Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:32 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the strategy to tackle fuel poverty promised in the programme for Government will be published. [6003/11]
Written Answers
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 7 to 22, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 23 to 31, inclusive, answered orally.
Fuel Poverty
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:39 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for the publication of the fuel poverty strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5976/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 39 together.
In line with the Programme for Government, I am working with my colleagues the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to bring forward the proposed strategy to tackle energy poverty.
Considerable work has already been undertaken by the Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy which is chaired by my Department and which represents all key Departments, Agencies and energy suppliers as well as the Energy Regulator and NGOs.
Energy Affordability is a cross-cutting policy issue and tackling the root causes of energy affordability or fuel poverty requires action on a number of fronts.
Energy poverty is caused by the interaction between energy prices, thermal inefficiency of the home and income. Action to mitigate energy poverty has traditionally focused on providing assistance through the schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection. In recent years there has been a growing focus on providing energy efficiency upgrades to low-income, or at risk households, under the Warmer Homes Scheme. The Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department.
The Warmer Homes Scheme was established to systematically address poor thermal efficiency performance of low-income privately owned housing. The scheme provides energy improvements at no cost to eligible households. It brings benefits to recipients in terms of energy affordability, tangible health improvements and overall well being.
In 2010, over 24,000 homes underwent upgrades with a total spend of €30 million. The Scheme has resulted in quantifiable energy savings for low-income households worth almost €3 million. The scheme has addressed over 64,000 fuel poor homes since 2000. My Department and SEAI have a target of an additional 17,500 homes in 2011 of which 2,096 have been completed to date. The Scheme is delivered by a network of private contractors and community-based organisations nationwide.
In addition to the Warmer Homes Scheme, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government operate a retrofit programme for social housing. Approximately 1,850 units were approved in 2010 with a similar number expected this year.
I expect the Affordable Strategy Energy Group to finalise its own work, in the coming weeks. Their analysis and recommendations will form the basis for a strategy to be agreed with my Ministerial colleagues and brought to Government as soon as possible.
Since ESB Electric Ireland's announcement of price cuts yesterday, there has been understandable focus on the requirement for customers to have their accounts up to date in order to take up the price reduction offers. It is the case that ESB, and all other energy suppliers, are commercial operations and therefore business viability is an issue for them — balanced as far as possible with customers' needs.
In light of the concerns expressed, ESB has confirmed to my Department that Social Welfare customers who have arrears are indeed eligible for the new Household Budget Price Plan. What is required is that they sign up to a minimum 15 Euro payment via the Household Budget Scheme.
I have also asked ESB to immediately review ways in which other customers that are in arrears, but have a payment plan, can benefit from the price reductions. ESB have committed to undertaking this review.
Energy Prices
Michael McGrath
Ceist:33 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to reduce energy prices. [6646/11]
I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated sector. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. The electricity retail market is now fully deregulated as of 4 April and the CER are engaged in progressive de-regulation of the gas retail market. As a result, business and domestic customers can now avail of the competitive offerings from a number of electricity supply companies.
I welcome ESB's announcement yesterday of price cuts of up to 17% for electricity and gas customers. This is a further positive example of competition at work in the market with good results for consumers. As I outlined to the House earlier I have asked ESB to pay particular attention to the needs of customers with genuine payment problems and who want to avail of the price cuts.
Competition helps to put downward pressure on energy prices. But the Government is concerned to ensure that all possible additional actions are taken to mitigate business and for domestic customers. This is essential for competitiveness, for employment and for the economy as a whole.
I acknowledge the action taken over the last two years to bring Ireland's energy prices into line with, or below, European averages. This is confirmed by Eurostat figures for 2010.
This has been an important factor in improving the competitiveness for Irish enterprise and foreign direct investment. However, there is no room for complacency. Global gas and oil prices have risen sharply since the start of the year driven by events in North Africa and Japan and high demand from the emerging economies of China and India. Ireland's concerns about the risk of price rises are shared by the European Union. Oil and gas prices and security of supply were discussed at the Special Energy Council on 21st March which I attended. We agreed at Council that high energy prices, if sustained, would endanger economic recovery. We also agreed on the imperative to enhance energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes thus reducing dependency on high priced fossil fuels. My Department will continue to work with the enterprise community, the energy sector, and the energy regulator to take action where possible to reduce the cost of energy for business, domestic customers and for vulnerable customers.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 29.
Telecommunications Services
Denis Naughten
Ceist:35 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to provide broadband access outside the main urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6365/11]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The telecommunications market in Ireland has been fully liberalised since 1999 and, since then, has seen the steady growth and development of vibrant well-regulated competition in the provision of the full range of telecommunications products and services.
The Government is not a player in this market and can only intervene in cases of market failure. Such interventions, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme, are subject to State Aid clearance by the EU Commission. Under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government there is a commitment for NewERA to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband to every home and business in the State. Consideration of how best to advance the NewERA proposals, for which my colleague Minister of State O'Dowd has specific responsibility, is being advanced by my Department with other stakeholders across Government. The State has already intervened, with EU approval, to invest in improving broadband access to areas outside of urban centres. Accordingly my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in late December 2008.
This targeted State intervention was aimed at addressing rural areas where broadband services were unlikely to be available due to reluctance on the part of commercial operators to invest because of uncertain financial returns. The NBS network has now been completed and services have been available in all 1028 Electoral Divisions since October 2010, in line with contractual commitments. The NBS contract remains in place until August 2014. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be isolated cases of premises throughout the country that are not capable of receiving a broadband service. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (e.g., suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, or no ‘line of sight' from the premises to the wireless base station). The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives.
Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally announce the launch of a Rural Broadband Scheme in the coming weeks. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas. There will be a competitive process to engage a service provider who will offer a broadband service to qualified applicants under the scheme. While the exact details have yet to be finalised, I expect that the service offered under this scheme would at least match the service offered under the NBS and that the scheme will be fully rolled out by the end of 2012. The combination of private sector investment, the NBS and the Rural Broadband Scheme should ensure broadband coverage for effectively the full country.
Tribunals of Inquiry
Dara Calleary
Ceist:36 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he received an advanced copy of the Moriarty report. [6648/11]
Dara Calleary
Ceist:42 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will issue an apology for the systemic failures in the process to award the GSM licence, as outlined in the Moriarty report, and the steps he plans to take to ensure that this never happens again. [6649/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 42 together.
I did not receive an advance copy of the Moriarty Report. I set out in some detail my comments in the course of the debate in this House last week. In my initial speech in the Debate I accepted that the Tribunal did make criticisms of the process and its administration by the then Department. The Tribunal did refer to systemic failures in the Department in their report but as I pointed out in my address last week this should be seen in the context of the Tribunal statement that the officials in question had no means of knowing the then Minister was conveying information to one of the bidders and no reason to suspect Mr. Lowry.
As the Deputy will be aware the system for issuing spectrum licences has changed fundamentally since the time of the second mobile phone licence competition. The administration of the competition for the award of spectrum licences is now a matter for the statutorily independent regulator ComReg. The latter in turn operates under an EU Regulatory framework which requires that the allocation and assignment of such radio frequencies is based on open, transparent and non-discriminatory procedures for the granting of the licence.
I would point out to the Deputy that the Government has directed Departments to examine the recommendations of the Tribunal and to report back on them with four weeks. In addition the Government will embark on a programme of major reform of political and public administration as set out in the Programme for Government.
Offshore Exploration
Martin Ferris
Ceist:37 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to revise the licensing and taxation terms governing oil and gas exploration to ensure a greater return to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6305/11]
As I outlined in my reply to Priority Questions Nos. 24 and 25 today, Ireland's petroleum potential is largely unproven and this is likely to remain the case until there is a significant increase in the level of exploration activity, particularly exploration drilling. Ireland competes with other countries to attract mobile international exploration investment. It is important that Ireland maintains a licensing regime that appropriately reflects both the risks and rewards of investing in petroleum exploration in the Irish offshore, relative to investing in exploration in other jurisdictions.
A comprehensive review of Ireland's licensing terms was carried out in 2007 by independent economic consultants, following which both the fiscal and non-fiscal licensing terms were revised. The revised terms apply to all exploration licences issued since 1 January 2007 and provide for a new profit resource rent tax of up to 15% in addition to the 25% corporate tax rate previously applying. The revised terms ensure that the return to the State would be up to 40% in the case of very profitable fields.
Ireland's petroleum taxation rate is deliberately pitched at a level that is consistent with countries such as France, Portugal and Spain, who like Ireland have limited petroleum production, rather than with major petroleum producers such as Norway or the UK.
Tax Code
Ceist:
38 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reverse the public service obligation levy. [6651/11]
The Public Obligation Service (PSO) levy has been in place since 2001 and is the support mechanism for peat generation and the development of renewable electricity. The PSO also supports the output of two gas fuelled power plants built in 2005 to secure much needed generation capacity at the time. The levy is designed to compensate electricity suppliers for the additional costs they incur by purchasing electricity generated by the three peat stations and renewable energy sources. The levy has supported the connection of more than 1,400 MW of renewable energy, mostly wind, to the electricity grid over the last decade.
The Commission for Energy Regulation determines the PSO levy which is a charge on all electricity customers. Its legal basis and method of calculation are set out in the regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.
In general terms the cost of the PSO levy to the consumer tends to be low or zero when gas and oil prices are high, as in these cases the market adequately rewards renewable and conventional generation including the peat stations. However, when fossil fuel prices fall, peat and renewable generators become less competitive and suppliers need to be compensated for purchasing their output. The significant fall in oil and gas prices over the last two years gave rise to the re-emergence of the PSO levy on all customers' bills from October 2010.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to review and reform the PSO levy, I have firstly requested my Department to review the operation of the peat PSO to ensure that it is as cost efficient as possible. The bulk of the cost of the PSO levy currently derives from supporting the peat stations.
I have also asked my Department to confirm that the development of renewable energy, supported by the PSO levy, is being achieved in a cost effective way. Ireland already has the second lowest rates of renewable energy supports across Europe. It is also vitally important to guard against market and investor uncertainty by sending the message that supports for renewable energy will continue.
It is the case that the development of renewable energy in Ireland is lowering electricity prices to consumers in the long run and that the existing feed-in tariff reflected in the PSO levy is essential to support this development.
Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 32.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 28.
Departmental Bodies
Martin Ferris
Ceist:41 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the proposed merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte as a bioenergy company will entail the sale of lands currently under the control of either existing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6366/11]
The Government intends to create a new State company to be called BioEnergy Ireland which will involve the merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte. The new company will be charged with becoming a global leader in the commercialisation of next generation bio-energy technologies and delivering on an annual 14,700 hectare afforestation programme.
It is the case that Coillte and Bord na Móna own 7% and 1% of Ireland's land surface respectively.
In the context of the proposed merger, or the Programme for Government, there are no proposals to sell lands in the ownership of either Coillte or Bord na Móna. The Programme for Government states the intention to target up to €2 billion in sales from non strategic state assets, without specifying which assets, and only when market conditions are right.
Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 36.
Telecommunications Services
Denis Naughten
Ceist:43 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to provide broadband coverage to areas not serviced by the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6364/11]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention. Broadband services are now available throughout the entire NBS area.
However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be isolated cases of premises throughout the country that are not capable of receiving a broadband service. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (e.g., suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, or no ‘line of sight' from the premises to the wireless base station).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives.
Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally announce the launch of a Rural Broadband Scheme in the coming weeks. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas.
There will be a competitive process to engage a service provider who will offer a broadband service to qualified applicants under the scheme. While the exact details have yet to be finalised, I expect that the service offered under this scheme would at least match the service offered under the NBS and that the scheme will be fully rolled out by the end of 2012.
Offshore Exploration
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:44 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to review the system of licensing for oil and gas exploration, development and production on Irish territory and waters, with a view to ensuring greater benefits for the State from the development of these natural resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6458/11]
As I outlined in my reply to Priority Questions Nos. 24 and 25 today, while Ireland has recognised potential as a petroleum producing area, the Irish offshore is relatively underexplored. As a result Ireland's petroleum potential is largely unproven. This is likely to continue to be the case, until there is an increase in the level of exploration activity offshore Ireland and there is an increase in the level of exploration drilling in particular.
Ireland competes with other countries, both in Europe and much further afield, to attract mobile international exploration investment to Ireland. To that end, it is important that Ireland maintains a licensing regime that appropriately reflects both the risks and rewards of investing in petroleum exploration in the Irish offshore, relative to investing in exploration in other jurisdictions.
In relation to periodic publicity about Ireland's oil and gas resources, recent assessments of yet-to-find potential, based on petroleum systems studies, indicate a total reserve potential in the order of 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent (oil and/or gas) for the offshore frontier basins west of Ireland. This divides roughly into 6.5 billion barrels of oil and 20 trillion cubic feet of gas. It should be understood that these figures only represent ‘potential' reserves, or the reserves that might be present based on geological criteria and regional comparisons, and that they have not been discovered. Actual reserve figures are likely to vary widely from these estimates and will not be known without a dramatic increase in the level of exploration activity.
A comprehensive review of Ireland fiscal terms was carried out in 2007. This review, which was underpinned by independent economic analysis, considered the appropriateness of Ireland's licensing terms in comparison to other European countries that Ireland competes with for exploration investment. The review concluded that there might be potential to capture a higher share for the State on more profitable finds, but that the potential for this should not be over estimated. The outcome of that review was the introduction of a supplementary tax, known as a profit resource rent tax, of between 5% and 15% that will apply in the case of more profitable fields. The supplementary tax would be payable in addition to the standard petroleum corporate tax of 25% which is of course double the standard corporation tax rate of 12.5%. Since that review concluded in 2007 there has been no significant change in terms of the level of exploration activity and no new commercial discoveries have been made.
As I have already identified, the level of exploration activity will continue to be the critical factor in Ireland obtaining a benefit from our indigenous oil and gas resources. We need to get drilling levels above the recent levels of one or two wells per year, if more commercial discoveries are to be made. As part of an ongoing strategy to attract new companies and new investment, my Department is currently running a licensing round that is deliberately structured to attract new exploration companies to Ireland. This licensing round, which closes at the end of May, also aims to encourage companies to look at areas of the Irish offshore where little data currently exists and as a consequence, little is known of the potential prospectivity of these areas.
While I will keep the licensing terms, both fiscal and non-fiscal, under review in light of relevant future developments, at this juncture I believe that the focus should be on attracting a larger share of mobile international exploration investment to Ireland, to increase the chances of new commercial discoveries being made
Alternative Energy Projects
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:45 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the turbulent events in the oil producing countries of north Africa and the Middle East and in light of the fact that Ireland imports 23% of its oil from Libya, the measures he is planning to take to develop renewable energy sources and develop jobs in this area to reduce our dependence on imported oil. [5851/11]
International Energy Agency statistics show that Ireland obtained 23.3% of its crude oil supply from Libya in 2010, which represents 8.78% of Ireland's total crude and refined oil imports in that particular year. The crude oil was sourced on the commercial market. There is no strategic dependence on oil from Libya. The Whitegate refinery is currently sourcing adequate crude oil supplies on the world market.
However, the present crisis in North Africa once again underlines the imperative for Ireland and Europe to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through accelerated development of renewable energy resources and radically enhanced energy efficiency.
In line with Ireland's binding national target under the EU Renewable Energy Directive, the National Renewable Energy Action Plan sets out the measures being taken to deliver 40% renewable electricity by 2020. The target is ambitious but is achievable. In the last five years Ireland has doubled the amount of renewable electricity on the system from over 6% in 2005 to over 13% in 2010. Reducing our national reliance on oil in the transport sector is a daunting challenge. Ensuring that Ireland is to the forefront of the electrification of transport over the next decade will be a critical priority together with progressive penetration of biofuels in to the fuel market.
Departmental Staff
Seán Kenny
Ceist:46 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number and the grade of staff in the Offices of the Director of Public Prosecution, the Chief State Solicitor and the Attorney General; and the number of vacancies by rank in each of these offices. [6741/11]
The number of staff serving in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions at 1 April 2011 was 195. The Office is carrying six vacancies.
The number of staff serving in the Chief State Solicitor's Office at 1 April 2011 was 219.43. The Office is carrying four vacancies.
The number of staff in the Office of the Attorney General (which includes the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to the Government) at 1 April 2011 was 122.8. The Office is carrying three vacancies.
A breakdown of the numbers serving and vacancies in each Office by grade is set out.
Director of Public Prosecutions: Numbers serving (vacancies)
1 Director of Public Prosecutions
1 Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
1 Head of Directing Division
1 Chief Prosecution Solicitor
1 Deputy Chief Prosecution Solicitor
3 Professional Officer Grade II
13 Professional Officer Grade III
9 Professional Officer Grade IV
5 Principal Prosecution Solicitor
1 Head of Prosecution Policy Unit
9 Senior Prosecution Solicitor
40 Prosecution Solicitor (plus two vacancies)
1 Principal Legal Executive
0 Deputy Principal Legal Executive (one vacancy)
4 Assistant Principal Legal Executive
4 Higher Legal Executive
7 Legal Executive
1 Trainee Law Clerk
1 Legal Research Officer (plus two vacancies)
1 Law Librarian
1 Assistant Librarian
1 Principal Officer
6 Assistant Principal
11 Higher Executive Officer
10 Executive Officer
6 Staff Officer
46 Clerical Officer (plus one vacancy)
4 Services Officer
6 Contract Prosecution Solicitors
Chief State Solicitor's Office: Numbers serving (vacancies)
1 Chief State Solicitor
4 Assistant Chief State Solicitor (plus one vacancy)
10.8 Deputy Assistant Chief State Solicitor
12.6 Principal Solicitor
69.6 State Solicitor
5 State Solicitor (Contract)
0 Legal Cost Control Officer (one vacancy)
1 Principal Legal Executive
1 Deputy Principal Legal Executive
5.5 Assistant Principal Legal Executive
8.83 Higher Legal Executive
11.5 Legal Executive (plus two vacancies)
1 Principal Officer
3.8 Assistant Principal Officer
1 Accountant
6 Higher Executive Officer
1 Librarian
11.8 Executive Officer
9.2 Staff Officer
49.8 Clerical Officer
4 Services Officer
1 Cleaner
Office of the Attorney General: Numbers serving (vacancies)
1 Director General
1 Chief Parliamentary Counsel
1 Co-ordinator of EU and ECHR Law
1 First Parliamentary Counsel
1 Deputy Director General
5 Advisory Counsel Grade I (plus one vacancy)
4 Parliamentary Counsel
14.4 Advisory Counsel Grade II
7 Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade I
1 Principal Officer
9.6 Advisory Counsel Grade III
13.8 Parliamentary Counsel Grade II
6 Assistant Principal Officers
9 Higher Executive Officers
9 Executive Officers
4 Staff Officers
28.7 Clerical Officers (plus two vacancies)
1 Special Adviser to the Attorney
1 Personal Assistant to the Attorney
4 Legal Researchers
0.3 Canteen Operative
Census of Population
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:47 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the numbers of persons employed by the Central Statistics Office to implement the enumeration of census 2011; of these, the number of persons who were on the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6329/11]
A total of 4,854 people are currently employed as census enumerators (engaged in a part-time capacity) to carry out the field work on the 2011 census. All of the recruitment for the census field operation has been carried out by the CSO under licence by the Commission for Public Service Appointments and complies with their strict recruitment principles regarding fairness, equality, openness and transparency.
On taking up employment as enumerators, 3,077 people indicated that they were not in employment and 1,777 indicated some form of other employment. However it is important to note that all applicants for enumerator positions were assessed at interview on their availability for census work (given the need to make frequent calls to households at different times of the day); those in full-time work were assessed as having low availability and so would be unlikely to be offered enumerator positions ahead of other suitably qualified candidates. It is more likely that those in existing employment are working part-time elsewhere. It was not open to the CSO to exclude people on this basis. Out of the total of 4,854 enumerators, 740 indicated at interview that they were on the Live Register representing 15% of all enumerators.
Supreme Court Appeal
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:48 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach if he will withdraw the Government’s Supreme Court appeal to the Doherty decision which was secured in the High Court and which related to the filling of a casual vacancy in the Donegal South-West constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/11]
An appeal was commenced in the matter last year and is now pending before the Supreme Court on a point of constitutional law. It would not be appropriate to comment on its status.
Official Engagements
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:49 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the dates and itinerary of the visit of the Queen of England to this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6362/11]
A State Visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth II is anticipated to take place in the near future. The final dates and the programme for the State Visit are still under consideration and we are working closely with the British side on developing a programme which reflects the strength and vibrancy of our bilateral relationship. Reconciliation between Ireland and Great Britain has been hugely advanced over recent decades, most importantly through the working together of successive Irish and British governments on the peace process, and the Government is of the view that it is right and timely that this transformation of relations between our two countries should be reflected in the State visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth II.
State Visits
Micheál Martin
Ceist:50 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements for State visits in the coming months. [5811/11]
There are two State Visits due to take place in the near future. The State Visit by Prince Albert takes place from 4-6 April and marks the 50th anniversary of the visit of his parents, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier to Ireland in 1961.
A State Visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth II is anticipated to take place in the near future. The final dates and the programme for the State Visit are still under consideration and we are working closely with the British side on developing a programme which reflects the strength and vibrancy of our bilateral relationship.
Trade Relations
Micheál Martin
Ceist:51 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to implement the African trade strategy which was developed by the previous Government. [5916/11]
The Government attaches great importance to the continuing development of Ireland's relations with Africa as a whole, and with individual African countries. My Department manages a significant development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, which is strongly focused on sub-Saharan Africa. Our broader relations with Africa are managed through our Embassy network across that continent, as well as through our relationships with the European Union, the United Nations, and other international bodies. While development needs remain very evident, Africa is also undergoing major political, economic and social change, and it is important that we consider ways of strengthening our approach to Africa in order to respond to these changes. Trade, investment and business-to-business exchange are increasingly important emerging facets of our relationship with Africa, and we will be sharpening our focus on identifying opportunities in these areas. As the Deputy will be aware, officials in my Department have been examining ways to strengthen all aspects of our relations with our African partners in the political, economic, and development spheres, including through the development of a strategy for the mutually beneficial enhancement of trade between Ireland and Africa.
Some practical work has already been done in this area in terms of staff training and enhancing the capacity of our Embassies in Africa to undertake economic and trade work and we are looking to build on this. The enhanced role for the Department of Foreign Affairs in the trade area will also facilitate greater coherence in this regard in Africa. A broad review of our relations with Africa, and options for strengthening these, is at an advanced stage in my Department, and I envisage that I will be making a more detailed statement on our plans and priorities in this regard in the near future. I would underline that poverty, hunger and under-development continue to be the greatest obstacles for Africa, and efforts to eradicate these will continue to be a key focus in our work with African partners.
Departmental Expenditure
Micheál Martin
Ceist:52 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding he provides to Co-operation Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6658/11]
The objective of the Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund is to assist individuals and organisations involved in reconciliation work and to encourage and facilitate better relations within and between the nationalist/republican and unionist/loyalist traditions on the island of Ireland and also relations between Ireland and Britain. Each year, applications to the Fund are received from a broad range of organisations and groups. Since its foundation in 1979, Co-operation Ireland has undertaken valuable and important work in the reconciliation field. Since 1999, it has received grant aid totalling just over €4 million from the Reconciliation Fund in support of its cross-border community and youth activities and other exchanges.
Any further funding applications received from Co-operation Ireland will continue to be considered on their merits.
International Agreements
Micheál Martin
Ceist:53 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the UN millennium development goals to tackle global hunger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6660/11]
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were agreed by world leaders at the United Nations in 2000 as the framework for international development policy up to 2015. For the first time the MDGs provide a clearly measurable way in which the world can track progress in relation to reducing global poverty. Last September, the MDG Review Summit in New York assessed progress against each of the Goals and set out the measures required for their achievement by 2015.
Hunger is one of the key determinants of poverty and exclusion. The first MDG aims to halve the proportion of people suffering from poverty and hunger. Yet almost one billion people go hungry each evening. This is unacceptable. As a result of the work of the Hunger Task Force, reducing hunger has been placed as a key pillar of Ireland's development cooperation policy and indeed foreign policy. In Ireland this is an issue which has garnered support right across the political spectrum. The Government will continue to ensure that hunger remains at the forefront of our development efforts in the years ahead.
In particular I would emphasise the close cooperation we have with the US in advancing this priority. At the recent St Patrick's Day meetings in Washington the Taoiseach and President Obama discussed hunger. The Tánaiste and Secretary of State Clinton also discussed the matter and agreed to work closely in the coming months to galvanise action, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, to combat under-nutrition in pregnant women and infants. We are also working closely with our EU partners to advance the issue. In my role as Minister of State with responsibility for development I intend to visit a number of our Programme Countries in the coming months to see what more Ireland can do to prioritise this issue and to strengthen our work on hunger.
The Government remains strongly committed to working with our partners for the achievement of the MDGs, with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa and on the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.
International Awards
Micheál Martin
Ceist:54 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when successful applicants to the Fulbright International Science & Technology Award will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6657/11]
The Fulbright International Science & Technology Award was initiated in 2006 and offers students in science and technology the US government's most prestigious and valuable scholarship. It is advertised internationally to attract the most highly qualified young candidates in the countries in which Fulbright operates to study at America's leading universities. Each year it provides successful candidates with fully funded PhD studies worth approximately $60,000 per annum for a maximum of 5 years. To date, Ireland has had 5 successful awardees in the competition which opens in February and closes in May two years before the relevant academic year. Ireland's two International Fulbright Science and Technology Awardees, for the 2011 — 2012 academic year, Ms Ellen Roche and Ms Elizabeth O'Sullivan, were notified on 3 September 2010 and are currently finalising their choice of US institution. The 2012-13 competition for the International Fulbright Science and Technology Award opened in February 2011. The deadline for applications is noon on 18 May 2011. Eligible candidates will be interviewed thereafter by the US-Ireland Commission for Educational Exchange and the applications of shortlisted candidates must then be forwarded to an international selection panel in the US by 15 June 2011. Candidates successful in the 2012 — 2013 competition will be notified in September 2011.
Missing Persons
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:55 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update regarding a missing person (details supplied); the action he will take to have this case solved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6392/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in Madrid, has been providing assistance in the case of the person mentioned by him since her disappearance on 1 January 2008. Since the previous parliamentary reply to the Deputy, No. 213 of December, 2010, the status of the case of the missing Irish girl in Spain has not changed. Our Embassy in Madrid remains in contact with the Guardia Civil in relation to the case and is ready to assist her family in whatever way possible. I am informed that, unfortunately, there are no new definitive leads as to her whereabouts.
However, I am assured that the Spanish authorities continue to investigate her case with the hope of finding her, that the senior police officer leading the investigation has undertaken to keep the Embassy informed of any developments, that her case is still considered by them as a missing person's case, and that any information received will be passed on immediately to the family both in Spain and in Ireland.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a strong interest in following this case with the Spanish police and that it will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the extended family.
I would also like to express my full understanding of the acute distress the disappearance of the girl is causing all her extended family.
Undocumented Irish
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:56 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he plans to help the 50,000 undocumented Irish living in the United States by seeking an extension to the E3 work visa currently available to Australian nationals, given that any variation of this type of visa is specifically relevant to new applicants thus disqualifying those already living in the United States; if he will raise this issue with President Barack Obama during his State visit in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6408/11]
Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. I believe that the inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme is the most effective way of creating new opportunities for Irish citizens to work in the US on a two year renewable visa. The introduction of such a scheme, which has attracted support from a number of members of Congress from both parties, will require the passage of legislation in Congress.
The successful passage of E3 visa legislation would not provide a comprehensive solution to the situation of the undocumented Irish. It would, however, strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. The most realistic long term solution for our undocumented citizens remains through comprehensive reform of the immigration system.
The Taoiseach raised the issue of the undocumented and the potential for the introduction of an E3 visa with President Obama during his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington. I also discussed the issue with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 16 March.
While the agenda for President Obama's visit to Ireland in May is not yet finalised, I expect that immigration related issues will be raised by the Government in our meetings with the President.
The Government is encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking as recently as 28 March, the President reiterated his support for comprehensive reform of the immigration system, allowing a pathway to citizenship for those who are just looking for a better life and contributing to the country.
I am very aware of the enormous political challenges that face efforts to pass any immigration related legislations at the current time, including the E3 proposal. These difficulties were clearly demonstrated by the failure of efforts to pass the limited DREAM Bill at the end of 2010 — a measure that had enjoyed strong public and political support.
My Department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, will continue to work proactively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:57 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most common form of US work visa, theH-1B, is limited to those holding a university degree in a specialty occupation and supported by a labour condition application from a US employer with whom the applicant must be employed on the prevailing wage structure and the way such a scheme could be applied to the current undocumented Irish living in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6409/11]
The United States operates a range of non-immigrant visa programmes to facilitate entry into that country by nationals of other countries to undertake a number of work related and other activities. One such scheme is the H-1B visa which is limited to applicants with a US sponsoring company, working in a number of specialty occupations. Under US Congressional legislation, a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas can be issued each year. It is a requirement that the visa holder has completed a specific course of higher education. The quota of visas can often be filled early in the year. Figures from the US State Department indicate that 616 H-1B-type visas were issued to Irish citizens in 2010.
The participation of Irish citizens in US visa programmes helps to maintain the human bridge between the United States and Ireland and underpin the excellent relations between the two countries.
Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. However, the consistent advice from key Congress contacts is that a comprehensive solution for the undocumented would not be achieved through existing visa schemes such as the H-1B visa.
I have outlined my position on the undocumented and the proposed E3 visa in my reply to Question No. 56 of today.
Foreign Conflicts
Finian McGrath
Ceist:58 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has now abandoned its own independent foreign policy on international conflicts; and if he will provide his position on NATO. [6468/11]
Ireland conducts its international relations in accordance with the values set out in Article 29 of the Constitution. These include commitment to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality, adherence to the principle of the pacific settlement of international disputes, and acceptance of the generally recognised principles of international law. Ireland attaches considerable importance to the peaceful resolution of conflict and, together with other countries which share these values, works towards this end through its action in the United Nations, the European Union and other international obligations. Partly because of the history which has shaped us and our experience of the Northern Ireland peace process, we bring a distinctive perspective to the resolution of conflict around the world and I look forward to the opportunities which our Chairmanship of the OSCE next year will provide for a strengthened Irish contribution in this respect.
As a member of the United Nations and in accordance with the UN Charter, we also acknowledge that primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the UN Security Council, and we agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Council acts on behalf of all members. We take seriously the obligation we have assumed to give the organisation every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter.
This obligation is reflected in our readiness to participate in a significant number of peace operations authorised by the United Nations, whether these are undertaken under direct UN command or are led by the European Union or by NATO, and in our support for the actions of other States acting in pursuit of and consistent with Security Council Resolutions.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is not a member of NATO. I foresee no change in this position. Our relations with NATO are conducted within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and Partnership for Peace (PfP), which we joined in 1999. The EAPC is a forum for consultation involving all PfP participants on a wide range of issues, from peacekeeping to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Participation in the PfP has also strengthened the ability of the Defence Forces to participate effectively and safely with other nations in UN-authorised operations.
Undocumented Irish
Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:59 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he had in the USA regarding the plight of the undocumented Irish in the USA. [6641/11]
Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. I believe that the inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme is the most effective way of creating new opportunities for Irish citizens to work in the US on a two year renewable visa. The introduction of such a scheme, which has attracted support from a number of members of Congress from both parties, will require the passage of legislation in Congress.
The successful passage of E3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. It is the case, however, that the E3 would not provide a solution to the undocumented Irish in the US. The most realistic long term solution for our undocumented citizens remains through comprehensive reform.
I discussed the issue of Irish immigration with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 16 March. The Taoiseach also raised the issue of the undocumented and the potential for the continued development of Ireland's migration arrangements with the US with President Obama during his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington.
The Government is encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking as recently as 28 March, the President reiterated his support for comprehensive reform of the immigration system, allowing a pathway to citizenship for those who are just looking for a better life and contributing to the country.
I am very aware of the enormous political challenges that face efforts to pass any immigration related legislation at the current time, including the E3 proposal. These difficulties were clearly demonstrated by the failure of efforts to pass the limited DREAM Bill at the end of 2010 — a measure that had enjoyed strong public and political support.
My Department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, will continue to work proactively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates.
Middle East Peace Process
Finian McGrath
Ceist:60 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will recognise a Palestinian state in the 1967 borders that it is in the West Bank including the east Jerusalem and Gaza; and if he will accord the Palestine state full diplomatic relations. [6700/11]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 16 answered on 22 March, which is outlined as follows. A number of countries, principally in Latin America and including Brazil, Argentina and Chile, have recently decided to recognise a Palestinian state. This is in addition to those states — mostly in Africa or in the Islamic world — who have recognised Palestine for many years.
Over thirty years ago, Ireland, in a speech by my predecessor of the day, the late Brian Lenihan, was the first EU Member State to declare that the resolution of the Palestinian issue must involve the establishment of a Palestinian state. That is now the policy of the EU and of the international community. I share the commitment of successive Irish Governments to this policy and will be working towards its realisation.
It would be premature to declare such recognition now, in advance of actual control of the territory in question, a condition to which we in Ireland attach significance. It is also important to recall that the Palestinian leadership, while clearly working towards the declaration of a State in the near future, have not yet done so. The timing of such a declaration will be an important decision for them to take, and may involve potential negative consequences on the ground.
Separately, a number of EU partners, including Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and the UK have recently taken steps to upgrade the status of the Palestinian Delegations in their countries, largely in recognition of the continuing progress being made by Prime Minister Fayyad and the Palestinian Authority in building up the institutions of a future Palestinian state. By a decision of the previous Government in January — which I fully endorse — the Palestinian representative office in Ireland was upgraded to Mission status, headed by an Ambassador.
I very much hope to be able to extend Irish recognition of an actual, functioning Palestinian state during my time in office.
