead Department. As the Deputy will be aware, the first phase of the Administrative Burdens reduction process involved the identification and listing of information obligations/administrative burdens while it was proposed that a second phase would deal with the detailed measurement and simplification of such burdens.
Under phase one, a comprehensive examination of all information obligations and administrative burdens placed on business was carried out in all divisions and agencies within my Department's remit. My Department did not find any measures in place which imposed unfair or unnecessary burdens on business. Because my Department did not identify administrative burdens that required further action as part of the prioritised approach it was not necessary to proceed to the second phase. The lead Department was advised of this position in writing. My Department continues to participate in the Inter-Departmental Group.
EU Treaties
Michael Creed
Ceist:337 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the likelihood of a new EU constitutional treaty to facilitate putting the ad hoc fiscal stability fund agreed in June 2010 on a permanent basis, and to also facilitate the development of an orderly insolvency procedure in the eurozone, and to allow for sanctions against member states who are in excessive deficit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39645/10]
The report of the Task Force on economic governance chaired by President Herman van Rompuy covers issues of increased fiscal discipline and of a permanent crisis mechanism. These matters were also the subject of a statement on 18 October made by President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel when they met in Deauville. The European Council meeting of 28-29 October considered these matters in depth. The Taoiseach participated in these deliberations.
The European Council endorsed the report of the Task Force and called for rapid adoption of legislation to implement its recommendations. These include inter alia measures to provide for sanctions against member states in the excessive deficit procedure. The European Council agreed on the need for the member states to establish a permanent crisis mechanism. It invited the President of the European Council to undertake consultations on a limited treaty change to give effect to this, while specifying that article 125 of the Treaty on Functioning of the EU (the "no bail-out" clause) should not be modified in the process.
The Commission is to undertake preparatory work on the general features of a new mechanism including the role of the private sector, the role of the IMF and the very strong conditionality that would apply to associated programmes. The European Council is to return to the matter in December with a view to taking a decision on treaty amendment so that a change can be ratified by mid-2013 at the latest. It is intended that the change to the Treaty be limited, and it would not give rise to a new EU Constitutional Treaty.
Foreign Conflicts
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:338 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports that preparations for the referendum to decide the future of south Sudan and the peoples of that region due to take place on 9 January 2011 have not been adequate; the action Ireland is taking bilaterally and through the EU to ensure that preparations are supported to ensure the process is legitimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39657/10]
The north-south peace process in Sudan is at a critical juncture as the country prepares for a referendum on self-determination for the South and a separate referendum on the status of the district of Abyei on 9 January 2011. The referenda are envisaged by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which brought an end to the north-south conflict in Sudan. Ireland and the EU believe that full implementation of the CPA is fundamental to securing peace and stability in Sudan as a whole and in the wider region. This is a position shared by a wide range of countries, including the United States and the Member States of the African Union.
Preparations for the two referenda have commenced. Voter registration will begin on 14 November and the electoral register is scheduled to be finalised on 31 November. The Referendum Commission for South Sudan has commenced its work and preparation of approximately 3,600 polling stations in Sudan is underway. Electoral materials have been prepared and pre-positioned within Sudan for distribution to the polling stations. However, much remains to be achieved in the remaining time, in particular arrangements for the conduct of the referendum in Abyei, which remain to be agreed between the two sides. Further progress is also needed on clarifying a number of ‘post-referendum' issues, in particular citizenship arrangements, delimitation of the border between North and South Sudan and agreement on sharing of oil revenues, to enable voters to make an informed choice when they go to the polls in January.
The three-member panel appointed by UN Secretary General Ban to monitor the referendum identified this and a number of other concerns following their visit to Sudan last month. The panel members called on the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan to take all necessary steps to ensure the conditions necessary for the successful conduct of both referenda. They expressed the view that, should these efforts be made, it is still possible to hold both referenda according to the original timetable.
In view of the importance attached to a peaceful and orderly referendum process in Sudan, the international community has intensified its efforts to facilitate progress on the issue of the two referenda. Efforts are underway to prepare for a further round of talks in Ethiopia between the two parties which it is hoped will resume soon under the auspices of the African Union. Preparations are also underway for a summit meeting on Sudan of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which comprises six countries in east Africa including Sudan, in Addis Ababa on 6 November. A meeting of the Consultative Forum on Sudan is also foreseen.
It is hoped that these initiatives will help the parties reach agreement on the necessary arrangements for the two referenda. The UN continues to play a lead role in coordinating international assistance to the Sudanese authorities through the UN mission in Sudan. The Security Council heard a report on the situation in Sudan on 25 October which reviewed the state of preparations for the two polls. The EU Special Representative to Sudan, Rosalind Marsden, is playing an active role in encouraging both sides to fulfil their obligations under the CPA. The EU will deploy an Election Observation Mission to Sudan, to cover both the voter registration process and the referendum and preparations for this mission have already begun.
Nationally, Ireland attaches considerable importance to a peaceful and orderly referendum process. This was one of the pressing issues I highlighted in my address to the UN General Assembly last month and personnel from our Embassy have also recently visited South Sudan to review the situation on the ground. In September last, Ireland participated in a meeting with the Government of Southern Sudan hosted by the European Commission in Brussels. The meeting offered an opportunity for the Government of Southern Sudan to outline its plan for capacity building and consolidation of governance during the remainder of the interim period of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which is due to conclude in July 2011, as well as its longer term vision.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan as a whole remains a matter of deep concern. In particular, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan continues to be one of the worst in the world, where even basic needs often go unmet. Ireland will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of South Sudan. Ireland has provided over €35 million since 2008 for humanitarian and recovery projects across Sudan, including in Darfur and South Sudan.
Overseas Elections
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:339 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the next general election in Angola is due to take place in 2012; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the last election in 2008 was judged by some observers to be illegitimate; the steps Ireland is taking directly and through the EU to ensure that preparations for the election in 2012 and the elections themselves will be free, fair and legitimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39658/10]
Angola's first parliamentary election since 1992, and only the second since 1975, took place in September 2008. The ruling MPLA party won a landslide majority in the 2008 general election, with 82% of votes and a total of 191 seats out of 220. This gave it a two-thirds majority in Parliament. An EU election observation mission at the time said that they represented a ‘positive step towards strengthening democracy', despite some organisational weaknesses and state control of the media. While the EU 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 of the National Elections Commission (CNE).
The 2008 elections, though subject to these caveats, represented an important milestone for Angola on the route to democracy. Turnout was estimated at over 75%, which was a demonstration of the Angolan people's enthusiasm for the democratic process. That the elections passed off peacefully is significant given that the results of the only previous election in Angola in 1992 were violently disputed, leading to the re-intensification of the civil war. The next round of Parliamentary elections is due to take place in 2012. In relation to possible international assistance for these elections, the EU-Angola Country Strategy Paper for the period 2008-2013 allows for support to the Angolan electoral cycle, in areas of voter education and capacity-building to key institutions, including the National Electoral Commission. EU assistance, including a possible electoral observation mission, is dependent on a request being made by the national authorities.
On a broader level, the promotion of democratic accountability and equality in order to ensure equitable and sustainable development is a policy priority of the Irish overseas aid programme. Our work in this area includes participation in election monitoring and support; support for parliaments and parliamentary reform; support for strengthened public financial management systems and oversight bodies; and support for civil society, including independent media. Irish Aid will continue to prioritise support to this important area and help to ensure effective, equitable and accountable governance in developing countries, particularly in Africa.
Overseas Development Aid
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:340 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure that Ireland meets its 0.7% target of GNP in overseas aid by 2015; the timeline for delivering on this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39666/10]
Ireland has committed to the UN target to provide 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) to Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 2015. The EU has committed to collectively attain the UN target by 2015, and has set an interim target of 0.51% for Ireland and other Member States in 2010. This year the Government is providing a total of €671 million for ODA. On current projections, this will amount to at least 0.52% of GNP, thereby exceeding the EU interim target. Last year, Ireland was the seventh most generous aid donor in the world in per capita terms. We are ahead of most other EU Member States in our progress towards the achievement of the international ODA target by 2015.
The economic crisis of the past two years has required very difficult decisions across all areas of public expenditure, including the allocations for ODA. The sole motivation and objective of these decisions has been the need to restore stability to the public finances, in order to create the conditions for a resumption of economic growth. Stable public finances and sustained growth in our own economy are the indispensable bases for the resumption of sustainable growth in the aid programme. The Deputy will be fully aware of the extent of the challenge facing the Government in framing the Budget for 2011. The decision in relation to ODA, as with all budget expenditure decisions, will be taken in the light of the commitment by all parties to stabilising the public finances and restoring growth to the Irish economy.
The Government's aid programme is the Irish people's aid programme. We can be justifiably proud that it continues to receive strong international recognition for its quality and effectiveness and for its particular sharp focus on the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa. I am committed to maintaining the high quality of our aid programme, and its focus on the fight against global poverty and hunger.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:341 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39680/10]
There are a number of different schemes operating in my Department which administer grant funding: the Irish Aid programme, Ireland's programme of official development assistance; the Emigrant Support Programme; the Reconciliation Fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish Co-operation; the Anti-Sectarianism Fund; the Communicating Europe Initiative; the Cultural Programme; and the Asia Strategy. In addition to this there are a number of grants which are given to specific projects, programmes or organisations such as the Atlantic Corridor Project; the Irish College in Paris; the Fulbright Commission; the European Movement Ireland, Title V of the Treaty on European Union Grants,and the Documents in Irish Foreign Policy Project.
Appropriate financial procedures and regulations are followed in relation to all funding provided by my Department, including, where appropriate, the requesting of certified or audited annual accounts and tax clearance certificates. Many of the schemes are aimed at civil society organisations, most of whom are not required to publish annual accounts. In cases where the provision of the grant or subvention is on a statutory basis and requires the placement of the accounts in the library of the Oireachtas, this is done.
In some instances it has not been possible, in the time available, to provide the detail requested relating to funding in the year payments commenced. Details can be provided to the Deputy at a later stage if required.
Irish Aid
The Government is providing a total of €671m for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2010. Of this, €536m is administered by my Department, which manages the Government's development cooperation programme. Under Vote 29 (International Cooperation), Irish Aid, which is based in the Development Cooperation Division of the Department, provides funding to a wide range of partners, including developing country partner governments, UN Agencies and other Multilateral and International Organisations, development Non-Governmental and Missionaries Organisations, and other civil society groups.
Funding is provided through various aid modalities and funding schemes managed by the aid programme. The clear focus of the programme, and funding allocation, is the alleviation of poverty, with a particular concentration on meeting fundamental needs, including food security, access to safe water, primary health care and access to basic education. Approximately 95% of the overall funding allocated to Vote 29 in 2010 is managed through Grant or Grants in Aid funding schemes. The balance is allocated to meet the costs associated with the management, oversight and administration of the aid programme.
The main funding schemes, together with overall allocations for 2010, are summarised as follows.
|
€ million |
|
|
Bilateral Priority Partner Countries |
190.3 |
|
Other Bilateral countries |
16.8 |
|
Civil Society Funding Schemes including the Multi-Annual Programme funding scheme |
101.6 |
|
Development Education and Public Information, including the Strategic partnership with Irish Third Level Institutions |
11.5 |
|
Global Initiatives in the areas of Health, Education, HIV and AIDS, Food Security, Governance, Gender and Environment, |
38.9 |
|
Recovery and support to Fragile States |
20.5 |
|
Emergency Humanitarian Assistance |
54.0 |
|
Contributions to Multilateral and other International Organisations including Voluntary Contributions to UN Agencies |
67.5 |
Detailed information on expenditure, including organisations and projects funded, under Vote 29 and Ireland's total Overseas Development Programme is provided annually in the Irish Aid Annual Report http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/publications_report , which is placed in the Library.
Emigrant Support Programme
Following the 2002 report of the Task Force on policy regarding emigrants, the Government decided that the Department of Foreign Affairs would have lead responsibility for support services to emigrants and Irish communities abroad. My Department's Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides grant funding to Irish community organisations abroad, and in particular to organisations which support vulnerable members of those communities. The Irish Abroad Unit, established in my Department in 2004, has responsibility for making recommendations on funding.
In 2004, the first financial year for which my Department had lead responsibility for emigrant services grants, a total of €5,047,038 was provided to organisations giving assistance to Irish community groups abroad and those working with Irish emigrants. A list of these grants is included below. To date in 2010 grants totalling €10,405,866 have been provided through the ESP. The table below summarises the regions and organisations to which the funds have been paid to date this year.
All funding awarded under the ESP is approved for specific purposes, based on the applications received. The application process requires organisations to complete an on-line application form which includes the submission of their most recent accounting statements. In addition, organisations are required to submit by an agreed date a progress report, including financial details, on the project undertaken, and detailing how the project has contributed towards the achievement of the aims of the Emigrant Support Programme.
Reconciliation Fund & Anti-Sectarianism Fund
My Department funds cross community and cross border projects through its Reconciliation and Anti Sectarianism Funds. The Reconciliation Fund was established in 1982 and the Anti Sectarianism Fund was launched in 2008. The purpose of these Funds is to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and efforts to create better understanding between people on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain, and to assist local initiatives aimed at tackling sectarianism. Up to €3 million has been allocated for both Funds in 2010. To date, €1.92 million has been awarded to 77 organisations, details of which are included below. A further round of funding will be announced shortly. All awards are published via press release on my Department's website (www.dfa.ie ). The Funds receive applications from a variety of different organisations and successful applicants vary from year to year.
Each grant recipient must provide my Department with a written, detailed report of the project undertaken. All recipients of grant aid in excess of €12,500 must provide audited accounts on completion of the project. A Tax Clearance Certificate is required for grants in excess of €10,000. In addition to these procedures, officials from my Department regularly visit projects to assess suitably for funding.
Promoting Ireland Abroad Grants
Under the Cultural grant-in-aid funding of my Department, which is administered by the Promoting Ireland Abroad Division, support is provided in the form of annual grants to two bodies, the Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (known as the Fulbright Commission) and the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris, as well as for cultural activity by the Embassy network. The Fulbright Commission supports study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States and the programme in Ireland was established in 1957. It was originally funded with £500,000, drawn from the original American Grant Counterpart Account of £6,000,000 given to Ireland, pursuant to the Economic Cooperation Agreement of 1948. In 2010, funding of €254,000 has been provided by my Department.
The funding is used to support scholarships to Irish citizens to study and research in the United States and for US citizens to study and research in Ireland. In accordance with the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, a copy of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and of the audited accounts of the Fulbright Commission are lodged annually with both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Centre Culturel Irlandais (Irish Cultural Centre) in the Irish College in Paris promotes cultural and educational exchange between France and Ireland. The college dates from the 16th century and, following a major refurbishment in 2001-2002 the Centre Culturel Irlandais was formally inaugurated in October 2002. A grant of €130,000 was provided by my Department in 2003 and the centre has received a grant of €150,000 in 2010. The funding is used to support the Centre's cultural programme.
In 2010, a further €450,000 has been allocated to cultural initiatives undertaken by the Embassy and Consular network. Missions are provided with dedicated allocations to allow them plan and implement small-scale cultural activities. This figure also includes some support to Irish Studies at universities overseas.
Through Promoting Ireland Abroad Division,funding is also provided to the Atlantic Corridor project. The Atlantic Corridor was founded to facilitate, through its network of transatlantic and cross border activities and international linkages, the development of projects that will assist in supporting sustainable economic development and enhanced educational attainment. Atlantic Corridor has built and maintained relationships with key partners in the US, Canada and Northern Ireland. Funding of €254,000 was first provided in 2001, and funding of €250,000 has been provided in 2010.
The aim of the Asia Strategy is to establish a formal context in which the public and private sectors can work together to realise the benefits of political and economic linkages with Asian countries. In 2010, €200,000 has been allocated to the Asia Strategy activities undertaken by my Department. Activities funded included the Shanghai Internship Programme; promotion programmes organised in sectors such as science and technology, tourism and education, and inward media visits. These activities are administered by Irish Embassies in the region.
Communicating Europe
The Communicating Europe Initiative was established in 1995 to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues. A call for proposals issues on an annual basis. In 2010, my Department has approved funding of €238,900 in respect of 50 projects. A list of the groups funded in 2010 is included below.
The European Movement Ireland
The European Movement Ireland, established in 1954, promotes public discussion and debate about developments in the European Union. It does this through a range of information initiatives including public conferences, seminars and briefing sessions and the publication and dissemination of information materials. In 2010, funding of €234,000 has been paid to the European Movement Ireland by my Department.
Title V of the Treaty on European Union Grants
Established in 2002, the purpose of this Subhead is to support actions consequent on Title V of the Treaty on the European Union. Title V established the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Expenditure under this Subhead has included mandatory contributions arising from our membership of the EU to the EU Satellite Centre and the EU Institute for Security Studies. Discretionary funding which promotes Ireland's CFSP priorities and the values which underpin Irish foreign policy is also disbursed from this Subhead. A list of grants made to date in 2010 under this funding scheme is included below. Funding for the recipients this year began between 2004 and 2009 and totals for the start year of funding for each organisation are given below. It should be noted that that not all of these organisations have received funding in each of the intervening years.
The reporting regime under this Subhead varies, according to the type of organisation being funded. Grants to international and regional organisations are always reflected in those organisations' annual accounts which are sent to my Department; other partner organisations provide appropriate reporting on expenditure and publicise the grant in official literature. In all cases, organisations are required to acknowledge receipt of funds and are monitored by my Department to ensure the grant is utilised appropriately and for the purposes outlined in the project proposal.
Documents in Irish Foreign Policy Project
The Documents in Irish Foreign Policy (DIFP) series is a multi-volume series of documents on Irish foreign policy which my Department undertakes in association with the Royal Irish Academy and the National Archives. The project was established in 1996, after being recommended in the 1996 White Paper on Foreign Policy. The 2010 allocation from my Department for the DIFP project is €175,000. The project operates under a Memorandum of Understanding which includes a provision that a copy of the audited accounts are provided to my Department in advance of payment being made. The accounts of the DIFP project, in common with all monies under the control of the RIA, are audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Details of the aforementioned grants schemes are listed in the tables below.
|
€ |
|
|
174 Trust (The) |
36,000 |
|
1825 Project (The) |
37,500 |
|
Ballybeen Improvement Group |
6,000 |
|
Ballybeen Women’s Centre |
12,500 |
|
Bogside Artists (The) |
8,000 |
|
Cairn Lodge Amateur Boxing Club |
3,500 |
|
Cityside Amateur Boxing Club |
3,500 |
|
Clooney Estate Residents Association |
4,000 |
|
Creggan Enterprises |
10,000 |
|
ECF Links |
20,000 |
|
Football in the Community — Teenage Kickz -Holywell Trust |
30,000 |
|
Forthspring Inter Community Group |
15,000 |
|
Giants Community Foundation |
30,000 |
|
Greater Village Regeneration Trust |
9,500 |
|
Helping Hands Training Projects |
11,000 |
|
Hobby Horse Cross Community Playgroup |
10,000 |
|
ICTU |
90,000 |
|
Junction (The) / Irish School of Ecumenics |
15,000 |
|
Maiden City Festival |
40,000 |
|
Mission Hall Quilts Ltd |
7,500 |
|
Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association — NIMMA |
20,000 |
|
Pat Finucane Centre “Henry Cunningham Bursary” |
5,000 |
|
Sally Gardens Community Centre |
5,000 |
|
Show Racism the Red Card |
9,000 |
|
South Lough Neagh Regeneration Assoc. |
18,000 |
|
St Patricks Festival Limerick |
7,500 |
|
Tiger’s Bay Boxing Club |
4,000 |
|
Youthaction NI |
25,000 |
|
Youthcom / Crossing The Bridges |
50,000 |
|
Youthlink |
60,000 |
|
€ |
|
|
Achieve Enterprises |
42,500 |
|
All Ireland Schools Choir |
45,000 |
|
Axis Arts Centre Ballymun |
15,000 |
|
Ballyduff Community House |
8,000 |
|
Ballykeel 2 Residents Association |
4,500 |
|
Ballymac Friendship Trust |
3,500 |
|
Belleek & District Community Partnership |
8,000 |
|
Belturbet Row Boat Club |
2,500 |
|
Brookeborough LOL / Riverstown |
2,500 |
|
Clonard Monastery |
12,500 |
|
Community Relations in Schools |
12,500 |
|
Community Technical Aid |
11,000 |
|
Cooperation Ireland |
425,000 |
|
Countrywide Hillwalkers Association |
400 |
|
Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain |
3,500 |
|
Derry Theatre Trust T/A The Millennium Forum |
15,000 |
|
Dooneen Community Association |
17,500 |
|
Downpatrick Listowel Linkage Group |
22,500 |
|
Forge Family Resource Centre |
12,500 |
|
Fountain Cultural Society |
8,000 |
|
Friends Forever |
17,500 |
|
Glencree |
270,000 |
|
Handful Productions |
5,000 |
|
Hazel Wand Theatre School |
6,000 |
|
Hillsborough Working Together |
5,000 |
|
Intercomm Ireland |
10,000 |
|
Irish Peace Institute |
25,000 |
|
Journey of Remembering |
10,000 |
|
Kids own Publishing Partnership Ltd |
15,000 |
|
Laurencetown, Leanaderg & Tullylish Community Association |
5,000 |
|
Mosside Development Group Ltd |
5,000 |
|
New Lodge Arts |
7,500 |
|
Newbuildings Community Association |
7,500 |
|
Northern Ireland Trade Union |
70,000 |
|
Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership |
9,500 |
|
Positive Futures / Enable Ireland |
25,000 |
|
Rás na hÉireann |
15,000 |
|
Saver Naver |
17,500 |
|
Short Strand Community Forum |
7,500 |
|
Strule Dolphins Swimming Club |
4,000 |
|
Summer Madness |
5,000 |
|
Tara Centre |
45,000 |
|
Tyrone Derry & Donegal Action |
15,000 |
|
Ullans Academy (The) |
5,000 |
|
Woodvale Community Youth Group |
9,500 |
|
Youth Work Ireland-Monaghan |
10,000 |
|
Youthworks C.I.C. |
15,000 |
|
Díon Grants (Britain) |
€ |
|
Safe Home Programme Ltd., Mulranny, Co. Mayo |
132,000 |
|
Acton Homeless Concern, North London |
67,560 |
|
Age Concern Ealing |
51,600 |
|
Age Concern Hackney Borough |
26,160 |
|
Aisling Return to Ireland project, Camden |
49,980 |
|
Arlington Action Group, Camden |
36,420 |
|
Birmingham Irish Community Forum (2nd Tier) |
40,500 |
|
Blackfriars Advice Centre |
47,580 |
|
Brent Irish Advisory Service |
120,000 |
|
Broadway — Day Centre & Night Shelter London |
44,800 |
|
Cairde na nGael — Newham & District Friends of Ireland |
61,920 |
|
Camden Elderly Irish Network |
66,660 |
|
CARA Irish Housing Association |
27,120 |
|
Coventry Irish Society (formerly ICARG) |
93,240 |
|
Cricklewood Homeless Concern (inc. building project) |
215,560 |
|
Federated Irish Association, Nottingham & Notts 2nd Tier |
43,680 |
|
Federation of Irish Societies |
79,080 |
|
Federation of Irish Societies (Capacity Building Project) |
324,000 |
|
Finsbury Park Street Drinkers Initiative |
39,600 |
|
GAA London Schools Project |
38,400 |
|
Gloucester Emergency Accommodation Resource |
15,600 |
|
Haringey Irish Cultural &Community Care Centre |
99,420 |
|
Immigrant Counselling & Psychotherapy (ICAP) |
110,400 |
|
Irish Centre Housing / Job Powerhouse |
39,120 |
|
Irish Charitable Trust/ ISAS Hammersmith |
124,000 |
|
Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas |
132,000 |
|
Irish Community Care Manchester (inc. building project) |
128,320 |
|
Irish Community Care Merseyside |
130,620 |
|
Irish in Greenwich Project (incl Lewisham 1993-97) |
111,120 |
|
Irish Travellers Movement (ITM) |
56,580 |
|
Irish Welfare and Information Centre , Birmingham |
181,620 |
|
Kilburn Irish Pensioners Club |
3,600 |
|
Leeds Irish Health and Homes |
100,440 |
|
Leicester Irish Forum |
25,200 |
|
Lewisham Irish Community Centre |
35,640 |
|
London Gypsy and Traveller Unit, Hackney |
77,400 |
|
London Irish Centre Charity Camden (inc. building project) |
291,580 |
|
London Irish Elders Forum |
50,400 |
|
London Irish Women’s Centre |
104,760 |
|
Luton Irish Forum |
42,180 |
|
New Horizon Youth Centre |
38,400 |
|
NOAH Enterprise (Luton Day Centre for the Homeless) |
67,320 |
|
Northampton Irish Support Group |
49,980 |
|
RehabCare, Coventry |
65,760 |
|
Safe Start Foundation |
46,260 |
|
Sandwell Irish Society, West Midlands |
42,360 |
|
Sheffield Gypsy and Traveller Support Group |
22,080 |
|
Sheffield Irish Peoples’ Support & Devt Group |
53,280 |
|
Social Clubs in Lancashire and Yorkshire |
45,000 |
|
South London Irish Welfare Society, Wimbledon |
82,860 |
|
Southwark Irish Pensioners Project |
79,680 |
|
Southwark Travellers’ Action Group (STAG) |
70,500 |
|
St. Mungo’s Housing Association |
34,500 |
|
Tara Irish Pensioners Club |
3,600 |
|
The Connection at St. Martin’s |
28,440 |
|
The Emerald Circle, Harrow |
3,600 |
|
The Maya Centre (Counselling) |
21,840 |
|
The Passage |
55,210 |
|
The Simon Community |
56,890 |
|
Total: |
4,333,420 |
|
USA Grants |
€ |
|
Irish Pastoral Center, Boston |
71,009.83 |
|
Boston Irish Immigration Center |
94,109.83 |
|
Emerald Isle Immigration Center, New York |
78,441.09 |
|
Project Irish Outreach, New York |
61,927.17 |
|
Aisling Irish Center, New York |
49,541.74 |
|
Irish Immigration and Pastoral Center, Philadelphia |
49,541.74 |
|
Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre, San Francisco |
41,284.78 |
|
Irish Outreach, San Diego |
14,862.52 |
|
Seattle Irish Immigrant Support |
1,651.39 |
|
Chicago Irish Immigrant Support |
35,504.91 |
|
Fáilte Irish Immigration Center, Washington DC |
12,385.43 |
|
Ocean City Irish Student Outreach |
1,238.54 |
|
Fáilte Centre, New York |
23,100 |
|
Total: |
534,599.00 |
|
Australia Grants |
€ |
|
Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Melbourne |
28,300 |
|
Irish Australian Welfare Bureau and Resource Centre |
16,800 |
|
Australian Irish Welfare Bureau, Wollongong |
2,900 |
|
Total: |
48,000 |
|
Ireland Grants |
€ |
|
Safe Home (in respect of services outside of Britain) |
25,000 |
|
Emigrant Advice |
35,488 |
|
Dermot Daly (Irish representative, Europeans Throughout the World) |
531 |
|
ÉAN |
40,000 |
|
Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas |
30,000 |
|
Total: |
131,019 |
|
Group |
€ |
|
Irish Emigrant Groups Britain |
7,943,596 |
|
Irish Emigrant Groups USA |
1,807,789 |
|
Emigrant Services based in Ireland |
633,684 |
|
Irish Emigrant Groups Japan |
13,479 |
|
Irish Emigrant Groups P.R. of China |
7,318 |
|
Paid to date |
10,405,866 |
|
Britain |
€ |
|
Acton Homeless Concern (London) |
56,402 |
|
Age Concern Hillingdon (Middlesex) |
9,896 |
|
Aisling Project (London) |
117,616 |
|
Bell Farm Christian Centre (Middlesex) |
12,124 |
|
Benefits Advice Shop (Denbighshire) |
6,053 |
|
Birmingham Irish Community Forum |
87,699 |
|
Blackfriars Advice Centre (London) |
23,257 |
|
Bolton Irish Community Association |
8,475 |
|
Bradford Irish Club Ltd |
6,053 |
|
Brent Adolescent Centre (London) |
33,596 |
|
Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) |
224,297 |
|
Brian Boru Club (Wigan) |
44,552 |
|
Causeway Irish Housing Association (London) |
28,323 |
|
Celtic & Irish Cultural Society (Crawley) |
21,823 |
|
Central & Cecil Housing Trust (London) |
62,219 |
|
Central Eltham Youth Project (London) |
29,098 |
|
Comhaltas CeoltóiríÉireann (Liverpool) |
174,754 |
|
Conradh na Gaeilge, Glaschú (Glasgow) |
41,940 |
|
Council of Irish County Associations (London) |
6,133 |
|
Coventry Irish Society |
152,345 |
|
Cricklewood Homeless Concern (London) |
207,288 |
|
Derby Irish Association |
36,372 |
|
Edinburgh Cyrenians |
16,525 |
|
Emerald Circle Club (Harrow) |
3,637 |
|
Emerald Senior Citizens Group (Wolverhampton) |
8,475 |
|
Equinox (London) |
31,855 |
|
Feith an Cheoil School of Irish Traditional Music |
4,850 |
|
Federation of Irish Societies |
686,435 |
|
Forest Bus (Southampton) |
6,208 |
|
Friends, Families and Travellers (Brighton) |
12,556 |
|
Full Irish Festival and Funday (Cheshire) |
5,456 |
|
Gael Music (Reading) |
4,243 |
|
Garngad Irish Heritage Group |
10,912 |
|
GEAR Project (Gloucester) |
24,213 |
|
Greenwich Irish Pensioners Association (London) |
6,901 |
|
Halifax and District Irish Society |
20,823 |
|
Halifax Irish Centre |
16,974 |
|
Haringey Irish Cultural and Community Centre (London) |
190,923 |
|
Harps Community Project (Glasgow) |
40,010 |
|
Haslingden IDL Club |
4,564 |
|
Huddersfield Irish Centre |
7,008 |
|
Huddersfield St Patrick’s Day Parade Association |
5,811 |
|
Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP) (London) |
225,895 |
|
Irish Chaplaincy in Britain (London) |
223,610 |
|
Irish Charitable Trust (London) |
200,230 |
|
Irish Community Care Manchester |
214,529 |
|
Irish Community Care Merseyside |
299,402 |
|
Irish Community Services (formally Irish in Greenwich) |
244,236 |
|
Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith |
252,179 |
|
Irish Elderly Advice Network (London) |
106,007 |
|
Irish Heritage (Surrey) |
11,017 |
|
Irish Network (Stevenage) |
5,233 |
|
Irish Oral History Archive (London) |
97,743 |
|
Irish Pensioners Choir |
4,001 |
|
Irish Repertory Theatre and Film Company (London) |
7,517 |
|
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (London) |
139,385 |
|
Irish Tuesday Club (Liverpool) |
8,492 |
|
Irish Welfare & Information Centre (Birmingham) |
215,436 |
|
Irish World Heritage Centre (Manchester) |
39,877 |
|
Kilburn Irish Pensioners |
5,436 |
Overseas Trade
Michael Creed
Ceist:342 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU proposes to hold an EU-Asia summit to enable the EU to position itself to take maximum advantage of the growing economies in Asia, including China, Singapore and India, and the investment and employment opportunities that these economies could bring to the EU and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39690/10]
The emergence of China and India as global economic powers in recent years makes Asia a key regional partner for the EU. Relations between the EU and Asia are organised on different levels. There are the region to region arrangements; there are relations between the EU and individual Asian countries; and there are the bilateral relations of EU Member States with individual countries. Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is the main multilateral forum for high level regional dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Asia. It was established in 1996 and involves virtually the whole of Asia, including Brunei, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This year, Australia, New Zealand and Russia have been admitted to the group.
