Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:6 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a bheidh toghcháin Údarás na Gaeltachta ann. [7964/11]
Other Questions
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:14 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é todhchaí Údarás na Gaeltachta. [7963/11]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:22 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé mar aidhm ag an Rialtas cead a thabhairt d’Údarás na Gaeltachta Príomhfheidhmeannach a cheapadh. [7962/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhreacha 6, 14 agus 22 le chéile.
Mar is eol do na Teachtaí, tá sé molta sa straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge, a ritheann ó 2010 go 2030, go mbunófaí údarás na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta a ghníomhódh ar bhonn náisiúnta agus a chomhlíonfadh feidhmeanna ábhartha a dhéanann Údarás na Gaeltachta agus eagraíochtaí Stáit agus neamhrialtasacha eile i láthair na huaire, de réir mar is cuí. Tá sé ráite sa straitéis freisin go leagfar síos ról sonrach agus feidhmeanna sonracha an údaráis mholta nua i ndréacht-reachtaíocht. Tabharfaidh an Rialtas tacaíocht don straitéis chomh fada is a bhaineann sé leis na spriocanna indéanta atá molta ann a sheachadadh, mar atá luaite go sonrach sa chlár Rialtais. Tá na céimeanna tosaigh á dtógáil i mo Roinn i ndáil le hullmhú na dréacht-reachtaíochta faoin mBille Gaeltachta agus táthar ag súil go bhfoilseofar an dréacht-reachtaíocht i 2012, de réir phlean reachtaíochta an Rialtais. Maidir le post phríomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta, tá conradh an phríomhfheidhmeannaigh ghníomhaigh ar an údarás i bhfeidhm go dtí deireadh na bliana seo. Déanfar cinneadh maidir le príomhfheidhmeannach nua a cheapadh ar an údarás i gcomhthéacs na n-athruithe eagraíochtúla a eascróidh as an dréacht-reachtaíocht thuasluaite.
Faoi réir na reachtaíochta atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair, beidh na chéad toghcháin eile d'Údarás na Gaeltachta le reáchtáil faoin 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2012. Beidh an cás maidir leis na chéad toghcháin eile á bhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na dréacht-reachtaíochta fosta.
Guím gach rath ar an Aire Stáit sa phost nua atá aige mar dhuine as mo pharóiste féin. Tá cúpla ceist shimplí ó thaobh na gcúraimí a bheidh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá a fhios againn faoin reachtaíocht agus faoin spriocdáta toghcháin atá ann. Chuir an Rialtas deireanach síneadh leis sin ach ba mhaith linn cinneadh dearfach, cinnte ón Rialtas nua nach gcuirfear síneadh eile leis sa reachtaíocht agus go mbeidh an toghchán ar a laghad ar an dáta sin, nó fiú taobh istigh den téarma atá leagtha síos. Is féidir leis an Rialtas seo anois síneadh a chur leis an reachtaíocht lena chur níos faide siar ná 2012. An bhfuil sé ar intinn ag an Rialtas go mbeidh sé taobh istigh den seal ama atá leagtha síos?
Ó thaobh phríomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta de, seo cinneadh dearfach a thiocfadh leis an Rialtas a dhéanamh ná príomhfheidhmeannach a cheapadh sa dóigh is nach bhfuilimid ag dul ón áit ina bhfuilimid faoi láthair suas go dtí 2012 gan cheannasaíocht mar is ceart ar bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Cuireadh cúpla ceist le chéile anseo mar sin caithfidh mé iad a phlé go mion. Chuireamar ceist faoin ról atá ag Údarás na Gaeltachta amach anseo. Bhí ceist shimplí curtha síos ag an Teachta Dála a labhair romham faoi cheisteanna fiontraíochta Údarás na Gaeltachta. Níor chualamar go fóill an tAire Stáit ag rá go mbeadh cúraimí fiontraíochta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Chuir mé féin ceist an gcuirfidh an Rialtas an straitéis 20 bliain i bhfeidhm. Tá sé ráite go soiléir sa straitéis sin go bhfuil cúraimí fiontraíochta le bheith ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus tá a fhios againn go bhfuil an pobal ag iarraidh cúraimí.
Níl mé ag cur ceiste go pearsanta ach ag cur ceiste ar an Aire Stáit ag a bhfuil na cúraimí ó thaobh na reachtaíochta agus ó thaobh an róil a bheidh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. An bhfuil an tAire Stáit ag cur comharthaí ceiste faoi na cúraimí fiontraíochta atá ag Údarás na Gaeltachta? Cuirfidh mé i gcuimhne don Aire Stáit an méid a dúirt sé agus é ag plé na ceiste seo leis an iar-Aire ag tús na bliana. Dúirt sé go raibh an Rialtas ag cleasaíocht leis an nGaeilge, an Ghaeltacht agus leis na hoileáin. Dúirt sé sin nuair a bhí sé ag caint faoi chúraimí fiontraíochta a bheith ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus an comhartha ceiste a bhí ann ag an bpointe sin. An bhfuil an Rialtas seo ag cleasaíocht? Cén fáth go bhfuil comharthaí ceiste faoi chúraimí Údarás na Gaeltachta agus cén fáth nach bhfuil an tAire Stáit in ann a rá go bhfuil cúraimí fiontraíochta le bheith fágtha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, mar atá beartaithe sa straitéis 20 bliain agus ag an gcoiste a raibh an tAire Stáit mar pháirt dó a bhí ag déileáil leis seo nuair a foilsíodh an straitéis?