Anti-Racism Measures
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:61 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make contact with the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as a matter of urgency regarding the continuing problem of anti-Irish racism in Scotland to ascertain the steps the Scottish Executive is taking to counteract this ongoing problem. [6703/11]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to recent reports of sectarian behaviour at football matches which took place in Scotland in the last month or so. Matters of this nature are kept under constant review by the Scottish Government, which has repeatedly stated that there is no place for racism or sectarianism — in relation to any community — in Scotland. I welcome the decision in March by the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond to establish a Joint Action Group to implement a series of measures to support the work of football clubs, local authorities and police with communities to address alcohol misuse, sectarianism, racism, domestic abuse and violence. I am very aware of the concerns of the Irish community in Scotland and know that they will help to contribute to this initiative.
We share the view of the Scottish Government that racism and sectarianism are abhorrent in all their forms and are contrary to the spirit in which any sport is played. I can assure the Deputy that our Consul General of Ireland in Edinburgh continues to maintain dialogue on these matters with the Scottish authorities and to report back to my Department.
Travel Statistics
Seán Kenny
Ceist:62 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish persons who have visited China, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand and South Africa in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date 2011. [6740/11]
The statistics sought by the Deputy are not immediately available to my Department and may not have been collated by the authorities of the countries concerned. I will make enquiries with Embassies to these countries and notify the Deputy of the outcome.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:63 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department. [6801/11]
There are no semi-State bodies or authorities under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs. There are four bodies operating under the aegis of this Department. 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. The Minister for Foreign Affairs makes the appointments to these bodies.
The only body that operates an independent payroll system is the Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission), which was established under the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States) Act, 1991 to facilitate the administration of educational and cultural exchanges between Ireland and the United States of America. Section 2 of that Act provides that “the Commission shall enjoy autonomy of management and administration” .
Human Rights Issues
Joan Collins
Ceist:64 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to meet the Dalai Lama on his upcoming visit here in April; his views on the recognition of Tibet as an independent state; his further views regarding human rights violations in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6822/11]
The Dalai Lama is visiting Ireland during April at the invitation of a number of Non-governmental Organisations.
The Government is committed to the One-China policy which acknowledges Tibet as part of China. We believe that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet over issues of culture, language, religion and identity. It is important for the long-term peace and stability of the region that the two sides come to an agreement on the future of Tibet.
The Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet and related human rights issues directly to the Chinese authorities through regular contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and in the course of bilateral political consultations. The issues of Tibet and human rights are also regularly raised by the European Union with China including at the annual EU-China Summit and during the separate EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
I have no plans to meet with the Dalai Lama during his visit.
Departmental Expenditure
Gerald Nash
Ceist:65 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make funding available on a once-off basis to an organisation (details supplied) as applied for under the Reconciliation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6828/11]
I thank the Deputy for his interest in the Reconciliation Fund which is operated by my Department. The objective of the Reconciliation Fund is to assist individuals and organisations involved in reconciliation work and to encourage and facilitate better relations within and between the nationalist/republican and unionist/loyalist traditions on the island of Ireland and also relations between Ireland and Britain. A separate Anti-Sectarianism Fund operates alongside the Reconciliation Fund to provide financial assistance towards projects in communities that are seeking new and more effective ways of addressing sectarianism and division in society. Since 2007, the overall annual allocation to the two Funds has been €3 million.
Project applications are assessed in the light of the objectives of the Funds and in light of the advice of an Inter-departmental Advisory Committee which comprises official-level representatives from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Justice and Law Reform, Education and Skills and my own Department.
All applications will be examined over the coming weeks, ahead of the first funding round of 2011.
National Lottery Funding
Joe McHugh
Ceist:66 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reallocating funds from the lottery fund to the Exchequer for a specific period of time so that it could be used to reduce public debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6416/11]
Section 5 of the National Lottery Act 1986 provides that the surplus from the National Lottery may be used for the following purposes: sport and other recreation; national culture, including the Irish language; the arts, within the meaning of the Arts Act 1951; the health of the community; and for such other purposes as the Government may determine. The following additional categories have been so determined: youth, welfare, national heritage and amenities. In order to give effect to this statutory provision, the surplus from the National Lottery is transferred to the Exchequer on a regular basis and is applied each year to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. Each year, the amount transferred to the Exchequer from the National Lottery surplus, together with details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant subheads, are set out in Appendix 1 of the annual "Revised Estimates for Public Services".
The allocation of funds from the National Lottery surplus towards the reduction of the public debt would require a change in legislation and it would also mean that Exchequer support for many programmes and projects would have to cease. It is not intended to pursue this approach.
State Assets
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:67 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the State assets that are being considered for sale or privatisation as referred to in the programme for Government and arising out of conditions from the International Monetary Fund-EU loan package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6426/11]
The sale of non-strategic State assets provided for in the Programme for Government does not, as the Deputy's question suggests, arise from the conditions of the financial assistance programme agreed with International Monetary Fund, the EU Commission, and the ECB. Under the NewERA plan set out in the Programme for Government, State asset sales will fund investment in key networks of the economy, so as to support demand and employment in the short-term, and to provide the basis for sustainable, export-led jobs and growth. The issue of asset disposals will be considered further after the Government has examined the report and recommendations of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, which is to be finalised shortly by the Group.
Valuation Act
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:68 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider amending the 2001 legislation in respect of rate valuation for business so that businesses can apply to have valuations carried out on an individual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6606/11]
I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act, 2001 and that I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act 2001 which came into effect on 2 May 2002, provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act.
The basis of rateable valuation for all business premises is net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the premises. Like all commercial property, the valuations of business premises are determined by reference to the values of comparable properties on the same valuation list.
Under section 27 of the Act, an owner/occupier of an individual business premises who has concerns about the valuation of their property or any part thereof, including its rateability or the method of calculation may, on payment of a statutory fee of €250, apply to the Valuation Office for a revision of the valuation. A Revision Officer of the Commissioner is then appointed, who may carry out a revision of valuation in relation to a particular property only if a material change of circumstances (MCC) has occurred since the property was last revised. MCC is defined in section 3 of the Act as a change of circumstances, which consist of a new building, a change in value due to structural alterations of an existing building, total or partial demolition of a building or a sub-division or amalgamation of relevant property. The definition does not allow for a revision of valuation where the change in value is due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as roads or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property. The valuation of commercial property is determined by reference to the values of comparable properties on the same valuation list.
I have no plans at present to introduce amendments to the legislation; however, my officials are reviewing various provisions of the Valuation Act 2001 to achieve greater efficiencies, including streamlining the appeal process.
Departmental Schemes
Pat Breen
Ceist:69 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance his plans regarding the cycle to work scheme; if he will renew this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6868/11]
The cycle-to-work scheme was introduced in Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 and continues to operate. At present there are no plans for its amendment.
Tax Code
Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Ceist:70 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the status of commercial rates in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown local authority area, which are set at the valuation date of 30 September 2005, when property rental values were much higher than in the current economic climate, a situation which is placing undue financial pressure on ratepayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6887/11]
The Valuation Act 2001 which came into effect on 2 May, 2002 provides for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property in the State. I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act and that I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard. The recent revaluation of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council rating authority area was undertaken after the required consultation by the Commissioner with both the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the subsequent making by the Commissioner of the requisite Valuation Order in June 2008. The Valuation date was 30 September 2005, the same date as was used for the revaluations of South Dublin and Fingal. The new valuation list was published on 31 December 2010. By reference to this list, approximately 54% of ratepayers experienced a decreased rates liability, while 46% will have an increased rates liability.
As provided in the Act, and as advised to all ratepayers in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area, there is provision for any ratepayer to formally appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation against the rateable valuation accorded his/her property in the valuation list published on 31 December, 2010. These appeals are now being considered by the Commissioner. If any ratepayer is still dissatisfied with their valuation, they can appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal and, ultimately, to the Courts on a point of law. The purpose of a revaluation is not to increase the total amount of commercial rates collected by local authorities. The legislation (Valuation Act 2001 and the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006) provides that the commercial rates income of local authorities in the year following a revaluation will be capped. The only increase in the total rates income of a local authority permitted in the year following publication of the new valuation list is an increase to cover for the rate of inflation.
The choice of Valuation Date does not affect the overall commercial rates income of a local authority. The amount of rates payable on any property is the result of multiplying two variables: the Valuation, which is in line with rental values at the Valuation Date and the ARV- the annual rate on valuation, which is calculated by the local authority. Since the total amount of rates to be collected by the local authority is capped in the year after the revaluation takes place, the only movements are between the total amount of valuations and the ARV.
If the valuation date of 30 September 2005 was altered and, as a result, produced a lower total valuation overall, then the ARV would increase, so that the local authority receives the pre-determined amount of rates income in the year following the Revaluation. Likewise, if a different valuation date produced a higher total valuation overall, then the ARV would reduce to provide the local authority with the same pre-determined amount of rates income. Therefore, changing the date of valuation will not affect the overall amount of rates income received by a local authority in the year following Revaluation.
While individual increases or decreases in rates liability will inevitably be the result of a revaluation, such increases or decreases will reflect movements over time in the overall property market, and result in a fairer, more transparent rating system.
FÁS Training Programmes
David Stanton
Ceist:71 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if placements are to be made available in the Revenue Commissioners local tax offices through the public sector work placement programme stream 1; when he expects this to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6896/11]
The Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 ("Croke Park" Agreement) provides that there will be full support in the Civil Service and State Agencies with the FÁS Work Placement Programme. The Programme, which comprises two streams, stream 1 for graduates and stream 2 for other unemployed persons, provides up to 9 months work experience and aims to assist the unemployed persons to retain their skills levels and/or secure work experience that will assist them in getting a job. Placements under the scheme cannot displace an existing member of staff or be used to fill a vacant post. I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are engaged in the Graduate stream (stream 1) on a pilot basis in its Research and Analytics Branch. The available placements, which are in the Statistics and Economics areas, are currently advertised on the FÁS website and at http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/careers/fas-work-placement/index.html. Following the outcome of this pilot, I understand Revenue will consider the rollout of the programme to other areas across the organisation. However, given the nature and objectives of the programme it is unlikely that any suitable placements would arise in local tax offices.
Public Sector Pay
Joan Collins
Ceist:72 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons currently earning over €250,000 gross in the employ of the State; the total amount of wages that the persons on over €250,000 gross have earned for the first three months of 2011; the way he can justify top bosses in the commercial semi State sector earning more than the new salary cap which is already more than six times the average industrial wage; if he proposes that this salary cap be reduced from the current level of over six times the average industrial wage; and, if so, the amount by which he proposes to reduce the salary cap and the advice he has received in relation to changing contracts that currently pay above the €250,000 salary cap in view of our ongoing economic crisis. [6410/11]
Michael McGrath
Ceist:73 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he supports the previous Government’s policy decision to implement a maximum salary cap in the public sector of €250,000 and, if so, the steps he will take to ensure the salary cap is adhered to by State agencies and commercial State companies. [6473/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
The Government supports a strong policy of pay restraint within the public sector, including the application of pay caps. On assumption of office the Taoiseach, other members of the Government and a number of other officeholders have, in line with that commitment, voluntarily reduced their salary rates, with the Taoiseach's salary now set at €200,000.
Following the announcement of the proposed salary cap of €250,000 in the public sector in his budget 2011 speech, the then Minister for Finance acknowledged there would be contractual issues in relation to the application of that cap to current incumbents of posts. This remains the position. I propose to give further consideration as to how best to effect reductions in the remuneration of such posts in the light of the contractual issues identified.
From information available there are 28 individuals in the Commercial State Companies (9), Non Commercial State Agencies (5), the Oireachtas (1), the Education Sector (4) and the Judiciary (9) in receipt of salaries in excess of €250,000. There are no persons in either the Civil Service or in the Local Authorities with salaries in excess of €250,000.
In addition to the above, certain Academic Consultants at professorial level in the Health Sector are in receipt of remuneration in excess of €250,000 per annum. While the HSE have confirmed that there are 168 Academic Consultants, it has advised that a break down of the numbers between professorial and other grades in the academic consultant stream by contract type is not available. However, full details of current remuneration payable to consultant grades in the Health Service Executive in respect of each contract type can be found at www.hseea.ie.
It is to be noted that remuneration rates in the Central Bank Financial Services Authority of Ireland are solely a matter for the Board of the Bank and the Authority to determine while the remuneration packages of all National Treasury Management Authority staff (which includes the staff of the National Asset Management Authority) are negotiated on an individual contract basis and are confidential. In these circumstances any staff in these bodies who may be in receipt of salaries in excess of €250,000 are not included in the 28 posts cited above.
The amount of actual earnings for the first three months of 2011 of the persons in the 28 posts cited above is not available as payments are not made centrally but through each relevant person's own payroll section. It is also to be noted that some individuals may be taking a voluntary reduction in pay. The salary to apply to future appointees to relevant positions in the public service will be considered on a case by case basis, having regard to the overall need for pay restraint. In terms of the salaries of CEOs of Commercial State Companies such salaries require the agreement of both the relevant Minister and the Minister for Finance. The current arrangements for setting the remuneration of the commercial State sponsored bodies is based on comparative posts in the private sector — the last such review took place in 2007. It is my intention to give further consideration to the overall remuneration package of CEOs of Commercial State Companies. In the interim the salary to apply to future appointees to any such positions that fall vacant will be considered on a case by case basis.
Proposed Legislation
Michael McGrath
Ceist:74 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce legislation to facilitate burden sharing with different classes of bondholders. [6476/11]
Michael McGrath
Ceist:86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the results of the bank stress tests, if he will provide details of his plans to achieve burden sharing with senior unsecured bank bondholders. [6587/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 86 together.
The Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010 ('the Act') enacted in December 2010 provides legislative scope for appropriate burden-sharing in relation to subordinated debt. A subordinated liabilities order can be made under the Act in relation to the subordinated liabilities of a relevant institution to which the Minister has provided or intends to provide financial support. These orders can postpone, terminate, suspend or otherwise modify specific rights, terms and obligations associated with subordinated liabilities or require the institution concerned to acquire the subordinated liabilities for a specified consideration. Burden-sharing can also be achieved under the Act by granting subordinated creditors a shareholding in the relevant institution and where this happens the debt owed to affected subordinated creditors can become instead an equity interest in the relevant institution. No subordinated liabilities orders have been made under the Act to date. It is important to note that a number of institutions have, however, undertaken liability management exercises where they have purchased their securities at a discount thereby generating a gain for the institution and an effective burden sharing with creditors and investors. Sub-debt holders have contributed, through this channel, almost €10 billion to the recapitalisation of the Irish banks.
Regarding burden sharing with senior bondholders, as I set out in my Statement to the House on Banking Matters last Thursday, it is vital that, after going through the reorganisation, the proposed three banks (Bank of Ireland, AIB/EBS, and IL&P) are able to operate in the market place as strong banks with a positive future and ongoing positive relationships with counterparties of all kinds. Therefore the Government has decided, informed by the reservations of the ECB, that these banks will not burden share with senior bondholders of their constituent banks, whether guaranteed or unguaranteed.
It is Government policy to work out Anglo Irish Bank and INBS in an orderly manner over time and to minimise further injections of taxpayer capital into either institution. Should additional capital be required, the Government will then consult with the external partners on the timeframe and means of recapitalising those institutions at minimum cost to the taxpayer, having regard to the financial stability impacts in Ireland and abroad.
Programmes for Government
Michael McGrath
Ceist:75 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to establish a budgetary advisory council by the end of June 2011 in line with the agreement between Ireland and the EU-International Monetary Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6477/11]
The Government Programme includes a commitment to establish a Fiscal Advisory Council. Indeed, the issue of reform of Ireland's Budgetary framework, including the establishment of a Fiscal Advisory Council, is a priority for the Government. As mentioned by the Deputy, the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support requires that such a body be in place by the end of the second quarter of 2011. It is the Government's intention that this deadline will be met.
In this regard, there would be merit in providing for a Fiscal Advisory Council in law as this would underline the Government's commitment to fiscal reform and to the independence of the body. At the same time, the establishment of such a council does not strictly need to be underpinned by law and could proceed in advance of legislation on fiscal reform.
The question of the legislative arrangements surrounding fiscal reform is a matter which has yet to be considered by the Government. The Deputy may wish to note that last Friday my Department published a discussion document on its website entitled Reforming Ireland’s Budgetary Framework with a view to assisting debate and to setting out a range of potential policy options on this important issue. It is intended that in due course a seminar will be organised to allow for discussion and debate among all interested parties and experts with a view to arriving at the optimum set of proposals for fiscal reform which can then be taken forward for Government approval and subsequent implementation, within the timeframe already set out.
Social and Affordable Housing
Paschal Donohoe
Ceist:76 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance his plans to include a social dividend clause in the National Asset Management Agency legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6478/11]
One of the purposes set out in the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 is "to contribute to the social and economic development of the State". Where it can be shown that, for example, providing units for social and affordable housing needs can create a commercial proposition for NAMA, then NAMA may play a role in the provision of social and affordable housing. I understand that officials of NAMA have had some contact with officials of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, local authorities and other public bodies to explore the scope for such arrangements. It is not intended at this stage to amend the NAMA legislation.
Tax Code
Paschal Donohoe
Ceist:77 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance his plans to consider reviewing the VAT rates for casinos, private members clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6509/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the EU VAT Directive 2006 permits Member States to limit the scope of the VAT exemption for betting, lotteries and other forms of gambling. Under Irish VAT law, the exemption for gambling is confined to licensed betting, betting on the Tote and lotteries. Accordingly, all gambling and gaming activities carried on in casinos and private members clubs in the State are regarded for VAT purposes as taxable activities, and the persons carrying on such activities must register and account for VAT in respect of those activities where their annual turnover from the activities exceeds a threshold of €37,500. The rate of VAT applicable is the standard rate, which in Ireland is currently 21%.
The VAT rating of goods or services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. There are no provisions in the VAT Directive that permit the reduced rate (currently 13.5%) or the zero rate to be applied to gambling or gaming activities.
I have no plans to change the application of VAT to casinos and private members clubs.
Pension Provisions
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:78 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if public servant pension contributions deductions are paid into a separate pensions fund which is ring-fenced; and if not, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6518/11]
Occupational pension contributions made by public service employees are not generally paid into a separate or ring-fenced fund. The vast majority of public service occupational pension schemes are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the annual cost of pensions being met from current revenue. The contributions received from employees are usually recorded under the Appropriations-in-Aid heading of the appropriate Vote, rather than netted off against pension payments. There are a small number of public service bodies who have funded pension schemes, such as the Commission for Communications Regulation, and scheme member's pension contributions are paid into the fund in these cases.
Tax Code
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:79 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance when mortgage interest relief will be suspended for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/11]
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to help homeowners in distress to weather the recession. The Government will examine a number of proposals in relation to this commitment. One of these proposals relates to increasing mortgage interest relief to 30% for First Time Buyers who bought between 2004 and 2008 and to finance this in part by abolishing mortgage interest relief for new buyers from June 2011.
When this proposal has been thoroughly examined and analyzed and the findings and recommendations are presented to me, I will decide on the appropriate action to be taken. However, it is unlikely that any measures will be introduced before budget 2012.
Departmental Schemes
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:80 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will reverse the Government levy on biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6574/11]
It is understood that the Deputy is referring to the Biofuels (Mineral Oil Tax) Relief scheme that ended on 31 December 2010. Consequently, with effect from 1 January 2011, biofuels are subject to full mineral oil tax rates; however, unlike conventional fuels, biofuels are exempt from the carbon charge. The promotion of biofuel is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The National Biofuel Obligation, which is operated by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), is now the Government's means of supporting the use of biofuel in the future. The National Biofuel Obligation requires suppliers of road transport fuels to ensure that 4% of their volumes sold on the Irish market is biofuel; it will underpin delivery of the national biofuel target and will take full account of EU biofuels policy, including the sustainability criteria.
Experience in Ireland and elsewhere has shown that short term fiscal measures cannot provide sufficient certainty to producers, and that only an obligation type system can ensure that Ireland seizes the opportunity to take advantage of biofuel, and that the considerable opportunities for the indigenous production of biofuel are exploited.
Banks Recapitalisation
Michael McGrath
Ceist:81 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the results of the bank stress tests, if he will provide details of his plans for the future of a bank (details supplied). [6582/11]
As announced last week, the recent bid for EBS did not represent good value for the State as the shareholder and the sale of EBS has been discontinued. The intention, with the consent of the European Commission, is to merge the operations of AIB and EBS to build a second pillar bank using the strengths of both institutions.
Tax Yield
Michael McGrath
Ceist:82 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of income he expects to collect in 2011, 2012 and 2013 from the universal social charge. [6583/11]
Michael McGrath
Ceist:92 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of income he expects to collect in 2011, 2012 and 2013 from the universal social charge in excess of the amount that would otherwise have been collected from the combination of the income levy and health levy. [6593/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 92 together.
The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a tax which replaces the income and health levies. It is intended to broaden the tax base in an equitable manner and applies to approximately 500,000 more income earners than the income and health levies. USC receipts will be collected under the income tax sub-head. The Budget 2011 projections for receipts from the USC are set out in the following table.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
Universal Social Charge(€ billions) |
3.3 |
4.1 |
4.3 |
In addition to the projected USC receipts detailed above, the Exchequer will benefit in 2011 from arrears collected in respect of the income levy and the health levy. As with all new income tax measures, the first year yield is expected to be significantly below the full-year yield, for a number of reasons including the fact that a portion of the tax collected in the year in which a measure is introduced relates to earnings in the previous year.
The estimate of the combined income and health levy receipts that was included in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 is set out in the following table:
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
Combined Income and Health Levy (€ billions) |
3.6 |
3.7 |
3.9 |
Banks Recapitalisation
Michael McGrath
Ceist:83 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the results of the bank stress tests, if he will provide details of his plans for the future of a bank (details supplied). [6584/11]
As I stated in the Dáil last week, a new bank will be created from Bank of Ireland which will be smaller, more focused on core operations, better funded and better capitalised and more focused on serving the economy of the island of Ireland. The bank will split into separately managed non-core and core divisions and will begin to shed €30 billion of assets by 2013. It will become a significantly more domestically focused bank and retain its businesses in Northern Ireland, its Post Office joint venture in the United Kingdom and limited capital markets businesses.
The bank will be given time to raise additional private capital and limit the State's need to invest in the banks but the Government will step in to ensure that the bank meets the Central Bank capital requirements if it needs to. The situation will become clearer after the release of the bank's Annual Results expected shortly.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:84 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the results of the bank stress tests, if he will provide details of his plans for the future of a bank (details supplied). [6585/11]
I stated in my statement of 31 March 2011, to the Dáil on banking matters, that the banking system must be the enabler of economic recovery by restoring public and market confidence in its financial health, management competence and ethical integrity. Consequent upon the results of the banks stress testing and to achieve the above objective, the Government has decided to reduce the number of domestic banks by creating two new strong universal Pillar banks which will be fully recapitalised with a view to instilling confidence in these institutions both domestically and internationally.
The Government intends to combine the operations of AIB and EBS Building Society to build one of the two Pillar banks from the strengths of both institutions subject as necessary to any approval required under State Aid rules. This Pillar bank will then reorganise its operations into core and non-core functions to better serve the economy as a functioning bank by providing services and credit it needs. It will be a largely domestically focused bank, retaining its Northern Ireland operations and certain deposit funded operations in the UK. The non-core division of the combined entity will see deleveraging of €23 billion of assets by 2013. The publication of the bank's annual results expected shortly will further clarify the situation.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:85 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the results of the bank stress tests, if he will provide details of his plans for the future of a bank (details supplied). [6586/11]
I stated in my announcement of 31 March 2011, to the Dáil on banking matters, that the banking system must be the enabler of economic recovery by restoring public and market confidence in its financial health, management competence and ethical integrity. The Government has decided to reduce the number of domestic banks by creating two new strong universal Pillar banks which will be fully recapitalised with a view to instilling confidence in these institutions both domestically and internationally.
Consequent upon the results of the stress testing on Irish Life and Permanent (ILP) and the determination of its capital requirements by the Central Bank, ILP must raise a substantial additional equity capital which will require a significant restructuring of their business and the disposal of certain non-banking assets. The sale of these assets should raise significant capital for the Group. It is the intention of the State, subject as necessary to any approval required under State Aid rules, to provide the remaining capital to the Group which will involve, in all likelihood a majority stake in the Group being held by the State. This approach will provide sufficient flexibility to the State to decide where the Group fits into the planned revised banking landscape outlined above as the radical restructuring of the Group evolves.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 74.
Bank Guarantee Scheme
Michael McGrath
Ceist:87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the amount of fees received to date, and expected to be received in total, by the Exchequer arising from the guarantee under the credit institutions (financial support) scheme 2008 and the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme 2009. [6588/11]
The sum of €760,467,567.60 was paid into the Exchequer on 28 October 2010 in respect of all fees and interest accumulated under Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme which terminated on 29 September 2010. The Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme 2009 (ELG) came into effect on 9th December 2010. The sum of €572,878,664.46 was also paid into the Exchequer on 28 October 2010 in respect of fees and interest accumulated under ELG. This means that a total of €1,333,346,232.06 has been paid into the Exchequer in respect of both Schemes since 30th September 2008.
A further sum of €282,269,427 has been received in fees under ELG from the participating institutions since 28 October 2010. The amounts expected to be received in respect of guarantee income from the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee are: 2011 — €800 million, 2012 — €300 million, 2013 — €150 million, and 2014 — €150 million.
The Deputy will of course appreciate that, in accordance with the fundamental accounting principle of prudence, all forecasts made by my Department must be based on the current position vis-à-vis EU State aid approval. Therefore, forecasts for the period after June 2011 are only in respect of fees for long-term debt issued under the ELG Scheme before end-June, which are paid for the lifetime of the debt up to five years. Accordingly, the Deputy should note that these estimates may change if there are changes to the availability and scope of the guarantee or to the level of guarantee fees approved under EU State aid rules.
National Treasury Management Agency
Michael McGrath
Ceist:88 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the overall amount of money currently managed by the National Treasury Management Agency through the various State savings products; if he will provide a breakdown of the overall amount by the type of product, savings bonds, savings certificates, national solidarity bond and so on; the way the money is managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6589/11]
State Savings is the brand name used by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) for the range of savings products offered by the NTMA to personal savers. I understand from the NTMA that, at end-March 2011, the amount being saved in State Savings products was €13.4 billion. This is held in the various savings products as set out in the table.
|
€ million |
|
|
Prize Bonds |
1,392 |
|
3-year Savings Bond |
4,548 |
|
4-year National Solidarity Bond |
37 |
|
5½-year Savings Certificate |
4,114 |
|
10-year National Solidarity Bond |
402 |
|
Instalment Savings |
474 |
|
Deposit Accounts |
2,455 |
|
Total |
13,422 |
In relation to the Deputy's query about the management of the money in State Savings, the proceeds are used to fund the Exchequer and form part of the National Debt.
Banks Recapitalisation
Michael McGrath
Ceist:89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding equal standing, in Irish and EU law, between senior debt and deposits in Irish financial institutions. [6590/11]
The legal position is that in the absence of a subordination agreement, where a financial institution is being wound up the principle that applies is pari passu, meaning all unsecured creditors have equal ranking to be repaid by the financial institution. So, where there is a shortfall in assets all unsecured creditors are entitled to an equal dividend. The principle of creditor equality is also enshrined in the Credit Institutions Winding Up Directive 2001/17/EC.
In the context of a company that is continuing in business as a going concern the principle of pari passu does not apply although the effect is similar. Where a company has debts, they are liable to pay those debts and each debtor has an equal right to be repaid whether that person's debt arises on foot of a bond or a deposit. In either case the terms of the repayment will obviously be determined by the instrument creating or evidencing the debt — repayable on demand or at a certain future time. I would add that the principle of equal entitlement to be repaid their debts as amongst unsecured creditors is subject to the absence of one of them being obliged by contract to be postponed in favour of another.
It must also be remembered that depositors who suffer a loss in the event of a financial institution being wound up insolvent are entitled to compensation under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme and/or the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme. The Deposit Guarantee Scheme covers all retail deposits with all credit institutions authorised in Ireland (including credit unions) up to a maximum of 100,000 euro per qualifying depositor per institution. Deposits in excess of 100,000 euro that meet the terms and condition of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee are also guaranteed.
State Savings Products
Michael McGrath
Ceist:90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount of money invested to date in the national solidarity bond, both the four-year and ten-year bond; the number of persons that made investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6591/11]
The 10-year National Solidarity Bond was launched 11 months ago on 1 May 2010 and the 4-year Bond was launched 2 months ago on 1 February 2011. The Solidarity Bonds are part of the range of State Savings products offered by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) to personal savers. I understand from the NTMA that the uptake on both bonds has been strong and that the total amount being saved in the two products as of 1 April was €439 million, as set out in the table.
|
Amount invested |
Number of customers |
Average holding |
|
|
€m |
(€000) |
||
|
10-year National Solidarity Bond |
402 |
18,553 |
22 |
|
4-year National Solidarity Bond |
37 |
1,488 |
25 |
|
Total |
439 |
20,041 |
Tax Code
Michael McGrath
Ceist:91 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the application of the carbon tax to coal and commercial peat. [6592/11]
The section in the Finance Act 2010 that provides for application of the carbon tax to solid fuels (coal and commercial peat) is subject to a Ministerial Commencement Order. This approach was primarily adopted in order to allow time for a robust mechanism to be put in place to improve the control of high sulphur coal being sourced from Northern Ireland suppliers. The Department of Environment in conjunction with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have proposed new regulations for coal which would effectively extend the existing voluntary agreement for low sulphur coal to the entire State on a compulsory regulatory basis.
A stakeholder committee was established last year to provide an input into the proposed regulations. Under EU law dealing with technical barriers to trade, Ireland is required to notify the European Commission of all draft technical regulations concerning products before they are adopted in national law. Formal notification of the proposed new standard for coal issued from NSAI to the EU Commission in November 2010. It is understood that the Commission's response is expected in the near-term.
Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 82.
Proposed Legislation
Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:93 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance when the enabling legislation to enable the social welfare and taxation aspects of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [6640/11]
The position is that legislation to provide the same tax treatment for civil partners as that provided for spouses is currently in preparation. It is intended that the legislation will have effect for the tax year 2011 and subsequent years. As the Deputy is aware the shortened timescale for this year's Finance Act meant that it was not possible to include the legislation in that Act but it is intended that the legislation will be put before the House shortly as part of Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011. The treatment of civil partners for the purposes of social welfare is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. However, I am informed that the social welfare legislative provisions for the introduction of civil partnership are contained in the Social Welfare and Pension Act 2010 which came into effect on 1 January 2011.
Departmental Staff
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:94 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding clerical officers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/11]
I am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that the most recent competition to fill Temporary Clerical positions in the civil service was advertised by the PAS in February 2011. The competition was announced on 24th February 2011 and closed on 2nd March 2011. In excess of 13,500 applications were received. A selection process to put in place panels to fill temporary clerical positions is currently under way. Applicants for that campaign were required to fulfil the following requirements (as set out in the Information Booklet for Candidates published at that time) when applying for the position. Candidates must:
(a) have the requisite knowledge and the ability and be suitable to enter on the discharge of the duties of the position. This includes the ability to:
take direction / follow instructions
organise and prioritise their work effectively;
be able to work well with the public and colleagues;
be flexible in their approach to work;
and
(b) be able to communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner
and
(c) fulfil the requirements set out as to age, citizenship, health & character.
It is desirable that applicants would have previous relevant work experience and good IT skills.
Age
Applicants must, on or before 2 March 2011, be at least 16 years of age (i.e. born on or before 2 March 1995).
Citizenship Requirement
Eligibility to compete is open to suitably qualified candidates from the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the member states of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Citizens of non- EEA States are not eligible to compete. Special conditions may apply to citizens of Bulgaria and Romania following their entry to the European Union and their eligibility to be employed and work in Ireland
Health & Character
Those under consideration for a position will be required to complete a health and character declaration. Candidates should be of good character and a reference may be required. Some posts will require special security clearance and will require completion of a form for Garda vetting purposes.
Proposed Legislation
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:95 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the speedy passage of the Construction Contracts Bill 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6692/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill which was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn passed Committee and remaining stages in the Seanad on 8 March. I understand that the Seanad debate highlighted a number of matters relating to the Bill that require further consideration. It would also be imperative that the full regulatory impact of such a piece of legislation be fully assessed. I will now be examining the Bill and will then decide how best to proceed. It is important that a solution to the problem of non-payment must not place an unnecessary regulatory or cost burden on the parties to the dispute, other parties involved in the project, or the State.
Public Sector Pay
Michael McGrath
Ceist:96 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the recent reduction in pay for school secretaries. [6709/11]
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 provides for the reduction in the pay rates of all persons employed by public service bodies with effect from 1 January 2010. Such reductions apply irrespective of whether a particular post is funded in whole or in part through non-Exchequer funds or income. The school secretaries (and other non-teaching staff) referred to in the question are, whether employed in recognised public or private schools, deemed to be public servants within the meaning of and for the purposes of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009. This position has been confirmed by legal advice.
The former Minister for Finance approved a temporary exemption under Section 6 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act for certain categories of workers in the education sector (including certain school secretaries) until 31 December 2010. Accordingly, the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act has been applied to those specific categories of workers in the education sector since 1 January 2011 only.
It is important to understand that while there is a variety of staff across the education sector who are employed by public service bodies but who are either wholly or partly funded from non-Exchequer sources, there are also staff undertaking the same or very similar duties whose posts are fully Exchequer funded. All of these staff have now been subject to the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act.
Financial Services Regulation
Jim Daly
Ceist:97 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason a bank (details supplied) is the only bank that refuses to fix the lending rate of a partially drawn down mortgage until the full amount sanctioned is drawn down by the borrower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6711/11]
I have been informed by the Central Bank that issues such as the process in place in respect of the setting of interest rates are usually covered in the terms and conditions applying to a particular mortgage. The Consumer Protection Code, issued by the Central Bank, requires that a regulated entity must provide each consumer with the terms and conditions attaching to a product or service, before the consumer enters into a contract for that product or service, or before the cooling-off period (if any) expires. A regulated entity must also ensure that all information provided to consumers is clear and comprehensible and that key items are brought to the attention of the consumer. The method of presentation must not disguise, diminish or obscure important information. In this regard, the bank referred to by the Deputy may impose the conditions in relation to the lending rate as long as it complies with the requirements of the Consumer Protection Code and all other applicable legislation.
