Vol. 726 No. 2
7 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of the increase in private health insurance recently announced by the VHI, when she will introduce risk equalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1693/11]
10 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the date by which the VHI must achieve solvency; the number of times she has extended the deadline for the VHI to achieve required solvency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1697/11]
24 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of persons with private health insurance as at the end of 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1689/11]
113 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure that the charges applying to health insurance policies, particularly those with higher than average take up by older subscribers or subscribers with a poor health profile, are not disproportionately increased by health insurers as a means of circumventing the intention of community rating, or incentivising the withdrawal of such customers from private health insurance. [1838/11]
115 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if any action is open to her to deal with the concerns of the general public in respect of the increase in charges by the VHI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1857/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 10, 24, 113 and 115 together.
I am very disappointed at the decision of the VHI to increase its prices so significantly from 1 February. There is no doubt that the increases will make it harder for those who benefit most from health insurance to renew their policies.
I want to ensure that everyone is aware of the various alternative health insurance policies on offer.
It is important to stress that customers have a legal right to switch between or within insurers to get better value, including better cover or to reduce their premium costs. It is not open to a company to refuse a customer of another insurer the same level of cover. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) provide advice on switching by telephone or via the internet and I would urge any consumers with concerns to contact the HIA.
I have asked the HIA to monitor the situation closely to ensure that all customers are given accurate information about their right to switch policies, without penalty. In particular, I am anxious to make sure that customers are not misled by any insurer about the ease with which changes can be made, or about the requirements that must be met before switching. The HIA will play an important role for customers, both in ensuring that they have accurate information, and in monitoring the implementation of the law protecting consumers in relation to health insurance.
I am committed to protecting our community-rated market through risk equalisation.
If there is more than one insurer in the market, as is the case in this country, community rating needs to be supported by a scheme that subsidises the cost of health care for older and sicker people across the entire market. Otherwise, companies would have a clear incentive to attract and retain only healthy customers who were less likely to make claims. This support system is called risk equalisation. A system of risk equalisation is particularly necessary in the Irish market because, for historical reasons, the VHI has a greatly disproportionate share of older customers, as is evident from the fact that is has 80% by value of all claims in the market but only 62% of all customers.
The Government had a risk equalisation scheme in place but following a challenge by BUPA, the scheme was struck down by the Supreme Court in July 2008. In response the Government introduced a temporary scheme of tax relief/community rating levy in January 2009 which provides a very significant degree of support for the cost of health insurance claims by older people.
It allows insurers with additional costs arising from insuring older people, to be compensated for up to, but no more than, 65% of these additional costs. This was increased from a figure of 50% in 2009 and 2010 following advice from the Health Insurance Authority. The Government is also preparing to put in place a risk equalisation scheme that will ‘equalise' risk as far as is possible on age, health status and gender grounds. The scheme is designed to be legally robust and to be fully in accordance with European and Irish law requirements. The Health Insurance Authority has completed its consultation process on risk equalisation and submitted its analysis and recommendations to me on 23rd December 2010. My Department is currently considering this report and I intend to prepare legislation for a transitional scheme which will come into effect in 2012 and a risk equalisation scheme to come into effect at the start of 2013.
The Health Insurance Authority have estimated that the net benefit of the tax credits/levy to VHI in 2011 will be in the region of €70M and the corresponding net cost to Aviva and Quinn will be in the region of €33M and €37M respectively.
The VHI continues to be exempt from prudential solvency requirements arising from a derogation under the 3rd Non-Life Directive. The Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2008 provided for the VHI to acquire sufficient funding in terms of its capital reserves to enable it to make an application to the Financial Regulator for authorisation. The date originally fixed by that Act was 31 December 2008. At the time the original date was fixed, the Supreme Court had not yet ruled in relation to the risk equalisation scheme. Since then I have extended the date by which the VHI must accrue the necessary reserves on five occasions. The date is now 1 January 2012. The Government strategy also provides for disposal of the VHI and I expect advisers to assist in that regard to be appointed next month. It remains my firm conviction that the VHI should be properly authorised and that the derogation should be lifted. The Government is committed to making a substantial capital investment into the VHI to secure its authorisation. The actual amount of capital required will be determined between the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children in light of expert advice received.
Almost 50% of the population have private health insurance. There were 2.238M people with private health insurance at the end of December 2007. This figure increased by 59,000 to 2.297M at the end of December 2008. There was a reduction of 37,000 in 2009 to a figure of 2.26M at the end of December 2009 and a further reduction of 33,000 up to the end of September 2010 giving a figure of 2.227M at that date, which is the latest information available.
8 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Report on Primary Medical Care in the Community published on 10 February 2010 by the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1773/11]
I welcomed the publication of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on Primary Medical Care in the Community. The Report contains 40 wide ranging recommendations and in his foreword the Chairman highlighted that more emphasis must be placed on the physical structure of Primary Care Teams and providing community mental health services through those teams. He also called for an immediate expansion of GP training places to a minimum of 150 places and stated that services such as radiology, ultrasound and cardiac diagnostics need to be available at Primary Care Centres.
Recommendation 13 of the Report focuses on the provision of Primary Care Centres and recommends the introduction of a system of incentives, including Capital Tax Allowances, Stamp Duty Relief, and Rates Relief. These recommendations are not my responsibility but are for my colleagues the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The development of Primary Care Centres is continuing and the HSE expects at least 115 centres to be operational by 2013, supporting 160 Primary Care Teams.
In so far as the recommendations relating to me are concerned, significant progress has been made.
Community Mental Health Centres are being developed in tandem with Primary Care Centres, where space allows. 228 such developments have been planned in total, one of which has opened in Letterkenny and a further 31 sites have been identified.
There are now 157 GP training places.
Access to diagnostic services in primary care will be a particular focus of the work of the National Clinical Director for Radiology Services and each Clinical Director in determining the clinical care pathway for their specific care programme will stipulate the appropriateness and frequency of out reach services.
Many other developments have taken place in Primary Care since the publication of the Joint Committee's report. The development of Primary Care Teams will continue and 527 Primary Care Teams have been identified for development by the end of 2011, when ultimately everyone in the country should be able to access 95% of the care they need within their local community.
9 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an update on the development of the national children’s hospital; when planning permission will be granted; when construction is expected to commence; when the project will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1755/11]
The new National Paediatric Hospital is a priority for the Government.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has formally asked An Bórd Pleanála for the project to be considered under the Strategic Infrastructure legislation. Two meetings were held with An Bórd Pleanála in November and December 2010 as part of the pre-consultation engagement by the Development Board. This pre-planning consultation is expected to conclude by the end of this month, with a formal planning application expected to be submitted following review by the Development Board at its January 2011 meeting.
The Development Board anticipates that the planning process is likely to include a public oral hearing. It estimates that a decision on planning permission will take a number of months, as would be normal for projects of this size. The Development Board will, of course, continue to work intensively on the detailed planning of the project as An Bord Pleanála's consideration of the planning application proceeds.
Subject to planning permission being granted, construction of the new hospital is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year with completion of construction scheduled for the end of 2014.
I met with the Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of the three children's hospitals on the 16th of December last. At this meeting I emphasised the need for early progress on establishing robust governance structures for the new hospital. The Chairs and CEOs all committed to a process aimed at agreeing such a governance structure as soon as possible. The first meeting of the group established to bring this work forward will take place tomorrow, Friday 14 January.
11 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the meetings that have taken place to implement the terms of the Croke Park deal in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1566/11]
The Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (the "Croke Park Agreement") enables the introduction of significant transformation in the health sector. This is essential to maintain and improve the quality of services while achieving an ongoing reduction in the cost of delivery of public services.
The Agreement also provides a framework for implementing the changes agreed. This includes a National Implementation Body chaired by Mr. P.J. Fitzpatrick and there is a dedicated implementation body for the health sector which drives implementation of the change agenda in health and reports progress to the National Implementation Body.
Management and staff are working together at local level on an ongoing basis to implement the change agenda. The objective is to resolve issues at local or regional level where feasible and there would be meetings for that purpose between the parties.
The Health Sector Implementation Body has met six times since its establishment in October 2010, which is an average of twice monthly.
12 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of Health Service Executive staff who have accepted the voluntary redundancy package; the total cost of the redundancy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1724/11]
In early November 2010 I announced that the Government had decided to approve a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service. The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate health service reform.
The VER and VR schemes were open to employees in the management and administrative staff and general support staff categories. The exact grades covered by the two schemes were set out in detail in the relevant Circular (Circular 7/2010).
The most recent detailed information available from the HSE indicates that 2,003 individuals have departed from the health service under the schemes; 641 under the voluntary early retirement scheme and 1,362 under the voluntary redundancy scheme. However, there may be minor adjustments to the numbers as outstanding queries are finalised. Of the total, 1,409 were HSE employees while the balance of 594 were employed in voluntary hospitals, disability organisations etc. Details of the 1,409 HSE employees who availed of the schemes are as follows:
876 individuals availed of the voluntary redundancy scheme
533 individuals availed of the voluntary early retirement scheme.
I understand from the most recent information that the once off cost in 2010 of both schemes was in the region of €100m and the likely savings are expected to be in the region of €50m to €70m annually. The HSE is currently collating definitive information in relation to the costs of these schemes.
13 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if sufficient supplies of vaccine are available to address the increase in the number of cases of H1N1 virus which have been diagnosed resulting in increased risk to vulnerable sectors of the population; the categories of persons now being advised to be vaccinated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1555/11]
14 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if all the recommendations of the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group which reported in 2007 have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1780/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
Approximately 650,000 seasonal flu vaccines were delivered to the HSE in September 2010 and have already been distributed to GPs and HSE sites. The HSE is in the process of drawing down a further 100,000 vaccines which were part of the contingency arrangements within the same contract.
The HSE will also deliver supplies of Pandemrix, one of the vaccines used during last year's H1N1 pandemic vaccination campaign, to GPs and to other HSE sites. As most of the seasonal flu cases at present are swine flu, this will ensure continuity of supply of vaccines against swine flu if infection rates continue to rise as expected over the next few weeks.
Those to be vaccinated are the same now as advised in September last following advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The groups strongly recommended for the 2010/11 seasonal influenza vaccine include all those aged 65 years and over, adults and children over 6 months of age with long-term illnesses such as chronic respiratory disease, moderate or severe asthma, chronic heart disease and all those who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment as well as healthcare staff and carers.
In addition, healthy pregnant women and women up to six weeks after giving birth who have not previously received the swine flu vaccine are urged to get the seasonal flu vaccination this year as they are at higher risk of complications from swine flu. Pregnant women who have a long term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease need to get the seasonal flu vaccine even if they have already had the swine flu vaccine last year.
The HSE is satisfied that it has sufficient supplies of vaccine to cater for the need.
The report referred to by Deputy Ferris is the "Pandemic Preparedness for Ireland: Advice of the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group" which was published in 2007 and revised in November 2008. The aim of the document is to provide authoritative information on pandemic influenza, clinical guidance for health professionals, and public health advice for the public, public health professionals, and policy makers in my Department and other government Departments and agencies, all of whom are involved in the response to any influenza pandemic. This document is an advice paper which forms part of the ongoing deliberations, inter alia, of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) which met on a daily basis during the influenza pandemic of 2009. It continues to meet now as required to monitor and review influenza activity. The NPHET refers issues on a regular basis to the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group for advice and where appropriate their recommendations are taken into account by the Department, the HSE and by the NPHET.
15 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding has now been committed to move the emergency department to the ground floor of the critical care unit being developed at the Mid-West Regional Hospital; when it is expected to commence developing the unit and when same will be completed; if plans are being drawn up for the staffing of the unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1553/11]
A number of priority developments are complete — the Limerick trauma theatre and Nenagh endoscopy suite, or underway in the Mid West region to support the reconfiguration of hospital services. In particular the development of a new critical care block at a cost of €35m is a key component in the reconfiguration project. Construction of this facility is underway and is intended to be complete in 2012. Other priority projects include a dedicated trauma theatre in Limerick, a replacement ward at Ennis, a region wide PACS / radiology system and new endoscopy suites at Nenagh and Ennis. Prioritisation of these projects and the commitment of significant capital resources totalling €64m has been informed by local requirements and priorities.
The design of the critical care project in Limerick includes provision to facilitate expansion and/or relocation of other services at the hospital. In addition to the accommodation necessary for the critical care facility, accommodation on two further floors is also being provided. I want to progress the development of a new emergency department. This however is subject to agreement on staffing and revenue requirements. This is to ensure that it becomes operational as soon as possible after equipping and commissioning the facility.
I am satisfied that the priority needs of the region and the infrastructure requirements of the reconfiguration programme will continue to be given significant weight in the allocation of limited capital investment.
16 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations on stroke in her cardiovascular health policy; the further measures to address this major public health issue that will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1778/11]
The report on Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010-2019 recommended that stroke services be reconfigured into stroke networks, with a number of hospitals working together to provide the comprehensive range of services needed for optimal stroke care and working closely with community services.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has appointed two lead clinicians within the Directorate of Quality and Clinical Care to direct the implementation of the recommendations in so far as stroke is concerned. Discussions are taking place at local and regional level to further improve access and quality of stroke services for patients. Service developments will be accompanied by initiatives to improve quality across the spectrum of stroke care.
Two or three stroke hospital networks has been proposed by each of the 4 HSE regions. The HSE National Clinical Programme for 2011 provides for the establishment of a further 9 acute/rehabilitation stroke units in addition to the 19 already in place. Work is underway locally to clarify the roles of each hospital and the care pathways between hospitals in each network. The identification of stroke rehabilitation services in the community, to support strategic planning of those services is also underway. Continuous improvements in prevention and in acute stroke care — stroke units, thrombolysis and rehabilitation — will improve outcomes for patients with stroke.
17 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of persons who held a medical card at the end of 2010; the projected increase in that number for 2011; the total number who held a doctor-only medical card at the same date; the projected increase in that number for 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1534/11]
Final end of year figures for Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards will be available later this month. At the 1st December 2010 a total of 1,611,138 persons had medical cards and 116,399 had GP Visit cards.
The HSE National Service Plan 2011 anticipates that by the end of 2011 the number of persons with Medical Cards will rise to 1,860,087 and that the number with GP Visit cards will increase to 154,239.
18 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish legislation on eligibility for health and social services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1542/11]
My Department recently completed a review of the eligibility framework which is contained in the Health Act 1970. This was a complex process and took longer than expected partly on account of the range and span of services involved, the significant developments in service delivery and technology that have occurred since the Health Act 1970, and more recent policy and service developments such as the roll-out of primary care teams.
I will shortly be bringing proposals for consideration by Government on providing a statutory framework governing eligibility for health and personal social services.
19 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new social workers appointed in 2010; the sections of the services in which these social workers have been employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1548/11]
In accordance with the committment in the Government's Implementation Plan for the recommendations of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (The Ryan Commission), the Government provided an amount of €15m in 2010 to further the actions outlined in the Ryan Commission Implementation Plan with priority being given to the recruitment of an additional 200 social workers. Further additional funding of €9m is being provided to the HSE in 2011 in respect of Implementation Plan actions.
The Employment Control Framework for the health sector, which gives effect to the Government policy on employment in the public sector, allows for the filling of additional posts in exempted grades including Social Workers.
The HSE has advised that the number of new social workers appointed in 2010 was 203. The Executive has also advised that all social workers have been assigned positions within Social Work Departments in the Integrated Services areas. In addition, the HSE has advised that there was an increase of 358.12 WTE in the numbers employed in Children, Youth & Family Services between December 2009 and November 2010.
20 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has approved the appointment of any senior grade posts in the Health Service Executive in 2010; if so, the number and grade of these appointments and the reason they were sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1568/11]
The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years.
The appointment of senior management posts is covered by the Employment Control Framework for the health sector. The Framework includes provision for the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service. However, the Framework does allow for the filling of certain exempted grades and there are also grades/posts to which special provisions apply. In addition, the Health Service Executive can also make exceptions to the moratorium on recruitment under certain conditions.
Approval was given for the following appointments in 2010:
Chief Executive Officer, Health Service Executive (replacement post);
National Director, National Cancer Control Programme (replacement post);
Chief Operating Officer HSE, National Director level 1 (originally approved in 2009 to create a single point of authority and accountability for the delivery of services);
National Director, Children and Family Programmes (responsible for the delivery of a clear service model providing a safe and high quality child protection service);
Assistant National Director, National Ambulance Service (replacement post);
The HSE has advised that any other senior manager appointments within the HSE in 2010 have been as a result of redeployment of existing staff under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.
The HSE has further advised that the new service delivery model for the HSE is based on a smaller number of area management units and consequently requires less senior managers. These positions are being filled through a redeployment process under the Public Service Agreement. Furthermore, a significant number of senior managers left the HSE under the exit schemes programme at the end of 2010.
21 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if all of the clinical leads for each speciality have now been appointed; the names of persons so appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1561/11]
The Quality and Clinical Care Directorate, led by Dr Barry White, is charged with improving and standardising the delivery of clinical care.
The work of Quality and Clinical Care Directorate is based on three main objectives:
To improve the quality of care
To improve access to all services
To improve cost effectiveness.
Each of the programmes is led by a team of national experts, selected by their peers through the academic colleges and professional bodies. The teams include consultant, GP, nursing and allied health professional, management, and regional representatives, who bring together their experience and expertise from services around the country to help plan the work of the programme.
The clinical programmes have been developed along similar principles to the National Cancer Control Programme.
The following is the list of clinical leads for each speciality as requested:
|
National Clinical Programme |
National Clinical Lead |
|
Primary Care |
Dr Joe Clarke |
|
Care of the Elderly |
Dr Diarmuid O’Shea |
|
Palliative Care |
Dr Karen Ryan |
|
Radiology |
Dr Risteard O’Laoide |
|
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Prof Michael Turner |
|
Joint Stroke |
Dr Joe Harbison & Prof Peter Kelly |
|
Acute Coronary Syndrome |
Prof Kieran Daly |
|
Heart Failure |
Prof Ken McDonald |
|
Diabetes |
Prof Richard Firth |
|
COPD |
Dr Tim McDonnell |
|
Asthma |
Dr Pat Manning |
|
Mental Health |
Dr Ian Daly |
|
Epilepsy |
Dr Colin Doherty |
|
Dermatology |
Prof Louise Barnes |
|
Neurology out patients |
TBC |
|
Rheumatology |
Prof Oliver Fitzgerald |
|
O-PAT Infectious Disease |
Prof Colm Bergin |
|
Joint Acute Medicine |
Dr Gary Courtney & Prof Shane O’Neill |
|
Emergency Medicine |
Dr Una Geary |
|
Critical Care |
Dr Michael Power |
|
Surgery |
Prof Frank Keane |
|
Orthopaedics |
Dr David Moore & Dr Paddy Kenny |
|
Medication Management |
Dr Helen Flint & Mr Shaun Flanagan |
|
Health Care Acquired Infection (HCAI) |
Fidelma Fitzpatrick |
|
Renal Services |
Dr Liam Plant |
|
Paediatrics |
TBC |
|
Pathology |
Dr Gerard Boran |
|
Rehabilitation |
Dr Aine Carroll |
22 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the increase in the number of patients waiting on trolleys in accident and emergency which reached an unprecedented high of 569 in January 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1709/11]
28 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of the unprecedented number of patients waiting on trolleys in accident and emergency, the precautions being taken to protect patients from cross infection from swine flu and other hospital infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1762/11]
51 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken in response to previous parliamentary questions calling for the provision of adequate back up facilities in the various hospitals throughout the country to prevent bed or ward closure or decommissioning for whatever reason which have subsequently resulted in patients being consigned to trolleys for long periods, causing hardship and suffering for patients, anguish and understandable concern of relatives and consequent demoralisation among front line health workers; if she will further indicate given the clear evidence of a recurrence of this problem, the reason adequate forward planning and necessary provision did not take place; if it is true that there is now a substantial reliance on agency staffing at many public hospitals; her views on whether the public health service is being run down and demoralised; if she will specifically address the issues in each of the hospitals referred to in recent media reports with a view to indicating the reasons patients have again found themselves on trolleys awaiting attention in lobbys, corridors and alcoves given that a world class health service was promised several years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1661/11]
63 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the recent water restrictions have adversely affected the functioning of accident and emergency departments in hospitals throughout the country; the measures that have been taken to deal with this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1439/11]
66 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to address the crisis in accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1782/11]
67 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if enough doctors have been hired in accident and emergency departments in hospitals throughout the country to deal effectively with the increase in seasonal flu and swine flu cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1440/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 28, 51, 63, 66 and 67 together.