Maidir leis an toghchán, mar is eol don Teachta, chuir an tAire romham an toghchán siar, cúig bliana a ba ghnách a bheith ann agus cuireadh siar chomh fada agus is féidir gan reachtaíocht go dtí mí Dheireadh Fómhair na bliana seo chugainn. I láthair na huaire tá an dréacht-reachtaíocht á hullmhú faoi choinne an straitéis a bhrú ar aghaidh. Thugamar go léir tacaíocht don straitéis agus tá lúcháir orm gur thug.
Go dtí go mbeidh an dréacht-reachtaíocht socraithe, tá na cúraimí sin go léir ag an údarás i láthair na huaire i bprionsabal ach níl siad aige go praiticiúil mura bhfuil na hacmhainní aige chun na cúraimí a chomhlíonadh.
Mar a fheicim an straitéis ag an bpointe seo, agus an-chuid oibre curtha isteach inti, saghas léarscáile atá inti. An jab atá le déanamh agam, ag an Roinn agus ag an Rialtas ná na bóithre cearta a dhéanamh amach go rachaimid sa treo ceart. Níl mé sásta bóthar a thógáil ar chaorán, níl mé sásta ach bóthar a thógáil ar thalamh crua, bóthar a mhairfidh. Nuair a chuirfear an dréacht-reachtaíocht i láthair na Dála, beidh sé soiléir cad iad na cúraimí a bheidh ar an údarás. Tá cúraimí breise molta sa straitéis don údarás ach is é an jab atá le déanamh ag an Rialtas anois ná breathnú cad é an dóigh is fearr leis na prionsabail seo agus an aisling seo a chur i bhfeidhm. Go dtí go bhfuilimid socair inár n-intinn féin, sin mar a bheidh sé.
Dúirt an tAire Stáit go bhfuil reachtaíocht á hullmhú leis an straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm. Cuirfidh mé i gcuimhne dó cad é atá ann sa straitéis. Go soiléir, beidh cúraimí fiontraíochta á gcoinneáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá an tAire Stáit ag rá go bhfuil reachtaíocht á hullmhú leis sin a chur i bhfeidhm ach níl sé in ann a rá go mbeidh cúraimí fiontraíochta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tuigimid uile go bhfuil géarghá le níos mó airgid chaipitil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, luaigh an tAire Stáit sin nuair a bhí sé féin in a bhall den fhreasúra. Tuigimid fosta go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta ag cruthú 1,000 post gach bliain ar fud na nGaeltachtaí agus go bhfuil na comhlachtaí atá ag fáil tacaíochta ó Údarás na Gaeltachta ag cur isteach €1.5 billiún sa gheilleagar gach bliain. Tuigimid go bhfuil deacrachtaí ann ach tuigimid fosta go bhfuil sé go soiléir sa straitéis, i ndubh agus bán, rud nach bhfuil an tAire Stáit toilteanach a rá inniu, go mbeidh cúraimí fiontraíochta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Má tá an tAire Stáit ag rá go bhfuil an Rialtas ag ullmhú reachtaíochta teicniúla, ceart go leor, táimid uilig ar chúl fís na straitéise ach níl an Rialtas seo ar chúl fís na straitéise mura bhfuil sé in ann a rá go mbeidh cúraimí fiontraíochta ag Údaras na Gaeltachta mar sin ceann de na páirteanna atá sa straitéis i ndubh agus i mbán. Chreid pobal na Gaeltachta, nuair nach raibh sin ann sa dréacht-straitéis i ndubh agus i mbán, go bhfuair siad isteach é sa straitéis a foilsíodh. An féidir leis an Aire Stáit an comhartha ceiste sin a bhaint as an ábhar agus a rá go bhfuil sé ag seasamh leis an straitéis, go háirithe an pointe sin faoi chúraimí fiontraíochta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, atá ag cruthú 1,000 post sa Ghaeltacht gach bliain agus ag tacú leis an gheilleagar le €1.5 billiún ó na comhlachtaí lena dtacaíonn an t-údarás?
Tá sé léirithe ag an Rialtas go bhfuil sé taobh thiar den straitéis seo a chur i bhfeidhm chomh fada agus is féidir. Tá sin luaite i bpolasaí an Rialtais a foilsíodh. Braitheann sé go léir ar an reachtaíocht, atá riachtanach, mar aithnítear sa straitéis, go gcuirfear i bhfeidhm na cuspóirí atá sa straitéis. Caithfimid fanacht go dtí go bhfuil an reachtaíocht sin réidh le cur os comhair na Dála. Idir an dá linn, tabharfaimid an tacaíocht is mó gur féidir linn d'Údarás na Gaeltachta. Mar Theachta Dála ó cheantar Ghaeltachta, tuigim cé chomh tábhachtach agus atá ról an údaráis ó thaobh fostaíochta de. Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad air sin.
Ag éisteacht leis an Aire Stáit, is léir go bhfuil an dearcadh sórt pick and mix ag an Rialtas, go roghnófar rudaí áirithe as an straitéis 20 bliain agus go bhfágfar rudaí eile ar leataobh. An cheist atá agam ná an bhfagfar feidhmeanna fostaíochta agus fiontraíochta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta; deir an straitéis go soiléir go bhfágfar. Ón bhfreagra a thug an tAire Stáit, tuigim go bhfuil sé báúil é féin dó sin. Sin ceann de na gearáin atá agam: go bhfuil Áire sóisearach i mbun na Gaeltachta seachas Aire sinsearach. Tá sé tuillte ag an Aire Stáit bheith ina Aire sinsearach.
Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil cuid den Státchóras gur maith leo feidhmeanna fiontraíochta a bhaint den údarás. An bhfágfar nó nach bhfágfar feidhmeanna fostaíochta ag an údarás?