ASEM leaders meet at summits every two years. The 8th ASEM Summit was held in Brussels on 4-5 October. It brought together the leaders of 46 countries, together representing half of the world's GDP, almost 60% of the world's population and 60% of global trade. The summit highlighted the strong links between the EU and Asia and gave new momentum to the relationship. Leaders addressed a wide range of issues under four themes — global financial and economic governance; sustainable development; international cooperation on global and regional issues and the future of ASEM. A key outcome of ASEM 8 was the Brussels Declaration on More Effective Global Economic Governance.
The Taoiseach attended the ASEM Summit where he had the opportunity to meet in the margins with a number of Heads of Government of participating countries, including the Chinese Premier. He also participated in a breakfast meeting with the Asia Europe Business Forum, where leaders met senior business representatives from Asia and Europe.
The EU is keenly aware of the necessity to take full advantage of annual summits with key partner countries in Asia to strongly promote its economic and trade agenda. This was a key issue highlighted at the September European Council meeting on external relations which approved a series of internal measures to improve the effectiveness of the EU's approach to its strategic partners.
During 2010, the EU also held separate bilateral summits with Japan (April), China (October) and Korea (October), while a summit with India will take place in December. At these high level meetings, the EU strongly promotes the trade and investment dimension of the relationship. During the summit with Korea, leaders signed the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which is the largest agreement of its type ever entered into by the EU. The EU is currently negotiating major partnership agreements with China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, while there are also plans to seek new trade agreements with Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Diplomatic Representation
Finian McGrath
Ceist:343 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [39716/10]
The Deputy will be aware, from my PQ reply to him of 21 October, that having been advised of the difficulties being experienced by Killester United Football Club members at immigration at São Paolo airport our Embassy immediately contacted the immigration authorities to ascertain why the group had been refused entry. Our Embassy was informed by the Brazilian authorities that the decision to refuse entry was based on an alleged incident involving two members of the group and two Brazilian citizens during the Iberia flight from Madrid to São Paulo. It is understood that on landing in Sao Paulo, the Brazilian citizens lodged a formal complaint with the Military Police at the airport who are responsible for immigration control and that this complaint was verified by a number of other passengers on the flight. The Embassy was informed that the decision to refuse entry was based on this complaint and its subsequent verification by Brazilian authorities.
As I mentioned in my earlier reply to the Deputy the application of Brazilian law is a matter for the Brazilian authorities and it is not appropriate for the Department of Foreign Affairs to become directly involved in that process. However, our Embassy has again contacted the Brazilian Immigration Police authorities and were, I understand, informed that the citizens/ group involved could send complaint for the attention of the Federal Police Superintendent in the State where the refusal occurred. Our Embassy was also informed that the Superintendent in charge will consider any such complaint and decide whether or not to send it to the Delegate at Immigration in the airport who made the decision for refusal. My Department will provide you with the contact details for the relevant Superintendent in São Paulo, as provided to them by the Brazilian authorities.
I also understand that our Embassy has been advised that any complaint should be laid out clearly, in as much detail as possible, and must be sent in Portuguese. If the group require any further information in this regard, they are welcome to contact the Consular Section of my Department. I also understand that there is no agency similar to our Garda Ombudsman tasked with the consideration of complaints and/or any compensation which might arise following a refusal of entry and that it appears from our Embassy's contact with the Brazilian authorities that any form of compensation is extremely unlikely.
International Agreements
Michael Creed
Ceist:344 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on ratification of the stabilisation and association agreement with Serbia and if he will indicate the Government’s position regarding the level of Serbian co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39732/10]
Negotiations on an EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) began in 2005. However, the negotiation and signing process for the Agreement was delayed on a number of occasions until the EU was satisfied with Belgrade's level of cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Cooperation with the ICTY is a precondition for those wishing to conclude Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the EU. Following positive assessments by the ICTY Chief Prosecutor regarding Serbia's ongoing cooperation with the Tribunal, Ministers decided by consensus at the June Foreign Affairs Council to submit the EU-Serbia SAA to national parliaments for ratification. At the same time, the Council again underlined that full cooperation with ICTY remains an essential element of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement process. The requirement for full cooperation with the ICTY is included in the text of the SAA with Serbia in Articles 2 and 4.
Each Member State ratifies Stabilisation and Association Agreements according to its own internal procedures. In Ireland's case, this requires the passing of a Resolution by Dáil Éireann approving the terms of the Agreement. It is proposed to submit a motion to Dáil Éireann in relation to the ratification by Ireland of the SAA with Serbia in the near future.
As the Deputy may be aware, at the General Affairs Council on 25 October Ministers decided, again by consensus, to refer Serbia's December 2009 application for EU membership to the European Commission for its opinion. This is essentially a technical step and usually happens quickly following the submission of an application. The period for the formulation of that opinion has no specific timeframe, although the Commission's research on Serbia's application is likely to take several months and a report is not expected until the second half of 2011.
The Council on 25 October also reaffirmed that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union and reiterated that each country's progress towards the Union depends on its individual efforts to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and the conditionality of the Stabilisation and Association Process. The Council underlined that a constructive approach towards regional cooperation is essential and called for progress in the process of EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
Furthermore, the Council recalled that, in line with the political criteria of Copenhagen, full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is an essential condition for membership of the EU and that Serbia's full cooperation with the ICTY is already required by the EU-Serbia SAA (Articles 2 and 4). The Council called upon Serbia to implement recommendations presented by the ICTY Office of the Prosecutor to the United Nations Security Council in June 2010 concerning Serbia's support in ongoing trials and appeals and assistance in the key matter of the arrest of the two remaining fugitives, Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic. In addition, the Council underlined that, at each stage of Serbia's path towards EU accession, further steps will be taken only when the Council unanimously decides that full co-operation with the ICTY exists or continues to exist.
I share the widespread revulsion at the appalling massacres at Srebrenica and elsewhere during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I too want to see the perpetrators brought to justice as soon as possible. Regrettably, as we know from experience elsewhere, including in this country, justice can sometimes take time to deliver.
Serbia must do all in its power to ensure that the two remaining indictees are immediately handed over to the ICTY. However, I believe that we, for our part, should acknowledge the substantial progress Serbia has made in the ten years since public outrage led to the end of the Mílosevic regime. Serbia today is a different place from the Serbia of Mílosevic because of the courageous decisions of governments in Belgrade since then. Over the past year, in particular, we have seen a number of positive developments which demonstrate that Serbia's Government has moved away from the destructive politics of past decades.
These positive developments include: the declaration by the Belgrade Parliament last March condemning the Srebrenica massacre; the appointment by Bosnia and Herzegovina in March of an Ambassador in Belgrade for the first time in three years; the handing over of the wartime notebooks of Ratko Mladic to the ICTY in May; the joint visit by the Serbian and Croatian Presidents to Bosnia for the Srebrenica commemoration this July; the indictment in September of nine former paramilitaries by the country's war crimes prosecutor over the killing of ethnic Albanians during the Kosovo conflict; and the joint EU-Serbia UN General Assembly resolution on Kosovo this September.
I met with Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic in New York last month. He emphasised the importance Serbia attaches to EU integration and underlined Belgrade's commitment to working with the ICTY. In response to my questioning, he assured me that his government is determined to secure the arrest of the two remaining indictees.
I believe that the most likely means of achieving the arrest of Mladic and Hadzic lies in a combination of encouragement and pressure designed to empower the progressive elements in Serbia and that it is important that we send a signal to the people of Serbia that we recognise the positive direction their country has taken in the past decade. I welcome, therefore, the unanimous decision by Ministers to request an opinion on Serbia's membership application from the Commission. We should continue to assist and encourage Serbia in its reform programme, as it rebuilds its relations with its neighbours and moves towards the EU. At the same time, as with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement process, the EU will insist at each stage in the process that Serbia cooperates fully with the ICTY.
China-Africa Relations
Pat Breen
Ceist:345 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU is concerned at the increasing investment of China in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39780/10]
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. At the 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.
At the most recent summit, held in Brussels earlier this month, both sides reaffirmed their active commitment to peace and sustainable development of the world. There are therefore 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 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. I am also of the view that the commitment of African countries to such issues as human rights, gender equality, good governance and the fight against corruption is not only the product of pressure related to assistance from donors or investors such as the EU or China. 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.
Overseas Development Aid
Michael Creed
Ceist:346 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views that Ireland and the EU’s development aid programme to Africa which is linked to better governance and democratic accountability of the recipient nation is being undermined by the very significant increased investment in the African economy by China where no such condition attaches and if this matter has been taken up with the Chinese authorities either at a national or EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39785/10]
In recent years China has become a major economic global player and has focused very significant trade, economic investment and development aid on African countries. 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 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. At the most recent summit, held in Brussels earlier this month, both sides reaffirmed their active commitment to peace and sustainable development of the world.
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.
As regards the provision of Overseas Development Aid, Ireland's assistance has a strong focus on poverty reduction and hunger. We work closely with our partner governments in Africa, and other donors, to ensure that international aid has the most effective impact in reducing poverty, alleviating hunger and in the providing basic services such as health and education. We welcome the provision of development aid to Africa by new donors who share our commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. China's engagement in Africa has the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and to poverty reduction across the continent.
Ireland will continue to work with our partners in Africa, and other international donors to ensure that Overseas Development Assistance is directed to those areas most in need and is used in the most effective way in the fight against hunger and poverty.
Lisbon Strategy
Michael Creed
Ceist:347 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views that the EU has successfully completed the Lisbon agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39786/10]
The Lisbon Strategy, launched by the European Council in March 2000, was an ambitious, multifaceted strategy which set the goal of Europe becoming "the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010 capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion and respect for the environment". In an evaluation carried out earlier this year the Commission found that the main targets, covering employment rate and spend on R and D, had not been met, but in mitigation noted that the end of the term of the Lisbon Strategy came at a time when the impacts of the economic crisis were being deeply felt in Europe as in other parts of the world. On the plus side the Commission study states that the Strategy had a role in mobilising and assisting the reforms that Europe needs to become more competitive, and that benefits from it could be identified in the business environment and consumer choice areas.
Ireland shares in much of that assessment. Member States engaged thoroughly with the Strategy during its term. As envisioned in 2000, it was extremely broad in scope and aspiration, and implementation posed a variety of challenges, including in relation to its diffuse focus and its governance structures. In 2005, the European Council reviewed the Strategy and agreed to refocus its efforts on jobs and growth and establish a much more streamlined process for delivery, which resulted in improved outcomes.
The December 2009 European Council noted that the Strategy had been useful in setting a framework for strengthening European competitiveness and encouraging structural reform, and drew the lesson from it that any new strategy would have to have a sharper focus and concentrate on a limited number of key objectives for achieving sustainable jobs and growth. Furthermore, the December 2009 European Council noted that "in view of the economic and social impact of the crisis, in view also of the challenges posed by ageing populations, increasing inequalities and climate change, a new approach is needed more than ever".
In response to the European Council's call, the European Commission conducted a public consultation process and in March 2010 presented a Communication entitled "Europe 2020: a strategy for smart sustainable and inclusive growth". The European Council, meeting in June 2010, finalised and launched a new European Strategy for Jobs and Growth, the Europe 2020 Strategy.
Ireland welcomes the tighter focus adopted by the Europe 2020 Strategy and the improved and strengthened governance structures for the Strategy which have been put in place. Under the new Strategy, Heads of State and Government, meeting in the European Council, will have a hands-on leadership role in overseeing its implementation over the coming decade, as they have had in agreeing its overall goals and EU level targets during the first half of this year. The reinforcement through action at EU level of growth and reform polices we are pursuing nationally should be an important part of the process.
With regard to the roll out and implementation of the new Europe 2020 Strategy, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the details set out in my reply to his Written PQ (39308/10) of Wednesday, 27 October 2010.
EU Enlargement
Michael Creed
Ceist:348 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland supports the application for membership of the EU by Croatia, Iceland and Macedonia; the progress being made with regard to their membership; the timeframe for completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39787/10]
As a beneficiary of past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is broadly 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. 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 Council plans to discuss enlargement again in detail at the European Council in December. Prior to this, the European Commission is due to publish their annual progress reports on candidate countries in November. These reports will provide a basis for further discussion and conclusions at the December Council.
Negotiations with Croatia are well advanced and work on most chapters will be completed by the end of the year. Currently, 22 of the 35 negotiating chapters have been closed and the work of the Accession Treaty Drafting Group is well underway. A further 2-3 Chapters are expected to be closed at an Intergovernmental Conference for this purpose in November. Issues that still require effort concern measures to combat corruption and organised crime, and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The findings and recommendations of the Commission's 2010 annual Progress Report due to issue on 09 November will be very relevant.
An intergovernmental conference with Iceland on 27 July marked the formal opening of negotiations and the negotiations are proceeding. The first step in this process is for the Commission to undertake a formal process of examination of the acquis with the Icelandic authorities, called screening. This allows it to be fully explained to Iceland, and to narrow down specific areas that will require substantial negotiation. Once the Commission gives its Screening Report to Council, negotiations begin across each chapter. This is expected to begin in early next year. Issues of contention are expected to be fisheries, agriculture, financial services and environment.
In October 2009, the Commission recommended formally opening accession negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The December Council welcomed progress made in a number of important areas but stopped short of endorsing the Commission's recommendation to open negotiations. The key obstacle is a bilateral dispute with Greece regarding the use of the name "Macedonia." No breakthrough was reached at the June General Affairs Council and major progress is not expected over the next six months.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:349 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39803/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:350 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39818/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.
My Department pays the rent on office space in one building in the State — Ground Floor, Findlater House, 27 -31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. The premises is used by the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre and is fully occupied. Costs in relation to maintenance and security on unoccupied premises and sites are not therefore incurred by my Department. The rental costs in respect of the premises at Findlater House were €417,450 in 2008 and €419,175 in 2009. All other rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs are discharged by the Office of Public Works. In addition, 110 properties are rented by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences. All such premises are currently in use.
Millennium Development Goals
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:351 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 13 October which references his response to Parliamentary Question Nos. 107 and 110 of 12 October, all of which fail to shed light on the substance of the suggestions which were put forward by the EU and supported by Ireland according to his response to Parliamentary Question No. 1224 of 29 September 2010, if he will outline the detail of the above mentioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/10]
As I have stated previously, Ireland is committed to the full realisation of all human rights, and to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including the seventh Millennium Development Goal of reducing by half, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Last year, through the Government's development programme, Ireland provided €12.6 million in direct support to water and sanitation activities through our Programme Countries and civil society organisations. In addition, significant funding was provided to multilateral organisations, including UNICEF, which have a strong focus on water and sanitation in their programmes.
Ireland recognises the existence of human rights obligations relating to access to safe drinking water and sanitation and has supported initiatives at the UN Human Rights Council, most recently the Resolution on human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation, adopted at the 15th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2010 and co-sponsored by Ireland. The topic is nonetheless a complex one, as illustrated by the negotiations on the draft Resolution on the human right to water and sanitation, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 28 July 2010.
The differing views among EU member states were reflected in the fact that Ireland and seventeen of our EU partners (Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom) took the decision to abstain from voting on that Resolution; nine EU member states voted in favour of the Resolution (Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain). This division reflects the ongoing debate in the European Union on this issue. Ireland did not wish to prejudice eventual EU consensus on this issue and took the decision to abstain from the vote on the General Assembly Resolution.
Clarification of the content of human rights obligations relating to access to safe drinking water and sanitation will require further discussion at the UN, as well as among relevant Government Departments. In this regard, Ireland supports the work of the Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, whose work is mandated by the Human Rights Council. In light of the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution in July 2010 and the Human Rights Council Resolution in September 2010, my Department, including Irish Aid, intends to engage in discussions with other relevant Departments including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Our deliberations and discussions on these important matters will continue to be informed by the forthcoming reports of the Independent Expert, including her annual reports to the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.
National Drugs Strategy
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:352 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 12 October 2010, if he or any of his Cabinet colleagues will raise the proposals referenced in any international forum and if so in which forum and when. [39881/10]
I understand that the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs has no plans at present to raise the proposals of the International Drug Policy Consortium in regard to transnational Impact Assessments of drug policy regimes at any international forum. It is envisaged that there will be routine monitoring at national level of the impact of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, in particular through the Oversight Forum on Drugs, to assess its effectiveness.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:353 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/10]
My Department procures ICT equipment and supplies from the market via the e-tenders website and through Framework Agreements established by the Department of Finance. The Department selects solutions based on the most economically advantageous proposals. All software and consumables recently purchased have been branded.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:354 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40251/10]
No significant printing contracts have been awarded by my Department to operators from outside the State in the past three years. My Department's missions abroad have occasional small print requirements and it is more economically advantageous to source such requirements by getting competitive quotes from local providers. In the case of smaller print jobs at Headquarters my Department has made use of drawdown contracts put in place by the National Procurement Service (formerly the Government Supplies Agency) and it is also intended to make use of the panel of print service providers which has recently been established by the National Procurement Service.
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. 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 European Union and European Economic Area (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 arrangements, there is an equivalent entitlement for Irish companies to compete for a vast range of public sector contracts in all EU and EEA countries as well as in all GPA countries. Access to such opportunities is vital to our exporting economy and to our prospects for economic growth. Details on how to access opportunities in international public sector markets can be found on my Department's website and on the Enterprise Ireland website. The Deputy can be assured that both Enterprise Ireland and my Department, including at embassies abroad, will be happy to provide any assistance they can to Irish companies in pursuing public procurement opportunities overseas.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:355 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40337/10]
My Department is involved in the operation of two high level groups — the Consultative Group on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and the Joint Department of Foreign Affairs/NGO Standing Committee on Human Rights. My Department has chaired the Consultative Group on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The Group was established to assist with the development of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325. It first met in February 2010 and has met on five subsequent occasions to date. Civil society representatives, academics, and representatives of other relevant government departments, including the Departments of Justice and Law Reform, and Defence are represented on the Group.
It has been agreed to extend the consultation process on UNSCR1325 until the end of 2010, and an independent Chair has recently been appointed to lead this process. My Department continues to be a member of the Group.
The Joint Department of Foreign Affairs/NGO Standing Committee on Human Rights is chaired by an official of my Department. Established in 1997, the purpose of the Committee is to provide a formal framework for a regular exchange of views between my Department and representatives of the NGO Community. It is comprised of representatives of human rights NGOs and experts, who serve in a voluntary capacity, as well as officers of my Department. The Standing Committee meets approximately four times per year, with provision for additional meetings in exceptional circumstances. A new Standing Committee was appointed earlier this year, with a term of office of two years, effective from 1 October 2010.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:356 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40352/10]
My Department took part in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction. As part of this process, my Department reviewed the potential impact its primary legislation would have on business and reported to the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment that this legislation would have no effect on business and imposed no significant administrative costs.
Question No. 357 answered with Question No. 80.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:358 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39683/10]
The information requested is set out in the table below. Annual Reports and accounts for the Citizen's Information Board, Pobal, the Pensions Board and the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman when published are placed in the Dáil Library. This is also the case for the statutory accounts of the Social Insurance Fund.
Figures for 2010 are provisional and subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
|
Subhead |
Recipient |
Total payments made by Dept of Social Protection up to end of September 2010) |
Year payments commenced |
Amount paid in year payments commenced |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
T. Citizens Information Board1 |
Citizen’s Information Board |
34,455,000 |
2000 |
8,341,000 |
|
V. Rural Social Scheme2 |
Pobal, Local Development Companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Nil |
2004 |
3,220,000 |
|
W. Community Services Programme2 |
Pobal |
Nil |
2006 |
40,290,000 |
|
X 5. Grants — Information and Welfare Rights3 |
Northside Community Law Centre |
386,250 |
1993 |
Information in relation to the funding received when the payments commenced to these organisations is not readily available. |
|
Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed |
160,578 |
1992 |
||
|
X.6. National Pensions Awareness Campaign4 |
The Pensions Board |
Nil |
1998 |
58,160 |
|
X.7. Office of the Pensions Ombudsman |
Office of the Pensions Ombudsman |
637,995 |
2004 |
500,893 |
|
Y. Payment to Social Insurance Fund under section 9(9)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 20055 |
Social Insurance Fund |
1,380,000,000 |
2010 |
1,380,000,000 |
Grants and Subventions paid by Department of Social Protection in 2010
1 The Citizens Information Board (CIB) was established in 2007, having previously been known as Comhairle, which was established in 2000.
2 Responsibility for the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and the Community Services Programme (CSP) transferred from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs on 1 September 2010. Payments to Pobal from the Department of Social Protection commenced in October 2010 with €3,364,371 paid in respect of the RSS and €4,000,000 paid in respect of the CSP. Up to end September 2010 payments to Pobal were made by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs — €38.3 million was paid in respect of the RSS and €40.15 million in respect of the CSP.
3 Details of payments made under Subhead X .5 are contained in the Department’s Appropriation Accounts. The accounts of each company are a matter of public record and can be obtained through the Companies Registration Office.
4 In October 2010 the Pensions Board received a payment of €212,000 for the National Pensions Awareness Campaign.
5 The Social Insurance Fund (SIF) was established by the Social Welfare Act 1952 (as amended). In the period 1953 to 1996 it received State subvention to meet the shortfall between SIF income and expenditure. The period 1997 to 2009 saw the SIF in surplus and subvention was not required. Subvention has once again become necessary in 2010
Social Welfare Benefits
Michael Creed
Ceist:359 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39689/10]
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received on 30th September 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 customer. Currently it takes DCA section eight weeks to process an application.
Social Welfare Code
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:360 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the respective gross cost to the Exchequer if the withdrawal rate above allowances for rent supplement was changed from 75% to 15%, 20%, 25%, and so on at intervals of 5% up to 60%. [39692/10]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:361 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the respective gross cost to the Exchequer if the withdrawal rate above allowances for mortgage interest supplement was changed from 75% to 15%, 20%, 25%, and so on at intervals of 5% up to 60%. [39693/10]
Brian Hayes
Ceist:362 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of rent allowance and rent subsidiary to the Exchequer for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39694/10]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:366 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money allocated in 2009 and 2010 for rent allowance. [39765/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 to 362, inclusive, and 366 together.
There are currently 96,500 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 62% since the end of December 2007. The outturn for rent supplement for 2009 was €511m with €509m provided for in 2010.
It is not possible to provide an accurate cost to the exchequer if the withdrawal rates for rent and mortgage interest supplements were adjusted due to the many variables in determining a person's entitlement. Some of factors which affect the amount of rent or mortgage interest supplement payable include:
The accommodation cost,
The household composition,
Any special needs or circumstances the applicant may have or require,
The applicant's earnings and its impact on the rate of primary scheme payable (e.g. jobseeker's allowance/benefit, one parent family payment),
The different types of incomes that an applicant may have, for example maintenance payment or income from investments,
The location of the accommodation, and
The number of hours per week worked; the supplements are not payable where a member of the household works for 30 or more hours per week.
The current assessment of means for these schemes provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive a rent or mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Since June 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income is disregarded with 75% of any additional income above €75 being contributed toward the accommodation cost. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.
The tabular statement below shows the impact of adjusting the withdrawal rate for a person with an income of €250 per week in excess of the SWA appropriate to their circumstances. This statement shows that as the withdrawal rate reduces the amount of supplement payable increases.
Overall, I am satisfied that the rent and mortgage interest supplement schemes provide for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours worked and earning increase and have no plans at present to change these arrangements.
|
€ |
|
|
Income above the SWA Rate |
250.00 |
|
Income disregard |
75.00 |
|
Accommodation cost per week |
250.00 |
|
Minimum contribution |
24.00 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
Tenant Contribution |
Supplement Payable |
|
|
% |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Withdrawal Rate* |
75 |
155.25 |
94.75 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
65 |
137.75 |
112.25 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
55 |
120.25 |
129.75 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
45 |
102.75 |
147.25 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
35 |
85.25 |
164.75 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
25 |
67.75 |
182.25 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
15 |
50.25 |
199.75 |
|
Withdrawal Rate |
5 |
32.75 |
217.25 |
*Current withdrawal rate.
Under the current withdrawal rate, the first €75 in excess of the SWA rate is disregarded in full with 75% of any additional income in excess of this amount being contributed towards the accommodation cost.
Jack Wall
Ceist:363 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/10]
In considering any changes to social welfare schemes, full consideration is given to the impact of any proposals on the recipients involved. The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers. Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age has not changed and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.
Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.
The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package. These levels surpass the ‘Towards 2016' commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.
As regards the suggestion to increase the number of hours a carer can engage in employment from 15 to 19 hours per week, the fundamental qualifying condition for carer's allowance, carers' benefit and the respite care grant is that the carer must be providing "full time care and attention" to a person who needs it. Prior to June 2006 people could engage in employment outside the home for up to 10 hours per week and still qualify for payment. Since then, the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self-employment, training or education outside the home has increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. This relaxation was introduced to recognise the value of work for the carer in terms of additional income, self-esteem, a form of respite and retention of involvement in the workforce. This improvement applies to carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant. Similarly, a person on carer's leave can also engage in employment, education or training outside the home for up to 15 hours per week.