Jim Daly
Ceist:98 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason the major banks here, largely owned by the State, no longer accept the de minimus undertaking from solicitors for borrowings less than €75,000, thus creating an extra expense to the borrower of approximately €1,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/11]
The Solicitors (Professional Practice, Conduct and Discipline (Commercial Property Transactions) Regulations 2010 prohibits the provision of certain undertakings by solicitors in relation to commercial property transactions but this prohibition does not apply where the liability is less that €75,000. These regulations followed much publicised difficulties in relation to undertakings provided by certain solicitors in relation to property transactions.
The security required in commercial property transactions and the banks' acceptance or not of these undertakings is a matter for the legal and other divisions of the individual banks and I am aware that some banks do not accept them even where the amount is less than €75,000. However, the Government operates at arm's length from the banks and does not become involved in these types of operational matters.
Noel Harrington
Ceist:99 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the termination of the deposit agency agreement by the Irish Nationwide Building Society with its deposit agents following the transfer of its deposit book to Irish Life and Permanent plc; if he will confirm that all fees and commissions due to these agents will be paid in full; if he will further confirm that all agents will be paid fees and commission during this transitional period; the recompense that will be made for the termination of these agreements as per the industry norm for building society agents to these agents of the Irish Nationwide Building Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6767/11]
While the Minister is the holder of special investment shares in Irish Nationwide Building Society, the Society remains an independent entity and the Minister's intervention in the conduct of the Society's business is limited to that necessary to protect the public interest. Therefore, subject to that overall framework, the Society's board and management retains responsibility for the overall commercial policy and the day to day operations of the Society, including its relationship with its agents. The Society has informed me that following the transfer of its deposits to Irish Life and Permanent plc pursuant to High Court Order, the Society has now ended all its agency relationships. The Society has also confirmed that all commission payments due to agents will be calculated and these will be paid during April 2011.
Offshore Islands
Noel Harrington
Ceist:100 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Finance if the opening months and times are being altered or restricted in respect of llnacullin — Garnish Island; if the effect this will have on tourists visiting the area for the Easter break over the next five years has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6771/11]
I wish to confirm that the Island opened to visitors on the 1st of April, and will remain open until the end of September. This period covers the same period of opening as previous years. It is the intention of OPW to continue to operate these opening and closing dates over the next number of years subject to resources being made available.
Personal Debt
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:101 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to deal with the growing mortgage arrears and personal debt crises across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/11]
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:103 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the previous Government’s policy of simply deferring the mortgage debt crisis by forcing the banks to defer any legal or repossession action; if he has a solution to replace this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6860/11]
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:104 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on mortgage arrears levels which are expected to dramatically increase during 2011; his plans to replace the courts repossession system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6861/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 103 and 104 together.
As agreed in the Programme for National Recovery 2011 to 2016, the Government will examine a number of proposals aimed at helping mortgage-holders in difficulty. These will include:
Increasing mortgage interest relief to 30% for First Time Buyers in 2004-2008 (from the current sliding scale of 20% to 25% depending on the year the mortgage was taken out).
Directing any mortgage provider in receipt of State support to present Government with a plan of how it intends to cut its costs, over and above existing plans, in a fair manner by a sufficient amount to forego a 25 basis point increase on its variable rate mortgage.
I ntroducing a two year moratorium on repossessions of modest family homes where a family makes an honest effort to pay their mortgage.
Fast-tracking personal bankruptcy reform needed to bring Ireland into line with best international standards, such as introducing a flexible discharge period for "honest bankrupts", defined as one that has materially complied with the Tax, NAMA and Companies Acts among others.
Converting the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened Personal Debt Management Agency with strong legal powers. The agency will support families who make an honest effort to deal with their debts, including non-mortgage debt, providing protection from their creditors where appropriate, so that they have time to sort out their affairs. In order to do so, the Personal Debt Management Agency will have quasi-judicial status.
Making greater use of Mortgage Interest Supplement to support families who cannot meet their mortgage payments, which is a better and cheaper option than paying rent supplement after a family loses their home.
The Deputy will be aware that the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt produced two Reports, an Interim Report published in July 2010 and a Final Report published in November 2010. All of the Expert Group's recommendations are listed in Chapter 2 of the Final Report. They can be accessed at www.finance.gov.ie .
Since the publication of the Reports, the Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) has been revised by the Central Bank to reflect many of the recommendations of the Expert Group including key recommendations relating to the introduction by all regulated lenders of a standardised Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP). The most significant changes in the revised CCMA include:
Borrowers in arrears who co-operate with the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) are not charged penalty interest charges;
Harassment of borrowers through unsolicited communications is outlawed; and
Borrowers in financial difficulties, but not in arrears, are allowed to come under the MARP.
The revised CCMA was published on 6 December 2010 and came into effect on 1 January 2011. The revised CCMA can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie . Lenders are required to comply with the CCMA as a matter of law but have been given a period of six months grace, ending on 30 June 2011, to put in place the requisite systems and training of staff necessary to support the implementation of the MARP. In addition, the Central Bank has also written to lenders to issue directions under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 which will mean that lenders cannot impose arrears charges or penalty interest on borrowers who are co-operating with the MARP.
The Deputy will also be aware of the existing importance of the Mortgage Interest Supplement (MIS) Scheme and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) in assisting consumers who have fallen into arrears or who are experiencing difficulties servicing their mortgage repayments. The MIS Scheme currently supports approximately 18,000 mortgage-holders while MABS provides a national, free, confidential and independent service operating from 53 offices nationwide.
Regarding the question on replacing the courts repossession system, I am unclear as to whether the Deputy is suggesting that neither lenders nor borrowers should have ultimate recourse to the courts in the event of other avenues being exhausted. Insofar as the regulation of lender policies in this area is concerned, the Deputy may wish to note certain provisions contained in the CCMA. For example, Provision 46 of the CCMA states the following:
"The lender must not apply to the courts to commence legal action for repossession of the borrower's primary residence, until every reasonable effort has been made to agree an alternative arrangement with the borrower or his/her nominated representative."
Provision 50 of the CCMA states the following:
"In cases where legal action to obtain an Order for Possession has commenced, a lender must endeavour to maintain contact with the borrower or his/her nominated representative. If an alternative repayment arrangement is agreed between the parties before an Order for Possession is granted, the lender must put the legal proceedings on hold, for the period during which the borrower adheres to the terms of the alternative repayment arrangement." Thus, the CCMA effectively prohibits lenders from pursuing and continuing with court based repossessions of a borrower's primary residence, without having first sought to agree alternative arrangements.
The Central Bank's quarterly data series on Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions show that the level of repossession activity in the courts, with respect to the primary residence of borrowers, can be considered very low in comparison with the scale of mortgage arrears pertaining. For example, the level of home repossessions per hundred thousand mortgages in the UK is over 5 times greater than the Irish rate. Furthermore, it can be observed that the majority of repossessions taking place are not by way of a court order, rather via voluntary surrenders and abandonments.
Banks Recapitalisation
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:102 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the bailout made to a bank (details supplied); his further views on the personal debt situation in this country and the fact that this bank is the first Irish bank to require a bailout due to personal rather than developer debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6859/11]
I stated in my announcement of 31 March 2011, to the Dáil on banking matters, that the banking system must be the enabler of economic recovery by restoring public and market confidence in its financial health, management competence and ethical integrity. The Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR) and Prudential Liquidity Assessment Review (PLAR) examinations undertaken by the Central Bank, which are a component part of the EU-IMF Programme, are designed to restore market confidence to Ireland and, in particular, to the State's finances and our banks. As a result, the present exercise is on an exceptionally intensive and elaborate basis and is designed to respond to market scepticism about our banks.
Under the PCAR stress testing, additional capital is required in respect of loan assets arising from personal debt across all four of the examined banks. The Government will ensure that all of the tested banks are recapitalised in respect of these additional requirements.
The results of the PCAR and PLAR on Irish Life and Permanent concluded that the Group required further capital of €4 billion. This will entail a significant restructuring of their business and the disposal of certain non-banking assets. The sale of these assets should raise significant capital for the Group. It is the intention of the State, subject as necessary to any approval required under State Aid rules, to provide the remaining capital to the Group which will involve, in all likelihood a majority stake in the Group being held by the State. This approach will provide sufficient flexibility to the State to decide where the Group fits into the planned revised banking landscape, outlined by me to the Dáil on 31 March 2011 in my Statement on Banking Matters, as the radical restructuring of the Group evolves.
Questions Nos. 103 and 104 answered with Question No. 101.
Departmental Staff
Denis Naughten
Ceist:105 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the whole-time equivalent staffing level within the Civil Service staffing at each grade from assistant secretary to clerical officer in January 1998, 2008, 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6869/11]
The whole time equivalent staffing level within the civil service at each grade from Assistant Secretary to Clerical officer in January 1998, 2008, 2011 is set out in the table.
|
Main General Service Grades |
January 1998 |
January 2008 |
January 2011 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
94.00 |
146.60 |
134.00 |
|
PO Total |
351.00 |
749.75 |
645.90 |
|
AP Total |
1,036.50 |
2,050.36 |
1,888.35 |
|
HEO Total |
2,032.50 |
3,284.45 |
3,209.81 |
|
AO Total |
106.50 |
236.20 |
251.90 |
|
EO Total |
2,592.50 |
5,012.33 |
4,903.38 |
|
SO Total |
1,287.50 |
1,500.95 |
1,502.84 |
|
CO Total |
9,396.00 |
10,933.89 |
10,382.81 |
|
TOTAL |
16,896.50 |
23,914.53 |
22,918.99 |
Note:The above data does not include the National Gallery and CPSA for technical reasons.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:106 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of non-technical Civil Service promotion panels which were closed in the past 24 months and where a further competition was held or is planned; the details in each case and the cost of the new competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6870/11]
I assume that where the Deputy refers to non-technical civil service promotion panels he is seeking information on general service interdepartmental promotion panels in the civil service. Such competitions are run by the Public Appointments Service. During the past 24 months panels from the following competitions were closed:
Circular 11/2007: Confined competition for appointment to posts at Principal Officer (Standard Scale) in the Civil Service
Circular 28/2007: Confined competition for appointment to posts at Assistant Principal (Standard Scale) in the Civil Service
Circular 14/2007: Confined competition for promotion to Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service
Circular 26/2006: Confined competition for promotion to Executive Officer in the Civil Service
Circular 25/2006: Confined competition for promotion to Staff Officer in the Civil Service
Circular 6/2008: Confined competition for appointment as Clerical Officer in the Civil Service No further competitions have been held nor is it planned to hold any in the immediate future.
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:107 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance, in the interest of protecting the integrity and objectivity of the Civil Service, if he will adopt similar measures to those in the civil service in the UK, whereby a senior civil servant may formally, and on public record, request written ministerial direction when he or she disagrees with a Minister’s decision so strongly they refuse to be accountable for same. [6888/11]
Within the central government area, the Accounting Officer is normally the Secretary General or civil service head of a Department or Office to whom the Minister for Finance has assigned responsibility for preparing the annual Appropriation Account for each vote under his/her charge. The Accounting Officer has responsibilities, amongst other things, for regularity and propriety of the accounts and for economy and efficiency in the use of resources and for the management systems used to evaluate effectiveness.
The special nature of the Accounting Officer's responsibilities requires that there are specific procedures to be followed where there is a difference of opinion between the Accounting Officer and the Minister on an issue where the Accounting Officer has a responsibility, and the Accounting Officer considers that the Minister’s opinion is not a reasonable one. In such circumstances, the guidelines for public financial procedures provide that the Accounting Officer should inform his/her Minister in writing of his or her view, the reasons for it and suggest a consultation with the Department of Finance. If, notwithstanding this the Minister gives contrary directions in writing, the Accounting Officer should comply with them, after informing the Department of Finance. The papers should be sent to the Comptroller and Auditor General when the directions have been carried out. These procedures are similar to those in operation in the UK in circumstances where a conflict arises between the duties of an accounting officer and a Minister’s instructions.
Departmental Expenditure
Jim Daly
Ceist:108 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the best value for money is being achieved for the taxpayer by the Royal Irish Academy, which receives multi-million euro funding from the Oireachtas, awarding contracts to foreign based companies (details supplied), thus leaving a large number of Irish workers with no choice but to claim unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6713/11]
The Royal Irish Academy is an All-Ireland, independent academic body that promotes study in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Its mission is inter alia to promote excellence in scholarship, organise lectures, conferences, academic exchanges and visiting fellowships, manage national research and publication projects and publish academic journals etc. The Academy is funded through the Higher Education Authority. Core grant funding amounting to €3.5 million was provided to the Academy in 2010.
The internal disbursement of such funding is a matter for the Academy and my Department has no role in its day to day operational affairs. However, I understand that the issue referred to by the Deputy relates to the award of a contract in respect of typesetting for the publication of the Academy's journals, the value of which is in the region of €3,500. Whilst the vast majority of the Academy's typesetting is done within the Academy, journal typesetting requires specific skills.
The Academy is bound by best practice in public procurement under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies to choose the most economically advantageous tender following an invitation to tender. As the work in question was less than €5,000, the Academy in line with best procurement practice sought five quotes for the work in question. In this case, the contract was awarded to an Irish company based in Dublin who the Academy understands outsourced a portion of its work outside of Ireland.
Schools Refurbishment
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:109 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding applications for summer works scheme in respect of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry. [6352/11]
I can confirm that the schools referred to by the Deputy submitted applications to my Department for funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories were prioritised.
The applications from the first three schools referred to by the Deputy were successful and were included in the list of 453 successful schools that was announced on 30 March 2011. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to include the second two schools referred to by the Deputy in this list. Letters confirming the outcome of their applications will be received by the school authorities in question shortly. For the Deputy's convenience a table summarising the outcome of these applications follows.
Successful Applications
Anablaha National School, Kilcummin, Killarney, Co. Kerry — role number 11363A — Mechanical
Holy Cross Mercy Primary School, New Road, Killarney, Co.Kerry — upgrade — role number 19487M — Electrical
Muire Na Mainistreach, New Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry — upgrade — role number 18049G — Electrical
Unsuccessful Applications
Scoil Reailt Na Meara, Cromane, Killorglin. Role number 12820H — Replacement Windows
Lisivigeen National School, Lisivigeen, Killarney, Co. Kerry — Role number 08791E — Roof works
School Staffing
Michael Creed
Ceist:110 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he is considering denying some teachers who have accumulated their classroom experience from an entitlement to a permanent teaching post due to the fact that some of this accumulated classroom experience was covering for teachers on maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/11]
The main focus in the Teacher Allocation Section within my Department at present is the redeployment panels for permanent teachers.
When this process is completed my Department will then be working on supplementary panels for fixed-term teachers. The supplementary panels will recognize as appropriate, substitute service in respect of maternity leave.Such teachers are advised to contact my Department at Primaryallocations@education.gov.ie.
School Transport
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:111 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision made in the education budget changes for 2011 and in particular to school bus services where the pick-up density of pupils in a distinct locality on a particular route will have to increase from seven to ten to retain a service; if he will review the circumstances of a family (details supplied) in County Donegal who may be without a school bus service because of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6378/11]
The changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from a recommendation in the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme.
These changes include the requirement that a minimum of 10 eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, will be required to retain or establish a school transport service from 2011/12 school year. As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no suitable school transport service available, may apply for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
Decisions in relation to the retention or establishment of school transport services will be made when all applications for school transport, for the 2011/12 school year, have been received and assessed.
Higher Education Grants
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:112 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the circumstances of a grant application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the large reduction in net household income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/11]
My Department understands that the candidate in question applied to his grant awarding authority for a student grant and that the income in his case exceeded the reckonable income limits for the award of a grant. Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form clearly outlining the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by either the grant warding authority or by my Department to date. The Deputy will appreciate that as my Department has a role to play in the appeals process it would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter other than to say that my Department will carry out a review of the candidate's application if it receives an appeal from him as part of the appeals process.
Value for Money Reviews
Tom Fleming
Ceist:113 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills following a decision in May 2007 of retention of a school (details supplied) if he will honour this commitment in current review. [6386/11]
A review was initiated in October 2010 by the then Fianna Fáil/Green Party government in order to establish the value for money being achieved from state funding of small primary schools. This value for money review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure. All primary schools with a total enrolment of less than 50 pupils come within the terms of reference of this review.
I do not have a pre-determined view on the outcome of the review. The review should be completed by the end of this year and I plan to consider the review's conclusions when it is finalised. In the meantime the existing rules and current sustainability limits will continue to apply to small schools.
Special Educational Needs
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:114 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to their proposal on the education of children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6389/11]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:165 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond positively, even if only in principle at this stage, to the proposal (details supplied) for an academy for children with autism run on the ABA system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6817/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 165 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that a proposal for an academy for children with autism has been received by officials in my Department who will revert to the organisation in question shortly. However it is important to emphasise that the proposal will be considered in the context of my Department's policy in this regard.
My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children including those with autism can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met.
My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.
Reflective of the important role of continuing professional development my Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Treatment and Education of Autistic Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through the Special Education Support Service.
The Deputies will be familiar with the ABA pilot scheme which was funded by my Department for the past decade. All of the centres which participated in this scheme have been granted recognition as special schools for children with autism. These schools will operate in line with my Department's policy. I am pleased to update the Deputies that following their recognition the new schools are currently progressing well in the transitional phase. Eight schools have opened and the remaining five are scheduled to open shortly. It is my intention to continue to support this transitional process.
The pilot scheme was established in the absence of a network of school-based special classes for children with autism which is now available. The Deputies will be aware that the establishment of this network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 430 classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools.
I am aware that my officials have met previously with some members of the group who have submitted the proposal for the establishment of an academy for children with autism. The need for a meeting with my officials will be considered as part of the examination of the proposal.
Question No. 115 withdrawn.
Schools Recognition
Brendan Smith
Ceist:116 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Gaelscoileanna fully recognised in the school years 1996-97 together with the number of pupils enrolled in the schools and the most recent comparable figures. [6398/11]
In the 1996/1997 school year there were 106 Gaelscoileanna at primary level with a total enrolment of 17,447 pupils on 30 September 1996. In the 2009/2010 school year there were 147 Gaelscoileanna at primary level with a total enrolment of 29,024 pupils on 30 September 2009. Note that these figures refer to all-Irish primary schools and pupils located outside the Gaeltacht areas.
School Holidays
Joe McHugh
Ceist:117 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills when school holidays for the 2011 Halloween mid-term will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6415/11]
The scheduling of school holiday periods during the academic year is agreed between the education partners under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council. The Teachers Conciliation Council is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education & Skills and Finance.
The current agreement covers the school years 2008/9 to 2010/11. Discussions in regard to the arrangements for the school years 2011/12 to 2013/14 are ongoing and it is intended that arrangements for these years will be finalised in the near future. When the arrangements for the forthcoming years have been finalised, schools will be notified by means of a Circular letter. The arrangements will also be available on my Department's website.
Higher Education Grants
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:118 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the sharp drop in gross and net income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6464/11]
On 2/02/2011 an appeal was received by my Department from the candidate in question to review the decision of her grant awarding authority not to award a student grant. The grant awarding authority had taken this decision because the reckonable income limits for student grant eligibility were exceeded. The appeal was examined in detail by my Department and a decision issued to the candidate on 15/03/2011. On the basis of the income details supplied by the candidate, the reckonable income limits are exceeded and the original decision of the awarding authority not to award a grant was upheld on this basis.
Schools Building Projects
Michael McCarthy
Ceist:119 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6491/11]
The tender process for the appointment of a Design Team on the school building project referred to by the Deputy is in progress. The first stage of the process to pre-qualify suitable consultants is complete. The next stage of the process, which will commence shortly, will be to issue the invitations to the pre-qualified consultants to tender for the selection and appointment of the design team.
Schools Refurbishment
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:120 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the summer works scheme for 2011; when schools will be notified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6497/11]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently announced that 453 primary and post primary schools across the country will receive funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. Approval letters have been issued to all successful schools and details are also available on my Department's website www.education.ie. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories were prioritised. All schools who were not successful under the scheme will receive written notification shortly.
Higher Education Grants
Finian McGrath
Ceist:121 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if further assistance is available to a person (details supplied). [6499/11]
Support for students attending full-time third level education is provided by way of the Department's student grant schemes. Under the schemes, qualifying students may receive full support for fees and the Student Contribution as well as assistance towards maintenance. To establish eligibility for a grant, a student should apply to the grant awarding authority in the area where he/she resides.
Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form clearly outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal.
As the Deputy has not indicated where the candidate in question resides, my Department was not in a position to ascertain if he applied for a student grant. However, no appeal has been received from him by my Department to date.
In addition to the student grant schemes, some €5m per annum is made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
School Staffing
Joe McHugh
Ceist:122 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he acknowledges that a school (details supplied) now qualifies for developing school status because its enrolment has increased by 15 since September 2009; if he will acknowledge the necessity of learning supports for which the school has applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6508/11]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers in primary schools is published annually on my Department's website. In terms of the provision at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at the 30 September of each year. It is open to the school to apply for developing school status as set out in the Department's Circular 19/2011 and it will be considered in the normal manner.
School Relocation
Joe McHugh
Ceist:123 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will move to expedite a departmental matter (details supplied) that has been ongoing, in time for the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6512/11]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers have been communicating with my Department regarding the school's proposal to re-locate to a new premises. Additional information and clarifications were requested from the school authority in February 2011. When this information has been received, the matter will be considered further and a decision on the matter will issue to the school authority.
Teaching Qualifications
Michael Creed
Ceist:124 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation regarding a recent circular by him which prohibits access to the teachers panel for employment rights by graduates who do not have their higher diploma in education completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6525/11]
I assume the Deputy is referring to Circular 19/2011 which commences the redeployment process for surplus permanent teachers at primary level. This circular, which is available on my Department's website sets out the detailed arrangements for the operation of the redeployment process.
The redeployment panels that have now been published give priority to surplus permanent teachers.No schools can be given authority to commence recruitment in any other manner until the Department is satisfied that all the surplus permanent teachers are redeployed.
School Curriculum
Peter Mathews
Ceist:125 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on Irish remaining a compulsory subject on the leaving certificate course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6528/11]
This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, and to the delivery of the goals and targets proposed. As part of this, a thorough reform of the Irish curriculum and the way Irish is taught at primary and second level will be undertaken. The priority is to take steps to improve the quality and effectiveness of the teaching of Irish. When these steps have been implemented, the question of whether Irish should be optional at Leaving Certificate will be considered.
A revised Leaving Certificate curriculum in Irish began in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012. The revised programme provides for an increase in the proportion of marks available for oral assessment to 40%, and is aimed at promoting a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, where students can communicate and interact in a spontaneous way, and where Irish is spoken every day in schools. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has been asked to review this syllabus in the light of the experiences of students in the first examination.
School Staffing
John O'Mahony
Ceist:126 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation regarding the panel rights of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6538/11]
The main focus in Teacher Allocation Section within my Department at present is the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers into vacancies.
The Department will consider queries in relation to supplementary panel rights for fixed-term teachers, including the teacher referred to by the Deputy, when the initial work on panels for redeployment of surplus permanent teachers is completed.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:127 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation regarding the panel rights of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6539/11]
The main focus in Teacher Allocation Section within my Department at present is the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers into vacancies.
The Department will consider queries in relation to supplementary panel rights for fixed-term teachers, including the teacher referred to by the Deputy, when the initial work on panels for redeployment of surplus permanent teachers is completed.
Schools Building Projects
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:128 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6545/11]
I am pleased to be able to confirm to the Deputy that a major project for the school to which he refers was included on the list of projects on the work programme for 2011, which was announced on 24 January 2011, where briefs will be formulated in 2011 and the process of appointing a Design Team will commence. In order to progress this matter further, the Department is in the first instance reviewing the Schedule of Accommodation and Brief Formulation to ensure that the previously-agreed schedule still meets the current and future needs of the school. Once this review is complete and everything is in order, the process of appointing a design team for the proposed project will commence.
Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:129 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Cork in the Department building programme. [6548/11]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for a school building project to provide an extension, for which additional land will be required.
In accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects, the project for this school has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from site evaluation and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school in question at this time.
Schools Refurbishment
Ray Butler
Ceist:130 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Meath will qualify for funding under the summer works scheme for the provision of an astro turf pitch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6555/11]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for the development of an outdoor multi-purpose fenced play space under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme.
Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories were prioritised and it was not possible to include the school referred to by the Deputy in the list of 453 successful schools that were announced on Wednesday the 30th of March. A letter to this effect will be issuing to the school shortly.
Schools Building Projects
Ray Butler
Ceist:131 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a new post primary school building at a location (details supplied) in County Meath for which a site has been purchased in 2009 to facilitate this project; when will a design team be appointed; when will construction work commence; the reason for the delay in the process to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6556/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has completed the acquisition of a site for the provision of a new post-primary school building in County Meath.
A proposal to construct a new school building was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects used by my Department and assigned a band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Schools Refurbishment
John O'Mahony
Ceist:132 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6559/11]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for works under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme.
Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories were prioritised and it was not possible to include the school referred to by the Deputy in the list of 453 successful schools that were announced on 30 March 2011. A letter to this effect will be issuing to the school shortly.
Higher Education Grants
Joe McHugh
Ceist:133 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he contemplates any changes to third level student grants for the next academic year; if he will address this with specific reference to grant schemes that are in place for mature students at institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6562/11]
I understand that the changes to the student grant schemes introduced under Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fail — Green Party government including those relative to mature students, were designed to manage additional cost pressures arising from a significant increase in the number of students qualifying for grants, a proportionate increase in the number of students qualifying for higher rates of grants and payment of the Student Service Charge on behalf of grant-holders.
These changes included removal of the automatic eligibility of mature students to the higher non-adjacent rate of grant. This will come into effect from the start of the 2011/12 academic year. However, mature students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will continue to be eligible for the higher non-adjacent rate of grant.
I understand the concerns of students with regard to these measures and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.
Qualifying mature students attending Institutes of Technology, as with all other qualifying students, will continue to receive student grants at the current rate applicable to their individual circumstances together with full support for payment of fees and the Student Contribution. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant. In addition, some €5m will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
Value for Money Reviews
Joe McHugh
Ceist:134 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to a submission from a primary school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6563/11]
The closing date for receipt of submissions to the value for money review of small primary schools was Friday 18th March 2011. A large response was received and the submissions are currently being sorted and acknowledged. I can confirm that almost 1,000 submissions have been received.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the context of this volume of submissions it is not feasible to respond to every submission. However, the content of submissions will be reflected in the review.
The review should be completed by the end of this year and I plan to consider the review's outcomes when they are finalised.
School Closures
Niall Collins
Ceist:135 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the trustee position of a school (details supplied); the long-term plan for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6566/11]
Officials in my Department met the Trustees of the school referred to by the Deputy in June 2010 to discuss the future status of the school.
Further to that meeting the Trustees wrote to the Department to advise that, having assessed all options open to them, the current Trustees of the school will not be in a position to continue in trusteeship after 2012.
They also informed my Department that all options with regard to this school have been fully examined and it was confirmed by the Trustees that the school will close in 2012. The Trustees have been keeping the parents/guardians of pupils in the school up to date and they were informed last year of the decision to close in order to allow them to make alternative arrangements.
The Department has acknowledged the Trustees' position and confirmed that the Department will continue to support the school with the current level of ongoing repairs/maintenance up to the time of the school's closure.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Joe McHugh
Ceist:136 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider applying the pupil-teacher ratio that currently applies to primary schools in Gaeltacht areas to Gaelscoileanna, in view of the fact that the four-year National Recovery Plan 2011 — 2015 introduced by the previous Government suppressed the Gaelscoileanna pupil-teacher ratio and now Gaelscoileanna are allocated teaching posts on the same criteria as primary schools that teach through the medium of English; his views that this does not take into account the specific requirements associated with Gaeloideachas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6570/11]
The standardisation of the staffing schedule for Gaelscoileanna so that it is the same as that which applies to primary schools generally was one of a number of measures introduced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil /Green Party government to control and reduce teacher numbers. These changes are effective from September 2011. Given the financial constraints in which this country now finds itself, it is not possible to reverse these changes. This change will result in a reduction of the order of 50 posts in Gaelscoileanna. There are currently a total of over 1,500 teaching posts in these schools. The Gaelscoileanna movement is well established and I do not believe that the growth of Gaelscoileanna will be impeded by way of this measure. The actual impact at individual school level is determined as part of the allocation process for 2011/12 school year and schools are being notified in the normal manner. This Government will endeavour to protect front line education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure back into line with what we can afford as a country. All areas of Government, including Gaelscoileanna, will have to manage on a reduced level of resources. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that are being provided are used to maximum effect and in a fair manner.
Higher Education Grants
Joe McHugh
Ceist:137 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6572/11]
The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing in Letterkenny Institute of Technology was funded under the Department's 2010 Labour Market Activation Fund. Funding for this course is available until June 2011. Eligible participants participating in the programme until June 2011 received fee support under Labour Market Activation funding.
With regard to additional financial assistance, under the terms of the Higher Education Grant Scheme which covers full time programmes of study, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. However, financial assistance may be available to eligible candidates who wish to study full time at higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained. The main objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to a postgraduate course of study. Subject to the conditions of the individual schemes, free tuition and grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level.
Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social Protection and is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
Schools Building Projects
Michael McGrath
Ceist:138 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned extension to a secondary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6608/11]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The Stage 1 submission, which incorporates Preliminary Design was recently lodged with my Department. My officials are currently reviewing this documentation and will revert to the School and to the Design Team when this review is complete.
Site Acquisitions
Michael McGrath
Ceist:139 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the acquisition of a site to facilitate the construction of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6609/11]
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works has, on behalf of my Department, very recently identified site options in the area for the school referred to by the Deputy and these sites are under consideration by my Department. The acquisition of a suitable site and the delivery of a new school building will be considered in the context of existing commitments and other competing demands on the Department's capital budget.
Schools Building Projects
Michael McGrath
Ceist:140 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of an extension for the existing special needs unit in a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6610/11]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at tender stage. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that the project will proceed to construction in the coming months.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:141 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application for a new school building by a national school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6611/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has reached agreement, in principle, subject to contract with Cork County Council, and is in ongoing liaison with the Local Authority, in relation to the proposed acquisition of a site for the project to which he refers.
Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further at this time. Once this acquisition is concluded, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:142 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding planned extension and refurbishment works at a second-level school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6612/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that officials from my Department are liaising with the school authority in relation to addressing site and access issues which must be resolved before the project at the school to which he refers can be progressed further.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:143 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork and if he will set out a timeline for the completion of the project. [6613/11]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of the tender process. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged that once construction commences the project will take approximately eighteen months to complete.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:144 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding planned refurbishment work and a new building for a school (details supplied) in Cork. [6614/11]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It forms part of the 2011 School Building Programme announced in January. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project design team lodged an application for Planning Permission for the main development with the Local Authority on 16th March last.
Michael McGrath
Ceist:145 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the appointment of a design team for an extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6615/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that a major project for the school to which he refers was included on a list of projects, which were announced on 24 January 2011, for which briefs will be formulated in 2011. Officials from my Department will be in touch with the school authority shortly regarding a site visit to the school, which is the next step required to formulate the capital project brief. Following formulation of a brief for the project, the process of appointing a Design Team will commence.
School Patronage
Brendan Smith
Ceist:146 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he decided upon a figure of 50% of schools to be divested from the control of the catholic church before the forum on patronage and pluralism has begun its consultations with the relevant stakeholders. [6627/11]
Brendan Smith
Ceist:147 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views whether it is realistic to begin divesting 1,500 schools from the patronage of the catholic church by January 2012. [6628/11]
Brendan Smith
Ceist:148 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the legal complexities involved in transferring patronage from one patron to another. [6629/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 147 and 148 together.
As the Deputies will not doubt be aware, I have recently announced the establishment of a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector which will be convened in the coming weeks and will complete its work before the end of this year. The Forum will offer a platform for consideration of the very many issues that arise in the context of divesting of patronage by the Catholic Church and transfer of patronage generally. The Forum will take a multi-dimensional approach involving consultations with the key education stakeholders, including parents and other interested parties in order to ensure the widest possible consultation on this important issue. The Forum will be led by the Advisory Group which I have established for this purpose. I would hope that the work of the Forum will deliver clear agreed specific modalities for the transfer of patronage which will allow for progress to be made on actual transfers during 2012.
Vocational Education Committees
Brendan Smith
Ceist:149 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he proposes to continue with proposals to provide a role for vocational education committees in the provision of primary education. [6630/11]
I propose to consider further the role of vocational education committees in the provision of primary education in the light of the outcome of the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector and other factors.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have announced the establishment of a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector which I will formally launch on 19 April. The terms of reference of the Forum are to advise me on:
1. how it can best be ensured that the education system can provide a sufficiently diverse number and range of primary schools catering for all religions and none;
2. the practicalities of how transfer/divesting of patronage should operate for individual primary schools in communities where it is appropriate and necessary;
3. how such transfer/divesting can be advanced to ensure that demands for diversity of patronage (including from an Irish language perspective) can be identified and met on a widespread basis nationally.
I have appointed an Advisory Group to convene the Forum, to receive and distil the various views and perspectives of participants and to then provide me with policy advice having regard to the Terms of Reference. The Advisory Group will conduct a number of meetings in public and will seek submissions from the public as part of its work. The work of the Forum will begin on 19th April and is expected to conclude before the end of this year.
The Forum for Patronage and Pluralism in the primary sector is a key education objective of the Programme for a National Government 2011-2016. It will provide a platform for what I believe is an essential debate within the education sector and I believe that it is appropriate to consider the role of VECs in primary education following this work.
Schools Recognition
Brendan Smith
Ceist:150 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he plans to proceed with plans to reform the process for recognition of new second level schools. [6631/11]
The Programme for Government gives a commitment to move towards a more pluralist system of patronage at second level, recognising a wider number of patrons. It is my intention to address this policy over the lifetime of this Government.
I will turn my attention to the issue of patronage at second level in due course and I will consider the role that all patron bodies can play in ensuring our education system caters for a pluralism of choice which reflects the needs of Ireland today and into the future.