Tuigim ón méid atá ráite ag an Aire Stáit le 20 bomaite anois go bhfuil seans ann go mbeidh cúraimí fiontraíochta agus fostaíochta fágtha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ach go bhfuil seans ann fosta nach mbeidh agus go gcaithfimid fanacht go dtí go bhfoilseofar an reachtaíocht ag tús na bliana. Níl sin inghlactha agamsa agus tá a fhios ag an Aire Stáit go maith nach mbeidh sin inghlactha ag pobal na Gaeltachta ach oiread.
Ceann de na ceisteanna atá agam ná cad é a thiocfaidh amach taobh istigh de sé mhí ó thaobh na straitéise a chur i bhfeidhm? Phléamar scéim labhairt na Gaeilge ar na meáin ar maidin. An bhfuil sé ar intinn ag an Rialtas scéim úr a chur ar bun in áit scéim labhairt na Gaeilge i mí Meán Fhómhair agus an bhfuil se i gceist go mbeidh an tairgead atá á shábháil ag an Rialtas, siocair deireadh a chur le scéim labhairt na Gaeilge, in úsáid fá choinne an scéim úr seo? An mbeidh scéim úr i bhfeidhm i mí Meán Fhómhair nuair a stopann scéim labhairt na Gaeilge agus an mbeimid ag cur an airgid céanna, ar a laghad, isteach sa scéim úr sin?
Is fíor go bhfuil deireadh á chur le scéim labhairt na Gaeilge i mbliana agus gur seo an bhliain dheireannach don scéim reatha. Tá comhráití agus díospóireacht ar siúl agus pleananna á phlé sa Roinn i láthair na huaire le scéim oiriúnach a chur ar fáil a bheidh níos éifeachtaí ó thaobh na Gaeilge de ná an scéim a bhí ann go dtí seo. Dá mbeadh ag éirí leis an scéim a bhí ann go dtí seo, is cinnte nach mbeadh na deacrachtaí ann maidir le cainteoirí dúchais i ngach Gaeltacht agus atá ann i láthair na huaire, nuair atá a líon ag ísliú agus daltaí ag teacht ar scoil gan an Ghaeilge mar chéad theanga acu. Bheinn ag súil go mbeidh plean de chineál éigin ar bun don gcéad scoilbhliain eile. B'fhéidir nach mbeidh sé bunaithe ar an scoil, mar a bhí an sean phlean, ach b'fhéidir go mbeidh sé bunaithe ar na teaghlaigh a thoilíonn a gclann a thógáil le Gaeilge ón lá a thagann siad ar an saol. Sin a táimid ag iarraidh. Muna féidir linn é sin a fháil sna ceantair Gaeltachta, is beag difear a bheidh idir na teaghlaigh sin agus teaghlaigh taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhoghlaimíonn an Ghaeilge de réir mar a théann siad ar aghaidh. Caithfimid díriú isteach anois ar chosaint a thabhairt do chainteoirí dúchais, cainteoirí dúchais a chruthú, an teanga a chothú agus an slabhra sin a choinneáil beo gan bhriseadh.
Tá ceist eile agam a thacaíonn leis an Aire Stáit. Bhí amhras ormsa i gcónaí faoi scéim labhairt na Gaeilge mar tá sé ró-dhéanach ag cúig nó sé bliana d'aois nós teanga teaghlaigh a athrú. D'fhágamar an scéim ann mar nach raibh socruithe cuí déanta le déanamh cinnte go bhféadfaimis díriú ar na gasúir nuabheirthe. Go deimhin, bhí oifigeach de chuid na Roinne a déarfadh go mba cheart tosú sna discos, nuair a chasann an cúpla le chéile. Dúirt ball de Pháirtí Fhine Gael ar maidin go mba cheart an t-airgead a chaitheamh sna scoileanna. Bhí easpa tuisceana iomlán ar an mball sin, an comhairleoir "Cosaí" Mac Gearailt, faoi bhunús scéim labhairt na Gaeilge, mar is ag caint le scoileanna a bhí sé faoi theaghlaigh lán-Ghaeilge a bhí i scéim labhairt na Gaeilge.
Tacóidh mé leis an Aire Stáit go hiomlán más rud é gurb é an leasú a chuireann sé ar an scéim ná tacaíocht a thabhairt do theaghlaigh le ghasúir nuabheirthe ina bheidh an Ghaeilge mar theanga an teaghlaigh. Más sin an leasú a dhéanfar ar an scéim, táim leis an Aire Stáit. Má thógtar ón teaghlach é agus má dhírítear ar an scoil é, beidh mé in aghaidh an Aire Stáit, mar ní shin an chríoch ná an aidhm a bhí leis an scéim riamh. An rud is géire a theastaíonn sa Ghaeltacht ná gasúir ag a bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar theanga an teaghlaigh. Tá súil agam gur féidir leis an Aire Stáit a dhearbhú anseo inniu go bhfuil an €700,000 a bhí i gceist leis an scéim seo curtha ar leataobh le haghaidh na scéime nua.
Ar an ábhar céanna, tacaím leis an Aire Stáit fosta maidir leis an scéim úr. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an scéim úr i bhfeidhm agus í bunaithe ar na prionsabail a luaigh an tAire Stáit, mar tá athstruchtúrú de dhíth ar an scéim. Dúirt an tAire Stáit go bhfuil súil aige go mbeidh scéim úr ann. Muna mbeidh an scéim úr i bhfeidhm — b'fhéidir go mbeidh deacrachtaí sa Roinn an scéim úr a chur i bhfeidhm ag tús na scoilbhliana — an mbeidh an tAire Stáit sásta síneadh a thabhairt do scéim labhairt na Gaeilge go dtí go mbeidh an scéim úr i bhfeidhm?