It is important, however, to protect the needs of the care recipient. The qualifying conditions for the payment are such that the person receiving care is medially assessed as needing it on a full-time basis. Any further change would necessarily dilute the very notion of "full time care and attention" and directly impact on the person who needs that care. The Government will continue to support carers and the people they care for within the resources available.
Jack Wall
Ceist:364 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39703/10]
In considering any changes to social welfare schemes, full consideration is given to the impact of any proposals on the recipients involved. The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers. Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age has not changed and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.
Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997. The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings.
Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package. These levels surpass the ‘Towards 2016' commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.
As regards the issue of access to the warmer home scheme, this scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) which is under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. In carrying out its function the SEAI has decided to prioritise those in receipt of the fuel allowance. While carers are not in receipt of the fuel allowance, they do receive the household benefits package and free travel which represents a significant additional level of support. In the case of this submission, the care recipient is in receipt of fuel allowance and could, therefore, apply for the warmer home scheme. The Government will continue to support carers and the people they care for within the resources available.
Question No. 365 withdrawn.
Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 360.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:367 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39806/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:368 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39821/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 368 together.
My Department is currently renting two premises — Office Suites 1-3, Bridgewater Business Centre, Islandbridge, Dublin 8; and the Community Social Services Centre Bishopsgate, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The Community Social Services Centre, Mullingar is the operational location for the Department's Disability Activation Project which is funded by the European Social Fund. This building is currently in use.
The Bridgewater Business Centre was originally leased by the Combat Poverty Agency in April 1996 for a period of 21 years. From 1 July 2009, the Combat Poverty Agency integrated with the former Office for Social Inclusion within my Department, to form the new Social Inclusion Division, which subsequently transferred to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs on 1 May 2010.
The Department has exercised an option to break out of the 21-year lease by March 2011, and is currently in the process of applying the necessary measures in order to return possession of the property. Staff were relocated from Bridgewater Business Centre in October 2009. The maintenance and security costs for 2010 to date are €14,631. The premises costs, including rent, rates, insurance, maintenance, etc for 2008 and 2009, in respect of the above buildings are set out in the table below.
|
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Office Suites 1-3, Bridgewater Business Centre, Islandbridge, Dublin 8 |
461,322 |
366,676 |
|
Community Social Services Centre Bishopsgate, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath |
22,189 |
36,646 |
Social Welfare Appeals
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:369 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39842/10]
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received on 12 August 2010. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the Allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 5 October 2010 advising her of the decision. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. As yet, no appeal has been registered in this case.
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:370 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39848/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 02 September 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 29 September 2010 and the appeal will be referred, in due course, to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:371 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that there are no further cuts made to the incomes of persons with disabilities (details supplied). [39851/10]
Social welfare expenditure for 2011, including expenditure on payments to persons with disabilities, will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:372 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the grounds on which a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused rent supplement; if he will review the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as his rent was in excess of the maximum rent limit for his family size. The HSE further advised that the decision to refuse rent supplement was upheld by the HSE Appeals Office. It remains open for the person concerned to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeal Office.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:373 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39926/10]
The Department operates an ‘open sourcing' procurement model which aims to achieve the most economically advantageous result for each requirement/procurement. This includes consideration of open source solutions and generic consumables.
Open source software and proprietary software have different business models and it is difficult to compare them directly even where they have directly comparable functionality. The open source business model depends on service and support revenues whereas the proprietary software business model depends on a mixture of licence fees and support revenues. Neither is intrinsically better than the other — the Department's experience is that lower initial acquisition costs for open source are usually balanced by overall higher support costs, particularly where a diverse set of packages are deployed. The Department has a number of open source packages in use as well as a number of proprietary software packages.
Social Welfare Benefits
James Bannon
Ceist:374 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for family income supplement payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39958/10]
The person concerned last renewed their family income supplement (FIS) claim in December 2009. To qualify for FIS a person must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is supported by them. A qualified child is any child under 18 or aged 18 to 22 if in full-time education. At the time of renewal the person concerned had one qualified child in full time education and accordingly was awarded FIS. Subsequently the qualified child ceased full time education and payment of FIS was stopped.
However, current legislation provides that once FIS is awarded, it continues to be payable at the rate awarded for a period of 52 weeks provided that the person remains in employment. The rate of payment may be increased if an additional child is born in the course of the 52 weeks but there is no provision for a reduction in rate where the child ceases to be qualified during this time.
Consequently the person concerned remains entitled to a FIS payment until December 2010. Payment of FIS will now be re-instated to the person concerned and continued until December 2010. Arrears due since payment of FIS was stopped on 20th of October, totalling €260, will issue with the weekly payment due for 4th of November. The person concerned will be notified accordingly.
James Bannon
Ceist:375 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford who has applied for disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39959/10]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 30 June 2010. Her claim was assessed by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted that medical opinion and refused her claim. A letter issued to the person on 1 October 2010, advising her of this decision and of her right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
Further medical evidence was received from the person on 26 October 2010. All medical evidence supplied, including that not originally seen, has now been examined by a different medical assessor who was also of the opinion that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. A letter will issue shortly to the person advising her of this decision and of her right of appeal directly to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
James Bannon
Ceist:376 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will facilitate a person (details supplied) with an increase in rent allowance as their only income is €196 per week jobseeker’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39964/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of his full entitlement to rent supplement.
Social Welfare Code
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:377 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on whether the publication of a national carers strategy as promised in Towards 2016 would be a significant step towards acknowledging and recognising the vital contribution that carers make to the economy and society and if he will provide a target date for the publication of a national carers strategy. [38985/10]
During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.
The Government acknowledges and recognises the vital contribution that carers make to the economy and society. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers. Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age has not changed and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.
Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.
The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package. These levels surpass the ‘Towards 2016' commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008. The Government will continue to support carers and the people they care for within the resources available.
Social Welfare Benefits
James Bannon
Ceist:378 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the refusal of a one parent family payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40124/10]
The application for One Parent Family Payment was disallowed as the person concerned is cohabiting with her partner. She was notified of this decision and of her right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 5 October 2010.
Marriage Statistics
Alan Shatter
Ceist:379 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of marriages that took place in the State between 1 January 2010 and 30 September 2010 where one party to the marriage was a non-Irish EU national and the other party was a non-EU national; the breakdown of the nationalities of the parties who participated in such marriages; the number of such marriages notified to be celebrated that did not proceed following such notification. [40125/10]
The number of notifications of intention to marry given, in the State, between 1 January 2010 and 30 September 2010 where one party to the marriage was a non-Irish EU national, and the other party was a non-EU national was 1,010. Of these, 766 marriages have been registered, and 244 have not been registered. The fact that these marriages have not yet proceeded may be due to a number of factors, including:
The three month notice period may not yet have expired
Delay in establishing that a party to a proposed marriage is free to marry. This would apply in particular where either party has had a foreign divorce.
Cancellation of the notification of intention marry.
The breakdown of nationalities of the parties concerned is contained in the tables attached. It is noteworthy that the number of such marriages has fallen dramatically so far this year. The figure for 2010 (to end-Sept) of 766 compares with 3361 in 2009 and 2292 in 2008.
|
Total number 766 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Country |
Number |
Country |
Number |
|
Afghanistan |
5 |
Lesotho |
1 |
|
Albania |
3 |
Malawi |
1 |
|
Algeria |
10 |
Malaysia |
4 |
|
Angola |
2 |
Mauritius |
39 |
|
Antigua and Barbuda |
1 |
Mexico |
2 |
|
Argentina |
3 |
Moldova |
12 |
|
Australia |
9 |
Mongolia |
3 |
|
Bangladesh |
43 |
Morocco |
4 |
|
Belarus |
6 |
Nepal |
3 |
|
Botswana |
1 |
New Zealand |
2 |
|
Brazil |
41 |
Nicaragua |
2 |
|
Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
Nigerian |
97 |
|
Cameroon |
4 |
Pakistan |
217 |
|
Canada |
6 |
Palestinian Occ Terr |
1 |
|
China |
24 |
Philippines |
5 |
|
Congo(Republic of) |
1 |
Peru |
2 |
|
Croatia |
3 |
Russia |
15 |
|
Egypt |
9 |
Sierra Leone |
2 |
|
Ethiopia |
1 |
South Africa |
19 |
|
The Gambia |
2 |
Sudan |
1 |
|
Georgia |
13 |
Syria |
3 |
|
Ghana |
5 |
Thailand |
1 |
|
Guinea |
3 |
Trinidad And Tobago |
1 |
|
India |
67 |
Tunisia |
1 |
|
Iran |
3 |
Uganda |
1 |
|
Iraq |
2 |
Ukraine |
19 |
|
Ivory Coast |
1 |
Turkey |
1 |
|
Japan |
1 |
United States |
23 |
|
Kenya |
4 |
Uzbekistan |
1 |
|
Korea |
4 |
Venezuela |
1 |
|
Kosovo |
3 |
Zimbabwe |
2 |
|
Total number 244 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Country |
Number |
Country |
Number |
|
Albania |
1 |
Mauritius |
5 |
|
Algeria |
6 |
Moldova |
2 |
|
Argentina |
1 |
Mongolia |
1 |
|
Bangladesh |
12 |
Morocco |
1 |
|
Belarus |
2 |
Niger |
1 |
|
Brazil |
7 |
Nigerian |
43 |
|
Brit. Ind. Oc. Ter. |
1 |
Pakistan |
86 |
|
Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
Russia |
1 |
|
Cameroon |
1 |
Sierra Leone |
1 |
|
China |
8 |
South Africa |
3 |
|
Congo(Dem Rep of) |
2 |
Sri Lanka |
1 |
|
Egypt |
4 |
Sudan |
2 |
|
Georgia |
1 |
Togo |
1 |
|
Ghana |
7 |
Ukraine |
2 |
|
Guinea |
1 |
Turkey |
1 |
|
India |
29 |
United Arab Emirates |
1 |
|
Iran |
2 |
United States |
3 |
|
Libya |
1 |
Zimbabwe |
1 |
|
Malaysia |
1 |
|
Austria |
Belgium |
Bulgaria |
Czech Rep |
Denmark |
Estonia |
Finland |
France |
Germany |
Greece |
Hungary |
Italy |
Latvia |
Lithuania |
Malta |
Poland |
Portugal |
Romania |
Slovakia |
Spain |
The Nether-lands |
UK/NI |
Total |
|
|
Afghanistan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Albania |
1 |
2 |
3 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Algeria |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
10 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Antigua & Barbuda |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Angola |
2 |
2 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Argentina |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Australia |
1 |
1 |
7 |
9 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Bangladesh |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
17 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
43 |
||||||||||||
|
Belarus |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Botswana |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Brazil |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
19 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
41 |
||||||||||
|
Brit. Ind. Oc. Ter. |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cameroon |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Canada |
1 |
5 |
6 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
China |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
24 |
|||||||||||
|
Congo(Dem Rep of) |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Croatia (Hrvatska) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Egypt |
4 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Ethiopia |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Gambia |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Georgia |
2 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
13 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Ghana |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Guinea |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
India |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
31 |
5 |
13 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
67 |
|||||||||||
|
Iran |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Iraq |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ivory Coast |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Japan |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Kenya |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Korea |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Kosovo |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Lesotho |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Libya |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Malaysia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Malawi |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mauritius |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
15 |
1 |
1 |
38 |
|||||||||||||
|
Mexico |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Austria |
Belgium |
Bulgaria |
Czech Rep |
Denmark |
Estonia |
Finland |
France |
Germany |
Greece |
Hungary |
Italy |
Latvia |
Lithuania |
Malta |
Poland |
Portugal |
Romania |
Slovakia |
Spain |
The Nether-lands |
UK/NI |
Total |
|
|
Moldova |
5 |
2 |
5 |
12 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Mongolia |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Morocco |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Nepal |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
New Zealand |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Nicaragua |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Niger |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Nigeria |
1 |
10 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
10 |
4 |
14 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
24 |
97 |
|||||||
|
Pakistan |
4 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
123 |
29 |
18 |
2 |
9 |
9 |
217 |
||||||||||
|
Palestinian Oc. Terr |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Peru |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Philippines |
1 |
4 |
5 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Russia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
15 |
||||||||||||||
|
Sierra Leone |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
South Africa |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
5 |
19 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Sri Lanka |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sudan |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Syria |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Thailand |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Togo |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Trinidad & Tobago |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Tunisia |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Uganda |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ukraine |
2 |
6 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
19 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Turkey |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ukraine |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
United Arab Emirates |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
United States |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
15 |
23 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Uzbekistan |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Venezuela |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Zimbabwe |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL |
3 |
6 |
2 |
27 |
2 |
23 |
1 |
25 |
10 |
1 |
39 |
10 |
218 |
85 |
3 |
132 |
21 |
12 |
32 |
9 |
12 |
93 |
766 |
Social Welfare Appeals
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:380 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing on a jobseeker’s allowance appeal will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40146/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
There was 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 was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Code
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:381 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the average number of new successful applications for the one parent family payment scheme involving a family in which the youngest child is over the age of 14 each year. [40162/10]
In any given year, there are approximately one thousand successful applications for one parent family payment involving a family in which the youngest child is over the age of 14.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:382 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of applying the one parent family payment, OPFP, format earnings disregard next year to lone parents on jobseeker’s allowance who would have been entitled to OPFP if it were not for the new rule excluding children over the age of 14. [40163/10]
Where, in the future, eligibility for one-parent family payment ceases due to the youngest child attaining the age of 14, a range of other income supports will be available, subject to satisfying the various conditions of the particular scheme. These schemes include family income supplement, jobseeker's allowance, farm assist, disability allowance and blind pension. It is not possible to accurately predict which of these schemes will prove to be the most beneficial option for any individual affected by the change in One-Parent Family Payment eligibility, as that will depend on their particular circumstances at that time, such as the number of hours work they secure, the level of earnings and so on. Consequently, it is not possible to accurately estimate the cost of applying a special earnings disregard in the jobseeker's allowance scheme for single parents with the youngest qualified child aged 14 or more.
It is important to note that the 6-year tapered phasing out period will remain as part of the provisions for existing recipients with the new age of 14 cut-off point coming in to effect for them in 2016, i.e. entitlement to the payment being maintained at 18 years for 2011 and 2012 and then reducing on a yearly basis from 17 years in 2013 to 16 years in 2014, 15 years in 2015 and then to 14 years in 2016.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:383 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will carry out a review of the reason so few lone parents are currently accessing family income supplement and how best to increase take up rates. [40164/10]
To qualify for payment of FIS a person must be engaged in full time insurable employment which is expected to last for at least three months and be working for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. There are currently some 27,228 people in receipt of a weekly FIS payment of which 5,606 are also in receipt of a One Parent Family Payment.
With regard to the level of take up, it is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. Accordingly the department completed a research project in 2008 to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme. This research project included a survey of over 3,000 families which appeared to satisfy conditions for receipt of FIS. From over 1,000 valid responses received the survey identified that only 23% might actually be eligible.
The research also found that overall awareness of Family Income Supplement among potential recipients is high with nearly three in four claiming to have heard of the scheme. Despite high levels of awareness, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of the eligibility requirements with only one in three claiming to be aware of the qualifying criteria for FIS. The report recommends that the Department needs to ensure that information about the scheme is advertised in a focused way with the eligibility and qualification criteria communicated as clearly as possible. The Department is addressing this by ensuring such information is highlighted as part of its ongoing information strategy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:384 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will investigate the existing and growing delays in the time it takes for new applicants for one parent family payment to be assessed and informed of the decision made and the action he will take to reduce the delays. [40165/10]
The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply. These conditions vary from scheme to scheme. In the case of One-Parent Family Payment, this would include confirmation of a person's place of habitual residence and, where appropriate, to assess means. In some cases, there is an unavoidable time lag involved in making the necessary enquiries to enable decisions to be made. Time can also elapse where the applicants do not supply all the necessary information in support of their claim. Increases in the number of claims can also impact on processing times. Operational procedures, the organisation of work, and the allocation of staff resources continue to be reviewed and restructured to maximise the processing capability and to improve these times.
Social Welfare Code
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:385 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will set up, promote and evaluate a national career development planning programme for lone parents, to assist them, where appropriate to access relevant education, skill development and related supports. [40166/10]
The Department of Social Protection operates a range of employment support services that are designed to encourage and to support social welfare recipients of working age, including lone parents, to reduce their dependency on social welfare payments and to return to work. These services are provided through the Department's network of locally-based Facilitators.
The primary role of these Facilitators is to work with social welfare recipients to help them to identify appropriate training or development programmes that will enhance their skills and ultimately improve their employment chances as well as help them to continue to develop on a personal level. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VECS, other education and training providers and the local community and voluntary sector. In addition, they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the Back-to-Education Allowance Scheme and the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance Scheme that are run by this Department.
Currently, all lone parents who present themselves to FÁS Employment Services are already provided with a one-to-one guidance interview with an Employment Services Officer. As part of this process, lone parents are advised on suitable labour market opportunities such as current work vacancies and suitable training/employment programme places, and may also be referred to other FÁS supports. A new support model to help people to overcome barriers and to increase their opportunity to access training and employment programmes and, ultimately, the open labour market, is being tested by FÁS with lone parents. This ‘Steps to Employment' Programme is aimed at individuals who are parenting alone who want to get a job or improve their work prospects and who need to learn new skills through training or a return to education in order to achieve this.
This Department also operates the Back-to-Education Allowance (BTEA) Scheme. Since its introduction, the primary objective of this Scheme is to help those who are in receipt of a social welfare payment to improve their employability and job-readiness by acquiring additional educational qualifications. It is a second-chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third-level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. A total of 3,220 lone parents availed of the Scheme in 2009.
Under recently announced changes in ministerial responsibility, the Community Services Programme and the Rural Social Scheme have been transferred to this Department from the former Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Work is also underway to finalise the transfer of both the Employment Services and the Community Services divisions of FÁS to this Department. Overall, the transfer of functions that is being implemented will facilitate the delivery of a more streamlined and effective response to the needs of people of working age, including lone parents, to assist them, where appropriate, to access relevant education, skill development and related supports.
Social Welfare Benefits
John Perry
Ceist:386 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be awarded the illness benefit as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40203/10]
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. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Code
Richard Bruton
Ceist:387 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection following the passing of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, when he will bring forward legislative changes in the area of social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40229/10]
The necessary changes to the Social Welfare code arising from the provisions of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, will be brought forward in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2010, which will be brought before the Oireachtas before the end of the year.
Social Welfare Benefits
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:388 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of the State pension contributory; the cost to the State in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40235/10]
The numbers of persons in receipt of State pension contributory and State pension transition at end-September 2010, are shown in the table below, including those in receipt of an increase for qualified adult (IQA) in respect of their spouse/partner.
|
Scheme |
Total No. in payment |
No. including IQA |
|
State pension contributory |
276,123 |
64,677 |
|
State pension transition |
9,319 |
2,126 |
At the end of 2009, the numbers in payment, and associated costs were:
|
Scheme |
Total no. in payment |
No. including IQA |
Annual cost |
|
€m |
|||
|
State pension contributory |
265,102 |
63,446 |
3,302 |
|
State pension transition |
8,378 |
2,096 |
104 |
In recent years, the maximum personal rate of these pensions has increased to €230.30 per week. A pensioner couple would be eligible for a weekly payment of €436.60.
Social Welfare Appeals
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:389 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite an oral hearing in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40236/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
There was 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 was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order. A number of initiatives have been put in place 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 were 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 was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and
Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.
In addition, it was 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 and have been operating since July.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. 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.
Employment Support Services
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:390 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the points made in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40238/10]
Activation and support for those who are unemployed is a key priority for Government. Earlier this year, the Taoiseach announced a number of changes to improve the delivery of employment, training and community services to the public by bringing together related responsibilities in these areas. These changes include the restructuring of Departmental responsibilities with the objective of providing a stream-lined response to the income support and job search needs of people who are unemployed. When all functions have been transferred, the employment and community services programmes of FÁS, the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Services Programmes, previously delivered by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, will be managed by a single Department with the objective of providing a more effective and streamlined service to the unemployed people by integrating the income support provided through the social welfare system with supports for activation and re-entry to employment.
In this context, my Department is devising proposals for the development of new initiatives based on the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Services Programme which will offer social employment opportunities. Considerable work is required on these proposals before they come on stream and take their place within the suite of activation measures aimed at supporting unemployed people. The issues raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy in respect of the displacement of current employment and training opportunities on Community Employment, concerns about the ability and capacity of the community and voluntary sector to provide work opportunities and the needs for task specific training are being considered in the implementation of these initiatives.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:391 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40254/10]
All sourced 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 print contracts in the past three years were placed with companies based within the State.
Social Welfare Appeals
John O'Mahony
Ceist:392 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals that are currently at hand for all social protection entitlements and a breakdown for each category and the length of time it is taking to process in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40258/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:401 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for job seeker’s allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40293/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for non-contributory old age pension; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40294/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for contributory old age pension; the longest period for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40295/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:404 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for child benefit; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40296/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:405 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for one parent family allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40297/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:406 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for disability benefit; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40298/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:407 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action he proposes to take to eliminate the backlog of appeals for the various social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40299/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 401 to 407, inclusive, together.
The table sets out the total number of cases by scheme type on appeal on 30 September 2010; the average time taken to process all appeals during the period and the average time taken to process appeals which required an oral hearing. Figures for the longest recorded times for appeals to be determined for each scheme are not readily available.
There was 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 was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard
Additional Appeals Officers have been assigned to the Office since 2009,
A number of additional staff were 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 was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and
Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.
In addition, it was 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 and have been operating since July.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. 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.
|
Appeals Pending At 30/9/2010 |
Average Time Taken to Process appeals |
Average Time Taken to Process Appeals with Oral Hearing (1/1/2010-30/9/2010) |
|
|
Adoptive Benefit |
1 |
32.6 |
— |
|
Blind Pension |
10 |
27.9 |
39.4 |
|
Carers Allowance |
2,016 |
28.8 |
45.3 |
|
Carers Benefit |
85 |
25.0 |
44.0 |
|
Child Benefit |
1,216 |
51.6 |
62.0 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
1,356 |
27.4 |
42.6 |
|
Disability Allowance |
3,312 |
35.1 |
49.5 |
|
Illness Benefit |
2,989 |
37.2 |
55.7 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
4 |
31.5 |
29.0 |
|
Farm Assist |
155 |
30.4 |
51.0 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
27 |
19.2 |
— |
|
Family Income Supplement |
82 |
21.1 |
30.1 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
658 |
39.2 |
68.7 |
|
Liable Relatives |
19 |
23.2 |
— |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
792 |
31.4 |
46.8 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
15 |
23.6 |
— |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
105 |
25.7 |
35.5 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
214 |
33.2 |
48.5 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
8 |
23.7 |
— |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
20 |
39.6 |
54.8 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit (Medical) |
55 |
24.2 |
— |
|
Disablement Pension |
312 |
35.6 |
50.8 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
17 |
27.0 |
30.7 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) |
22 |
34.6 |
44.2 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory) |
10 |
27.3 |
42.2 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
1 |
6.6 |
— |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance (Means) |
2,390 |
28.6 |
45.2 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
3,579 |
27.4 |
42.0 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
711 |
25.5 |
37.1 |
|
JA/JB Fraud Control |
4 |
— |
— |
|
Respite Care Grant |
110 |
32.4 |
47.9 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
116 |
41.4 |
68.9 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
357 |
21.0 |
13.8 |
|
Treatment Benefits |
3 |
29.4 |
— |
|
Survivor’s Pension (Contributory) |
11 |
29.9 |
49.7 |
|
Survivor’s Pension (Non-Contributory) |
9 |
30.8 |
48.3 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
2 |
18.3 |
— |
Social Welfare Code
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has had any discussions with the authorities in other jurisdictions in relation to the current application by his Department of the habitual residency clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40285/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he will take to alleviate hardship caused by his Department’s application of the habitual residency clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40286/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004. A person who does not satisfy the habitual residence condition is not eligible for specified social welfare payments, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The purpose of the habitual residence condition is to safeguard the social welfare system from abuse by restricting access for people who are not economically active and who have little or no established connection with Ireland.
I am not aware of any country that makes its assistance schemes freely available to all persons without some condition as to nationality or residence. Determination of a person's habitual residence is made in accordance with Section 246 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. The factors set out in this legislation have been derived from European Court of Justice case law which examined the concept of habitual residence in the context of social welfare benefits. That case law also confirms that including a habitual residence condition for social assistance payments where persons have had little or no link to the employment market is not in conflict with the freedom of movement rights within the EU.
The habitual residence condition does not apply to exceptional needs or urgent needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. These payments may therefore be used to meet the immediate needs of any person who is in need, but they cannot be availed of on a continuing basis in a way that undermines the purpose of the habitual residence condition. These payments can however be extended to facilitate voluntary return of an EU citizen to their home State if they so wish. In the case of asylum seekers or illegal migrants, voluntary repatriation may be arranged through the International Organisation for Migration funded by the Department of Justice and Law Reform, and the community welfare service will assist in meeting the interim needs while that is being arranged.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:395 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is intended to ease the qualifying guidelines for the back to education allowance scheme in line with the number of unsuccessful applications received in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40287/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:396 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of back to education allowance awards made by his Department in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; his plans to increase these numbers in line with current economic requirements and thereby provide for the country’s future economic needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40288/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. With effect from 19th July 2010, changes have been made to the qualifying conditions of the back to education scheme to reflect the present economic situation.
The period for which a person is required to be on a qualifying social welfare payment before accessing BTEA was reduced from 12 months to 9 months (a 2 year qualifying period continues to apply to participants coming from Illness Benefit). People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.
In addition, a person can avail of BTEA to resume studies in a second or subsequent year of a third level course whereas prior to July, a person could only apply for BTEA if s/he was commencing year one of a course. This also applies to people who are granted an exemption from a period of their third level course. A person who completed earlier year(s) of his/her third level course on a part-time basis but is now getting a jobseeker's payment, may apply for BTEA to continue the course on a full-time basis.
These enhancements build on other improvements made to the scheme in recent years in response to the changing economic climate: from September 2007, the qualifying period for illness benefit was reduced from 3 years to 2 years; from September 2008, the cost of education allowance, which is an additional annual payment made to cover the cost of books and materials, was increased from €400 to €500; from September 2009, the 6 month waiting period for those pursuing second level courses was reduced to 3 months.
The number of participants on the Back to Education Scheme in the 2009/2010 academic year was 20,808 which represented a 79% increase on the previous year. The number of participants in the 2008/2009 academic year also represented an increase of 31% on the previous academic year. As of 22nd October in the region of 21,500 participants were approved the Back to Education Allowance. Due to the nature of the scheme a significant number of applications are processed in October and indications are that BTEA numbers will increase noticeably again for this academic year. (Table 1 below details number of participants in the previous 3 academic years).
|
Year |
Total |
|
2007/08 |
8,883 |
|
2008/09 |
11,646 |
|
2009/10 |
20,808 |
The scheme will continue to be monitored in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.
Employment Support Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:397 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of back to work or employment incentives currently operated by his Department; the extent to which he proposes to upgrade or enhance any such schemes in line with emerging requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40289/10]
The Department of Social Protection operates a range of employment support measures designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments.
The Department plays a key role in the National Employment Action Plan which is the main activation measure for jobseekers and provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people. Under the Plan, all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register, are identified by this Department and referred to FÁS for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market. In addition, under a new initiative, unemployed people are being referred to group engagement sessions in a number of areas. This is aimed at increasing the capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the process. This will be supported in due course by the roll-out of the Department's profiling and care management systems.
The Department also offers one-to-one assistance through its facilitation service which operates at a local level nationwide in conjunction with FÁS and other agencies. Facilitators help jobseekers develop individual progression plans to enhance their skills and ultimately improve their employment chances. The back to education allowance which supports people who are furthest from the labour market and back to work initiatives are also available and provide targeted supports.
The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held.
The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are long term dependant on social welfare payments to make a return to work financially attractive and viable. Participants are allowed retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment (100% in year 1 and 75% in year 2) and may retain secondary benefits over two years. The short term enterprise allowance (STEA) is payable to a person who qualifies for jobseekers' benefit and who wishes to commence in self employment. This allowance is payable for the duration of their jobseeker's benefit entitlement.
