Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:23 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent the recent jobs initiative is expected to increase visitor numbers at our cultural institutions. [16492/11]
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 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 11, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 12 to 22, inclusive, answered orally.
Job Creation
Whilst my Department provides funding to our National Cultural Institutions, the Board of each Institution is responsible for all operational matters relating to the institution, including visitor numbers, and I do not have a statutory function in respect of day-to-day operational matters.
I am advised that in excess of 3.5 million people visited cultural institutions funded by my Department in 2010, an increase of 7% on 2009 figures. The quality and diversity of the cultural exhibits and events on offer at our museums and galleries plays a key role in attracting such significant visitor numbers, as does the ongoing hard work and commitment of the institutions themselves and their staff. The Institutions form a key component of our cultural tourism product offering and, as such, they play an increasingly important role as we strive to continue our economic recovery.
Whilst it is not possible to accurately assess the full impact of the Government's Jobs Initiative at this early stage, it is anticipated that the tourism-related initiatives, such as the short term visa waiver programme, the reduction in air travel tax and the introduction of a new temporary second reduced rate of VAT for the tourism industry, will all have a positive effect in terms of attracting the cultural tourist from abroad to visit Ireland and view the many treasures on display at our various Institutions.
Visitor figures for the first quarter of 2011 are very positive overall and it is hoped that the record levels achieved in 2010 will be maintained if not surpassed during the current year.
|
Visitor figures for 2009 and 2010 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
National Cultural Institutions |
Jan 09 — Dec 09 |
Jan 10 — Dec 10 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
138,809 |
185,591 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art** |
417,706 |
418,977 |
|
National Concert Hall |
342,568 |
318,667 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
782,469 |
736,855 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
218,338 |
206,653 |
|
National Archives |
18,200 |
15,242 |
|
National Museum, Kildare St. |
370,965 |
366,201 |
|
National Museum Collins Barracks |
319,791 |
258,822 |
|
Natural History Museum* |
0 |
253,597 |
|
National Museum Turlough Park. |
98,523 |
114,343 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
167,485 |
188,823 |
|
Total |
2,874,854 |
3,063,771 |
*The Natural History Museum re-opened in April 2010.
** IMMA closed from 12 January to 5 February 2009 for maintenance works.
|
Other Cultural Institutions supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport |
Jan 09 — Dec 09 |
Jan 10 — Dec 10 |
|
Archbishop Marsh’s Library |
8,947 |
7,730 |
|
Foynes Flying Boat Museum |
22,716 |
31,601 |
|
Hunt Museum, Limerick |
24,561 |
23,498 |
|
Science Gallery |
167,611 |
216,842 |
|
Dublin City Gallery — Hugh Lane |
162,037 |
158,584 |
|
Royal Hibernian Academy |
59,061 |
75,206 |
|
Total |
444,933 |
513,461 |
Access to the collections held by the National Cultural Institutions is free of charge and the Institutions also provide free educational and family friendly events throughout the year.
Some Exhibition highlights for 2011
IMMA
Romuald Hazoumè
9 February-15 May 2011
One of Africa's leading visual artists. The 40 piece exhibition at IMMA focuses on his iconic sculptures made from discarded plastic canisters which resemble the primitive tribal masks that were so influential to the early Modernists, such as Picasso and Braque.
Philip Taaffe — Anima Mundi
23 March-12 June 2011
This survey exhibition of the work of the American painter Philip Taaffe, features 34 mixed media, mostly abstract paintings from the last ten years.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Masterpieces of the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection
6 April-26 June 2011
Masterpieces of the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection, presents the iconic paintings of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the two central figures of Mexican Modernism. The paintings exhibited include key images by Kahlo such as Self Portrait with Monkeys, and Self Portrait as a Tehuana or Diego in My Thoughts, and the major work by Rivera, Calla Lily Vendors (all 1943).
Barrie Cooke
15 June-18 September 2011
Organised to mark Barrie Cooke's 80th birthday, this exhibition includes some 70 paintings and sculptural works from the early 1960s to the present. It draws from the Museum's own significant holding of his works, as well as loans from various private and institutional collections. Out of the Dark Room.
The David Kronn Collection
20 July-9 October 2011
Gerard Byrne
27 July-31 October 2011
20th Anniversary — IMMA celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2011 and hosted a series of special events to mark the occasion, attracting significant numbers of visitors.
National Gallery of Ireland
Masterpieces from the Collection is a special presentation of some of the finest works in the Gallery's collection. It includes a stunning selection of paintings from the European collection, from the early Renaissance through to the mid-twentieth century. Highlights of the Irish collection map the development of Irish art from the eighteenth century onwards and include key works by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, James Barry, William Orpen and John Lavery. These displays also feature a selection of works from the extensive Prints & Drawings collection, among them Jean-Antoine Watteau, Woman Seen from the Back; Daniel Maclise, The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, and Edgar Degas, Two Ballet Dancers in a Dressing Room. Given the nature of the collection of works on paper, this display will be changed every few months to allow regular visitors to enjoy more of this collection. Paintings by Jack B. Yeats are on view in The Yeats Room.
National Museum of Ireland
Collins Barracks: The Asgard
The restoration of this 51 foot (16m) sailing is now complete and it is hoped that it will form part of the Museum's keynote exhibitions for 2011 when it goes on public display in the autumn of 2011. (Work is currently ongoing on making the gym in which it is currently housed suitable for public access and display).