Tá an cinneadh tógtha maidir leis an scéim reatha a bhí ann go dtí seo. Aontaím leis an chuid a bhí le rá ag an Teachta. Bhí mé i mo mhúinteoir scoile mé féin sular tháinig mé anseo agus chonaic mé mar a bhí scéim labhartha na Gaeilge ag oibriú. Bhí an chontúirt ann i gcónaí go raibh sí ró-cheangailte leis an nGaeilge sa scoil in áit leis an nGaeilge sa teaghlach. Aontaíonn gach aon againn dúinn anois nár éirigh leis an scéim na cuspóirí a bhí aici a chur i bhfeidhm, sé sin, cainteoirí dúchais a chur ar fáil. Tá difear idir buachaill nó cailín a thagann ar scoil ag ceithre, cúig nó sé bliana d'aois agus teanga amháin acu agus an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim ansin agus an dalta a thagann ar scoil a bhfuil an Ghaeilge aige nó aici ón gcliabhán.
An scéim a ba mhaith liomsa a fheiceáil ná an scéim atá á phlé agus a bhfuil tuairimí ag teacht isteach fúithi. Tá dóchas agam go mbeidh scéim de chineál éigin againn nuair a thosaíonn an scoilbhliain úr agus go mbeimid ábalta cuidiú de chineál éigin a thabhairt do theaghlaigh a chinneann a gclann a thógáil le Gaeilge. Sin an easnamh mór atá ann. Má éiríonn linn sin a dhéanamh, beidh lúcháir orainn uilig go dtáinig an t-athrú ó scéim amháin go dtí scéim úr. Tá seo á phlé, ach níl sé socraithe go fóill. Is furasta rud a shocrú agus an socrú mícheart a dhéanamh. Nílim i m'Aire Stáit sa Roinn ach le cúpla seachtain agus níor mhaith liomsa léim isteach agus go mbrisfeadh an oighear faoi mo chosa. Ba mhaith liom an rud cheart a dhéanamh ó thaobh na Gaeilge, ó thaobh na gcainteoirí dúchais agus ó thaobh na Gaeltachtade.
An féidir leis an Aire Stáit a dheimhniú go bhfuil an €700,000 curtha ar leataobh do sin?
Social Inclusion
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:7 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way she will eliminate poverty and meet targets set in the national action plan for social inclusion following a commitment made in the programme for Government. [7988/11]
Elimination of poverty is an objective of Government. We are committed to achieving the targets in the national action plan for social inclusion to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty. That target is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. The target is reiterated in the draft national reform programme submitted to the EU Commission in December 2010, which sets out Ireland's commitments to achieving the poverty target in the Europe 2020 strategy .
The challenge to meet the national poverty target in the present economic situation is considerable, as indicated by the rise in the consistent poverty rate from 4.2% in 2008 to 5.5% in 2009. The overriding objective now is to increase employment, build real and sustainable economic growth and to protect those who are most vulnerable in society.
The Government programme sets out the framework to achieve these aims. Employment opportunities will be increased through labour market activation, skills training and education measures. The Government is committed to ensuring that the social protection system remains an important stabiliser for people against the impact of the economic and fiscal downturn. Research across Europe shows that Ireland's system of social protection is one of the best at protecting against poverty. Measures to identify poverty traps and to support people in moving from welfare to work and to counter welfare fraud are key commitments in the Government's plan.
As Minister with responsibility for children and youth affairs, child poverty is a priority concern for me. Poverty affects people differently across their life cycle and children in certain circumstances are particularly vulnerable. The Government's decision that the Family Support Agency will come under my remit will provide new opportunities to improve services for children and families and to secure improved outcomes for the most vulnerable children. This will be an important consideration in the context of the plans for the new children and families support services agency.
Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire. The Minister talks about the targets in the national action plan for social inclusion for 2012 to 2016, but is she aware of the serious debt in Irish households as shown by a recent study commissioned by the Department into the issue of social exclusion and serious debt? What poverty prevention measures can be taken by the Department to reduce this over-indebtedness?
This is an extremely serious issue that brings huge pressure on many families. Many families face serious debt. The best way of protecting these families and the best way out of poverty is to create employment. Employment is the great protector. I point the Deputy towards the priority the programme for Government gives to providing access to employment, training and upskilling. Providing child care services will form part of this. Certainly the jobs initiative which the Taoiseach yesterday and the Tánaiste today said would be introduced in the House in May will be a key factor in tackling the issue of poverty and helping families facing debt. We also need initiatives from other agencies, including the banks and local support services. Earlier I replied to a question on the availability of community supports. The Government's commitment to building such supports and services will be very important in terms of the work it can do with families experiencing particular problems with debt.
I remind Deputies that we have one minute remaining for supplementary questions and that we have one minute and 15 seconds left for this question.
Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire. I am glad to see someone coming here from the Seanad and going straight into the Cabinet. Obviously, some people who are working are also living in poverty. We all share the views of the Government that we should stop people living in poverty through the creation of meaningful and well paid full-time jobs. However, there is another element in that cuts also hurt. How many currently categorised as living in poverty have been brought into the tax net as a result of the introduction of the universal social charge, a charge of which the Government voted in favour in the House just over 14 days ago?
I agree that tackling poverty is a major issue and a difficult one to address. I ask the Minister to appeal to the Minister for Education and Skills to reconsider reversing the cuts in the numbers of resource and learning support teachers which will impact greatly on the less well-off in our society.