A part-time job incentive scheme is also available which allows persons who are long-term unemployed to take up part-time employment for less than 24 hours per week and receive a weekly income supplement called the part-time job allowance. In addition, an Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme was launched on 20th June 2010. Subject to compliance with the rules of the scheme, an employer taking on an additional employee in 2010 who has been unemployed for 6 months or more, will be exempted from liability for employers' PRSI for 12 months.
Under recently announced changes in ministerial responsibility, the rural social scheme and community services programmes have transferred to this Department from the former Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Work is also underway to finalise the transfer of both the Employment and Community Services divisions of FÁS to this Department.
Overall, this re-structuring of departmental and agency responsibilities will facilitate the delivery of a more effective and streamlined response to the needs of the unemployed. Bringing together, under the aegis of one department, the employment services of FÁS, the expertise of its placement officers and the unemployment services of this Department as well as the community employment schemes, job initiative scheme, community services programme and the rural social scheme will offer significant opportunities to generate synergies, improve efficiency and, ultimately, improve service delivery to those availing of those services.
Social Welfare Code
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:398 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to ensure social protection for the future in line with requirements arising from the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40290/10]
Social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.
Departmental Staff
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of extra staff redeployed within his Department or from other Departments to cater for the increased workload arising from the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40291/10]
Since May 2008, some 450 additional posts have been assigned to my Department to deal with the significant increase in claims for the schemes operated by the Department. The majority of these posts have been sourced through the lateral transfer and redeployment of staff from within the Department and from other Government Departments. Staffing needs are kept under constant review to ensure that best use is made of all available resources.
It is also recognised that the provision of additional staff in itself is not the only appropriate way to deal with the rising claim load. Since early 2008 all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims has been examined and streamlining them wherever possible without, of course, compromising our scheme controls. In this context, the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives regarding claims for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit. One of the most significant initiatives, aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending the office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided.
In addition, a range of other process improvements have been introduced which include:
A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires;
A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years;
Application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times;
More straightforward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced;
The Department has also simplified processing methods for some customers who work casually, part-time or on systematic short-time work.
Social Welfare Appeals
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:400 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases on appeal for back to education allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40292/10]
Decisions on statutory social welfare schemes are made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers of my Department. Where a customer is dissatisfied with a decision made by a Deciding Officer, s/he has a statutory right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
In addition to statutory schemes a number of non-statutory schemes are operated by my Department. Decisions are made by Officers of my Department based on published guidelines (available on my Department's website www.welfare.ie) setting out the conditions of entitlement. The back to education scheme is a non-statutory stand alone scheme. Such decisions cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, the claimant may seek a full and fresh review of the case by an officer in my Department at a higher level if s/he is dissatisfied with the decision made enclosing any new evidence in support of the review.
Applicants for the back to education scheme are already in receipt of another social welfare payment before a decision is made on their entitlement. The back to education allowance claims are not recorded as a separate scheme until the person transfers from their primary payment. Accordingly, the number of applications refused and seeking review is not available.
Questions Nos. 401 to 407, inclusive, answered with Question No. 392.
Social Welfare Benefits
Michael Ring
Ceist:408 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be approved and paid the one-parent family allowance. [40314/10]
The circumstances of the person concerned are currently being examined. When enquiries have been completed a decision will be made and she will be notified of the outcome.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:409 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason mortgage interest supplement has been discontinued since August in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40325/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that payment of mortgage interest supplement ceased as the person concerned did not return a review form which issued to her in August 2010. The HSE further advised that if the person concerned wishes to discuss her entitlement to mortgage interest supplement she should contact the community welfare officer at her local health centre.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:410 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40340/10]
Following clarification in relation to this question there are no high levels groups appointed by me to examine a specific issue which involves stakeholders outside the Department such as interest groups.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:411 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40355/10]
My Department has been involved in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction. The information obligations (IOs) which this Department's legislation/regulations impose on business have been examined and listed with a view to reducing, where possible, the administrative burden on business. Nine IOs have been identified for this Department, of which two overlap with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
The measurement of administrative burdens using the Standard Cost Model is an exercise that was called for by business as a baseline for the 25% administrative burden reduction programme and is being carried out across all Departments with any substantive regulation that affects business. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the Central Statistics Office have already measured burdens arising from regulations under their responsibility and all other relevant Departments will shortly measure the current red tape costs on business arising from their regulation. Measurement is expected to be completed in 2011. It will not be possible to indicate the total cost of the information obligations for this Department on business until this measurement exercise has been carried out.
Social Welfare Code
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:412 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform rent supplement to enable the payment to be made directly to the landlord instead of the tenant. [39267/10]
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is intended as a temporary income support payment and is not designed to be a medium to long term housing support or a permanent solution to a person's housing needs. Rent supplement has successfully responded to the dramatic increased demand for income support to support accommodation costs. There are currently 96,500 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 62% since the end of December 2007.
Current legislation already provides for the making of a rent supplement payment to another person (e.g. a relative, a landlord or landlord's agent) on behalf of the recipient, at the tenant's request and is subject to the consent of the HSE. Approximately 20% of rent supplement payments are currently paid to a person other than the tenant. Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. To remove the right of the tenant to receive this payment by making it payable only to the landlord would require legislative amendment and I have no plans at present to make this change.
Under the current arrangements, even with direct payment, landlords still have to collect the tenant contribution towards their rent (a minimum of €104 per month). The amount of rent supplement payable depends on the tenant's income; in some cases tenants pay only the minimum contribution while for others the tenant makes an additional contribution to their rent based on their financial circumstances. For example, where a person is in part-time income and receives just 10% of his or her rent directly from the State, the landlord would receive the 10% directly whilst still having to collect the 90% from the tenant.
The efficiency of the scheme would be significantly affected if this arrangement were to be changed for example CWO's would potentially have to create a formal relationship with some 96,500 additional clients, the landlords. This would involve greater complexity and significant resources to deal with a new set of third parties. In particular, it would also result in CWOs being drawn into disputes between both landlords and tenants. There may also be financial and control implications in cases where a tenant moves address and neither the landlord nor tenant inform the Department. Similarly, where a tenant is no longer eligible for rent supplement and the Department ceases paying the landlord, the Department may find itself involved in eviction proceedings.
Where a landlord has a grievance in relation to the non-payment of rent by a tenant, s/he may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board to have the dispute resolved through the board's dispute resolution process. It is also open to the landlord to bring to the attention of the HSE any instance where a tenant is receiving rent supplement but is not paying their rent. Where a Community Welfare Officer becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement for the purpose for which it was intended the matter investigated.
Since 2004 local authorities have specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Local authorities are now meeting the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches, including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular the rental accommodation scheme (RAS). In such cases the local authority has a direct contractual relationship with the landlord in RAS tenancies and as part of that contract the local authority pays rent directly to the landlord.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:413 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from her Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39685/10]
Details of the many grants awarded by my Department, including the recipients and the amounts involved, are available on the Department's corporate website at www.tcs.gov.ie. These include grants awarded over many years under the Department's Sports Capital Programme and Arts and Cultural Capital Enhancement Support Scheme. None of the grant programmes and schemes require that sets of accounts from the grantees be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, I can assure the Deputy that payment of these grants is subject to certain criteria being met and my Department maintains proper oversight of the grantees' use of the monies involved, including the operation of a capital inspection programme.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:414 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39808/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:415 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of premises and sites rented or leased by her Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39823/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 415 together.
My Department does not currently have any premises or sites rented or leased. However, it did occupy a premises at Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry during 2008 and early 2009. This premises temporarily accommodated staff who relocated to the permanent Departmental headquarters in Killarney in December 2008. The premises in Fossa was leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department and the rental costs were borne by the OPW as part of the successful decentralisation of the Department to Killarney.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:416 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the savings that have been made in her Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39929/10]
My Department has not deployed open source software packages for general use to date. However, the Department's Information Technology Unit has been assessing some open source office productivity suite software for potential use. Furthermore, the National Archives of Ireland has deployed open source operating system software on some of its infrastructure associated with the recent online 1901-1911 Census project. Regarding the use of generic consumables, my Department does not currently retain stocks of such consumables for use but has done so in the past.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:417 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if any printing contracts for her Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40257/10]
In the past three years, no such contracts were awarded directly by my Department to service providers outside the State.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:418 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of high level groups operating within her Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40343/10]
There are 3 high-level groups currently operating within my Department, with details as set out in tabular form.
|
Title of High-Level Group |
Purpose of Group |
Year Established |
Number of Times Group has Met |
|
Tourism Renewal Implementation Group |
To oversee and drive action on measures to support the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism in Ireland, based on the Tourism Renewal Group Framework for Action. |
2010 |
3 |
|
London 2012 Co-ordinating Group |
To identify opportunities that may arise for Ireland across the sports, tourism and culture sectors from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. |
2009 |
5 |
|
Feasibility Group to examine the feasibility of locating the Abbey Theatre in the GPO complex |
A commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government to examine the feasibility of locating the Abbey Theatre in the GPO complex in time for the centenary of the 1916 Rising |
2009 |
5 |
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:419 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if her Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if her Department has yet listed information obligations that her Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if her Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if her Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40358/10]
My Department took part in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction, as led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. As a consequence of this participation, my Department identified all legislation that imposes an administrative burden on business, listed the so-called information obligations (IOs) in each such piece of legislation and estimated in broad terms the burden that each IO imposes on business, according to the number of businesses affected, the frequency of obligation and the administrative time required to comply with the IO. The outcome of this work resulted in the identification of ten IOs, with all ten recording a ‘low' burden affecting comparatively small populations of businesses with, at most, a frequency of once-per-annum completion.
In view of the comparatively minor nature of the administrative burdens identified, it was agreed at both Ministerial and Departmental level between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation that the identified IOs do not warrant detailed measurement and the preparation of simplification plans.
This agreement arose from the observation that international evidence suggests that approximately 90 per cent of administrative costs is caused by approximately 5 per cent of regulation. Accordingly, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is taking the approach that it would be wasteful of resources to engage in a complex and costly process of detailed burden measurement and reduction for all Irish regulation. Instead, the core principle of that Department's methodology is that it is seeking to identify the 5 per cent of regulation that is most burdensome and to subject only that 5 per cent to detailed burden measurement and simplification.
Local Authority Housing
Martin Ferris
Ceist:420 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money allocated in 2009 and 2010 for the rental assistance scheme and the long term leasing scheme. [39765/10]
The amounts allocated for the Rental Accommodation Scheme and for the Social Housing Leasing Initiative in 2009 and 2010 are set out in the following table:
|
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Rental Accommodation Scheme |
90.5 |
125 |
|
Social Housing Leasing Initiative |
20.0 |
25 |
Water Quality
Finian McGrath
Ceist:421 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are health concerns regarding water supply via lead pipes to homes in an area (details supplied). [39660/10]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:422 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [39661/10]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:423 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Dublin City Council has a responsibility to put plastic water pipes supplying water into houses where lead pipes are still in use. [39662/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 to 423, inclusive, together.
The European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 prescribe the quality standards to be applied in relation to supplies of drinking water, including requirements relating to sampling and analysis of water to ensure that it meets those standards. The Regulations prescribe a maximum parametric value of 25 micrograms of lead per litre of drinking water supplied.
The Regulations designate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the supervisory authority for local authority drinking water supplies. In April 2009, the EPA issued guidance to local authorities on dealing with lead in drinking water supplies. This guidance addresses the need to identify lead distribution mains, service connections in the ownership of the local authority, lead plumbing in public buildings, the extent of lead plumbing in domestic dwellings and subsequently the approach to be taken where lead pipes have been identified. Local authorities have been advised by my Department that funding is available to carry out appropriate work to replace lead in the distribution mains.
Local authorities are responsible for the drinking water mains and communication pipes linking the mains to stopcocks on individual properties or to the boundary of private property. Section 43(3) and Section 54(1) of the Water Services Act 2007 state that the owner of a premises is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of the internal water distribution system and is required to ensure that it is kept in good order and repair, so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment and that the water meets prescribed quality standards. Therefore, responsibility for lead piping is dependent on whether it is part of the local authority's distribution system i.e. normally before the service connection to the house, or part of the internal distribution system, i.e. within the boundary of the premises.
The 2007 Regulations require that where a supply of water is considered to be a risk to human health, the local authority which is responsible for that supply must consult with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to agree appropriate follow-up action. The HSE has issued guidance (which is available on the HSE website — www.hse.ie) regarding lead in drinking water, and advises that where there is any lead pipe work between the stop valve outside the house and the kitchen tap, the best solution is to replace it with plastic pipe work. However, the HSE advises householders with lead pipes not to drink water that has been standing in the pipes for long periods, overnight, or if no one has been in the house for more than six hours. In such circumstances, the HSE advises that householders should draw off a small quantity of water from the kitchen cold tap to clear the water which has been standing in the pipes.
My Department has consulted with the local authority in question. The authority is aware of the matter and has concluded that the lead levels in the water are caused by lead plumbing in the premises. The authority has given the persons concerned the advice from the HSE.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:424 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39679/10]
My Department is responsible for the allocation and payment of a range of grants to local authorities and other bodies in respect of housing, water services, environmental protection, waste management, fire services, libraries, disability services, heritage and other areas. The annual Revised Estimates for Public Services volume, published by the Department of Finance, sets out the financial provisions for the year concerned, together with outturns for the preceding year. Compilation of the information requested on all bodies or persons in receipt of such funding would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work by my Department. It is open to the Deputy to put down a specific question regarding a particular area within my Department's remit.
Water and Sewerage Schemes
Tom Hayes
Ceist:425 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if mains replacement has been funded by his Department for Mullinahone in County Tipperary due to ongoing water problems; the amount that was allocated for mains replacement; the amount that has been drawn to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39719/10]
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 South Tipperary. The Water Conservation Stage 3 Works: Advanced Network Rehabilitation — Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme Phases 1 and 2 are included in the Programme as contracts to start over the life of the Programme. Work on the Mullinahone watermains is included under Phase 1 of this scheme. My Department recently approved the Council's design proposals and a construction stage budget of €8.1 million for both phases of the scheme. It is now a matter for the Council to prepare contract documents for these works.
Departmental Reviews
Seán Barrett
Ceist:426 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review by his Department of the decision by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown council in relation to the tenders for a scheme (details supplied) will be completed, and the review decision issued; if and when funding will be available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39742/10]
A decision in relation to the appeal under Clause 9.4 of the Instructions to Tenderers in connection with contract for the Carysfort-Maretimo scheme issued to Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council and the relevant contractor on 22 October 2010. A decision on funding for the contract will be made when the council finalises the tender process.
EU Directives
James Reilly
Ceist:427 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if electronic cigarettes which are sold in shops and pharmacies are subject to the EU WEEE directive; if so, the steps his Department has made to ensure compliance with the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39750/10]
The EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) required each Member State to introduce regulations providing for a producer funded take-back scheme for consumers of end-of-life equipment from 13 August 2005. To come within the scope of the WEEE Directive, items of electrical and electronic equipment must be:
dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work properly; and
designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1,000 volts for alternating current (AC) and 1,500 volts for direct current (DC).
Electronic cigarettes which are placed on the market come within the scope of the WEEE Directive. Under the terms of the WEEE Directive, financing the environmentally sound management, including recycling, of waste electrical and electronic equipment is solely a producer responsibility. Two collective compliance schemes, functioning under the responsibility of producers, are operating in Ireland. These compliance schemes, WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform, are responsible for ensuring that all recovered household WEEE is managed in an environmentally sound manner and for putting in place tracking and auditing systems for materials recovery in line with the requirements of the Directive.
The compliance schemes are also responsible for the procurement of the environmentally sound management, including recycling, of all household WEEE deposited at designated collection points. These include civic amenity facilities and retail outlets. The compliance schemes report that circa 9kg per capita of household WEEE is being collected for recycling per annum; this is over double the prescribed 4kg target as set out in the WEEE Directive and indicates that Ireland has had significant success in implementing this Directive.
Retailers are required by law to take back WEEE free of charge on a one-for-one, like-for-like, basis from householders. Where a replacement product is bought over the counter, retailers must take back the old product in-store, either at the time of sale or within a maximum of 15 days of the date of sale. Where a replacement product is delivered, retailers must take back the old product, if ready for immediate collection, on completion of the delivery or within a maximum of 30 days of the date of delivery. Each local authority must also accept household WEEE free of charge at its civic amenity facilities. Retailers can have their premises designated as ‘WEEE collection points' or deposit household WEEE free of charge at local authority civic amenity facilities. There are currently in excess of 600 ‘WEEE collection points' including both retail outlets and civic amenity facilities. Retailers are obliged to notify purchasers of these take back arrangements. Information on the WEEE take back system is available on my Department's web site — www.environ.ie.
The WEEE Monitoring Group, which is made up of representatives from relevant industry and public sector stakeholders, oversees the implementation and operation of the WEEE Directive in Ireland. Responsibility for enforcement rests with the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities. My Department continues to work with relevant stakeholders through this Group to ensure that Ireland continues its strong track record of performance versus our EU targets for WEEE recovery and recycling.
Planning Issues
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:428 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the adverse effect of the excessive growth of trees such as leylandii on homeowners and adjacent properties. [39754/10]
Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area. Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.
Control of Dogs
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:429 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39761/10]
Under Section 15 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986, it is a duty of every local authority to establish and maintain one or more shelters for dogs seized, accepted or detained under any of the provisions of the Act. The local authority may enter into arrangements with any person for the provision and maintenance of such shelters and for the exercise by such person of the functions of the local authority under the Act in respect of the acceptance, detention, disposal and destruction of stray and unwanted dogs.
The Dog Breeding Establishments Act was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010 following its passage through the Oireachtas. It is intended that the Act will commence in early 2011. The dog control function of local authorities is funded in part through income raised from the issuing of dog licences. The forthcoming increase in this licence fee, as provided in the Act, should provide extra funding for local authorities which will be of assistance to them in carrying out their dog control functions.
Under the new Act, a State regulated registration system for dog breeding establishments will be put in place and guidelines will be published in relation to the operation of dog breeding establishments. In this regard, draft guidelines will be published shortly for public consultation. The new measures will be enforced through the existing local authority dog control structures.
Section 16 of the Act provides that it will be unlawful for the operator of a dog breeding establishment to keep a dog that is over 12 weeks old which is not implanted with a microchip. The time limit for microchipping will reduce to 8 weeks after the first year of operation of the Act. This provision will assist Local Authorities in identifying dogs as part of their control functions. A number of the issues raised in the correspondence referred to in the Question are matters for my colleagues, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.
Water and Sewerage Schemes
Michael McGrath
Ceist:430 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for the Cork Harbour main drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39773/10]
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 Cork. The Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme is included in the programme as a scheme to advance through planning. My Department is currently finalising its examination of the Preliminary Report for the scheme. The most recent estimated cost of the scheme is over €70 million. However, its precise scope, phasing and cost will be determined during the planning phase and this cost will be apportioned, in accordance with Water Pricing Policy arrangements, between my Department and Cork County Council.
Retail Sector Developments
Pat Breen
Ceist:431 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will report on his plans to update retail planning guidelines; when the review will be completed; when he intends to publish new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39778/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 199 of 14 October 2010 which sets out the position in this matter.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:432 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39801/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:433 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39816/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
In general, premises and sites occupied by my Department are rented or leased by the OPW, rather than directly by my Department. The location and costs of premises and sites rented directly by my Department are set out.
|
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Office space — Met Éireann, Dublin Airport |
74,599 |
73,720 |
|
(includes service charge) |
(includes service charge) |
|
|
Office space — Met Éireann, Shannon Airport |
150,319 |
150,637 |
|
(includes service charge) |
(includes service charge) |
|
|
Office space — Met Éireann, Cork Airport |
1,860 |
1,944 |
|
Storage space, Cork |
26,560 |
21,870 |
|
Storage space, Galway |
1,200 |
1,200 |
My Department, at the end of 2009, entered into an arrangement for the National Monuments Service to occupy a proportion of an archival and storage facility in Swords as a sub-lessee of the National Museum of Ireland. My Department's share of the rental costs, amounting to €105,000 for the period to the end of 2011, was paid in December 2009. My Department shares with other Government Departments the rent and ancillary costs of a premises occupied by Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. Payment by my Department applies from 2010 onwards and, accordingly, no costs to my Department arise in respect of 2008 or 2009. All of the above mentioned space is in use.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:434 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/10]
With the exception of Met Eireann, which uses open source products in some applications, in general my Department does not utilise open source software packages due to potential compatibility and development issues with the existing ICT infrastructure. It is not possible to quantify net savings that may have accrued through the use of such products by Met Eireann. The use of open source software will be reviewed in the context of the new ICT strategy to be prepared next year. My Department is currently trialling some generic consumables with a view to achieving savings in ICT consumable expenditure when confirmed that these products are suitable for purpose.
Control of Dogs
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:435 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the status of the African Boerboel breed of dog for possible inclusion on the dangerous dogs list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39930/10]
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on 10 breeds of dogs or crosses thereof. The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or types and crosses thereof, must be kept on a strong short lead [up to 2 metres in length] by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them and that they are securely muzzled. The breeds of dogs to which these requirements apply were selected on the basis of recommendations in respect of the potential of those breeds and in the interests of public safety.
The list of dangerous dogs is as follows:
American Pit Bull Terrier;
Bull Mastiff;
Doberman Pinscher;
English Bull Terrier;
German Shepherd (Alsatian);
Japanese Akita;
Japanese Tosa;
Rhodesian Ridgeback;
Rottweiler;
Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
I understand that the African Boerboel is a mastiff type dog and would therefore be covered by the 1998 Regulations.
Fire Stations
Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:436 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the fire station at Lanesboro will proceed. [39939/10]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting general policy.
A new fire station to be funded under the Department's fire service capital programme is currently under construction at Edgeworthstown, County Longford. My Department approved in principle, in July 2008, an application from Longford County Council to construct a fire station in Lanesboro. The Council has indicated that the construction of this new station is its first priority. The Council is also seeking to progress an extension to the fire station in Longford Town. Further investment in the fire service in Co Longford will be considered under future capital programmes having regard to the existing facilities, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations, the fire authority's priorities and the totality of demands of other fire authorities on the limited funds available under the fire services capital programme.
Planning Issues
Michael Ring
Ceist:437 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the settlement agreed by Mayo County Council on the 7 July 2010 allowing a continuance of operations for an unauthorised quarry development on a limestone pavement, adjacent to a ecologically valuable, historical, semi-natural woodland, which has previously been refused planning permission by Mayo County Council and An Bord Pleanála. [40078/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:438 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the settlement agreed by Mayo County Council on the 7 July 2010 allowing a continuance of operations for an unauthorised quarry development on a limestone pavement, adjacent to an ecologically valuable, historical, semi-natural woodland, which has previously been refused planning permission by Mayo County Council and An Bord Pleanála, with the five-year timeframe from the initial enforcement complaint to court action by Mayo County Council. [40082/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:439 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the use of an adjournment, or settlement agreed by Mayo County Council on the 7 July 2010 allowing a continuance of operations for an unauthorised quarry development on a limestone pavement, adjacent to an ecologically valuable, historical, semi-natural woodland, which has previously been refused planning permission by Mayo County Council and An Bord Pleanála within an enforcement regime that is viewed by the European Commission as deeply cynical on the part of the Irish authorities and as a clear approach to get around the ban on retention permission. [40084/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:440 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the European Commission case dealing with the issue of retention permission (details supplied). [40085/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:441 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in view of the settlement agreed by Mayo County Council on the 7 July 2010 allowing a continuance of operations for an unauthorised quarry development on a limestone pavement, adjacent to a ecologically valuable, historical, semi-natural woodland, which has previously been refused planning permission by Mayo County Council and An Bord Pleanála does the Minister intend a planning review of Mayo County Council’s planning practices. [40087/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 to 441, inclusive, together.
Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authority which can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where the terms of a permission have not been met. The 2000 Planning Act places substantial obligations on planning authorities in relation to enforcement. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development, or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). There is also a statutory obligation to carry out an investigation and expeditiously decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued. The planning authority's decision on whether to issue an enforcement notice must be entered on the planning register and, in cases where it is decided not to issue an enforcement notice, any complainant must be informed.
It might also be noted that the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 contains a number of further provisions in relation to enforcement. The minimum fines have been increased and the requirements on a planning authority in relation to the issuing of an enforcement notice have also been increased: it is now explicitly provided that where unauthorised development is being carried out and the developer has not moved to rectify the position, the planning authority must issue an enforcement notice unless there is a compelling reason for not doing so. Also, the so-called 7 year rule, under which proceedings may not be taken, in the case of a development with no permission, after 7 years from the commencement of the development, has been abolished in the case of quarries and peat extraction activities. Two of these provisions have been commenced and it is intended to commence the last one shortly. 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.
Local Authority Charges
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:442 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to assist the hotel industry in regard to the inability of hotels and guesthouses to pay their local authority rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40088/10]
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. However, I have urged local authorities to exercise restraint in setting the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in this and previous years and they have responded positively in this regard. Across the 88 local authorities the average change of ARV from 2009 to 2010 shows a decrease of 0.62%. As part of a range of measures to aid economic recovery, I am clear on the need for continued reductions in commercial rates over the coming years.
National Spatial Strategy
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:443 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the gateway innovation fund has been reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40161/10]
The Department of Finance report Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016: A Financial Framework, which was approved by Government in July 2010, makes provision for the re-establishment of the Gateways Innovation Fund with an indicative level of funding of €200 million from 2012. The objective of the Fund will be to stimulate and support innovative and locally co-funded projects that will prioritise Gateway development in line with the National Spatial Strategy. A copy of the investment priorities report is available on the Department of Finance website at www.finance.gov.ie . My Department intends to liaise with the lead local authorities in the Gateways on the matter in early 2011.
Housing Development Survey
Martin Ferris
Ceist:444 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of empty housing units identified in his Department’s report on housing developments that are under the auspices of National Asset Management Agency. [40178/10]
The aim of the National Housing Development Survey was to establish overall numbers and categories of unfinished housing developments in order to facilitate the development of subsequent best practice management and resolution approaches in dealing with such developments by key stakeholders such as developers, financial institutions and local authorities. The survey did not include the gathering of information on the ownership of sites or whether specific sites came within the remit of the National Asset Management Agency. The baseline National Housing Development Survey database is available on my Department's website —www.environ.ie.
Motor Taxation
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:445 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of motor tax applications which are carried out on-line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40221/10]
The Department of Transport is responsible for administering the on-line motor tax system, www.motortax.ie. I am informed by that Department that at present approximately 85% of the current vehicle fleet is eligible for on-line taxing. Of those vehicles eligible, over 51% are currently being processed on-line.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:446 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place. [40249/10]
The information requested in the question covering 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date is set out in the following table.
|
Company |
Details |
|
Enterprise Stationery Limited, Lurgan, Northern Ireland |
24 orders for printing and supply of file covers, folders and document wallets |
|
2008 – €9,915 |
|
|
2009 – €2,869 |
|
|
2010 – €2,192* |
|
|
*4 orders to the value of €2,192 were placed after this contract lapsed in March 2010 |
|
|
Paragon Group UK Limited, Sunderland, England |
4 orders for printing and supply of pay slips and payable orders |
|
2008 – €2,825 |
|
|
2009 – €5,581 |
|
|
2010 – €3,080 |
|
|
Smith & Ouzman Ltd, Eastbourne, England |
1 order for printing of Vehicle Registration Certificates* |
|
2008 – €7,887 |
|
|
2009 – nil |
|
|
2010 – nil |
|
|
*This function was transferred to the Department of Transport during 2008 |
|
|
Smith & Ouzman Ltd, Eastbourne, England |
1 order for the printing of ballot papers and posters for the Dublin constituency for the European Parliament elections |
|
2008 – nil |
|
|
2009 – €33,752 |
|
|
2010 – nil |
|
|
GPS Colour Graphics Limited, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
1 order for printing of Local Election 2009 – Results, Transfer of Votes and Statistics |
|
2008 – nil |
|
|
2009 – nil |
|
|
2010 – €10,482 |
|
|
Nicholson & Bass, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
1 order for printing of Tintern Abbey Archaeological Monograph |
|
2008 – nil |
|
|
2009 – nil |
|
|
2010 – €13,900 |
The first 5 orders in the Table above were placed under centralised National Procurement Service framework contracts managed by the Office of Public Works, or were procured by the National Procurement Service on behalf of the Department. The management of these orders, including any tendering arrangements, is a matter for the OPW. The final order was managed by my Department and a total of 5 companies (including 4 Irish companies) were invited to tender.