The HSE has stated that the Acute Services Division of the Integrated Services Directorate has not received any reports on whether the recent water restrictions have adversely affected the functioning of emergency departments.
The waiting times for patients attending Emergency Departments in many hospitals during the first week of January were unacceptable, and I very much regret the delays that patients experienced.
I have discussed plans with the HSE for ensuring that this situation does not recur. The HSE has assured me that it will take all possible steps to improve waiting times in Emergency Departments, so that all patients are assessed, treated and discharged or admitted without unnecessary delay.
The HSE has taken specific steps to cope with the increase in activity that is normally experienced at this time of year. These include curtailing elective surgery and opening beds which are normally closed for seasonal reasons. Other actions taken by hospitals include increasing the number of ward rounds to ensure that any patients who are ready to go home are discharged with support as necessary from community based services.
Hospitals are also ensuring that discharges are carried out early in the morning and over the weekend, to make beds available for patients being admitted through the ED. In addition the HSE is working to have senior clinical decision makers and diagnostic services speedily available for Emergency Department needs. The HSE has also provided for enhanced GP out of hours services through the expansion of the GP co-ops. Where deficits in staff numbers have occurred a mixture of cross-cover, overtime, locum cover and agency staffing has been used to ensure continuity of service and the provision of a safe level of service for patients.
The steps I have outlined above are taken to address the current short-term difficulties. Improving access to hospital services requires a wider healthcare approach. In recognition of this, the HSE has undertaken a number of initiatives in recent years. These include the Winter Initiative Programme, the introduction of the Code of Practice for Integrated Discharge Planning and actions to reduce the number of delayed discharges, including the introduction of the "Fair Deal".
Other innovations undertaken by the HSE include the development of Emergency Care Networks and the Acute Medicine Programme which involves the establishment of Acute Medical and Surgical Assessment Units, Rapid Access Clinics and Minor Injury Units. The programme seeks to channel patients quickly to the service best suited to their needs, and to reduce the usage of Emergency Department services by those who can be best treated elsewhere.
A new Acute Medical Unit was opened at Cork University Hospital last Monday. Other similar units are already in place at Kerry General Hospital and St Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny. The HSE Service Plan for 2011 commits to the establishment of 12 Acute Medical Units during 2011 with an investment of €8.5m.
Emergency Departments have particular infection control protocols in place for staff to manage patients attending with flu like illnesses including the H1NI virus to minimise risk to patients and staff.
The key to addressing the ED challenge is an integrated pro-active management by all concerned throughout the system. I have asked the HSE to ensure that minimising waiting times in EDs is a key priority in their service to patients.
25 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of approved consultant posts; the total number of consultant posts currently vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1735/11]
One of the main recommendations of the National Task Force on Medical Staffing in 2003 was to increase the number of consultants and to reduce the number of NCHD posts in order to create a consultant-provided service.
The Health Service Executive has advised that there are currently 2,439 approved consultant posts. The number of consultants employed as at 30 November 2010 was 2,450. This figure, however, includes locum, temporary and part-time appointments. Given the manner in which consultant posts are filled it is not possible to provide a precise figure for vacancies.
The move to a consultant provided service is also reflected in the 2008 contract. This provided for consultants to work as part of a team over an extended working day of 8am to 8pm, an increase in the length of the working week and also structured weekend work. It is also provided for in the HSE's Employment Control Framework which allows for new hospital consultant posts to be created by the suppression of two NCHD posts.
26 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of employees of the Health Service Executive who have been accepted for the redundancy-retirement scheme recently announced; the categories of employment of these workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1543/11]
75 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of the smaller than expected numbers who have taken the early retirement-redundancy scheme, if it is intended to reduce management and administrative staff in the Health Service Executive by any other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1544/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 75 together.
In early November 2010 I announced that the Government had decided to approve a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service. The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate health service reform.
The VER and VR schemes were open to employees in the management and administrative staff and general support staff categories. The exact grades covered by the two schemes were set out in detail in the relevant Circular (Circular 7/2010). The schemes were not targeted at those providing front-line services.
The most recent detailed information available from the HSE indicates that 2,003 individuals have departed from the health service under the schemes; 641 in respect of the voluntary early retirement scheme and 1,362 in respect of the voluntary redundancy scheme. Of this total, 1,409 were HSE employees while the balance were employed in voluntary hospitals, disability organisations etc. 533 individuals employed in the HSE accepted the VER scheme while 876 individuals employed in the HSE availed of the VR scheme. Overall, a total of 1,364 individuals from the Management and Administration category availed of the schemes while the remaining 639 are categorised as General Suppor Staff. These numbers are subject to minor adjustment as queries are finalised etc.
The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years. This requires that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the health service will continue to apply until the numbers have fallen to the level set out in the Employment Control Framework 2011-2014 for the health sector. The Framework gives effect to the Government policy on employment in the public sector. A basic objective of the Framework remains to reduce the numbers of management and administration staff and non-frontline staff employed in the sector.
27 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of bed days lost in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1718/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
29 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the categories of Health Service Executive and her Department staff and staff in bodies funded under her budget that are subject to Garda vetting; her plans to extend these categories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1569/11]
Garda vetting is a pre-employment check carried out if a prospective employee, volunteer or student on placement will have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. There is no proposal to extend this category of employee.
Garda vetting provides for the disclosure by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) to the prospective employer of details of prosecutions and convictions of the candidate. It is a matter for the employer to assess the implications of the information before a decision is taken on the candidate's suitability to take up duty.
The Office of the Minister for Children in my Department, the HSE, the Voluntary Hospitals and the following bodies funded from the Health vote are registered with the GCVU: Health information and Quality Authority; Mental Health Commission; Ombudsman for Children; Health & Social Care Professionals' Council. The other Bodies funded from the Health vote are not registered as their employees do not have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.
All nursing homes in Ireland have access to Garda vetting services under the auspices of Nursing Homes Ireland; home care providers under the auspices of the Irish Private Home Care Association IPHCA; all nursing agencies, locum agencies and out-sourced employers and contractors to the health service under an umbrella body known as the National Recruitment Federation.
The Report of the Working Group on Gárda Vetting (2004) noted that vetting is not a substitute for good human resource management policy in relation to the recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers; and that a proper selection process is one of the most effective means of evaluating an applicant's suitability and deterring potential abusers. It recognised vetting as a further protection measure to children and vulnerable adults.
30 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is still committed to the development of a new central mental hospital; if a decision has been made on the location for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1742/11]
The development of the new Central Mental Hospital remains a priority for the Government and the HSE has been asked to submit a business case for the project and to explore alternative funding options to deliver the new hospital. An alternative site has been identified and preliminary discussions have taken place between the HSE and the planning authorities.
31 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the home help budget is protected in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1563/11]
Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible, and to support access to high quality long term residential care, where this is appropriate.
The recently approved Service Plan 2011 for the Health Service Executive commits the Executive to providing 11.98 million Home Help hours nationally this year. This is the same target as in 2010. The Deputy will appreciate that the Executive has operational responsibility to manage this particular service at national, regional and local levels, as part of delivering its overall community-based services to older people. My Department will liaise closely with the Executive over the course of the year in relation to monitoring services for older people.
In addition to the above, the commitment of the Government to protect services for older people is also highlighted by the additional funding of €14 million provided in Budget 2011, for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme and for Home Care Packages.
32 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who contracted H1N1 virus since the beginning of 2011; the number of such persons who have been hospitalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1554/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the monitoring of infectious diseases in the country. The latest data which the HSE has available for the 2010/2011 flu season is that as of 9th January 2011 a total of 985 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in Ireland, of which 796 were H1N1. A total of 393 patients have been hospitalised with flu and 72 have been admitted to ICU.
33 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive did not meet a funding shortfall of €750,000 for a foundation (details supplied) which will mean that a number of babies with severe developmental delay and brain damage may have to return to hospital at a much greater cost to the health service of €14 million; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1752/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is working jointly with the Jack and Jill Foundation to identify and prioritise the needs of the children on a case-by-case basis. The HSE is prepared to work closely with Jack & Jill to ensure that no child is hospitalised for want of adequate home support, provided by Jack and Jill or the HSE. However, if a child needs hospital care, the HSE will provide this. The Health Service Executive will continue to fund Jack & Jill in 2011 on the same basis as in 2010, subject to any overall resources limitations that may arise for all providers in the disability sector generally, but it is not in a position to provide additional funding for the Foundation to compensate for the drop in its private fund-raising income.
34 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if standards for home care services have been completed; if these standards will be put on a statutory footing and inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1727/11]
Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible and, where this is not an option for whatever reason, to support access to high quality long term residential care. The Government has in recent years provided significant investment to the Health Service Executive, to develop its range of community based services to older people.
The Department of Health and Children accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the regulation of home care generally, whether by statutory or non-statutory providers. The HSE, and the Department progressed during 2010, various improvements in home care provision overall, particularly relating to the governance of services. The position in relation to these is that:
The National Guidelines & Procedures for Standardised Implementation of the Home Care Packages Scheme was recently completed, and will be implemented across all Local Health Offices in 2011.
The HSE launched a Public Procurement Framework for Home Care Services on 22 October last. The Executive is at present progressing this, in line with the requirements and procurement timeframes contained in the Framework.
The Executive is also progressing, with a view to implementation in 2011, Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services for Older Peopleand National Guidelines for the Home Help Service.
The Procurement Framework, together with the Quality Guidelines, will enhance the standard of Home Care services provided by, or on behalf of, the HSE.
With reference to the possible regulation of home care services, the July 2008Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance recommended, amongst other things, the extension of licensing systems to the primary health care area. The Law Reform Commission published, in July 2009, a consultation paper entitled Legal Aspects of Carers. This considers the legal issues surrounding home care and makes a number of provisional recommendations in the area of standards and regulations generally.
As previously indicated to the House, the question of possible changes to legislation, including regulation and inspection, for the area of Home Care for older people generally is under consideration. The Department is, at present, examining the regulation of this sector in the overall context of the licensing of Health Care providers. Legislation is currently being prepared in this regard, taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety, and the Law Reform Commission.
The Government is determined to do everything possible to protect all older people receiving Home Care. Our approach is to progress the various initiatives I have outlined, while examining the options and implications of introducing statutory regulation. It is not possible at this stage to provide a timeframe to indicate when any new statutory regime might be introduced. I wish to assure this House, however, that the Department of Health and Children will progress this work as quickly as possible, in conjunction with monitoring the other initiatives I have outlined above. This would include liaison, as appropriate, with relevant statutory and non-statutory organizations to ensure quality standards for all people receiving Home Care.
35 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will, without further delay and on a statutory basis, put in place regulations for the home care sector, to empower and resource the Health Information and Quality Authority to monitor compliance with these regulations, to establish proper qualifications, pay and conditions for home care workers and to change her policy from privatisation to one of direct provision of home care by the Health Service Executive. [1779/11]
Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible and, where this is not an option for whatever reason, to support access to high quality long term residential care. The Government has, in recent years, provided significant investment to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop its range of community based services for older people. In some cases, where the service is approved and funded by the HSE, this may be undertaken by the Executive through a partnership arrangement with non-statutory providers to maximise service delivery.
In relation to the possible regulation of home care services, the Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assuranceof July 2008 recommended,amongst other things, the extension of any licensing systems to the primary health care area. The Law Reform Commission published, in July 2009, a consultation paper entitled Legal Aspects of Carers. This considered various legal issues surrounding home care and made a number of provisional recommendations in the area of standards and regulations generally. The Department of Health and Children accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the regulation of home care, whether by statutory or non-statutory providers. The HSE, and the Department, progressed during 2010 various improvements to home care provision, particularly relating to the governance of services. The recently approved HSE Service Plan 2011 commits the Executive to developing its model of care this year to maximise community services to vulnerable older people. This provision includes:
National Guidelines & Procedures for Standardised Implementation of the Home Care Packages Scheme;
Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services for Older People;
National Guidelines for the Home Help Service.
In addition, the HSE launched a Public Procurement Framework for Home Care services on 22 October last. The Executive is progressing this Framework, in conjunction with the other measures outlined above, to enhance these services for HSE home care recipients.
As indicated to the House in recent times, the question of possible changes to legislation, including regulation and inspection, for Home Care services for older people is under consideration. The Department is, at present, examining this matter in the overall context of the licensing of Health Care providers. Legislation is currently being prepared in this regard, taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety, and the Law Reform Commission.
The Government will continue to do everything possible to protect vulnerable older people. This includes progressing the various initiatives I have outlined, while examining the options of introducing statutory regulation. This would have to take account, for example, of any resource or implementation implications. Not all of the issues raised by the Deputy, such as pay, would necessarily be covered by any new statutory regime. The Deputy can rest assured, however, that the Department of Health and Children will work closely with relevant statutory and non-statutory organizations to take all measures necessary to ensure quality standards for all people receiving Home Care.
36 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will divert funding from the National Treatment Purchase Fund to be used directly by public hospitals, many of which, due to cutbacks, have unused or under used capacity, including closed beds and wards, while private corporations are profiting from public money in the form of NTPF contracts. [1775/11]
The National Treatment Purchase Fund's primary role is provide treatment for those public patients waiting longest for surgery or diagnostic services principally, through providing additional treatment capacity, largely from private hospitals. Its discrete budget ensures that these resources are used for elective activity and not diverted.
The Fund is obliged as a matter of policy, to source at least 90% of treatment from the private system. Capacity is purchased from the public hospital system for activity, such as paediatric surgery, which cannot be carried out in private hospitals, but this activity must not adversely affect core services. In 2010, the NTPF sourced 7% of its activity from the public system.
There are no plans to change the Fund's role or the way it operates. Its operation is subject to ongoing monitoring and review, to ensure that resources are used efficiently and are targeted so that they achieve the greatest benefit for patients. I have emphasised to the Fund the need for maximum cost-effectiveness, consistent with safe and effective care. I have asked it to seek even better value from private hospitals and the Fund has successfully negotiated price reductions for certain high-volume procedures. In addition, it will not purchase services where the price is not acceptable.
In light of the report of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation, I have instructed the HSE to develop pilot arrangements with the NTPF for the prospective activity-based funding of certain elective orthopaedic procedures and a more innovative approach to respite services for people with disabilities.
For respite services, I have asked the HSE to undertake a study with the NTPF in two pilot areas, Galway and Limerick, to assess the relative cost effectiveness of different approaches to the provision of respite care by both statutory and voluntary providers.
The objectives of the orthopaedic initiative would include more patient treatments and reductions in waiting times and the average cost of treatments. Clinical guidelines and protocols will support efficient care and the achievement of good patient outcomes. I have asked the Executive to undertake the necessary preparatory work with the Fund in the first quarter of 2011, with a view to the pilot will commencing in April.
37 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that jobs and services may be lost as a result of funding cutbacks to Southdoc; if the Health Service Executive, or officials of her Department, will engage with representatives of workers in the service to address their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1538/11]
57 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the cuts that have been made to general practitioner doctor on call co-operatives funding for 2011; if discussions have been held with the individual co-ops to address the funding of their services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1537/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 57 together.
General Practitioner (GP) out-of-hours co-operatives are an important part of our primary care services. While there is no obligation on GPs to participate in co-operatives, GPs contracted under the General Medical Services Scheme must make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them (or a locum/deputy) for emergencies outside normal practice hours. Co-operatives provide an ideal facility to enable GPs to discharge this obligation.
There were over 983,000 contacts with GP out-of-hours co-operatives in 2009 and the total cost of funding out-of-hours services was in the region of €110 million.
A National Review of GP Out-of-Hours Services was published by the HSE in March 2010. It reviewed the 9 GP co-operatives and the 4 extended-hours services that are currently in place. The Review makes a series of recommendations designed to strengthen and standardise out-of-hours services across the country, including:
Out-of-hours services to be extended to cover parts of the country where there is currently no such provision. Each of the 4 HSE regions will now engage with non-participating GPs with the aim of ensuring full out-of-hours coverage nationally.
The number of call centres to be reduced from 7 to 4.
A working group comprising representatives from the HSE, the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Association of General Practitioner Co-operatives has been established to advance the implementation of the recommendations.
As aspects of the Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
38 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of non-consultant hospital doctor posts; the total number of non-consultant hospital doctor posts currently vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1740/11]
The HSE has advised that as of 11th January 2010, approximately 150 of 4,638 Non Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) were vacant. Locations experiencing particular difficulties are Drogheda (Anaesthetics and Paediatrics), Letterkenny (Emergency Medicine and Medicine), Limerick (Emergency Medicine) and Beaumont (Emergency Medicine). The moratorium on public sector recruitment is not a factor in these NCHD vacancies. Other countries are also experiencing difficulties in recruiting NCHDs.
My Department is working with HSE and relevant stakeholders to ensure that an adequate number of NCHDs is maintained in the public health service. In addition the HSE have developed a range of strategies and initiatives for the current and July 2011 rotations with a view to maximising recruitment. Key measures include:
Professional Development Posts - On 3rd December the HSE advertised all vacant non-training NCHD posts as ‘Professional Development Posts’ under 2 year contracts to one of the four HSE Areas, with a minimum of 6 months in a regional centre, participation in a Professional Development Scheme under the relevant postgraduate training body and access to a range of financial incentives.
International recruitment — the HSE recently facilitated two recruitment campaigns in Budapest and Bucharest. This has resulted in a significant number of potential candidates for vacant NCHD posts. The HSE is also working to facilitate a recruitment process in India and Pakistan this month.
Increase in training posts — Introduction in July of additional Initial Specialist Training posts in Emergency Medicine and additional Initial Specialist Training posts in Surgery;
NCHDs registered on Trainee Specialist Division working in other hospital sites — the HSE has written to its Hospitals and Agencies clarifying that NCHDs registered on the Trainee Specialist Division may be offered the opportunity or required by their employer to provide services appropriate to their training specialty, grade and training programme in other clinical sites”. This would allow — for example, the employer to offer a trainee in emergency medicine employed in St James’s Hospital the opportunity to perform additional work in Beaumont.
In addition, each HSE Area has a contingency plan in place to ensure safe services are maintained in the context of any ongoing vacancies.
39 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the future of Our Lady’s hospital Navan, County Meath; the impact her plans will have on elective surgery, medical services, the medical assessment unit, accident and emergency and the psychiatric unit at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1763/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
40 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of operations cancelled on a national basis in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1705/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
41 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children her views that legislation should be introduced to address the decision of the European Court of Human Rights that a woman who has cancer and was refused a termination of pregnancy had her rights violated by the State; if she has received legal advice on the issue; her plans to publish legislation to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1562/11]
My Department — in conjunction with its legal advisors — is examining options for implementing the judgment handed down by the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B, and C case on the 16th December 2010. The issues involved are complex and we intend to consult with relevant stakeholders before developing proposals for Government.
42 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of children admitted to adult mental health units during 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1746/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
43 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital health projects that will be progressed in 2011; the funding that has been set aside for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1559/11]
In 2011, the Health Sector will benefit from a total capital investment of €399m which will allow for the progression of a wide range of health infrastructure developments.
The capital allocation for the Health Service Executive in 2011 is €372.75m of which €40m is to support its ICT infrastructure. A further allocation of €15m over and above this provision is expected to be available based upon the proceeds of disposals of sales of surplus assets. In drawing up its capital programme the Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the programme's capital commitments and costs to completion over the multi-annual period 2011 — 2015. Given the level of commitments and the completion costs there is limited funding available for new projects in 2011. Details of the capital infrastructure projects already in progress are set out in the HSE's Capital Plan 2010-2014 which is available on its website.
The Health Service Executive submitted its draft capital plan for the five year period 2011-2015 to my Department in December 2010. My Department is reviewing the plan and will follow up with the Executive where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister of Finance. Following its approval, details of the plan will be published by the HSE.
Of the €15.45m allocated to my Department, €0.45m will support its internal ICT and €15m is allocated in respect of capital grants to directly funded agencies.
Of the €10.8m allocated to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, €10m is allocated for the National Childcare Investment Programme and the balance of €0.8m is allocated to the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.
44 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she plans to take regarding suicide prevention in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1601/11]
The HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of ‘Reach Out’ — A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 — 2014. ’Reach Out’ calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies.