The Minister rightly said getting people back to work was the best way to tackle poverty. Will she discuss with her Government colleagues the problems being experienced by my constituents and many others in coming off the dole to engage in short periods of work and who then experience inordinate delays in receiving social welfare payments when they have to go back on the dole? This is a major problem.
I do not have the detailed figures Deputy Pearse Doherty requested. I will see if they are available and ensure he gains access to them. One of the priorities set in the programme for Government is to examine the interaction between the social welfare and taxation codes and make recommendations to ensure work is worthwhile. In particular, the commission will examine family and child income supports and means by which the self-employed can be insured against unemployment and sickness. I am sure many Deputies will have come across cases where this is a major issue and it is one that needs to be addressed. The Government intends to examine it through the commission on taxation and social welfare which will be set up.
Deputy Mick Wallace asked about resource teachers and SNAs, another critical issue. While there has been a significant increase in the numbers of resource teachers and SNAs, it is very much linked with the question of supports for families where children need assessment for various therapies. We need to examine a child's needs in terms of what is available in schools and also in terms of what therapies are available in the health service. Many parents in desperation ask for resource teachers or SNAs when some of the therapies that should be available to them are not available. There is an interaction between these two issues.
National Substance Misuse Strategy
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:8 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she is committed to the development of a national substance misuse strategy; if she has received the report of the steering group and when she will publish the report. [7990/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed, with effect from 1 May, to transfer the functions of the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs for the national drugs strategy to the Minister for Health and Children. As Deputies will be aware, the functions that were performed in the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs are in the process of being moved, with a number having been transferred already. For example, the equality section has already moved to the Department of Justice and Equality and a number of the others will move within the next three weeks. The new Department will then be in a position to be formed and the functions formally given legally. Responsibility for the drugs strategy will move to the Department of Health and Children.
The Government is committed to supporting the principles and objectives of a national strategy to deal with issues relating to the misuse of both drugs and alcohol. This is made fully clear in the programme for Government, Government for National Recovery 2011-2016. A steering group, jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Health and Children, has been working to develop proposals and make recommendations to Ministers on the alcohol aspects of a national substance misuse strategy. The drugs element of the strategy — the national drugs strategy 2009-2016 — is already in place.
The work of the steering group is well advanced and I expect that the report will be finalised and recommendations submitted to the Minister for Health and Children in the coming months. Decisions on the publication of the report will be made at that stage.
Will the Minister make a strong case to have the report published? I understand it will be given to the Minister for Health and Children, but there should be a commitment to its publication. Does the Minister have any views on alcohol company sponsorship in the context of a national substance misuse strategy? The issue is very relevant.
I take the Deputy's point on the publication of the strategy. There has been a delay in placing emphasis on a national misuse strategy. Further meetings of the steering group are to be scheduled and the recommendations will be finalised as quickly as possible. The report will then be given to the Minister for Health and Children and proposals are likely to be put to the Government shortly thereafter. That addresses the Deputy's question on urgency. This is an important report which should be brought before the Government as soon as possible. The issues that remain to be finalised by the steering group relate to supply reduction and include the ones the Deputy raised such as marketing, sponsorship, mixed trading and pricing. I look forward to receiving the group's recommendations. We know there are serious issues regarding glamourising access to alcohol and drugs by young people. Sponsorship is part and parcel of this and needs to be examined. The steering group is examining the issue seriously. We will examine the report when it is finalised and make a decision.
Does the report make any recommendations on the issue of sponsorship by drinks companies?
Sponsorship is one of the issues the steering group is examining. I do not have the report's final conclusions, but it is an expert group and we will have its report shortly, at which point we will be in a position to discuss the issue of sponsorship as raised by the Deputy.
I noted what the Minister had to say about responsibility for the national drugs strategy transferring to the Department for Health and Children, which seems to infer the drugs problem is primarily a medical problem. It surely is a medical problem, but as we all know, much of it relates to the structures of communities. The reason it was placed in the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs was to tackle the wider community issues which in many cases gave rise to concentrated drug problems, particularly involving the use of heroin. Will the wide range of community programmes built up over the years which dealt with the wider issues of planning, intergenerational disadvantage and social deprivation in certain areas be continued under the Department of Health and Children or will the Department take the view that this is purely an individual health problem rather than a societal and community problem, which is the case with a large part of the drugs problem here?
I join in congratulating the Minister. It is good to see four graduates of the Seanad in the Dáil Chamber at the one time. Would we be in the Dáil if there had been no Seanad? The Minister might answer that question too.
I have not had a chance previously to wish the Minister well in her job. She referred to the National Substance Misuse Strategy 2009-16 on which the steering group is working. Much work has been done across communities with drugs task forces. I have been a member of the Finglas-Cabra Local Drug Task Force and the Ballymun Local Drug Task Force for 11 years. They have made a significant input, as have communities in terms of providing information on the ground. I am pleased the strategy will move ahead. There have been significant cutbacks to drugs taskforces. In the past three years there have been cutbacks of 8% to 10% each year. That is having a major impact on communities. I urge the Minister to ensure there will be no further cutbacks. Working class areas cannot take any more cutbacks because it is having a knock-on effect in terms of crime and other issues. I hope the Minister will take on board what I say.