Local Authority Housing
Michael Ring
Ceist:447 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased from the private sector and developers by Mayo County Council from 1 June 2009 to date in 2010 in tabular form. [40319/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:448 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased from the private sector and developers by Westport Town Council from 1 June 2009 to date in 2010 in tabular form. [40320/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:449 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased from the private sector and developers by Castlebar Town Council from 1 June 2009 to date in 2010 in tabular form. [40321/10]
Michael Ring
Ceist:450 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased from the private sector and developers by Ballina Town Council from 1 June 2009 to date in 2010 in tabular form. [40322/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 447 to 450, inclusive, together.
Local authorities have, for a number of years now, progressed a programme of house purchases better to meet local housing need as well as to promote my Department's sustainable communities objectives. These programmes are undertaken and managed by the authorities having regard to their annual housing capital allocations and the unit cost limits for various types of properties, as determined by my Department. Information on the numbers purchased by Mayo County Council, Westport Town Council, Castlebar Town Council and Ballina Town Council over the period 1 June 2009 to date in 2010 is set out in the following table.
|
Local Authority |
Number Purchased 1 June 2009-31 Dec 2009 |
Number Purchased 2010 to date |
|
Mayo County Council |
1 |
0 |
|
Westport Town Council |
0 |
3 |
|
Castlebar Town Council |
0 |
0 |
|
Ballina Town Council |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
1 |
3 |
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:451 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was established; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40335/10]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:452 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40350/10]
My Department is participating in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction which is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation in order to achieve the 25% target set by Government in 2008 for the reduction in the cost of the administrative burden of domestic regulation on business by 2012. My Department has examined its primary and secondary legislation since 2001 and has identified 209 information obligations stemming from 51 pieces of legislationfor which the Department is responsible. Of these 209 information obligations, the 20 obligations which appear to create the greatest burden have been identified.
To ensure consistency in the measurement of the actual costs to business stemming from information obligations across all Departments and Agencies concerned, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is arranging to conduct the cost measurement process on the basis of a methodology used throughout EU Member States. I understand that this process will be completed in 2011, at which stage the actual costs to business will be identified. Following measurement, my Department will prepare a simplification plan, which will target any unnecessary information obligations, streamline systems and remove any duplication of requirements on business as far as possible in order to contribute towards achieving the 25% reduction in costs to business by 2012.
Energy Resources
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:453 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will deal with matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40097/10]
Production of first gas from the Corrib gas field is a matter for the developer, SEPIL, subject to conformity with all statutory consent requirements. For the Deputy's information, construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is substantially completed as are the subsea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83km offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline was installed. The developers are engaged in the process of securing a number of statutory consents required for the construction of the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline. Completion of the development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available.
Energy Conservation
Sean Fleming
Ceist:454 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons in receipt of fuel allowance as part of the national fuel scheme who live in privately owned non-local authority housing which were constructed prior to 2002 that have been contacted in connection with the warmer home schemes; if all persons are eligible for this scheme; when all persons in this category will be informed of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40278/10]
Sean Fleming
Ceist:474 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons who have been contacted in connection with the warmer homes scheme; if all persons in receipt of fuel allowance as part of the national fuel scheme who live in privately owned non-local authority housing which were constructed prior to 2002 are eligible for this scheme; when all persons in this category will be informed of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40279/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 474 together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty and is targeted at householders who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, Disability Benefit or Invalidity Benefit. Measures undertaken include attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and energy advice at no cost to eligible households. The scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department, and is delivered through a combination of community based organisations (CBOs) and a panel of private contractors. Vulnerable homes are primarily identified by the SEAI and the CBOs, who work in partnership with local networks of community support and poverty organisations, which include public health nurses, MABS and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Since the inception of the WHS in 2000, almost 62,000 low income homes have been upgraded with energy efficiency measures. The 2010 Allocation for the WHS is €29.81 million, and it is expected that 22,500 homes will be assisted under the scheme this year.
The SEAI has worked closely with the Department of Social Protection to identify vulnerable homes, and has conducted a mail shot directed at 46,000 homes in receipt of Fuel Allowance in areas not covered by the CBOs. The mail shot was dispatched in July 2010, and comprised information on the scheme and the application process. Some 13,300 applications have been received to date, and it is estimated that approximately 15,000 eligible homes will be identified through this process. In addition to this mail shot, the updated Keep Well and Warm booklet, and the associated website, provide energy saving advice as well as information on grant schemes and other supports. Some 140,000 copies of the booklet have been distributed across the country to date, and further distribution will take place in the course of the winter months.
Postal Services
Michael Creed
Ceist:455 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress being made regarding the introduction of post codes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39647/10]
Ireland is the only country in the EU and OECD which does not have a national postcode system. An invitation to tender was issued on the 10th May 2010 for consultants to assist in selecting a body to implement and manage the delivery of a working National Postcode System (NPS). These consultants have now been appointed and are working with my Department's Steering Group to introduce a six digit alpha numeric model that is also capable of being refined into a location based code. Currently, a process of consultation with interested parties is taking place and, subject to review, a process of procurement will commence later this year.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:456 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39674/10]
The following table shows the bodies under the remit of my Department that receive Exchequer grants and the amount provided yearly to each Agency since the establishment of my Department in 2007.
|
Body |
2010 (To end Oct) |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Digital Hub Development Agency |
2,060 |
1,731 |
1,941 |
1,856 |
|
National Research Digital Centre |
3,431 |
3,813 |
2,631 |
2,500 |
|
RTÉ |
161,800 |
204,255 |
201,067 |
194,838 |
|
TG4 |
29,343 |
36,133 |
36,390 |
31,897 |
|
Broadcasting Commission of Ireland |
— |
4,550 |
5,000 |
3,810 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
73,815 |
80,287 |
64,855 |
54,200 |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland* |
21,435 |
29,061 |
31,391 |
28,607 |
|
Loughs Agency |
1,594 |
2,382 |
2,624 |
2,693 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
4,985 |
5,087 |
5,970 |
— |
*Formerly the Central & Regional Fishery Boards.
I can inform the Deputy that funding provided to each of the Agencies listed above is published yearly in the Appropriation Account. The Annual Accounts of each Agency under the aegis of the Department are also placed in the Library of the House. The National Digital Research Centre publishes its Annual Report on its website and files its Annual Accounts with the Companies Registration Office.
Telecommunications Services
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:457 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1546 and 1548 of 29 September 2010, his plans to bring in legislation to allow for custodial sentences for use of such devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/10]
As I previously advised the Deputy, I am satisfied that ComReg has the powers under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act 1926 to monitor the inappropriate use of mobile phone blockers and take immediate enforcement action where necessary. I have no plans at present to amend this legislation.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:458 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39796/10]
My Department does not have any leased premises or sites that are not in current use.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:459 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39811/10]
My Department occupies or partly occupies a number of leased buildings all of which are currently in use. They are as follows: Department Headquarters, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 Core Store, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Sandyford, County Dublin Elm House, Earlsvale Road, Cavan (partly occupied). All details in relation to the leases are dealt with by the Office of Public Works.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:460 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39916/10]
The Information Systems Division in my Department spent a total of €41,982 on consumables in 2009, and €28,855 to date in 2010. Purchases are made solely on the lowest price for a suitable product at any given time; brand is not a factor in product purchase. The volume of generic or branded consumables purchased is not recorded. An open source product is used within the Information Systems Division for monitoring the availability of networks and servers. An equivalent proprietary solution would cost approximately €10,000. My Department's overall approach is geared to using, and promoting the use of open source software where this is appropriate and cost effective. The open source community would generally agree that the general use of open source software in a corporate environment is only now becoming a realistic proposition. While the initial costs of open source software are very low, it does require a larger technical effort to support going forward with resultant cost implications.
Telecommunications Services
Tom Hayes
Ceist:461 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals for the European economic recovery programme funding for rural broadband initiatives; the areas covered by this fund; the speed of broadband that will be provided to these areas and when roll-out will commence as rural areas are having extensive problems in getting connected to broadband. [40098/10]
The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie. In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention.
In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the 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 which seek a service. I am pleased to say that under the NBS broadband is now available in all Electoral Divisions in the NBS Coverage Area. It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. 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. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally launch a Rural Broadband Scheme before the end of this year. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. There will be a competitive process to engage a service provider who will offer a broadband service to qualified applicants under the scheme.
While the exact details have yet to be finalised, I expect that the service offered under this scheme would at least match the service offered under the NBS. This process will be technology neutral — it will be a matter for the bidders to decide which technical approach they propose in their bids. 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.
Alternative Energy Projects
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:462 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in implementing the REFIT since the announcement on 24 May 2010 of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40118/10]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:463 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for the implementation of REFIT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40120/10]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:464 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the effect the delay in implementing REFIT is having on the indigenous biomass industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40121/10]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:465 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the REFIT tariff for co-firing miscanthus is still with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40184/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 to 465, inclusive, together.
In May of this year, I announced a Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) Scheme for electricity generated from biomass including energy crops such as miscanthus and willow, ranging from 8.5 cent per kilowatt hour to 15 cent per kilowatt hour depending on the technology deployed. State Aid Clearance from the European Commission is required before the new feed in tariffs can be implemented. My Department is currently finalising the State Aid submission together with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and this will be forwarded to the Commission for discussion with Commission Services this week.
My Department estimates that it will take two to three months for clearance to be finalised and approved by the European Commission. Therefore, I expect that I will be in a position to announce implementation of the tariffs in the first quarter of 2011. The announcement of the proposed REFIT Scheme has of itself been a positive development for the biomass sector, together with the support for energy crops provided by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and ongoing development of the demand side including the co-firing of biomass at Bord na Móna's peat generation plant at Edenderry
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:466 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40244/10]
There were two such contracts awarded by my Department. The details requested are shown in the table.
|
Material |
Printer Name |
Printer Location |
Amount of Contract |
Did Tendering Take Place |
|
€ |
||||
|
Make Tsecure |
Graficas Jomagar SL |
Spain |
72,054.61 |
Yes |
|
All-Island Grid Study |
Pierce (incorporating Blue Design) |
Belfast |
17,021.00 |
Yes |
Energy Resources
Enda Kenny
Ceist:467 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of any open cycle gas generation, OCGG, projects being planned for each of the agencies under his remit; the details of any OCGG projects being constructed for each of the agencies under his remit; the details of any OCGG projects currently existing for each of the agencies under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40261/10]
Open cycle gas generation is extremely valuable in the Irish generation context, as a vital part of a balanced portfolio, which can underpin the delivery of increasing amount of intermittent generation, including wind. All power generation projects are subject to licensing by the Commission for Energy Regulation and predicated on the necessary connections from EirGrid. There are a number of existing and planned open cycle gas generation projects by the State energy companies under the aegis of my Department.
I am advised that ESB has three existing operational open cycle gas turbine plant located as follows: Aghada and Marina, both in County Cork, and North Wall in Dublin City. Bord na Móna has recently commissioned two open cycle gas turbine generating units at Edenderry with a total capacity of 116MW. I am advised by BGE that four Open Cycle Gas Generation projects at four separate locations are at various stages of planning, with some having progressed to securing grid connections. Bord na Móna has received planning permission to construct a 170MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine Plant in County Offaly.
The expected date of commissioning of all these projects is not yet available and decisions will be subject to a variety of considerations, including financial, in light of current and projected capacity in the market. There may also be plans for private sector projects involving open cycle gas turbine plant at various stages of development. I would refer the Deputy to EirGrid publications for additional information on generation developments. EirGrid's current Generation Adequacy Report 2010 to 2016, provides considerable detail on current, forthcoming and planned generation plants.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:468 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies, analysis or computer modelling that have been conducted by his Department and the agencies within his remit to evaluate modern pumped storage technology as a source of flexible generation, ancillary services and reserve potential within the electricity sector; the inputs that were used for his Department’s policy in regard to the role of modern pumped storage and the provision of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40262/10]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:469 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies, analysis, or computer modelling that have been conducted by his Department and the agencies within his remit to evaluate the security of supply benefit from modern pumped storage technology in conjunction with large reservoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40264/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 469 together.
My Department has not conducted studies or computer modelling specifically to evaluate modern pumped storage technology. The "All Island Grid Study", jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland and published in 2008, examined the potential for renewable generated electricity systems to be handled on an all island basis by the grid transmission system. As part of that work a very large scheduling model was constructed to provide dispatch information on all plants for the year 2020 for a number of portfolios, including fuel consumption, reserve allocation, imports and exports and CO2 emissions. One of the technologies in the model was large scale pumped storage. The findings of the study showed that penetration of up to 42% renewable electricity is technically feasible without any major increase in pumped storage.
With regard to analysis conducted by agencies under the remit of my Department I understand that in the past year EirGrid has published two reports which include analysis of pumped storage. The reports entitled ‘Generation Adequacy Report 2010–2016' and ‘Low Carbon Generation Options for the All Island Market' are available on the EirGrid website at www.eirgrid.com. In addition, EirGrid is available to provide technical information and analysis to any group investigating the potential for large scale pumped storage.
Energy storage has been developed over the years in Ireland where it can make a useful contribution to balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. This is the case at the ESB's pumped water power station at Turlough Hill. Pumped storage is one of a number of technical options for energy storage. I welcome all private endeavours seeking to promote and deploy renewable energy to the benefit of energy consumers. It is the case that several parties are actively developing renewable energy proposals, which are predicated on or include, pumped storage projects. Any successful deployment of economically viable and environmentally acceptable storage technologies would enhance the ability of the electricity grid to accept higher penetration levels of intermittent renewable generation. Developments are being kept under close review by my Department in consultation with EirGrid and the energy sector.
Electricity Transmission Network
Enda Kenny
Ceist:470 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of all transmission grid projects either completed or under construction during the past ten years in Mayo, Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo; if he will provide the project name, project cost, power capacity in megawatts of the line, substations connected, dimensions of wire and the number of pylons in such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40265/10]
The construction of individual transmission grid projects is a day-to-day matter for EirGrid and ESB as the two State Bodies with statutory responsibilities for national transmission network infrastructure. I have no function in the matter.
Alternative Energy Projects
Enda Kenny
Ceist:471 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the names of any wind farm projects in which agencies under his remit are involved; if any such projects provide a community fund; if so, the amount distributed by each fund, how the fund calculation is made and how the funds are disbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40266/10]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:472 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the community consultation that has taken place on wind projects in Gate Three by the agencies within his remit; if any planned or pending community consultations exist for the same projects; his plans to introduce measures that ensure all State and semi-State energy companies under his remit make every effort to operate in an openly transparent manner as well as co-operate and consult with local communities where they propose to develop natural resource projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40267/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 472 together.
The EirGrid website provides a list of connected and contracted generators, both wind and other generators, and the locations of these throughout the country. EirGrid and ESB Networks have provided the details set out in the table below, of the wind projects in Gates 1, 2 and 3 being undertaken by State Companies. The dates provided for contracted projects are those supplied within their connection agreement and are indicative. Details of investment partners (including any local community involvement), who may be involved in the wind projects in question is a matter for the State Companies concerned. All of the companies in question operate on a commercial basis and financial details of individual projects are a day to day operational matter for the companies.
All projects developed, whether by State Companies or the private sector, are subject to the planning process including all requisite consultation processes. Developers engage with local individual stakeholders and local communities in the areas where they are proposing to build windfarms.
|
GATE 3 |
Information provided by EirGrid & ESBN |
||||
|
Application Name |
Size/MEC (MW) |
TSO/DSO |
Location |
Type |
Notes |
|
ESB Wind Development (Hibernian) |
|||||
|
Boolynagleragh (1) |
36.980 |
DSO |
Clare |
Wind |
Live Offer |
|
Boolynagleragh (2) |
11.640 |
DSO |
Clare |
Wind |
Live Offer |
|
Kilgarvan (1) |
62.200 |
TSO |
Kerry |
Wind |
|
|
Raheenleagh (1) |
36.500 |
DSO |
Wicklow |
Wind |
|
|
Croaghbrack (1) |
33.100 |
DSO |
Donegal |
Wind |
|
|
Bragan (1) |
33.100 |
DSO |
Monaghan |
Wind |
|
|
Woodhouse |
23.280 |
TSO |
Waterford |
Wind |
|
|
Bunkimalta 46.5MW Windfarm [110kV connection] |
46.500 |
DSO |
New 110kV Node ‘Cureeny’ tailed from Thurles 110kV Station |
Wind |
|
|
Cappagh White 2 |
9.487 |
DSO |
Toem 110kV Station |
Wind |
|
|
Cappagh White WF 3 |
21.600 |
DSO |
Toem 110kV Station |
Wind |
|
|
Cappagh White 4 |
18.000 |
DSO |
Toem 110kV Station |
Wind |
|
|
Castlepook (1) |
33.100 |
DSO |
Charleville 110kV Station |
Wind |
|
|
ESB Wind Development (Hibernian) & Bord na Mona |
|||||
|
Oweninney (1) |
34.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Oweninney (2) |
48.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Oweninney (3) |
56.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Oweninney (4) |
34.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Bord na Mona |
|||||
|
Bruckana |
39.600 |
DSO |
Tipperary |
Wind |
|
|
Oweninney (5) |
198.900 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Mountlucas (1) |
79.200 |
TSO |
Offaly |
Wind |
|
GATE 3 |
Information provided by EirGrid & ESBN |
||||
|
Application Name |
Size/MEC (MW) |
TSO/DSO |
Location |
Type |
Notes |
|
Coillte |
|||||
|
Killinaparson (1) |
55.000 |
TSO |
Offaly |
Wind |
|
|
Cluddaun (1) |
52.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Cluddaun (2) |
64.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Cluddaun (3) |
34.000 |
TSO |
Mayo |
Wind |
|
|
Sliabh Bawn |
58.000 |
TSO |
Galway |
Wind |
|
|
Bord Gais |
|||||
|
Kill Hill (1) |
62.500 |
TSO |
Tipperary |
Wind |
|
|
Ballymartin 2 — Smithstown |
8.280 |
DSO |
Waterford |
Wind |
|
|
SWS (Bord Gais) |
On time of application were a private entity. Aquired by Bord Gais at later date |
||||
|
Glentanemacelligot (2) |
34.000 |
TSO |
Cork |
Wind |
|
|
Knockawarriga (2) |
12.000 |
TSO |
Cork |
Wind |
|
|
Knockawarriga (3) |
26.500 |
TSO |
Cork |
Wind |
|
|
Gneeves (2) |
5.400 |
DSO |
Kerry |
Wind |
|
|
Coomagearlahy Phase 4 — previously Lettercannon |
21.600 |
DSO |
Kerry |
Wind |
|
|
Garracummer 2 |
1.000 |
DSO |
Tipperary |
Wind |
|
|
Total |
1,289.467 |
|
GATE 2 |
Information provided by EirGrid & ESBN |
||||
|
Application Name |
Size/MEC (MW) |
TSO/DSO |
Location |
Type |
Notes |
|
SWS & Bord Gais |
On time of application were a private entity. Acquired by Bord Gais at later date |
||||
|
Booltaigh (2) |
3.000 |
TSO |
Clare |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Booltaigh (3) |
9.000 |
TSO |
Clare |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Coomagearlahy (2) |
8.500 |
TSO |
Cork |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Coomagearlahy (3) |
30.000 |
TSO |
Cork |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Knockacummer |
87.000 |
DSO |
Cork |
Wind |
Contracted (2012) |
|
Lisheen |
55.000 |
TSO |
Tipperary |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Flughland |
9.200 |
DSO |
Sorne |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Glenduff Windfarm Energy Development |
6.000 |
DSO |
Glenlara |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Glentanemacelligot Windfarm |
18.000 |
DSO |
Cordal (new) |
Wind |
Contracted (2012) |
|
Loughaun North 2 WF |
24.000 |
DSO |
Ennis |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Garracummer |
36.900 |
DSO |
Cauteen (new) |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Moanvaun WF |
3.000 |
DSO |
Cappagh White (new) |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Tooreen WF Ltd. |
4.000 |
DSO |
Cauteen (new) |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Keelderry |
29.800 |
TSO |
Galway |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Reisk |
3.900 |
DSO |
Galway |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
ESB Wind Development (Hibernian) |
|||||
|
Garvagh |
58.000 |
TSO |
Leitrim |
Wind |
Connected (10.23 MW still to be connected, 2012) |
|
Mountain Lodge (3) |
5.800 |
TSO |
Cavan |
Wind |
|
|
Ballymartin 1 — Smithstown |
6.000 |
DSO |
Great Island |
Wind |
Contracted (2010) |
|
Carrane Hill Ext. WF |
1.598 |
DSO |
Corderry |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Mount Eagle 3 WF |
1.700 |
DSO |
Tralee |
Wind |
Contracted (2010) |
|
Grouse Lodge Windfarm |
15.000 |
DSO |
Rathkeale |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Cappagh White Wind Farm |
16.100 |
DSO |
Cauteen (new) |
Wind |
Contracted (2011) |
|
Total |
431.498 |
|
GATE 1 |
Information provided by EirGrid & ESBN |
||||
|
Application Name |
Size/MEC (MW) |
TSO/DSO |
Location |
Type |
Notes |
|
ESB Wind Development (Hibernian) |
|||||
|
Moneypoint Wind Farm |
21.90 |
TSO |
Clare |
Wind |
Contracted (2012) |
|
Mount Eagle Windfarm 2 |
1.70 |
DSO |
Tralee |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Knockawarriga Windfarm |
22.50 |
DSO |
Trien |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Lurganboy Windfarm (4.99MW), Milford, Co Donegal |
4.99 |
DSO |
Letterkenny |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Total |
51.09 |
|
PreGATE |
Information provided by EirGrid & ESBN |
||||
|
Application Name |
Size/MEC (MW) |
TSO/DSO |
Location |
Type |
Notes |
|
SWS |
On time ofapplication werea private entity.Aquired by BordGais at later date |
||||
|
Booltaigh (1) |
19.45 |
TSO |
Clare |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Coomagearlahy (1) |
42.50 |
TSO |
Cork |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Gneeves Windfarm |
9.35 |
DSO |
Cork |
Wind |
Connected |
|
ESB Wind Development (Hibernian) |
|||||
|
Derrybrien |
59.50 |
TSO |
Galway |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Mountain Lodge |
24.80 |
TSO |
Cavan |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Carrane Hill Wind Farm |
3.40 |
DSO |
Corderry |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Mount Eagle Windfarm |
5.10 |
DSO |
Tralee |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Black Banks I, Arigna, Co Leitrim |
3.40 |
DSO |
Corderry |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Black Banks I, Arigna, Co Leitrim |
6.80 |
DSO |
Corderry |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Carnsore Wind Farm (11.9MW), Co. Wexford |
11.90 |
DSO |
Wexford |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Crockahenny |
5.00 |
DSO |
Trillick |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Mountain Lodge Wind Farm |
3.00 |
DSO |
Shankill |
Wind |
Connected |
|
Total |
194.200 |
Enda Kenny
Ceist:473 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the figures or estimates for the mean annual wind speed at 50 metres above ground for each county; if he will provide those figures as a percentage of the total wind resource for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40268/10]
Table 1 shows the seasonal and annual mean wind speeds per county. The figures are a result of the modelling by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which produced the national wind atlas in 2004.
Historical weather datasets were compiled for intervals of six hours at all atmospheric levels. Analysis was then performed using grids of successively finer mesh size to simulate conditions down to a grid size of 1km square. The mesh size was further reduced (200m square) using a second model having regard to local land elevation, land cover and roughness. A comparison was made between the predicted wind characterisation and those measured at a range of met sites across the country (but not in each county) to minimise the residual differences predicted and actual mean values encountered.
The mean wind speed figure might provide an indication for a county and a useful comparison of a county to other counties but local factors are always crucial in producing the actual mean wind speed at a site. Such local factors include altitude, aspect, topography, land use and exposure. As a result, the mean annual wind speed at different locations within a county can vary greatly. A particular site's annual mean wind speed can be estimated using the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) online wind atlas at http://maps.seai.ie/wind . This will provide a better indication of the potential mean wind speed in a locality as opposed to the county's mean figure.
At a national level the estimated accessible wind resource on land in 2020 is 12,000 MW. The methodology is set out in the SEAI publication Renewable Energy Resources in Ireland for 2010 and 2020 Report, 2004. The accessible resource estimate accounts for the following constraints among others:
Minimum recommended spacing between turbines;
Extracted wind speeds below 7.5 metres per second;
Buffer zones on and around habitation, roads, lakes, infrastructure and airports;
Cost;
Social acceptance of wind turbines.
|
County |
Dec-Feb |
Mar-May |
June-Aug |
Sept-Nov |
Annual |
Annual |
|
metres per second (m/s) |
kph |
|||||
|
Mayo |
9.23 |
7.79 |
6.57 |
8.35 |
7.99 |
28.70 |
|
Donegal |
9.00 |
7.73 |
6.37 |
8.19 |
7.82 |
28.20 |
|
Wicklow |
8.79 |
7.36 |
6.30 |
7.78 |
7.56 |
27.20 |
|
Galway |
8.67 |
7.30 |
6.26 |
7.80 |
7.51 |
27.00 |
|
Kerry |
8.73 |
7.26 |
6.14 |
7.83 |
7.49 |
27.00 |
|
Sligo |
8.59 |
7.34 |
6.15 |
7.70 |
7.45 |
26.80 |
|
Wexford |
8.48 |
7.30 |
6.14 |
7.51 |
7.36 |
26.50 |
|
Clare |
8.43 |
7.10 |
6.05 |
7.60 |
7.30 |
26.30 |
|
Cork |
8.35 |
6.96 |
5.92 |
7.35 |
7.15 |
25.70 |
|
Westmeath |
8.22 |
6.88 |
6.00 |
7.33 |
7.11 |
25.60 |
|
Roscommon |
8.17 |
6.94 |
5.99 |
7.29 |
7.10 |
25.60 |
|
Dublin |
8.34 |
6.79 |
5.89 |
7.36 |
7.10 |
25.50 |
|
Meath |
8.16 |
6.88 |
5.95 |
7.29 |
7.07 |
25.50 |
|
Limerick |
8.18 |
6.81 |
5.91 |
7.30 |
7.05 |
25.40 |
|
Waterford |
8.11 |
6.87 |
5.82 |
7.12 |
6.98 |
25.10 |
|
Longford |
8.05 |
6.78 |
5.87 |
7.16 |
6.97 |
25.10 |
|
Monaghan |
7.98 |
6.87 |
5.85 |
7.14 |
6.96 |
25.10 |
|
Kildare |
7.97 |
6.76 |
5.92 |
7.14 |
6.95 |
25.00 |
|
Cavan |
8.01 |
6.77 |
5.81 |
7.11 |
6.93 |
24.90 |
|
Leitrim |
7.95 |
6.80 |
5.72 |
7.15 |
6.91 |
24.90 |
|
Tipp NR |
8.00 |
6.68 |
5.80 |
7.13 |
6.90 |
24.80 |
|
Offaly |
7.90 |
6.65 |
5.78 |
7.07 |
6.85 |
24.70 |
|
Laois |
7.89 |
6.66 |
5.78 |
7.06 |
6.85 |
24.70 |
|
Louth |
7.94 |
6.70 |
5.70 |
7.05 |
6.85 |
24.70 |
|
Carlow |
7.86 |
6.71 |
5.74 |
7.01 |
6.83 |
24.60 |
|
Kilkenny |
7.79 |
6.67 |
5.75 |
6.98 |
6.80 |
24.50 |
|
Tipp SR |
7.77 |
6.54 |
5.68 |
6.92 |
6.73 |
24.20 |
|
Median County |
8.16 |
6.87 |
5.91 |
7.29 |
7.05 |
25.38 |
Source: SEAI Wind Atlas.
Question No. 474 answered with Question No. 454.
Telecommunications Services
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:475 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 100 Mbps fibre broadband is available in rural locations in the United Kingdom, such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with the assistance of European funding through the European Regional Development Fund’s convergence programme; if he would consider organising a similar type scheme for west Cork with similar financial support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40318/10]
Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles, which are crucial to the development of the market including (i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment (ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure, (iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide in cases of market failure and to meet certain of the State's own communication needs, and (iv) appropriate regulation. The policy paper sets out the Government's position that investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for the private sector, facilitated, where appropriate and possible, by Government.