Kildare Street: The Treasury/The Fadden More Psalter The Fadden More Psalter is an 8th Century illustrated vellum manuscript that was found in a bog in 2006. Conservation work on the Psalter has been completed and is now on display in the refurbished Treasury exhibition. The refurbishment works also included the restoration of the mosaic floor at the Treasury.
The Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park,
The NMI plans to move the Roscommon Gold Hoard for display in Turlough Park where it is anticipated that it will attract significant visitors. The Hoard consists of a gold lunala and two small gold discs which date to the Early Bronze age c 2300- 1800 BC and is the most significant discovery of Early Bronze Age gold work from Ireland for many years. The Hoard was found following a robbery on a chemist in Strokestown, Co Roscommon in 2009.
Natural History Museum
The National History Museum was re-opened on 28th April 2010. The refurbishment has been a great success. Visitor numbers to the Museum have been very positive and the general reaction has been excellent. The OPW have been asked to examine the whether or not access can be gained to any part of to the two upper balconies.
Culture-Related Tourism
Cultural tourism is a key element of Ireland's tourism industry. The list of top visitor attractions is dominated by natural and built heritage, and in addition, festivals, musical and other events attract major numbers of attendees.
Some 3.53 million overseas visitors engaged in cultural/historical visits while in Ireland in 2008, 43% of total visitors, spending €2.3 billion, 56% of total overseas visitor spend in Ireland.
Tourists who engage in cultural pursuits while in Ireland are higher than average spenders.
A total of €3.03 billion, or 2% of GNP is at least partly dependent on overseas cultural tourism. Domestic cultural tourism would add significantly to this.
A total of 73,000 jobs are dependent on cultural tourism, 3.4% of the total workforce. There is a very significant showcase impact from Irish culture, which raises the profile of the country and has a substantial economic benefit, most directly on tourism
Economic Contribution
Cultural Tourism is a key element of the Irish Tourism product. Culture is cited by the majority of visitors to Ireland as a key motivator in choosing Ireland as a destination. The World Tourist Organization claims that Cultural Tourism represents between 35-40% of all tourism world-wide, and that it is growing at 15% per annum — three times the rate of growth of general tourism. The 2006 EU study on The Economy of Culture in Europe showed that in 2003 the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors represented 2.6% of Europe GDP and that the growth of the sector was 12.3% higher than the growth of the overall economy in the period 1999 to 2003. In Ireland the contribution was put at 1.7% of GDP in 2003.
A report on cultural tourism by Fáilte Ireland that cultural tourists to Ireland are economically attractive, with income levels in advance of the average for the broader population. Cultural tourists demonstrate higher than average spending while on holiday. Fáilte Ireland has estimated that in 2009, 3.3 million visitors to Ireland engaged in what can be described as heritage/culture tourism and spent an estimated €1.9 billion while in Ireland. Within that total just over 1 million visited places of historical/cultural interest and spent an estimated €1.8 billion, representing the largest sector amongst those identified.
Extract from Jobs Initiative
The Air Travel Tax rate will be reduced to zero on or after such a day as the Minister for Finance may appoint by Commencement Order. This measure is subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines to bring in additional passenger numbers.
To support the tourism industry, a new temporary second reduced rate of VAT of 9% will be introduced with effect from 1 July 2011 until end-December 2013. The new 9% rate will mainly apply to restaurant and catering services, hotel and holiday accommodation and various entertainment services such as admissions to cinemas, theatres, museums, fairgrounds, amusement parks and the use of sporting facilities. In addition, the new rate will also apply to hairdressing and printed matter such as brochures, maps, programmes and newspapers.
Short-term Visa Waiver Programme — this measure will apply to short stay visitors of 14 nationalities who ordinarily require a Visa to enter the State and will apply over a period from July 2011 to October 2012. Under the proposal, potential visitors who are in possession of a valid visa to enter the UK will have that Visa recognised by Ireland as sufficient to allow lawful entry to the State for short stay tourism and business purposes.
Irish Language
Michael Colreavy
Ceist:24 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to stimulate Irish language theatre and to rebuild the national Irish language theatre An Taibhdhearc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16489/11]
At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the important work undertaken by Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, as the national Irish language theatre, in promoting Irish language theatre. Since its establishment in 1928, An Taibhdhearc has been a pioneering force that has contributed to the theatrical tradition in Ireland through the numerous Irish language plays produced in An Taibhdhearc itself and throughout the country.
It has always been a fundamental objective of An Taibhdhearc to develop and promote plays in Irish through the provision of a platform for new dramas produced professionally. In addition, An Taibhdhearc supports and nurtures a positive environment for the Irish language theatrical arts by providing high quality training opportunities to young people in the theatre.
With regard to the provision of funding for refurbishment works to Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently announced that it has been agreed in principle that funding of €300,000 will be provided by my Department to An Taibhdhearc, over a period of two years, to enable it to carry out these refurbishment works. A meeting between the Board of An Taibhdhearc and officials from my Department will be held shortly to progress this matter. In addition to this funding, my Department also provides an annual grant to An Taibhdhearc to assist administration costs. The amount being provided in 2011 is €323,920.
The 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language lays out a comprehensive strategy for the preservation and promotion of the Irish language. As outlined in that Strategy, it is proposed that all Irish language initiatives with a specific arts remit, to include drama and traditional arts, will be planned and developed as part of an integral arts strategy between my Department and the Arts Council.