An additional €1 million was provided in the recent Budget for the NOSP for 2011 which will enable the Office to build on initiatives to date and bring added momentum and new impetus to their activities to address the increasing incidence of suicide. The following areas will be targeted:
develop both the number and range of training and awareness programmes (including the ASIST programme) to reach the most vulnerable in our communities;
improve and standardise the response to deliberate self harm presentations;
develop the capacity of primary care to respond to suicidal behaviour and consider new models of response;
ensure that helpline supports for those in emotional distress are coordinated and widely publicised.
Within each of these four areas an emphasis will be placed on the most vulnerable groups identified in ’Reach Out’ and more recent research. The details of these initiatives will be discussed and agreed with the NOSP.
The National Stigma Reduction Campaign, ’See Change’ will continue in 2011. The aim of ‘See Change’ is to positively change social attitudes and behaviour, to inspire people to challenge their beliefs about mental illness and to be more open in their attitudes and behaviour and to encourage people in distress to seek help. A network of national and local organisations across the country will carry the anti-stigma message through local broadcasts, local print media and a range of other activities.
45 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to ensure that cuts in the health budget do not impact in frontline services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1600/11]
I approved the HSE National Service Plan 2011 on 21 December 2010. In approving the Plan, I highlighted to the HSE the need to maintain services as well as operating within the limits of its Voted allocation of €13.456bn, a net reduction of €683m on the 2010 provision.
The Plan commits the HSE to delivering activity levels for 2011 which are broadly in line with 2010 levels. The Plan also reflects my guidance to the HSE that there should be a particular focus on protecting services to vulnerable groups, in particular mental health and disability services.
Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government has made available additional resources to underscore its emphasis on particular priority service areas and to support ongoing reform of the public health services. In relation to primary, community and continuing care services, activity levels are in line with 2010, with some growth in activity proposed in areas such as home care packages and medical card schemes to address pressures on these areas. Hospital activity levels will target a 2% reduction in inpatient activity to be offset by a 3% increase in day cases, leading to a modest increase in total hospital care. The implementation of national programmes such as the acute medicine and surgical programmes will support the delivery of these targets. The quality agenda for cancer services will also continue, as will the outpatient service improvement programme.
It is a challenge to everyone working in the health services this year to focus on delivering the innovation and change required to protect and indeed improve our services for patients. The early approval of the Service Plan will allow a strong budgetary focus to be in place at all levels within the health service from the outset of the year. By reducing costs and reforming the way services are provided, I am confident the HSE will maintain appropriate access to services and continue to improve health outcomes for the population.
The Plan was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the HSE's website on 22 December. During 2011, the HSE will provide me with monthly performance reports on all aspects of progression of the Plan.
46 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the overall absenteeism level in the public health service in 2010; the total estimated cost of absenteeism to the Health Service Executive in 2010; the targeted absenteeism rate for public health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1770/11]
Absenteeism through illness is a normal incidence of working life. The HSE has advised that an analysis of the data collated by the Executive indicates that a substantial majority (in the order of 85%) of such leave is certified by medical practitioners. Indeed, Health Service employers have available to them a comprehensive set of management tools allowing for a robust engagement on absenteeism with staff, with the objective of ensuring the necessary supports and interventions are available to reduce the impact of non-attendance on the delivery of services and to assist staff return to work in a timely and effective manner in both the interests of staff and services.
Combined absenteeism levels have reduced from 5.05% in 2009 to 4.71% for the year to October 2010. This represents a fall of 6.73% on 2009 or 18.23% on 2008 (5.76%). A rate below 5% has been maintained since January 2010 and the HSE is working towards achieving a rate of no more than 3.5%.
Current figures put the Health Services generally in-line with the upper quartile figure reported by IBEC for large organisations in the private sector and available information for other large public organisations and are below figures reported by Department of Health & Social Services in Northern Ireland. The HSE estimates that the payroll costs for each 1% of absenteeism are in the order of €60M.
47 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if there have been any major gaps in appropriately experienced and qualified personnel to ensure that services are well managed following the recent redundancy-early retirement scheme; the measures being taken to ensure that appropriate staff are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1545/11]
I am advised by the HSE that the total number of people who left under the exit schemes was 2,003 as at 31st December 2010. Some queries are being finalised with some non HSE organisations that may result in some minor adjustment to the total numbers. There are also an additional 25 people on maternity leave who have the option to take up an exit package on their return that would bring the total to 2028
This comprised of 1,409 in the HSE and 594 in other eligible organisations. The total number of management/administration staff who left was 1364 while the total number of staff who left from support services was 639.
I also understand from the HSE that a human resources framework has been agreed with the relevant trade unions at national level to ensure that any gaps identified as a result of staff leaving under the exit schemes are being dealt with appropriately. This is being used by local management and local trade union officials to deal with the impact of those staff leaving under the schemes. On completion of the exit schemes an assessment was undertaken at local level to determine priority positions for reassignment. This process is ongoing at local level with the staff associations.
There are a number of other measures and actions being taken to minimise any affect on services through staff departing under the exit schemes. For example where a role can be suppressed or part of a role can be suppressed then this is being actioned to release staff to critical areas. In addition the HSE is seeking expressions of interest from staff in non front line areas that may be in a position to transfer in order to fill any gaps in front line services.
The HSE is managing this process on a regional basis to the greatest extent possible, so that local management have the flexibility to resolve any potential gaps in services.
48 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to publish the Bill to provide for a constitutional amendment on children’s rights and when it is proposed to hold the referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1771/11]
As the House is aware, the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children produced a wording for an amendment to the Constitution in February 2010. The Committee's proposal was longer and far more extensive in scope than the original wording which had been contained in the 2007 Referendum Bill. The proposal was examined by Ministers and by the Office of the Attorney General, and a wide range of policy implications were identified. In July, therefore, the Government asked me to develop a revised wording, working with the Office of the Attorney General.
Working very closely with the Office of the Attorney General, new wording has been developed which I believe could form the basis of a Referendum Bill. I submitted a proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday of this week, and got approval to draft a Referendum Bill. I am in discussion with the Attorney General about one final issue but am satisfied that that will be resolved shortly. I hope that the Bill will be published within weeks. I fully intend to share the proposed wording with the Opposition parties and seek their support for the proposal.
49 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the strong criticism of the conditions and the amount of inappropriate medication used in many psychiatric hospitals here; if this is due, in part, to understaffing or lack of resources; the progress made in moving patients from old psychiatric hospitals into more appropriate settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1552/11]
The Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body established under the Mental Health Act 2001 to promote high standards in the delivery of mental health services and ensure that the interests of those involuntarily admitted to Approved Centres are protected. In accordance with the Act, the Inspector of Mental Health Services is required to visit and inspect every approved centre annually and, as the Inspectorate think appropriate, to visit and inspect any other premises where mental health services are being provided.
I am aware that in a number of recent inspection reports, which are available on the Commission's website, the Inspector has highlighted the high incidence of the use of medication and has recommended that the practice be reviewed as a matter of urgency. While I share the Inspector's concerns regarding any over reliance on medication, I am satisfied that procedures are in place to address this matter. I also believe that those procedures demonstrate the robustness of the Mental Health Act 2001, the independence of the Mental Health Commission and the importance of its role in safeguarding the standards and quality of care in the mental health services. It is clear that the checks and balances established by the 2001 Act, to promote high standards and good practices in our mental health services, are working.
With regard to the closure of the old psychiatric hospitals, I can confirm that the transfer of patients to more appropriate community based settings remains a priority. In this regard significant progress is being made, for example;
acute admissions to St. Brendan's, Grangegorman have now ceased following the opening of the Pine Unit in Connolly Hospital, and enabling works are underway on the development of a 54-bedded replacement long stay facility as part of the Grangegorman Redevelopment Project.
construction works will commence in February 2011 on an acute in-patient psychiatric unit on the Beaumont Hospital Campus to replace the unit at St. Ita's, Portrane.
the process for the total closure of the long stay accommodation at St Senan's, Wexford will completed during 2011/2012, with the implementation of approximately €16m capital investment programme and a number of community based services developments.
a residential unit is under construction in Clonmel which will allow for the closure of St Luke's Hospital and community services are being developed which will provide alternatives to in-patient admissions.
A Community Nursing Unit has recently opened in Ballinasloe and the long stay patients have been transferred there from St Brigid's.
50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current average waiting time for hip operations, heart surgery and or other surgical or medical procedures; the number of persons on such lists at the present time and for how long; the degree to which waiting lists have varied in the past three years; her future proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1660/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
52 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the stalled works on the development of the new accident and emergency department at Letterkenny Hospital, County Donegal. [1776/11]
The management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
53 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures in place to ensure that the use of agency workers, particularly nurses is reduced in 2011; the total amount of money spent on agency nurses in each of the Health Service Executive regions in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1549/11]
As the recruitment of agency workers, including nurses, is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
54 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to protect front line disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1781/11]
Notwithstanding the current economic circumstances and the necessary across the board reductions in Government spending, special consideration was given to disability and mental health in Budget 2011 through a maximum reduction of just 1.8% in the allocation for the two sectors. This relatively lower reduction, compared to other areas of the health budget, recognises that these services are provided to vulnerable groups. Furthermore, Budget 2011 provided an additional €10 million to the Health Service Executive for disability in 2011. This is to meet anticipated extra demand in respect of emergency residential, respite and personal assistant/home support hours for people with disabilities, and day places for school leavers in September 2011. Taking the reduction in the overall HSE Disability budget into account, the HSE will manage the additional resources to ensure that existing support needs, and demands for additional places and supports, are managed effectively within the overall allocation. I acknowledge the strong contribution and commitment of the Voluntary service providers in the disability sector and I have asked the HSE to work closely with the Voluntary sector in this regard.
55 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the planning application for the new national children’s hospital has not been submitted by the development board which has responsibility for developing the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1560/11]
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of the new children’s hospital; if she will defer further action pending the outcome of the next general election; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1985/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 129 together.
The new National Paediatric Hospital is a continuing priority for the Government.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is making good progress in planning and developing the new hospital at the Mater site. It has formally asked An Bórd Pleanála for the project to be considered under the Strategic Infrastructure legislation.
Two meetings were held with An Bórd Pleanála in November and December 2010 as part of the pre-consultation engagement by the Development Board. This pre-planning consultation is expected to conclude by the end of this month, with a formal planning application expected to be submitted following review by the Development Board at its January 2011 meeting.
The Development Board anticipates that the planning process is likely to include a public oral hearing. It estimates that a decision on planning permission will take a number of months, as would be normal for projects of this size. The Development Board will, of course, continue to work intensively on the detailed planning of the project as Bord Pleanála's consideration of the planning application proceeds.
Subject to planning permission being granted, construction of the new hospital is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year with completion of construction scheduled for the end of 2014.
I met with the Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of the three children's hospitals on the 16th of December last. At the meeting I emphasised the need for early progress on establishing robust governance structures for the new hospital. The Chairs and CEOs all committed to a process aimed at agreeing such a governance structure as soon as possible. The first meeting of the group established to bring this work forward will take place tomorrow, Friday 14th January.
56 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of persons who qualified for the nursing home fair deal scheme in 2010; if sufficient funding was allocated for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1558/11]
There were over 12,600 applications for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in 2010. During the course of the year, over 11,700 people qualified for support under the scheme.
The total budget for long-term residential care in 2010 was €979 million (subhead B12 in Vote 40 refers). I can confirm that the scheme remained within budget for the year.
58 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the planned roll-out of a podiatry programme for diabetics will commence in 2011; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1539/11]
A Health Service Executive (HSE) National Diabetes Programme has been established under the governance of the Quality & Clinical Care Directorate to progress a national diabetes plan and a Clinical Programme Director for Diabetes has been appointed. The establishment of a National Multidisciplinary Foot Care Programme for people with diabetes is included in the HSE Service Plan for 2011. The HSE's aim is to establish 16 specialist multidisciplinary foot care teams across the country who will work to agreed national protocols on prevention of foot disease, monitoring of patients at risk and the management and treatment of patients with foot disease. Plans for the organisation and delivery of this service are at an advanced stage within the HSE.
59 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken on the finding of the Comptroller and Auditor General that although an implicit objective of the consultants contract 2008 was to remove any financial incentive on the part of consultants to engage in private practice above an agreed level, no financial adjustment has yet been effected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1774/11]
The 2008 consultants' contract includes new measures to strengthen the management, monitoring and control of activity in hospitals with a view to ensuring that the level of consultant private practice within public hospitals does not exceed the permitted ratio. The HSE in conjunction with the ESRI has introduced a range of new measurement systems in order to meet the requirements of the contract.
Since January 2009 each consultant is issued with a monthly public/private mix measurement report. This documents the consultant's activity in relation to inpatient, daycase, outpatient and diagnostic activity over the previous three months. Under the terms of the contract, written notification will issue within a period of a month to a consultant who exceeds the permitted level of private practice.
The contract provides that the employer may require the consultant to remit monies in respect of any private practice excess to a research and study fund.
My Department has asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy on the detailed operational aspects of this matter.
60 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons working in her Department at the end of 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1567/11]
The numbers of whole time equivalents (rounded to nearest whole number) employed across the Department for the years in question are as follows:
|
End 2008 WTE |
End 2009 WTE |
End 2010 WTE |
|
|
Department of Health and Children |
413 |
369 |
356 |
|
Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs |
64 |
68 |
74 |
|
Adoption Board/Authority* |
32 |
31 |
29 |
|
Office of the Children’s Ombudsman* |
10 |
9 |
10 |
|
Office of the Disability Appeals Officer |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office |
6 |
7 |
6 |
|
Total |
529 |
488 |
479 |
*In November 2010, a new Adoption Authority to replace the existing Adoption Board was established. These staff numbers will no longer be included as part of the Department's numbers in future. Also, from end 2010 staff employed at the Office of the Ombudsman for Children will be returned separately under the health agencies returns to the Department of Finance.
This reduction in overall staffing levels has been primarily achieved by way of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement, the Incentivised Career Break Scheme and the continuing moratorium on the filling of vacancies. It should also be noted that during this period over 35 people transferred into my Department as a result of the transfer of functions and responsibilities for childcare schemes and youth affairs from a number of Departments, the rationalisation of three public service agencies and taking on of responsibility for bioethics research.
In line with the Employment Control Framework (ECF) setting out Government policy on numbers employed in the public service, the numbers employed at my Department must be further reduced to 390 by 2014 and we will use all appropriate mechanisms such as re-organisation and re-allocation of work, including redeployment where necessary, to meet this target.
61 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position on the report on symphysiotomy requested from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and announced (details supplied) on 23 February 2010, which report was the subject of a further announcement on 13 July 2010; if the proposed literature review by a team from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is proceeding; if not, the alternative now envisaged to take the place of the discontinued literature review; if the report team headed by a person (details supplied) is in place and has it commenced substantive work; and if not, the process now envisaged for the completion of the institute’s report to her and the dates she now envisages for delivery of the completed report. [1777/11]
I asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to prepare a report for me concerning the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. I asked that the report would:
provide the Institute's assessment of the circumstances in which symphysiotomy was carried out in Irish obstetric units;
indicate what protocols or guidance existed over the years to guide professional practice; and
specify when the practice changed and why it changed at that time in Ireland.
The Institute sought to make arrangements for the review to be carried out by an external team. Unfortunately, it was not possible to progress this in the way originally proposed. I understand that the Institute is now making alternative arrangements with the assistance of a university school of public health.
I have been assured by the HSE that it will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for women. In doing so the HSE is committed to being proactive in seeking out and offering help to women who had symphysiotomies and who may wish to avail of the services offered by the HSE.
62 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify suggestions that the principles of the fair deal scheme are to be applied to long-term care in community and home settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1565/11]
One of the measures set out in the National Recovery Plan 2010-2014 is — ‘building on the success of the Fair Deal scheme, the introduction of an approach to community support for older people which takes need and financial means into account on a nationally consistent basis'.
The Department of Health and Children, in consultation with the HSE, is currently preparing proposals to ensure that access to long-term community services is provided on a nationally consistent and equitable basis having regard to each person's care needs and means. The proposals are at a very early stage, therefore, it is not possible to provide any further detail at the present time.
64 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care teams now in place; the number of those teams that are considered to have a complete professional clinical cohort; the number that are located in a single location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1557/11]
At the heart of the Primary Care Strategy is the aim of developing services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health care professionals. The Strategy is also about the reorientation of existing resources to develop new ways for health and social care professionals to work together for the benefit of people accessing primary care services in their own communities.
Currently, there are 348 Primary Care Teams operating (holding clinical team meetings on individual client cases and involving GPs and HSE staff) and providing services for over 2.6 million people. The Health Service Executive has identified 527 Primary Care Teams (PCTs) for development by the end of 2011.
Where possible, PCTs are based in a single facility to provide easy accessibility for patients and to enhance multi-disciplinary teamwork. However, there is ample worldwide evidence that health professionals can work effectively together while being based in different locations. I set out a table giving an indication of the infrastructure in place for the current Teams.
|
Description |
Number of PCTs |
% of Overall |
|
Team fully co-located (all members of the team in the same building) |
30 |
9% |
|
HSE staff members co-located- GPs not in the same building |
80 |
23% |
|
HSE staff do not all share the same building- GPs not co-located |
151 |
43% |
|
PCT not fully co-located while awaiting completion of a Primary Care Centre which is under development |
74 |
21% |
|
Other (HSE staff & GPs co-located in more than 1 building) |
13 |
4% |
|
Total |
348 |
100% |
65 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the agreement made with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association; if it will, as reported, save €200 million in 2011; her plans to introduce reference pricing and if so, the further savings she expects to make by this means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1564/11]
Following discussion with my Department and the HSE, the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association have agreed a series of measures to deliver savings on drug expenditure of €200 million in 2011. Savings of €155 million are expected under the GMS and community drug schemes, €35m under the High Tech Scheme and €10m on hospital medicines.
The Government has decided to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution of medicines. This will promote price competition and deliver ongoing savings for both the State and for patients. I expect to see significant progress on the implementation of this initiative, including the legislative and administrative changes required to give it effect in 2011.
Reference pricing will deliver direct savings by limiting reimbursement to a common reference price for groups of interchangeable medicines. Indirect savings will also occur as a result of increased price competition. The level of savings will depend upon a range of factors. These include the number and type of products included in reference groups, the relative and absolute prices of products within reference groups and the market response for each reference group. I anticipate that reference pricing will initially be targeted at high volume products that have the potential to achieve significant savings. I would also highlight the strategic importance of this initiative as a significant number of drugs are due to come off patent in the coming years.
68 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the way it is proposed to protect the mental health budget from more severe cuts than the 1.5% announced; if a monitoring system will be put in place to ensure that money intended for mental health is not used elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1541/11]
Special consideration was given to the mental health sector in Budget 2011 through a maximum reduction of 1.8% in the allocation for this sector. The relatively lower reduction, compared to other sectors of health, recognises that these services are provided to vulnerable groups. A prerequisite for the lower savings target is the prioritising of services while reforming and modernising models of delivery. The implementation of this measure will be monitored by my Department in the context of its monitoring of the HSE's Service Plan during 2011.
69 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of child and adolescent psychiatric beds currently in place; her plans to develop a unit in Limerick as proposed in A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1550/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
70 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to seek tenders for renal dialysis units; the proposed locations of same; the decisions made in the past year on the provision of such units; the locations of and the companies that have been awarded the tenders for these units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1535/11]
No tender award for a contracted satellite renal haemodialysis unit was made in 2010, but this year the HSE is due to invite tenders for a number of these facilities. Initial target locations for these units are Dublin North East and Dublin Mid Leinster.
Working with the Health Information Unit in the HSE, the National Renal Office (NRO), also in the HSE, has mapped the resident location of all patients on dialysis in Ireland. All new renal haemodialysis units will be located and configured in line with the NRO's strategic objective of providing services to populations at local levels, consistent with safe and effective care and practice, and linked in a network with local parent departments of renal medicine.
The HSE is concluding the tender process for provision of a Home Haemodialysis Service — a different paradigm of care which allows patients to avail of treatment within their own home.
71 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of babies born here in 2010; the way this compares with previous years; the way plans are progressing to address the capacity problems in maternity hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1556/11]
Latest information from the HSE reports that the number of births up to the end of October 2010 was 61,791 nationally which represents a 0.5% decrease on the number of births for the same period in 2009 which was 62,131. The trend is showing a 1.1% decrease against expected levels for 2010. October saw the second highest number of births reported in 2010 (6,418). This follows on from the highest number reported in September (6,491).