I accept the points made by both Deputies on the community aspects of dealing with drug addiction, which is critical. It is not the intention of the Department of Health and Children to undermine the wonderful work being done by people at local level. It will not take a medical model approach only to the treatment of drug addiction or to tackling the scourge of drug addiction in local communities. It would be a retrograde step if that were to happen. A more comprehensive approach will be taken to tackling the drugs issue by the Department of Health and Children which will build on the work already being done in communities to which Deputy Ellis referred and from which we have learned valuable lessons. Members will agree that it is time for a review. Some of the programmes have been in place for some time and we need to review the structures. In line with the reform agenda, it is important that we review how programmes are developed, seek efficiencies and value for money.
Community Development
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:9 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will confirm that the Leader programme will continue and that local development companies will continue to play a key role in the development of the Leader programme. [7984/11]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:15 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total envisaged expenditure on the Leader programme in 2011; and if all groups to receive funding have been identified and notified. [7985/11]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:21 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she will take to address problems with Leader funds being allocated to food business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7844/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15 and 21 together.
Axes 3 and 4, Leader, of the Rural Development Programme 2007-13 envisage funding of €427 million being made available for allocation to qualified projects up to the end of 2013, with expenditure under the programme potentially continuing for a further two years up to the end of 2015. In the current programming round, 36 local action groups are contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the programme throughout the country and, as Deputies are aware, those groups are the principal decision-makers on the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with departmental operating rules and EU regulations. The overall nature of the bottom-up approach here ensures that such groups are an integral part of the framework for the implementation of Leader-type activities under the programme. At this time there are no plans to change the implementation framework in the current programming round.
As Deputies are aware, the main objectives of the programme are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate diversification of the rural economy. The individual measures and indicative allocations are as follows. The amount provided for diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm familiesis €16.66 million. A total of €48.26 million has been allocated as support for business creation and development. A fund of €45.4 million has been allocated to encourage tourism activities. Basic services for the economy and rural population is to get €49.61 million. Village renewal and development has been allocated €54.2 million. The conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage has an allocation of €51.7 million. Training and information on adapted and new skills has received €29.45 million. A total of €10.7 million has been allocated to the implementation of co-operation projects
The programme currently has registered project activity of approximately €102 million, which includes €31 million in firm contractual commitments. A significant portion of these are expected to mature during 2011. Expenditure to date amounts to more than €67 million, which includes funding for a diverse range of projects from support for micro-enterprise in rural areas to the building and maintenance of community infrastructure and the provision of training in a variety of disciplines for rural dwellers. The programme has been allocated €62 million in total for 2011 and, notwithstanding current challenging economic circumstances, project activity is accelerating. I am confident that full spend will be achieved in 2011.
I am pleased with the progress to date under the programme, which continues to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities. This has resulted in the proliferation of innovative and sustainable development projects all over the country, which are providing invaluable support to rural communities in these difficult times.
On the continued provision of funding to the food business, the European Commission recently clarified that projects that involve processing of agrifood products listed on Annexe 1 to the Treaty of Rome may only be eligible for support under Axis 1 of the rural development programme, which facilitates funding to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. A significant part of enterprise activity in rural areas focuses on food and food-related businesses and the continued provision of support for these businesses is critical as we look to ways to generate employment in rural areas. My Department is aware of the seriousness of the issue and is proactively working with the European Commission and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with a view to ensuring that the matter is resolved in the shortest possible timeframe, thereby allowing for continued support and development of the agrifood sector through the rural development programme.
I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. Would it be possible to get a breakdown of the spend in each company in the Leader programme between administration and activities such as grants sanctioned to third parties and the actual spend to date? Perhaps the Minister could organise for it to be sent to us. I am concerned that we have still approved only €102 million out of €425 million. No doubt the Minister will expedite that issue.
Is it intended to transfer ministerial responsibility for the Leader partnership companies, including the Leader programme to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government? Does that presage that from 2014 on the Leader programme will be the responsibility of local authorities rather than the current independent companies? Will the Minister clarify the issue? Is that the two-step plan involved? Many people would consider that to be the wrong direction to take.
On the food issue, given that consultation with the European Union could go on for a long time and that it could be reluctant to change an existing ruling, surely the easy answer to the question is to get the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to put money aside now under Axis 1 for food companies? Has the Minister discussed the matter with her colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Coveney, and has he given an affirmative answer that food will be funded under Axis 1 immediately? That would get around the possibility of protracted negotiations with the European Union that might go on for ever and reach a negative conclusion at the end of the process. People who can create jobs are waiting for the money now not in the future.
I realise the seriousness of the issue and its importance, as well as the importance of the enterprises and the fact that funding would be available. It is an urgent issue that requires action. I have discussed the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who will deal with it shortly. It is not envisaged at this stage that the funding to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will change as the Deputy describes. We would endeavour to resolve the issue with the Commission before that step would be taken. I realise, however, that the issue is urgent and we certainly do not want to delay the vital work of various food enterprises throughout the country.
I do not have a breakdown available today on funding. I will determine whether it is available. The Deputy's heart is very close to these projects and he may well have the answer already.
I used to give the other side of the House all the answers.
I will certainly check whether the breakdown is available.
It is available because I used to give it.
All right. The Deputy knows the answer. I will get the information and find out the up-to-date position. The point the Deputy makes on the breakdown of costs between administration and the actual projects is important.
With regard to the transfer of functions, it is intended that the functions would be transferred to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A further transfer, as described by the Deputy, is not envisaged.
If Deputies have mobile phones, they should switch them off totally. I received a note from the RTE broadcasting unit stating this morning's proceedings on the Order of Business were totally wiped out because of interference from mobile phones, particularly text messages coming through. Members should kindly switch off their phones entirely when they enter the Chamber. I will be writing to each Deputy in this regard.
I hope that comment was not directed at me in particular.
When the Minister's officials are writing to Deputy Ó Cuív, might they also sent a copy of the figures to me?