School Staffing
Eamonn Maloney
Ceist:151 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a DEIS band 1 school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 is to lose up to eight staff members for the next school year; the reasons this school is to lose up to five special needs assistant posts; the reason two teaching posts to support Traveller children are to be lost at a time when the school is successfully accommodating almost 40 Traveller children; the alleviation measures the school can avail of to limit its loss of staffing; the steps he will take to have this school’s needs investigated urgently with a view to preserving staff numbers at a time of growth in enrolment and acute need in the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6632/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government clearly states that education will be a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students. To that end, we will endeavour to protect front-line services in education.
However, I do not intend to revisit the decision of the previous Government to withdraw resource teacher for traveller posts. The Deputy will understand that Ireland is effectively now in economic receivership because of the disastrous legacy of the last Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government. The requirements to make expenditure savings and to ensure that staffing numbers remain within the Public Service Employment Control Framework prevent me from re-visiting this decision.
The decision to withdraw resource teacher for traveller posts is broadly in keeping with the recommendation in the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy that an integrated, collaborative and in-class learning support system should be adopted for all children, including Travellers, with an identified educational need. The strategy aims to enhance access, attendance, participation and engagement for Travellers and is underpinned by the principles of inclusion and mainstreaming with an emphasis on equality and diversity. Traveller pupils who are eligible for learning support teaching will, from the next school year, receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools. All schools should select students for learning support on the basis of priority of need.
I do recognise that withdrawing all RTT posts will place a strain on existing learning support services in schools. In recognition of this, limited alleviation measures are being provided to assist schools that have high concentrations of Traveller pupils and who were previously supported by Resource Teachers for Travellers.
In respect of DEIS (Developing Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Band 1 schools, Traveller enrolments have been included in the valid enrolment for the purpose of allocating additional staffing under DEIS from the 2011/12 school year. The schools involved have already received their staffing allocations for next year.
With regard to allocation of SNA support, the Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
It is important to understand in relation to the SNA allocation process that SNA allocations are not permanent. The level of SNA support allocated to a school is increased or decreased as pupils who qualify for SNA support enrol or leave a school. They are also decreased where a child's care needs may have diminished over time.
The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the SNA allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of SNA support to eligible schools. The NCSE will consider applications for additional SNA support in the context of this process for the 2011/12 school year.
Schools will be engaging with the NCSE in this regard ahead of the next school year and the NCSE will review the SNA staffing requirements for schools, taking into account all of the students who will be attending school from September next and any new students that the school are intending to enrol. As such, the overall SNA allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy will be reviewed for the coming school year in this context.
Higher Education Grants
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:152 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a review of an application for third level grant will be undertaken at an early date in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6638/11]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC.
The grant awarding authority in question has advised my Department that an application for a grant from the student to which the Deputy refers was unsuccessful. It is open to the student to appeal this decision to the grant awarding authority. Where a grant awarding authority decides to reject such an appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form clearly outlining the grounds for the appeal. I understand that, to date, the student has not appealed the decision to the grant awarding authority.
School Staffing
Robert Dowds
Ceist:153 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will establish a teaching panel for Gaelscoileanna at primary level or failing that, to give Gaelscoileanna the authority to interview teachers from the other teaching panels to ensure that teachers appointed to Gaelscoileanna have a sufficient standard of Irish. [6675/11]
Over half of the Gaelscoileanna are under catholic patronage and the redeployment of surplus teachers from these schools is through the relevant diocesan panels. Under the existing redeployment arrangements a Board of management has the right to interview, once there is more than one teacher on a panel.
My Department had discussions recently with An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to its request for a separate panel for Gaelscoileanna under its patronage. These discussions are on-going and a key issue for my Department is how best to facilitate this request in a manner that avoids the inherent inefficiencies of a separate panel for a relatively small number of schools. Given our budgetary situation we need to have sufficient flexibility in the redeployment arrangements to ensure that surplus teachers in all schools regardless of patronage type can be readily redeployed to vacancies wherever they exist.
The existing arrangements for the redeployment of surplus teachers operate between schools of the same patronage and are not certain to bring about the redeployment of all surplus teachers. To address the current limitations my Department will be seeking in the coming period to recommence discussions with the relevant education partners, including An Foras Pátrúnachta, on changes necessary to achieve our objective of absorbing all surplus teachers into vacancies that exist in other schools. These discussions can also deal with the request for a separate redeployment panel for Gaelscoileanna under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta.
School Curriculum
Niall Collins
Ceist:154 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will fund a music course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6688/11]
Music is a core part of the arts curriculum in all classes in all primary schools and comprises listening, and responding, performing and composing activities. A revised primary curriculum in Music was introduced in 2005, supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers. I am very aware of the excellent work being done by schools using music as a key vehicle to promote inclusion and effective learning.
Schools in DEIS and School Completion Projects are provided with additional funding and have discretion as to how best to spend these funds within a framework of guidelines set out by my Department. The guidelines provide that funding may be used on initiatives to support retention, supporting and engaging parents and the wider community, co-operation with the youth sector, promoting cross curricular literacy initiatives, music, dance, drama, and promoting social, sport and leisure activities which impact on children's learning. The music education project falls well within the parameters of what can be funded under DEIS and the School Completion Programme.
Other than the additional resources available through DEIS and the School Completion Programme to schools designated as disadvantaged, my Department is not in a position at this time to provide additional funding to support the "Music Made Easy" programme in primary schools.
However, a partnership between U2, Music Network, the International Funds for Ireland and the education sector is enabling a series of music education partnerships to be established around the country on a phased basis to provide vocal and instrumental music tuition for young people. The initiative was made possible by a donation of €5m from U2, and a commitment from the Ireland Funds to raise €2m. These contributions will fund the initiative in the early years of development, with the intention that programmes will be continued into the future with Exchequer funding when the donations cease.
The initiative is being managed by a company called Music Generation (www.musicgeneration.ie). A call for proposals was issued on 17 January 2011 seeking applications from local Music Education Partnerships across the country who wish to apply for funding. Music Generation aims to help children and young people to access music education in their own locality. The focus is on co-ordinated area-based provision as part of a partnership, not on funding for individual schools.
Funding for up to twelve Music Education Partnerships will be awarded by Music Generation on a phased basis from 2011-2015, most likely in three locations at a time. Music Education Partnerships are eligible to apply for 50% funding, up to a maximum of €200,000 per annum over three years. The closing date for Round 1 applications was March 31st, 2011, but there will be further rounds of the initiative each year until 12 partnerships are established. The lead partner in the Music Education Partnership must be a statutory agency.
The provision of music in the school curriculum, supplemented by an expanding network of music education partnerships, and the provision of some 68,000 hours of music tuition provided in certain locations in the form of co-operation hours through the VEC system, allied with flexible funds for DEIS and School Completion Programme schools together form part of the strategy to widen access to music education for young people in the period ahead.
School Libraries
Ceist:
155 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding for school libraries will be restored; if, at least €1 million could be provided; if it is proposed to source the funding from another Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/11]
The current financial situation and Ireland's reliance on external funding through the EU/IMF Support Programme means inevitably that the funding situation will be extremely difficult in the period ahead. I would be misleading the Deputy if I pretended otherwise. The Government will do its best to prioritise education spending and protect front-line services but the reality is that my Department will have to bear its share of the Government's overall effort to cut public spending in order to deal with our fiscal crisis.
In these circumstances, it is not possible to restore the grant to local authorities for the provision of library services to primary schools, and I do not believe that it will be possible for any other Department to replace this funding. Individual Boards of Management may allocate their combined capitation and ancillary funding according to the priorities of the school.
Schools Refurbishment
Michael McGrath
Ceist:156 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the summer works scheme 2011 will be proceeding in line with the announcement in December last. [6702/11]
I am pleased to be able to confirm to the Deputy that I recently announced that 453 primary and post primary schools across the country will be receiving funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. Details of the schools in question are available on my Department's website www.education.ie. All schools who applied for funding under the scheme will receive written notification of the outcome of their application.
Michael Creed
Ceist:157 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in County Cork which have applied for support under the summer works scheme; the number which were unsuccessful in their application and in the case of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork, the options open to it to achieve alternative funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/11]
Michael Creed
Ceist:158 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in County Cork which have applied for support under the summer works scheme; the number which were unsuccessful in their application and in the case of a post primary school (details supplied) in County Cork, the options open to it to achieve alternative funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6706/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that a total of 252 applications for funding under the Summer Works Scheme, 2011, were received from schools in County Cork. Of these, 46 schools in County Cork were included in my announcement on 30th March of a total of 453 schools in the country whose applications for funding were successful.
Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories were prioritised and it was not possible to include the schools referred to the Deputy in the list of successful applicants. Letters to this effect will be issuing to the schools shortly. It is open to the schools in question to apply for funding under future rounds of the Summer Works Scheme.
In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to consider if the works in question qualify for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie
Schools Building Projects
Jim Daly
Ceist:159 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a proposal to advertise for a design team in the European journal to suitably design an extension for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [6718/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that a major project for the school to which he refers was included on a list of projects, which were announced on 24 January 2011, for which briefs will be formulated in 2011.
Officials from my Department will be in touch with the school authority shortly regarding a site visit to the school, which is the next step required to formulate the capital project brief. Following formulation of a brief for the project, the process of appointing a Design Team will commence.
Schools Refurbishment
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:160 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received an application for a summer grant scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; when will the application be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/11]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme.
Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories were prioritised and it was not possible to include the school referred to by the Deputy in the list of 453 successful schools that were announced on Wednesday the 30th of March. A letter to this effect will be issuing to the school authority shortly.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:161 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received an application for minor repair works scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6761/11]
An application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme was received in March of this year from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application related to the replacement of roof slates. This school previously received funding for roof works.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
As the scope of works requested by the school in question is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme, the school has been informed that it cannot be considered for emergency funding. The school authority was also advised to raise the issue with the Consultant engaged on the original project.
Education Schemes
Joe Higgins
Ceist:162 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide financing to secure the JobFit Programme in an area (details supplied) and prevent the loss of seven jobs [6774/11]
The Labour Market Activation Fund was launched in March 2010, in order to assist in the creation of training and education provision for specific priority groups among the unemployed, namely the low skilled, and those formerly employed in declining sectors — construction, retail and manufacturing sectors — with particular emphasis on the under 35s and the long-term unemployed.
TBG Learning Ltd was one of those who were successful in the tendering competition and were contracted to provide programmes of 12 weeks duration for the unemployed under the Labour Market Activation Fund. TBG Learning promotes ‘JobFit' as a free, new, innovative training programme for unemployed people looking to get a job or to move onto further education and training. Work experience is provided by local employers for periods of up to 4 full weeks, delivered flexibly according to employer and participants needs. The contract with TBG Learning provides for the training of 1,500 participants a total sum of €7.03m for the provision of these programmes in 2010 and up to March 2011.
No budgetary provision was made for a further iteration of the fund in 2011. However I recently decided to re-distribute savings achieved under the Fund to a number of existing funded projects.
In the context of savings achieved under the 2010 Fund, I approved funding for a proposal from TBG Learning to deliver additional 382 places on JobFit programme, at a cost of €500,000, within the parameters of the 2010 Fund. I understand that Blanchardstown is not one of the locations covered by the TBG proposal for extended funding but this was the decision of TBG itself. I do not propose to make any further funding available under the LMAF at this time. A full examination of the Fund is to be undertaken during 2011 and the findings from that exercise will, among other things, inform labour market policy priorities into the future.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:163 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems; and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department [6798/11]
My Department, most recently in the context of the Transforming Public Services strategy, has been evaluating the potential to secure savings and efficiencies by extending the use of shared services as widely as possible across the education sector. This consideration has included examination of the feasibility of operating systems of shared payroll services for bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department. Progress is being made in this area.
The payroll system operated by my Department provides payroll services for the Civil Servants employed directly in the Department and for staff in a number other bodies with similar type staff structures. These include the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Residential Institutions Redress Board, certain staff in the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. The Department is examining with other aegis bodies how their payroll systems can be operated in the most cost-effective manner. In some cases, including due to the specificities of the staffing structures in these bodies, the provision of a payroll service by my own Department may not be the most cost-effective solution.
My Department is also examining the potential for the movement of the Civil Service payroll to a common shared services platform to be operated by a central payroll services provider. In this regard, my officials are currently involved in discussions with potential providers.
The pursuit of the Transforming Public Services strategy in relation to payroll is also visible in a number of other areas of the education sector. For example, the Higher Education Authority has identified the progression of shared services and procurement initiatives in the sector as a key outcome for 2011 and is in ongoing consultation with the sector in relation to progression of such initiatives. With regard to the Institutes of Technology, new forms of enhanced collaboration are being considered, including the possible merger of payroll services. The University sector is now considering payroll systems in the context of a more extensive shared services vision, where critical mass and economies of scale strengthen the business case. Work is also progressing on the development of a shared payroll and financial services model for Vocational Education Committees. The business case for this proposal is currently being evaluated by the Department of Finance.
My Department will continue to encourage bodies across the education sector to harness the potential for savings and efficiencies offered by shared services technologies.
Special Educational Needs
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:164 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on efforts to secure a post-primary class in a local school to provide for special need children due to leave a school (details supplied) over the next number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6811/11]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including applications for the establishment of special classes, in various geographical areas as required. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact the SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 114.
Schools Refurbishment
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when provision is likely to be made for a new PE Hall at a school (details supplied) in view of the fact that the existing structure does not meet health and safety requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6825/11]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding to include for the replacement of the school's Assembly Hall/Gym In accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects, the project for this school has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including a project for this school, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's future multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school management to consider if the works in question qualify for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie
Schools Building Projects
Paudie Coffey
Ceist:167 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to build a school extension under the capital building programme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6842/11]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension project. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1 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.
Value for Money Review
Noel Harrington
Ceist:168 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the small school value for money review report will be published and if he will state the criteria set out to the group conducting this review; when he will be in a position to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6855/11]
I expect the report on the value for money of small primary school provision to be finalised by the end of the year. I will then have to consider its outcomes and publication will be arranged at that stage. The terms of reference for the Steering Committee are published on my Department's website.
Noel Harrington
Ceist:169 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the small school value for money review report, if he will list all the schools and the number of pupils in each in County Cork that are being included in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6856/11]
The primary focus of the value for money review of small primary schools is on all primary schools nationwide with an enrolment of less than 50 pupils. Information sought by the Deputy in relation to the relevant schools in County Cork is available from my Department's website.
School Transport
Niall Collins
Ceist:170 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine a specific aspect of school bus transport (details supplied) in light of recent changes [6863/11]
The changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from a recommendation in the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme. The change to the rule, referred to by the Deputy, means that the distance criteria will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis. From the 2012/2013 school year, school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering national schools will be determined by reference to the nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language. Existing eligible primary pupils availing of transport under the Rule in question will retain transport eligibility for the duration of their schooling, provided the requisite distance criterion is met. Given the major financial constraints facing the country, it is not my intention at this stage to reverse the changes to school transport as announced in Budget 2011. We all have to remember that the decisions of the last government effectively put this country into receivership.
Proposed Legislation
Clare Daly
Ceist:171 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to introduce legislation to close down Smithfield horse market, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6459/11]
The selling of goods in public places is governed by the Casual Trading Act, 1995. Under this Act all operational matters in connection with casual trading are the responsibility of the relevant local authority in which the trading takes place. I understand that the Smithfield market operates pursuant to a "market right" which is defined in the Act as "a right conferred by franchise or statute to hold a fair or market, that is to say, a concourse of buyers and sellers to dispose of commodities".
I have been requested by the Lord Mayor of Dublin to introduce legislation to extinguish the market right in Smithfield in Dublin. The law on this matter is complex and my officials have made a detailed submission to the Office of the Attorney General seeking legal advice. When I have received this advice I will decide the best way to proceed.
Industrial Relations
Michael McGrath
Ceist:172 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding the independent review of the framework registered employment agreements and employment regulation orders arrangements which is required under the agreement between Ireland and the EU-IMF [6474/11]
The Review of the JLC and REA mechanisms was initiated on 8 February 2011 last and is being undertaken jointly by Kevin Duffy, Chairman of the Labour Court acting in an ad hoc capacity and Dr Frank Walsh, School of Economics, UCD, under specific terms of reference.
The review is a commitment under the EU/IMF programme, which provided not only for agreement on the terms of reference but also the programme of actions arising.
Public notices were placed in national newspapers early February and key stakeholders contacted to seek submissions by 25 February last. I understand that the Review Team subsequently met with a number of stakeholders to discuss their submissions. These are being analysed by the Review Team.
I expect that the Review will be completed and submitted to me in mid-April and will be published following consideration by the Government. An action plan will be developed in consultation with the EU/IMF with a view to early implementation of reforms.
Employment Action Plan
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:173 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to replace or put in place a similar scheme to the employment subsidy scheme temporary that closed in March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6496/11]
The Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) was introduced to help employees maintain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers to retain their productive capacity. The Scheme was operated as part of an Irish State aid scheme approved under the European Commission's Temporary Framework on State aid, introduced in December 2008. The Framework was brought in on a temporary basis to allow Member States increased flexibility to assist companies in the real economy that were facing difficulties in accessing finance as a result of the economic downturn.
There are no plans to replace the Employment Subsidy Scheme. I should add that the approved Irish State aid scheme under the Temporary Framework expired on 31st December 2010. An amendment to the Temporary Framework by the European Commission in December 2010 means that it would no longer be possible to secure approval for any prolongation of this scheme.
Niall Collins
Ceist:174 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he is taking to create employment in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6565/11]
Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies to support enterprise and innovation so that quality employment opportunities can be grown and maintained. It is only by creating the right environment for businesses to expand that we will see new jobs coming on stream.
Limerick's FDI base is concentrated for the most part in the city environs of the National Technology Park and Raheen. IDA Ireland supports 38 companies in County Limerick that employ almost 6,000 people. IDA's strategy is to re-position the region as a hotspot for knowledge based industry, while focusing on marketing Limerick as a key location for investment, by building on the strengths already evident in the county. To support this strategy, IDA Ireland works closely with educational institutions in the region to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value-added employment to the county. In March 2010, IDA published its strategy for the forthcoming decade, "Horizon 2020”. “Horizon 2020” sets out IDA’s targets for the five-year period to 2014. One of these targets is to secure 50% of investments outside Dublin and Cork
The CEO of IDA informed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Employment last December that IDA expected three project announcements in the Limerick region in the first half of 2011. The first of these companies announced in December 2010 that it was establishing its European sales and marketing headquarters in the National Technology Park; the first employees have now been recruited and the project is up and running. With regard to the other two investments for Limerick, IDA remains confident that both projects will proceed and will be announced in the coming months.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to support job creation through a number of interventions, such as supporting the establishment and growth of high potential start-up companies and supporting companies to target new opportunities in overseas markets.
In 2010, Enterprise Ireland paid €7.3m to client companies in Co. Limerick. At present, there are 264 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Limerick, employing over 6,000 people. The agency has approved funding under the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme for eight community enterprise centres amounting to €2.19m to date.
The priorities for the Enterprise Boards based in Limerick in 2011 are to assist owner/managers in enhancing the survival and sustainability of their businesses in these difficult economic times and to assist people wishing to start their own business including those made redundant. A budget of over €775,000 has been made available to the two Enterprise Boards in Limerick for the provision of supports (financial and non-financial) in 2011. At present, there are over 1,800 people employed in companies supported by the two enterprise boards operating in Limerick City and County. In addition to their core activities both Boards are distributing funding available under the Dell European Globalisation Fund facility to former Dell workers who have set up their own business subsequent to being made redundant.
The Government has committed to the introduction of a Jobs Budget within its first 100 days. This will facilitate the implementation of a number of measures across a range of Government Departments.
As part of my jobs and growth plan I will be promoting in the context of the upcoming Jobs Budget measures such as:
A reduction in PRSI costs for employers;
Addressing legal costs for businesses through various initiatives currently in development;
A partial loan guarantee scheme to increase the flow of credit to job-creating businesses;
An end to upward-only rent reviews.
For my own part, I intend to develop initiatives to target particular sectors where there is greatest opportunity to capitalise on the strengths of our enterprise base and our people. I have already started working with the enterprise agencies under my Department's remit to develop a Jobs Programme that will develop the detail of these initiatives. The actions to be taken across Government will stimulate the economy, facilitate enterprise and encourage job creation, including in Co. Limerick.
Property Management Companies
Peter Mathews
Ceist:175 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the penalties a management company of an apartment block are liable to face if they breach sections 131 and 148(7) of the Companies Act 1963 by not holding an annual general meeting within 15 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6720/11]
The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 makes provision for the operation of management bodies of multi-unit developments and is primarily a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality.
The penalties for companies in breach of the sections referred to by the Deputy are set out in section 131(6) and section 148 (11) of the Companies Act 1963.
Section 131(6) (as amended) provides as follows:
(6) If default is made in holding a meeting of the company in accordance with subsection (1), or in complying with any direction of the [Director] under subsection (3), the company and every officer of the company who is in default [shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine] not exceeding [€1,904.61, and if default is made in complying with subsection (5), the company and every officer of the company who is in default [shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine] not exceeding €1,904.61.
Section 148(11) (as amended) provides as follows:
(11) Where any person being a director of a company fails to take all reasonable steps to comply with this section, the person is, in respect of each offence, liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to a fine not exceeding € 635 or to both, so, however that—
(a) in any proceedings against a person in respect of an offence under this section, it shall be a defence to prove that the person had reasonable ground to believe and did believe that a competent and reliable person was charged with the duty of seeing that this section was complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty, and
(b) a person shall not be sentenced to imprisonment for such an offence unless, in the opinion of the court dealing with the case, the offence was committed wilfully.
Work Permits
Jack Wall
Ceist:176 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6723/11]
Jack Wall
Ceist:178 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person ( details supplied ) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6757/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 176 and 178 together.
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits (Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits). All applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
I wish to advise the Deputy that this particular application was refused on the 20th January 2011 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
where there is an officially recognized scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification. A list of the ineligible job categories for employment permits is available at my Department's website at www.deti.ie .
The job category described as work rider is currently not eligible for the granting of new employment permits and new permits are normally only considered where a starting salary of €30,000 is on offer. Having examined the appeal, the Appeals Officer upheld the original decision in this case on the 1st April 2011 and the fees are in the process of being refunded to the applicant. In these circumstances, therefore, I regret that it is not possible to re-visit this application.
Departmental Agencies
Seán Kenny
Ceist:177 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of staff and the grades in each Enterprise Ireland and Industrial Development Agency office located outside Ireland. [6744/11]
The numbers of staff and grades involved in each Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland office located outside Ireland are set out in the tables accompanying this reply.
|
Location of Office |
Number of Staff |
Grades |
|
Amsterdam |
3 |
1 Market Advisor1 Marketing Executive1 Manager — Benelux Hub |
|
Brussels |
6 |
1 Executive Assistant3 Market Advisors1 Marketing Executive1 Liaison Officer |
|
Paris |
9 |
2 Executive Assistants3 Market Advisors1 Senior Market Advisor2 Marketing Executives1 Manager |
|
London |
16 |
2 Executive Assistants1 Assistant Market Advisor4 Marketing Executives2 Market Advisors4 Senior Market Advisors2 Managers1 Territory Director — Western Europe |
|
Glasgow |
1 |
Manager |
|
Dusseldorf |
17 |
5 Executive Assistants2 Assistant Market Advisors3 Marketing Executives2 Market Advisors4 Senior Market Advisors1 Hub Manager |
|
Stockholm |
5 |
1 Executive Assistant1 Marketing Executive2 Market Advisors1 Manager |
|
Budapest |
1 |
Executive Assistant |
|
Moscow |
3 |
1 Executive Assistant1 Marketing Executive1 Market Adviser |
|
Prague |
4 |
1 Executive Assistant1 Market Advisor1 Manager1 Territory Director — Central Eastern Europe, Nordic States & Russia |
|
Warsaw |
7 |
1 Executive Assistant4 Market Advisors1 Senior Market Advisor1 Manager |
|
Madrid |
6 |
1 Executive Assistant2 Marketing Executives1 Market Advisor1 Manager1 Territory Director — Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa and Latin America |
|
Milan |
5 |
2 Executive Assistants1 Marketing Executive1 Senior Market Advisor1 Manager |
|
Dubai |
5 |
1 Executive Assistant1 Marketing Executive1 Market Advisor1 Senior Market Advisor1 Manager |
|
Riyadh |
2 |
1 Market Advisor1 Senior Market Advisor |
|
Sao Paolo Brazil |
1 |
Manager |
|
Shanghai |
3 |
1 Marketing Executive1 Manager1 Territory Director — Asia |
|
Beijing |
5 |
1 Marketing Executive1 Office Administration Manager2 Market Advisors1 Hub Manager |
|
Guangzhou |
1 |
Manager |
|
Hong Kong |
2 |
1 Executive Assistant1 Manager |
|
Seoul |
1 |
Manager |
|
Kuala Lumpur |
3 |
1 Executive Assistant1 Marketing Executive1 Manager |
|
Singapore |
1 |
Manager |
|
Sydney |
4 |
1 Marketing Executive2 Market Advisors1 Manager |
|
Tokyo |
6 |
2 Executive Assistants1 Marketing Executive2 Market Advisors1 Manager |
|
New Delhi |
2 |
1 Market Advisor1 Manager |
|
Boston |
3 |
1 Assistant Market Advisor2 Senior Market Advisors |
|
New York |
12 |
2 Executive Assistants1 Assistant Market Advisor3 Marketing Executives1 Market Advisor3 Senior Market Advisors1 Manager1 Territory Director — Americas |
|
Mountain View (USA) |
4 |
2 Marketing Executives2 Senior Market Advisors |
|
Toronto |
4 |
1 Assistant Market Advisor2 Marketing Executives1 Manager |
|
Location of Office |
Number of Staff |
Grades |
|
London |
4 |
1 Office Manager2 Sales & Marketing Executives1 Support |
|
Frankfurt |
4 |
1 Manager2 Sales & Marketing Executives1 Support |
|
Paris |
3 |
1 European Director1 Sales & Marketing Executive1 Support |
|
New York |
9 |
1 Director North America6 Sales & Marketing Executives1 Support1 Graduate |
|
Boston |
2 |
2 Sales & Marketing Executives |
|
Mountain View (USA) |
5 |
1 Manager3 Sales & Marketing Executives1 Support |
|
Irvine (USA) |
2 |
2 Sales & Marketing Executives |
|
Atlanta |
2 |
2 Sales & Marketing Executives |
|
Chicago |
4 |
1 Manager2 Sales & Marketing Executives1 Support |
|
Moscow |
1 |
Consultant (Part time) |
|
Sao Paolo |
1 |
Consultant (Part time) |
|
Sydney |
1 |
Consultant (Part time) |
|
Taiwan |
1 |
Senior Project Officer |
|
Tokyo |
3 |
1 Manager1 Sales & Marketing Executive1 Support |
|
Singapore |
1 |
1 Sales & Marketing Executive |
|
Shanghai |
3 |
1 Director — Asia Pacific1 Sales & Marketing Executive1 Support |
|
Shenzhen |
1 |
1 Sales & Marketing Executive |
|
India(Mumbai) |
5 |
1 Manager3 Sales & Marketing Executives1 Support |
Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 176.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:179 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems; and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department. [6799/11]
My Department operates payroll for all Departmental staff and staff of the following Offices and Agencies of my Department: · Labour Court · Employment Appeals Tribunal · Patents Office · Companies Registration Office · Registrar of Friendly Societies · Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement · National Employment Rights Authority · Labour Relations Commission · National Consumer Agency · Competition Authority · Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
In addition, fees payable to members of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and to Rights Commissioners are also processed by my Department's payroll. In total there are in excess of 1,200 people paid regularly on the payroll.
The other agencies under the remit of my Department are responsible for payrolls with a total of in excess of 3,200 individuals, including pensioners. While there is some sharing of payroll services at present, the issue of greater sharing of both payroll and other services across my Department, its offices and agencies is currently being explored in the context of achieving both administrative savings and bringing about improvements in the delivery of those services, in line with the Croke Park Agreement.
Community Employment Schemes
Finian McGrath
Ceist:180 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6403/11]
As Minister for Social Protection I do not have a role in the administration of individual cases in regard to the operation of the Community Employment programme. The administration of individual cases under Community Employment is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act 1987 as amended by Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010.
Redundancy Payments
John Deasy
Ceist:181 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in payment of statutory redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; when payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6425/11]
On 1 January 2011, the Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. The processing of such payments was previously the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. I can confirm that a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned was received on 17 November, 2011. This claim is awaiting processing, taking account of the high number of claims on hand it is expected that this claim will be processed shortly.
Social Welfare Benefits
Finian McGrath
Ceist:182 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if further assistance is available to a person (details supplied). [6498/11]
The Health Service Executive has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement he should contact the local Community Welfare Officer.
Michael Creed
Ceist:183 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their application for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6533/11]
A person returning to full-time employment does not qualify for rent supplement unless they have been assessed by the local authority as being eligible for accommodation under the rental accommodation scheme. The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned is awaiting such an assessment from the local authority. When this assessment has been completed their entitlement to rent supplement can then be decided.
Social Welfare Appeals
John Lyons
Ceist:184 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection when a determination will issue regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 regarding an application for domiciliary care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6634/11]
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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Michael Creed
Ceist:185 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their application for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6678/11]
The Health Service Executive has advised that they have received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned but that no decision has been made on her application to date. The Health Service Executive further advised that they will contact the person concerned directly when a decision has been made on her application.
Redundancy Payments
Jim Daly
Ceist:186 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an RP 50 claim (details supplied) submitted to his Department on 13 September 2010 has not been paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6712/11]
On 1 January 2011, the Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. The processing of such payments was previously the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. I can confirm that eighteen statutory redundancy lump sum claims in respect of the company concerned were received in September last year. While I regret the delay in processing the claims, which is due to the high level of claims on hand, I can confirm that these claims will be processed during April.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:187 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when redundancy payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6759/11]
On 1 January 2011, the Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. The Department has no record of receiving a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned.
Pension Provisions
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:188 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there has been any examination by the Regulator or other relevant authority into the situation in Irish Life pensions department. [6826/11]
The Pensions Board is a statutory body set up under the Pensions Act, 1990.
The Board regulates:
occupational pension schemes,
trust RACs,
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts in Ireland.
This is done as part of the statutory role to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act. The Board also protects the interests of pension scheme members and encourages pension provision. The Board provides advice to the Minister for Social Protection on pension matters generally.
In order to ensure that its regulatory practices are efficient and that activities are directed to the most important and effective means the Board adopts a supervisory approach based on a hierarchy of risk priorities as follows:
1. scheme or PRSA assets or contributions being misappropriated
2. benefit entitlements being calculated incorrectly
3. defined benefit schemes being funded inadequately
4. non compliant investment of pension assets
5. insufficient information provided to members.
The Regulation team engages with regulated entities and their administration providers in order to assess levels of compliance based on the above priorities.
From 1 November 2008, the trustees of every scheme (including large trust RAC schemes) must appoint a registered administrator to provide various services to the scheme known as ‘core administration functions'.
The Pensions Board has supervision of pension administration requirements under the Pensions Act and reports that Irish Life currently meets its obligations as a registered administrator.
Where members of a pension scheme have any concerns about their pension rights they should in the first instance raise the matter with the trustees of their pension scheme. If they are not satisfied with the outcome they should raise the matter with the Pensions Board.
Social Welfare Benefits
Pat Breen
Ceist:189 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6350/11]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 16th February 2011. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the customer.
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:190 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the disquiet in various parts of the country regarding the operation of the rent allowance scheme; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has been widely criticised for its failure to police this scheme effectively; if she is aware that the HSE has granted rent allowance payments to landlords who have failed to register with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; her plans to change rent allowance scheme to ensure that it will be more transparent and effectively policed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6359/11]
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). The Department is working closely with the PRTB to ensure that all tenancies where rent supplement is in payment are registered with the PRTB. To that end, the Department provides details of new rent supplement payments to the PRTB to enable them identify tenancies that are not registered and to take any follow-up action necessary.
Landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the PRTB within one month from the start date of the tenancy or at a later date on payment of an increased fee. For this reason, it is not practicable for the Department to insist that a tenancy be registered with the PRTB before payment of rent supplement can be made. There are also instances where a rent supplement tenancy need not be registered with the PRTB, for example, in the case of renting a room in a house or where a premises is owner occupied. Rent supplement tenancies which are liable for registration with the PRTB, should be so registered. In that regard, the close working arrangements which the Department has with the PRTB should ensure that over time, all tenancies that come within the area of rent supplement comply with the statutory system of tenancy regulation and safeguards.
Social Welfare Appeals
Gerald Nash
Ceist:191 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons for the delay in processing an appeal for an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if she will approve the benefit payment to the person concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6385/11]
Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford him an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of his appeal. On receipt of his response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Pension Provisions
Seamus Kirk
Ceist:192 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the regulation of private pension so that those in financial difficulty can access their pension funds before retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6395/11]
The overall objective of the pension system is to ensure that people have an adequate income in retirement. At present only 50% of workers have a private pension, with low levels of coverage among moderate to middle incomes a particular concern. In addition, it is also evident that many of those in pension schemes are not contributing at a level which will secure an adequate pension in retirement. While the State pension is expected to provide sufficient retirement income for the lowest paid workers, most people will have a significant income gap if they do not make some provision for a private pension. The issue around the adequacy, coverage and sustainability of pension provision are being addressed through a range of measures outlined in the National Pensions Framework which was published in March 2010.
The aim of the framework is 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.
The Government is aware of the suggestions that persons in financial difficulty should have access to pension funds. There is however no proposal, at present, to provide such access.
Social Welfare Appeals
John McGuinness
Ceist:193 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny regarding their application for rent allowance and if she will expedite a response. [6423/11]
As advised in reply to question number 66 on the 26th January 2011 the person concerned was refused rent supplement by the Health Service Executive as it was satisfied that he was not legally resident in the State. The HSE has advised that, according to the information currently available, it has no record of an appeal from the person concerned. However, I will request the HSE Appeals Office to accept the Deputies question as an appeal for the person concerned against the decision to refuse rent supplement.