The number of births for 2006 was 62,744, for 2007 the number was 70,077, for 2008 it was 73,815 and for 2009 it was 74,602.
A clinical programme for obstetric care has been established by the HSE's National Director of Quality and Clinical Care. This will define best practice for gynaecology and obstetric care.
The KPMG report on maternity services in the Greater Dublin Area recommended that maternity and related services should transfer from the three existing maternity hospitals in Dublin to locations on adult acute hospital sites. It recommended that services at the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) at Holles Street should move to the St Vincent's University Hospital campus at Elm Park. It also recommended that the Coombe should transfer to Tallaght Hospital and that the Rotunda services should be established on the Mater Hospital site. This report has been adopted by the HSE, and steps are being taken towards implementation of the recommendations made.
Ireland has, by international standards, a very high quality maternity service. Maternal mortality, perinatal mortality and infant mortality are all low by comparison to other jurisdictions. As part of the HSE's service planning process for 2011, the hospitals are ensuring that Early Pregnancy Assessment Units are compliant with national guidelines.
72 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is an inspection system for renal dialysis units run by private companies; the details of the frequency and nature of such inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1536/11]
The HSE has a number of partnership arrangements with contracted private sector haemodialysis providers. These have evolved over a number of years, and the pattern and nature of the arrangements continue to evolve.
All contracted haemodialysis units are linked with local HSE-provided parent departments of renal medicine. Patients are transferred to local contracted haemodialysis units at the direction of their supervising consultant renal physician. This physician continues to hold overall clinical responsibility for the patient.
Patients in contracted haemodialysis units are reviewed on an ongoing basis by medical staff from the local parent renal unit, and issues of clinical governance are regularly discussed between the parent renal unit and the contracted haemodialysis unit.
73 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing a diabetic retinopathy programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1540/11]
A Health Service Executive (HSE) National Diabetes Programme has been established under the governance of the Quality & Clinical Care Directorate and a Clinical Programme Director has been appointed to progress a national diabetes plan. The rollout of a National Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service is included in the HSE Service Plan for 2011. It is expected that the service will be provided in association with the National Cancer Screening Service. A procurement process to select a service provider will be undertaken later in 2011 with a view to commencing the service in the 4th quarter of 2011.
74 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give an assurance that no person under 18 will be placed in an adult psychiatric ward after the end of 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1551/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
76 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when investigations will be completed into inappropriate use of Health Service Executive funds for the SKILLS and other related programmes; the sanctions that will be taken against persons found to have misused such funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1546/11]
The issues concerning use of funds for SKILLS and other programmes are currently being examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The PAC last considered this matter at a public hearing on 6 December 2010 and I understand the Committee intends revisiting the matter early in the New Year. It would be inappropriate for me to make any comment until the facts have been established and the PAC has completed its examination.
77 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been any change in the policy of not re-using certain aids and appliances which are returned to the Health Service Executive; if this will be reviewed in the context of a shortage of funding and the proven standard of disinfectant products on the market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1570/11]
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.
78 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason an exception cannot be made to the catchment area rule when a child’s special educational needs cannot be met at their current catchment school. [1814/11]
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/ special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria.
In general, transport arrangements are made by Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department.
Catchment Boundaries are not a consideration in determining a pupil's eligibility under the terms of the above scheme.
79 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding staffing in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if she will appreciate the concern of the community in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1850/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support.
The NCSE has advised my Department that the school concerned has been allocated sufficient resources to cater for the special educational needs of all of the pupils enrolled in the school in the current school year.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
80 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will list all appointments made by her between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of her Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1866/11]
The following are the details of appointments made by me between the dates mentioned.
In accordance with Section 6(2) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 the ten Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) members listed as follows were re-appointed with effect from 1st January 2011. These members were initially appointed following a competitive interview process.
Dr Helen Cummiskey
Dr Ruth Pilkington
Ms Ann O'Brien
Dr Mary Concannon-Bluett
Ms Darina Conlon
John Campbell
Dr Fionnuala O'Loughlin
Dr Harry Bugler
Ms Samantha Cruess Callaghan
Dr William Delaney.
In accordance with Section 14(6) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 the Chairperson of the Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC) and the five ordinary members listed as follows were re-appointed with effect from 1st January 2011. These members were initially appointed following a competitive interview process.
Mr Justice Frank Murphy retired Supreme Court judge (Chairperson)
Judge John Buckley
Mr Colm Gaynor
Ms Ita Mangan
Mr Brendan Gogarty
Mr John Dalton.
Board members of both the RIRB and the RIRC are paid a per diem rate and pension abatement applies in the case of members receiving a pension from the State. The per diem rate from 1st January 2011 is €668 per day.
The Chairperson of the RIRC is paid an annual salary for a Supreme Court judge subject to abatement to take account of his pension.
I am aware that the Deputy asked a related question on the 14th December 2010 and can confirm that the information requested will be forwarded to him presently.
81 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding plans for a permanent school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1878/11]
My Department is currently undertaking some preliminary work on the project for the school to which the Deputy refers. My officials have been in touch with the school authorities and will make further contact shortly, in relation to progression of the project.
82 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the moneys allocated to the labour market activation fund for 2011; the manner in which these funds will be dispersed; if a tendering process has been launched; if so, the details of same; if not, when they will be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1882/11]
It is proposed that a first call for proposals for €5m under the new €20m multi-annual higher education labour market fund will be published in the coming weeks. The purpose of the Fund is to enable higher education providers to offer part-time and flexibly delivered education opportunities to unemployed people, leading to awards at Levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The Fund will operate on a competitive basis and it will be open to public, private and not for profit higher education providers. The criteria for selection of programmes to be funded will be published as part of the Call and an Information Day for potential providers will also be organised by the Higher Education Authority who are managing the Fund on behalf of my Department. Selection of programmes to be funded will be made by an expert evaluation panel with an independent Chairperson, supported by the HEA.
83 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding to carry out emergency works at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a response. [1918/11]
Funding for Emergency Works are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application for funding under this scheme to my Department and this application is being assessed. A decision will issue to the school as soon as possible.
84 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be provided for the school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if her officials will meet with the school’s board of management to outline intentions relative to the school plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1963/11]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on 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 my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. My officials will contact the school regarding the Deputy's reference to a request for a meeting.
85 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the current status of the application and the way the school management might progress its application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1964/11]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new school. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band rating of 2.
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 my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
86 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason school transport was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is the required distance from the school; the reason, in considering the case, reference was made to the closure of the Ridge National School almost 32 years ago; and if she will expedite a response. [1965/11]
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for free transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school or school of amalgamation. In the case of amalgamations, pupils residing in a closed school area may be deemed eligible for free school transport to the school of amalgamation only.
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides in a closed school area and is not attending the school of amalgamation and therefore, is not eligible for free school transport. Pupils may avail of transport to a school other than the amalgamated school on a concessionary fare-paying basis. Such an arrangement is subject to spare seats being available on the service, the agreement of the school of amalgamation being obtained and no additional State costs being incurred by way of re-routing the service. The parents/guardians of the pupil should continue to liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of seats.
87 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on contacts made by her Department in respect of the problems brought to the Department’s attention in December 2010 in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1968/11]
The School Authority contacted officials in my Department in December 2010 in relation to damages to a roof caused by inclement weather. They were advised to submit an Emergency Works application for funding to have the roof repaired and to have improvement works carried out to the school's sewerage system. There is no record of any Emergency Works application having been received for these works. The Building Unit of my Department wrote to the school authorities recently reminding them that this application is awaited.
88 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify the terms of circular 21/05, and in particular section 2 b, in relation to payment of allowance after the specified four year period expose a school board of management to legal challenge in the event of a board of management deploying a special education teacher to a mainstream position after the requisite four year period in special education has been adhered to; if the teacher will lose the allowance at this point and if the board can exercise its rights to deploy teachers as it deems necessary without the threat of legal action hanging over it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1970/11]
An allowance is payable to a teacher who has been awarded a Graduate or Higher Diploma in Special Educational Needs. Teachers who are redeployed by school management from a special educational needs post to another post within the school within 4 years of receiving the allowance are not entitled to retain the allowance. A teacher who is redeployed by school management from a special educational needs post to another post within a school or redeployed through a redeployment panel after completing 4 years in a special educational needs post may be entitled to retain the allowance subject to the teacher continuing to contribute to special educational needs within the school.
89 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider granting incremental credit to a person (details supplied). [1973/11]
The scheme for the award of incremental credit on the common basic scale for post-primary teachers forms part of their terms and conditions of employment. The criteria for the award of such credit flow from agreements reached at the Teachers' Conciliation Council. It is possible for teaching experience in private educational settings to be recognised for the purposes of incremental credit. In the case of primary teaching experience, such experience must have been gained in a school which offers a range of studies and which incorporates all of the courses prescribed on the national curriculum of the State. In the case of post-primary teaching experience, there are a number of conditions including a requirement that the teaching service is given as part of a course of a minimum of 2 normal academic years; is prescribed on the national curriculum of the State in which the school is located and includes mathematics and the national language or language of instruction; and which prepares students for a recognised second-level State examination and qualification or incorporates continual assessment leading to a recognised national completion certificate.
The person to whom the Deputy refers taught English as a foreign language in a private language centre. The course she taught is not within the scope of the scheme. Therefore, it is not possible to award her incremental credit in respect of the service.
90 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the nature, terms and conditions of the contracts signed by the Central Bank for advisory services with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1808/11]
I have been advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that the first company to which the Deputy refers will perform reviews of asset and data quality of those banks participating in the Prudential Capital Assessment Review ("PCAR") and the Prudential Liquidity Assessment Review ("PLAR"), the second will provide project management resources for the Central Bank's Financial Measures Implementation Project and will also contribute advice for the PCAR and PLAR and the third will provide advice on banking sector structure issues and will also contribute advice on matters arising from the PCAR and PLAR. Other terms and conditions of the contracts are being finalised as part of the joint EU/IMF programme for Ireland.
91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if cuts to public pensions announced in budget 2011 will also apply to judicial pensions; his plans to review the legislation on the remuneration of serving judges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1811/11]
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010 gave statutory effect to the public service pension reduction announced in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 and Budget 2011. It is a tapered measure which makes a greater reduction from those with more substantial public service pensions. The measure will play an important part in the task of bringing Ireland's public finances under control and in bringing the public finance deficit into line with agreed targets. I can confirm that retired judges are subject to the public service pension reduction.
I am advised that the Constitution precludes a reduction in remuneration for serving members of the judiciary. As a consequence, serving members of the judiciary were exempted from the application of the pension-related deduction and pay reduction legislation applied to public servants under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 and I have no proposals to reduce their pay rates. I intend to bring proposals to the Oireachtas shortly to reduce the pay rates that will apply to future members of the judiciary.
92 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update in relation to the stamp duty changes made in the budget; to whom those changes apply; the exceptions that are being made to ensure that those who purchased a property immediately prior to the budget are not disadvantaged by the new stamp duty rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1846/11]
I announced in Budget 2011 a major reform of the charge to Stamp Duty on residential property transactions, which applies to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. These changes have simplified the system by lowering the rates applicable and abolishing a number of exemptions and reliefs. The changes in rates are as follows:
|
Aggregate Consideration |
Rate of Duty |
|
First €125,000 |
0% |
|
Next €875,000 (up to €1m) |
7% |
|
Excess over €1,000,000 |
9% |
|
Aggregate Consideration |
Rate of Duty |
|
First €1,000,000 |
1% |
|
Excess over €1,000,000 |
2% |
In order to broaden the tax base, a number of reliefs and exemptions have been abolished as follows:
First Time Buyer's Relief;
Relief from Stamp Duty on new houses under 125 sq metres;
Reduced Stamp Duty on new houses over 125 sq metres
Consanguinity relief in respect of residential property transfers;
Exemption for residential property valued under €127,000; and
Site to child relief.
A transitional measure has been put in place for cases where these changes would increase the Stamp Duty payable on the transaction. The new rates will not apply where a binding contract is in place before 8 December 2010 and the instrument is executed before 1 July 2011. The transitional measure will ensure that those who had a binding contract in place before Budget day will not be adversely affected. I am aware that there will always be winners and losers in a situation such as this, but unfortunately this will happen no matter what date is chosen to commence any new measure.
93 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the number of formal submissions received on the proposed abolition of the section 23 tax relief scheme; if he will publish the names of persons and organisations who have made formal submissions; if he has arranged for a formal method of receiving submissions; if he will confirm that all formal submissions will be examined and responded to prior to the passage of the 2011 Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1853/11]
94 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties benefiting from the section 23 tax relief scheme up to the latest available date; his views on whether investors had legitimate expectation that the State would honour its agreement on the scheme in view of the fact that the benefit to the Exchequer was immediate and the benefit to the purchaser was for the agreed period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1854/11]
95 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to have the promised impact assessment, as mentioned in his Summary of Budget Measures, carried out on the proposal to abolish the section 23 tax relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1855/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 to 95, inclusive, together.
I have received submissions from industry groups and professional bodies and my officials have met with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including the Irish Taxation Institute, Irish Hotels Federation, Construction Industry Federation, Irish Property Owners' Association, Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute and Society of Chartered Surveyors in relation to the proposed changes to Section 23 and property-based tax relief schemes. In addition my Department has received a significant number of representations from individuals affected by the measures relating to property-based reliefs, which were announced in the Budget. All representations will be responded to in the normal manner in due course.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information provided in tax returns by claimants of section 23 type tax relief is not sufficiently detailed to provide the number of properties benefiting from that scheme. The only relevant information available relates to 2,429 claims of section 23 type relief on the 2008 income tax returns, the latest available. These claims relate to properties for which tax relief was not previously claimed and exclude any claims made in an earlier year where these were subsequently carried forward into 2008 as unabsorbed losses. The corresponding numbers of claims for the tax years 2003 to 2007, where 2003 is the earliest year for which this information is available, were 1,952, 3,578, 4,126, 4,132 and 2,919 respectively.
I am advised by Revenue that they are not yet in a position to provide data in respect of the number of claimants for 2009, as all tax returns for that year have not yet been processed. The measures relating to Section 23 relief outlined in the National Recovery Plan and announced in the Budget were the subject of legal advice. It is proposed that an impact assessment will be undertaken into the effects of the phased abolition of the property-based measures and the "guillotine" provision in advance of the 2014 deadline to identify any significantly anomalous effects of the proposed changes.
96 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1869/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
Mr Ultan Herr was appointed to the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) on 26 November 2007 for a period of 2 years. Although he continued to serve on the DIG, due to an oversight, the extension of his membership was not formally approved until 17 December 2010 when his membership was extended until the end of 2011 or the completion of the 2011 Review of the Decentralisation Programme, whichever is the sooner. Mr Herr was paid fees of €855 for attendance at meetings in 2010.
Mr Jim Kelly was appointed during the period to the National Assets Management Agency Audit Committee. He is to receive a fee of €1,000 per meeting subject to a maximum of €10,000 pa. Mr Kelly was appointed from a list of appropriately qualified persons.
97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the contributions made to the European Union in each year since 2008; the level of contributions, if any, expected to be made in 2011 and 2012; if any discussions have been held regarding the suspension of these contributions during the period of the EU-International Monetary Fund programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1899/11]
Ireland's contribution to the EU Budget is a charge on the Central Fund under the European Communities legislation. It is a requirement of our membership of the Union through the Treaties and related legislation. As the contribution is an obligation of EU membership, there are provisions for sanction of a Member State that does not fulfil these obligations. There have not been any discussions held regarding the suspension of these contributions.
It should be remembered that Ireland has been a net recipient of over €40 billion from the EU Budget since 1973 and we expect to remain a net recipient until at least towards the end of the current Multi-annual Financial Framework period 2007-2013. Ireland has been required to make Budget contributions since joining the EU, regardless of our position as a net beneficiary of EU funding.
The level of Ireland's contribution to the EU Budget is determined by the Financial Framework, the annual EU Budget negotiation between the Ecofin (Budget) Council and the European Parliament and our economic performance relative to other Member States. The Financial Framework provides the overall context and ceilings for the given multi-annual financial period, the annual budget procedure determines the level of spending in any one year for each EU measure, and this is funded by Member States through the provision of the Union's Own Resources.
Ireland's contribution to the EU Budget amounted to €1,587 million in 2008, €1,486 in 2009, and €1,352 million in 2010. For 2011 it is currently estimated that our contribution will amount to €1,365 million, although this will depend on a number of factors including actual budget implementation. For 2012 our budget contribution will again depend on a number of factors including the spending level agreed through the annual budget negotiation, actual budget implementation and the economic performance of Member States. Based on current expectations, our 2012 contribution is estimated at €1,475 million.
98 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount that would be raised by reducing capital gains tax exemption thresholds by 50% for group A and 50% for group B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1901/11]
I am assuming the Deputy is referring to the tax-free thresholds for Capital Acquisitions Tax. Assuming the enactment of the changes to these thresholds announced in the 2011 Budget I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year gains to the Exchequer from reducing the Group A and Group B thresholds for Capital Acquisitions Tax by the stated amounts would be of the order of €50 million and €29 million respectively. These estimates are based on transactions recorded in 2009.
The Group C threshold is currently half of the Group B threshold, so reducing the Group B threshold by 50% would make the Group B and Group C thresholds the same amount.
It should be noted that these estimates are based upon an assumption that there would be no behavioural impact of the changes, which could lead to a lesser, or in some circumstances, greater than expected impact on Exchequer yield. In addition, the realisation of any estimated yield from an increase in taxation on assets relating to property, is subject to movements in the value of such assets, which are currently occurring in the economy.
99 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that lower paid workers who hold a medical card and were exempt from paying the income levy and health levy will now have to pay the universal social charge and will no longer be exempt resulting in some cases in a reduction of €81 per week in their take home pay which represents up to a 16% pay cut; if he will take the appropriate action to restore the exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1922/11]
The position is that having an entitlement to a medical card will not exempt an individual from the Universal Social Charge (USC). However, it should be noted that payments from the Department of Social Protection such as job seeker's benefit, job seeker's allowance and the contributory and non-contributory State pension will be exempt from the USC. Therefore, the Universal Social Charge will apply to the income or portion of the income of a medical card holder to the extent that it is not a payment from the Department of Social Protection. Furthermore, the legislation provides that where an individual's total annual income which is chargeable to the USC, is below €4,004 in a year of assessment, the USC would not apply. In addition, those who are over 70 will not be liable to the higher rate of 7%.
I should point out that based on the information provided; the level of earnings would have to amount to approximately €70,000 per annum to experience a reduction in net pay of €81 per week solely in respect of the Universal Social Charge. This level of earnings represents more than double the average industrial wage.
I am satisfied that these concessions protect those on low incomes and those in receipt of payments from the Department of Social Protection.
100 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the prize bond scheme, and for each of the past 15 years to state the total investments and the amount of the prize fund; the relationship with a company (details supplied) and the role of same; the person who determines the prize fund that is the Department of Finance, An Post or the aforementioned company; the reason this scheme is not run in-house or by some State agency such as the National Treasury Management Agency; if all prize bonds are paid for at the standard rate or are bulk discounts given to purchasers who promote products by giving away free bonds; the dividends that have been given to the State in each of the past few years; the duration of the contract with the company; the level of winnings in 2010 on bonds over 25 years old or over 50 years old; the level of unclaimed prizes that have gone to the dormant accounts fund or the destination to which such prizes go; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1974/11]
The Prize Bond scheme has been running since March 1957. Prize Bonds are part of the range of State Savings products offered by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) to personal savers. All Prize Bond money is placed directly with the Irish State and forms part of the National Debt under the management of the NTMA. The repayment of Prize Bond money and cash prizes is a direct unconditional obligation of Ireland. Prior to 1989 the Prize Bond Scheme was operated by the Bank of Ireland on behalf of the Minister for Finance. In 1989 the Minister for Finance awarded the contract to operate the Prize Bond scheme to the Prize Bond Company Limited, a joint venture between An Post,a state owned company, and FEXCO, for 10 years.
In 1990 the NTMA was established and took over responsibility for the running of the Prize Bond scheme. However, it is more efficient for the NTMA to subcontract the detailed day-to-day operations.