The policy has facilitated significant progress in broadband roll out and increasing broadband speeds over recent years. At the end of June 2010, for example, Ireland had in the region of 1.48 million broadband subscriptions and of the homes with broadband access 77.8% of them are using broadband speeds between 2mbps and 10mbps. This progress was achieved by a combination of competitive forces in the open market and Government and ERDF funded schemes such as the Metropolitan Areas Networks programme and the National Broadband Scheme. The latter schemes are designed to intervene where market failure has been identified.
This approach is also consistent with the EU Commission's ‘Community Guidelines on State Aid rules for broadband networks' (2009/C 235/04), which limit the circumstances in which the State can intervene in the broadband market. The proposed Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Next Generation Broadband scheme, referred to by the Deputy, was also examined under those guidelines as part of the EU State Aids clearance process. I signalled last month that I have commenced the establishment of a Next Generation Broadband Taskforce, comprising industry, Government and ComReg, to consider how best to facilitate the roll out of next generation broadband in Ireland without compromising the competitive market principles and applicable EU rules.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:476 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40331/10]
Details of high level groups under the aegis of my Department are set out in the following table.
|
Name of Group |
Purpose |
Year Set Up |
Meetings No. |
|
Digital Switch Over Steering Group |
To progress the digital switch-over process |
2010 |
6 |
|
Affordable Energy Group |
To coordinate national policy on affordable energy |
2008 |
9 |
|
High Level Group on International Content Services Centre |
Examine issue relation to the establishment of an International content Services Centre in Ireland |
2009 |
4 |
|
Exemplar Working Group |
Look at issue/options on content trading, taxation, IP rights and legal issues |
2009 |
3 |
|
High Level Strategic Workshop on Energy Efficient Data Centres and Cloud Computing |
Prepare recommendations for the “Technology Actions to Support the Smart Economy” Report, 2009, and follow up actions |
2009 |
3 |
|
Telecommunications Emergency Planning Group |
Emergency planning |
2009 |
3 |
|
Postcode Steering Group |
To oversee the implementation of a National Postcode System (NPS). |
2010 |
21 |
|
Environmental Monitoring Group |
To exchange and review information and data on the Corrib Field Development in the context of the agreed Environmental Monitoring Plan and to review reports on future planned activities during construction, testing and commissioning. |
2002 |
50 |
|
North West Mayo Forum |
To promote understanding of how the Corrib Project is regulated by providing the local community and their public representatives with an opportunity for a coordinated engagement with the Government Departments and State bodies that have a regulatory role in relation to the project and to offer a positive opportunity for furthering the socio-economic development of the North West Mayo Region. |
2008 |
6 |
|
Corrib High Level Advisory Group |
To track progress across the key consent processes of the Corrib project and bring any relevant issues to the attention of Government. |
2010 |
3 |
|
Renewable Energy Development Group |
To contribute to the delivery of Ireland’s renewable energy objectives and targets across the electricity, heat and transport sectors for 2010 and 2020 as set out in the Energy Policy White Paper, The Programme for Government and in the context of the European Union Energy and Climate Change Package. |
2008 |
9 |
|
Renewable Energy Development Group |
To contribute to the delivery of Ireland’s renewable energy objectives and targets across the electricity, heat and transport sectors for 2010 and 2020 as set out in the Energy Policy White Paper, The Programme for Government and in the context of the European Union Energy and Climate Change Package. |
2008 |
9 |
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:477 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; and if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40346/10]
The programme for Government 2007-2012 contains a commitment to "reduce the regulatory burden faced by business" and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is leading its implementation. My Department is represented in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction. Our initial assessment lists fourteen information obligations and has identified what may be the most burdensome. The actual cost to business of that information obligation and the total cost for my Department will shortly be measured in coordination with Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. Measurement is expected to be completed in 2011 and, following this, simplification plans will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, for implementing identified burden reductions.
Grant Payments
Phil Hogan
Ceist:478 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39649/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Scheme was received from the person named on the 6 May 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection. The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. The 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue within a week followed by the 25% balancing payment. The 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within a week with the balancing payment due in December.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:479 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39673/10]
My Department is involved in the payment of a wide range of grants and subventions including, for example, payments under the Single Payment Scheme to some 130,000 beneficiaries and area based compensation allowances to some 102,000 farmers. The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and the resources required to compile the level of detail would not be justified in the required timeframe. However, details of payments made under EU Schemes for the years 2007 to 2009 are available on my Department's website.
Grant Payments
Willie Penrose
Ceist:480 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding persons who have had inspections carried out in cross compliance; the reason these persons have not been paid any of their moneys under the single farm payment and disadvantaged area schemes to date; if the inspectors’ reports have been furnished in order to allow such payments to be effected; the reason there has been a failure to make part payments to such persons, who may well have a small issue which may incur a penalty of 5% for non-compliance and in such a situation the reason the remainder of the moneys has not been paid; the steps he will take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39724/10]
Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas' Scheme and the Single Payments Scheme all ground eligibility inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a ground eligibility inspection. On the other hand cross-compliance inspections may be carried out within the calendar year and do not hold up payment. Any undue payment detected as a result of a cross-compliance inspection can subsequently be recovered from the applicant.
In 2010 some 3,500 farmers were selected for ground eligibility inspections and all of these inspections were completed in advance of the first payments made under the Disadvantaged Areas' Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme. A further 4,200 inspections were conducted by remote sensing without the need to visit the farm. In the vast majority of cases that were inspected, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a ground eligibility inspection.
My Department has received 123,000 applications under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and 102,000 applications under the Disadvantaged Areas' Scheme. When processing is completed it is expected that over 70,000 of these will have required the digitising of maps as a result of changes submitted by farmers. This compares with an average of 22,000 digitising changes required in previous years.
With regard to the Single Payment Scheme, the total number of farmers paid since payments commenced less than two weeks ago is 108,845 farmers with an amount totalling €507.67 million. A further 1,046 farmers have their applications processed but payment cannot be made as the amount is less than €100. The number of farmers paid under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is 88,478 with the total amount paid at €169.7 million. There are a further 25,363 farmers, who have been partially paid. These will be paid their balancing payment as their cases are fully processed and cleared.
Pat Breen
Ceist:481 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) has not received full payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39763/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75 per cent issuing in respect of 9.53 hectares amounting to €686.06. A deduction of €94.07 in respect of an overpayment relating to an overclaim of area under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas application was recouped from this payment. This application is now fully processed and full payment has issued.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Denis Naughten
Ceist:482 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme participants who have completed their five year plan in the past 12 months; the corresponding number of completed applications received under the replacement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39782/10]
11,370 farmers completed their five year REPS contract in the period October 2009 to October 2010. 9,236 applications were received for the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme, which closed on 17 May 2010.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:483 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39795/10]
All issues in relation to leases for Government Departments / Offices, including my Department is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:484 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39810/10]
All issues in relation to leases for Government Departments / Offices is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
Departmental Offices
Pat Breen
Ceist:485 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of the 10 June 2010, his views on the level of service provided to Clare farmers following the centralisation of services to the Department’s Limerick office; his plans to introduce a satellite service to County Clare to assist farmers who have to travel long distances to access services since the closure of the Department’s Ennis office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39834/10]
A major rationalisation plan for my Department was approved by Government last year. This plan involves a comprehensive restructuring of the Department's local office network and provides a fully integrated service to our farming clients and the wider agri-food and rural environmental sectors at regional level. The plan involves reducing, from 57 to 16, the number of offices from which the Department will operate. Services formerly provided by my Department at Ennis are since the 19th of March of this year being provided by my Department's regional office at Raheen, Limerick, and I am satisfied that farmers in Co. Clare will continue to receive an excellent service from the enhanced regional office in Limerick.
Grant Payments
Finian McGrath
Ceist:486 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with regard to the 2010 single payment scheme and disadvantaged area scheme, when he expects the digitising of maps to be complete in order that payments due can be issued. [39839/10]
The number of eligible Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme applications amount to almost 130,000 per annum. As part of the application procedures for the both Schemes, applicants are requested to identify and remove ineligible areas, on maps provided by my Department, from their pre-printed land parcel details supplied by my Department. On receipt, the amended maps have to be processed and the changes identified by the applicants are digitised onto my Department's Land Parcel Identification System.
By the time the processing of the 2010 applications is completed, it is expected that we will have processed and digitised maps received from over 70,000 farmers. This compares with a figure of 30,000 for 2009 and an average of 22,000 maps in recent years. On average each farmer submitted two maps with their 2010 application forms.
The payment of the aid under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September 2010. In order to enable my Department to make payments to many farmers as possible including those farmers with non-digitised maps, I decided to make a 75% advance payment to eligible farmers under this Scheme. The balancing payments were made on 20 October 2010 to all applicants, who were fully processed and clear. The total number of farmers paid to date under this Scheme is 88,478 with the total amount paid of €169.7 million.
The earliest permissible date for the payment under the Single Payment Scheme is 1st December. However in 2010 I made a special case to the European Commission and secured agreement to make an advance payment of 50% from 18 October. The total number of farmers paid since payments commenced two weeks ago is 108,845 farmers with an amount totalling €507.67 million. As in the case of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I arrange for payments to be made to applicants, where the only outstanding issue was non-digitised maps. The balancing payments of 50% will commence on 1 December.
In addition to the deployment of additional resources, a number of other initiatives were taken to enable payments (even if it was not the entire payment) to issue earlier that might have been the cases. These included paying on the eligible land that was digitised and clear. The number of herds with maps processed on a weekly basis is some 3,000. To date we have processed 38,000 herds with re-digitising required. There are approximately 32,000 herds with maps to be re-digitised. This is a significant task and it is estimated that re-digitising will be completed in early 2011.
I set a very demanding schedule of payments for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, Single Payment Scheme and the Grassland Sheep Scheme form September to December 2010. I intend to adhere to this schedule. In the meantime, multiple payment runs under the Schemes will be made on a weekly basis to pay farmers, whose applications are fully processed and clear.
Niall Collins
Ceist:487 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application under the agri-environment options scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39870/10]
The application from the person named is being examined by my Department with a view to a decision being taken on entry into the Agri-environment Options Scheme. My Department will be in contact with the person named on the outcome of this process in the near future. Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and the NATURA 2000 Scheme, payments may issue when comprehensive administrative checks on all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, have been completed. My objective is to complete this process as soon as possible.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:488 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their full single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39886/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 18 October, with an advance payment of 50% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation, immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, payment due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the person named.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:489 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received his single farm payment in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39888/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 18 October, with an advance payment of 50% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A parcel listed on the application requires digitisation, immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, payment due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the person named.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:490 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason single farm payments have not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39889/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 18 October, with an advance payment of 50% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, payment due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the person named.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:491 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39893/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:492 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under the disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39894/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2010. An advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued to the herd-owner based on 18th October in respect of the land parcels cleared for payment at that stage. One parcel listed on the SPS application was not included in the payment, as it required re-digitisation. This process has now been completed and the total declared area of 6.52 hectares has been cleared for payment. A further payment will issue shortly.
Joe McHugh
Ceist:493 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) in view of the fact that the deadline is 12 November 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39910/10]
This is a matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which has responsibility for the implementation of the grant aid scheme. I have forwarded your question to BIM for direct response.
John Perry
Ceist:494 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive their suckler welfare scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39911/10]
The person named registered 35 animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. During the validation process it was established the 8 of the suckler cows had twin calves. Under the conditions of the Scheme, payment is made on the basis of the number of cows. It follows, therefore, that 27 animals were potentially eligible for payment. However, as the dam of one of the calves was sold before weaning it is ineligible for payment. Payment on the eligible 26 animals will issue shortly.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:495 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39912/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:496 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39915/10]
It is my Department's policy (subject to compliance with public procurement procedures) to use whenever possible and practicable open source software packages and to purchase generic IT consumables that are fit for purpose and offer value for money in terms of quality and suitability. Ongoing annual savings of approximately €40,000 are being achieved. The move to open source software packages has allowed the Department to reduce capital expenditure by circa €1.4 million over the last three years.
Grant Payments
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:497 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing the payments for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects these payments to issue. [39931/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. During processing of this application it was discovered that one of the parcels declared by the applicant was also included on the application of another Scheme applicant. Following correspondence, this matter has now been resolved and payment of the 50% advance due will issue shortly. As the lands declared by the person named are not classified as being handicapped, there is no payment due under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:498 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing the payments for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects these payments to issue. [39932/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2010. Advance payments of 50% commenced issuing on 18 October in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:499 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing the payments for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects these payments to issue. [39933/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 30 April 2010. Advance payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 13 September and under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 18 October, in both cases on the basis on the land cleared at that stage. While a number of parcels listed on the application required re-digitisation, this process is now complete. The balancing payment in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, which issued to the person named on 29 October, represents the full amount due under this Scheme. A further payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued to the person named on 28 October, which brings the payment to 50% of the full amount due under this Scheme. Payment of the balance of 50% due under the Single Payment Scheme will commence on 1 December, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:500 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in issuing the payments for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects these payments to issue. [39934/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. The person named received an advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 21 September on the basis of the land cleared at that stage, and the full 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme on 18 October 2010. While a number of parcels listed on the application required re-digitisation, as this process is now complete, the balance of the payment due in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue shortly. Balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme are due to commence on 1 December 2010 in respect of all applications that are fully processed and clear at that stage.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:501 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in issuing the payment for the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects this payment to issue. [39935/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payments/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 23 April 2010. The person named received advance payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 21 September and under the Single Payment Scheme on the 26 October. The balancing payment on the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 28 October. Balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme are due to commence on 1 December 2010.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:502 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing the payments for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork and when he expects these payments to issue. [39936/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payments/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 April 2010. The person named received advance payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 15 October and under the Single Payment Scheme on the 18 October. The balancing payment on the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 20 October. Balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme are due to commence on 1 December 2010.
Pat Breen
Ceist:503 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39947/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75 per cent issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. The application of the person named is now fully processed and the balancing 25 per cent payment will issued shortly.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:504 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to have the single farm payment due to a person (details supplied) immediately issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39951/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 20 April 2010. The person named received an advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme on the 18 October on the basis of the land cleared at that time. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; while this process is now complete it was found that the reference areas on a number of parcels had been over-claimed. This error has been raised with the person named and on receipt of a satisfactory reply the application will be further processed, with a view to payment at an early date.
James Bannon
Ceist:505 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason single farm payments and REP scheme for 2009 and 2010 for a person (details supplied) have not been paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39963/10]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment /Disadvantage Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 1 May 2009. Full payment in respect of both these schemes issued to the person named.
An application under the 2010 Single Payment /Disadvantage Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 April 2010. The 75% advance under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme in respect of all clear parcels has issued to the person named. Immediately the digitising process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the balancing payment due in respect of all areas will issue to the person named shortly thereafter.
Departmental Schemes
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:506 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when funding will be introduced for the investment schemes announced for pigs, poultry, sheep fencing and handling facilities, dairy hygiene and water harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40091/10]
EU Commission approval for the introduction of five targeted modernisation schemes focused on supporting productive investment in the agricultural sector was received earlier this year. Due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of the investment works concerned, priority was given to the introduction of the Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes which were launched on 16 June last. The Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme opened for applications on 1 November. No dates have yet been fixed for the introduction of the Dairy Equipment and Water Harvesting Schemes.
Budget Submissions
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:507 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the Irish Farmers’ Association farm scheme priorities for budget 2011 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40094/10]
Apart from proposals relating to the work of my Department, the Irish Farmers Association pre-budget submission covers a range of issues including taxation, energy security and emissions reduction, which fall under the direct responsibility of other Departments. Insofar as my Department is concerned, scheme implementation and the delivery of services, including the issues referred to by the Irish Farmers Association, will be considered in the context of 2011 Budgetary process and the preparation by Government of the four year Expenditure Programme.
Grant Payments
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:508 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons payments of certain amounts were made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in respect of single farm payments and the disadvantaged area schemes payments. [40122/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75% and payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 18 October, with an advance payment of 50% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage for both schemes. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation; and immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, payment due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the person named.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:509 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason payments have been reduced in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; when they will receive full payment. [40123/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2010. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 18 October, with an advance payment of 50% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation; and immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, payment due in respect of the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the person named.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:510 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive the correct payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40137/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2010. One of the parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation, which has now been completed. This will allow the balance of the 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme to issue shortly; the initial instalment, based on the area cleared at that time, issued to the person named on 18 October, the day the advance payments began issuing. The advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, which issued on 21 September, was similarly affected; the full balancing payment will issue to the person named in the coming days.
Michael Ring
Ceist:511 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REPS 4 payment. [40160/10]
Payment will issue to the person named within 10 days.
Michael Ring
Ceist:512 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their 2009 single payment scheme. [40169/10]
The person named made a Single Payment application in 2009 but did not submit an application to transfer in his 25.95 single payment entitlements by way of inheritance until the 4th May 2010. Although the application was very late, the circumstances of the person named were considered and the late application was accepted on Force Majeure grounds. The Transfer of Entitlements has been completed and payment for 2009 will issue to the person named as soon as possible.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:513 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid their single farm payment or their area based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40176/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 04 May 2010. A number of issues relating to the application regarding over claims and a dual claim were identified which required my Department to write to the person named. These queries have now been resolved and the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas scheme application for the person named has been fully processed and payment will issue shortly.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:514 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan who only received 10% of their area aid and single premium will have their maps cleared so they can receive the balance due to them; if they can have access to the persons who are dealing with the maps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40185/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October and the 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, which issued on 13 September, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. Following re-digitisation of a number of parcels listed on the application of the person named, over-claims were identified in respect of two land parcels. My Department has written to the person named regarding this matter. On receipt of a satisfactory response from the person named, the application will be further processed.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:515 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be paid area aid on the remaining 26 hectares of their farm and the remainder of their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40186/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 27 April 2010. The 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme which issued on 13 September, was on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. Following re-digitisation of a number of parcels listed on the application of the person named, an overclaim was identified in respect of one land parcel. My Department has written to the person named regarding this matter. On receipt of a satisfactory response from the person named, the application can be further processed.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:516 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be paid their area aid single premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40187/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 19 April 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:517 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be paid area aid on the remaining 13.83 hectares of their land as they have only received area aid on 9.8 hectares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40188/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October and the 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, which issued on 21 September, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:518 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not received any of their single farm payment; when a decision will issue on the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40193/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2010. On processing the 2010 application a parcel of land declared by the person named was found to be over-claimed by the applicant. My Department wrote to the person named in this regard. The person named appealed the over-claim on the grounds that he had made an attempt to reduce his claimed area to take account of ineligible areas on the parcel. My Department has completed its review and has amended the eligible area of the parcel and reduced down the claimed area. Payment will issue shortly.
Tom Sheahan
Ceist:519 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason area aid payment has been reduced this year by over €200 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry when their holding is the same as in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40194/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2010. Full payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme has issued to the person named in respect of an eligible area of 14.75 hectares. Payment in respect of 2009 Scheme issued in respect of an eligible area of 16.79 hectares. The overall eligible area within commonage parcel H25710034 has been reduced which has resulted in the difference in payment.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:520 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single farm payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40201/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 22 April 2010. While the advance payment under the Scheme has issued to the person, this have been based on those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed with a view to the further payment due issuing shortly thereafter. The balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence as and from 1 December 2010.
Departmental Schemes
Denis Naughten
Ceist:521 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proportion of the agri-environment options scheme funded by the Exchequer and the proportion funded by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40212/10]
The Agri-Environment Options Scheme is 75% funded by the EU and 25% by the Exchequer, subject to a maximum EU contribution of €132 million.
Grant Payments
Tom Hayes
Ceist:522 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40214/10]
The person named registered 35 animals in the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has issued on 29 animals and the remaining six have errors associated with them. Correspondence has issued to the person named seeking clarification on these errors.
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 29 April 2010. While the advance payments under both Schemes have issued to the person, these have been based on those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed with a view to the payments due issuing shortly thereafter.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:523 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a specific payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [40217/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation and this process is now complete. An advance payment of 50% of the Single Payment Scheme and payment in full of the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will issue to the person shortly.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:524 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [40218/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Scheme was received from the person named on the 14 May 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Animal Identification Inspection. The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. The 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue within a week followed by the 25% balancing payment. The 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within a week with the balancing payment due in December.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:525 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of two schemes will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [40219/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Single Payment Scheme advance payments of 50% commenced issuing on 18 October in respect of those lands cleared for payment at that stage while 75% of the Disadvantaged Area payment commenced on 21 September. As the area of the parcels cleared did not meet the minimum area requirement of the Disadvantaged Ares Scheme an advance payment was not possible. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required digitisation; while this process is now complete it was found that the reference areas on a number of parcels had been over-claimed. This query has been raised with the person named and on receipt of a satisfactory reply the application will be further processed, with a view to payment at an early date.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:526 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract, if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40243/10]
No printing contracts on behalf of my Department have been awarded to companies based outside this country.
Alternative Energy Projects
Enda Kenny
Ceist:527 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the names of any wind farm projects in which agencies under his remit are involved; if any such projects provide a community fund; if so, the amount distributed by each fund, the way the fund calculation is made and the way the funds are disbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40263/10]
The position is as follows in relation to Coillte Teoranta.
|
Location |
County |
|
Garvagh Glebe |
Leitrim |
|
Cloosh Valley |
Galway |
|
Raheenleagh |
Wicklow |
|
Sliabh Bawn |
Roscommon |
|
Castlepook |
Cork |
|
Bunkimalta |
Tipperary |
|
Killinaparson |
Laois |
|
Cluddaun |
Mayo |
|
Straness |
Donegal |
In relation to the nine projects above, six of the projects involve joint ventures with other companies and I understand that planning permission has to be obtained for five of the projects in question. I am advised by Coillte that it has not operated a community fund in connection with any wind farm project to date but that the company is in the process of developing a policy in relation to community funding and expects to complete this work in 2011.
Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority is considering the installation of a single wind turbine on their lands in Johnstown Castle in a joint initiative with the Environment Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. An information day was held in Johnstown Castle in April 2010 to inform the local community that planning permission is being sought for the project. There is no community fund element.
Departmental On-line Services
Pat Breen
Ceist:528 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the number of farmers in County Clare who are using the Departments on-line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40272/10]
There are a number of my Department's services, which have an on-line facility, including the Single Payment Scheme, Afforestation Aid Scheme and calf registration/animal movement. In total 3,127 Clare farmers, or their authorised agents, have registered for my Department's online services, to date.
Under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme, a total of 1,311 on-line applications were submitted by, or on behalf of, Clare farmers. In addition, 140 farmers/agents have uniquely used the Forestry online services to date, while 647 farmers have registered 16,983 calves, to date, during 2010.
In relation to the Single Payment Scheme, due to the system of in-built validations on the on-line facility, the options for applicants to make minor errors on their applications is dramatically restricted, as a result of which, those who submit their applications on-line are much more likely to have their applications cleared for payment more quickly. Analysis of the issues which delay processing of applications shows a very high percentage are delayed because of basic errors or omissions on the part of the applicant. However, it has been possible to construct the on-line facility with a series of compulsory fields and built-in validations, which dramatically reduces the level of these types of error, simply by refusing to allow the applicant to make the error in the first instance.
It was recognised from the outset that, in order to maximise the benefit of the on-line facility, a system of approved Agents would help maximise the numbers submitting applications on-line. While there are various reasons why individuals might not be in a position to lodge on-line applications, the Agent facility is attractive to those who wish to avail of the benefits of lodging an on-line application, although not in a position to do so personally. Anyone considering availing of the on-line facility to make enquiries via the website, www.agfood.ie or, alternatively, the dedicated Helpdesk at Lo-call 1890 252 118.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department earlier this year introduced a new online initiative which removed the requirement to maintain the on-farm bovine herd register, known as ‘the blue book' for those farmers who use www.agfood.ie for electronic registration of births and movements. To date in Co Clare, 242 keepers have signed up to the online herd register and, in addition, 104 keepers have applied for compliance certificates online (farm to farm movement permits).
Grant Payments
Sean Fleming
Ceist:529 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the appropriate amounts of single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40276/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. The 50% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme, which issued on 18 October and the 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, which issued on 21 September, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payment due to issue shortly thereafter.
Sean Fleming
Ceist:530 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the appropriate amounts of single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40277/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. Advance payments of 50% commenced on 18 October in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. The applicant received an advance payment on that date on all eligible land declared which did not require re-digitisation. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed, with a view to the further payment due issuing shortly thereafter.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:531 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be paid the remainder of their 2009 entitlements and when payment will issue for the remainder of their disadvantaged area aid and single farm payments for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40282/10]
Under the terms and conditions of the Single Payment Scheme, farmers cannot make applications for payment under two herd numbers. As the person named was farming under both a Monaghan herd number and a Longford herd number and had established entitlements under both, it was necessary to amalgamate her entitlements under her significant herd number R1050650 for the 2009 scheme year. The amalgamation of the entitlements was completed in April 2010.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:532 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for the delay in issuing payments for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when he expects these payments to issue. [40283/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation and this process is now complete. An advance payment of 50% of the Single Payment Scheme and payment in full of the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will issue to the person shortly.
John Browne
Ceist:533 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [40302/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 15 April 2010. While the advance payment has issued to the person, this has been based on those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. A number of parcels listed on the application required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the application will be further processed with a view to the payments due issuing shortly thereafter.
John Browne
Ceist:534 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [40303/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 10th May 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility inspection. The inspection process is complete and the application has now been fully processed. The 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within a week with the balancing payment due in December.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:535 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will be paid their area aid and single farm premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40306/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation; this is now complete, allowing the advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme to issue on 27 October 2010. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue shortly.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:536 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be paid their area aid and single farm premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40307/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. A number of parcels listed on the application of the person named required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the applications for Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area payment will be further processed, with a view to any payments due issuing shortly thereafter.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:537 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding single farm payment and area aid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if he will expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40323/10]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15 April 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Animal Identification Inspection. During this inspection discrepancies were found in relation to parcels X16209005, X18604110 and X16209036 with deductions being made for furze, scrub, trees and roadways. As a result of these discrepancies the claimed area of 22.2ha was reduced to 22ha. As the total area is sufficient to support the entitlements held, no penalties will be applied.
The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. The 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue within a week followed by the 25% balancing payment. The 50% advance under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within a week with the balancing payment due in December.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:538 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40330/10]
There are a number of high level groups operating within my Department, namely:
Food Harvest 2020 Implementation Group
This is a high level committee, which I chair, was established recently to direct and take whatever action is needed to successfully implement Good harvest 2020. One meeting has been held. The group consists of representatives of Departments and semi-state agencies.
The Dairy Expansion Activation Group
This group was established in October 2010 to address the specific actions required to achieve the targets of dairy expansion set out in the Food Harvest 2020 report. This Group is chaired by Dr. Sean Brady and consists of representatives of farmers, processors and Teagasc. To date the Group has met once.
The Accreditation Review Group
The Accreditation Review Group (ARG) meets under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of the Department and includes representatives from the Department of Finance and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. Its primary function is to ensure that the Department retains its status as the accredited paying agency in Ireland for CAP Funds. In particular, the ARG monitors compliance with EU accreditation criteria and the follow up of all recommendations contained in the EU audits and the Certifying Body audits. The ARG first met in 1997 and has met quarterly every year since then.
Risk Management Committee
The Risk Management Committee (RMC), chaired by the Secretary General of the Department, monitors the implementation of the Department's risk management system. The RMC first met in 2002 and has met quarterly every year since then. The Committee in particular assesses the key risks (strategic, operational, financial, reputational) facing the Department and outlines measures for addressing them.
Steering group to monitor the Implementation of value for Money and Management Services Report.
This Group was established as a subcommittee of the Management Committee (MAC) of the Department. It is chaired by the Secretary General and is charged with monitoring the implementation of finalised reports and reviews. The Steering Group meets on a quarterly basis. The first meeting took place in April 2010, thereafter a meeting was held in July 2010 and a third meeting will be scheduled before the end of the year.
This Group replaced the Efficiency Review Group (ERG) which was established as a subcommittee of the MAC in October 2008. Its remit was to facilitate a strategic approach to budgetary decision making, while addressing the structural changes necessary to enable the Department fulfil its wide ranging remit. The ERG met on seven occasions from the time of its establishment.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:539 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department was required to take part in the inter-departmental group on administrative burden education; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40345/10]
My Department participated in the Inter-Departmental Group on Administration Burden Reduction. This group is tasked with examining the administration burdens arising from obligations created under Irish legislation.