Caiteachas Ranna
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:25 D’fhiafraigh Seán Ó Fearghaíl den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé méid airgid atá ar fáil i 2011 do thionscnaimh phobail agus do thionscnaimh spóirt; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16616/11]
Tuigfidh an Teachta gur ar an Roinn Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil go príomha atá an cúram maidir le tionscnaimh pobail agus gur ar an Roinn Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt go príomha atá an cúram maidir le tionscnaimh spóirt.
É sin ráite, tá soláthar €1.3m ar fáil do mo Roinnse i 2011 le caitheamh ar áiseanna pobail agus saoráidí áineasa sa Ghaeltacht. Faoin scéim seo, féadfaidh mo Roinn cúnamh a cheadú do choistí aitheanta áitiúla sa Ghaeltacht ionas go soláthrófaí nó go gcuirfí caoi ar ionad pobail nó áiseanna áitiúla áineasa, ar a n-áirítear, mar shampla, páirceanna spóirt, seomraí gléasta, cúirteanna liathróid láimhe, cúirteanna leadóige agus cúirteanna cispheile.
Departmental Properties
Denis Naughten
Ceist:26 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps which he is taking to maximise the use of public properties with public access, with scientific interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16447/11]
There are approximately 750 national monuments in the ownership or guardianship of my Department, such as, for example, Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel and Kilmainham Gaol. The day to day management of these national monuments rests with the Office of Public Works. There is significant public access to these properties and, in many cases, guided tours are available. Information about these properties and about access to them is available on the www.heritageireland.ie website. My Department, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, manages 6 State owned National Parks, as well as 78 nature reserves, 66 of which are in State ownership. All of our National Parks are open to the public all year round and similarly so for Nature Reserves. It is estimated that 2 million visitors visit our national parks every year. Visitors can independently explore the parks, can do so as part of guided walks or can take part in the many educational programmes run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Information on public access to the National Parks and Nature Reserves and their scientific significance can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife’s website at www.npws.ie . To encourage and maximise use of these facilities, access is free of charge in all cases.
It is my intention to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, public access and appropriate visitor use in these parks and reserves. Such access and use must, of course, be consistent with the ethos of the parks as natural places of peace and tranquillity set in scenic landscapes as well as being compatible with the conservation and biodiversity considerations that are of necessity associated with the management of heritage properties. For example, National Parks and Nature Reserves are largely covered by designations under the Birds and Habitats Directives and all activities within these sites must be consistent with the requirements of the Directives.
Within the constraints imposed by current economic conditions, I intend to invest in visitor facilities in parks and nature reserves to maximise their sustainable use and enjoyment. To this end, and building on previous investment in this area, my Department is working on proposals to further develop visitor facilities such as walking and cycling routes, enhanced signage and interpretation.
As regards visitor centres, in recent years my Department opened modern top quality centres at Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo, and Clara Bog Nature Reserve in Co. Offaly. I recently announced that my Department has finalised a lease to facilitate the development of a new Burren National Park Visitor Information Point in Corofin, Co. Clare, and I am also developing proposals for the refurbishment and redevelopment of Killarney House in Killarney National Park.
There is significant evidence to suggest that Ireland's historic and natural environment is an increasingly important element of our national tourism product. Investment in the conservation of our built and natural heritage has the dual benefits of preserving these properties for the enjoyment of present and future generations while also improving the local and national economy through the generation and expansion of responsible sustainable tourism.
Our National Parks and nature reserves are there for all to enjoy and their locations around the country give everyone easy access to one of these areas of unrivalled natural rugged beauty.
Tax Reliefs
Robert Troy
Ceist:27 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has had any discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the extension of tax reliefs to encourage the gaming industry here. [16609/11]
Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations.
My Department's operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. Under that provision, tax relief is allowed for investments in qualifying films. This involves the administration of certain elements of the scheme regarding satisfying cultural criteria. The types of film eligible for certification are feature film, television drama, creative documentary and animation.
Currently, the Irish Film Board has no role in relation to the gaming industry. Similarly, Section 481 relates to film production only.
The Section 481 scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any enhancements necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance, as appropriate. The scheme has now been extended to the end of 2015.
As I have mentioned in this House previously, I am finalizing a five-year strategy for the sector that, among other issues, will address the most appropriate supports to develop the convergence between the audiovisual content industry and the games industry.
I hope to bring this strategy to Government in the coming weeks and, under the circumstances, do not feel it is appropriate to comment further at this time.
Heritage Sites
David Stanton
Ceist:28 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the plans of Irish Heritage Trust to acquire for public access any other major heritage properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16443/11]
David Stanton
Ceist:34 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 11 May 2011, when the review of the operation of Irish Heritage Trust will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16442/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 34 together.
The Irish Heritage Trust was established to acquire for public access major heritage properties where the State does not wish to acquire them directly and where there is an imminent risk to their heritage value. The Trust was established as an alternative mechanism to acquire major heritage properties, assisting in preventing a further decline in the nation's architectural heritage portfolio and opening them up to realise significant social and economic benefits. It is designated as a charity under the Companies Acts.
The reasons behind the foundation of the Trust are as valid today as they were in 2006 when it was established. The economic environment has, however, changed dramatically and this has impacted significantly on the availability of resources, both private and public, to support the work of the Trust.