When the 1989 contract expired in 1999, the NTMA held a competitive tender and a new contract was awarded to the Prize Bond Company for 10 years. Following another competitive tender in 2009 the current contract was awarded to the Prize Bond Company and this contract will expire at the end of 2019.
The Prize Bond Company subcontracts sales and marketing of Prize Bonds, accounting and the conduct of the Prize Bond draws to An Post and administration functions, such as purchase and repayment processing and maintenance of the customer database, to FEXCO.
Customers can purchase Prize Bonds through a number of channels including by telephone, by direct postal application, on-line or at any post office. Prize Bonds are priced at €6.25 each subject to a minimum purchase of €25. No discounts are given to Prize Bond purchasers. Customers can seek repayment of their Prize Bonds at any time after an initial period of three months. The amount of the repayment will always be the original purchase value.
Customers do not earn interest on their Prize Bonds. In place of interest every Bond is entered into a weekly Prize Bond draw. The number and value of prizes is calculated based on a percentage of the total sum of the outstanding Prize Bonds on the last day of the previous month. This rate, set by the NTMA and approved by the Minister for Finance, is currently 3%. Around 7,000 cash prizes are awarded each week. A €1 million prize is awarded in the last weekly draw of every month and the top prize in all the other weekly draws is €20,000.
The total number of prizes in 2010 was 299,000 with a value of €35.9 million.
The breakdown of the prizes won by Prize Bonds over 25 years old and 50 years old in 2010 was as follows:
9,482 prizes with a total value of €1,742,000 were won by Prize Bonds between 25 and 50 years old.
867 prizes with a total value of €66,000 were won by Prize Bonds greater than 50 years old.
The Company makes every effort to notify winners and publishes an annual list of the unclaimed prize bond numbers. There is also a facility on the website www.StateSavings.ie to check if Prize Bonds have won prizes. A prize is deemed unclaimed if it has not been claimed within six months of the draw date. Any unclaimed prizes remain on deposit in a Post Office Savings Bank account under the management of the NTMA until claimed by the owner, who is entitled to the prize in full plus the deposit interest earned (which is subject to DIRT).
The value of unclaimed prizes at 31 December 2010 was €1.7million.
Neither Prize Bond money nor unclaimed cash prizes are transferred to the Dormant Accounts Fund.
|
Year |
Net funding |
Prize Fund at year-end |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
1996 |
18.8 |
185.5 |
|
1997 |
11.6 |
197.1 |
|
1998 |
30.1 |
227.2 |
|
1999 |
42.2 |
269.4 |
|
2000 |
27.8 |
297.2 |
|
2001 |
35.1 |
332.3 |
|
2002 |
42.8 |
375.1 |
|
2003 |
78.7 |
453.8 |
|
2004 |
52.6 |
506.4 |
|
2005 |
55.1 |
561.5 |
|
2006 |
27.3 |
588.8 |
|
2007 |
42.3 |
631.1 |
|
2008 |
172.4 |
803.5 |
|
2009 |
268.8 |
1,072.3 |
|
2010 |
256.0 |
1,328.3 |
101 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance in respect of property tax relief on investment residential properties, the annual cost to the Exchequer of same; the number of taxpayers who claim such relief; the number who claim such relief against all income, investment income or income on the specific property only; if he will provide the statistics on the type of taxpayer, level of income, and level of relief claimed on a graduated scale; if he will outline the thinking or philosophy in recent budget changes; if it was targeted at the high developer or professional who was claiming substantial relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/11]
102 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation regarding the proposed property tax reliefs as announced in Budget 2011, and specifically the changes affecting sale of section 23 properties, and concerns of owners who fear they will be forced to sell units, and fear no one will want to buy them due to the changes; if any assessment of likely effects on prices has been made; if this will affect quality of bank loans; if recapitalisation of banks will follow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1976/11]
104 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation in relation to changes in the budget concerning property tax reliefs and to confirm if section 50 student apartments-schemes, that is the industrial buildings allowance scheme when tax relief was purchased by investment in designated hotels, are included in the proposed changes; if he will give details of the changes that will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1978/11]
106 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation regarding the budget property based reliefs and noting savings to the Revenue should be €60 million in 2011, and €100 million per year thereafter, if more accurate figures for each to 2020 will be given; if he will estimate the cost to the Revenue Commissioners if exemption from the new changes was made in relation to investors whose total rental income within the State would not exceed €50,000 per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1983/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 102, 104 and 106 together.
I should point out that the phased abolition of property-based tax reliefs announced in the recent Budget relates to both residential and non-residential property.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available on the tax relief allowable for residential property related tax schemes is based on claims for section 23 type relief in 2008 personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers. These claims relate to properties for which tax relief was not previously claimed and exclude any claims made in an earlier year where these were subsequently carried forward into 2008 as unabsorbed losses. On this basis the ultimate cost to the Exchequer of the relief associated with these claims is estimated at €74.7 million and was claimed by 2,429 taxpayers.
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.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the other detailed information requested by the Deputy in regard to the numbers who claimed tax relief against different types of income and the levels of incomes and claims involved, is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.
I am advised by Revenue that they are not yet in a position to provide data in respect of the number of claimants for 2009, as all tax returns for that year have not yet been processed.
The measures relating to property-based "legacy" tax reliefs announced in the Budget are in line with our commitment in the Joint Programme for Government to end unnecessary tax reliefs where possible. The structure of these property-based schemes has resulted in substantial ongoing legacy costs to the Exchequer.
I have sought to adopt a pragmatic and balanced approach and provide for an orderly winding down of these schemes to reduce and eliminate the remaining cost to the Exchequer over the period of the National Recovery Plan.
The measures announced in the Budget are targeted solely at passive investors and will restrict the use of and carry forward of capital allowances and limit Section 23 relief to income from the individual Section 23 property.
The changes to section 23-type reliefs, which are contained in Financial Resolution No. 20 are broadly as follows.
Firstly, for chargeable periods ending on or after 1 January 2011, section 23-type relief will be restricted to set-off against rental income only from the section 23 property itself. Up until now this set-off could be against all rental income in that year.
Secondly, unused section 23-type relief previously available for carry forward beyond the 10 year "normal life" of the relief will be lost.
Thirdly, where a person sells a section 23 property within the 10 year period at any time on or after 1 January 2011, the new owner will get no section 23 relief.
Fourthly, for unused section 23 properties that are, as yet, unsold, the relevant 10 year period for these properties would normally begin once the property is sold and let under a qualifying lease. The Budget change provided that where any of these properties have yet to commence qualifying leases as of 30 June 2011, the 10-year period will commence on that day.
The conditions relating to the sale of section 23 properties remain unchanged insofar as where a property is sold within the 10 year relevant period the seller continues to be subject to a clawback of relief already given.
I also announced in the Budget that a guillotine will be introduced to terminate all unclaimed and unused capital allowances, arising after, or carried forward from 2014 as well as unused section 23 relief carried forward from 2014.
However, in advance of this an impact assessment will be undertaken into the effects of the phased abolition of the property-based measures and the guillotine provision. This guillotine provision, which is intended to take effect at end 2014, will be provided for in future legislation. The arrangements for the impact assessment, and any consultation mechanisms involved have yet to be made.
The measures apply to all schemes involving accelerated capital allowances and tax incentive schemes relating to rented residential accommodation (section 23 type relief).
The National Recovery Plan outlines the projected savings related to these property based relief measures over the period of the Plan.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that from examination of claims relating to property based incentive schemes, residential and non-residential, in personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for 2008, approximately one quarter of the relief was claimed by individuals with not more than €50,000 gross rental income. If a similar proportion is assumed to apply in respect of the Budget proposal for phased abolition of property-based tax "legacy" reliefs it would result in a quarter of the expected Exchequer yield from that measure being forgone if investors with no more than €50,000 annual rental income were exempted.
103 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation regarding changes made in the Finance Act 2009 limiting to 75% from 100% the bank interest which could be deducted from rental income returns; if the commencement date for same can be given; the reason it applied to residential landlords only and not commercial profits operators; the way this is being checked by the Revenue Commissioners since many small investors who do their own tax returns would not be aware of the changes; if these changes have made some bank loans for investment look reckless; if such loans that might have to be written down can be quantified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/11]
The level of tax relief investors can claim on the interest for mortgages and loans on residential rental properties was reduced to 75% of the interest accrued from 7th April 2009 under Section 5 of the Finance Act 2009. Applying the reduction in relief to rents from commercial properties would have provided some additional revenue to the Exchequer. However, the mechanisms for rent levels inherent in the commercial sector could have resulted in rents increasing in certain cases if the relief was reduced. Therefore, on balance, in view of the fact that many small and medium firms are faced with difficult trading conditions at present, it was decided to maintain the status quo for the time being.
The Deputy also asked for information relating to the changes and tax returns. Taxpayers who are in receipt of rental income must submit their annual returns of income under the self-assessment system, unless the amount of rental income is small, in which case the tax is in general collected under the PAYE system. Under the self-assessment system, a return of income may be selected for audit to ensure, inter alia, that the income on the return is correctly calculated. Where self-assessment does not apply, the return of income is processed by the local Revenue office when it is received. Such returns may be subject to examination to ensure, for example, that there are no computational errors and any resultant adjustments are made where necessary.
Information on the 75% interest limit is available from a number of sources on the Revenue website, www.revenue.ie. For example, A Revenue Guide to Rental Income — IT 70, the Rental Income section under Income Tax and Part 4.8.6 of the Income Tax Capital Gains Tax and Corporation Tax Manual deal with this issue.
In relation to the Deputy's query on loans I do not have information to hand.
105 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a first-time buyer of an existing house who signed the contract to purchase on the week of Budget 2011 and is thus billed for an additional €4,000; if any provision can be made to grant exemption in this case; if transitional relief applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1980/11]
As the Deputy is aware, I announced in Budget 2011 a major reform of the charge to Stamp Duty on residential property transactions, which applies to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. These changes have simplified the system by lowering the rates applicable and abolishing a number of exemptions and reliefs. The changes in rates are as follows:
|
Aggregate Consideration |
Rate of Duty |
|
First €125,000 |
0% |
|
Next €875,000 (up to €1m) |
7% |
|
Excess over €1,000,000 |
9% |
|
Aggregate Consideration |
Rate of Duty |
|
First €1,000,000 |
1% |
|
Excess over €1,000,000 |
2% |
In order to broaden the tax base, a number of reliefs and exemptions have been abolished as follows:
First Time Buyer's Relief;
Relief from Stamp Duty on new houses under 125 sq metres;
Reduced Stamp Duty on new houses over 125 sq metres
Consanguinity relief in respect of residential property transfers;
Exemption for residential property valued under €127,000; and
Site to child relief.
Although the First Time Buyer exemption from Stamp Duty was abolished from 8 December 2010, a transitional measure was put in place for cases where the changes would increase the Stamp Duty payable on the transaction. Stamp Duty can be paid under the old rates, if this would result in a lower liability, where a binding contract to purchase a property was in place before 8 December 2010 and the instrument is executed before 1 July 2011. Therefore, if the case to which the Deputy refers satisfies these conditions, First Time Buyer relief may still be claimed.
107 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to reports that the operating costs of the National Asset Management Agency are set to increase by 50% in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/11]
I am informed that NAMA proposes to increase the number of its staff to 150 from the original staffing target of 100 which has now been achieved. This is due to the fact that the Board of NAMA has decided that a larger number of debtors should be managed directly by the Agency rather than by the participating institutions. In particular, the Agency wishes to manage closely the performance of debtors with exposures of €75m or more. This will mean that the largest 170 debtors will be managed directly by NAMA; their aggregate debt amounts to about €58 billion, which is over 80% of the debt acquired by NAMA to date. The 50% increase in staff is expected to have a corresponding impact on the salary costs originally budgeted for 2011 by NAMA and outlined in its Business Plan.
108 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive did not meet a funding shortfall of €750,000 for a foundation (details supplied) which will mean that a number of babies with severe development delay and brain damage may have to return to hospital at a much greater cost to the health service of €14 million; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1936/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is working jointly with the Jack and Jill Foundation to identify and prioritise the needs of the children on a case-by-case basis. The HSE is prepared to work closely with Jack & Jill to ensure that no child is hospitalised for want of adequate home support, provided by Jack and Jill or the HSE. However, if a child needs hospital care, the HSE will provide this. The Health Service Executive will continue to fund Jack & Jill in 2011 on the same basis as in 2010, subject to any overall resources limitations that may arise for all providers in the disability sector generally, but it is not in a position to provide additional funding for the Foundation to compensate for the drop in its private fund-raising income.
109 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of Health Service Executive staff who accepted the voluntary redundancy package; the total cost of the redundancy scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1937/11]
In early November 2010 I announced that the Government had decided to approve a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service. The purpose of the schemes was to achieve a permanent reduction in the numbers employed in the public health sector from 2011 onwards and to facilitate health service reform.
The VER and VR schemes were open to employees in the management and administrative staff and general support staff categories. The exact grades covered by the two schemes were set out in detail in the relevant Circular (Circular 7/2010). The schemes were not targeted at those providing front-line services.
The most recent detailed information available from the HSE indicates that 2,003 individuals have departed from the health service under the schemes; 641 in respect of the voluntary early retirement scheme and 1,362 in respect of the voluntary redundancy scheme. However, there may be minor adjustments to the numbers as outstanding queries are finalised. Of the total, 1,409 were HSE employees while the balance (594) were employed in voluntary hospitals, disability organisations etc. 876 individuals employed in the HSE availed of the voluntary redundancy scheme.
I understand from the most recent information from the HSE that the once off cost in 2010 of both schemes was in the region of €100m and the likely savings are expected to be in the region of €50m to €70m annually. The HSE is currently collating definitive information in relation to the costs of these schemes.
110 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having all tests carried out to give a full diagnosis to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [1807/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
111 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has responded to the concerns raised in relation to a person (details supplied) in the care of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1826/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
112 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a date will be set for the hearing of an appeal by the Chief Appeals Officer in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1828/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
114 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions she is taking to deal with the bed shortages at Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24, which has been highlighted in recent weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1856/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
116 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a waiting list for the hearing service in Tallaght general hospital, Dublin; if so, the period of waiting that a patient will have to wait for an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1860/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
117 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will list all appointments made by her between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of her Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1871/11]
The detailed information requested by the Deputy regarding appointments and remuneration in Boards and Agencies is currently being collated. I will have the details forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
118 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an earlier appointment than November 2011 to a hospital in Galway. [1897/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
119 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, as a matter of urgency in view of the medical circumstances involved and the person's need for ongoing health care. [1914/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
120 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the card can be dated from November 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1919/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
121 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children her response to Positive Action regarding an undertaking given in 2008 to grant the Health (Amendment) Act card to a small group represented by them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1955/11]
The entitlement of an individual to a Health Amendment (HAA) Card and services under the Health (Amendment) Act, l996 now rests with the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Chief Executive Officer is bound by the definition of eligibility inserted in the Health (Amendment) Act 2006 by section 6 of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2006, which requires a positive diagnostic test for applications received after the specified date of 20th June 2006.
In respect of persons who made an application before that date, the Chief Executive Officer is still obliged to satisfy himself that the applicant was infected with Hepatitis C. In that regard, I have asked the HSE to take account of any relevant decision of the Hepatitis C & HIV Compensation Tribunal on the basis that the Tribunal arrives at its decisions after careful consideration of expert testimony.
I have given a great deal of consideration to the issue of women who have neither a positive test result nor a positive Tribunal decision in their favour and I am very sympathetic to the women in question. While this cohort of women who have tested negative for Hepatitis C has had, and may continue to have, a variety of symptoms, there is no scientific proof that the symptoms are specific evidence of Hepatitis C infection. Some symptoms of Hepatitis C, such as fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression are common conditions that occur in the general population. It is estimated that up to16,000 women were exposed to potentially infectious batches of Anti-D and approximately 1,000 of these people were infected with Hepatitis C. I have to take into account the rationale which led to the clarification of eligibility requirements in 2006 and accordingly, I do not envisage a change in the current eligibility requirements.
I should point out that the women in question are entitled to apply for a regular medical card. Application forms for a medical card are available from the HSE's local health offices. The HSE has discretion to award a regular medical card to a person whose income is over the financial guidelines, where the HSE decides that the financial burden of medical or other exceptional circumstances would cause undue hardship.
122 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be reviewed based on medical circumstance and if a full medical card will be issued. [1957/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
123 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card which was refused will be assessed and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite the matter. [1958/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
124 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be approved on appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason the card was granted and then withdrawn after a short period and if she will expedite a response. [1959/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
125 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, now under appeal will be expedited and approved. [1960/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
126 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a response to the review of inpatient charges being conducted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow and ensure that the arrangements that are in place continue and if she will specify a time frame for the decision. [1961/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
127 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1962/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital co-location projects currently in hand; the cost to date associated with such projects; the number of further projects pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1984/11]
Preferred bidders have been selected for six co-located hospital projects at Beaumont, Cork University, Limerick Regional, St. James's, Sligo and Waterford Regional Hospitals. Project agreements have been signed and planning permission has been granted for the first four of these projects.
The Connolly and Tallaght Hospital projects are at earlier stages of the procurement process. The co-location programme is a complex public procurement process. A core principle underlying the co-location initiative is that the private sector should bear all normal business risks. It is a matter for each successful bidder to arrange its finance under the terms of the relevant Project Agreement. The co-location initiative, like other major projects, has to deal with the changed funding environment. The HSE is continuing to work with the successful bidders to provide whatever assistance it can to help them advance the projects. There is a requirement on each of the successful bidders to pay a non-refundable deposit to the HSE on the signing of the project agreement. The intention of this requirement is to allow the HSE to recoup the expenses that it has incurred in this context.
My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the detailed operational information that he has sought.
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which staff shortages exist at all levels throughout the public general hospital service; the extent to which this is now affecting the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1986/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time it now takes to process a medical card application; how this compares with the same process five years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1987/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the purpose of accommodating patients on trolleys in corridors, lobbies and alcoves while wards and beds are vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1988/11]
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to ensure that hospital wards and beds decommissioned for any reason are brought back into service to address the hardship and suffering caused to patients who have been consigned to trolleys in corridors and lobbies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1989/11]
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason adequate ward accommodation was not made to ensure that patients seeking access to hospitals during the months of December 2010 and January 2011 were not consigned to trolleys, having particular regard to the experience of previous years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1990/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.
The waiting times for patients attending emergency departments in many hospitals during the first week of January were unacceptable and I very much regret the delays that patients experienced.
I met with the HSE this week to discuss the situation and to review its plans for ensuring that this situation does not recur. The HSE has assured me that it will take all possible steps to improve waiting times in emergency departments, so that all patients are assessed, treated and discharged or admitted without unnecessary delay.
The HSE has taken specific steps to cope with the increase in activity that is normally experienced at this time of year. These include curtailing elective surgery and opening beds which are normally closed for seasonal reasons. Other actions taken by hospitals include increasing the number of ward rounds to ensure that any patients who are ready to go home are discharged, with support as necessary from community-based services.
Hospitals are also ensuring that discharges are carried out early in the morning and over the weekend to make beds available for patients being admitted through their emergency departments. In addition, the HSE is working to have senior clinical decision makers and diagnostic services speedily available for emergency department needs. The HSE has also provided for increased GP out-of-hours services through the expansion of the GP co-ops.
The key to addressing the difficulties in emergency departments is to deal with the issue across the entire hospital. I have asked the HSE to ensure that minimising waiting times for patient in emergency departments, and the use of trolleys, is accorded top priority.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public hospitals throughout the country currently capable of undertaking orthopaedic surgical procedures; the number of such procedures carried out in each location; the number of locations at which no such procedures are carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1991/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin 6, having regard to the express wishes of patients and their families throughout the country that this hospital be allowed to continue in its present form, having particular regard to high quality of service and trust achieved over the years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1992/11]
The Deputy's questions relate to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the availability of a permanent location at which persons in Naas, County Kildare, can meet the community welfare officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1993/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients sent overseas for specific surgical and medical procedures which were not available here; the number of patients sent abroad for procedures the facilities for which were available here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1994/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when extra accommodation will be provided at a health centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1995/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
140 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 9 November 2010, if she will outline the specific qualifications of each of the 46 inspectors and a breakdown by discipline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2001/11]
Under the Health Act 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority, for inspecting and registering categories of designated centre, including nursing homes for older people. Section 43 of the Act provides for the appointment by the Authority of persons known as Inspectors of Social Services, and referred to in the Act as "inspectors", to assist the Chief Inspector in the performance of her functions. The 46 inspectors referred to in the Deputy's question were appointed in accordance with Section 26 of the Heath Act, 2007, as required under Section 43 of that Act.