The measurement of administrative burdens using a Standard Cost Model is an exercise that was called for by business, as a baseline for the 25% administrative burden reduction programme and is being carried out across all Departments with any substantive regulation that affects business. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation will shortly commence a process which will provide assistance to all Departments to measure the current costs on business arising from their national regulations. As part of this process, this Department has provided the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation with a list of fifty information obligations, many of which are of minor nature.
However, the main schemes operated by my Department are operated under European legislation. In that respect, the EU Commission presented in 2005 a Communication on Simplification and Better Regulation for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This set out an ambitious programme for a significant simplification of the CAP. The programme and its implementation are fully embedded in the overall Commission strategy on Better Regulation and in particular the Simplification Rolling Programme and the Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burden. My Department has strongly supported the simplification process at European level which aims to reduce the administrative burden by some 25% by 2012.
Grant Payments
James Bannon
Ceist:540 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39678/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table on the basis agreed between the Deputy and an official in my Department. In that regard, subventions to the Agencies of my Department which are detailed in the Voted Expenditure / Appropriation Account for my Department each year are not detailed. In addition, and as agreed with the Deputy, 1997 was used as the base-year as to trawl back earlier than that would have entailed a disproportionate amount of work.
Individual grants for small schemes run by Agencies such as Enterprise Ireland (e.g. the Workplace Innovation Fund) are accounted for within the Annual Report and Accounts for that Agency and these accounts are lodged in the Oireachtas Library as a matter of course each year.
Where grants are paid directly to private organizations, the provision of sets of audited accounts for those organisations is not always a requirement of the funding provision where their preparation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work for the body concerned. In such circumstances, alternative arrangements operated by my Department would include requiring confirmation that conditions commensurate with good governance are operated by the body concerned, that the funding is drawn down on the provision of vouched receipts and, in some cases, auditor confirmation that the expenditure was incurred for the stated purpose of the particular grant. In all cases of such schemes, my Department maintains appropriate records which are available for examination by the Comptroller and Auditor General each year.
|
Name of Grant Scheme or Subvention |
Year Subvention or Grant Scheme Commenced |
Amount Paid to each Recipient in 1st Year of Scheme |
Name of Recipient(s) |
Amount Paid to each Recipient in 2010 (up to 28 Oct 2010) |
Name of Recipient(s) |
|
Grant for Trade Union Education and Advisory Services |
Pre-1997 |
€909,132 in 1997 |
ICTU |
€804,750 |
ICTU |
|
Grants in respect of Trade Union Amalgamations |
Pre-1997 |
€302,820 in 1997 |
SIPTU |
€14,780 |
Independent Workers’ Union |
|
Assistance to Consumers Association of Ireland to support projects that enhance their capacity to represent consumers |
2001 |
€63,487 |
Consumers Association of Ireland |
Nil to date. However, allocation in the 2010 Revised Estimates Volume is €61,000. |
N/A |
|
Part-funding for Enterprise Ireland’s environment information website envirocentre.ie |
2002 |
€45,000 |
Enterprise Ireland |
Nil to date. However, estimated allocation in 2010 is €10,000. |
Enterprise Ireland |
|
Tyndall National Institute — Core Grant |
2004 |
€4,251,801 |
Tyndall National Institute |
€1,416,389 |
Tyndall National Institute |
|
Subvention to Irish Universities Association (Researchers Mobility Office) |
2005 |
€25,000 |
Irish Universities Association |
€108,000 |
Irish Universities Association |
|
Workplace Innovation Fund — Enterprise Ireland Strand |
2007 |
Applications for funding were invited in 2007 but no drawdown occurred in 2007 while the scheme was being rolled out. In 2008, €35,640 was paid. |
Enterprise Ireland for payment to individual applicant companies |
€194,699 |
Enterprise Ireland for payment to individual applicant companies |
|
Work/Life Balance Panel of Consultants Scheme |
2007 |
€2,559 |
Fredericka Sheppard Consultancy |
€7,540 |
Collane Consultancy |
|
€3,728 |
Campbell Consultancy |
||||
|
€12,291 |
Adare Consultancy |
Redundancy Payments
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:541 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39726/10]
The employer must compensate the employee for any unused annual leave that was accrued during the leave year in which the employee's employment ceases. If the employment ceases in the first half of the leave year, the employee must be compensated for any annual leave accrued in that leave year and the previous leave year.
An employee may present a complaint to a Rights Commissioner if it appears that the employer has failed to provide the correct holiday entitlement to which the employee is entitled to under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. In situations where a company becomes "insolvent" as defined in the Insolvency Payments Scheme an employee may apply under the Insolvency Payments Acts to receive their entitlements from the Social Insurance fund.
From the information available I am unable to state the reasons that the person named did not receive any holiday remuneration. However, I have referred this matter to the National Employments Rights Authority (NERA) and an Inspector from the Authority will contact the person named in due course.
Job Losses
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:542 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he first became aware of the likelihood of job losses at two facilities (details supplied) in County Clare; the action taken to mitigate these losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39755/10]
Shannon Development notified my Department of the job losses in Shannon Aerospace on the morning of Wednesday 20th October and, in the case of Elsevier, Shannon Development notified my Department on the morning of Thursday 21st October. Both notifications were made within one hour of receiving notice from the companies in question. Notification in such cases allows the Department to ensure that all options to address threatened job losses are being exercised and that appropriate services will be made available to redundant workers in cases where redundancies are unavoidable. Information on expected job losses is of course not published in advance of affected workers being informed by the company.
In relation to all industrial jobs, the Industrial Development agencies stay in close touch with the companies and any opportunities to maintain jobs are availed of. However, the competitive world market means there will always be job losses as well as job gains. The Government is working to restore and maintain our competitiveness in order to minimise job losses and maximise job gains. We are also continuing to improve our educational and skills base and our innovation, research and development system in order to attract high value sustainable jobs.
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:543 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the early warning system in place to identify jobs at risk in firms assisted by agencies operating under the aegis of his Department; if a particular section within his Department is responsible for identifying facilities that are at risk and for ensuring early intervention measures are used in these circumstances; the measures used to mitigate against job losses in such firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39756/10]
My Department operates an early warning system of firms in difficulty and where jobs are at risk. The system applies to firms that have been assisted by the Industrial Development agencies operating under the aegis of my Department. Notifications of firms in difficulty and where jobs are at risk are received from these agencies as soon as the agencies become aware of the situation.
I should point out that the information is provided on a confidential basis and it must remain confidential as, invariably, it is commercially sensitive information. Such information could be of benefit to national or international competitors in the context of industrial projects already established in this country and our ability to attract further projects in the future.
The Industrial Development agencies are in regular contact with their clients. For example, when Enterprise Ireland is made aware of jobs at risk, it engages closely with those client companies reporting difficulties or potential job loses to determine what appropriate proactive measures can be put in place by the Agency to prevent or minimise the job losses.
When IDA Ireland becomes aware of a company's intention to either downsize or cease operating in Ireland, it works with the client company to safe guard/influence/minimise the number of job losses through offering relevant interventions to assist their companies in improving competitiveness; enhance their use of technology; grow the skills of their employees; engage in research, development and innovation or develop their business processes.
Similarly, as soon as Shannon Development the agency becomes aware of jobs at risk, it proactively engages with the company to offer whatever supports are available to minimise the impact as regards job losses. I would like to assure the Deputy that the Industrial Development agencies would look to anticipate potential problems and are always prepared and available to assist companies in whatever way they can in order to minimise or avoid job losses if at all possible.
Departmental Correspondence
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:544 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39789/10]
The Deputy's correspondent has made allegations against Enterprise Ireland and its predecessor organisations (Forbairt/Industrial Development Authority) previously. The matter was considered by Enterprise Ireland in the past and the Agency was satisfied that there was no impropriety. In the light of the Deputy's correspondent continuing concerns, and the most recent correspondence, I have asked Enterprise Ireland to investigate the case again and report to my Department in early course.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:545 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39800/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:546 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39815/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 546 together.
My Department and the 8 Offices of my Department currently occupy 11 buildings within the State. A list of the buildings involved is set out below as a tabular statement. All of the buildings listed in the tabular statement are occupied by the Department or the Offices of the Department.
With the exception of a building in Shannon occupied by the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), none of the buildings or premises occupied by my Department and the 8 Offices of my Department are rented or leased by the Department or the Offices concerned. In general, all buildings and premises occupied by my Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) without any cost to the Department or the Offices. In many of those cases the buildings/premises are rented or leased by the OPW and the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the cost of same for 2008 and 2009 could only be supplied by the Office of Public Works.
NERA's Shannon accommodation is held under a four-year licence agreement between the OPW and NERA on the one hand and Westpark Shannon Limited on the other. The licence agreement commenced in February 2009. The licence fee, which was paid by NERA in 2009, amounts to €156.08 per square metre, subject to a maximum charge of €32,480 per annum (exclusive of VAT). Since 1 January 2010 the OPW has assumed responsibility for the payment of the licence fee costs for NERA's Shannon accommodation.
Due to the decentralisation process, the transfer of staff to other Government Departments and the reduction in staff levels generally in the Department and in the Offices of the Department in recent times, a certain amount of office space has become available in most of the buildings and my Department is currently engaged in a process to ensure that the buildings occupied by the Department and its Offices are occupied to the optimum levels possible.
|
Location of Building |
Occupant |
|
23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 |
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
|
Earlsfort Centre, Lower Hatch Street |
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
|
Davitt House, 65A Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 |
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
|
Employment Appeals Tribunal |
|
|
NERA Dublin Regional Office |
|
|
14 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 |
Companies Registration Office |
|
Registry of Friendly Societies |
|
|
16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 |
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement |
|
Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 |
Labour Relations Commission |
|
Labour Court |
|
|
Government Buildings, Hebron Road, Kilkenny |
Patents Office |
|
Government Buildings, O’Brien Road, Carlow |
National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) |
|
Companies Registration Office |
|
|
Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork |
NERA Regional Office |
|
Westpark Business Campus, Shannon, Co. Clare |
NERA Regional Office |
|
Finisklin Business Park, Sligo |
NERA Regional Office |
Redundancy Payments
Seán Power
Ceist:547 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a redundancy claim will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39879/10]
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 a statutory redundancy lump sum claim on 09 August, 2010 in respect of the above individual. This claim awaits processing.
In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the current processing time for these claims has improved and claims dating from April 2010 are currently being processed. Of course in some instances, where the necessary supporting documentation for lump sum claims is not provided to my Department, or where queries arise, processing of claims can be further delayed until the required documentation is provided and/or outstanding queries are resolved.
My Department continues to make every effort to reduce processing times. Measures already taken in the Department to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
Almost doubling the number of staff working solely on redundancy payment claims 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. In 2009, my Department processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on the previous year. Furthermore, the level of new claims processed in the first nine months of 2010 was 58,202 — up over 81% on the corresponding 9-month period in 2009 (32,127) and surpassing the total amount of claims processed for the full year 2009 which came to 50,644. The backlog of claims is decreasing — reducing from its highest level in November 2009 of 43,608 to a level of 29,776 as of the end of September 2010.
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.
Employment Support Services
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:548 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to extend the deadline for the employment subsidy scheme. [39895/10]
The Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) was introduced to help employees maintain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers in retaining their productive capacity. There have been 2 calls under the Scheme and as a result almost 1,700 enterprises were approved for support with those companies committing to maintaining over 100,000 jobs to end November 2010. There are no plans to extend the Scheme. The Employment Subsidy Scheme is operated as part of an Irish state aid scheme approved under the European Commission's Temporary Framework on State aid. The Temporary Framework was introduced in December 2008 to allow Member States increased flexibility to assist companies in the real economy that were facing difficulties in accessing finance as a result of the economic downturn. The Temporary Framework is due to expire at the end of December 2010.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:549 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/10]
Purchasing decisions on individual software packages are taken on the basis of a wide range of factors including fit with the needs of the Department and its existing systems, availability of adequate support for critical IT systems, fit with my Department's support skills, up front cost, and total cost of ownership taking account of the foregoing factors. Because of the complexity of these issues, it is not always possible to replace proprietary software with open source alternatives and it is not always clear what savings, if any, will arise from the use of such software. Following competitive procurement procedures, purchasing decisions in relation to both software and consumables are made on foot of taking all such relevant factors into account.
Therefore, my Department uses open source software and generic consumables where they are evaluated as best meeting the Department's requirements. As such, my Department does not track savings made through the use of open source software packages or generic consumables. Costs are kept to a minimum through the use of this competitive tendering process rather than through specifying any particular brand of product.
Employment Rights
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:550 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a new hearing is being arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [40149/10]
The Employment Appeals Tribunal is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function. However, having made enquiries, I understand that a determination issued to the parties on 8th September 2010. Any appeal lies to the High Court on a question of law and I have no function in the matter.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:551 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40248/10]
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. The following table sets out the amounts paid by my Department and the Offices of my Department to Enterprise Stationery Limited of Lurgan, Co Armagh for the last 3 years.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
3,799 |
|
2009 |
12,718 |
|
2010 (January to October) |
11,163 |
All other printing jobs for my Department and the Offices of my Department in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 were awarded to companies based in the State.
Industrial Development
Jack Wall
Ceist:552 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, further to Parliamentary Question No. 551 of 27 October 2010, the date on which the stated units have been leased by the Industrial Development Agency; the total income from the rent of the units to the IDA from that date; the total cost of the lease to the IDA from that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40315/10]
IDA Ireland entered into a 35 year lease commencing in 1983 on 6 units in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Detail in relation to rents invoiced by the IDA is only available from the year 1999. The total rent invoiced on the 6 units from 1999 to date in 2010 is €436,308.90. Detail in relation to rents paid by IDA Ireland is only available from the year 1998. The total rents paid on the 6 units from 1998 to date in 2010 is €1,577,085.70.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:553 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the discussions that took place at the first meeting of the Foreign Trade Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40327/10]
Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, the Government's new integrated strategy for the promotion of overseas trade, tourism and investment up to 2015, provides for the establishment of new Foreign Trade Council with responsibility for monitoring, reviewing and driving the implementation of the priorities and targets set out in strategy and action plan. I convened the first meeting of the new Foreign Trade Council on 27th October last and brought together all of the key Departments and State agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade, tourism and investment, for this purpose. The role of the Council will be to drive implementation of the strategy through a suite of actions in our key priority markets, both existing and high-potential, as set out in the strategy and action plan. It will also strengthen cooperation and coordination across all the key State agencies.
At its inaugural meeting, the Council discussed the current state of play of a number of the actions set out in the action plan, and any further initiatives required for their implementation. The Council finalised its direction and guidance to the local Trade, Tourism and Investment Teams, which will be set up in each of Ireland's overseas priority markets. These and other relevant issues will be kept under review and monitored by the Council whose next meeting is due in early 2011.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:554 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation in relation to the target set by Government in March 2008 to reduce administrative burdens arising from domestic legislation by 25% by 2012, delivering estimated savings to the economy of €500 million per annum, if there has been any measurement of reductions made to date; if not, when such a measurement will take place; if any report on progress to date has been seen by him; if any such report will be seen by him; if so, when; if any such report will be made public; and if so, when. [40360/10]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:556 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will list the further burden reduction achieved and in the process of being measured and when such measurements will be made public. [40362/10]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:559 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation under the cross-Government process co-ordinated by his Department, if his Department has yet listed the information obligations that its regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements; if so, the total cost; if any report has been published on this matter; if any report will be made public; and when any report will be made public. [40365/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 554, 556 and 559 together.
International benchmarking statistics reveal that Ireland imposes a relatively low burden of regulation on business. The Forfás Annual Competitiveness Report 2010 states that Ireland's regulatory environment is one of the least restrictive in the OECD in relation to product market regulation, the time taken to comply with tax payments is one of the lowest in the OECD across all categories and Ireland's employment framework is less rigid than the OECD average.
The work to reduce red tape in Ireland is being progressed on two fronts. The High Level Group on Business Regulation works to fast-track simplifications to specific red tape issues identified by business; and an Inter-Departmental Group of officials from all Departments, having regulation affecting business, coordinates the measurement and reduction of administrative burdens in a systematic manner, based on the internationally recognized Standard Cost Model.
The High Level Group has processed thirty specific red tape issues brought to its attention by business and continues to drive progress on a further thirty-eight items. The Group has measured over €20m of annual business savings and continues to work with business interests to identify opportunities for simplification. In addition, my Department is in the process of measuring other burden reductions achieved. These burden reductions include simplification procedures in relation to waste collection permits, increased availability of online forms in the CRO and pre-filled on line forms and the facilitation of companies to upload their accounts in PDF format. A list of priority simplifications achieved is currently being compiled for measurement. The results of this measurement exercise are expected to be published in the second half of next year.
The measurement of administrative burdens using the Standard Cost Model is an exercise that was called for by business, as a baseline for the 25% administrative burden reduction programme, and is being carried out across all Departments with any substantive regulation that affects business. My Department and the Central Statistics Office have already measured burdens arising from regulations under their responsibility, and all other Departments will shortly measure the current costs on business arising from their regulation. Measurement is expected to be completed in 2011 and, following this, simplification plans will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, for implementation.
The results of the measurement exercise conducted by my Department during 2009 involving thirty-one priority Information Obligations is available on my Department's website at http://www.deti.ie/commerce/businessregulation/index.htm These results have been combined with measurements conducted on behalf of the High Level Group and by the European Commission to present a comprehensive picture of administrative burdens in these areas. Following the inclusion of these additional measurements, as well as some consolidation of related Information Obligations (for example, there are three closely related requirements associated with Annual General Meetings), there are now thirty-three priority Information Obligations included under Company Law, Employment Law and Health & Safety Law.
The total Administrative Burden for the three areas, following this consolidation of results, is €831 million. The consolidated results are also available on my Department's website. These results are in line with expectations, as compared with the results obtained by the UK in their measurement. Business workshops have already been held to identify ideas for simplification in the areas of Company Law and Employment Law. A Health & Safety Law workshop is scheduled for 9 November 2010.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:555 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will list the 30 specific red tape issues which the high level group on business regulation has processed; if he will list the 38 issues on which it is continuing to drive progress; and if he will list any suggestions by business which it has decided not to progress. [40361/10]
Details of the thirty specific red tape issues which the High Level Group on Business Regulation has processed, the thirty-eight issues on which it is continuing to drive progress and the eight items that are not being progressed are as follows:
|
No. |
Red Tape Issue |
|
1 |
CRO/Revenue cooperation to find ways of reducing the duplication of data submission relating to annual returns |
|
2 |
Consideration of working time rules regarding the averaging of the weekly work maximum over twelve months |
|
3 |
The provision of Health and Safety Sectoral Codes and Step-by-Step Guides |
|
4 |
Establishment of a CSO Departmental Point of Contact |
|
5 |
Reduce the administrative burdens associated with the CSO Quarterly Earnings Surveys |
|
6 |
Reduce the administrative burdens associated with the CSO Vehicle Destinations Form |
|
7 |
Reduce the administrative burdens associated with the CSO Annual Services Inquiry |
|
8 |
Simplify the ProdCOM Form |
|
9 |
Ensure technical guidance on Revenue’s website is up to date |
|
10 |
Frequency of filing VAT returns |
|
11 |
Recognition of existing compliance records for VAT registration applications |
|
12 |
Simplification of the system for Section 4A Relief. |
|
13 |
Improvement of the process for handling request for tax registration and VAT numbers |
|
14 |
Consideration of the reinstatement of Revenue’s visits to start up businesses |
|
15 |
Consider rewarding use of Revenue’s On-Line System and providing incentives for using the on-line tax system |
|
16 |
Revenue should not provide information orally in respect of tariffs |
|
17 |
Ensure that all public sector organisations accept on-line tax clearance certificates |
|
18 |
Consider risk based enforcement in the waste sector |
|
19 |
Coordination between regulators across the waste sector |
|
20 |
Setting of an overall target by the Environmental Protection Agency for reducing the regulatory burden on business in Ireland |
|
21 |
Consider the extension of the duration of Heavy Goods Vehicles permits in Dublin city |
|
22 |
Consider improving the quality and publication of Regulatory Impact Assessments |
|
23 |
Consider a centralised permit system for the movement of wide and long loads |
|
24 |
Simplify the form-filling relating to short-time/ Set clear guidelines regarding Directors’ rights as employees in cases of liquidation |
|
25 |
Consider whether short-time working rules should allow people to work for four days |
|
26 |
Feasibility of a single window for trade related regulatory interactions |
|
27 |
Widening the scope of enforcement beyond regulated facilities and collection services in the waste sector |
|
28 |
Reduce EU statistical requirements |
|
29 |
Consider whether redundancy rebates can be offset against tax liability |
|
30 |
Reduce the frequency of the VIES returns |
|
No. |
Red Tape Issue |
|
1 |
Development of XBRL for use by the Companies Registration Office |
|
2 |
Development of an electronic signature to complete Companies Registration Office’s electronic filing offer |
|
3 |
Reduce the amount of documentation that is required to be sent with subsequent work permit applications |
|
4 |
Collaboration of Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and Department of Justice on the issue of employment permit applications and visas |
|
5 |
Consider simplifying the OWT1 Form |
|
6 |
Consider the administrative burdens in the Employment Law Compliance Bill |
|
7 |
Review the cost/benefit of the Safepass Scheme |
|
8 |
Examine risk based enforcement and possible development of a common business identifier |
|
9 |
Collaboration between the CSO and Revenue to reduce duplication |
|
10 |
Consider revenue preference in company liquidations |
|
11 |
Consider issues relating to public procurement such as standardising tender documents across Departments and Local Authorities; acceptance of tenders in electronic format; capping indemnity; sharing intellectual property rights between public bodies and successful tenders; simplification of procedures; reduce bureaucratisation of public service tendering and the requirement for notarised documents |
|
12 |
Ensure procurement procedures applied by County Enterprise Boards are proportionate to the size of tenders |
|
13 |
Consider the processing difficulties surrounding redundancy rebates |
|
14 |
Consider the consolidation of some of the seven annual returns to CSO |
|
15 |
Consider aligning CSO questionnaires more closely with company accounts |
|
16 |
Reduce (EU) Intrastat frequency of returns |
|
17 |
Structures should be put in place to obtain data already held by Revenue and the CRO for input into the CSO Annual Services Enquiry |
|
18 |
The process regarding Relevant Contracts Tax should be simplified and a Regulatory Impact Assessment carried out |
|
19 |
Review Revenue Forms 11, 12 and 46G |
|
20 |
Development of “technical adjustments whereby tax can be paid late without penalty or interest in the case where a transaction has been handled incorrectly in error |
|
21 |
Consider the abolition of Professional Services withholding tax |
|
22 |
Reduce the administrative burdens associated with sales/retail licences |
|
23 |
Waste collection permit applications |
|
24 |
Consider how to reduce the bureaucracy associated with waste permits following the introduction of the 2007 Regulations |
|
25 |
Consider waste licensing costs |
|
26 |
Regulatory Impact Assessment on WEEE Legislation |
|
27 |
Submission for Annual Vehicle Road Tax for more than ten vehicles |
|
28 |
Transfer, to the EPA, of licensing facilities (such as waste facility permits, waste collection permits administration and surveillance) |
|
29 |
Consider the transparency of the Cost structure for enforcement by the EPA |
|
30 |
Consider EPA licences |
|
31 |
Collection of data for enforcement purposes — this should be necessary and only collected once |
|
32 |
Establishment of Business Users Forum in each Local Authority |
|
33 |
Consider the administrative burdens associated with roadworthiness testing |
|
34 |
Review the approach to abnormal loads permits |
|
35 |
Consider the variance of fees charged for abnormal loads permits |
|
36 |
Transferability of permits between vehicles |
|
37 |
Consider the five day application for abnormal loads permits |
|
38 |
Consider the possibilities for combining PRSI and tax data for employees, simplifying PRSI classes; provision of guidance to employers; and putting tax rates on the tax card |
|
No. |
Red Tape Issue |
Reason for non-progression |
|
1 |
Consideration of working time rules regarding the averaging of the weekly work maximum over twelve months |
Conciliation between the European Parliament and Council of Ministers on an amending Organisation of Working Time Directive concluded unsuccessfully in April 2009, without agreement on revised working time rules. The proposed amending Directive included provisions in relation to a twelve-month averaging period. The European Commission, who first tabled proposals for an amending Directive, has undertaken a first stage consultation process with EU social partners on a possible overall review of the original Directive. |
|
2 |
Reduce the administrative burdens associated with the CSO Vehicle Destinations Form |
The EU largely determines the data required. Given the increasing demands for spatial-transport data in general and freight data in particular, it is difficult to see any way of cutting back on the Road Freight Survey. |
|
3 |
Reduce the administrative burdens associated with the CSO Annual Services Inquiry |
Currently, the Annual Services Inquiry data collection is governed by a number of EU regulations. The European Council has recently passed a new overarching piece of legislation concerning structural business statistics. This new legislation will dramatically increase the data demands that Ireland is required to provide to the European Commission and the European Central Bank |
|
4 |
Simplify the ProdCOM Form |
The ProdCOM requirements are defined by EU Council Regulation (EEC) No 3924/91 of 19 December 1991. |
|
5 |
Improvement of the process for handling request for tax registration and VAT numbers |
The e-registration project has been deferred due to budgetary constraints. |
|
6 |
Consider the extension of the duration of Heavy Goods Vehicles permits in Dublin city |
The HGV Strategy has been very successful at reducing the number of HGVs in the city while still allowing city centre businesses to operate. At this point Dublin City Council would be reluctant to change the way the system operates as changes to the current system would undermine the policy objectives underpinning the HGV Cordon Permits system. |
|
7 |
Consider whether short-time working rules should allow people to work for four days |
The jobseekers’ schemes provide income support for people who are seeking their first job or have lost work and are seeking alternative employment. A fundamental qualifying condition for both the Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) is that a person must be available for full-time work, criteria that a person working 4 days will not satisfy. A week of unemployment is a period of at least 3 days of unemployment in a designated period of 6 consecutive days. This `JA week’ runs from Wednesday to Tuesday, excluding Sundays. |
|
Short-time employment means employment in which, for the time being, a number of days is systematically worked in a working week which is less than the number of days which is normal in a working week in the employment concerned. Short- time work must be systematic, i.e., there must be a clear repetitive pattern of employment each week. The person must also work at least one day in each week that s/he would normally be working. |
||
|
The application of the jobseekers payment scheme conditions to workers who are not employed on a full-time basis is being kept under review. |
||
|
8 |
Reduce the frequency of the VIES returns |
The VIES return has a critical part to play in the fight against VAT fraud. The EU Council adopted a Directive, effective from 1 January 2010, which increases the frequency of some VIES returns, i.e. monthly returns are now required from a trader whose intra-Community supplies of goods in any quarter exceeds €100,000 (threshold will be €50,000 from 1 January 2012). Over 1,700 traders have changed from quarterly to monthly filing and the majority file electronically using Revenue’s On-line System (ROS). Revenue is continuing to encourage those who file paper returns to file via ROS. |
|
In addition, there is a new requirement for a trader who supplies services to business customers in other Member States to file VIES returns on a quarterly basis from 1 January 2010. The implementation of this requirement is progressing on time with over 600 traders currently registered. |
Question No. 556 answered with Question No. 554.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:557 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction was established; when it first met; the number of times it has met since it was established; and the dates those meetings took place. [40363/10]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:558 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction has yet published a report; if so the number of same; if not, when he expects it to first report to him and when he expects any report by it to be made public. [40364/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 558 together.
The work to reduce red tape in Ireland is being progressed on two fronts. The High Level Group on Business Regulation works to fast-track simplifications to specific red tape issues identified by business; and an Inter-Departmental Group of officials from all Departments, having regulation affecting business, coordinates the measurement and reduction of administrative burdens in a systematic manner, based on the internationally recognized Standard Cost Model.
The Inter-Departmental Group has met to coordinate and drive the process on nine occasions to date as follows: 18th July 2008, 26th September 2008, 6th November 2008, 10th December 2008, 26th January 2010, 23rd February 2010, 22nd March 2010, 13th April 2010, 12th May 2010.
The measurement of administrative burdens using the Standard Cost Model is an exercise that was called for by business, as a baseline for the 25% administrative burden reduction programme, and is being carried out across all Departments with any substantive regulation that affects business. My Department and the Central Statistics Office have already measured burdens arising from regulations under their responsibility, and all other relevant Departments will shortly measure the current red tape costs on business arising from their regulation. Measurement is expected to be completed in 2011 and, following this, a report on the measurement process will be published. Also following the measurement process, simplification plans will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, for implementation.