My Department has commenced a review of the operation of the Trust against this backdrop, and in accordance with the intention that the Trust would be reviewed after its initial period of operation. I expect that the first phase of the review will be completed shortly. This will form the framework for discussions with the Trust with a view to the completion of the review over the coming months.
With regard to potential acquisitions, it was envisaged at its inception that each property acquired by the Trust would be accompanied by an endowment fund, largely provided by the State, sufficient to conserve, maintain and present the property to the public into the future. The level of State endowment funding was to diminish as the Trust's heritage portfolio grew. The Irish Heritage Trust has acquired Fota House in County Cork and my Department provided endowment funding to the Trust of €5 million towards the conservation and presentation of the property. Due to the difficult budgetary position, however, it has not been possible to continue State endowment funding to the Trust beyond the first acquisition.
In the dramatically changed economic circumstances, the Trust is focusing on property acquisition projects that will not require endowment funding from my Department. For some of these projects to be realised they may require the utilisation of the provisions of section 1003A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The Deputy will appreciate that, due to the sensitive nature of the Trust's discussions with individual property owners, it would not be appropriate for me to refer to any specific potential property acquisition.
Arts Funding
Liam Twomey
Ceist:29 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to fund projects that look at inter-country cultural events, with countries with which Ireland does not have an established cultural connection (details supplied). [16449/11]
The promotion of Irish arts worldwide is the responsibility of Culture Ireland, which operates as a constituent Division of my Department. The core programmes include a Quarterly Funding Schemewhich supports and enables emerging and established Irish artists and companies to present events or projects abroad. This scheme can be accessed by Irish artists and companies and also international venues and festivals. Applications should be submitted via Culture Ireland's web-based application process, which provides information on the criteria for eligibility and assessment and affords the appropriate channel for all applicants to put their case for funding, with each application assessed on its merits. Identification of geographic priorities is given ongoing consideration, taking account of the resources available and the Government's overall priorities for promoting Ireland abroad. Culture Ireland is addressing major developing markets, including China, India, Russia and Brazil in this context.
Commemorative Events
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:30 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a new national archive will form any part of the commemorative initiatives envisaged to mark the many centenary events in the coming decade; if the National Asset Management Agency properties might be considered in this context; the way he intends to deal with the current space constraints at the National Archives in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16444/11]
All of the Cultural Institutions, including the National Archives, under the remit of my Department will be consulted with a view to participating in the commemorative initiatives that will form part of the centenary celebrations.
The question of alternative properties for the national institutions, including those owned by the National Asset Management Agency properties, is a matter for the OPW.
In relation to the current space constraints in the National Archives, my Department is working in close co-operation with the OPW to improve the facilities there and I hope that substantial progress will be made in this regard by the end of the year.
Job Creation
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:31 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the full extent to which he expects to utilise the area of arts and heritage to contribute to job creation with particular reference to the need to avail of every means possible in the current economic climate to generate commercial activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16570/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and other bodies or groups under his aegis can assist economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16568/11]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 31 and 116 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has responsibility for the Arts, Heritage, the Irish Language and Islands sectors, which I am confident will play a key role in the context of this country's economic recovery and contribute to job creation over the coming period. Indeed, while the arts, culture and creative sectors are important for the social, cultural and educative benefits that they bring to communities around the country, they also constitute a significant sector of the economy, in terms of both contribution to GNP and to employment. As such, they can make an important contribution to sustainable economic recovery.
Over 3.5 million people visited our National Cultural Institutions and other cultural organisations supported by my Department last year. The priority in 2011 is to ensure that what the National Cultural Institutions offer to the public continues to draw large numbers of visitors, including both tourists from abroad and domestic tourists.
My Department also provides funding towards cultural initiatives aimed at enhancing the cultural tourism product and the provision of employment in the cultural tourism sector. This year, Dublin Contemporary 2011 (DC2011) will be an internationally recognised and acclaimed contemporary art exhibition/event in Dublin and will provide a highlight for cultural tourism in Ireland. My Department continues to support the provision of genealogical research into family histories and encourage roots tourism and I believe that this is an area of huge growth potential which will contribute to job creation and commercial activity.
As Minister with responsibility for heritage, I believe that Ireland's rich heritage can also play a central role in national economic recovery. During my term of office, I will promote the role which Ireland's heritage has to play in making Ireland an attractive destination for sustainable tourism and inward investment, both in terms of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department, which operates Ireland's national parks and nature reserves, and in terms of our unique built heritage, which distinguishes us and which make Ireland an attractive tourist location for both visitors and Irish people themselves. While resources are limited, I will look to work creatively across Government and with partner bodies such as the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust and other heritage interests in delivering high quality heritage protection and promotion.