On Question No. 21, one of the core objectives of Food Harvest 2020 and the new Government is to develop the food industry. There is great potential for growth among small indigenous food companies. Not only have they the potential to create jobs, they also have the potential to support economic stability in rural areas. This comes under Axis 3. Is it not the case that there is plenty of funding available under Axis 3 and that, if we can avail of those funds to support indigenous food companies, we should do so? Does the Minister not agree that we need to prioritise food production businesses, obtain clarification quickly from the Commission in this regard, access funding under Axis 3 or Axis 1 and have it released to small businesses as soon as possible?
At present, there are very good, novel food ideas that people want to get off the ground. Those responsible have put their proposals to Leader, which is prepared to get the businesses off the ground. However, because of the bureaucracy that exists, Leader cannot approve the funding. It is crucial that a business that wants to create jobs be supported and encouraged and not tied up with bureaucracy.
Hear, hear.
I thank Deputy Naughten, who has taken a particular interest in this issue and food enterprises. I agree with him. I saw a quotation recently stating if one asks any of the Leader partnership companies to name their flagship projects, many of them will identify food projects as among their big successes. This is an important issue and it is very unfortunate that it has become tied up in a bureaucratic wrangle with serious consequences for the businesses in question. This needs to be addressed immediately so the initiative and job creation potential of the companies will not be interrupted or stopped. I reassure the House that this issue is a priority. I have spoken to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect thereof. The Department is pursuing discussions with the Commission in regard to it and I hope there will be an outcome in the short term.
Táimid ag rith amach as am mar sin cuirfidh mé an cheist seo go sciobtha. Baineann sé leis an Ghaeltacht, leis an chlár Leader. agus le ceann de na heagraíochtaí atá ag plé leis sin, Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta. An bhfuil sé ar intinn ag an Aire, mar go bhfuil aighneas ag dul ar aghaidh i Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, fiosrúchán a dhéanamh faoin eagraíocht agus faoin mhéid a thit amach le cúpla mí anuas ó thaobh an aighnis sin.
Which organisation did the Deputy mention?
My question pertains to the Leader programme and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta. There have been ongoing difficulties with Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, particularly in regard to the ongoing strike. Does the Minister intend to carry out an investigation into what occurred in that company?
I set up an inquiry into the company and tabled a parliamentary question recently asking whether it was concluded. The answer stated it was ongoing. Is it possible to find out when it is intended to bring the inquiry to a conclusion?
It is a separate question.
It is the same question. The matter is very urgent.
It concerns the Leader programme.
It is for the Minister to answer.
It is the same question.
I do not have details on that investigation but when I have I will certainly convey them to the Deputies.
Will the Minister indicate the timescale for progressing the food issue? She may not have it to hand. Will it be weeks or a couple of months before there is clarification? The issue is important and jobs are at stake. It will have a huge impact in rural communities.
I support the Deputy, who is dead right. We need a deadline. There is more than bipartisan support in regard to this matter. We need a deadline as to when, if it is not possible to change the Union's mind, we can proceed under Axis 1. We will not hear any dispute among rural Deputies in the House if that is the approach taken. The Minister will have our support. The matter requires urgent attention.
It is good to see agreement on the importance of this issue. This is not surprising. We are in discussions with the Commission at present and it is taking a particular line. We must examine this and determine whether an agreement can be reached as soon as possible. I agree with the Deputy that there should be no delay because the consequences of a delay would be too serious. If agreement cannot be reached, perhaps other avenues ought to be investigated, as the Deputies are suggesting. In the first instance, we want to have agreement through the mechanism we are currently pursuing. That is the focus of the discussions at present.
Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:10 Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige an Straitéis Fiche Bliain a chur i bhfeidhm. [7958/11]
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:20 Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta conas a chuirfidh sé Straitéis Fiche Bliain i bhfeidhm sna sé mhí atá le teacht. [7961/11]
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:27 Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé chun struchtúir a chruthú chun an Straitéis 20 bliain a chur i bhfeidhm. [7960/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 10, 20 agus 27 le chéile.
Mar atá ráite sa chlár Rialtais, tabharfaidh an Rialtas tacaíocht don Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030 agus déanfar na cuspóirí indéanta atá molta ann a sheachadadh. Tá an Coiste Rialtais faoin nGaeilge agus faoin nGaeltacht athbhunaithe ag an Rialtas faoi chathaoirleacht an Taoisigh. Bhí an chéad chruinniú den choiste Rialtais ann ar maidin. Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go mbeidh an coiste seo an-ghníomhach ag féachaint chuige go gcuirfear an straitéis i bhfeidhm ar bhealach córasach, comhtháite i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas atá tugtha sa chlár Rialtais.
Maidir leis na struchtúir chun an straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm, tá an Taoiseach mar chathaoirleach ar an gcoiste Rialtais agus tá Airí ábhartha eile páirteach ann. Déanfaidh an coiste Rialtais maoirseacht ar an dul chun cinn agus beidh grúpa oifigeach sinsearach ó na Ranna cuí ag tabhairt tacaíochta don choiste Rialtais. Chomh maith leis sin, tá aonad straitéise bunaithe i mo Roinnse ó thús na bliana seo, mar atá molta sa straitéis. Tá an t-aonad straitéise freagrach as maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar an bpróiseas pleanála straitéise agus ar phleananna oibríochta ó na comhlachtaí forfheidhmithe, chomh maith le cinntiú go ndéantar feidhmiú trasrannach ar thionscnaimh agus monatóireacht ar fhorbairt acmhainní. Go bunúsach, tá an t-aonad straitéise ag tabhairt aghaidh go córasach ar na céimeanna is gá a thógáil le cinntiú go gcuirtear an straitéis i bhfeidhm.