Question No. 559 answered with Question No. 554.
Consultancy Contracts
Alan Shatter
Ceist:560 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if a review of the family mediation service was carried out by a consultancy (details supplied) at the request of the Family Support Agency and a report on the review completed; the date on which the report was completed; the cost of the consultancy and report; and the reason the report has not to date been published when same will be published. [40127/10]
I have been advised that the Family Support Agency, following a formal tendering process, commissioned the company in question to complete a review of the contribution of the Agency's Family Mediation Service. The purpose of the review was to assess the role of the Service and the evidence as to its effectiveness and to formulate recommendations to inform the future development of the Service. The report was completed in June 2009 and the cost was €149,600, excluding VAT. I understand that the report remains under consideration by the Agency and no decision has yet been made regarding its publication.
Dormant Accounts Fund
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:561 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the current value of moneys available for distribution from the dormant accounts fund; the principles that apply to the disbursement of this fund; if he will provide a breakdown of the annual expenses of €1.7 million incurred by the dormant accounts board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40207/10]
The Dormant Accounts Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003, to the end of September 2010, the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €587.5m, which includes interest earned of some €34.4m. Funds reclaimed in that period by account holders amounted to approximately €202m.
Allocations from the DAF — in accordance with Part 6 of the Acts, as amended by the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005 — are focussed on programmes or projects to assist:
1. the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
2. the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3. persons with a disability.
The value of the DAF at the end of September 2010, net of liabilities, was some €62.4m. This figure excludes €44.4m maintained in a Reserve Account to meet future reclaims by account holders and to cover expenses associated with the operation of the DAF. Further details of projects to which funding has been allocated to date and a summary of the status of the DAF are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie/en/DormantAccounts .
As regards the annual expenses of the Dormant Accounts Board (DAB), the figure of €1.7m referred to by the Deputy is presumably the 2009 outturn for Dormant Accounts Administration (Subhead B.6 of my Department's Vote). This expenditure covered Pobal's administration fee for administering the various Dormant Accounts measures across all Government Departments, as well as the administrative budget for the DAB itself. That administrative budget amounted to €210,465, broken down as follows:
|
Item |
Amount — 2009 |
|
€ |
|
|
Board Fees |
71,375 |
|
Board Costs |
3,879* |
|
Consultancy Fees |
124,116 |
|
Insurance costs |
10,140 |
|
Web |
82 |
|
Translation |
873 |
|
Total |
210,465 |
*Includes travel and subsistence of €2,499 and meeting costs of €1,380.
The 2009 figure compares with a corresponding figure of €199,907 for 2008 and €226,177 for 2007.
I would like to add that, in light of the reduced level of funds available for disbursement from the Dormant Accounts Fund — and against the background of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes — the Government has approved the Heads of a Bill that will dissolve the DAB and make appropriate arrangements for the transfer of its functions to my Department. Drafting of the Bill has commenced and I anticipate that it should be published during the current parliamentary session.
Even though the Board is to be dissolved, and there are likely to be savings in the region of €200,000 per annum as a consequence, the Deputy will appreciate that there will still be costs involved in the day-to-day administration of the various Dormant Accounts measures, which require appropriate management and oversight arrangements, particularly given the unique nature of the funds in question.
National Drugs Strategy
Frank Feighan
Ceist:562 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the budget for each local and regional drugs task force over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39651/10]
Frank Feighan
Ceist:563 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of staff and salary grades of staff employed by each local and regional drugs task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39652/10]
Frank Feighan
Ceist:564 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the way the membership of each drugs task force is determined; how often it is reviewed or changed; the duration of membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39653/10]
Frank Feighan
Ceist:565 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the accounting and reporting mechanisms attached to each local and regional drugs task force; the way progress is measured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39654/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 562 to 565, inclusive, together.
In excess of €31 million is being made available to fund the activities of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces in 2010. The table at Appendix 1 details the expenditure by the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) for 2006-09 inclusive, as well as the 2010 allocations.
Sustained incremental funding up to 2008 facilitated, amongst others, the strengthening of existing projects in the LDTF areas, the rolling out of projects and initiatives in the RDTF areas, the introduction of new initiatives and responses to address cocaine usage, measures to support rehabilitation and the ongoing investment in capital projects. These are recognised by Government as key areas to support communities to address the harm caused by problem drugs use and to deliver meaningful solutions.
In the main, each Drugs Task Force (DTF) has a Co-ordinator, a Development Worker and an Administrator. Detailed information concerning on the breakdown of staff and salary scales is currently being collated and I will arrange to send the information requested directly to the Deputy.
Membership is comprised of representation from Departments and statutory agencies, the voluntary sector, the community sector and elected representatives. Representatives of Departments and statutory agencies are nominated by their employer, with community sector representatives nominated by local Partnerships and community groups. Voluntary sector representatives are nominated following consultation between the DTF and the voluntary drug treatment sector. Elected representatives are nominated through the relevant local authority, though DTFs may agree alternative arrangements if they wish. Generally, tenure should be such as to ensure continuity and consistency in the approach of the DTF in responding to the drug problem in its area.
Funding and accounting for DTF projects is channelled through Channels of Funding, including HSE, FÁS, Local Authorities and VECs. Liaison members of the Drugs Advisory Group, which meets monthly, provide a liaison, reporting and representational role between the Task Forces and the Office of the Minister for Drugs. It is also intended that, starting in 2011, Drugs Task Forces will additionally report on a six-monthly basis to the Office of the Minister for Drugs on their activities, including their broader strategic and co-ordination work.
|
Local Drugs Task Forces |
Exp 2006 |
Exp 2007 |
Exp 2008 |
Exp 2009 |
Alloc 2010 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Ballyfermot |
1.52 |
1.37 |
1.90 |
1.71 |
1.53 |
|
Ballymun |
1.13 |
1.28 |
1.40 |
1.38 |
1.24 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1.20 |
1.25 |
1.34 |
1.41 |
1.18 |
|
Bray |
1.40 |
1.65 |
1.79 |
1.77 |
1.66 |
|
Canal Communities |
1.42 |
1.67 |
1.82 |
1.88 |
1.65 |
|
Clondalkin |
1.00 |
1.48 |
1.75 |
1.67 |
1.50 |
|
Cork |
1.50 |
1.42 |
1.96 |
1.80 |
1.66 |
|
Dublin 12 |
1.00 |
1.18 |
1.48 |
1.30 |
1.18 |
|
Dublin NE |
1.01 |
1.14 |
1.46 |
1.25 |
1.29 |
|
D/Laoghaire Rathdown |
0.61 |
0.92 |
1.19 |
1.03 |
0.98 |
|
Finglas/Cabra |
0.89 |
0.95 |
1.06 |
0.96 |
0.99 |
|
North Inner City |
2.43 |
2.63 |
3.02 |
2.69 |
2.50 |
|
South Inner City |
1.84 |
2.00 |
2.60 |
2.48 |
2.28 |
|
Tallaght |
1.01 |
1.16 |
1.43 |
1.40 |
1.32 |
|
Cross Task Force |
0.10 |
0.00 |
0.18 |
0.04 |
0.10 |
|
Total |
18.06 |
20.09 |
24.38 |
22.77 |
21.04 |
|
Regional Drugs Task Forces |
Exp 2006 |
Exp 2007 |
Exp 2008 |
Exp 2009 |
Alloc 2010 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
East Coast |
0.42 |
1.01 |
1.10 |
0.84 |
0.90 |
|
Mid-West |
0.36 |
0.34 |
1.45 |
1.50 |
1.58 |
|
Midlands |
0.16 |
0.26 |
0.68 |
0.83 |
0.89 |
|
North East |
0.59 |
1.13 |
1.18 |
1.16 |
1.04 |
|
North West |
0.19 |
0.28 |
0.78 |
0.72 |
0.81 |
|
Northern Area |
0.32 |
0.56 |
0.82 |
0.73 |
0.87 |
|
South East |
0.92 |
1.07 |
1.56 |
1.30 |
1.19 |
|
South Western |
0.38 |
0.44 |
1.12 |
0.92 |
0.89 |
|
Southern |
0.32 |
0.88 |
1.39 |
1.16 |
1.09 |
|
Western |
0.42 |
1.15 |
1.05 |
0.78 |
0.74 |
|
Total |
4.08 |
7.12 |
11.13 |
9.94 |
10.00 |
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:566 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39675/10]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department administers and delivers a wide range of programmes and measures, descriptions of which are available on our website at www.pobail.ie . In addition, details of payments made from subheads part-funded from the National Lottery are listed on my Department's website. My Department's gross expenditure outturn for 2008 was €540.421m and for 2009 was €458.863m. The Further Revised Estimate gross allocation for 2010 is €440.864m. The table provides a breakdown for each of my Department's programme areas.
The number of individuals and bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from my Department under these programme areas, either directly or through agencies and other intermediary bodies, would be considerable. In view of the wide range of my Department's schemes and programmes and the large volumes of applications received thereunder on an ongoing basis, I am not satisfied that the work involved in compiling and collating the breakdown of expenditure sought by the Deputy would be feasible or justified. However, if the Deputy has any specific queries relating to a particular scheme, I would be glad to seek to provide him with the relevant information.
|
Programme Area |
Expenditure 2008 |
Expenditure 2009 |
Further Revised Estimate Allocations 2010 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Developing Communities |
171.142 |
160.843 |
131.785 |
|
Tackling Drugs Misuse |
65.207 |
39.377 |
36.182 |
|
Rural Development |
97.111 |
92.678 |
85.490 |
|
Gaeltacht and Islands Development |
111.296 |
86.745 |
62.943 |
|
Promotion and Maintenance of the Irish Language |
7.420 |
8.902 |
8.012 |
|
North-South Co-Operation |
68.011 |
52.676 |
52.229 |
|
Equality |
n/a |
n/a |
11.063 |
|
Disability |
n/a |
n/a |
6.401 |
|
Other Services |
n/a |
n/a |
27.218 |
|
Administration |
20.234 |
17.465 |
19.541 |
|
Total |
540.421 |
458.863 |
440.864 |
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:567 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39797/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:568 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39812/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 568 together.
My Department does not pay rent in respect of properties occupied by its staff. That function, and all matters relating to the acquisition and leasing of property, are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW). However, I can confirm to the Deputy that 7 properties are being leased on my Department's behalf by the OPW. These comprise:
my Department's headquarters building in Dublin;
an area occupied by two sections of my Department in Bishop's Square in Dublin;
two properties in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, in which staff relocated under the Decentralisation Programme are being accommodated on an interim basis;
a local office in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal from Údarás na Gaeltachta; and
two warehousing facilities in Finglas, Dublin, and Tullamore, Co Offaly. Costs paid for maintenance and security are outlined in the table.
|
2009 |
2010 to date |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Maintenance |
72,772.90 |
60,673.60 |
|
Security |
2,064.63 |
428.33 |
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:569 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39917/10]
My Department has not made significant use of open source software packages. It has not generally used generic consumables but it is currently trialling a number of generic products. Should these prove satisfactory, it is intended that they will be used more widely where applicable.
Offshore Islands
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:570 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to improve access to the island of Innishbiggle, County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39950/10]
The issue of improving both the frequency and nature of access to the island of Inis Bigil, County Mayo has been addressed by my Department in recent years by way of significant current and capital investment. A daily ferry service which provides two return sailings per day between Inis Bigil and Doran's Point on the mainland and a connecting bus service to Ballycroy are subsidised by my Department. The cost of subventing these services in 2010 amounts to €36,859.
Improvements to piers on the island and the mainland have also been carried out with assistance from my Department. Between 2002 and 2010, more than €1.4m has been allocated to Mayo County Council to carry out improvement works on the piers at Gob na Dumhaí and Beal an Bhulláin on Inis Bigil and at Doran's Point and Dún Ibhir on the mainland. In relation to matters raised by the Deputy in ‘the details supplied', my officials have had discussions with the island's community representatives in regard to those matters that come within the remit of my Department. Other matters referred to come within the statutory remit of other agencies. While recognising the constraints imposed by a ‘details supplied' Question, I would be pleased to provide further clarification to the Deputy directly if he so wishes.
National Lottery Funding
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:571 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of national lottery funding allocated to community development projects in each year since 2005; the percentage of the total funding that was represented by a national lottery funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40206/10]
As the Deputy is aware, an overall allocation is provided from the National Lottery each year for expenditure through the Votes of various Departments. Details of this allocation are published in Appendix 1 of the annual Revised Estimates Volume. However, for the Deputy's convenience, Table 1 below sets out the allocations made available in each year since 2005.
|
Year |
Total Allocation |
|
€m |
|
|
2005 |
232.7 |
|
2006 |
200.0 |
|
2007 |
230.0 |
|
2008 |
265.0 |
|
2009 |
275.0 |
|
2010 |
260.0 |
Three of the subheads in my Department's Vote are partially funded from this National Lottery allocation. Details of the total expenditure (which includes both Lottery and Exchequer funding) on these subheads are provided in Table 2 below.
|
Subhead |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (To end October) |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
B.1 Supports for Community and Voluntary Sector |
*30,754 |
*11,514 |
18,226 |
18,875 |
15,836 |
10,318 |
|
B.3 Local and Community Development Programmes |
*46,575 |
*71,148 |
81,901 |
83,139 |
73,393 |
58,767 |
|
F.1 Ciste na Gaeilge** |
3,268 |
4,251 |
6,614 |
5,216 |
5,837 |
4,322 |
*There were some realignments of subheads in 2006, with certain programme expenditure related to community development moving from what was then Subhead K. Supports for Community and Voluntary Sector to a newly formed subhead L.1 Local and Community Development Programmes . These have since become Subheads B.1 and B.3 respectively.
**Subhead F.1Ciste na Gaeilge was Subhead C in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:572 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40245/10]
No such printing contracts were awarded by my Department to any company from outside the State in 2007, 2008, 2009, or to date in 2010.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:573 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40332/10]
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of high level groups operating within my Department is set out in the table below. I have considered ‘high level groups' to include all senior groups that are chaired by my Department and for which my Department has a lead coordinating role. For completeness, the Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has a number of internal high level groups established in order to ensure its effective and efficient management, administration and operation, including:
Management Advisory Committee (MAC);
Senior Financial Management Group;
Risk Management Committee;
Expenditure Committee;
Audit Committee;
IT Steering Group.
|
Name of High Level Group & Date Established |
Purpose |
Average number of times that the group meets annually |
|
Oversight Forum on Drugs established in 2009 |
To oversee the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. |
4 |
|
National Substance Misuse Steering Group established in 2009 |
To develop the alcohol element of the National Substance Misuse Steering Group, (my Department co-chairs this group with the Department of Health and Children). |
12 |
|
National Advisory Committee on Drugs established in 2000 |
To advise Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland based on an analysis of research findings and information available. |
6 |
|
National Women’s Strategy Monitoring Committee established in 2008 |
To oversee the implementation of the National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016. |
2 |
|
Local and Community Development Programme Evaluation Advisory Group established in 2010 |
To advise the Department on all matters concerning the proper conduct and effective implementation of the Local and Community Development Programme. |
Inaugural meeting held in September 2010 |
|
High Level Group on Traveller Issues established in 2003 |
To ensure that the statutory agencies involved in providing for the delivery of Traveller specific services focus on improving outcomes, based on the integrated delivery of services at local level. |
3 |
|
RAPID National Monitoring Committee established in 2002 |
To oversee the operation of Strand I and II of the RAPID programme, which involves monitoring the implementation of the programme at national level. |
4 |
|
National Famine Commemoration Committee established in 2008 |
To consider the most appropriate arrangements for annual national commemorations of the Great Famine and associated events. |
4 |
|
Social Inclusion Technical Advisory Group established in 2007 |
To assist the Department in the development and implementation of comprehensive data strategies and research to inform anti-poverty and social inclusion policies and practice; and to facilitate improved monitoring of outcomes. To provide support and advice in relation to data and poverty measurement issues. To promote synergies as appropriate between the group’s activities and those of other bodies in this area including work undertaken at EU and international level. |
3 |
|
Interdepartmental Committee to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) established in 2007 |
To oversee the ratification and implementation of the UNCRPD. |
2 |
|
Cross Departmental Working Group on Integration established in 2008 |
To coordinate the activities of Government Departments and Offices in the area of immigrant integration. |
2 |
|
Senior Officials Group established in 2008 |
To support the Cabinet Committee on Irish and the Gaeltacht. |
3 |
|
Working Group on Údarás na Gaeltachta established in 2010 |
To consider Údarás na Gaeltachta in context of proposed 20-year Strategy for Irish. |
Inaugural meeting held in October 2010 |
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:574 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40347/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has set a 25% target for the reduction of the administrative burden of domestic legislation on business by 2012. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is coordinating the overall process to measure and reduce burdens on business across Government. I can advise the Deputy that a screening process was undertaken in my Department to establish whether any domestic legislation for which my Department is responsible gave rise to administrative burdens on business and to identify any information obligations on business. Following this process, no such information obligations were identified in my Department and accordingly since December 2008 my Department is no longer represented on the Inter Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction.
Departmental Expenditure
James Bannon
Ceist:575 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the persons or bodies in receipt of subventions or grants from his Department; the amount paid to each recipient in the year such payments commenced; the amount paid to each recipient in the current year; to place in the Oireachtas Library the latest two sets of accounts for these payments furnished by such persons or bodies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39676/10]
The following organisations are in receipt of annual grants and subventions from the Department of Defence:
|
First Year |
Current Year |
||
|
Organisation / Body |
Year |
Amount Paid in Grant/Subvention |
Amount Paid in Grant/Subvention |
|
Permanent Defence Force Other Rank Representative Association (PDFORRA) |
1991 |
£74,635 |
€68,568 |
|
Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) |
1993 |
£37,500 |
€52,694 |
|
Defence Forces Canteen Board |
Established in 1944. Information on the first year’s subvention is not readily available |
€485,000 |
|
|
Organisation of National ex-servicemen and women (ONE) |
2007 |
€40,000 |
€40,000 |
|
Irish United Nations Veteran Association (IUNVA) |
2007 |
€10,000 |
€10,000 |
|
The Military History Society of Ireland |
Established in 1949. Information on the first year’s subvention is not readily available |
€5,316 |
In addition to the grant funding, the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) and RDFRA are provided with office accommodation without charge. Personnel are seconded to RACO and PDFORRA on a non-recoupment basis. Currently, there are 2 officers seconded to RACO and 3 enlisted personnel to PDFORRA.
The accounts for the Defence Forces Canteen Board are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. A condition of the grants/subventions to RACO, PDFORRA, ONE and IUNVA is the annual submission of audited accounts to the Department. Publication of these accounts is a matter for each organisation. In addition, the Department makes a grant in aid to the Irish Red Cross Society. The Civil Defence Board and the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces are also provided for from the vote of the Department of Defence.
Commemorative Events
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:576 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken to ensure that all political parties and all interested parties are involved in the planning of State commemorations over the next few years; including that of the 1916 Rising, 1913 lock-out and the First World War; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39704/10]
I hope to convene a meeting of the All Party Oireachtas Consultation Group on the Centenary of the Rising in the coming weeks. The work of the Group to date has been addressed towards the re-instatement of the annual military commemorations in Dublin at Easter, the review of current conservation and development projects and a consideration of outline arrangements for a commemorative framework to be implemented in the anniversary period. I look forward to working with the Group in the coming months with a view towards a comprehensive commemorative programme to be implemented across the anniversary period, centred on official initiatives but also including academic, community, diaspora and commercial initiatives and addressing the principal events of social, cultural, political and military history.
Departmental Properties
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:577 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a site free of charge to another Government Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39709/10]
I would refer the Deputy to the answer to parliamentary Question No. 576 of 27th October, 2010 (ref. No. 39440/10) which stated that "the Department is aware that the Office of Public Works proposes to move three organisations, An Garda Siochana, Courts Service and a HGV testing centre into part of Ballymullen Barracks. The Department has been in contact with that Office and is awaiting a response. The site for the Garda station cannot be provided free of charge as, in line with a Government Decision, the funding realised from the disposal of surplus military property provides resources for the modernisation of the Defence Forces and is invested in new infrastructure, equipment and training area development. All properties that are deemed to be surplus to military requirements will continue to be disposed of and the funding invested to meet the current and future equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces."
Naval Service Vessels
Michael McGrath
Ceist:578 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the procurement of new naval vessels for the Naval Service. [39770/10]
Following a two-stage tender competition a contract has recently been awarded to the preferred bidder, Babcock Marine, for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. The contract value is of the order of €100m. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.
Departmental Properties
John O'Mahony
Ceist:579 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39798/10]
John O'Mahony
Ceist:580 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39813/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 580 together.
The Department currently has a total of fifty six properties rented for the use of the Reserve Defence Forces for training purposes. Ten properties are in use full time and the remainder are in use on a part-time basis. There are no properties rented by the Department for use as office space and all properties rented or leased are in use. Therefore neither security costs nor maintenance costs are incurred in respect of unused properties that are leased or rented.
The following tabular statement gives an outline of the properties concerned. Rents are reviewed on a regular basis and are based on a number of factors, including size, location and quality of the facility. Information regarding the specific rents paid in respect of each premises is commercially sensitive. However, the total annual rents being paid in respect of all such premises in 2008 was €140,479 and in 2009 was €92,501.
|
County |
Address |
Size |
Terms |
|
Clare |
Kilrush Creek Marina (NSR) Kilrush, |
Building — 4000sq ft Yard — 3400 sq ft. |
Licence agreementfrom 1/1/2010 – 31/12/2010 for one year only at the discretion of the Licensor |
|
Cork |
Weir St., Bandon, Co. Cork |
1585 sq ft. |
Letting agreement commenced in 2001 for a term of 10 years |
|
Donegal |
Unit 4, Court Place, Cardonagh |
12.4 mtrs × 7.6mtrs |
Letting agreement commenced 1985 |
|
Galway |
Tuam Hutsite |
Hutsite only 2,244 sq ft. |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Leitrim |
8 Park Lane, Carrick-on-Shannon |
839 sq ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Mayo |
Foxford, Ballina |
2 Storey Terraced House. |
Longstanding local agreement Rent adjusted in accordance with C.P.I. |
|
Monaghan |
Cross St. Carrickmacross |
2 Storey Building |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Monaghan |
Drumgoask, Monaghan |
40ft × 40ft |
Letting agreement commenced in 2010 for a term of 5 years |
|
Offaly |
Kilcruttin, Tullamore. Ground Floor Unit |
1863 sq ft. |
Longstanding local agreement Rent adjusted in accordance with C.P.I. |
|
Sligo |
Unit 12B, Cleveragh Business Centre |
683.24 sq ft. |
Agreement commenced in 2006 for a term of 10 years — rent review after 5yrs |
|
County |
Address |
Size |
Terms |
|
Carlow |
Hutsite, Carlow Workhouse |
Hutsite only 150ft × 120ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Community Centre, Tullow |
30ft × 21ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Cork |
Town Hall, Bandon — 2 rooms. |
34ft × 31ft & 21ft × 15½ ft. |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Parochial Hall, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry |
50ft × 20ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Beara Sports Hall, Castletownbere |
130ft × 75ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Charleville Community Hall, Chapel St. |
20ft × 15ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Macroom GAA Club |
Ent Hall 5.59m × 1.89m Hall 16.37m × 6.04m |
Licence agreement commenced in 2008 and from year to year thereafter |
|
|
Industrial Hall, Clonakilty |
60ft × 80ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
St. Patrick’s Hall, Dunmanway |
82ft × 35ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Scoil Mhuire Hall, Kanturk |
98ft × 53ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Community Centre, Kilworth |
Hall |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Kinsale Municipal Hall |
50ft × 36ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Parish Hall, Roscarbery |
1430sq ft. |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
GAA Club, Millstreet |
63.4ft × 40.3ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Scoil Phadraig, New Road, Mallow |
School Gym 70ft × 40ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Donegal |
St. Finians Hall, Falcarragh |
37ft × 18ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Community Hall, Massinass, Creeslough, |
57ft × 21ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Galway |
Hall Einne, Carraroe |
80ft × 30ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Community Centre Glenamaddy |
50ft × 80ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Coláiste Na Toirbhirte, Headford |
30mtrs × 25mtrs |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Community Hall, Portumna |
50ft × 16ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Tuam Town Commissioners |
Plot measuring 141’x 48’ |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Community Centre, Oughterard |
23ft × 20ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Community Centre Glenamaddy |
Hall |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Glenfarne Hall |
Hall |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Leitrim |
Parochial Hall, Drumlea, Corrawallen |
Not available |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Mayflower Ballroom, Drumshambo |
Not available |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Limerick |
Community Centre, Abbeyfeale |
40ft × 20ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Community Hall, Boher |
31ft × 15ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Muintir Na Tire Hall, Hospital |
90ft × 60ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Newcastlewest, (Hut Site) |
Hutsite only |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Community Hall, Pallas Green |
12ft × 15ft |
Term Year to Year Months notice in writing to vacate. |
|
|
Mayo |
Scouts Den, Ballina |
40ft × 25ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Claremorris Town Hall |
39ft × 90ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Roundford Community Hall, Hollymount |
72ft × 35ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Swinford Community Hall |
90ft × 60ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Meath |
Gilsen Boys School, Oldcastle |
45ft × 60ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Offaly |
St. Mary’s Hall, Ferbane |
60ft × 30ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Tipperary |
St. Patrick’s Parochial Hall, Ballymacarberry |
70ft × 30ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Tipperary Town (Hut Site) |
Hutsite only |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Waterford |
Community Centre, Capoquin, Villierstown |
2000 sq mtrs. |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
Community Hall, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy |
45ft × 30ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
|
|
Cushinstown Parish Hall |
Not available |
Commenced in 2007 and from year to year thereafter |
|
|
Scout Hall , Gorey |
Not available |
Commenced in 2010 rent paid annually in advance |
|
|
Wicklow |
Tinahealy Parochial Hall |
38ft × 21ft |
Longstanding local agreement |
Departmental Staff
Richard Bruton
Ceist:581 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department, who are primarily employed in one of a number of areas (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39871/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Staff (WTES) |
||
|
Entitlement Processing |
Nil |
|
|
Inspections |
Nil |
|
|
IT |
21.7 |
|
|
Human Resources |
22.3 |
|
|
Procurement |
6.0 |
|
|
Legal Services |
Nil |
The Department does not employ its own Legal Advisers. From time to time it avails of the services of the Chief State Solicitor, the Attorney General and Counsel as appropriate. |
I would like to reassure the Deputy that I am satisfied that staffing levels in the Department are appropriate and that I remain committed to ensuring that the delivery of services by the Defence Organisation is as efficient and effective as possible.
Departmental Expenditure
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:582 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39918/10]
The only open source software in use in the Department of Defence is a package called Linux. This is an operating system and has been in use for over 7 years on our MIF (Management Information Framework) servers. It is not possible to quantify how much of a saving has been made through the use of this software. The Department does not currently use generic consumables. The use of generic toner cartridges has been tried in the past, however the results were mixed and consequently there were no reportable savings.
Naval Service Operations
David Stanton
Ceist:583 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions that the decompression chamber operated by the Naval Service was used in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40159/10]
The Naval Service decompression chamber was used on 21 occasions during 2008, 23 occasions during 2009 and 49 occasions to date during 2010.
Departmental Procurement
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:584 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence if any printing contracts for his Department were awarded or given to any company from outside the State in each of the past three years, and if so the company appointed and their location; the amount of the contract; if tendering took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40246/10]
The Department has not awarded any contracts for print jobs to companies based outside the Republic of Ireland during the dates 1st January 2007 to date.
Departmental Bodies
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:585 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the year each group was set up; the number of times each group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40333/10]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to high level groups that liaise with outside businesses and interest groups. There are no such groups operating within the Department.
Business Regulation
Richard Bruton
Ceist:586 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if his Department was required to take part in the interdepartmental group on administrative burden reduction; if his Department has yet listed information obligations that his Department’s regulations impose on business; if so, the number of information obligations listed; if his Department has yet assessed which requirements are the most burdensome; if his Department has measured the actual cost to business of the most burdensome requirements and if so, the total cost. [40348/10]
The Department of Defence was represented on the Inter-Departmental Group on Administrative Burden Reduction from July 2008 to June 2009. A screening exercise was performed on a comprehensive list of the Department's legislation from which no information obligations on businesses were identified. Following consultation with the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department was signed out of the process in June 2009.