Finally, the Deputy will be aware that Údarás na Gaeltachta, the State agency responsible for promoting the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht with the overall objective of ensuring that Irish remains the main language of the region, also comes within the remit of my Department. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work with Údarás over the coming years with a view to creating jobs and supporting commercial activity in the Gaeltacht region.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:32 D’fhiafraigh Dessie Ellis den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise é a bheith tugtha le fios ag Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga gur theip go leanúnach ar bhreis agus an ceathrú cuid de Ranna agus Oifigí Rialtais fiú an leibhéal seirbhíse is bunúsaí ar fad a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge do chustaiméirí ar an teileafón agus gur theip ar 29% eile, oiread seirbhíse trí Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil agus a chinnteodh go raibh a ndualgais reachtúla a gcomhlíonadh acu, cad iad na céimeanna atá á ghlacfaidh aige chun an scéal seo a leigheas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16438/11]
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:49 D’fhiafraigh Pearse Doherty den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise gur gheall na páirtithe Rialtais, mar chuid den Chlár Comhaontaithe Rialtais, go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, cén uair atá sé i gceist é sin a dhéanamh; cé a dhéanfaidh é agus cad iad na téarmaí tagartha atá leagtha síos ag an Aire dóibh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16435/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:105 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta gheall na páirtithe Rialtais, mar chuid den chlár comhaontaithe Rialtais, go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, cén uair atá sé i gceist é sin a dhéanamh; cé a dhéanfaidh é agus cad iad na téarmaí tagartha atá leagtha síos ag an Aire dóibh. [13217/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:108 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta tá sé tugtha le fios ag Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga gur theip go leanúnach ar bhreis agus an ceathrú cuid de Ranna agus Oifigí Rialtais fiú an leibhéal seirbhíse is bunúsaí ar fad a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge do chustaiméirí ar an teileafón agus gur theip ar 29% eile oiread seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil agus a chinnteodh go raibh a ndualgais reachtúla a gcomhlíonadh acu, cad iad na céimeanna atá an Rialtas chun glacadh leis an scéal seo a leigheas. [13220/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 49, 105 and 108 together.
Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom a mhiniú do na Teachtaí go gcoimeádtar feidhmiú Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla faoi bhreithniú ag mo Roinn ar bhonn leanúnach. Sa bhreis air sin, tá dualgas orm mar Aire, faoi alt 5 den Acht, feidhmiú an Achta a athbhreithniú go bliantúil agus tuairisc ina leith a leagan faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais. Tá tuairisc faoi na blianta éagsúla go 2009 ar fáil i Leabharlann an Oireachtais.
An méid sin ráite, tá athbhreithniú níos cuimsithí ar an Acht á bheartú ag mo Roinnse i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas atá sonraithe i gClár an Rialtais. Tá na céimeanna tosaigh le dlús a chur leis an athbhreithniú sin á dtógáil faoi láthair, ar a n-áirítear téarmaí tagartha sonracha, a thógfaidh san áireamh stádas na Gaeilge sa Bhunreacht, spriocanna sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus na bealaí is éifeachtaí chun seirbhísí an Stáit a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge. Tá i gceist go rachfar i gcomhairle leis na páirtithe leasmhara cuí, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga san áireamh, mar chuid den athbhreithniú. Maidir leis na céimeanna atá le tógáil ag an Rialtas chun a chinntiú go mbeidh seirbhísí Stáit trí Ghaeilge ar fáil ar bhonn leathan, ní miste aird a dhíriú ar an méid atá ráite sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge i ndáil le Bearta don Ghaeilge sa tSeirbhís Phoiblí, eadhon, nach mór cláir fheasachta agus cláir oiliúna teanga a fhorbairt chun go mbeadh cion níos mó d’fhoireann na seirbhíse poiblí in ann go fírinneach feidhmiiú i nGaeilge agus in ann seirbhísí a sholáthar i nGaeilge do chustaiméirí a bhíonn á n-iarraidh sin. Luann an Straitéis bearta sonracha ar leith chun tacú leis an chur chuige sin. Beidh an cur chuige is oiriúnaí chun feidhm a thabhairt do na bearta éagsúla sin á phlé ag mo Roinn leis na páirtithe leasmhara cuí mar chuid de phlean forfheidhmithe na Straitéise.
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:33 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta ar chas sé le toscaireacht ó Údarás na Gaeltachta, na héilimh a bhí ag an toscaireacht agus an freagra a tugadh dóibh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12807/11]
Mar a tuairiscaíodh go forleathan sna meáin ag an am, bhí cruinniú agam fhéin agus ag an Taoiseach le toscaireacht ó Údaras na Gaeltachta i mí Aibreáin seo caite. Tionóladh an cruinniú seo ar mhaithe le deis a thabhairt do bhaill an Údaráis a gcuid tuairimí maidir le ról agus struchtúr na heagraíochta sa todhchaí a chur in iúl. Cuireadh in iúl don toscaireacht ag an gcruinniú go gcuirfí a gcuid tuairimí san áireamh i gcomhthéacs an phlé a bhí ar bun ag an am ag an gCoiste Rialtais faoin Ghaeilge agus faoin Ghaeltacht maidir le todhchaí an Údaráis.
Ó shin i leith, tá cinntí mar a leanas maidir le struchtúir agus feidhmeanna Údarás na Gaeltachta tógtha ag an Rialtas: Go mairfidh an status quo maidir le feidhmeanna reatha na heagraíochta go ginearálta, a chuid feidhmeanna fiontraíochta san áireamh, faoi réir: foráil reachtúil a dhéanamh chun cumhacht a thabhairt don Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta treoir a thabhairt don Údarás a chuid acmhainní teoranta a dhíriú i dtreo earnálacha fiontraíochta ar leith; agus meicníocht a fhorbairt chun go mbeidh an tÚdarás in ann comhoibriú le háisíneachtaí fiontraíochta eile, ach go háirithe i gcás tograí suntasacha Gaeltachta a bhfuil poitéinseal ard acu.