Departmental Correspondence
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:194 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection if the response previously promised (details supplied) is now available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6446/11]
The Department's records show that a reply to the Deputy's representations issued on 22 February 2011. The Department will issue a copy of the reply to the Deputy.
Social Welfare Code
Joe McHugh
Ceist:195 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans changing the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended by section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 and section 15 of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6470/11]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004. The purpose of the habitual residence condition is to safeguard the social welfare system from abuse by restricting access for people who are not economically active and who have little or no established connection with Ireland. A person who does not satisfy the habitual residence condition is not eligible for specified social welfare payments, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The social welfare schemes concerned are jobseeker's allowance, one parent family payment, disability allowance, carer's allowance, widow/er's (non contributory) pension, guardian's payment (non contributory), State pension (non-contributory), blind pension, supplementary welfare allowance (except urgent or exceptional needs payments), domiciliary care allowance and child benefit.
I have no plans at present to amend the legislative provisions regarding the habitual residence condition. However, the legislation is kept under review by my Department.
Social Welfare Benefits
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:196 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare schemes which may now only be paid to a bank account; the reason persons have been told they can no longer claim through the post office and the person will be liable for bank charges associated with the setting up of an account for this purpose. [6482/11]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:197 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a guarantee that persons will not have their social welfare payments suspended or cut off as a result of a failure to open a bank account. [6485/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
There are no schemes where payment may only be paid to a customer's bank account and payment through the Post Office has not been discontinued for any customer group previously paid through the Post Office. The Department is committed to providing a high quality service to our customers. We offer a range of payment options to customers including electronic fund transfer (EFT) to the customer's bank account, building society account or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Electronic information transfer (EIT) to the post office network or cheque payments are also provided.
However, there are some instances whereby the Department may limit the choice of payment method. This is determined by reference to the scheme payment which the customer is in receipt of, the payment options available under that scheme and by reference to control and risk considerations for example where it is a condition of scheme that a claimant be resident in the State.
My Department supports government policy which aims to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a modern payments environment in Ireland. We will continue to develop strategies and solutions that avail of opportunities provided by developments in ICT and the Financial Services sector to improve existing services, to maximise efficiencies in payment instruments available and to support financial inclusion.
We continuously review our payment methods to ensure that customers are provided with a quality service that delivers the correct payment, by the due date, using the most cost effective method of payment that ensures value for money for our customers and the taxpayer.
Payments are not suspended or cut off where a customer does not have a bank account. If the Deputy is aware of a person who is concerned about their payment perhaps he could provide me with the details and I will have the matter examined.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:198 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason bank holidays are deducted from the jobseeker’s benefit payments to claimants who are partially employed. [6489/11]
Part-time or casual workers are not entitled to a jobseeker's payment in respect of public holidays to which they have an entitlement to pay from their employer. The purpose of this is to ensure that customers do not receive payment from their employer and from this Department in respect of the same day. Such days may, however, be treated as a day of unemployment for the purposes of satisfying the ‘3 in 6' rule, i.e., that a customer must be unemployed for at least three days out of six, to receive jobseeker's payment.
Employment Support Services
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:199 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made towards developing a comprehensive employment strategy; the likely publication date and the steps being taken to ensure the employment situation of persons with mental health problems is adequately addressed in the strategy. [6500/11]
Issues relating to employment are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation in the first instance. It may be noted that, under the Disability Act 2005, the sectoral plan of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation includes proposals for a comprehensive employment strategy for persons with disabilities.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ray Butler
Ceist:200 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review of the mortgage interest supplement amount being paid to a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6558/11]
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned had his claim reviewed in January 2011 and is currently in receipt of his full entitlement to mortgage interest supplement.
Social Welfare Appeals
John Lyons
Ceist:201 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to address the issue of delays with appeals and oral hearings for applications for domiciliary care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6633/11]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the average waiting time for a domiciliary care appeal dealt with by way of a summary decision in 2010 was 26.8 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing was 49.1 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. These 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. As can be seen from the figures, 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 order to be fair to all appellants, these appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hands, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.
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.
National Carers Strategy
Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:202 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will publish the national carers strategy. [6639/11]
During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, undertook work, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Children, and Social and Family Affairs, as well as the Health Services Executive (HSE) and FÁS were represented on the group. The group met on six occasions during 2008 and the expertise of other Departments and Agencies was drawn on as particular issues were being considered. Discussions were also held with colleagues in Northern Ireland. A wide ranging consultation process was also undertaken which included a meeting with the social partners; two meetings with carer representative groups; and a public consultation process.
While each of the themes set out in the terms of reference was examined in terms of the current position, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to agree future targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the then Government decided not to publish a strategy.
The Government is committed in the Programme for Government to developing a carers' strategy. It will consider how to progress the development of the strategy, taking into account the prevailing economic realities.
Grant Payments
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:203 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will match the grant aid provided to a company (details supplied) in 2010 and not to cut its grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6668/11]
This company has a contract with the community services programme to provide security related services on Dublin's Northside. The company has sought additional operational support from the programme to maintain its current operations. The matter is being considered by the Department in addition to a number of similar requests from service providers supported by the programme. The Deputy will appreciate that the pressure on the public finances has significantly impacted on the resources available to this and similar programmes. The priority with respect to the programme has been to protect the jobs of some 2,700 people employed by the 450 or so community-based service providers approved for support. In order to do this, it was necessary to reduce the level of non-wage funding made available to service providers, as well as cutting technical assistance and administrative costs.
The Deputy should note that the programme is not designed to cover the full operating costs of supported service providers. A key requirement of the programme is that each service provider must develop non-public forms of income generation by way of charging fees, trading or fund-raising.
Social Welfare Benefits
Jack Wall
Ceist:204 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has made an application for rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6687/11]
The Health Service Executive has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement she should contact the Community Welfare Service.
Departmental Programmes
Seamus Kirk
Ceist:205 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to commence Tús, the community work placement programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6698/11]
The Minister for Finance announced a community work placement initiative for up to 5,000 persons who have been on the Live Register for over a year in his Budget statements to the Dáil on the 7th December 2010. This initiative, to be known as Tús, was launched by my predecessor on the 21st December 2010. The aims of Tús are to provide short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. Tús will be delivered at local level by each of the 53 local development companies and by Údarás na Gaeltachta. Participants on Tús will be randomly selected by my Department and referred to one of the local development companies.
The Department has in recent days concluded agreements with the local development companies for the local delivery and roll-out of Tús. Promotion of Tús to potential work placement providers has been underway for some weeks as part of a process of identifying suitable work placements by the local development companies within community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations in their operational areas. Each local development company has been authorised to commence recruitment of supervisory staff and to put in place local arrangements for accepting and assigning up to 40 work placement participants in each local development company.
Social Welfare Appeals
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:206 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6704/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2 February 2011. 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.
Social Welfare Benefits
Jim Daly
Ceist:207 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance is not paid directly to landlords; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6716/11]
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is intended as a temporary income support payment and is not designed to be a medium to long term housing support or a permanent solution to a person's housing needs.
Current legislation already provides for the making of a rent supplement payment to another person (e.g. a relative, a landlord or landlord's agent) on behalf of the recipient, at the tenant's request and is subject to the consent of the Community Welfare Service. Approximately 20% of rent supplement payments are currently paid to a person other than the tenant. Community Welfare Officer's were recently reminded that the guidelines already allow for the rent supplement to be paid directly to a person other than the tenant including the landlord.
Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs.
Under the current arrangements, even with direct payment, landlords still have to collect the tenant contribution towards their rent (a minimum of €104 per month). The amount of rent supplement payable depends on the tenant's income; in some cases tenants pay only the minimum contribution while for others the tenant makes an additional contribution to their rent based on their financial circumstances. For example, where a person is in part-time income and receives just 10% of his or her rent directly from the State, the landlord would receive the 10% directly whilst still having to collect the 90% from the tenant.
The efficiency of the scheme would be significantly affected if this arrangement were to be changed, for example Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) would potentially have to create a formal relationship with some 97,000 additional clients, the landlords. This would involve greater complexity and significant resources to deal with a new set of third parties. In particular, it would also result in CWOs being drawn into disputes between landlords and tenants.
There may also be financial and control implications in cases where a tenant moves address and neither the landlord nor tenant informs the Department. Similarly, where a tenant is no longer eligible for rent supplement and the Department ceases paying the landlord, the Department may find itself involved in eviction proceedings.
Where a landlord has a grievance in relation to the non-payment of rent by a tenant, s/he may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board to have the dispute resolved through the board's dispute resolution process. It is also open to the landlord to bring to the attention of the CWO, any instance where a tenant is receiving rent supplement but is not paying their rent. Where a CWO becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement for the purpose for which it was intended, the matter is investigated and the payment can be suspended.
The current arrangements provide tenants with flexibility in terms of location, the freedom to move to a different location whilst allowing recipients time to seek alternative long-term housing solution provided by their local authority. The tailoring of additional payments, such as rent supplement, to meet the specific needs of individuals and making the payment direct to the tenant is regarded as an effective way of helping individuals realise their potential and take individual responsibility. To remove the right of the tenant to receive this payment by making it payable only to the landlord would require legislative amendment and I have no plans at present to make this change.
Jack Wall
Ceist:208 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent subsidy payments; if the guidelines facilitate a person who is homeless due to marital problems even in circumstances where the persons name is on the deeds of the family home that the person had to leave; if there are any circumstances in which a person in such a position can be facilitated under the guidelines; her plans to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6721/11]
Jack Wall
Ceist:209 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give a directive to community welfare officers that where a husband or wife who has to leave the family home due to irreconcilable matrimonial reasons and where the couple have a mortgage on the family home that the husband or wife can obtain a rent subsidy payment given that they are homeless and have no means of paying rent for an alternative apartment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6722/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
In order to qualify for rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where the claim to rent supplement is made (and the person intends to reside). When a person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, the person then becomes eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent supplement has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6763/11]
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as she failed to provide sufficient information to establish her entitlement to a payment.
Social Welfare Appeals
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:211 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if the appeal process will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6765/11]
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.
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.
Departmental Programmes
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:212 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the work placement programme (details supplied) and the internship development programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6775/11]
The Internship Development Programme aims to provide those who are at least three months unemployed with a 12 month work placement in a host organisation in the private or community and voluntary sectors, while simultaneously offering them the opportunity to avail of education/training that is accredited/aligned to the National Framework of Qualifications. This programme aims to enable the unemployed maintain their links with the labour market while also facilitating their upskilling and reskilling, thereby improving their employability. Whilst on the work placement element of the internship, interns will receive an ‘upskilling bonus' in addition to their social welfare entitlements.
State support for an initial 5,000 internship places on the programme has been approved, however, the number of places on the programme is entirely dependant on the level of take up by participating organisations. A call for Expressions of Interest to organisations that may be interested in providing internship opportunities to the unemployed was issued by FÁS Employment Services recently. The purpose of this call is to assess the number of internship opportunities and the number of host organisations who wish to participate in the Internship Development Programme. To date over 150 organisations have expressed their interest in participating in the programme. It is expected that the programme will be operational in the near future.
The Work Placement Programme was established to provide an opportunity for people who are unemployed to take up voluntary, unpaid work experience placements within companies. The rationale for the Programme is to keep people as close to the labour market as possible during a time of job shortages and increased competition for jobs. In terms of outcomes from the programme, FÁS have indicative statistics which were gathered from a survey of 1,600 WPP participants in November 2010 who were either on a WPP Placement or had left the programme. Of the 1,600 surveyed, 628 people responded. Of the 628 that responded 133 respondents left early because: 25% of those who responded got a job with the WPP provider and 42% of respondents left their WPP Placement as they got another job elsewhere.
The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience to unemployed individuals, including unemployed graduates. The programme is targeted at both graduates and non-graduates. For graduates the programme provides an opportunity for them to apply the skills learned in college in a work place setting, thus adding to their CV and making them more employable. For graduates and non-graduates alike, the programme also provides an opportunity to keep their skills up-to-date and to network so that they can hear about jobs that come up, and gain work experience in new sectors/areas of work. While the above statistics are for a small sample of those who have participated on the WPP, it does demonstrate that the programme does help unemployed people gain work experience and find employment.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:213 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within the Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by the Department. [6802/11]
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 and the Pensions Ombudsman do not operate independent payroll systems. All payments are processed by the Accounts Branch of the Department of Social Protection. The Citizens Information Board (CIB) operates independent payroll software called Pascal Paymaster (2011 Release 1). There are 120 individuals on the CIB payroll (including pensioners). The Pensions Board is a statutory body comprising of 40 employees, a chairperson and sixteen ordinary members. Since inception, the Board has undertaken the role of operating an independent payroll system. The issue of shared services including payroll services is being examined as part of the transformation of public services.
Social Welfare Benefits
Jack Wall
Ceist:214 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason in determining rent subsidy allowance that income received by the applicant determined by the receipt of maintenance grants for education purposes is taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6815/11]
People in full-time education are normally excluded from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses under the back-to-education allowance scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplements, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course. It is also open to them to make application for rent supplement in respect of private rented accommodation if they have not been previously getting a supplement. Any third level grant that is payable to a rent supplement recipient is disregarded in the means assessment for the scheme.
Redundancy Payments
Brendan Smith
Ceist:215 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan. [6874/11]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the claim in respect of the person concerned has been authorized and a payment will issue shortly.
Social Welfare Benefits
Martin Heydon
Ceist:216 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6877/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. 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.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:217 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems; and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department. [6804/11]
Of the 9 associated arts/culture bodies of the Department in its current form, 5 operate their own payroll systems, 2 have outsourced the function to the Financial Shared Services Division of the Department of Justice and Equality, and 2 have outsourced the function to private sector third parties. In accordance with its Action Plan developed pursuant to the Croke Park Agreement, my Department will consider extending the shared services model to the agencies under its remit, subject to appropriate cost-benefit analysis. In this regard, my Department's payroll system is currently outsourced to the Financial Shared Services Division of the Department of Justice and Equality.
Aquaculture Licences
Noel Grealish
Ceist:218 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding oyster dredging licences in the Clarinbridge Dunbulken Bay which were issued for the year 2011. [6622/11]
Noel Grealish
Ceist:219 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the criteria put in place following the issuing of oyster dredging licences; if the number of licenses issued will be increased; if he will outline the regulation and forward a copy of the direction issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland on these licences; the person who has the final say on the cap of these fishing licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
The Deputy may be aware that oyster fishing licences are issued by Inland Fisheries Ireland in accordance with Section 278 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (as amended). I understand that the Oyster fishery in Clarinbridge is located in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC No. 000268). Under the Habitats Directive (as transposed by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997)) it is necessary that, in advance of any activity taking place in the SAC, an appropriate assessment is undertaken to ensure that the fishery achieves the conservation objectives for protected species in the area. I am aware that the Marine Institute undertakes such assessment in respect of consents issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and I understand that the Marine Institute will also take account of oyster licences in any assessment of SACs.
Given that an Appropriate Assessment of this SAC has not yet been undertaken and, in accordance with section 278 (5)(a) of the 1959 Act, Inland Fisheries Ireland has adopted an approach to the issue of licences that would not contribute to the intensification of the oyster fishery, until such time as the outcome of an Appropriate Assessment has been determined. The future licensing of the fishery will be informed by the results of the Appropriate Assessment and the appropriate consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in the context of the management of inshore fisheries generally.
Consequently, in accordance with the statute, Inland Fisheries Ireland are to ensure specifically that the maximum number of oyster fishing licences issued in 2011 shall not exceed the number issued in 2010 or the average number of oyster fishing licences issued for the last five years, whichever is the greater.
I have been informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland that the average number of licences issued over the past 5 years in the Galway Fishery District was 16, but in 2010 17 licences were issued. Consequently 17 licences have been issued for the current season.
I will arrange for a copy of the correspondence between my Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland in this matter to be forwarded to the Deputy for his information as requested.
Offshore Exploration
Martin Ferris
Ceist:220 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that the royalty regime imposed on oil and gas companies is extended to the Corrib gas project and that a wider review of the revenue and licensing terms for the Corrib field and for the sector in general is proceeded with immediately in line with his party’s manifesto commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6368/11]
There is no royalty regime in Ireland applying to petroleum production. In 1987, Ireland followed the lead of other countries such as the UK and Norway in moving away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system. Under a tax based system the return to the State is linked directly to the profitability of the individual oil or gas field, as compared to a royalty system where payments would be linked to the actual volume of production, without taking account of differences in development cost or actual profitability.
The Corrib Gas field was discovered in 1996 under Frontier Exploration Licence 3/94 which was granted in March 1994. Profits from petroleum production arising from exploration licences granted prior to 2007 are taxed at a rate of 25% and this is the rate that applies in the case of profits from the Corrib Gas Field. As regard an early review of the fiscal licensing terms governing petroleum production, I refer the Deputy to Priority Questions Nos. 24 and 25 today.
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:221 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of licence holders who have declared shows of hydrocarbons in their reports to the petroleum affairs division of his Department; and the areas in which these hydrocarbons have been found. [6427/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:222 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in which areas the petroleum affairs division of his Department expects exploratory drilling to occur over the next year. [6428/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:223 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that a number of companies are in the later phases of their exploration licences, the number of licence holders the petroleum affairs division of his Department expects to apply for petroleum leases and the number of licence holders it expects to apply for lease undertakings. [6429/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:224 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the status of licences 2/05, 2/06 and 3/07. [6430/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:225 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of lease undertakings that have been granted; the companies to which these lease undertakings have been granted and for which blocks. [6431/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:226 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications for lease undertakings the petroleum affairs division is currently reviewing. [6432/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:227 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of companies that have made declarations of commerciality to the petroleum affairs division and which licence holders have made these declarations. [6433/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:228 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the potential value of these hydrocarbons. [6434/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:229 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications for petroleum leases the petroleum affairs division of his Department is currently reviewing. [6435/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:230 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of potential petroleum leases under review that are covered by the terms of the 1992 licensing arrangements. [6436/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:231 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of potential petroleum leases that are covered by the terms of the 2007 licensing arrangements. [6437/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:232 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the onshore areas that are covered by the 2010 granted onshore licensing options. [6438/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:233 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if companies have applied for onshore petroleum prospecting licences and if these licences have been granted. [6439/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:234 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications the petroleum affairs division of his Department has received for the 2011 Atlantic margin licensing round. [6440/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:235 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources based on data supplied from licence holding companies and from State sponsored studies, the number of barrels of oil equivalent, BBOE, the petroleum affairs division estimates to be offshore Ireland. [6441/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:236 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimate of barrels of oil equivalent offshore, the amount that is gas and the amount that is oil and the amount of these resources that are thought to be recoverable. [6442/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:237 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources based on data supplied from licence holding companies and from State sponsored studies, the number of barrels of oil equivalent, BBOE, the petroleum affairs division of his Department estimate to be onshore Ireland. [6443/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:238 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources of the estimate of barrels of oil equivalent onshore, the amount that is gas and the amount that is oil and the amount of these resources thought to be recoverable. [6444/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 238, inclusive, together.
Exploration for oil and gas in Ireland, in common with most other jurisdictions, is carried out under licence from the State. Petroleum exploration authorisations are issued under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 and the operational framework is set out in the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development & Production 2007.
Recent assessments of yet-to-find potential based on a Petroleum Systems Analysis of the Rockall and Porcupine Basins indicate a total reserve potential in the order of 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent (oil and/or gas) for the offshore frontier basins west of Ireland. This divides roughly into 6.5 billion barrels of oil and 20 trillion cubic feet of gas. I must emphasise that these figures only represent ‘potential' reserves, or the reserves that might be present based on geological criteria and regional comparisons, and that they have not been discovered. Actual reserve figures are likely to vary widely from these estimates and will not be known without a dramatic increase in the level of exploration activity. The Petroleum Systems Analysis of the Rockall and Porcupine Basins Offshore Ireland (Digital Atlas and accompanying GIS version) is a commercial report available to the industry at a cost of €25,000.
The primary purpose of the assessments was to highlight the existence of significant hydrocarbon potential in the Irish offshore area in order to encourage increased activity by the exploration sector in areas receiving very little attention because of low perceived success rates, high exploration costs and long lead in times required to develop any discovery. There are no comparable assessments available for the reserve potential of remaining offshore and onshore basins as the geological complexity of those areas, where smaller sized discoveries can be expected, makes it much more difficult to generate meaningful estimates. Petroleum exploration investment is encouraged through the active promotion of Ireland's petroleum potential and the holding of regular licensing rounds. The 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round, which includes all of Ireland's major Atlantic sedimentary basins with proven petroleum systems, is due to close on 31 May 2011. Based on experience to date, I expect that the majority of applications for the Round will be received on or immediately before the closing date for the competition.
There are seven standard exploration and fourteen frontier exploration licences active in the Irish offshore. Exploration activities under these licences are divided into a number of phases with each phase subject to the performance of an agreed work programme including detailed reporting and the release of exploration data and evaluation reports to my Department. When each phase of the licence is complete, the licensees must determine whether they want to proceed to the next phase or whether they wish to relinquish the acreage.
Where a prospect is identified and positively evaluated, an exploration well needs to be drilled before the presence of hydrocarbon resources could be determined. If an exploration well shows that hydrocarbons are present, additional work, which may include one or more appraisal wells, is required to estimate the quantities of recoverable hydrocarbons and to determine if the discovery is commercial. If a commercial discovery is made, the licensee must apply for a petroleum lease in order to proceed to the development and production stage. Where a discovery is made and the licensee is not in a position to declare the discovery commercial by the end of the licence period, but expects to be able to do so in the foreseeable future, the licensee may apply for a lease undertaking.
My Department is currently considering applications for two lease undertakings relating to exploration licences in the Celtic Sea, however at this stage it is not known whether these or any of the other nineteen active exploration licences will result in commercially extractable finds of hydrocarbons. There are no applications for petroleum leases before my Department at present. The Corrib Gas Field is the only discovery covered by a petroleum lease and not yet in production.
The potential value of any commercial petroleum discovery will depend on a combination of factors including, the volume of recoverable resources, the cost of developing and operating the infrastructure, the price of petroleum over the life of the field, together with the timing and profile of production.
Turning to the onshore area, there are currently no petroleum prospecting licences in place. Following a detailed evaluation of applications received last year for licensing options in the Northwest Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin, my Department has offered onshore petroleum licensing options to: Tamboran Resources PTY Ltd covering 986 sq km over parts of Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo; Lough Allen Natural Gas Company Ltd covering 467 sq km over parts Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo; and Enegi Oil Plc covering 495 sq km over part of Clare. Two of the companies have already accepted the licensing options on offer and applications for petroleum prospecting licences are expected from both companies shortly. Maps detailing the area covered by the onshore licensing options are available on my Department's website.
In relation to exploration drilling that might take place in the Irish offshore over the next twelve months, while my Department is aware that plans are being advanced for exploration or appraisal drilling, no application for approval has been received by my Department to date. I would expect that over the next few months greater certainty will emerge in relation to potential drilling.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the status of certain exploration licences, I can confirm that Frontier Exploration Licences 2/05 and 2/06 were relinquished with effect from 30 October 2010 and 31 August 2010 respectively. Standard Exploration 3/07 was relinquished with effect from 31 March 2010.
I am separately forwarding by post to the Deputy a table that details the eighteen significant hydrocarbon discoveries made on and offshore Ireland to date. The inclusion of that table in the body of this reply was not possible for technical reasons. The table includes details of petroleum authorisations currently in place along with details of the original discovery authorisation. Full details of petroleum authorisations are updated and published on my Department's website on a regular basis. I hope that the comprehensive information provided is of assistance to the Deputy.
Inland Fisheries
Joe McHugh
Ceist:239 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider relaxing the rules for draft net fishermen on a lough (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6467/11]
I am informed that in the case of bays and estuaries into which two or more rivers flow, the expert advice requires that all impacted rivers are meeting their conservation limits before harvest of salmon stocks is permitted.
At present, the published assessment in respect of the common estuary in Lough Swilly indicates that the rivers Mill, Swilly and Lennan are not meeting their conservation limits. The only river meeting its conservation limit is the Crana according to the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2011 (No. 323, 2010). Accordingly, for conservation reasons, the harvest of fish is not permissible in the area referred to by the Deputy. The status of the stocks of salmon rivers is reviewed annually.
Telecommunications Services
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:240 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of broadband coverage available at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; if this level of coverage meets the targets of the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6573/11]
Prior to launching the National Broadband Scheme, my Department carried out a detailed mapping exercise to determine which areas would be included and which, by virtue of already being served by a commercial operator, were to be excluded. That exercise found that Scartaglin was already covered and hence was excluded from the Scheme.
My Department does not hold information on the level of broadband coverage available in particular regions or locations. However statistical reports on national developments in the fixed-line, mobile and broadband communications markets are available from ComReg, the telecommunications regulator.
Question No. 241 answered with Question No. 28.
Oil Reserves
Pat Breen
Ceist:242 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to address the situation regarding the use of winter grade oil, in view of the experience during the recent freeze, when householders and businesses had problems with frozen diesel and oil tanks. [6669/11]
I have no function in relation to this matter. My functions in respect of oil supply are set out in sections 34 and 35 of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007, as amended, and the Fuels (Control of Supplies) Acts 1971 and 1982.
Sections 34 and 35 of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007, as amended, requires the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to determine the volume of strategic oil reserves to be held by the National Oil Reserves Agency and to direct the release of strategic oil reserves in the event of supply disruption.
The Fuels (Control of Supplies) Acts 1971 and 1982 provide that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources may regulate the supply and distribution of fuels including crude oil and petroleum products in the event of an emergency.
Alternative Energy Projects
Michael Creed
Ceist:243 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the difference in regulations pertaining to the development of a domestic wind generation facility compared to those governing the development of commercial wind generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6683/11]
The Commission for Energy Regulation is responsible for the grant of authorisations to construct or reconstruct a generating station and licences to generate under sections 16 and 14, respectively, of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.
Different authorisation and licensing procedures apply according to the size of the proposed generating station. Generating stations, including domestic wind generation, with an installed capacity of up to 1MW are deemed to be automatically authorised and licensed under the Orders.
There are revised and simplified application procedures for generators up to 40MW with a more detailed application procedure for projects greater than 40MW.
My colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility for the planning function.
The Department of Environment introduced two statutory instruments, S.I. 83 of 2007 and S.I. 235 of 2008, relating to planning exemptions for small scale renewable technologies that meet specified criteria. The regulations are aimed at streamlining small scale applications and provide for relevant exemptions to encourage the microgeneration sector. In the case of domestic scale wind, these exemptions are:
Summary of exemption rules set out in SI 83 of 2007 and SI 235 of 2008
Wind turbine in a domestic setting
Turbine must not be attached to a building.
One turbine per house and it can not be sited in front of the building.
Total height must not exceed 13m.
Rotor diameter must not exceed 6m.
3m minimum clearance between ground and lowest point of blades.
Turbine mast must be the total maximum height of the assembly including turbine and blades plus one metre from the nearest party boundary.
Noise levels must not exceed 43db(A) or 5 db(A) above background noise at the nearest inhabited neighbouring dwelling.
No advertising can be placed on the turbine and the turbine must be matt finished.
The blades must not interfere with telecoms signals.
Wind turbine in an agricultural setting
Turbine must not be attached to a building.
One only turbine per site.
Total height must not exceed 20m.
Rotor diameter must not exceed 8m.
3m minimum clearance required between ground and lowest point of blades.
Turbine mast must be one and a half times the total maximum height of the assembly (including turbine and blades) plus 1m from the nearest party boundary or nonelectrical overhead lines.
Turbine mast must be the total maximum height of the assembly including turbine and blades plus 20m from the nearest 38kV electricity distribution line.
Turbine mast must be the total maximum height of the assembly including turbine and blades plus 30m from the centre-line of the nearest transmission line i.e. 110kV plus.
The turbine must not be within 100m of an existing turbine.
Noise levels must not exceed 43db(A) at the nearest inhabited dwelling.
No advertising can be placed on the turbine and the turbine must be matt finished.
The blades must not interfere with telecoms signals.
Consent must be sought from the Irish Aviation Authority if the turbine is to be within 5km of an airport.
In the case of commercial wind farm developments, the Department of Environment has published a number of Guidelines since 2006, which offer advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy through the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission. The guidelines are also intended to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for wind energy developments. The latest version of these guidelines is published on the Department of Environments website.
Large windfarm developments, those over 25 turbines or 50MW in capacity, are required to apply for planning permission under the Strategic Infrastructure Development Act.
Postal Services
Jim Daly
Ceist:244 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a post office (details supplied) in County Cork has ceased to offer service to the locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6715/11]
Matters relating to post office closures are an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
Alternative Energy Projects
Noel Harrington
Ceist:245 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if as a part of the programme for Government he plans to introduce grants for householders to install domestic wind turbines that are under 5KW; the criteria that may be used in approving these turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6768/11]
The Programme for Government commits to providing a cost-effective REFIT for householders installing micro-generators to produce electricity for their own homes, farms and businesses and facilitate them to sell surplus electricity to the grid.
My Department is working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to develop proposals for my consideration which strike the necessary balance between encouraging greater take-up of microgeneration while ensuring that the costs of such support do not unduly burden all electricity customers.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:246 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department. [6795/11]
I can inform the Deputy that the number of Bodies under the aegis of my Department is 18 and are as follows:
An Post
Bord Gáis Éireann
Bord na Móna
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Commission for Communications Regulation
Commission for Energy Regulation
Digital Hub Development Agency
EirGrid
Electricity Supply Board (ESB)
Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency)
National Oil Reserves Agency
Ordnance Survey Ireland
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Teilifís na Gaeilge
My Department is moving its payroll to a shared service provided by the Department of Finance from its offices in Tullamore. It is also engaging intensively with the agencies under its aegis to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. In that context all shared services possibilities are being explored.
Offshore Exploration
Finian McGrath
Ceist:247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 29 March 2011, if there are concerns (details supplied). [6928/11]
The Corrib Gas field was discovered in 1996 under Frontier Exploration Licence 3/94 which was granted to Enterprise Oil plc and Santa Fe Minerals (Ireland) Limited on 15th March 1994. Profits from petroleum production arising from exploration licences granted prior to 2007 are taxed at a rate of 25% and this is the rate that applies in the case of profits from the Corrib Gas Field.
The former Minister for Energy, referred to by the Deputy, had no role in the award of Frontier Exploration Licence 3/94, or the granting of the Corrib Petroleum Lease. My general position on the taxation regime for oil and gas exploration is as set out in the reply of 29th March 2011 and replies which I am separately giving to Parliamentary Questions today.
Electricity Connections
Finian McGrath
Ceist:248 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support the case of a group (details supplied). [6929/11]
Electricity connections are a day-to-day operational matter for the ESB in which I have no function.
Housing Grants
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:249 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assistance available to those on social welfare, not in receipt of council housing, to make repairs on their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/11]
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:265 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assistance available from councils to those on social welfare, not in receipt of council housing, to make repairs on their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6625/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 265 together.
In order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, and following a review of the old Disabled Persons, Essential Repairs Grant Schemes and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, which was administered by the HSE, a revised suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes was implemented on 1 November 2007.
Three separate schemes are available:
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability:
This grant assists 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. Eligible works include the provision of access ramps, stair lifts, accessible toilet and shower facilities, wheelchair access and extensions. The effective maximum grant under the scheme is €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the approved cost of works for applicants, including those in full-time employment, who have gross household incomes of up to €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30% for those with incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.
Mobility Aids Grant Scheme:
This scheme is available to fast track grants of up to €6,000 to cover a basic suite of works to address the 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 such as adaptation of downstairs room/closet to provide sanitary facilities etc. The effective maximum grant available is €6,000 and may cover 100% of the cost of works subject to a maximum annual household income threshold of €30,000.
Housing Aid for Older People Scheme:
This scheme provides grants of up to €10,500 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning, painting etc. Maximum grant available is €10,500 which may cover up to 100% of the costs of works for applicants with gross annual household incomes of less than €30,000, tapering to 30% for those with incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.
The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. Exchequer allocations totalling almost €64m were notified to local authorities under the schemes on 17 February 2011, giving a combined allocation of almost €79.5m. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment, approval and the specific level of funding to be directed to each of the various grant measures from within the allocations notified to them by my Department, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
The Scheme of Improvement Works in Lieu of local authority housing allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, which is occupied or intended to be occupied by an applicant approved for social housing, as an alternative to the provision of social housing. Funding is provided by way of a secured loan which is repaid by the applicant over a 15-year period. A beneficiary under the scheme will be required to make repayments to the local authority based on household income and their ability to pay.
Outside of these measures, there is no specific housing grant scheme currently available from my Department for persons in receipt of income support or other support services from the Department of Social Protection.
Departmental Schemes
Michael Creed
Ceist:250 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the hen harrier scheme has been suspended and if so if he will re-introduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6682/11]
My Department's Farm Plan Scheme is currently closed to new applicants. Further access to the scheme will be subject to the availability of funding during 2011 and beyond. Any decision to invite new applications will be publicly announced. In such an event, applications to join the scheme will be assessed on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and value for money.
Fire Service
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:251 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recommendations that have been implemented to date from the Farrell Grant Sparks consulting Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland; if he will provide an implementation plan for all recommendations or advise on his plans to undertake a new study of fire services in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6456/11]
In 2002, the Report of the Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland was published by my Department.
The principal recommendations included more focus on fire safety, including the introduction of community fire safety initiatives; the enhancement of fire safety legislation, the adoption of a risk-based approach to determining emergency cover as well as new approaches and structures for major emergency management. In addition, the Report called for continued capital investment to improve infrastructure and further development of safety, health and welfare arrangements.
A great deal has been accomplished in the past decade since publication of the Report and the key recommendations of the Report have been implemented.
Substantial financial resources were provided to local authorities over the last ten years, and have resulted in a quality fire and rescue infrastructure throughout the country. Most of our fire stations have full facilities, the appliance fleet is in very good shape and equipment is generally regarded as top class. Our emergency management arrangements, with the production of a new Framework for Major Emergency Management and the implementation of the Major Emergency Development Programme 2006-2008, are in line with international best practice, and were widely acknowledged to have been fundamental in ensuring effective response to the recent Cork Airport tragedy and during the severe weather emergencies in January and December 2010.