The academic qualifications and previous work experience of individuals of the 46 inspectors is broad and varied. The professional disciplines which these inspectors have come from include nursing/health professional, social work and environmental health. The inspectors have numerous and broad ranging academic qualifications including diplomas and degrees with, for example, 21 inspectors holding masters degrees across a range of disciplines. Many of the academic programmes completed by inspectors have elements relating to the care and welfare of older people. Furthermore, all inspectors have successfully completed a comprehensive training programme in all areas relevant to the regulation and inspection of designated centres for older people.
I am fully satisfied that the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Office of the Chief Inspector, including the officials and inspectors therein, are carrying out their legal functions and duties in accordance with the Health Act, 2007.
141 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of unaccompanied children seeking asylum who entered the State in 2010; the way these children were cared for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2002/11]
The immediate and the ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum (SCSA) relating to accommodation, medical and social needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991.
Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the point of entry, the circumstances are investigated and if there are any concerns about the welfare of the child, they are placed into the care of the HSE.
In accordance with the commitment contained in the Implementation Plan on the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009, the Health Service Executive has phased out the hostel type of care arrangement for separated children seeking asylum with the two remaining hostels that provided accommodation to separated children closing on 31 December 2010. A new process has been put in place by the HSE, which aims to ensure that all newly arriving children under 12 years will be placed in a foster care placement. Newly arrived children over the age of 12 years will be placed in one of the four intake residential units for up to at most four weeks, where a preliminary assessment of the child and their needs will be carried out by a social worker in conjunction with qualified residential social care staff. This assessment will inform the most appropriate care option, and determine if the child will need additional supports/links.
The HSE has developed a national policy on the standards and services to be provided to separated children seeking asylum. The policy seeks to achieve equity and equality of services to separated children seeking asylum vis-à-vis indigenous or resident children and to ensure that there is no differentiation of care provision, care practices, care priorities, standards or protocols. The HSE appointed a senior manager with responsibility for managing these changes and developments on a full time basis.
The number of unaccompanied children seeking asylum who were placed into the care of the HSE is a service matter and has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
142 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost to the Health Service Executive of the 1,400 Irish persons who need to have hip devices replaced as a result of faulty devices; the effect this will have on waiting times for other patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2003/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
143 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review a policy matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1822/11]
Third-party motor insurance is required by law for the use of all mechanically propelled vehicles in a public place in this country. Motor insurance is provided by private companies in an open and competitive market where consumer interests can exert influence by seeking quotes and comparing costs before purchasing. Insurance companies are regulated by the Financial Regulator.
Motor insurance companies in Ireland insure vehicle drivers rather than vehicles. This enables them to calculate the risks associated with specific drivers and thereby price the insurance premium accordingly. The factors taken into account when calculating the risk include the age, gender and driving experience of the driver, the engine size of the vehicle and its usage, together with the address at which the vehicle is based. This system also enables a specific driver to establish a no-claims status over a number of years. It is always advisable for both mature and young drivers to shop around and take advantage of the competition within the market when seeking new insurance or renewing an existing policy.
Ireland recognises driving licences from a number of other jurisdictions and allows for them to be exchanged for Irish licences. Unfortunately, this does not include licences from the United States, as the multiplicity of licensing criteria in the different American States would make that impracticable. However, last year I introduced the Road Traffic (Licensing of Learner Drivers)(Certificates of Competency)(Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 509 of 2010), which removed from foreign licence holders the requirement to wait six months from receiving a learner's permit before they apply for a certificate of competency.
I have no proposals to amend the policy on these matters and it would not be appropriate for me to become involved in issues relating to specific quotations for individual motor insurance policies.
144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he will list all appointments made by him between 22 November 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1875/11]
145 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he will list all appointments he is due to make between 14 January 2011 and 24 March 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1876/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 lists the appointments I have made to State boards and bodies in the period from 22 November 2010 to date. The fees payable to board members are determined by the Government and are published in the annual accounts of the bodies concerned. In some cases, board members have voluntarily declined to accept fee payments. I made those appointments on the basis of appointees having the necessary skills, competencies and experience to contribute effectively to the work of the boards.
Table 2 provides details of the existing and anticipated vacancies in the period ending 24 March 2011. I will give due consideration to filling any particular vacancy as and when that vacancy arises and taking account of the particular circumstances prevailing at the time. The Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation has been dissolved as the Commission for Taxi Regulation has been subsumed into the National Transport Authority. A new Advisory Council will be established but I am not yet in a position to give a timeframe.
|
Name |
Body |
Term of office |
|
Pearse O’Hanrahan |
Railway Procurement Agency |
24/11/2010 – 23/11/2013 |
|
Hugh Creegan |
National Transport Authority |
29/11/2010* |
|
Tom Hussey |
Bus Éireann |
03/12/2010 – 02/12/2013 |
|
Geoffrey O’Byrne-White |
Irish Aviation Authority |
10/12/2010 – 09/12/2014 |
*Ex-officio appointment.
|
State Body |
Number |
Timing |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
1 |
Immediate |
|
Bus Éireann |
2 |
Immediate |
|
1 |
February |
|
|
Iarnród Éireann |
1 |
Immediate |
|
National Transport Authority |
1 |
Immediate |
|
*Railway Procurement Agency |
2 (including Chairperson) |
Immediate |
|
1 |
March |
|
|
Railway Safety Advisory Council |
1 |
Immediate |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
1 |
Immediate |
|
Dublin Port Company |
1 |
Immediate |
|
Arklow Harbour Commissioners |
1 |
Immediate |
*The Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority are to be merged and appointments need to reflect this transitional arrangement.
146 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will confirm plans for the nationwide development of the restorative justice programme following the success of the Tallaght programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1858/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question number 129 on 25 November last. The scheme outlined, involving the expansion of the two existing restorative justice projects in Nenagh and Tallaght, has been introduced by the Probation Service and will start to be operational during 2011 with the following targets:
The implementation of a robust restorative justice model of practice providing an alternative to a prison sentence of less than 12 months duration,
Management of up to 100 adult offenders by Community Reparation (Nenagh) and up to 300 by the Restorative Justice Service (Tallaght),
The expanded involvement of volunteer and community resources.
The Probation Service will monitor, oversee and report on the implementation of the restorative justice scheme which will be evaluated for effectiveness and value for money after a 12 month period.
147 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1872/11]
There were five statutory appointments as Appeal Tribunal members under the Prisons Act 2007. These appointments were necessary to comply with Part 3 of the Act. The five appointments in question were made on foot of a public advertisement and the fee per case dealt with by them is €546.25. The persons appointed were Ms Patricia O'Connor, Mr. Michael Quinlan, Mr. James MacGuill, Ms Bríd Miller and Mr. Paul Ward.
Two persons were appointed to a Prison Visiting Committee in the normal way. Each Visiting Committee member in the State is paid €142.50 per meeting. The persons appointed were Mr. Liam Hogan and Mr. Stephen Langton.
One person was appointed to the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. The fee payable in this instance is €5,985 per annum. The person appointed was Mr. Terry Delany.
Finally, five persons were appointed as Peace Commissioners in the normal way. No fees are paid in respect of these appointments. The persons appointed were Mr. Edward O'Mahony, Ms Kathleen Phelan, Mr. Rody Kelly, Mr. Mairtin Butterly and Mr. Dennis Mahon.
148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will list all individuals appointed by him to be Peace Commissioners between 22 November 2010 and 13 January 2011; the county of residence of the individual appointed in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1877/11]
Twenty six persons were appointed as Peace Commissioners from November 22, 2010 to date in 2011.
The names and place of residence of the Peace Commissioners appointed are as follows:
|
Name |
County |
Date Appointed |
|
Laurence Butler Jnr. |
Dublin |
25/11/10 |
|
Margaret Mullally |
Kerry |
25/11/10 |
|
Pat Griffin |
Kerry |
26/11/10 |
|
Garrett Greene |
Clare |
26/11/10 |
|
John Murphy |
Cork |
26/11/10 |
|
Daragh Long |
Dublin |
26/11/10 |
|
Richard Tierney |
Kilkenny |
26/11/10 |
|
Breda English |
Kilkenny |
26/11/10 |
|
Patsy Connolly |
Leitrim |
26/11/10 |
|
Eddie Rocks |
Louth |
26/11/10 |
|
John Quinlan |
Offally |
26/11/10 |
|
Frank Fox |
Leitrim |
30/11/10 |
|
Bertie Wall |
Limerick |
03/12/10 |
|
Leo McMahon |
Monaghan |
03/12/10 |
|
Shane Gallagher |
Leitrim |
03/12/10 |
|
Denis Sheerin |
Leitrim |
03/12/10 |
|
Pat Brennan |
Cork |
03/12/10 |
|
Eugene McGowan |
Leitrim |
08/12/10 |
|
Donal Barry |
Waterford |
08/12/10 |
|
Fergal O’Sullivan |
Dublin |
13/12/10 |
|
John O’Reilly |
Westmeath |
22/10/10 |
|
Edward O’Mahony |
Cork |
22/12/10 |
|
Kathleen Phelan |
Kildare |
22/12/10 |
|
Rody Kelly |
Carlow |
22/12/10 |
|
Mairtin Butterly |
Dublin |
31/12/10 |
|
Dennis Mahon |
Kildare |
31/12/10 |
149 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding closed circuit television for Westport, County Mayo; if funding will be provided for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1896/11]
CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing, which cover areas to which the general public routinely have access, fall into two distinct categories: Community Based CCTV Systems and Garda CCTV systems.
The position with regard to Community Based CCTV in Westport was outlined in my reply to the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No.1114 of Wednesday, 29th September 2010.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of An Garda Síochána's identified operational needs. I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to install a Garda CCTV system in Westport.
150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the Multi-Unit Developments Bill; when it will be enacted and the sections that have been commenced. [1898/11]
I expect that the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 will be enacted shortly and I intend to commence its provisions as soon as practicable thereafter.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 1101 of 29 September 2010, if he will indicate the normal expected time to process an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this case will be concluded before the end of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1938/11]
As stated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question No. 1101 of 29 September 2010, a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008.
The application is being processed in the normal way with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
It is not possible to provide more specific information in an individual case as processing requirements and time taken to carry out necessary checks vary from case to case. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
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.
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1939/11]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to is the subject of a Family Reunification Application made by his wife in April 2008.
The application is currently under consideration by INIS and a decision will issue shortly.
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.
153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 1 July 2010 the position regarding an application for residency and citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1940/11]
The Revised Arrangements for non-EEA national parents of children born in the State prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme, had a Closing Date of 31 March 2005. Applications received after that date were not considered.
The application made under the Revised Arrangements by the person concerned was submitted on 2 October 2006, some 18 months after the Scheme's designated Closing Date. This being the case, the application was received much too late for consideration and the person concerned was informed of this by letter dated 18 March 2009.
The position in the State of the person concerned now falls to 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, including those relating to his family and domestic circumstances, 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 Deputy might wish to note that as the person concerned is not legally resident in the State, the issue of citizenship does not arise at this time.
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.
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/11]
Valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2008.
The applications are currently being processed in the normal way with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation.
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.
155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding a residency application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/11]
Arising from the refusal of her 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 16 February 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The position in the State of the person concerned now falls to 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.
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the determination of residency and leave to remain in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1943/11]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the persons referred to by the Deputy have no application pending for residency. The persons concerned are the subject of Deportation Orders, signed on 9 December 2010, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of their asylum claims and their applications for subsidiary protection, and a detailed examination of the representations they submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the persons concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
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.
157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency and citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1944/11]
The person concerned had his temporary permission to remain in the State renewed, on Stamp 3 conditions, for the period to 4 January 2011. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 4 August 2010.
The person concerned is required to apply in writing for the renewal of this permission. As my Department's records show no evidence of such a renewal application having been made to date, it is recommended that the person concerned should do so without further delay.
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.
158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when residency status will be updated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1945/11]
The person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 4 conditions, for a six month period until 25th December, 2010. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 25th June, 2010.
The person concerned is required to apply in writing for the renewal of this permission. As my Department's records show no evidence of such a renewal application having been made to date, it is recommended that the person concerned should do so without further delay.
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.
159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1946/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 592 on 12 January, 2011. The position remains as stated.
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.
160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will ensure the availability of adequate accommodation and appropriate diet in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1947/11]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal.
The person referred to in the details supplied has not provided any medical documentation or other information in respect of any medical condition or dietary issue to either the accommodation centre where she resides or to the RIA. The person should provide such documentation herself or through her doctor or dietician, including a diet sheet, and the RIA will arrange to address her needs within the direct provision system.
The Deputy should be aware that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases, including accommodation status at the RIA, 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.
161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1948/11]
Valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008.
The applications are currently being processed in the normal way with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation.
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.
162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a response will issue on an application for renewal of Garda National Immigration Bureau card and stamp 4 in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1949/11]
The person concerned has been granted an extension of his temporary permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 4 conditions, for a three year period until 10 January 2014. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 6 January 2011.
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.
163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1950/11]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 6 September 2004. This application was refused by my predecessor. The reason for the refusal was disclosed to the applicant in a letter dated 22 September 2006. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to satisfy the statutory requirements applicable at that time. However, in doing so he should bear in mind the reasons for refusal of his previous application.
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.
164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will set out the procedures and progress to date in the matter of residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1951/11]
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 20 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.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. 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.
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency status and application for leave to remain in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1952/11]
Arising from the refusal of her 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 15 January 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and this application will be considered first. 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.
166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1953/11]
The first named person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for a two year period in 2005 under the Revised Arrangements applicable to the non-EEA national parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly known as IBC/05 Scheme. She applied for renewal of this permission in August 2007 but this application was refused as she did not meet one of the key criteria of the Scheme, namely that she be continuously resident in the State.
Arising from the refusal of her IBC/05 renewal application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 23 June 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her.
The position in the State of the first named 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 first named person concerned.
The second named person concerned, the son of the first named person concerned, arrived in the State in January 2005 and has remained in that State without permission since that date. In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 10 December 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 submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should not have a Deportation Order made against him.
Representations have been received on his behalf and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, 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 second named person concerned.
I should also 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.
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 25 November 2010, if he will set out the circumstances whereby a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, who arrived here as an unaccompanied minor on 10 January 2005, was sent to hostel accommodation, had two interviews with the Irish National Immigration Service and was then released into the custody of their older sibling; if his attention has been drawn to the vulnerability of young persons in this category who have no status and no friends or relatives in their homeland and whose sibling in this case has regularised status; the steps he will take to regularise the position in this case in view of the fact that this applicant completed their leaving certificate examination in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1982/11]
As stated previously in my reply to the Deputy's previous PQ No. 150 of 25 November 2010, the information contained in the Deputy's Question does not tally with the information contained in the file of the person concerned. Specifically, my Department's records show that the person concerned had her first interaction with my Department on the date she lodged her asylum application i.e. on 26 August 2008. She did, however, claim on that occasion to have arrived in this State on 10 January 2005, however, no documentary evidence has been produced that would support that contention.
In any event, the person concerned applied for asylum on 26 August 2008 and, in accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), she was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of her 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 10 February 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and this application will be considered first. 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.
The Deputy should note that all cases are considered on their individual merits and this will also apply in the case referred to by the Deputy. Equally, as stated already, all representations submitted for consideration will be carefully considered before a final decision is taken. 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.
168 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the cost of processing asylum applications in the years 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2004/11]
The Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
The costs to my Department in respect of ORAC and RAT are included in the total expenditure for running the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), which includes the delivery of services across the asylum, immigration, naturalisation and visa areas. In 2009, the cost of running the INIS was €64.25m, and the provisional cost for 2010 is approximately €57m.
169 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the costs associated with assisting the voluntary return home of failed asylum seekers in the years 2009 and 2010; the number of asylum seekers whose voluntary return home was assisted in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2005/11]
In 2009, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) assisted 170 failed asylum seekers to return home voluntarily. I am advised that the cost of this assistance was just over €111,000. In 2010 the equivalent figures were 159 and €104,000. The costs which include air fares also include expenses associated with transit and post arrival assistance and in some cases assistance with reintegration in the destination country.
Also, a further 32 failed asylum seekers were assisted to return home voluntarily by my Department in 2009 at a cost of approximately €6,000. In 2010, a further 24 failed asylum seekers were assisted to return home voluntarily by my Department at no cost to the State.
170 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any meetings have taken place recently with the United States Government in relation to the undocumented Irish in that country and the progress if any in relation to the undocumented. [1836/11]
Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States remains an important priority for this Government. The Government is also committed to working with our friends in Congress to enhance Ireland's bilateral visa arrangements with the US through the establishment of a two year renewable E-3 visa facility. My Department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, has continued to work proactively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates, including since the Congressional elections held on 2 November.
The Government is encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to resolving this issue — a view he earlier shared when the Taoiseach and I met him in Washington in March of last year. President Obama has since reiterated that commitment on a number of occasions. However, the outcome of the Congressional elections on 2 November presents significant new political challenges for immigration reform legislation. The failure of efforts to pass the limited DREAM Bill at the end of 2010 highlights the difficulties involved in passing any immigration legislation in the period ahead.
Senior officials of my Department had talks in Washington in late November, on the issue of Irish immigration to the US. They discussed the issue of the undocumented, the conditions in which Irish citizens are held prior to deportation, the operation of the existing working holiday visa programmes and possibilities for the political agreement on the immigration issues following the 2 November elections in the US. The membership of the relevant congressional committees is being finalised and President Obama will make his State of the Union address on January 25th, when the administration's policy priorities are expected to be also outlined. Our Embassy in Washington is meeting with newly appointed officials and senior members of the relevant congressional committees on matters related to the undocumented and the E-3 type visa.
The Government will continue to maintain very close contact with the US Administration and Congress, as well as with Irish community advocates, to address this issue in the period ahead. Since 2006, the Government has provided a total support of $325,000 to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and in September of this year, I met with the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres and the Irish Lobby for Immigration reform to discuss the prospects for reform. I am very much aware of the difficulties confronting undocumented Irish citizens in the United States and the distress which both they and their families in the US and Ireland experience arising from their situation. I would urge anybody who might be tempted to follow in the footsteps of the undocumented to take account of their plight.
171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1870/11]
There are four bodies operating under the aegis of my Department to which I make appointments. These are: the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission); the Development Education Advisory Committee, the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group, and the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee. I have made no appointments to these bodies during the period in question. However, the two-year term of the current Emigrant Services Advisory Committee, with a membership of twelve persons, expired on 31 December 2010. The Chair and Secretary are both officers of the Embassy in London, while the ten other Committee members serve in a voluntary capacity. Appointments to the Committee are made by me, in consultation with Embassy London and the Irish Abroad Unit in my Department.
172 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for redundancy payment has been received in respect of a person (details supplied) and when payment will issue. [1885/11]
On 1 January 2011, my Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. There are two types of redundancy payment made from the fund i.e. 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 wish to advise the Deputy that there is no record of a valid redundancy claim on the Redundancy Payments System in respect of the individual in question. It is normal practice not to enter incomplete claims on the system as these claims cannot be processed until the necessary documentation is submitted. Forms are returned in order for missing details and/or supporting documentation to be submitted. Submission of correctly completed redundancy claim forms (RP50's) with all of the required documentation greatly facilitates the processing of claims.
173 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [1902/11]
On 1 January 2011, my Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. There are two types of redundancy payment made from the fund i.e. 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 a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned was received on 11 November, 2010. This claim is pending processing. Lump sum claims dating from June 2010 are currently being processed.
174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in dealing with an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 in view of the fact that all details are with the social welfare appeals office since April 2010. [1812/11]
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. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
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 25% in the number of appeals received in 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. 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.
175 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the current average waiting time for a social welfare appeal. [1813/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the average waiting time for an appeal dealt with by way of a summary decision is 27.4 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing is 45.6 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.