Aithnítear sa straitéis go mbeidh gá le cur chuige céimneach chun bearta éagsúla na straitéise a chur i gcrích thar thréimhse 20 bliain. Faoi láthair, táimid i gcéim an bhunaithe den straitéis. Le linn na tréimhse seo, díreofar ar na struchtúir eagraíochtúla agus oibríochtúla a bhunú chun an straitéis a chur i gcrích. Díreofar go speisialta ar na céimeanna is gá a thógáil chun reachtaíocht a ullmhú maidir le bunú Údarás na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, chomh maith le sainmhíniú nua a chruthú do na limistéir Gaeltachta.
B'fhéidir gur chuala mé mícheart, ach shíl mé gur glacadh ceist uimhir a deich le ceist a chuaigh roimhe. B'fhéidir gur chuala mé contráilte.
Ó thaobh na straitéise, ceann de na himní a bhí orm ná gur straitéis 20 bliain atá innti ach nach mbeidh an reachtaíocht i bhfeidhm go dtí 2012. Mar sin, beidh dhá bhliain caillte faoi sin. Tá €1.5 milliún curtha ar leataobh fá choinne cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise i mbliana. Sin an méid eolais a thug an t-iar-Aire, an Teachta Pat Carey, don Dáil. Go deimhin, sílim gurb é an Teachta McGinley a bhí ag cur na ceiste air. Cá háit a bheidh an €1.5 milliún á chaitheamh i mbliana, ó thaobh cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise de?
An bhfuil sé ar intinn na ceantair Gaeltachta a bhriseadh suas i dtrí chatagóir, A, B agus C, mar a moladh sa staidéar teangeolaíochta ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht? An mbeidh sin mar pháirt den mBille a bheimís ag plé ag tús 2012?
Sin gnéith den phlean atáthar á phlé i láthair na huaire maidir le teorainneacha na Gaeltacht féin. Tá tagairt speisialta ins an suirbhé teangeolaíochta do sin chomh maith. Tá dréacht-phlean ullmhaithe i láthair na huaire ag an aonad straitéise. Ag an bpointe seo, tá sé iontach deacair dul isteach ins na pointí uilig atá ins an dréacht-phlean mar ní gnáth dréacht-phlean a chur i láthair na Dála go dtí go mbíonn plean ceart againn agus an reachtaíocht bunaithe ar an bplean sin á chur i bhfeidhm. Tá sé sin molta ins an straitéis agus táimid á phlé sin agus ag díriú isteach air. Fiú amháin, pléadh é air na mallaibh.
Maidir leis na hacmhainní féin, tá soláthar de €1.5 milliún san áireamh i mbuiséad mo Roinne-se chun an straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm i mbliana. Nuair a tógtar san aireamh an soláthar iomlán, beidh €36 milliún á chaitheamh ar an nGaeilge agus ar an nGaeltacht ins an Roinn i mbliana. Creidim go mbeidh an soláthar i leith sin dóthaineach don chéad bhliain, os rud é go mbeidh an fócas i dtús báire ar phleanáil, ar dhréacht-reachtaíocht, ar ath-oibriú struchtúir agus ar bhunú chomh-pháirtíochta éagsúla a bheidh riachtanach do chur i bhfeidhm na straitéise.
Tá aonad straitéise bunaithe sa Roinn chun tabhairt faoin obair seo go céimneach agus go córasach. Ní mór a mheabhrú gur tréimhse 20 bliain atá i gceist don chur i bhfeidhm. Tá sé rí-thábhachtach an reachtaíocht agus an struchtúr a fháil i gceart i dtosach báire. Tá an ceart ag an Teachta gur €1.5 milliún an méid atá curtha ar fáil i mbliana. Sin an rud a fágadh le huacht againn ón Rialtas a d'imigh. Caithfimid cloí leis sin chomh fada agus is féidir agus oibriú taobh istigh de na teorainneacha.
Don gcéad bhliain, táimid ag cur na struchtúir in áit. Tá an dréacht-phlean ansin agus tá an reachtaíocht ag teacht. Is cinnte go mbeidh cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise go héifeachtach leis na hacmhainní is féidir a chur ar fáil.
Cé hiad na hAirí atá ar an bhfo-choiste Rialtais atá ag plé na straitéise agus cé acu a bhí i láthair ag an gcruinniú ar maidin?
B'fhéidir nach bhfuil an t-eolas seo ag an Aire Stáit ag an bpointe seo, ach an féidir leis an briseadh síos den €1.5 milliún atá ar fáil le haghaidh cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise a chur chugainn? Cén áit a caifear an t-airgead sin idir seo agus deireadh na bliana?
Tá mé cinnte gur féidir an t-eolas sin a chur ar fáil nuair a bheidh an cinneadh déanta. B'fhéidir nach bhfuil sé déanta ag an bpointe seo.
Maidir le cruinniú an fho-choiste, bhí an Taoiseach é féin ansin mar chathaoirleach. Bhí an t-Aire Howlin, an t-Aire Deenihan agus mé féin ann. Bhí ionadaí ón Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha ann.
An raibh an t-Aire féin ann? Níl aon spéis agam ach ins na hAirí a bhí ann.
Sin iad na hAirí a bhí ann. Tá sé socraithe go mbeidh cruinniú gan mhoill idir sinn féin agus na hAirí nach raibh ansin.
Cé tá ar an choiste?
Cé hiad na hAirí atá ar an gcoiste?
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.