A range of other measures have been introduced in line with recommendations contained in the Review. Fire safety legislation was strengthened in 2003 as recommended in the report, with increased powers for fire prevention officers. A series of excellent initiatives has been developed under a community fire safety programme, including a domestic smoke alarm campaign, and a Primary Schools Programme.
The recommended Risk-based approach was developed through a procurement process and piloted in a number of counties. This is being made available now to other local authorities to ensure service managers have access to appropriate information to enable them to decide on the effective deployment and use of resources and to ensure that an appropriate balance between prevention, protection and response measures is achieved. Health, safety and welfare initiatives have also been progressed, with the preparation of an Ancillary Fire Services Safety Statement, the development of a National Incident Command system and the preparation of a suite of Standard Operational Guidance for the fire services activities. There are comprehensive Occupational Health Systems in the retained fire services, and Critical Incident Stress Management services have been made available to staff in all fire authorities.
Finally, the establishment of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in 2009 addressed conclusively the main Farrell Grant Sparks recommendation on revised institutional arrangements at central Government level. The new structures confirm responsibility for local delivery of fire services, while strengthening the national oversight and leadership role appropriately. The National Directorate, which is located in my Department, has taken over the functions of the Fire Services Council, and is an approach in keeping with the desire to reduce new agencies, while providing appropriate political accountability. Given the progress which has been made, and that the current arrangements are working satisfactorily, I have no plans to conduct a new study of fires services in Ireland.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:252 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role he will play to ensure that a report (details supplied) and recommendations on Dublin fire brigade are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6457/11]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the local fire authorities through setting of general policy, training support and issue of guidance on operational and other related matters, and the provision of capital funding.
An Organisational Review of Dublin Fire Brigade was commissioned by Dublin City Council, which provides fire services for the other Dublin local authorities as well as for the city, to provide a strategic overview of Dublin fire brigade services.
The report was prepared by Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor for England, and covers areas such as leadership, service delivery, management of community risk, staffing and management structures, resources and value for money.
A Development Board has been established by Dublin City, Council involving relevant stakeholders, to assist in the implementation of the Report's recommendations in relation to the fire and rescue services in the Dublin area. My Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is represented on this Board, and provides guidance in relation to national policy on issues under consideration.
Departmental Funding
Finian McGrath
Ceist:253 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding (details supplied). [6469/11]
No funding has been available from my Department for any groups for the purpose indicated in the question. The provision of funding by local authorities is a matter for the local authorities concerned.
Proposed Legislation
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:254 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding proposals for foreshore planning legislation, marine planning guidelines and coastal zone management; if he will provide a description of any such proposed legislation or guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6480/11]
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments relevant to the foreshores area viz:
the need for efficient foreshore licensing and leasing for marine energy;
the intention to incentivise and promote off-shore drilling and streamline the planning and regulatory process for bringing ashore these reserves, and
the development of an integrated marine and coastal planning process in order to maximise the potential for Ireland's coastline in fishing, aquaculture, ocean energy and tourism.
Work has commenced in my Department on drafting the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to these commitments. It is intended that the Bill would, inter alia, integrate the foreshore consent processes for major infrastructure projects within the strategic consent process operated by An Bord Pleanála while the foreshore consent process for non-strategic infrastructure projects would be integrated within the planning consent process operated by the local authorities.
My Department will also be working with other relevant Departments and agencies towards the development of a marine spatial planning framework over the medium term.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:255 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will enact legislation to transpose the Aarhus Convention into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6481/11]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to complete ratification of the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters. Delivering on this commitment by addressing the remaining legislative requirements to allow ratification to proceed is a high priority for the Government.
The three pillars of the Convention are partially implemented in EU law by two Directives. The first of these deals with public access to environmental information and was transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007.
The second, known as the Public Participation Directive, deals with public participation in decision making and access to justice. Several pieces of legislation have been used to transpose the Public Participation Directive, including:
Section 33 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010;
the European Communities (Public Participation) Regulations 2010;
the Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Regulations 2010;
the Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2010; and
the Aquaculture (Licence Application) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2010.
The effect of the measures taken to transpose these two Directives is that Ireland is largely compliant with the provisions of the Convention. The Office of the Attorney General has, however, advised that a number of further measures are still required before the ratification process can be completed.
The drafting of the necessary legislation is at an advanced stage and I hope to bring this before the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
Fuel Quality
Joe McHugh
Ceist:256 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will identify the organisation that examines the quality of fuel sold at publicly licensed service stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6513/11]
My Department has responsibility for fuel quality standards from the perspective of ensuring that petrol and diesel sold in the State meet prescribed environmental specifications to reduce the polluting effect that certain substances have on the environment when emitted to air as part of the fuel combustion process.
Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels is transposed in Ireland through the European Communities Act, 1972 (Environmental Specifications for Petrol, Diesel Fuels and Gas Oils for use by non-road mobile machinery, including inland waterway vessels, agricultural and forestry tractors, and recreational craft) Regulations 2011. As required by the Directive, Ireland reports annually to the European Commission the results of a sampling programme for both petrol and diesel, including any breaches of the environmental specifications of the fuel. Ireland's latest results were submitted to the Commission on 30 June, 2010 and indicated that fuel sold in the State during 2009 was predominantly compliant with the environmental specifications set out in Irish legislation. The Commission collates the data received from Member States and publishes annual reports, including a summary for each country, which are available to download from the Commission's website, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/fuel_quality_monitoring.htm.
Sampling of the fuel is carried out by Officers of the Revenue Commissioners and the samples are analysed by the State Laboratory. In addition, the Irish Petroleum Industry Association contracts an independent laboratory to sample and analyse fuel and the results of that process are included in Ireland's report to the Commission. My Department does not have a role in regulating fuel standards from the perspective of the operational performance of the fuel.
Water and Sewerage Schemes
Michael Creed
Ceist:257 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding for schemes (details supplied) in County Cork in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6522/11]
Michael McCarthy
Ceist:266 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of funding for a sewage and drainage scheme for Bandon in west Cork following ongoing flooding problems in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6637/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 266 together.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €231 million in the county during the period of the programme.
Contracts for both a wastewater treatment plant upgrade and network for the Bandon Sewerage Scheme Phase 2 are included as contracts to start over the life of the programme at an estimated total cost of €13 million.
In February 2011, Cork County Council submitted a Design Brief for the appointment of Consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant. Following examination of this submission my Department has recently advised the Council of amendments required to the brief. It is now a matter for the Council to submit a revised brief to my Department.
My Department is also currently awaiting the submission by the Council of revised Contract Documents for the network element of the scheme. Certain flood relief infrastructure is included in the scope of work proposed. This work involves the provision of storm sewerage pipework and two storm relief pumping stations. Proposals for a flood relief scheme would be a matter for my colleague, Mr. Brian Hayes, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Public Service Reform.
Contracts for both a wastewater treatment plant (Design Build Operate) and network for Youghal Sewerage Scheme are also included among the contracts to start during the life of the 2010-2012 Water Services Investment Programme at an estimated total cost of €18 million. Cork County Council has submitted contract documents to my Department for both the wastewater treatment plant and network contracts and this documentation is currently under examination. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.
Building Regulations
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:258 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation that many home owners are facing with regard to pyrite being used in the construction of their homes; his plans to support home owners in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6523/11]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 62, 63 and 64 on 24 March 2011 which addressed comprehensively the concerns regarding the inappropriate use of pyritic material as hardcore filler in underground foundations in buildings.
Local Authority Staff
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:259 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff employed at local government level at the end of 2008, 2009 and 2010; the way front line services are to be filled; if he will provide a definition of front line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6594/11]
The numbers of permanent and temporary, whole time equivalent, staff employed in local authorities for 2008, 2009 and 2010 are set out in the table.
|
Permanent |
Temporary |
Total |
|
|
December 2008 |
31,843.93 |
3,163.6 |
35,007.53 |
|
December 2009 |
30,561.86 |
1,690.78 |
32,252.64 |
|
December 2010 |
29,563.16 |
1,378.88 |
30,942.04 |
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements, necessary for carrying out the functions and delivering the front line services of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department has a delegated sanction, from the Department of Finance, for implementation of the general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts in the local authority sector.
Under these arrangements local authorities must, where vacancies arise, consider all options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Any exceptions to the moratorium require sanction from my Department. All staffing sanction requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of services and the need to further reduce overall staffing levels in the local authority sector.
Local Authority Housing
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:260 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he will deal with the housing waiting list; the extent of that list at the last assessment of needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6595/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 148 of 29 March, 2011. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 came into force on 1 April 2011.
Housing authorities are currently carrying out an assessment of need as at 31 March of this year. The results will be available later in the year. The last assessment took place in 2008 and produced a net need figure of 56,249 households.
Tax Yield
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:261 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of motor tax collected, including on line, by county in the years 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6596/11]
The information requested is set out in the table. Gross Motor Tax Receipts by Licensing Authority 2009 and 2010
|
Licensing Authority |
2009 Gross Motor Tax Receipts € |
2010 Gross Motor Tax Receipts € |
|
Carlow |
10,934,896 |
10,083,670 |
|
Cavan |
11,645,970 |
10,649,902 |
|
Clare |
19,848,442 |
18,669,347 |
|
Cork |
70,580,674 |
66,768,693 |
|
Donegal |
27,349,899 |
25,979,094 |
|
Galway |
37,495,688 |
34,801,297 |
|
Kerry |
22,545,569 |
20,222,833 |
|
Kildare |
23,741,876 |
22,133,820 |
|
Kilkenny |
15,203,721 |
14,192,540 |
|
Laois |
12,072,177 |
11,352,302 |
|
Leitrim |
5,476,294 |
5,203,306 |
|
Limerick County |
21,463,391 |
20,421,126 |
|
Longford |
7,067,227 |
6,472,094 |
|
Louth |
17,075,182 |
15,678,609 |
|
Mayo |
21,741,503 |
20,297,084 |
|
Meath |
23,962,053 |
21,766,051 |
|
Monaghan |
11,891,539 |
11,224,305 |
|
Offaly |
11,705,768 |
10,827,842 |
|
Roscommon |
11,543,618 |
10,788,815 |
|
Sligo |
11,098,369 |
10,463,763 |
|
N.Tipperary |
12,590,822 |
11,443,086 |
|
S.Tipperary |
16,364,564 |
15,431,227 |
|
Waterford County |
11,573,068 |
11,011,124 |
|
Westmeath |
14,896,166 |
13,922,139 |
|
Wexford |
23,953,921 |
22,317,211 |
|
Wicklow |
19,611,844 |
18,197,952 |
|
Dublin City |
120,656,664 |
112,129,772 |
|
Limerick City |
7,798,425 |
7,061,233 |
|
Waterford City |
6,950,649 |
6,147,867, |
|
On-line |
428,982,755 |
438,165,831 |
|
Totals |
1,057,822,734 |
1,023,823,935 |
Harbours and Piers
Michael McGrath
Ceist:262 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for the Cork harbour main drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6598/11]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 — 2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme is included in the Programme as a scheme to advance through planning during the life of the programme.
My Department has approved a planning phase budget of just over €12.6m for this scheme and to date has recouped in excess of €5.7m to Cork County Council in respect of the planning phase costs incurred, the bulk of this being related to land acquisition and wayleaves.
In January 2011, the Council submitted an Addendum to the Preliminary Report for the scheme to my Department. This submission is currently being examined and my Department will shortly respond to the Council in the matter.
Local Authority Staff
Michael McGrath
Ceist:263 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to implement the recommendation of the report of the Independent Local Government Efficiency Review Group to reduce payroll costs in local government, including the reduction in the number of county and city managers by 30%, directors of service by at least 20%, senior and middle managers by 15%, and staff working in corporate services, planning and roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/11]
The findings and recommendations of the Report of the independent Local Government Efficiency Review Group are for consideration by the Government in the appropriate policy and financial contexts.
A Group, chaired by Mr. Pat McLoughlin (who also chaired the Efficiency Review Group), is carrying out a review of the staffing complement and number of senior managers in Dublin City Council. The Dublin Review Group has been asked to report in mid 2011 with their recommendations on the actions to be taken to reduce the staffing complement. Similar arrangements will be put in place in respect of Cork City Council.
As recommended in the Report, I am establishing an implementation group with an independent chairperson to oversee implementation of relevant recommendations in line with Government decisions.
Waste Management
Michael McGrath
Ceist:264 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the necessary environmental clean-up at the former steel plant site on Haulbowline Island, County Cork. [6600/11]
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:271 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the toxic site at Haulbowline, County Cork has been remediated and if we are currently being fined by the European Commission because of the ongoing environmental damage at the site; his plans for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 271 together.
From 2004 to 2009, my Department had an interim role in the management of the former Ispat site in a manner which is consistent with good practice and minimisation of risk to human health and the environment. My Department arranged for the decontamination and demolition of buildings on the site and, post-demolition, for the procurement of a contractor for site surface clearance, back filling of voids and the disposal of surface wastes to be undertaken.
An Office of Public Works chaired working group has been developing a structured and coherent approach to the further management of the former Ispat site. The working group's terms of reference include examining the regulatory requirements for the site and advising the Government on the site's most beneficial future use. Plans for future use will determine the levels and extent of further works and/or remediation required, as well as helping to clarify further regulatory requirements, national and European, which may fall to be met.
I understand that the working group's report to Government is being finalised, and I look forward to its completion, and submission to Government. The Government recognises that a finalised and transparent approach will help toward addressing concerns of the local community.
Ireland has not been subject to any EU fines in relation to the former Ispat site.
Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 249.
Question No 266 answered with Question No. 257.
Local Authority Housing
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:267 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds that have been allocated to local authorities in 2011 specifically for the purpose of facilitating tenants wishing to downsize; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6667/11]
There are no funds specifically designated under the Social Housing Investment Programme for the purpose of facilitating local authority tenants wishing to downsize. A number of housing authorities, however, have traditionally operated such schemes within their overall housing programmes.
Sean Fleming
Ceist:268 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of mortgages currently in existence between homeowners and local authorities under the affordable housing scheme, shared ownership scheme and the tenant purchase scheme on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6751/11]
The information requested is not available in my Department.
Fire Incident Investigation
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:269 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an independent investigation will be carried out into the deaths of two firefighters in Bray County Wicklow in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6754/11]
I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and colleagues of Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy whose deaths occurred in such tragic circumstances in Bray in 2007.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), An Garda Síochána and Wicklow County Council, each announced investigations into the deaths of the two firefighters.
I cannot speak in relation to either the HSA or An Garda Síochána's investigation. In relation to the Wicklow County Council investigation, the following brief was given to the independent consultants conducting it on behalf of the Council:—
"carry out an investigation and assessment of the fire incident with specific reference to the building features to: determine, if possible, the factors in the building which influenced the course and severity of the fire, derive a timeline for the incident based on a review of accounts of those in attendance, assessment of the fire scene and post-fire analysis, and prepare a report setting out the results of the assessment and conclusions in regard to the particular circumstances in this building, which contributed to the deaths of the two fire fighters."
My Department will consider any issues arising from information made available in reports on foot of the above investigations, and these may inform the Department's continuing work of supporting and developing fire services. I do not intend to establish a further investigation into this tragic incident.
Planning Issues
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:270 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding trees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6766/11]
Planning legislation places no specific restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area.
Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.
Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 264.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:272 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within the Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by the Department. [6800/11]
There are 20 bodies under the aegis of the Department, mainly non-commercial, undertaking quasi-judicial/ regulatory, advisory and developmental functions. These bodies are of varying size and structure. There is an active consolidation programme in train that is reducing this number by six.
Day-to-day operations, including payroll and other administrative systems, are a matter for the individual organisations concerned. At present each of the bodies under my aegis has an independent payroll system in place. In the context of maximising the opportunities for efficiencies and standardising administrative practices, my Department is currently examining alternative options for the provision of support services such as payroll services, including opportunities for shared service arrangements. This is a specific commitment contained in my Department's Action Plan for the implementation of measures under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.
Proposed Legislation
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:273 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for legislation on noise pollution and the penalties envisaged for breaches of same. [6810/11]
Currently, a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority, which may initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. This Act also provides for any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie.
Notwithstanding the above, taking account of commitments in the new Programme for Government, my Department is considering proposals to strengthen legislation to address noise pollution, including through the introduction of fixed payment notices (also known as on the spot fines) and provision for mediation between neighbours.
Local Authority Housing
Joan Collins
Ceist:274 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Human Rights Commission and its president has stated that the human rights of residents in some local authority estates in this State are clearly being breached; that poor living conditions are leading to poor health, particularly of the respiratory organs; his views on whether the recent survey carried out at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8 clearly shows the cause and effect nature of housing inequality and poor health; and his plan to eradicate the scourge of poor housing conditions nationally. [6812/11]
My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in maintaining and improving the quality of the national social housing stock through a range of measures including large-scale urban regeneration programmes, improving the standard and energy efficiency of dwellings, pre-letting repairs and improvements and refurbishment works to vacant properties in order to return these to productive use as quickly as possible. Some €203 million is being provided in 2011 in support of these measures.
Dublin City Council established a special housing regeneration task force in 2008 to look at a number of potential new regeneration projects including the Dolphin House flat complex. As part of the planning and consultation stage of the Dolphin House project, the council has engaged the residents and the local community in a consultation and decision making process through a regeneration board. The board meets regularly and is working towards the preparation of a report for my Department that will outline the various options for regeneration. This is awaited at present. It is a matter for Dublin City Council, in the first instance, to prioritise and manage the advancement of regeneration proposals in the context of its overall programme. I recently wrote to Dublin City Council to ascertain the current position with regard to the Dolphin House report.
Under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock is a matter for individual housing authorities. I am aware, however, that there are ongoing maintenance issues associated with this flats complex. I understand that Dublin City Council is continuing to liaise with residents in relation to these and that a number of improvement works have been initiated to address condensation and dampness issues as well as works to improve the drainage systems.
Planning Issues
Gerald Nash
Ceist:275 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish the findings of a high level inquiry into planning practices in certain local authorities (details supplied) which was established in June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6824/11]
My Department received comprehensive responses from the planning authorities concerned in relation to particular planning issues in their areas as part of a broadly-based review of planning practices and policies, undertaken by the previous administration. These reports were assessed in my Department to inform further policy formulation at that time. No further inquiry has been undertaken in this regard.
Architectural Heritage
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:276 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the purchase of a demesne (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6829/11]
The State has limited resources to acquire, maintain, conserve and present heritage properties, 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.
The purchase of a heritage property by the State would only apply in exceptional circumstances, having regard, for example, to the heritage significance of the potential acquisition and the risk of 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.
In the case of Donaghcumper Demesne the above principles apply and acquisition, by my Department, on behalf of the State, is not considered appropriate.
Planning Issues
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:277 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the instructions or directive given by him in the past three years in regard to the conclusion of a list of rights of way in county plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6853/11]
Section 7 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, which was commenced on 5 October 2010, amended the Planning and Development Act 2000 by requiring the inclusion of a mandatory objective in the development plan for:
"the preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, which public rights of way shall be identified both by marking them on at least one of the maps forming part of the development plan and by indicating their location on a list appended to the development plan".
It is a matter for planning authorities to implement such policies in the context of their development plans. In this context and as statutory consultee, my Department continues to provide advice and comments to planning authorities on their draft development plans and draft variations and may refer to matters relating to rights of way from time to time as deemed appropriate.
Nuclear Plants
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:278 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will mark the 25th anniversary of Chernobyl next month by urging his EU counterparts to reject the growing dependence on nuclear power which remains unsafe as evidenced by recent events in Japan. [5320/11]
Ireland recognises the right of States to determine their own energy mix, including whether or not to develop nuclear power. It is our expectation that, where a State chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this will be done in line with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection. Safety must be the first priority for all existing or planned nuclear facilities.
At the European Council meeting on 24/25 March last, EU leaders agreed that, in light of the incident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan which followed the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March, the safety of all nuclear plants in the EU should be reviewed on the basis of a comprehensive and transparent risk and safety assessment.
It is important that these assessments are conducted rigorously and transparently at all nuclear plants and that any actions required on the basis of their results in order to improve nuclear safety are carried out. States with nuclear power industries must ensure that full account is taken of the lessons learned from the very serious situation in Japan, and that the assessments they conduct result in a strengthening of safety where necessary at all nuclear facilities.
Social and Affordable Housing
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:279 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to substantially reduce income thresholds for eligibility for social housing and to increase the age threshold to 65 years whereby older citizens can apply for the senior citizens housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5850/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:280 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reduce the income thresholds for eligibility for social housing; the numbers of persons now on local authority housing lists that will be disqualified from eligibility as a result of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6029/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009, provides for a new process of housing needs assessment for applicants for social housing support. Until now there have been different practices in housing authorities regarding the way in which applicants for social housing support had their income means-tested. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, which came into force on 1 April, 2011, standardise both the income limits and how income is defined.
The income bands reflect the cost of private rented accommodation in different parts of the country. They are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household. For households of more than one person, the net income threshold is increased to take account of additional adults and children in the household.
Net income is defined in the Household Means Policy approved under the Regulations as gross income of all kinds (including most forms of social welfare benefits or assistance) less income tax, PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Child Benefit is also disregarded as is most temporary income.
The Social Housing Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, made on 29 March 2011, amend the original regulations and provide for a general increase of €5,000 in the income bands. The new increased limits are €35,000, €30,000 and €25,000 for a single-person household, depending on the local authority area concerned.
The overall impact of the new arrangements, and of the amending regulations, is expected to be an increase in the number of households eligible for social housing support. I acknowledge that this may lead to a rise in waiting lists but I believe that it is important to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, in order to promote sustainable communities.
As regards older citizens, under previous arrangements, authorities used different definitions of older persons for purposes of social housing support. The new Regulations provide for a single national indicator, based on the commonly accepted figure of 65 years. While this is a primary indicator of particular accommodation requirements for those in the older age bracket, my Department's guidance to housing authorities makes it clear that individual households should be allocated the social housing support most appropriate to their particular needs. This approach gives housing authorities discretion in individual cases in the provision of housing support, in accordance with their allocation policies.
Proposed Legislation
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:281 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will be introducing a new Bill this session to deal with our outdated bankruptcy laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6511/11]
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:309 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality while the EU-International Monetary Fund bailout is contingent on the Government introducing new bankruptcy laws by early 2012, if the Law Reform Commission recommendations will become law before that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6862/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 281 and 309 together.
The Government commitment under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland is to publish insolvency reform legislation by Quarter 1 of 2012. The legislative programme for my Department includes a Personal Insolvency Bill that will provide for a new framework for settlement and enforcement of debt and for personal insolvency. The Bill, proposals in respect of which are being developed in my Department, will take into account the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission in its Report on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement of December 2010.
The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, that I intend to publish shortly, will contain some interim measures in relation to reform of the law on bankruptcy.
UN Conventions
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:282 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption, which was signed on 9 December 2003; and if, in signing the convention, any qualifying declarations or reservations were made at the time. [6889/11]
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption was signed on behalf of Ireland, without any reservation, when the Instrument was opened for signature in December 2003. Arrangements are currently being made to enable ratification of this measure, so that, following Government approval, the Convention can be adopted by the State.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Joan Collins
Ceist:283 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions he has taken or plans to take to reduce the waiting times for Garda vetting. [6361/11]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:293 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to expedite the waiting times for Garda vetting for community and voluntary services which currently stands at approximately 16 weeks which is detrimental to all those who have been offered but are prevented from taking up a position of employment and to the wider community who suffer because their services are short staffed in the mean time; and if he will introduce a reasonable statutory timeframe within which vetting must be completed. [6519/11]
John Lyons
Ceist:297 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans he has to address the issue of long delays in processing Garda clearance applications; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such delays are causing much disruption to employers and employees alike in filling positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6635/11]
Dara Murphy
Ceist:310 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Garda vetting; the way it is working at present; if the process has been centralised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6878/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 283, 293, 297 and 310 together.
Let me say at the outset that I am concerned at the length of time currently being taken to process vetting applications. I recognise that it is important to process these applications within a reasonable time frame both for the benefit of the applicants and the organisations for which they will work.
There are currently a total of 89 gardaí and Garda civilian personnel assigned to the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU). This represents a very significant increase in the level of personnel assigned to the unit, which stood at only 13 before the current process of development in Garda vetting began in 2005.
A number of immediate measures are being taken to improve the processing times. The sanction of the Department of Finance has been obtained to retain the services of 10 temporary employees in the GCVU. A further sanction has been obtained to engage an additional 10 temporary employees for the unit and these are now being recruited. This should have an impact on processing times. In addition further steps are under consideration with a view to alleviating the pressure on the staff of the GCVU and reduce the time taken for the processing of applications.
The Garda Central Vetting Unit, based in Thurles, County Tipperary provides a centralised employment vetting to organisations in Ireland registered with the Garda Síochána for this purpose and which employ or engage persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that, at present, the average processing time for vetting applications received at the GCVU is approximately 10 weeks.
The service has been expanded greatly in recent years as part of an ongoing, phased programme to roll-out vetting to an increasing number of organisations in the child and vulnerable adult care sectors. This target group is the clear policy priority. Within this programme the vetting service has now been extended to over 18,000 organisations. The GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives. The figures since 2006 are as follows:
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
137,600 |
187,864 |
218,404 |
246,194 |
291,938 |
The average processing time for vetting applications fluctuates in line with periods of increased demand. In processing an individual vetting application, additional time may be required in cases where clarification is needed as to the details provided or where other inquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. Registered organisations have been advised to take account of this in their recruitment and selection process. However, the gardaí make every effort to reduce the time to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out what are very necessary checks.
The question of legislative proposals to provide a statutory framework for vetting will necessitate consideration of a wide range of issues including information sharing with other relevant bodies, such as the HSE. It will also have to have regard to how responsibility for the management of information relevant to the vetting process is assigned and the need to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens. Any legislative proposals will be announced and brought forward in the usual way.
Deportation Orders
Joe Costello
Ceist:284 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will revoke the deportation order on a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6383/11]
The persons concerned are a family unit made up of a father, mother and their three children. The father's case has been dealt with in isolation while the children's' cases were attached to their mother's case, meaning that any decision made in relation to her applied equally to them.
The case of the father has been finalised. He is not the subject of a Deportation Order nor has he an outstanding Subsidiary Protection application. His Subsidiary Protection application has been decided and the decision notified to him by letter dated 14th February, 2011. While the Subsidiary Protection application had a negative outcome, the man in question has been granted permission to remain in the State for a three year period, valid to 15th February, 2014. This decision was notified to him by letter dated 15th February, 2011.
The cases of the other family members are the subject of judicial review proceedings and as these proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on those cases at this time.
Citizenship Applications
Jack Wall
Ceist:285 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality 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. [6387/11]
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 January 2008.
The applications are 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. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by e-mail 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.
Juvenile Offenders
Joe McHugh
Ceist:286 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider amending the Children Act 2001 or the Criminal Justice Act 2006 in order that youth offenders who have not re-offended are given clean records, thus facilitating travel and increasing job employment prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6417/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the current legislation already makes provision for the non-disclosure of the criminal records of young offenders in certain circumstances.
The governing statutory provision is section 258 of the Children Act 2001. Section 258(1) of the Children Act 2001 provides for the non-disclosure of most offences committed by persons under 18 once specific conditions have been met. Section 258(4)(b) expressly provides that when someone seeks information with respect to a person’s previous finding of guilt for any such offence, the question is to be treated as excluding the need to make any reference to such matters. The effect of this provision is that where the relevant conditions have been met, the person need not make a disclosure and is to be treated for all purposes in law as a person who has not committed, been charged with, prosecuted for, found guilty of or dealt with for an offence and the person may, except as provided for in the section, withhold information about the offence and the circumstances relating to it.
As persons meeting these conditions are no longer regarded under Irish Law as having committed offences they essentially have a clean record and in the context of travelling abroad, or seeking employment, they can truthfully claim to have a clean record.
I hope that this clarifies the position for the Deputy. I have asked officials to examine whether further clarification on this matter is required and advise me if a Ministerial Order pursuant to Sub Section 4(d) is necessary.
Prison Accommodation
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:287 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to discontinue the practice of slopping out in State prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/11]
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to the elimination of slopping out in all prisons and places of detention. Along with the proposal to review the Thornton Hall project, I would like to point out that the Programme for Government acknowledges the need to provide in-cell sanitation to all prisons, and in so far as resources permit, to upgrade prison facilities.
As things stand, I am informed by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that 72% of prisoner accommodation has in-cell sanitation at present. I am told this will rise to in excess of 80% when the extension currently under construction in the Midlands Prison is opened in 2012.
A refurbishment project is also under way in the basement of the C–wing at Mountjoy prison which will result in an additional 36 cells with in-cell sanitation coming on stream by mid 2011. In addition, the IPS recently awarded a contract to provide in-cell sanitation in the remaining 74 cells on the same wing. Depending on the findings of a post project appraisal, the IPS will consider installing in-cell sanitation facilities in the remaining cells of that prison.
Finally, the IPS is currently appraising the logistical, financial, operational and other aspects of an outline proposal to provide in-cell sanitation in all cells in Cork Prison and all remaining cells in Limerick Prison that do not have in-cell sanitation. This appraisal will be informed by the evaluation of the Mountjoy ‘C wing' project.
Proposed Legislation
Michael McGrath
Ceist:288 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce changes to the bail laws in the State. [6486/11]
In preparing the Bill, I have asked my Department to examine a number of matters in the current law to ensure that the bail regime can operate in as tight and effective a way as possible.
One of the measures I am looking at is the extent to which the law can give greater guidance to the courts on the need to protect the public against those who present an unacceptable risk of committing a serious offence if granted bail.
Citizenship Applications
Pat Breen
Ceist:289 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6488/11]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 2010.
The application is being processed in the normal way with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course. While the average time from application to decision is 25 months, processing requirements and time taken to carry out necessary checks vary from case to case.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by e-mail 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.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:290 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current backlog in processing applications for naturalisation; when applications currently being processed were originally received by the Immigration Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6493/11]
I am informed by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2009.
The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation is currently 25 months and this has been maintained despite the substantial increases in the volume of applications received in recent years.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour not an entitlement. Applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government I have requested my officials to explore options for the more efficient processing and determination of citizenship applications within a reasonable time. My intention is to reduce the processing time in this area to the greatest possible extent within the resource envelope available for this work.
Residency Permits
Denis Naughten
Ceist:291 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current backlog in processing applications for long term residency five year stamp; when applications currently being processed were originally received by the Immigration service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6494/11]
Long term residency is granted on the basis that a non EEA national has completed a minimum of five years legal residence in the State on work permit conditions. This is a major concession with successful applicants being granted Permission to Remain on a Stamp 4 which is valid for 5 years thus obviating the need to re-register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau on an annual basis.
I am informed by the Long Term Residency Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications generally take approximately six months to process. For example, a person who submitted a valid application in January 2011 can expect a decision on their application in June/July 2011. Of course, for a variety of reasons, some applications may take longer than six months to process.
Proposed Legislation
Peter Mathews
Ceist:292 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the Civil Partnership Act 2010 to recognise civil partnerships from Northern Ireland so that couples are exempt from inheritance tax in the event of the death of a partner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6495/11]
Under SI No. 649 of 2010, civil partnerships registered in the United Kingdom are recognised in this jurisdiction and are entitled to the same treatment under Irish law as civil partnerships registered in the State. That Order came into force on 12 January 2011.
In relation to the proposed changes to the tax code, I refer the Deputy to the responses of the Minister for Finance to Parliamentary Questions numbers 78 of 29 March 2011 and 65 of 22 March 2011 in which he indicates that legislation to provide the same tax treatment for civil partners as that provided for spouses is currently in preparation and that it is intended that the legislation will have effect for the tax year 2011 and subsequent years.
Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 283.
Citizenship Applications
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:294 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6546/11]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in July 2010.
The application is being processed in the normal way with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course. While the average time from application to decision is 25 months, processing requirements and time taken to carry out necessary checks vary from case to case.
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.
Judicial Appointments
Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:295 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies in the Judiciary at the levels if any at Circuit Court and at District Court; and if he will breakdown the vacancies on a regional basis. [6549/11]
There are two judicial vacancies currently, one in the Dublin Circuit Court and one in District Number 10 (Meath) of the District Court.
Drug Seizures
Michael McGrath
Ceist:296 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the number of drug seizures in Cork city and county for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and to date in 2011; and the quantity, type and value of drug seizures involved. [6602/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the most recent available information is in respect of the years 2007 to 2010. The tables set out the drug type, quantity and estimated street value of drugs seized in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The information has been compiled on the basis of cases reported to the Forensic Science Laboratory for Cork City, Cork North and Cork West Garda Divisions. Information in respect of the year 2011 is currently being compiled and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. Statistics provided are operational, provisional and liable to change.