Go mbeidh an fhreagracht maidir le forfheidhmiú na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge laistigh den Ghaeltacht ar Údarás na Gaeltachta. Go ndéanfar foráil faoin mBille Gaeltachta atá beartaithe chun Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta a laghdú go suntasach agus chun deireadh a chur leis an riachtanas do thoghcháin. Mar eolas don Teachta, i bhfianaise na gcinntí seo, tá iarrtha agam ar oifigigh mo Roinne cead na Roinne Airgeadais a lorg chun post Phríomhfheidhmeannach na heagraíochta a fhógairt.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 28.
Straitéis 20 Bliain
Ceist:
35 D’fhiafraigh Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta faoin méid oibre atá déanta ar an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12965/11]
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:56 D’fhiafraigh Eamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta faoin méid oibre atá déanta ar an Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12965/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna 35 agus 56 le chéile.
Ó tháinig an Rialtas seo i bhfeidhm, ta dul chun cinn suntasach déanta maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Mar thoradh ar an gcruinniú Rialtas ar 31 Bealtaine 2011, tá cinntí polasaí críochnúla tógtha maidir leis
an sainmhíniú nua ar an nGaeltacht, a bheith bunaithe feasta ar chritéir theangeolaíocha; agus
na struchtúir fhorfheidhmithe a chuirfear i bhfeidhm faoin Straitúis.
Cuirfear na cinntí seo san áireamh i mBille Gaeltachta agus táthar ag súil go bhfoilseofar an Bille a luaithe agus is féidir, ag brath ar amchlár reachtaíochta an Rialtais.
Chomh fada is a bhaineann le forfheidhmiú na Straitéise tá cinneadh tógtha ag an Rialtas go mbeidh an cur chuige a leanas ann:
Fanfaidh an lár-fhreagracht maidir le gnóthaí Gaeilge, laistigh agus lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht araon, ar mo Roinn féin.
Leanfaidh Foras na Gaeilge ag feidhmiú mar áisíneacht den bhForas Teanga Forfheidhmithe Thuaidh Theas.
Beidh mo Roinnse, i gcomhpháirtíocht le páirtnéirí ábhartha Stáit, freagrach as cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Sa chomhthéacs sin, breathnófar ar na féidearthachtaí go bhféadfadh Foras na Gaeilge seachadadh a dhéanamh ar eilimintí áirithe den Straitéis ar bhonn comhaontaithe.
Beidh Údarás na Gaeltachta freagrach as cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise laistigh den Ghaeltacht.
Mar sin, tá i gceist go leanfaidh Údarás na Gaeltachta ag comhlíonadh a chuid feidhmeanna go ginearálta, an fheidhm fhiontraíochta san áireamh. Mar aitheantas ar na laincisí buiséid faoina gcaithfidh Ranna Rialtais agus eagrais Stáit feidhmiú san am i láthair, an tÚdarás san áireamh, déanfar foráil reachtúil faoin mBille Gaeltachta chun cumhacht a thabhairt don Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta treoir a thabhairt don Údarás a chuid achmainní teoranta a dhíriú i dtreo earnálacha fiontraíochta ar leith. Ar mhaithe le cur chuige níos comhtháite a chinntiú, déanfar meicníocht a fhorbairt le féachaint chuige go mbeidh comhoibriú idir Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Fiontraíocht Éireann/IDA, ach go háirithe i gcás tograí suntasacha Gaeltachta a bhfuil poitéinseal ard acu.
Chomh maith leis an méid seo ar fad, tá cinneadh tógtha líon na gcomhaltaí ar Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta a laghdú go suntasach agus deireadh a chur leis an riachtanas do thoghcháin. Tá sé i gceist go dtiocfar ar mheicníocht faoin mBille Gaeltachta le gur féidir comhaltaí ó údaráis áitiúla a bhfuil limistéir Ghaeltachta faoina gcúram a ainmniú ar Bhord an Údaráis. I dteannta leis sin, meastar go mbeidh comhaltaí eile le hainmniú ag an Aire, mar thoradh, inter alia, ar shaineolas ar leith a bheith acu i réimsí gnímh an Údaráis.
Is léir, mar sin, go bhfuil dul chun cinn á dhéanamh agus go bhfuil aghaidh á thabhairt ar na céimeanna is gá a thógáil chun an Straitéis a chur chun cinn laistigh de na hacmhainní teoranta atá ar fáil san cúinsí eacnamaíochta reatha.
Turbary Rights
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:36 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if persons who cut turf on the 32 raised bogs designated as special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive can cut, save and harvest turf this year without facing penalties. [16484/11]
The effective cessation of turf-cutting on 31 SAC sites was confirmed by a decision of the previous Government in May 2010 and had immediate effect. In addition, 2011 is also the final cutting season for a further 24 raised bog SACs.
On the 5th April this year, the Government made a number of decisions to give effect to these cessations, including the putting in place of a compensation package for those who are required to cease cutting and the establishment of an independently chaired Peatlands Council to represent the interests of affected parties. The Council includes representatives from the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, Irish Rural Link, Bord na Móna, An Taisce and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Following reports of ongoing turf cutting on a small number of the 31 bogs, and severe concerns expressed by myself, the European Commission and Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations, the Peatlands Council held an emergency meeting on the 1st of June. The Council and all its members accepted that turf cutting could not continue on these raised bog SACs and representatives of the turf cutting contractors agreed to contact their members to ensure that no further cutting would occur. The Peatlands Council also recommended that those who had cut turf this year should be allowed to take it home as the damage to these bogs had already occurred and the removal of the turf would not cause further damage. I welcomed the agreement at the Peatlands Council on 1 June and stated that we now have a clear understanding that turf-cutting cannot continue on these sites and that the requirements of the Directive must be met.