In addition to the provision of extra staff, more emphasis is now being placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis so as to increase productivity. As a result, the number of appeals dealt with by way of oral hearing were reduced from 59% in 2009 to 31.5% in 2010. A project to improve the business processes in the office was also 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. As a result of all of these initiatives, a total of 17,499 appeals were finalised by Appeals Officers in 2010 in comparison to 10,027 for 2009. When revised decisions and withdrawn cases are taken into account the total number of cases finalised in 2010 was 28,166 in comparison to 17,787 for 2009.
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.
176 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is satisfied with the length of time taken to process an appeal for State pension non-contributory in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1827/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 July 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 23 September 2010 and the appeal has been referred 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.
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 25% in the number of appeals received in 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. 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.
177 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the national pensions framework; his views on the current adequacy and coverage of private pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1859/11]
The National Pensions Framework which the Government published in March 2010 aims to deliver security, equity, choice and clarity for the individual, the employer and the State. It also aims to increase pension coverage, particularly among low to middle income groups and to ensure that State support for pensions is equitable and sustainable. Pension coverage is a key element in the delivery of an adequate pension in retirement. The State pension is the fundamental basis for our pension system. The Government will seek to maintain the value of the State pension at 35 per cent of average earnings. In addition, the State will also continue to promote private pensions by supporting people, through the tax system, to take charge of their own retirement needs.
At present only 50% of workers have a private pension, with low levels of coverage among those on moderate to middle incomes a particular concern. While the State pension is expected to provide sufficient income for the lowest paid workers, most people will have a significant gap if they do not have extra private pension provision. I must also stress that good pensions cost money so it is important that the level of contributions made by individuals to their pension plan is sufficient to provide the level of income they desire in retirement.
Inertia and procrastination are among the main reasons why many people do not take out private pensions. A key element of the Framework is the introduction of a new auto-enrolment system which provides a way of overcoming this problem. Employees, aged 22 or over, earning above a certain income threshold will be automatically enrolled into this new scheme, with the employee, their employer and the State all making contributions. Those employees already in a more favourable occupational pension scheme will not be enrolled. For those who are included in the scheme, contributions will only be paid on earnings above a certain minimum level and below a certain maximum. The level of these thresholds will be decided closer to the implementation date and they will be set in such a way as to ensure that the scheme focuses on those on low and middle incomes.
An implementation group chaired by my Department, was established in May 2010 to develop the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the reforms announced in the Framework into operation. The implementation phase is expected to take three to five years. The implementation group is cognisant of the current and emerging economic conditions and will conduct extensive consultation on the many aspects of the framework before presenting final options to Government for decision.
178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1873/11]
The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.
The Social Welfare Tribunal
There were no new appointments to the Social Welfare Tribunal during the period 14 December 2010 to 13 January 2011. The current members of the Tribunal were appointed on 5 October 2009 and are not due for renewal until 4 October 2012.
Citizens Information Board
I appointed Mr Sean Sweeney to the Board of the Citizens Information Board (CIB) on 16 December 2010 in a non-executive capacity.
The annual stipend paid to non-executive board members of CIB is €5,985, in line with Government directives on the classification of fees for chairpersons and non-executive directors of state bodies. All appointments are made by me and the legislative provisions governing board membership of the CIB are contained in the Comhairle Act, 2000 and the Citizens Information Act 2007. The legislation provides that:
The Board shall consist of 15 members;
1 member of the Board shall be designated as chairperson;
The period of membership shall not exceed 5 years;
The members of the Board shall include 1 officer of the Minister, 3 members representative of people with disabilities and 1 member of the staff of the Board.
Not less than 6 members of the Board shall be female and not less than 6 shall be male.
The legislation also provides that a member of the board whose period of membership expires by the effluxion of time (passing of 5 year term) shall be eligible for re-appointment as a member of the board.
No further appointments to the board are anticipated in advance of March 2012, in line with the orderly rotation of the board.
The Pensions Board
The outgoing Pensions Board completed its term on 20 December 2010. The following is a list of appointments made by me to The Pensions Board on 21 December 2010.
|
Pensions Board |
|
Ms Jane Williams (Chairperson)1 |
|
Mr. Niall Walsh2 |
|
Ms Rosalind Briggs3 |
|
Ms Emer O Flanagan4 |
|
Mr. David Owens5 |
|
Ms Patricia Murphy6 |
|
Ms Noreen Deegan |
|
Mr. Kevin Finucane |
|
Mr. Brendan Johnston |
|
Prof. John McHale |
|
Mr. Terence Noone |
|
Mr. Don O’Higgins |
|
Mr. Phelim O Reilly |
|
Ms Rachael Ryan |
|
Ms Mary Walsh |
|
Mr. Robin Webster |
Notes
1Re-appointment as Chairperson.
2Re-appointment as ordinary member.
3Re-appointment as ordinary member.
4Re-appointment as ordinary member.
5Re-appointment as ordinary member, no remuneration attached to this position.
6No remuneration attached to this position.
The annual stipend associated with each position is as follows:
Chairperson: €11,970.
Ordinary members: €7,695.
David Owens, Department of Finance and Patricia Murphy, Department of Social Protection do not receive a stipend.
Section 9 of the Pensions Act 1990 as amended and the First Schedule to the Act, provides that the Board shall consist of a Chairman and 16 ordinary members, who shall be appointed to the Board by the Minister. Section 10 of the Pensions Act 1990 as amended and the First Schedule to the Act, provides that the term of office of the Chairman and the Board Members shall be for a period not exceeding 5 years.
The Pensions Board is a representative body and while all of its members are appointed by the Minister for Social Protection, the Pensions Act provides that of the 16 ordinary members, the Board must comprise representatives of:
Trade Union Members,
Employers,
Occupational Pension Schemes,
The Actuarial Profession,
The Accounting Profession,
The Legal Profession,
Consumer Interests,
Pensioner Interests,
The Minister for Finance, and
The Minister for Social Protection.
Office of the Pensions Ombudsman
There were no appointments due to be made by me in respect of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman during the period specified.
179 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons (details supplied) in County Clare have not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1888/11]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received for the person in question on the 10th September 2009. 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 on 19th October 2009 refusing DCA. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against the decision. She was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 6th September 2010 that the appeal had been disallowed.
180 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the qualified adult payment in their own right. [1894/11]
An increase for qualified adult is payable to a person whose spouse/partner is wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where the weekly means of the spouse/partner come within certain specified limits. Although this pension increase is awarded to, and remains the entitlement of the pension recipient, from 24th September 2007 it is paid directly to the spouse/partner.
The Department has no record of a claim being received from the spouse of the person concerned for an increase for qualified adult (IQA) in his State pension (contributory). A claim form/means questionnaire for IQA has been forwarded to him, and on receipt of the completed claim form, his entitlement to IQA will be examined and he will be notified of the outcome without delay.
181 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide the full details of the partial capacity scheme; the rules and guidelines pertaining to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1895/11]
The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2011, includes provisions which will facilitate the introduction in 2011 of a Partial Capacity Benefit scheme.
The scheme will provide an opportunity for people with disabilities, and assessed to have an employment capacity which is restricted when compared to the norm, to avail of employment opportunities while continuing to receive an income support payment. It recognises that the current structure of the welfare system, which categorises people only as ‘fit to work' or ‘unfit to work', does not reflect the reality for many existing welfare customers.
The scheme will be open to people who are in receipt of Invalidity Pension (IP) or who have been in receipt of Illness Benefit (IB) for a minimum of six months. Participation in the scheme will be voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who currently seek to avail of ‘exemptions' in order to take up employment opportunities. The limitations on hours worked which apply under the existing ‘exemptions' arrangements will not apply to the new scheme.
Under the terms of the legislation and the forthcoming consequent regulations, it is envisaged that IP and IB customers who wish to avail of employment opportunities will be required to undertake a partial capacity assessment by a Medical Assessor. On the basis of this assessment of their employment capacity, their personal-rate payment may be adjusted. Any reduction in payment rates will be applied to the personal rate only and increases paid in respect of qualified adults and/or children will not be affected.
Prior to the commencement of the scheme, it will be necessary to introduce Regulations to provide for a number of aspects of the scheme, including the specific manner in which partial capacity will be determined. In addition, it will be necessary to provide training to the Department's Medical Assessors in order to ensure the consistent application of these Regulations. Other operational measures, notably in relation to the development of the necessary Information Technology systems to cater for the scheme as well as the preparation of guidelines, are also now being addressed by the Department, with a view to introducing the scheme at the earliest possible date.
182 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1903/11]
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received on 5th January 2011. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the customer. Currently it takes eight weeks to process an application.
183 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the decision not to grant child benefit for a period to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will now expedite a decision based on their appeal. [1912/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 October 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
184 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application now under appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved based on the three reports submitted in support of their case. [1924/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15 December 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
185 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the fact that they are an approved housing applicant and on jobseeker’s allowance and if he will expedite a response. [1925/11]
In the time frame available, I regret that my Department is not in a position to reply to this question. My Department will be in contact with the Deputy over the coming days and will reply in full to the question raised.
186 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she willlist all appointments made by her between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 toState boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of her Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1874/11]
I have made no appointments to state boards under the aegis of my Department between the 14 December 2010 and the 13 January 2011.
187 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person responsible for deciding the purchasing of lands or buildings of cultural significance; the way a decision is reached as to whether a building is of historical or cultural significance; if a cost benefit analysis is taken to assess the feasibility of such purchases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1816/11]
The State has limited resources to acquire, maintain, conserve and present heritage properties, national monuments and land, in particular, in the current economic climate. In principle, normal planning procedures and the relevant legislation should be used to give adequate protection to the built heritage. A limited amount of funding may also be available to assist owners of heritage or protected structures from my Department, the Heritage Council or local authorities. My Department also supports the work of the Irish Heritage Trust in acquiring and securing the future of significant heritage properties.
The purchase of a heritage property or monument by the State would only apply in exceptional circumstances, having regard, for example, to the heritage significance of the potential acquisition and the risk to the loss of this significance. The cost of any acquisition, including conservation and ongoing maintenance and running costs, would need to be considered in such circumstances.
Possible acquisitions by my Department would be considered in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. Price negotiations and property valuations would be carried out by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department. Conveyancing is undertaken by that Office in conjunction with the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
188 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contributions made under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol in each year since 2008; if any discussion has been had regarding the suspension of these contributions during the period of the EU/International Monetary Fund programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1900/11]
As a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is obliged to make annual contributions towards the administrative costs of operating the Convention and its Protocol; these are set out in the following table. Suspension of these contributions, which arise from international and legally binding agreements, is not feasible.
|
Contribution for UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Core Budget |
Contribution for UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Kyoto Protocol |
Annual Fee for International Transaction Log |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2008 |
53,835.13 |
41,021 |
23,630 |
|
2009 |
57,214.00 |
42,691 |
22,828 |
|
2010 |
69,437.00 |
51,472 |
22,828 |
189 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to extend the national monument designation to cover the entire 1916 terrace, Dublin 1; his views in relation to statutory protection for those buildings in view of the historical interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1806/11]
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 785, 789 and 792 of 12 January 2011.
190 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements in place for the maintenance of the public lighting network throughout the country; his views on how the system is working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/11]
The provision and maintenance of public lighting is the responsibility of local authorities. Prior to January 2010, ESB Contracts Ltd carried out the maintenance of such lighting on behalf of the generality of local authorities. Following a public procurement process Airtricity acquired this business from that date. However, as a transitional arrangement local authorities entered into a one year contract with the new service provider, while exploring the full range of options for the maintenance of public lighting. It is understood that at present most local authorities remain in contract with the aforementioned service provider, while some others are pursuing alternative arrangements. In the meantime, my Department is continuing to liaise with the County/City Managers Association in this regard.
191 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a grant (details supplied). [1832/11]
Under the revised suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, grants are available to assist older people and people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs and to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes.
Under the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, grants of up to €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the cost, are available to assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation needs of a person with a disability who is a member of the household. Eligible works include the provision of access ramps, stair lifts, accessible showers, wheelchair access and extensions.
Grants of up to €6,000 are available under the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme towards the cost of a basic suite of works to address mobility problems of a member of a household. Qualifying works include the provision of stair lifts, level access showers, access ramps, grab rails and some minor adaptation works to the fabric of the house to meet a particular need.
The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment and approval of applications and the payment of grants to individual applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority, in this instance Dublin City Council.
192 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the progress being made regarding a general scheme of a Bill amending the Residential Tenancies Act; when he expects the proposed Bill to be prepared; the nature of the measures he is proposing to address non-payment of rent by tenants during a dispute process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1851/11]
193 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the background to the decision to set up the Private Residential Tenancies Board; his views on whether disputes between tenants and landlords could be more quickly and more efficiently dealt with by the District Court on a similar basis to the small claims process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1852/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
A Commission on the Private Rented Sector was established by my Department in July 1999 to examine the working of the landlord and tenant relationship in respect of residential tenancies in the private rented sector and to make such recommendations, including changes to the law, as the Commission considered proper in order to:
improve the security of tenure of tenants in the occupation of their dwellings,
maintain a fair and reasonable balance between the respective rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, and
increase investment in, and the supply of, residential accommodation for renting, including the removal of any identified constraints to the development of the sector.
The Commission reported in July 2000 and a majority of its recommendations, including that a statutory Board to be called the Private Residential Tenancies Board be established to deal with, inter alia, disputes between residential tenants and landlords, was ultimately accepted and given statutory effect by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The PRTB has been formally established since September 2004, and its principal functions are in the areas of:
The registration of private rental tenancies;
The resolution of disputes between tenants and landlords;
The provision of information, assistance and advice to the Minister on the private rental sector.
As the Board is an independent statutory body I have no function in its operational matters. However, dispute resolution statistics are published as part of the annual report of the PRTB and are available on their website at www.prtb.ie . While those statistics indicate an ongoing improvement in case processing times it is acknowledged that, partly as a consequence of the Board's success in ensuring registration compliance, and the resulting large workloads arising, processing times for dispute resolution are not yet optimal.
In November 2009, I announced the key outcomes of a review of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 which I had initiated in order to consider whether the Act best supported the PRTB's key functions and whether legislative amendments would support either the achievement of additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB in the delivery of those functions or the broader good working of the private rented sector. These outcomes have an overall emphasis on streamlining and simplifying the Act, reducing delays and achieving additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB in the delivery of its functions. Full details in relation to the background to the review, the associated terms of reference and the outcomes of the review are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie . An especially salient outcome is the recommendation that a statutory objective of 6 months be set for the issuing of determination orders arising out of dispute resolution applications.
I am of the view that, while further operational efficiencies can still be achieved, the PRTB provides an inexpensive route to dispute resolution for parties to private residential tenancies and I do not believe that this process could be dealt with more speedily by any other forum.
It is my intention that the General Scheme of the Bill setting out the detailed proposals arising in the context of the review of the Act will be submitted to Government early this year. Publication of the Bill thereafter will depend on the time subsequently required for drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
It is intended that the Scheme of the Bill will address the non-payment of rent by tenants during a dispute process, in particular to introduce scope for the legal termination of such a tenancy. The payment of rent to the landlord as provided for under the tenancy concerned on the date it falls due for payment is a critical obligation of all tenants.
194 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1868/11]
Appointments made by me to boards under the aegis of my Department between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 are set out in the following table.
Under the rationalisation of State Agencies the NBA is due to be wound up over the course of 2011. A new Housing Agency, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (established on an administrative basis last year), will require statutory underpinning. The primary legislation establishing that Agency will also facilitate the closure of the NBA. The Board is an interim Board and has been appointed to oversee the parallel tasks of the closure of the NBA and establishing the new Agency. The interim board is made up of 8 members, 4 of whom have been reappointed from the previous NBA Board. The 4 new appointments consist of 2 Civil Servants, a local authority official and 1 other. The previous NBA Board had 12 members, 9 of whom were paid fees. Under the new arrangements, only 3 appointees are in receipt of fees. All of the appointments were made on 30 November 2010 and are effective from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.
|
Name of State Body/Board |
Appointments between 14-12-2010 and 13-01-2011 |
Method of Selection |
Fees payable Per Annum |
|
€ |
|||
|
National Building Agency |
Rich Howlin |
Ministerial Re-Appointment |
11,970 |
|
Eddie Lewis* |
Ministerial Re-Appointment representing Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government |
Nil |
|
|
John O’Connor* |
Ministerial New Appointment |
Nil |
|
|
Marie McLaughlin* |
Ministerial New Appointment Representing the Department of Finance |
Nil |
|
|
John McCloskey |
Ministerial Re Appointment |
7,695 |
|
|
Peter Carey* |
Ministerial New Appointment |
Nil |
|
|
Ann McGuinness |
Ministerial New Appointment |
7,695 |
|
|
Gordon Richards* |
Ministerial Re Appointment |
Nil |
|
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
Mr. James Fitzmaurice 20-12-2010 |
Ministerial Appointment under Section 6 of the Radiological Protection Act 1991 |
7,695 |
|
Dr. Kevin Kelleher* 20-12-2010 |
Organisational nominee (HSE) under Section 6 of the Radiological Protection Act 199 |
Nil |
*Civil/Public Servant.
195 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of foreshore licences currently being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1879/11]
There are approximately 300 active applications for foreshore leases and licences currently on hand in my Department. Of these, 173 are applications for a foreshore licence.
These applications vary in terms of the size of project, level of complexity and stage of progression through the foreshore consent regime.
196 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ban the Larsen cage trap which has been banned in Denmark due to the stress and injury caused to the captured birds which either die of starvation or are subsequently strangled to death. [1890/11]
My Department has responsibility for regulating the use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts and the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. The use of the Larson cage trap complies with the provisions of the 2003 Regulations.
I recently made regulations concerning the use of animal-based poison baits and these regulations, together with changes made by the Department of Agriculture Food and Fisheries to the permitted uses of poisons, have the effect that it is illegal to poison any bird. It is necessary, however, for farmers and other land managers to have other options available for the control of species which may cause serious damage to livestock, crops or other fauna and flora.
197 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in the sale of bogland and when moneys will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [1891/11]
Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is being given under the bog purchase scheme to those wishing to sell their interest in the 31 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation between 1997 and 1999, on which the derogation for turf cutting has now ended. The person in question owns land within a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004. The derogation will not end on this site until the end of 2013.
As a result, this application does not qualify for priority treatment at this time.
198 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the campaign in respect of voting rights for emigrants; if he is considering the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1969/11]
In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.
Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of certain categories of person who are entered in the register of electors. The Electoral Act 1992 provides for postal voting by whole-time members of the Defence Forces, members of the Garda Síochána, and Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses. Subsequent legislation enacted by the Oireachtas has extended postal voting to other categories: electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996); electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day and full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State — in these cases, the law provides for completion of the necessary voting documentation at a Garda station (the Electoral Act 1997); certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001); and electors who because of the circumstances of their detention in prison pursuant to an order of a court are likely to be unable to go in person on polling day to vote (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006).
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review I have no proposals at present to alter existing arrangements for postal voting.
199 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities that have adopted rates for 2011; and the rate that has been adopted and the increases that have taken place in relation to water charges in each county in tabular form. [1971/11]
Local authority annual rates on valuation (ARVs) are adopted as part of the annual budgetary process of local authorities. Local authorities are required by regulation to hold their annual budget meeting within a prescribed period. The prescribed period for County Councils ends on 13 January and for City, Borough and rating Town Councils on 15 January. As the annual budgetary process is still underway, my Department does not yet have information from all local authorities on the annual rates on valuation for 2011.
As of 12 January 2011, my Department had received copies of 12 adopted budgets containing ARVs in respect of 2011. This information is set out in table 1.