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
22808.306 grams |
273,699.67 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
6057.883 grams |
36,347.30 |
|
Cannabis Plants |
38 plants |
15,200.00 |
|
Heroin |
410.174 grams |
61,526.10 |
|
Cocaine |
2726.589 grams |
190,861.23 |
|
Ecstasy |
5 tablets |
25.00 |
|
BZP |
18 tablets |
90.00 |
|
Amphetamine |
155.994 grams |
2,339.91 |
|
Total Value |
580,089.21 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
23921.932 grams |
287,063.18 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
19967.38 grams |
119,804.28 |
|
Cannabis Plants |
1184 plants |
473,600.00 |
|
Heroin |
3051.339 grams |
457,700.85 |
|
Cocaine |
3805.424 grams |
266,379.68 |
|
Ecstasy |
147.789 grams |
7,389.45 |
|
BZP |
735.551 grams |
36,777.55 |
|
Amphetamine |
140.313 grams |
2,104.70 |
|
Total Value |
1,650,819.69 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
110769.997 grams |
221,539.99 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
65643.045 grams |
459,501.32 |
|
Heroin |
960.089 grams |
192,017.80 |
|
Cocaine |
8061.992 grams |
564,339.44 |
|
Ecstasy |
25968.49 grams |
259,684.90 |
|
Amphetamine |
48.75 grams |
731.25 |
|
Total Value |
1,697,814.70 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
66197.08 grams |
132,394.16 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
19640.033 grams |
137,480.23 |
|
Heroin |
1050.786 grams |
210,157.20 |
|
Cocaine |
17656.636 grams |
1,235,964.52 |
|
Ecstasy |
9738.507 grams |
97,385.07 |
|
Amphetamine |
232.709 grams |
3,490.64 |
|
Total Value |
1,816,871.82 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
2232.41 grams |
26,788.92 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Cannabis Plants |
38 plants |
15,200.00 |
|
Heroin |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Cocaine |
274.394 grams |
19,207.58 |
|
Ecstasy |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Amphetamine |
.181 grams |
2.72 |
|
BZP |
11291 tablets |
56,455.00 |
|
Total Value |
117,654.22 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
2,397.086 grams |
28,765.03 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
1523.598 grams |
9,141.58 |
|
Cannabis Plants |
37 plants |
14,800.00 |
|
Heroin |
45.779 grams |
6,866.85 |
|
Cocaine |
498.434 grams |
34,890.38 |
|
Ecstasy |
6 tablets |
30.00 |
|
Amphetamine |
33.399 grams |
500.98 |
|
BZP |
100 tablets |
500.00 |
|
Total Value |
95,494.82 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
32,221.857 grams |
64,443.71 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
1,011.757 grams |
7,082.29 |
|
Heroin |
5.936 grams |
1,187.20 |
|
Cocaine |
3,678.031grams |
257,462.17 |
|
Ecstasy |
3,018.175 grams |
30,181.75 |
|
Amphetamine |
68.789 grams |
1,031.83 |
|
Total Value |
361,388.95 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
2,376.472 grams |
4,752.94 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
1,783.428 grams |
12,483.99 |
|
Heroin |
1.194 grams |
238.80 |
|
Cocaine |
261.718 grams |
18,320.26 |
|
Ecstasy |
2,785 tablets |
27,850.00 |
|
Amphetamine |
2,756.078 grams |
41,341.17 |
|
Total Value |
104,987.16 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
1248.749 grams |
14,984.99 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
505.99 grams |
3,035.94 |
|
Cannabis Plants |
156 plants |
62,400 |
|
Heroin |
Nil |
nil |
|
Cocaine |
37.479 grams |
2,623.53 |
|
Ecstasy |
Nil |
nil |
|
Amphetamine |
Nil |
nil |
|
BZP |
241 tabs |
1,205.00 |
|
Total Value |
84,249.46 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
2,340.677 grams |
28,088.12 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
170.575 |
1,023.45 |
|
Cannabis Plants |
948.2 plants |
379,280.00 |
|
Heroin |
146.429 grams |
21,964.35 |
|
Cocaine |
33.819 grams |
2,367.33 |
|
Ecstasy |
2 tabs |
10.00 |
|
Amphetamine |
.363 grams |
5.44 |
|
BZP |
413 tablets |
2,065.00 |
|
Total Value |
434,803.69 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
3,377.509 grams |
6,755.01 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
265.362 grams |
1,857.53 |
|
Heroin |
4.001 grams |
800.20 |
|
Cocaine |
152.245 grams |
10,675.15 |
|
Ecstasy |
404.214 grams |
4,042.14 |
|
Amphetamine |
27.624 grams |
414.36 |
|
Total Value |
24,544.39 |
|
Drug Type |
Quantity |
Estimated Street Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cannabis |
604.98 grams |
1,209.96 |
|
Cannabis Resin |
160.893 grams |
1,126.25 |
|
Heroin |
1,005.081 grams |
201,016.20 |
|
Cocaine |
1,529,850.038 grams |
107,089,502.66 |
|
Ecstasy |
1,558.102 grams |
15,581.02 |
|
Amphetamine |
16.001 grams |
240.01 |
|
Total Value |
107,308,676.10 |
Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 283.
Ministerial Appointments
Eamonn Maloney
Ceist:298 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Legal Services Ombudsman will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6671/11]
The appointment of the Legal Services Ombudsman is a matter for Government. However, in advance of bringing a proposal to Government, my Department is considering the implications for the making of an appointment, of the commitment in the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality related to the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support to Ireland, to legislate for the appointment of an independent regulator of the legal profession.
Asylum Applications
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:299 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will grant asylum to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6693/11]
The persons concerned are a husband, his wife and the couple's child. The husband and wife lodged separate asylum applications on 18 September, 2009. The child made an asylum application on 28 July, 2010. All three asylum applications were individually considered and it was found that none of the persons concerned met the criteria for recognition as a refugee.
Arising from the refusal of their respective asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), they were separately notified, the husband and wife by letters dated 24 May, 2010 and the child by letter dated 30 December, 2010, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The persons concerned submitted applications for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of these applications has been completed, the persons concerned will be notified in writing of the outcomes.
In the event that the applications for Subsidiary Protection are refused, the position in the State of the persons 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 files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the persons 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.
Courts Service
Seán Kyne
Ceist:300 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the court house at Derrynea, Castella, Connemara, County Galway which is under review by the Courts Service; and whether the Courts Service recognises the special role Derrynea plays in providing court hearings as Gaeilge for the Connemara Gaeltacht. [6694/11]
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of courthouses is the responsibility of the Courts Service and my Department has no role or responsibility in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which are specified in section 5 as follows: management of the Courts; provision of support services for the judges; provision of information on the courts system to the public; provision, maintenance and management of court buildings and provision of facilities for court users. In the circumstances, I am asking the Chief Executive of the Courts Service to note the terms of the question from the Deputy and to respond to him directly in the matter.
Citizenship Applications
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:301 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6733/11]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in December 2007. On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet that statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to him on 16 May, 2008.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Garda Stations
Seán Kenny
Ceist:302 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual allocation to the maintenance of Garda premises since 2004, the number of Garda stations that have received such maintenance and the number that have received significant structure and interior refurbishment since 2004. [6742/11]
The Garda accommodation programme is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána and it is brought forward in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Capital funding for significant refurbishment work in excess of €65,000 is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
The Office of Public Works has provided details of the number of Garda stations which have undergone significant works since 2004 and they are set out in the attached table. These figures do not include new Garda stations constructed during that period. In addition, funding for refurbishment works up to €65,000 is provided in the Vote of An Garda Síochána. Details of the number of Garda stations which have undergone such refurbishment since 2004, and the annual expenditure, are also set out in the table.
|
Year |
Garda stations refurbished up to €65,000 |
Expenditure from Garda Vote € |
Significant refurbishments — OPW |
Total refurbished |
|
2004 |
198 |
5,511,000 |
15 Stations |
213 |
|
2005 |
164 |
5,120,000 |
16 Stations |
180 |
|
2006 |
141 |
5,117,000 |
16 Stations |
157 |
|
2007 |
312 |
10,805,000 |
19 Stations |
331 |
|
2008 |
253 |
24,733,000 |
11 Stations |
264 |
|
2009 |
218 |
9,578,000 |
16 Stations |
234 |
|
2010 |
264 |
8,424,000 |
11 Stations |
275 |
|
2011 |
N/A to date |
5 Stations |
5 |
Garda Strength
Seán Kenny
Ceist:303 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank in each local public order unit; and the number of vacancies by rank in each unit. [6745/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the latest date (31 March 2011) for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was 14,330. I am further informed that for security and operational reasons it is Garda policy not to disclose the number of personnel attached to the public order units.
Seán Kenny
Ceist:304 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each local traffic unit by rank the number of marked and unmarked traffic cars, vans, jeeps and motorbikes; and the number of vacancies in each unit by rank. [6747/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of each Divisional Traffic Unit, and the number of traffic vehicles allocated to each Divisional Traffic Unit is as set out in the table. In addition to this there is a Superintendent attached to each of the 6 Garda regions in the Country. The Deputy will also be aware that an Assistant Commissioner, based in the Garda National Traffic Bureau, has overall responsibility for traffic policy. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, the numbers in any unit will fluctuate from time to time due to, for example, transfers, retirements, resignations etc.
|
Division/Office |
Strength |
Cars |
4x4s |
Motorbikes |
Vans |
|
GNTB |
11 |
||||
|
Cavan-Monaghan |
36 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
|
Clare |
26 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Cork City |
51 |
10 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
|
Cork North |
40 |
10 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Cork West |
30 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
DMR East |
18 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
|
DMR North |
23 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
|
DMR North Central |
21 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
|
DMR South |
16 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
|
DMR South Central |
27 |
2 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
|
DMR Traffic |
154 |
17 |
5 |
33 |
3 |
|
DMR West |
22 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
35 |
10 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
|
Galway |
49 |
10 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
|
Kerry |
33 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
40 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny-Carlow |
38 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Laois-Offaly |
35 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
33 |
6 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|
Louth |
25 |
6 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
24 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Meath |
31 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Roscommon-Longford |
23 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sligo-Leitrim |
34 |
9 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
30 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
26 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
30 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
25 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
30 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
1016 |
171 |
40 |
138 |
16 |
Departmental Policy
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:305 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Department which has responsibility for integration policy as outlined in the previous Government’s ministerial portfolios; the lead person with responsibility for the area of integration policy in this Department; the areas of integration policy the said Department aims to focus on; the way they propose to engage with immigration and integration groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6755/11]
I can inform the Deputy that, as indicated in the Programme for Government, it is intended to promote policies that integrate minority ethnic groups in Ireland and that promote social inclusion, equality, diversity and the participation of immigrants in the economic, social, political and cultural life of their communities. Lead responsibility for these matters has been assigned to my Department with effect from 1 April 2011.
I can also inform the Deputy that there will be consultation and discussion with relevant stakeholders as policies are developed and implemented.
Visa Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:306 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6764/11]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy made a Family Reunification application on 23rd August 2010 and the application was forwarded to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996.
I am further informed by INIS that a letter regarding his refugee status issued to the person concerned from the Ministerial Decisions Unit on 25th March 2011, in which he was also informed that his Family Reunification application had been suspended pending the outcome of their investigations.
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.
Proposed Legislation
Noel Harrington
Ceist:307 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality as a part of the Programme for Government, the date on which he will introduce legislation to outlaw the practice of upward only rent reviews in commercial letting of property; if he expects this legislation to be passed into law before the summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6770/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 166 of 29 March 2011. As the Deputy notes, the Programme for Government indicates that legislation will be introduced to end upward only rent reviews for existing leases. I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to progressing this matter as expeditiously as possible.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Pat Breen
Ceist:308 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision on a Garda vetting application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6840/11]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Central Vetting Unit has no record of a vetting application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. In the circumstances, I can only suggest that the person seeks clarification from the organisation submitting the application.
Question No. 309 answered with Question No. 281.
Question No. 310 answered with Question No. 283.
International Conventions
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:311 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to transpose in to domestic law Article 12 of the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption; and if any other articles from this convention still need to be suitably addressed by him and the expected timetable for doing so. [6890/11]
The Government is committed to consolidating and reforming the law on corruption. My officials have commenced work with a view to bringing proposals to Government in due course. The provisions of the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, along with the provisions of all other relevant international instruments, will be considered in the development of those proposals.
Defence Forces Recruitment
John O'Mahony
Ceist:312 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence his plans for recruitment to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6360/11]
Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. In the context of Budget 2010 the previous Government approved a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. However in 2011, the Permanent Defence Force, like all areas of the public service, will operate on a reduced budget. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 28 February, 2011 was 9,582 comprising 7,805 Army, 761 Air Corps and 1,016 Naval Service personnel. Targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2011 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard approval has been granted for the recruitment of 200 general service recruits in 2011. In addition there will be an intake of 30 cadets from the Cadetship Competition 2011 and a number of technical appointments will be filled.
I can confirm that with the support of the Chief of Staff, and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.
While these are challenging times, my priority is to ensure that the Defence Forces are organised, equipped and staffed in a manner which will ensure that they can continue to deliver the services required of them by Government.
I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
Defence Forces Personnel
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:313 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in dispatching documents to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [6421/11]
The person in question was discharged from the Defence Forces on 20 February, 2011. I understand that the Leabhair Airm (LA 89) was sent by registered post to his home address on 25 March, 2011. The delay in dispatching the documents was due to a changeover of administrative staff in the Headquarters of Finner Camp, Co. Donegal.
Seán Kenny
Ceist:314 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in the Defence Forces by rank and the number above the rank of second lieutenant. [6748/11]
The following table outlines the number of vacancies in the Permanent Defence Force by rank. The number of vacancies is based on the agreed Employment Control Framework of 10,000 all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force versus the strength of 9582 as at 28 February, 2011, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Rank |
Agreed ECF Strength |
Total Current Strength |
Vacancies |
|
Lt. Gen |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Maj. Gen |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Brig. Gen |
9 |
8 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
43 |
32 |
11 |
|
Lt. Col |
152 |
122 |
30 |
|
Comdt |
370 |
340 |
30 |
|
Capt |
494 |
442 |
52 |
|
Lt* |
280 |
382 |
0 |
|
Sgt Maj |
48 |
32 |
16 |
|
BQMS |
48 |
32 |
16 |
|
CS |
260 |
218 |
42 |
|
CQMS |
280 |
242 |
38 |
|
Sgt |
1425 |
1270 |
155 |
|
Cpl |
1825 |
1654 |
171 |
|
Private** |
4763 |
4805 |
0 |
|
Total |
10,000 |
9582 |
562 |
*Lt figure includes 2/Lt
**Private figure includes recruits and Cadets
As shown in the table there is 124 vacancies above the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:315 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department. [6797/11]
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board and the Army Pensions Board. The payroll function for each of these bodies is carried out by my Department.
Departmental Property
Jack Wall
Ceist:316 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the sale of houses at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6821/11]
The position is that there is one vacant house in Orchard Park at present. The Department accepted an offer in February, 2011 for the purchase of this property. The Chief State Solicitors Office is acting on behalf of the Department and has been instructed to liaise with the purchaser's solicitor regarding the sale.
Jack Wall
Ceist:317 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence further to previous Parliamentary Questions the reason he has refused to supply information to the local authority in seeking to determine an agreement between two bodies regarding taking over of an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; the further reason such replies state that negotiations were taking place when in fact there was no correspondence of the information as requested from 2003 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6823/11]
The Department has not refused to supply any information to the local authority concerning the estate in County Kildare. On the contrary, the Department has written to the relevant Co. Council on a number of occasions, most recently the 23 February and 23 March 2011 and is awaiting a reply. The Department is eager to progress this matter and will finalise the issue once it is made aware of the specific requirements of the Council.
I have asked my officials to again contact the Council to ensure that the taking in charge of the estate is concluded.
Defence Forces Training
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:318 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken to clarify the difference between bullying and robust training for new recruits in the Defence Forces, for both recruits and their instructors, as recommended in a report on military human resources, conducted by the independent monitoring group and published in December 2008. [6891/11]
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:319 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken to ensure greater emphasis during initial training on ensuring new entrants in the Defence Forces understand what is and what is not bullying and harassment and inappropriate behaviour, as recommended in a report on military human resources, conducted by the independent monitoring group and published in December 2008. [6892/11]
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:320 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken in the Defence Forces to put in place reviews of instructors’ workshops on corrective action and whether or not wider use is being made of case studies in training instructors for implementing corrective action, as recommended in a report on military human resources, conducted by the independent monitoring group and published in December 2008. [6893/11]
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:321 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the outstanding recommendations from the report on military human resources, conducted by the independent monitoring group and published in December 2008, that are still to be implemented. [6894/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 to 321, inclusive, together.
The 2008 report of the Independent Monitoring Group included 46 recommendations to chart the way ahead in continuing to meet the demands for dignity and equality in the military workplace. The 2008 report highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Defence Forces in the area of human resource management and workplace culture in the period from 2004. The Report confirmed that the culture of the Defence Force organisation had evolved positively and noted that the recorded number of incidents of unacceptable behaviour was low. Of the 46 recommendations contained in the 2008 Report, 23 have been implemented, with work underway in respect of the majority of the remaining 23. As the implementation of these recommendations requires the concerted and combined effort of both the military and the Department and in some cases ongoing monitoring, the Independent Monitoring Group report is considered monthly by the joint military/civilian Standing Committee on Defence Forces Personnel Policy Issues.
Turning to the specific issues raised in the questions, I am advised that the syllabus for induction training has been revised. Greater emphasis is placed during initial training on ensuring that new entrants understand what is and is not bullying/harassment and inappropriate behaviour. Pre-course orientation for Instructors is included in annual seminars for Cadet School/Brigade Training Centres including the Naval Service and Air Corps and is revised as necessary. Defence Forces Training Establishment Standing Orders are updated where necessary prior to the commencement of a course. Pre-course training for attached instructors must include familiarisation with the revised Standing Orders. Relevant and realistic case studies are included as part of the annual seminar for Cadet School/Brigade Training Centres including the Naval Service and Air Corps. In addition, the role of Unit/Sub-unit Commander in the area of corrective action is included in the revised Junior Command and Staff course.
Defence Forces Review
David Stanton
Ceist:322 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence when the value for money review of the Reserve Defence Forces will be completed; when he expects to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6897/11]
The Reserve Defence Force was selected for review as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and this review commenced in February 2010. A Steering Committee comprising representatives from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Finance is overseeing the Review. In accordance with revised guidelines for the conduct of Value for Money Reviews, an independent chair was appointed to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee has met on seven occasions since the review commenced. The Steering Committee is supported by a civil/military working group.
The Steering Committee and the Working Group have engaged in an extensive programme of consultation and have sought additional detailed information relating to Reserve activity. The final elements of these information requirements are currently being compiled and will then be analysed. This information is necessary in order to ensure a comprehensive and balanced picture of Reserve activity.
It is planned to hold a meeting of the Steering Committee in the coming weeks, when progress to date will be considered. The Steering Committee will also review the anticipated timeframe for completion of the Review.
Departmental Agencies
Jim Daly
Ceist:323 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if adequate staff will be made available to a college (details supplied) in County Cork to meet the demand for evening classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6717/11]
Under the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, research and advisory services to the Agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Accordingly, delivery of the Teagasc education and training programme is an operational matter for Teagasc and its Board. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.
I understand Teagasc education programmes are delivered through a network of 8 agricultural colleges, 12 Regional education centres and 80 local centres. Teagasc employ over 180 staff directly and pay the salaries of a further 45 staff in the private colleges to deliver education and training courses. The allocation of resources to individual colleges is entirely a matter within the remit of the Teagasc Authority and is not one in which the Minister has a function.
Grant Payments
Tom Hayes
Ceist:324 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all farm subsidy payments have been made to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [6351/11]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 28 April 2010. In order to draw down the full single payment, an applicant must declare one eligible hectare in respect of each payment entitlement held. While the person named holds 30.65 entitlements, as only 20.67 hectares were declared, the payment which issued was based on the area declared.
The person named registered 15 beef breed calves in 2009 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. This application was the subject of an inspection which has now been completed. The case has been processed for payment which will issue in the coming weeks.
It does not appear that the person named is a participant in any other of my Department's schemes. However, I have arranged for one of my officials to contact the person named directly.
Grasslands Management
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:325 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to develop, or fund the development of, an online grasslands management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/11]
Under the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education and advisory services to the Agriculture sector as well as certain responsibilities for agricultural research and development. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities.
I understand that Teagasc has no plans at present to develop an on-line grasslands management system. The Teagasc ‘Animal and Grassland Programme' provides farmers with advice and knowledge on pasture based systems of animal production. The Programme is concerned with the development of grass breeding, establishment and renovations; grass growth, sward dynamics and utilisation; soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency and grazing management including conservation.
Animal Welfare
Joan Collins
Ceist:326 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the transportation of greyhounds from Ireland to China is being considered by Bord na gCon; if he sees any animal welfare issues arising from such transportation and if so, his plans regarding potential problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6372/11]
I am not aware of any exports of greyhounds from Ireland to China in recent years.
Bord na gCon is a commercial State Body. The Board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Company. My Department is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China. Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry. Consequently my Department would expect that any proposal involving Bord na gCon engaging with the greyhound industry in China would consider animal welfare matters. The Department's consideration of any proposal would be based on the overall case put forward and would as a matter of course remain mindful of the need to ensure the welfare of animals.
Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. My Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.
Departmental Schemes
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:327 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify his position on the agri-environment options scheme for 2011; if it will reopen to accept the 10,000 farmers who will be leaving REP scheme 3 by mid May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6377/11]
I am currently concluding a review of last year's scheme, on the basis of which, and subject to the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, I will very shortly make an announcement in relation to the position for 2011.
EU Regulations
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:328 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rules laid down by him and or the EU in relation to the grading of Connemara ponies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6400/11]
The Connemara Pony Breeders' Society is approved to maintain the studbook of origin for the Connemara Pony Breed in Ireland by my Department under the relevant EU and National Zootechnical Legislation. In accordance with this legislation, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society has established principles and rules for the classification and grading of animals in the studbook.
Departmental Schemes
Michael McCarthy
Ceist:329 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the grants available to assist farmers with the cost of land reclamation and-or improvement works to farm land; the details of these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6405/11]
There is no grant-aid currently available from my Department for land reclamation or improvement works to farm land.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:330 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the immediate opening of the agri environment option scheme for applicants. [6422/11]
I am currently concluding a review of last year's scheme, on the basis of which, and subject to the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, I will very shortly make an announcement in relation to the position for 2011.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:331 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when applications will be approved for agri-environment options scheme; if the scheme will be made available to 10,000 applicants in 2011 as promised by the previous Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6463/11]
I am currently concluding a review of last year's scheme, on the basis of which, and subject to the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, I will very shortly make an announcement in relation to the position for 2011.
Colm Keaveney
Ceist:332 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to proceed with the new agri-environment options scheme in order for the farming sector to continue with important environmental work. [6471/11]
I am currently concluding a review of last year's scheme, on the basis of which, and subject to the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, I will very shortly make an announcement in relation to the position for 2011.
Grant Payments
Denis Naughten
Ceist:333 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will furnish a response to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6487/11]
Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulations, payments under the Single Farm Payment may be made only in respect of eligible land and applicants under the Scheme are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them. Details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded on my Department's Land Parcel Identification System. It is also necessary for applicants to exclude ineligible features such as scrub, roadways, etc. Therefore, the LPIS database has to be amended on an ongoing basis to reflect any permanent changes such as parcel boundary changes, addition of new parcels, etc.
Having reviewed the declarations made by the person named, specific issues were identified with regard to the areas declared, in that it was found that one of the land parcels contained buildings, while another contained forestry, which are ineligible areas under the Single Payment Scheme. Furthermore, as the person named was found not to have made sufficient allowance for these ineligible areas, the payments which issued were calculated accordingly, subject to the regulatory reductions. However, following consideration of an appeal from the person named, the areas initially deemed ineligible were reviewed and re-calculated, the net effect being the issuing of a supplementary payment to the person named on 24 January 2011.
With specific regard to the representations which the Deputy lodged on behalf of the person named, it does appear that a response did not issue, which is regretted. It can only be concluded that this was due to inadvertent oversight. Mindful of all the circumstances of this case, I have arranged for one of my officials to make direct contact with the person named.
Michael Creed
Ceist:334 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of the 2010 single farm payment paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6521/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. During validation of the application an over-claim was identified on one of the parcels declared. This error was raised with the person named and a reply was received to state that the applicant was accepting the amended reference area. Payments were calculated on this basis: the advance payment issued on 18 October 2010 and the balancing payment on 1 December 2010.
Special Areas of Conservation
Tom Fleming
Ceist:335 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will honour the commitment given by his predecessor last Christmas to re-open the Crumann mussels fishery in Castlemaine harbour, County Kerry, in May as with all other fisheries along the east coast. [6535/11]
Castlemaine Harbour is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive. The designation of the Harbour places restrictions under EU law on the activities that can take place in the harbour. Any such activity is subject to prior scientific assessment of its potential impact on the conservation objectives for the site. Following such assessment the planned activity if approved may be subject to mitigation measures.
The European Communities (Control on Mussel Fishing) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 347 of 2008) closed Castlemaine Harbour and other known mussel seed fisheries located in Natura 2000 sites. When the national mussel seed fishery opens each year, these are excluded unless and until they have been scientifically assessed against the conservation objectives for the Natura site. In the absence of published conservation objectives, a proposal to fish for mussel seed in Castlemaine Harbour was the subject of an ‘interim' assessment in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and this required the support of the European Commission, given the negative findings in 2007 of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives in Natura sites.
Conservation Objectives for Castlemaine Harbour were published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in August 2010. With the availability now of conservation objectives, a full assessment can be carried out of fishing and aquaculture activity in the Harbour. Since last year, my Department has been working closely with NPWS, BIM and the Marine Institute to ensure that this first full assessment will be completed in good time for the traditional mussel seed fishing season in Castlemaine Harbour.
I understand that the Fishermen's Co-Operative in Castlemaine Harbour has prepared a fishing plan for 2011, with the assistance of BIM. Crucially, that plan is expected to set out proposals for a 5-year period. I expect to receive that plan very shortly. Given the scientific work that has been undertaken by the Marine Institute over the last year, in consultation with the NPWS, BIM and my Department, the Marine Institute expect to complete their scientific assessment of the fishing plan for Castlemaine Harbour within a short period. I am advised that this will see the assessment completed by the end of April and as a result the statutory public consultation can be completed by the end of May. I will then make my statutory decision on the mussel seed fishery for Castlemaine Harbour during the month of June. I note that the traditional mussel seed fishing season in Castlemaine Harbour starts in August or September, depending on the maturity of the seed.
Should the Co-operative's proposals for a 5-year plan prove acceptable, this will remove the need for annual assessments and Castlemaine Harbour will be able to open with the rest of the national mussel seed fishery, subject to any necessary mitigating or management measures included in the adopted Natura Fisheries Plan.
Animal Diseases
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:336 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider paying a person (details supplied) in County Galway compensation under animal health regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6542/11]
A Veterinary Inspector from my Department made contact with and visited this farmer in May last year, in response to an earlier query. Previously a Department Veterinary Research Officer visited the farm in May 2008 at the request of the farmers' Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP). From time to time samples from the farmer's herd have been submitted to the Department's Regional Veterinary Laboratory by the PVP as an aid to diagnosis. To date, other than a specific diagnosis of lungworm infestation in one sample submitted, there has not been a definitive diagnosis which would lead to the identification of a common cause of death in the adult animals. As advised at the time of the visit by the Veterinary Inspector, a metabolic disorder could be suspected. In this regard, as well as engaging the services of a PVP, there would be merit in the farmer also engaging the services of a nutritionist to investigate this possibility and an Inspector from my Department is available to advise him further in this regard.
To date, whilst the farmer has indeed experienced losses in his dairy herd, there is no evidence that these have resulted from any scheduled or notifiable disease. There are no funds at my disposal to compensate farmers who experience losses associated with conditions that are not subject to regulation by my Department.
Grant Payments
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:337 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a grant under the agri-environment options scheme will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6543/11]
Under the EU Regulations governing the agri-environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payment will issue at the earliest possible date once these checks have been completed.
Frank Feighan
Ceist:338 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for animal welfare in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [6567/11]
The person named registered 20 beef breed calves in 2009. Payment has issued in respect of 15 calves. The remaining 5 calves were rejected on the grounds of non-compliance with the weaning procedures during an on-farm inspection. A review of this decision was sought by the applicant and is currently being undertaken. My Department will inform the applicant of the outcome of that review.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Denis Naughten
Ceist:339 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will furnish a response to an area aid query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6569/11]
The person named commenced REPS 3 on 1st December 2006 and has received all five stages of the REPS payment. His contract under REPS 3 will finish on 30 November 2011.
Two separate REPS penalties were imposed following an on-farm inspection on 8 September 2009. The first was a 10% penalty for not having work carried out in accordance with the plan by the end of Year 1 and this penalty was recovered from the person named in September 2009. The second penalty related to an over-claim on a parcel of land. The penalty amount was recovered in April 2010. This penalty was subsequently reduced and the balance due to the person named was paid in November 2010.
Grant Payments
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:340 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has had their entitlements cut in respect of their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6607/11]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 30 April 2009. Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulations, payments under these Schemes may be made only in respect of eligible land and applicants are obliged annually to only declare eligible lands available to them. While the person named was initially paid on a declared eligible area of 16.79 hectares, following a review of the commonage area declared, an ineligible area was identified and removed from the overall claimed area. The person named was written to and informed of this finding. Payment was subsequently recalculated on the amended eligible area.
John Browne
Ceist:341 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when arrears of single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [6617/11]
My Department received an application on 1 February 2011 to transfer 81.01 Single Payment entitlements, into the joint names of the person named and another farmer. While the closing date for submission of transfer applications for the 2010 Scheme year was 17 May 2010, this application was accepted as it involved a change to the registration details of the herd number only.
The entitlements were transferred on the 16th March 2011 and the 2010 Single Payment issued on 24 March 2011. Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payments issued to the applicant on 3 November 2010 and 17 November 2010 respectively.
John Browne
Ceist:342 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the full amount of single farm payments will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [6618/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme commenced nationally on 18 October 2010. The person named submitted an application with 14 land parcels, one of which required re-digitisation. Full payment under the Single Payment Scheme was issued to the applicant on 6 December 2010.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Tom Hayes
Ceist:343 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the REP scheme. [6621/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 on 1st June 2009 and received his year 1 payment in March 2010. An adjusted plan was requested by letter dated November 2010 but to-date no plan has been received by my Department. The year 2 payment cannot be processed until it is submitted.
Grant Payments
John Browne
Ceist:344 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [6626/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme commenced nationally on 18 October 2010. The person named submitted an application with two land parcels, which required re-digitisation. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme were issued to the applicant on 8 December 2010 and 10 February 2011 respectively.
Departmental Schemes
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:345 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to open and fund the agri-environment options scheme for farmers for 2011. [6642/11]
I am currently concluding a review of last year's scheme, on the basis of which, and subject to the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, I will very shortly make an announcement in relation to the position for 2011.
Fisheries Protection
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:346 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will help fishermen by reducing the size of the crawfish they are allowed to catch from 110 mm to 90 mm in line with the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6691/11]
Council Regulation (EC) No 850/98 of 30 March 1998 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms specified that crawfish of less than 110 mm may not be retained on board or be transhipped, landed, transported, stored, sold, displayed or offered for sale, but shall be returned immediately to the sea. This so-called "minimum landing size" (MLS) was reduced by Council Regulation 724/2001 to 95 mm in 2001.
Ireland was supportive of the original MLS of 110 mm as it helped protect the reproductive potential of the crawfish stock, which had been in a sustained and steep decline in Ireland since 1990. In 1998, the Irish lobster Association Society Limited wrote to the then Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources requesting that a MLS of 100 mm be introduced in Irish law in order to assist in halting the serious decline in crawfish stocks and as a transitionary measure towards the EU MLS of 110 mm, which was due to take effect from 1 January 2000. The Association stated that landings of crawfish were so small that it was imperative that a minimum size be introduced and advised that such a measure had the support of all lobster fishermen. Lobster fishermen commonly target both lobster and crawfish. The industry request was accepted by the Minister and signed into law in 1999 through the Crawfish (Conservation of Stocks) Order 1999 (S.I. No. 244 of 1999).
Council Regulation 724/2001 lowering the MLS to 95 mm took effect from 2 May 2001. My Department and the Marine Institute were opposed at that time to the lowering of the MLS and advised that it offered no conservation protection for the species, which was suffering from severe over-fishing, primarily because of the use of tangle nets. It was felt that Ireland should introduce national measures to restore the MLS to 110 mm. It was noted at the time that the industry agreed with such a measure. The proposal was accepted by the Minister and signed into law in 2001 through the Crawfish (Conservation of Stocks) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 322 of 2001). This was possible as Council Regulation 850/98 allowed Member States to enact national measures for the conservation and management of stocks going beyond the minimum requirements laid down in the Regulation, provided that the national measures applied solely to the Member State's vessels.
While the EU Regulation requires a minimum MLS of 95 mm, I am aware that Member States have enacted various national MLS limits above that figure, so Ireland is not unique is taking such conservation measures. However, I am conscious that continental markets have a preference for smaller crawfish and that this is presenting difficulties for Irish fishermen in maximising the economic return from their catch. In that context, I am examining the matter.
Departmental Schemes
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:347 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Limerick may expect to receive payment under the suckler welfare scheme. [6739/11]
An application to participate in the Suckler Welfare Scheme was submitted by one of the persons named on 4 January 2008. The herd number was subsequently registered in the names of the two persons named on 7 July 2010. It is necessary, therefore, for the new registered herd owners to apply to participate in the above Scheme. My Department has today issued the necessary documentation for completion, and upon receipt of same, the change of ownership will be processed and payment will be effected, provided that all of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme have been complied with by the applicants.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:348 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by his Department. [6794/11]
There are currently 12 State Agencies/ Bodies that fall under this Department's remit and all have independent payroll systems, some of which are required under a statutory basis.
However, the feasibility of my Department providing payroll services for these State Agencies/ Bodies is currently being examined.
National Drugs Strategy
Joan Collins
Ceist:349 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on correspondence sent by a group (details supplied) to her office on 29 March 2011; the action she will take to restore its departmental funding; and if she will meet the group as requested. [6750/11]
Each Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) has an annual funding allocation from my Department for community-based drugs initiatives. From that allocation, each Task Force has the discretion to allocate funding to projects and initiatives based on the priorities it has identified for its respective area. Funding for these projects is channelled through a designated Department or State Agency.
I am advised that, in January 2001, following an evaluation of projects under Round 1 interim funding, project funding for three part-time community development worker posts in the communities referred to by the Deputy was mainstreamed to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which was then responsible for the continued funding of this service. However, in April 2001, under Round 2, Phase 1, additional funding was approved to increase the level of service provided by these community development workers by the creation of full-time posts. The channel of funding for the project was Dublin City Council. However, in May 2005 the additional funding under Round 2 was discontinued by the former National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST), which managed the funding at that time, on the basis that the funding had not been drawn down. The Canal Communities LDTF then submitted proposals, which were accepted by the NDST, to re-allocate this funding to other measures. Dublin City Council continued to fund the full-time posts until December 2010. The Council has recently indicated that this practice will not continue in 2011.
Accordingly, it is a matter for the Task Force to consider, having regard to current priorities, whether to make provision for this project in the context of its 2011 allocation.