I also acknowledged that the needs of turf-cutters must be further explored and addressed as soon as possible. I also commended all those who refrained from cutting turf this year following the Government's decision and I invited all turf-cutters in these sites to engage with my Department, which is currently hosting local clinics, in order to progress compensation and relocation arrangements. Issues in relation to prosecution or penalties will be kept under review in the light of compliance with the agreement not to cut turf on these sites. Any person who has had turf cut on these bogs during 2011 will not qualify for payment from the compensation scheme this year.
I have put in place a system of monitoring to ensure that no further cutting takes place on the affected bogs. Any person found engaged in such activity will be pursued through prosecution and/or cross compliance.
Tionscnamh Post
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:37 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise gur gheall an Rialtas seo, mar chuid den Chlár Chomhaontaithe Rialtais go gcuirfí deiseanna nua fostaíochta ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht ach gan aon tagairt shonrach dó sin a bheith sa Tionscnamh Post a fógraíodh cúpla seachtain ó shin, an féidir leis an Aire léargas a thabhairt ar na céimeanna a ghlacfaidh an Rialtas agus ar na hacmhainní a chuirfear ar fáil chun tacú le caomhnú agus cruthú fostaíochta sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16434/11]
Ceist:
48 D’fhiafraigh Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén fáth nach bhfuil airgead curtha ar fáil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta don Scéim Feabhsúcháin Gaeltachta, d’fhorbairt na n-oileán agus don Tionscnamh Post; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16613/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:103 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén fáth nár cuireadh, mar chuid den chlár Rialtais, deiseanna nua fostaíochta ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht, .cén fáth nach bhfuil aon tagairt shonrach dó sin sa Tionscnamh Post a fograíodh an tseachtain seo caite; an feidir leis an aire léargas a thabhairt ar na céimeanna a ghlacfaidh an Rialtas agus na hacmhainní a chuirfidh sé ar fail chun tacú le caomnhú agus cruthú fostaíochta sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [13215/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 37, 48 agus 103 le chéile.
Is scéimeanna de chuid na Roinne Ealaíon, Oidhreacha agus Gaeltachta féin, seachas Údarás na Gaeltachta, iad an Scéim Feabhsúcháin Gaeltachta agus an Ciste um Fhorbairt Oileán. Is é an soláthar airgid atá curtha ar fáil i Vóta mo Roinne i gcomhar na scéimeanna seo i 2011 ná: Oileáin (Caipiteal), €3.7m; Seirbhísí Iompair Oileánda, €5.7m; Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin Gaeltachta, €2.5m.
Ar ndóigh, cruthaíodh an Tionscnamh Post, a fograíodh i mí Bealtaine, chun fostaíocht a spreagadh ar fud an Stáit, na ceantair Ghaeltachta san áireamh. Ta roinnt mhaith gnéithe den Tionscnamh seo a mbeidh tionchar nach beag acu ar ghníomhaíochtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta chun eacnamaíocht na Gaeltachta a fhorbairt. San áireamh anseo tá:
an laghdú sa ráta CBL (VAT) i leith seirbhísí san earnáil turasóireachta;
an laghdú ar an ráta ASPC (PRSI) d'fhostóirí i leith post a íocann suas go €356 in aghaidh na seachtaine;
an tionscnamh chun soláthar creidmheasa don earnáil fhiontraíochta a eascú; agus
rochtain níos fear ar dheiseanna soláthair a fhorbairt chun tacú le comhlachtaí.
Mar aon leis seo, cuireann mo Roinnse maoiniú ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta chun cuidiú leis a chuid spriocanna a bhaint amach. Ta suim de €6 milliún curtha ar fáil i Vóta mo Roinne mar sholáthar caipitil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain reatha. Anuas ar an tsuim seo, tá sé curtha in iúl ag an Údarás go mbeidh fáil aige ar thuairim is €7.5 milliún eile i mbliana ó dhíol socmhainní.
Is léir mar sin, go mbeidh tionchar dearfach ag an Tionscnamh Post agus ag an tacaíocht atá mo Roinn féin ag cur ar fáil don eagraíocht ar an obair leanúnach atá ar bun ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun deiseanna fostaíochta a chaomhnú agus a chruthú do phobal na Gaeltachta.
Abbey Theatre
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:38 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to bring forward proposals arising from the feasibility group investigating the possible relocation of the Abbey Theatre to the GPO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16483/11]
Following consideration of the matter by the Government, it has been decided not to proceed with the re-location of the Abbey Theatre to the GPO complex. This decision has been taken after a thorough examination of the Feasibility Study prepared by my Department and the Office of Public Works on the matter. The Feasibility Study was published on 17th June on the website of my Department. This decision was taken on the basis of the very significant potential costs involved, as well as on grounds of technical complexity, historical appropriateness, planning, conservation and heritage issues. Other significant factors in the decision related to the tenure and relocation of exiting tenants of the GPO complex, including An Post.
Arts Funding
Martin Ferris
Ceist:39 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his proposals to support community-based art projects throughout the State. [16488/11]
Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is independent in its day to day operations, including funding decisions. The allocation to the Arts Council for 2011 is €65.127m.