The 34 county and city councils are responsible for setting charges for water and waste-water services and are not required to notify my Department of the charges that they set. However, my Department collects information periodically on the level of charges. Again, as the annual budgetary process has not yet been completed in respect of 2011, I do not have information in respect of water charges for this year. The information regarding the charge per cubic metre (equivalent to 1,000 litres) for water services set by local authorities for 2010 is set out in table 2.
|
Local Authority |
Annual Rate on Valuation for 2011 |
|
Cork County Council |
74.75 |
|
Donegal County Council |
69.70 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council* |
0.170 |
|
Longford County Council |
66.68 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
56.77 |
|
Wexford County Council |
71.52 |
|
Dublin City Council |
62.25 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
58.84 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
67.66 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir Town Council |
50.99 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
67.46 |
|
Tipperary Town Council |
52.20 |
*Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council's ARV reflects the fact that a revaluation by the Valuation Office of all commercial and industrial property in the area took effect from 1 January 2011.
|
Local Authority |
€ per cubic metre |
|
Carlow |
2.30 |
|
Cavan |
2.51 |
|
Clare |
2.94 |
|
Cork City |
2.35 |
|
Cork |
2.16 |
|
Donegal |
2.31 |
|
Dublin City |
1.72 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
2.32 |
|
Fingal |
1.82 |
|
South Dublin |
1.88 |
|
Galway City |
1.75 |
|
Galway |
2.28 |
|
Kerry |
1.93 |
|
Kildare |
1.49 |
|
Kilkenny |
2.89 |
|
Laois |
2.45 |
|
Leitrim |
2.28 |
|
Limerick City |
2.30 |
|
Limerick |
2.60 |
|
Longford |
2.40 |
|
Louth |
1.90 |
|
Mayo |
2.26 |
|
Meath |
2.65 |
|
Monaghan |
2.11 |
|
Offaly |
2.40 |
|
Roscommon |
2.39 |
|
Sligo |
2.42 |
|
North Tipperary |
2.40 |
|
South Tipperary |
2.00 |
|
Waterford City |
2.35 |
|
Waterford |
2.66 |
|
Westmeath |
2.45 |
|
Wexford |
2.71 |
|
Wicklow |
3.04 |
200 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the installation of domestic water meters; the timescale for installation of meters; if contracts have been awarded or when the contracts will be advertised; the way plumbers can indicate or register their interest in being involved; if his Department is involved in training courses or has given its support to private training courses for non-plumbers; and the reason this is deemed necessary with so many unemployed plumbers. [1981/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 94 of Thursday 9 December 2010, which outlines the current position on this matter.
201 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he has assessed the potential costs associated with the greenhouse gas reductions set in the Climate Change Response Bill; the estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2006/11]
A qualitative cost benefit analysis is contained in the Regulatory Impact Analysis which accompanied the Bill and is available on my Department's website. This analysis will be developed further as the Bill progresses through the various legislative stages in the Oireachtas.
202 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1863/11]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to appointments to boards of State bodies under the aegis of my Department. I can inform the Deputy that I have made no appointments to the boards of State bodies under the aegis of my Department between 14 December 2010 and13 January 2011.
203 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national broadband scheme infrastructure will be completed in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1996/11]
Under the terms of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) contract, the NBS Service Provider, 3, is obliged to establish the infrastructure and make the specified NBS services available to fixed businesses and residences within the NBS Coverage Area. The rollout of the provision of NBS services advanced incrementally over a 22-month period and was completed in October 2010.
In line with the NBS contract, broadband services are available to all premises within each of the 1,028 designated NBS Electoral Divisions (ED), including those in County Kerry. As part of its commitment to deliver a total of 389 NBS sites, one site in County Kerry remains to be constructed and integrated into 3's NBS network.
204 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the remainder of the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) and when they can expect payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1809/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme have commenced nationally on 18 October 2010.
The person named submitted an application with a land parcel that required re-digitisation. My Department has completed this re-digitisation process. Payments to the person named were made under the Single Payment Scheme on 18 October 2010, 1 December 2010 and the final balancing payment issued on 11 January 2011.
205 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 2 December 2010, his plans to introduce a grant for on-farm water harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1810/11]
EU Commission approval for the introduction of five targeted modernisation schemes focused on supporting productive investment in the agricultural sector was received in 2010. 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 2010. The Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme opened for applications on 1 November 2010.
The remaining on-farm investment schemes provided for in Ireland's Rural Development Programme are the Dairy Equipment and Water Harvesting Schemes. However, no dates have yet been fixed for their introduction.
206 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a single farm payment and REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1834/11]
An application under 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 2010, was on the basis of the land cleared at that stage, as lands declared required digitising.
Balancing payments under the scheme, which commenced 1 December, would, in normal circumstances, be confined to those whose applications are fully processed, specifically, where all digitising is finalised. However, following consultation with the EU Commission, agreement was reached whereby, in addition to issuing balancing payments to those farmers whose applications are fully processed and whose maps are fully digitised, payments will also issue to those farmers where some or all of their maps are still to be digitised, with the payment being calculated on the basis of the digitised land confirmed otherwise eligible.
I am pleased to say that, because of this change, many farmers, including the person named, whose balancing payments would otherwise have been delayed until their digitising is complete, have received an interim balancing payment.
The outstanding digitising of the land parcels in question has recently been finalised, which will allow the file of the person named be further processed, with a view to the outstanding balancing payments issuing shortly, under both the Single Payment Scheme and REPS.
207 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not yet received a disadvantaged area scheme and single payment scheme payments. [1843/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 28 April 2010. My Department has been in touch with the applicant concerning proof of entitlement to a number of commonage land parcels declared on his application. On receipt of requested documentation, the application will be further processed with a view to issuing any payment due to the applicant.
208 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not yet received a disadvantaged area scheme and single payment scheme payments. [1844/11]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 22 April 2010.
This application was selected for a Ground Eligibility inspection. During the course of the Ground Eligibility inspection a discrepancy was found with parcel P11922092 requiring amendments to the boundary. The claimed area for the Single Payment Scheme of 21.12ha was reduced to 20.04ha. When tolerance was taken into account this area was decreased to 20.02ha. As the total entitlements held are 21.12 and the difference between the area claimed and the area found is under 3% and under 2ha the area put forward for payment is 20.02ha.
A formal decision issued to the person named on 7 November 2010 that advised him of his right to seek a review of the decision within 21 days to the District Inspector and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
The inspection process is complete and the application has been fully processed. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 2 December 2010 and payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 1 December 2010.
209 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of a new animal health and welfare Bill; the progress made to date in drafting such a Bill and the main provisions likely to be contained within same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1845/11]
The Government has recently approved the drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2010. The Bill proposes to amend, consolidate and update legislation in the area of animal health and welfare, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals and to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals is properly protected. In addition the new Bill proposes to increase both the powers of authorised officers and the level of penalties to be imposed with fines being proportionate to the offence. There will also be provisions for powers of intervention where an animal is deemed to be at risk of being welfare compromised and the Bill will also address such issues as the prevention of unnecessary suffering of animals and abandonment of animals.
The Heads of the Bill have been submitted for drafting to the Office of the Parliamentary Council.
210 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 to 13 January 2011 toState boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1862/11]
The following list represents the appointments made during the period referred to by the Deputy for the State Bodies that come within the remit of my Department.
|
Body |
Appointments from 14 December 2010 to 13 January 2011 |
Remuneration |
Selection Process |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB) |
Sean Murphy |
€5,985 p.a. |
Appointments to the Board of the ALAB are made in accordance with Section 22 of the Fisheries Amendment Act 1997. For the most part persons are nominated by specific organisations and they are appointed by Minister Smith. |
|
Lorcan O’Cinneide |
€5,985 p.a. |
||
|
Mario Minehane |
€5,985 p.a. |
||
|
All 3 were re-appointed by Minister Smith but Sean Murphy was originally nominated by the Irish Salmon Growers Association. Lorcan O’Cinneide by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland and Mario Minehane by the Irish Shellfish Association. |
|||
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
Michael Hickey |
€12,600 p.a. |
Appointments to the Board of HRI are made in accordance with section 1 of the Horse Racing Ireland (Membership) Act 2001. For the most part persons are nominated by specified organisations and they are appointed by the Minister to the HRI Board. |
|
John Moloney |
€12,600 p.a. |
||
|
Jim Nicholson |
€12,600 p.a. |
||
|
Mr Michael Hickey was nominated by the Turf Club and appointed by Minister Smith.. |
|||
|
Mr John Moloney was nominated by the Association of Irish Racecourses and appointed by Minister Smith. |
|||
|
Mr Jim Nicholson was re-appointed by Minister Smith to represent the horse racing industry in Northern Ireland. |
211 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of aquaculture licences currently being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1880/11]
There are 521 aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination — this consists of 271 applications for first time licences and 250 renewal applications.
The backlog in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).
In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing and significant progress has been made. This comprehensive data collection programme, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications will be dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis.
My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.
212 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is in discussion with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to a bid by these organisations to purchase Coillte; if so, the negotiations taking place in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1893/11]
I am not in discussion with the organisations referred to in relation to the purchase of Coillte.
213 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payments under the grassland sheep scheme will commence and the position regarding this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1908/11]
Earlier this year I launched the three-year, €54 million Grassland Sheep Scheme, availing of the unused Single Payment funds. During the CAP Health Check negotiations, I had as one of my high priorities getting access to these CAP funds and, immediately it became clear this had been achieved, I identified the sheep sector as one that was vulnerable and in need of specific supports. I am confident that this Scheme, which focuses on those flocks with breeding ewes, will maintain the breeding flock and will act as a real incentive to farmers anxious to maintain their production levels, which are essential for the future of a viable sheep industry in this country .
The supply of lambs is a key and fundamental element underpinning the sheep and lamb processing industry. This is a hugely valuable export-orientated part of the Irish agri-food sector, supplying a high-value product to consumer markets throughout Europe. The industry is worth around €250 million to the Irish economy and over two thirds of the product is exported. Irish sheep farmers are facing significant production and demand pressures at present, though Ireland is not alone in this regard. To maintain a viable industry, we must arrest the decline in reducing flock numbers, income pressures and producers leaving the sector. I believe that this Grassland Sheep Scheme will achieve these aims and will provide a much needed and very valuable income support to an important and vulnerable sector .
While it had been my intention that payments under the Scheme would commence in early December, as the EU Commission raised some technical questions regarding payments to sheep farmers under EU Pillar 1 and Pillar 11 Schemes, including the Grassland Sheep Scheme, it has not yet been possible to do so. My officials have responded in detail to the Commission and there are ongoing discussions between both parties. I am seeking an early conclusion to these discussions, with the intention of payments under the Scheme issuing as soon as possible thereafter.
214 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the remaining portion of the single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1909/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme commenced nationally on 18 October 2010.
The person named submitted an application with a land parcel requiring re-digitisation. My Department has now completed this re-digitisation process. A final balancing payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the applicant shortly.
215 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payments and REP scheme will issue in full to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite the matter. [1917/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named (Kilkenny herd-owner) on 20 April 2010. During processing of the application, one land parcel was found to be dual-claimed with another Scheme applicant and, following correspondence, the person named confirmed that he was not entitled to declare this parcel. Consequently, the parcel was rejected and the appropriate reduction penalty applied, as per the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. The balancing payment, which issued on 1 December, was calculated on this basis.
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the named Tipperary herd-owner on 18 April 2010. This application has been recently cleared and payment will issue in the coming days.
A REPS 4 payment will issue to the persons named within the coming ten days.
216 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the circumstances relative to the claim for forestry environment protection scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be considered; if he will resolve the issues which relate to their REP scheme application; if he will expedite a resolution based on their letter of appeal dated 26 November 2010 which outlines the fact that during the course of their application for REP scheme the scheme was discontinued which thereafter affected their FEPS application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1954/11]
An appeal dated 26th November 2010 in respect of the persons concerned was received in my Department and all the circumstances relative to the claim were carefully considered. The outcome of this appeal was outlined in a letter issued by me to Deputy McGuinness on 16th December 2010.
In so far as no application for membership of REPS 4 was received by my Department from the people in question, there are no outstanding issues to be resolved in relation to a REPS application.
217 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the balance of single farm payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be paid immediately in view of the urgency of their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1967/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 4 May 2010. The 50% advance payment, which issued on 18 October and the further 30% payment, which issued on 1 December, were on the basis of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage, as a number of other land parcels listed on the application of the person named required re-digitisation. This process was subsequently completed in early December, thereby allowing the remaining payment due to issue on 10 December 2010.
218 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to amend the No. 19/1990 Industrial Relations Act; his views on the term worker and the list of occupations not included under this section of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1966/11]
I assume the question relates specifically to amending the definition of "worker" under the Industrial Relations Act 1990.
Access to the employment dispute settling bodies under the Industrial Relations Acts is governed by the definition of "worker" in Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990. Workers not included within this definition are normally covered by separate schemes of Conciliation and Arbitration.
Section 23(1)(e) of the 1990 Act excludes, inter alia, "an officer of a vocational education committee" from this definition of "worker". Arising from an agreement between management and union sides to abolish the existing Conciliation and Arbitration machinery for vocational educational committee officers and to bring them within the scope of the Industrial Relations Acts, it is proposed to amend the definition of "worker" to include such officers, with the exception of teachers, within the definition of "worker" in the Act. An amendment to this effect is included in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009, which is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil.
The question of an amendment to the Industrial Relations Acts to provide for the inclusion of persons employed in the civil service in the definition of "worker" may arise in future in the context of ongoing discussions between civil service management and unions in relation to possible changes in arrangements under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. These discussions would be a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Finance.
219 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1867/11]
All appointments made between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011, to bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out below.
|
Body |
Name of Appointee |
Remuneration — Salaried Position |
|
Labour Court |
Kevin Duffy — Chairman |
€176,800 per annum |
|
Labour Court |
Jerry Shanahan — Member |
€104,481 per annum |
Chairman
Section 10(3) of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 provides that the Minister shall appoint the Chairman of the Labour Court.
Ordinary Members
The appointment of Ordinary Members to the Labour Court is governed by Section 10 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946. The Act provides that the Minister shall designate organisations representative of trade unions and of employers to nominate a person for appointment to the Court and the Minister shall appoint the person so nominated. The Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) and the Irish Congress of Trades Unions (ICTU) are currently designated for the purposes of Section 10. Mr Shanahan was nominated by ICTU.
|
Body |
Name of Appointee |
Remuneration — Salaried Position |
|
Competition Authority |
Declan Purcell — Chairperson |
€168,000 per annum |
|
Competition Authority |
Gerald Fitzgerald — Member |
€137,593 per annum |
|
Competition Authority |
Isolde Goggin — Member |
€137,593 per annum |
Both the Chairperson and Members of the Competition Authority were reappointed in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act 2002, as amended.
|
Body |
Name of Appointee |
Remuneration |
|
Labour Relations Commission |
Gaye Cunningham — Rights Commissioner |
€434.32 per diem |
|
Labour Relations Commission |
Emer O’Shea — Rights Commissioner |
€434.32 per diem |
|
Labour Relations Commission |
Tony Bregazzi — Rights Commissioner |
€434.32 per diem |
All three appointments to the Rights Commissioner Service were made in accordance with section 34(3) of the Industrial Relations Act 1990.
|
Group |
Name of Appointee |
|
CLRG |
Mike Duignan — ISE |
This appointment has been made following nomination by the Irish Stock Exchange.
No remuneration is paid to the members of the Company Law Review Group.
|
Board |
Name of Appointee |
Remuneration |
|
H.S.A. |
Michael Horgan — Chairperson |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Marian Byron — Deputy Chairperson |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
George Brett |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Dermot Carey |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Mary Bohan |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Dan O’Connell |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Des Mahon |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Esther Lynch |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Dessie Robinson |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Eamon Devoy |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
John Byrne |
Category 3 Board |
|
H.S.A. |
Francis Rochford (Civil Servant) |
Not applicable |
In accordance with the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, a new Board was appointed to the Health and Safety Authority, for a period of three years with effect from 20 December 2010.
|
Board |
Name of Appointee |
Remuneration |
|
IAASA |
Paul Appleby (Director of Corporate Enforcement) |
Not applicable |
|
IAASA |
Gerard Scully (ISE) |
Category 3 Board |
|
IASSA |
Michael Quinlan (Law Society of Ireland) |
Category 3 Board |
In accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003, certain bodies are designated as members of IAASA and nominate one person to the board of IAASA. The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Irish Stock Exchange and the Law Society of Ireland are designated bodies.
The current rates of remuneration for Chairpersons and Members of non-commercial Public Bodies, as determined by the Minister for Finance, are as follows:
|
Category |
Chairperson |
€ |
|
Category 1 |
Chairperson |
29,888 |
|
Directors |
14,963 |
|
|
Category 2 |
Chairperson |
20,520 |
|
Directors |
11,970 |
|
|
Category 3 |
Chairperson |
11,970 |
|
Directors |
7,695 |
|
|
Category 4 |
Chairperson |
8,978 |
|
Directors |
5,985 |
220 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1864/11]
Two such appointments have been made. Both cases were re-appointments to the Dormant Accounts Board for a period of 1 year — Mr Michael Morley (Chairperson, at an annual rate of remuneration of €8,978) and Mr Des Gunning (member, at an annual rate of remuneration of €5,985). These appointments were made taking account of the particular need for continuity in the operations of the Board at this time, given the proposal to dissolve it in 2011 on foot of Dormant Accounts legislation to be published shortly.
The Deputy may also wish to note that it is expected that the North South Ministerial Council at a meeting today will approve the appointment of a Chair to the board of the Ulster-Scots Agency, on foot of a nomination from the Northern Ireland authorities.
221 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the administrative efficiencies he plans to put in place in the Defence Forces in 2011 in order to achieve the €3 million savings as outlined in the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/11]
In common with all areas of the public service, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will operate with reduced funding for 2011. The gross 2011 Estimate for Defence and Army Pensions combined is €933m, an overall reduction of 4% on the 2010 Estimate. Defence spending at €725m, including capital, will be reduced by €30m or 4%. The administrative efficiencies of €3m in 2011, as outlined in Budget 2011, will be achieved chiefly through reduced employee numbers and related costs.
222 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of civilian employees attached to military installations; the number of these employees he plans to have in place following the reductions in these numbers outlined in budget 2011; the overall yield in cost terms that this reduction is planned to give in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1830/11]
There is currently a total of 732 civilian employees. It is anticipated that there will be 700 civilian employees by the end of this year with estimated savings of €700,000 accruing in 2011 as a result of the reduction in employee numbers. Civilian employees are based at various military installations in every Brigade area.
223 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the level of allowances for overseas deployment by the Defence Forces per rank applicable before the proposed reduction as outlined in the budget of 2011 and the corresponding amounts that will be payable when the reduction has been put in place; the overall amount he expects that this reduction will yield in a full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1831/11]
In common with all areas of the public service, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will operate with reduced funding for 2011. The gross 2011 Estimate for Defence and Army Pensions combined is €933m, an overall reduction of 4% on the 2010 Estimate. Defence spending at €725m, including capital, will be reduced by €30m or 4%. The cost of overseas allowances in a given year is principally a factor of the number of personnel serving overseas and the time spent overseas. In this regard, while there was a significant reduction in participation in overseas peacekeeping in 2010, and thus in the expenditure on overseas allowances, this was driven mainly by the unexpected withdrawal from Chad.
On 14 December 2010 the Government approved the deployment of a contingent of the Defence Forces, as part of a joint Finnish/Irish battalion to UNIFIL. Discussions will commence with the UN and with Finland on finalising the composition of the contingent and the deployment schedule. Thereafter, Dáil approval will be sought for the mission. This will complete the Triple Lock mechanism of UN, Government and Dáil approval before deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas.
The overall provision in Subhead C of the Defence Vote, which provides for Permanent Defence Force allowances, including overseas allowances, has been reduced to €43.6m in 2011. There will be sufficient funds in the Defence Budget to meet the cost of the proposed deployment to Lebanon in 2011 and the cost of existing overseas missions.
Ireland is currently contributing 128 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 43 personnel. Ireland's contribution to the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be drawn down this year as the mission continues to transition to a training and support mission. Once deployment to UNIFIL takes place it is expected that the total overseas deployment at that stage will amount to just over 500. This is a very significant contribution in the context of the reduced resources available and reflects the Government's continued commitment to international peacekeeping and to the ongoing development of the Defence Forces.
Apart from the proposed deployment to Lebanon, no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time and there are no such requests on hand.
224 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if he will list all appointments made by him between 14 December 2010 and 13 January 2011 to State boards, agencies, quangos, bodies, authorities and other bodies within the aegis of his Department; the person appointed in each such case; the remuneration associated with the position; the selection process employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1865/11]
The relevant bodies within the remit of the Department of Defence are the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. I have not made any appointments to these bodies in the period 14 December 2010 to the 13 January 2011.
225 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that members of the Defence Forces are entitled to spectacles if required under the Defence Force Regulations; the last date that the DFR were updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/11]
There is no provision in Defence Force Regulations that entitles members of the Defence Forces to spectacles if required. However there is a provision in General Routine Order 43/1955 which allows for one pair of spectacles to be issued free to any non-commissioned officer or private of the Defence Forces who suffers from defective vision subject to certain conditions.