Offshore Islands
Noel Harrington
Ceist:350 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will assign responsibility for all issues involving the islands to one Minister and if so which Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6769/11]
The development of vibrant island communities is an important policy objective of my Department. In this context, my Department supports the well-being of island communities through a range of interventions which assist the social and economic development of island communities, particularly in relation to improving sustainability. Enhancing the quality of life of such communities and providing adequate access to essential services are prerequisites to ensuring their future viability. Responsibility for the islands remains in the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, pending a final decision by Government on its relocation in the context of the ongoing re-allocation of functions between Departments on foot of the announcement by the Taoiseach in this House on 9 March 2011.
Scéimeanna Caipitil Gaeltachta
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:351 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta cad é méid iomlán na ngealltanas atá ann faoi na Scéimeanna Caipitil Gaeltachta (E1), cé mhéid acu seo a mheastar a thiocfaidh aibí i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [6689/11]
Léiríonn an tábla thíos méid iomlán na ngealltanas faoi na Scéimeanna Caipitil Gaeltachta (E1). Os rud é go bhfuil na deontais seo ceadaithe do dhaoine aonair, do choistí pobail agus d'údaráis áitiúla, tuigfidh an Teachta gur deacair a rá go cinnte cé mhéid acu a thiocfaidh in aibíochta i mbliana. Táthar muiníneach, áfach, go mbeidh a dhóthain airgid ar fáil i Vóta mo Roinne-se faoi na scéimeanna seo chun na dliteanais reatha a thiocfaidh chun cinn i mbliana a íoc.
|
€ |
|
|
E1.1 |
1,285,994 |
|
E1.2 |
2,254,356 |
|
E1.3 |
153,258 |
|
E1.4 |
90,562 |
|
E1.5 |
290,457 |
|
Iomlán |
4,074,627 |
Tograí Caipitil
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:352 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta cén cead atá aige ón Roinn Airgeadais tograí caipitil a cheadú bunaithe ar allúntas na bliana agus céatadán den allúntas seo do na blianta atá le teacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6690/11]
Is é €86 milliún leithdháileadh caipitil na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta don bhliain 2011. Mar is eol don Teachta, ar bhonn athstruchtúrú na Ranna Rialtais a d'fhógair an Taoiseach an mhí seo caite, táthar chun deireadh a chur leis an Roinn sin agus a cuid feidhmeanna agus buiséid a aistriú chuig Ranna éagsúla eile. Dá réir sin, is faoin Roinn Airgeadais agus na Ranna sin a ndéanfar na feidhmeanna éagsúla a aistriú chucu a bheith sé teorainneacha ceadaithe an leithdháilte caipitil a bhreithniú don bhliain 2011 agus do na blianta dar gcionn.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:353 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within her Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by her Department. [6796/11]
The following statutory agencies that are under my Department's remit at present operate independent payroll systems:
Údarás na Gaeltachta;
Waterways Ireland;
An Foras Teanga; and
The Western Development Commission.
As the Deputy will be aware, on foot of the restructuring of Government Departments announced by the Taoiseach last month, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs is in the process of being abolished, with its functions being redistributed to several other Departments.
The question of whether the payroll systems for these agencies could be provided centrally will, therefore, be a matter for the Departments receiving the relevant functions to consider. For the sake of completeness, I should add that bodies within my Department's ambit that have been operating their payroll systems within ‘shared services' arrangements in the recent past include the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests, An Coimisinéir Teanga, the Equality Authority and the Equality Tribunal. In addition, my own Department's payroll has been operating from the Department of Finance shared service centre in Tullamore.
Forbairt Pobail
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:354 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon chomhráití aige leis an Aire Stáit atá freagrach as an gClár NewERA féachaint le hairgead riachtanach bunstruchtúir a fháil do na ceantair CLÁR, RAPID, Ghaeltachta agus Oileánda, agus má bhí, cén toradh a bhí ar na comhráití sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6854/11]
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá na feidhmeanna a ndéantar tagairt dóibh sa Cheist seo á n-aistriú go dtí Ranna eile i láthair na huaire, faoi réir fhógra an Taoisigh sa Teach seo ar 9 Márta 2011. Táthar ag súil go n-aistreofar na feidhmeanna sin chuig Ranna eile go luath agus glacaim leis go ndéanfar breithniú an uair sin ar an tsaincheist sin agus ar na saincheisteanna eile atá ábhartha do na feidhmeanna sin.
Health Services
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:355 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health and Children if mobility allowance will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6447/11]
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.
Alcohol Prices
Niall Collins
Ceist:356 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol for sale from supermarkets, shops and off-licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/11]
The introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol is just one of the many issues being discussed by the Steering Group developing the National Substance Misuse Strategy (NSMS). The Steering Group was established in December 2009 to develop the alcohol element of the National Substance Misuse Strategy. It will base its recommendations on evidence based measures to deal with the significant public health issue of alcohol in areas such as supply (including price, availability and marketing), prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. I expect to receive the Report of the Steering Group later this year.
Hospital Services
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:357 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will request the Health Service Executive to expedite an essential surgical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6349/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:358 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views regarding general practitioners who are operating under the general medical service scheme charging medical cardholders for blood tests; his plans to ensure that they are not charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6353/11]
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, a general practitioner (GP) is expected to provide his/her patients who hold medical cards or GP visit cards with all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP. Where blood tests form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients symptoms or conditions, these should be provided free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The HSE also points out that, in many GP surgeries, it is the practice nurse who takes blood samples. The HSE significantly subsidises the cost of employing practice nurses.
If the HSE is made aware of specific cases where GMS patients are being charged by GP contractors, it will arrange to have such cases investigated as appropriate.
Health Services
John O'Mahony
Ceist:359 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:360 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will amend the rules as they relate to the long-term illness scheme which ceases to apply when an individual qualifies for a medical card; the reason the rule is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6363/11]
Clinical best practice dictates that patients on ongoing medication should have regular contact with their general practitioner (GP). It is for this reason that the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003-2009 provide that prescriptions for medicines are not valid for more than six months. This is the rule that applies in the case of the Long Term Illness Scheme. In the case of the GMS (medical card) scheme, prescriptions are not valid for more than three months. This is designed to ensure regular reviews by GPs of their patient's medications. As GPs participating in the GMS scheme are paid on a capitation basis, this practice does not give rise to additional costs for the HSE.
There are no proposals to change the current rules.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Ceist:361 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding transport costs in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [6376/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Cards
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:362 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if general practitioners are entitled to charge a fee for out of hours calls for patients with medical cards or GP only medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6382/11]
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme contract, general practitioners (GPs) are obliged to provide services for their medical card and GP visit card patients, for 40 hours each week. They must also make arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum/deputy, for urgent attention outside of these hours. GPs are not entitled to demand or accept any payment or consideration from medical card and GP visit card patients, in reward for services provided under the contract. This includes out of hours consultations.
If the Health Service Executive is made aware of specific cases where GMS patients are being charged by GP contractors for services provided under the GMS contract, it will arrange to have such cases investigated as appropriate.
Special Educational Needs
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:363 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to their proposal on the education of children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6390/11]
Matters relating to the education of children, including those with autism is the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Skills and therefore it would be more appropriate for that Minister to consider the proposal from Achieve ABA in the first instance.
Hospital Services
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:364 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding St. Luke’s cancer hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6391/11]
Peter Mathews
Ceist:386 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to retain St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6501/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 386 together.
St. Luke's Hospital, which provides only radiation oncology services, was subsumed into the Health Service Executive under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010 (No. 18 of 2010). The existing radiotherapy centre at St. Luke's, plus the new centres at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals, have together become the St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network, with some staff and resources now transferred from St. Luke's to the new centres. The first patients were seen at Beaumont on 28 March, while St. James's is due to begin seeing patients on 11 April.
The development of the St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network increases capacity for radiation oncology patients by 50% in 2011 over what has previously been available in St. Luke's Hospital. Treatment will be available at all three sites and, using a central referral process, patients will be offered the next available treatment slot which will factor in the location of the patient and any specific clinical requirements.
Radiation oncology services will continue at St. Luke's until at least 2015, when further radiation oncology capacity will be available at Beaumont and St. James's. A firm commitment is given in legislation that the HSE must continue to use the St. Luke's site for the provision of health services. In addition, the legislation states that the HSE may not sell or dispose of St. Luke's or any land on the site, without the consent of the Minister.
Health Services
Pat Breen
Ceist:365 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 14 October 2010, 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. [6396/11]
The HSE replied to the Deputy on foot of the previous Parliamentary Question in a letter dated 11th October, 2010.
As this is a service matter it has again been referred to the HSE for an update and direct reply.
Jack Wall
Ceist:366 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will be given an appointment with the Kildare-west Wicklow child and adolescent services on foot of a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6399/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Proposed Legislation
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:367 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will advise when he will be passing into law a Bill in regard to surrogacy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6401/11]
My Department is developing policy proposals to regulate the area of Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) with the intention of finalising them this year. These proposals will form the basis of legislation in the area of AHR and related practices, and are subject to Government approval. If and when Government approval is obtained, it will take a considerable period of time before the enactment of legislation, as the process would then involve the drafting of a Bill and its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas in the usual way.
Health Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:368 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive has reneged on its February 2009 agreement to provide funding in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6404/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:369 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [6406/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:370 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive an operation. [6418/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospitals Building Programme
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:371 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that all subcontractors owed money from works at the extension to Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, are immediately reimbursed and that the same subcontractors are allowed to complete the works as part of any new tender process. [6420/11]
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.
Accident and Emergency Services
Gerry Adams
Ceist:372 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will reinstate accident and emergency services, acute medical beds and intensive care unit at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; if he will meet with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6448/11]
In recent years the HSE has been working to reorganise services in the Louth / Meath Hospital Group and Louth County Hospital has continued to play an important and expanding role in the provision of health services in the North East region, with a particular focus on diagnostic and day services. A minor injuries unit and additional ambulance services were put in place to support the plan. Stroke rehabilitation, day surgical, day medical, step down services, gynaecology and radiology services remain in Louth County. In addition, the care of the elderly service has transferred to the hospital from Drogheda. General and orthopaedic rehabilitation services are currently being developed in Dundalk.
A dedicated Venesection service has been established and a new Colposcopy Unit has been opened at the hospital. Louth County Hospital has also been selected by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) as one of the 15 candidate screening colonoscopy units to provide the colonoscopy requirements for the colorectal cancer screening programme.
It is important to stress that patient safety has been central to all decisions taken regarding the operation of health services in the region as well as nationally.
I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller, local hospitals. In order to fully consider the issues involved, I am being briefed by my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the organisation of acute services in each region and on the important clinical programmes being developed by the HSE. Consequently it is not appropriate for me to meet with the group referred to by the Deputy at this time.
Gerry Adams
Ceist:373 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of transferring the 24-hour accident and emergency department from Louth County Hospital, Dundalk to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6449/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Service Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:374 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff and their cost at all levels and grades employed in the minor injuries unit in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6450/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Gerry Adams
Ceist:375 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children the effect of the recruitment ban in the Health Service Executive on the acute hospital services and community health services in County Louth; if any surgery has been cancelled as a result of staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6451/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Gerry Adams
Ceist:376 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to any shortage of anaesthetists staff; if he will make a commitment to employ extra staff and not redeploy from one hospital to another, leading to a loss of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6452/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised my Department that approximately 150 of 4,638 Non Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) posts are vacant and that some vacancies exist in anaesthetics. The moratorium on public sector recruitment is not a factor in these NCHD vacancies. The moratorium does not apply to NCHDs and in addition allows for the recruitment of one consultant for every two NCHD posts that are suppressed. Other countries are also experiencing difficulties in recruiting NCHDs at present.
The HSE has developed a range of strategies and initiatives to maximise recruitment. It has advised that a recruitment process is currently in progress for the July 2011 intake of NCHDs. It is currently organising an additional overseas recruitment campaign in India and Pakistan.
In relation to redeployment it is appropriate that resources are shared, moved and redeployed across hospital groups to meet service demands, mitigate against risk and improve the patient's experience. Local management teams have the flexibility to move local resources to best meet patient need. This does not reduce the services available to the population of the area served.
The Louth Meath Hospital Group (LMHG) had a significant shortage of junior hospital doctors in Anaesthesia in July 2010. During 2010 the LMHG undertook extensive recruitment abroad to address the shortfall. Currently the Hospital group has 14 registrar positions all of which are filled by suitably qualified staff. In addition approval for seven additional Anaesthetic NCHDs has been received to extend the provision of On Call to a third layer of Registrars. Currently 2 Registrars and a Consultant provide on call out of hours, this third layer is in line with recommendations from a previous review of Anaesthesia. In addition, the group have been working closely with the College of Anaesthetists to increase the number of accredited teaching posts to attract a high calibre of doctors to these posts.
The Louth Meath Hospital group comprises one hospital, operating across three sites. It is appropriate that resources are shared, moved and redeployed across the group to meet service demands, mitigate against risk and improve our patient's experience.
Hospital Accommodation
Gerry Adams
Ceist:377 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that medical beds in Louth county hospital which were not in use due to the 2010 closure of services have been removed from the hospital; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive management consented to the removal of these beds and that they are no longer available for use by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6453/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Service Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:378 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that canteen facilities for staff in Louth County Hospital have been reduced; if he is satisfied that staff working in the hospital deserve a proper catering service as they work long shifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6454/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Service Inquiries
Gerry Adams
Ceist:379 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to establish an independent inquiry into the practice of symphysiotomy which was carried out on women in this State until the early 1980s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6455/11]
My predecessor asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to prepare a report concerning the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland which would:
provide the Institute's assessment of the circumstances in which symphysiotomy was carried out in Irish obstetric units;
indicate what protocols or guidance existed over the years to guide professional practice; and
specify when the practice changed and why it changed at that time in Ireland.
I understand that the Institute sought to make arrangements for the review to be carried out by an external team and that, unfortunately, it was not possible to progress this in the way originally proposed. I also understand that efforts are progressing to put in place alternative arrangements with an independent academic researcher and my Department is in consultation with the Institute in this regard.
The HSE has assured my Department 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.
Medical Cards
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:380 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will issue on an appeal for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6462/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Joe McHugh
Ceist:381 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if he and the Health Service Executive will make an appointment (details supplied); if he will provide an indicative timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6472/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Jack Wall
Ceist:382 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6475/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Community Care
Denis Naughten
Ceist:383 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 103 of 20 January 2011 when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6479/11]
The Health Service Executive is in the process of pursuing outstanding replies from Regional Offices and expects to be in a position to reply shortly.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Peter Mathews
Ceist:384 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to include spinal cord injury in the long-term illness scheme in recognition that sufferers require specialised equipment such as wheelchairs, mattresses, cushions and day to day medical items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6484/11]
Peter Mathews
Ceist:399 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to update the list of long-term illnesses eligible for a medical card for the first time in 30 years; if he will include long segment Hirschsprung disease as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6560/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 399 together.
There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
Departmental Reports
Peter Mathews
Ceist:385 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to make a start on the implementation of the 2001 Government task force report on autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6490/11]
The Department of Education and Skills published this Report in 2001 which made a series of recommendations in relation to policy and practice concerning educational approaches to meeting the needs of children with autism. Therefore the Minister for Education and Skills will be able to assist the Deputy in seeking a response to this question.
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 364.
Mental Health Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:387 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to ensure there is effective accountability and transparency in the planning and financing of A Vision for Change. [6503/11]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:390 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children with regard to the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a cross-departmental group on mental health; the remit of this group; the Departments that will be included; the frequency with which it will meet; and if it will report publicly on its work. [6506/11]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:391 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the €35 million promised in the programme for Government to be ring-fenced for the development of community mental health teams is new money or to be sourced from within the existing mental health budget and the arrangements that will be put in place to ensure this money will be spent as promised. [6507/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 387, 390 and 391 together.
The Programme for Government makes a number of commitments in relation to mental health and I am currently engaged in discussions with my officials with a view to delivering progress as early as possible.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:388 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date to review the Mental Health Act 2001; if the terms of reference for the review have been drafted and will be made public; and the plans that are in place to consult with stakeholders. [6504/11]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:389 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the forthcoming review of the Mental Health Act 2001, he still intends to consider further provisions in relation to community based mental health services. [6505/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 388 and 389 together.
The Government is committed to a review of the Mental Health Act 2001, which will be informed by human rights standards. My officials have begun to scope out the review and draft terms of reference will be submitted to me as early as possible; it is likely that a small working group will be appointed to oversee the review of the Act. My officials are currently engaged in discussions with the Health Research Board in relation to the availability of international evidence on a human right based approach to mental health legislation and in relation to the efficacy of community treatment orders. I can assure the Deputy that a wide ranging public consultation will be undertaken where we will seek the views of the public and relevant interested groups/parties. The open consultation will of course be advertised in the Press.
Questions Nos. 390 and 391 answered with Question No. 387.
Departmental Funding
Peter Mathews
Ceist:392 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact an organisation (details supplied) currently does not receive any State funding; his plans to provide funding to the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6515/11]
Parkinson's Association of Ireland is a charity with branches throughout the country which offers support and information to people living with Parkinson's their carers and families.
The Parkinson's Association is a member of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland. Both umbrella organisations provide support to the Parkinson's Association and are supported by the State through funding from the Health Service Executive.
While in the current economic climate it is not possible to provide additional funding for charities, it is open to the Parkinson's Association to apply to my Department under the National Lottery Grant Scheme which provides once off grants to national organisations providing information and support for various specific interest groups. Details are on my Department's web site, www.dohc.ie
Medical Aids and Appliances
Michael Creed
Ceist:393 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a medical appliance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork with a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6526/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:394 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive surgery; and if this will be expedited. [6531/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:395 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to extend the nursing home repayment scheme to medical card holders who were in private care homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6532/11]
The nursing home repayments scheme is a statutory scheme which was established on foot of the Health (Repayments Scheme) Act 2006. It provided for the repayment of "recoverable health charges" — essentially charges which were imposed in respect of public nursing home care — and has expired at this stage — the closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 31 December 2007.
Medical Cards
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:396 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding the over 70 years medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6534/11]
Under the Health Act 2008, a simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 or over, based on significantly higher gross income thresholds rather than the standard net income limits. The gross income thresholds are €700 per week for a single person and €1,400 for a couple, as against net income limits of €210.50 for a single person and €298 for a couple.
Hospital Procedures
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:397 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a necessary surgical procedure will be offered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6536/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:398 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when over an 70 years medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6544/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 399 answered with Question No. 384
Drugs Payment Scheme
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:400 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will deal with the following matter (details supplied) regarding the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6561/11]
There are no plans to change the current terms of the drugs payment scheme. Under the scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Michael McGrath
Ceist:401 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide certain information regarding public hospital waiting lists (details supplied). [6604/11]
Michael McGrath
Ceist:402 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide certain information regarding public hospital waiting lists for surgery (details supplied). [6605/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.
The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:403 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a medical card to a person (details supplied). [6620/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Funding
Gerry Adams
Ceist:404 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision is expected in regard to funding for an organisation (details supplied); the timeframe for the adjudication of this decision; the criteria used to award funding; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the group support over 250 persons through their services but has not received funding since the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6672/11]
Gerald Nash
Ceist:424 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make funding available to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6820/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 424 together.
My Department has a National Lottery discretionary fund in place which provides once-off grants to community groups and organisations, providing a range of health related services. The assessment of applications is informed by the fact that these grants are discretionary ‘once off' funding. Applications come primarily from community groups and voluntary organisations with an involvement in the provision of health services to specific client groups (for example persons with an intellectual disability and/or physical disability, elderly, etc.), national groups providing information and support for various disabilities and illnesses and groups with a specific interest (for example equipment for hospitals, mini-buses, homes, etc.).
Applications for funding are generally accepted throughout the year. My Department assesses, evaluates and makes a recommendation in respect of the proposed project in consultation with the Health Service Executive. I then consider all applications along with the Department's recommendations. In 2010, a grant of almost €172,000 was approved from the Department's allocation of National Lottery funds to Dignity 4 Patients. This was given towards the cost of providing information and support to victims of abuse wishing to attend the Drogheda Review. This independent review was established by the then Minister for Health and Children to advise on whether any additional information or insights were likely to be achieved from a further full investigation. A former High Court Judge, Mr. TC Smyth, was appointed chair of this Review.
This report recommended that a further investigation should not be held and that, in order to avoid prejudicing any civil or criminal cases, the report should not be published. The Attorney General concurred with this advice but agreed that a short summary of the report could be prepared and published. Accordingly the Department, in consultation with the Attorney General and Judge Smyth, prepared a summary which was sent for information to two patient support groups, including Dignity 4 Patients, in January 2011.
An application for funding for the current year has been received by my Department from Dignity 4 Patients. The HSE has also received an application for funding. I am considering the application to my Department having regard to the services that the HSE already provides for victims of abuse. It is most important that any services supported by Departmental funding are fully compatible and supportive of similar services provided by the HSE. I will consider Dignity 4 Patients's request with that in mind.
It is also very important to ensure that appropriate counselling is available to all those who wish to avail of it. Both I and the HSE are anxious that all former patients of the consultant are made aware of the free counselling support that is available. Persons affected by these issues, but who do not wish to avail of counselling can also speak with a psychologist or counsellor in confidence. The need for additional support will be continuously monitored by the HSE.
The HSE has assigned co-ordinating responsibility for these matters to the Regional Manager for Consumer Affairs in the North East who will continue to liaise as required with former patients and support groups. I will respond to Dignity 4 Patients's application as soon as possible, when I have had an opportunity to examine the matter fully.
Health Services
Gerry Adams
Ceist:405 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children the services provided by the Health Service Executive for victims of abuse; if he will provide, on a county basis, the numbers of persons who have availed of these services over the past five years; the co-ordination the HSE undertakes with other support groups in terms of the provision of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6673/11]
Gerry Adams
Ceist:406 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children the services provided by the Health Service Executive for victims of abuse; if there are waiting lists for these services; the length of these waiting lists; if he will provide, on a county basis, the numbers of persons who have availed of these services over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6674/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:407 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding administration panels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6679/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Cards
Jack Wall
Ceist:408 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6680/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Drugs Payment Scheme
John O'Mahony
Ceist:409 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will receive payment under the drugs repayment scheme. [6695/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Disabled Drivers
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:410 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will qualify for a concession under the disabled drivers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/11]
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.
Medical Cards
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:411 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the medical card withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6738/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Seán Kenny
Ceist:412 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide a helipad at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. [6743/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Michael McGrath
Ceist:413 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the long-term illness scheme as raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6752/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Departmental Funding
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:414 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make funding available, as a matter of priority, to reopen Wicklow General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6753/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Nursing Home Repayment Scheme
Michael McGrath
Ceist:415 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an issue raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Cork city. [6756/11]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the scheme administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The claimant lodged an appeal with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 25 August 2009. The appeals officer continues to investigate the appeal. As part of these investigations the appeals officer has been liaising with the HSE. The appeals officer wrote to the claimant on 11 March 2011 to update her on his on-going investigations. When the appeals officer has made a determination on the appeal he will write to the claimant and will provide the claimant with the reasons for the decision.
Medical Cards
Jack Wall
Ceist:416 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6777/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Jack Wall
Ceist:417 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6778/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff
Jack Wall
Ceist:418 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has retired from the Health Service Executive has not being granted their due rights that is the eight days' holiday payment to which they were entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6807/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:419 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason behind precluding children suffering from autism who attend mainstream schools from accessing school-based speech therapy services and if consideration could be given to reviewing this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6808/11]
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.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:420 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will reverse the cuts to dental treatment services imposed by the last Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6813/11]
I am considering the measures introduced by the HSE to contain expenditure on the Dental Treatment Services Scheme at the level of €63 million.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:421 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is proposed to proceed with contracts between the Health Service Executive and clinical dental technicians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6814/11]
The Health Service Executive plans to proceed with contracts for services with Clinical Dental Technicians and is currently making the necessary administrative arrangements.
Medical Cards
Gerald Nash
Ceist:422 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6816/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Thalidomide Survivors
Jack Wall
Ceist:423 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to open negotiations with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6818/11]
As outlined in the programme for Government, I am committed to re-opening discussions with Irish survivors of thalidomide. In February of this year, my Department voluntarily disclosed a large volume of records to solicitors representing both the Irish Thalidomide Association and the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society. These records relate to the circumstances surrounding thalidomide in the 1950s and 1960s and arrangements made in the 1970s relating to survivors of thalidomide. I expect that both representative bodies are currently examining the documentation provided. I will be happy to meet both representative bodies in the future following their examination of the documentation provided.
Question No. 424 answered with Question No. 404.
Child Abuse
Denis Naughten
Ceist:425 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 9 November 2010, if the review has been completed; if issues of concern have been raised on foot of the review; the steps being taken to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6827/11]
The Report of the Inquiry Team into the Roscommon Child Care case was published in October 2010 and it recommended that an audit of current practice of chronic neglect cases should be undertaken in County Roscommon. A review of serious neglect cases in Roscommon commenced in September 2010, and was completed in February 2011. The review was carried out by Dr. Lynne Peyton, Independent Consultant and former member of the Northern Ireland Child Protection Services. The results of the review identified case specific concerns, which were referred to the Local Health Manager and the appropriate corrective and protective actions were applied to the cases; and case specific need for further intensive social work review by local management, which has been undertaken.
The Review identified a general issue concerning vacant posts in psychology services in Roscommon which has been brought to the attention of the HSE National Human Resources as a matter of urgency. The Review also indicated that parental alcohol abuse was a concern in 50% of the cases examined. The Roscommon regions multidisciplinary implementation team has been charged with implementing and monitoring the findings of the Roscommon Child care report and the findings which apply locally out of the Child Neglect Case Review in Roscommon.
Community Care
Paudie Coffey
Ceist:426 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health and Children the action that he is taking to ensure continued access to community welfare officers for persons requiring rent supplement assistance following the proposed closure of three centralised rental units in Dublin that service a large area of counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6841/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Niall Collins
Ceist:427 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will urgently arrange for an item of medical equipment to be released by the Health Service Executive South to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6866/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards
Niall Collins
Ceist:428 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will expedite an appeal in relation to full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6871/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
John McGuinness
Ceist:429 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [6873/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Niall Collins
Ceist:430 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is still his intention to reinstate symptomatic breast cancer services in Sligo General Hospital in the next three months. [6879/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:431 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children given his commitment to reinstate symptomatic breast cancer services in Sligo General Hospital in the next three months, if he is now abandoning the national quality assurance standards for symptomatic breast disease services. [6880/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:432 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of his decision that the national quality assurance standards for symptomatic breast disease services will no longer apply in parts of the country, if he will provide the future role of the Health Information and Quality Authority in monitoring these standards. [6881/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:433 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions he has had with the Health Information and Quality Authority with regard to the reinstatement of symptomatic breast cancer services in Sligo General Hospital in the next three months; when these discussions took place; if HIQA is in agreement with the reinstatement of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6882/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:434 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions he has had with the director of the national cancer control programme with regard to the reinstatement of symptomatic breast cancer services in Sligo General Hospital; when these discussions were held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6883/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:435 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if the additional consultant and other staff appointments that were made to Galway university hospital to facilitate the centralisation of symptomatic breast cancer services will now be removed from the hospital and will he indicate which posts and the timetable. [6884/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:436 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if in line with his policy of money follows the patient, there will be an equivalent reduction in the budget of Galway university hospital as the increase to be given to Sligo General Hospital as breast cancer patients are redirected; the amount of same and when will it happen. [6885/11]
Niall Collins
Ceist:437 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if the option of immediate breast reconstruction will no longer be available to Sligo breast cancer patients; will they now be required to undergo two operations, the first in Sligo General Hospital and the second in Galway university hospital. [6886/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 to 437, inclusive, together.
The Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland set out the rationale for the restructuring of cancer services that paved the way for the establishment of the National Cancer Control Programme. Since then, there has been a considerable change in the way previously fragmented cancer services in our hospitals, in particular, are organised. Breast cancer diagnosis and surgery were transferred from Sligo General Hospital to University Hospital Galway in August 2009. Women now have their initial diagnosis and surgery under the care of a multidisciplinary team, with immediate breast reconstruction available, in a centre which has the minimum volume of new cases, as recommended by the National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease. Patients only travel for diagnosis and surgery and can have their chemotherapy, where necessary, in Sligo. A breast care nurse based in Sligo follows up women with minor complications locally and provides ongoing support and breast care where required.
The National Quality Assurance Standards which were adopted by HIQA were prepared by a national group that was chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins. The purpose of the standards was to improve the quality of care for women with breast cancer in Ireland. I am committed to ensuring that quality and optimal care are at the heart of our health services, including our cancer services, which must be delivered in line with best practice in a safe and quality-approved setting. I will shortly meet Dr. Susan O'Reilly, who is the Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, to discuss a range of strategic issues in relation to cancer services, including the provision of breast cancer services at Sligo General Hospital.
Health Services
Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Ceist:438 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide adequate resources for stroke patients; if there is provision of a stroke unit for Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6930/11]
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 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. In relation to services for stroke patients in Dún Laoghaire, there are stroke rehabilitation units in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, the Royal Hospital in Donnybrook and St. Colmcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown which cater for some patients from the Dún Laoghaire area. Discussions are under way in the HSE to determine how the service for acute stroke patients in St. Vincent's Hospital could be improved further. The numbers of stroke patients attending St. Michael's Hospital in Dún Laoghaire are too small to justify the establishment of a dedicated unit there.
Departmental Agencies
Seán Kenny
Ceist:439 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff and their grades that are employed by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for each year from 2007 to date in 2011. [6746/11]
I regret that it has not been possible to compile the figures requested in the time available. Accordingly, I have asked my officials to write to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
Sports Capital Programme
Michael McGrath
Ceist:440 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reintroduce the sports capital grant programme in 2011. [6857/11]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, funding is allocated to sporting and voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the programme.
Air Services
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:441 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reinstate the public service obligation subvention to the Derry-Dublin air link in acknowledgement of the fact that there is no direct rail link and poor roads infrastructure linking the two cities and by extension north and east Donegal. [6419/11]
I understand the decision to reduce the number of routes covered by PSO services was taken by the previous Government in line with the Value for Money Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme, which took account of a number of factors including the performance of the services, the requirement to make best use of scarce Exchequer resources and improvements in alternative transport modes and changes in EU legislation covering PSO services. In the circumstances, it is not my intention to revisit the decision on the Derry PSO route. However, I can confirm that my Department is progressing the measures necessary to continue the Donegal-Dublin PSO.
Rail Services
Jerry Buttimer
Ceist:442 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a company (details supplied) no longer allows customers to collect pre-booked tickets with credit cards. [6537/11]
The matter raised is an operational one for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply and ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
Parking Regulations
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:443 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate off street private car parking, which often results in penal clamping charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/11]
The programme for Government commits to the introduction of legislation to regulate the clamping industry. Current legislation on clamping relates only to clamping on-street or in local authority car parks and applies only to local authority clampers or to private companies acting under contract as agents of local authorities. This leaves the whole area of clamping on private land unregulated. I have asked my Department to examine options related to the regulation of the private clamping industry and I hope to be in a position to advance the matter shortly. The Deputy will note that legislation in this area forms part of the Government's legislative programme, as published today. If the Deputy has particular views on the shape such legislation should take, I will be happy to take them on board.
Irish Coast Guard
Michael McGrath
Ceist:444 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a planned building project (details supplied) in County Cork. [6601/11]
Planning permission was received from Cork County Council in November 2009 for a new two-storey station house for the Irish Coast Guard Crosshaven Unit at Lower Road, Knocknagore, Crosshaven, County Cork. In line with Public Procurement Regulations, the Office of Public Works ran a pre-qualification process whereby a number of suitably qualified contractors were invited to submit a tender for the project. Five firms satisfied the criteria set and were invited in October last to submit a tender for the station. The process of selecting the contractor is currently in hands by the OPW and building work is expected to commence later this year.
Road Traffic Offences
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:445 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sections of the 2010 Road Traffic Act that were implemented in January 2011 in relation to certain drink driving offences and administrative fixed penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6773/11]
The relevant sections of the Road Traffic Act 2010 will be commenced and will come into force when the necessary operational and administrative supports are in place. The 2010 Act consolidates many of the provisions of previous road traffic legislation, particularly those relating to intoxicated driving. The Act also provides for the lowering of the blood alcohol concentration limits for drivers of vehicles. As the intoxicated driving provisions are so inter-related, I intend to commence all the sections relating to intoxicated driving together when new breath testing instruments have been procured and are in place.
Departmental Agencies
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:446 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of agencies, authorities and other bodies coming within his Department’s remit that operate independent payroll systems and the reason such a function could not be provided by the Department. [6805/11]
My Department is currently pursuing arrangements for the provision of payroll services for its staff by another Department and as such is not proposing to become a service provider to agencies. While I have no direct function in relation to the day-to-day functioning of such agencies, the Croke Park agreement and the Employment Control Framework require non-commercial State agencies to achieve very substantial cost and staffing efficiencies. They are looking at the best way of achieving these including, where appropriate, shared services. In the case of the commercial State agencies, current economic market realities dictate that they must also seek the maximum cost and staffing efficiencies including, where appropriate, shared services.
Taxi Regulations
David Stanton
Ceist:447 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in regard to compliance by taxis with the European Communities (Road Vehicles; Type Approval) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 158 of 2009 which gives effect to EU Directive 2007/46/EC and includes a reference to EU Directive 76/115/EEC), if he has considered allowing for any derogations for wheelchair accessible vehicles purchased prior to April 2009 which are required to be compliant by 29 April 2012 given the need for more wheelchair accessible vehicles in the taxi fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6899/11]
The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Taxi Regulation Act 2003, as amended. Among the principal functions of the NTA, as provided for under section 9 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, is the promotion of access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In 2007, the former Commission for Taxi Regulation (whose functions have been incorporated into the NTA) published accessible standards for taxis and hackneys, which took into consideration the implementation of type approval under the European Communities Directive 2007/46/EC. I understand that the National Transport Authority will be commencing a further vehicle standards consultation process this year which will include the accessible vehicle requirements for taxis and hackneys into the future.