Údarás an Gaeltachta
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:40 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta céard go díreach is brí leis an bhfógra ón Aire Stáit um ghnóthaí Gaeltachta, an Teachta Dinny McGinley, go mbeidh comhoibriú foirmeálta idir Údarás an Gaeltachta agus an IDA agus Fiontraíocht Éireann amach anseo ós rud é go bhfuil caidreamh oibre eatarthu cheana féin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16440/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:111 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an féidir leis an Aire soiléiriú a thabhairt maidir le todhchaí Údarás an Gaeltachta; an bhfuil sé i gceist aige an struchtúr a fhagáil mar atá; an bhfuil sé chun cead a thabhairt don eagraíocht Príomhfheidhmeannach nua a cheapadh agus toghchán a reáchtáil chun bord nua a thoghadh. [13223/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 40 agus 111 le chéile.
Thóg an Rialtas cinneadh ar 31 Bealtaine 2011 go mairfidh an status quo maidir le feidhmeanna reatha Údarás na Gaeltachta go ginearálta, a chuid feidhmeanna fiontraíochta san áireamh, faoi réir:
(a) foráil reachtúil a dhéanamh chun cumhacht a thabhairt don Údarás a chuid acmhainní teoranta a dhíriú i dtreo earnálacha fiontraíochta ar leith; agus
(b) meicníocht a fhorbairt chun go mbeidh an tÚdarás in ann comhoibriú le haisíneachtaí fiontraíochta eile, ach go háirithe i gcás tograí suntasacha Gaeltachta a bhfuil poitéinseal ard acu.
Chinn an Rialtas freisin go mbeidh an fhreagracht maidir le forfheidhmiú na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge laistigh den Ghaeltacht ar Údarás na Gaeltachta agus go ndéanfar foráil faoin mBille Gaeltachta atá beartaithe chun Bord an Údaráis a laghdú go suntasach agus chun deireadh a chur leis an riachtanas do thoghcháin.
Ag eascairt as na gcinntí sin, tá iarrtha agam ar oifigigh mo Roinne comhráite a thionscnamh lena gcuid comhghleacaithe sa Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe agus sa Roinn Post, Fiontar agus Nualaíochta chun an mheicníocht seo a fhorbairt. Beidh ionchur ag na háisínteachtaí forbartha fiontraíochta sna comhráite seo chomh maith, dar ndóigh. Glacaim leis an méid a deir an Teachta maidir le comhoibriú a bheith ann cheana idir Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fiontraíocht Éireann agus an tÚdarás um Fhorbairt Tionsclaíoch, ach leis an mheicníocht nua seo, táim ag súil go mbeidh bealach níos córasach ann chun a chinntiú go bhfaighfear an luach is fearr ó thaobh airgid agus cruthú fostaíochta don Ghaeltacht ó na hacmhainní teoranta atá ar fáil don Stát sna cúinsí eacnamaíochta reatha.
Tá iarrtha agam fosta ar oifigigh mo Roinne cead na Roinne Airgeadais a lorg chun post Phríomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta a líonadh ar bhonn buan.
Special Areas of Conservation
Barry Cowen
Ceist:41 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if further environmental designations (details supplied) are planned; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12808/11]
The process of designating Ireland's suite of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) is almost complete. It has been necessary for Ireland to revisit its designation of SACs and SPAs following two separate judgments of the European Court of Justice.
Ireland's suite of candidate SACs, adopted by the European Commission in 2008, extends to 423 sites countrywide. Ireland is required to add to its marine SAC sites and progress in this regard will be made over the coming period.
It should be noted that the Habitats Directive requires a final designation process to formally adopt candidate SACs as SACs. The final steps in this process require formal designation of the sites by statutory instrument and the notification of owners and users that these sites have statutory protection. This stage of the process will commence shortly.
Some 135 SPAs, of an eventual network of 153 sites, have already been classified in accordance with the terms of the Birds Directive as clarified by the European Court of Justice in its judgment against Ireland in case 418/04. Eighteen SPAs remain to be notified and this will happen over the coming months as the scientific data and maps for the sites are finalized. All SPAs will also be formally designated through statutory instrument and this process has been completed for 80 of the 150 sites. Owners and users will also be notified that these sites have statutory protection.
The issue of formally designating further proposed NHAs will be considered further once the SAC and SPA designation programme is complete.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:42 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the full extent of area and location area of land, shorelines, river basins and bog lands currently protected by special areas of conservation or other conservation measures on foot of various EU directives; the further extent and or areas the subject of future conservation orders in respect of which agreement has been reached with the EU authorities; the degree to which the full impact of any such provisions has been evaluated from an economic viewpoint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16569/11]
The designation of Ireland's suite of candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) is almost complete. The schedules below list Ireland's suite of cSACs (Schedule 1) and SPAs (Schedule 2) classified to date with the area in hectares for each site. Some sites cross county boundaries and therefore feature more than once in the Schedules.
The eventual number of SACs will marginally increase when further marine sites are added. The amount of land subject to this designation will not change significantly.
Some 135 SPAs, of an eventual network of 153 sites, have already been classified in accordance with the terms of the Birds Directive, as clarified by the European Court of Justice in its judgment against Ireland in case 418/04. Eighteen SPAs remain to be notified and this will happen over the coming weeks as the scientific data and maps for the sites are finalised.
Ireland is obliged under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives to base its site designations programme on scientific criteria. In addition, rulings of the European Court of Justice have clarified that member States may not take account of economic, social and cultural requirements when selecting sites of community importance or classifying SPAs.
|
Schedule 1 — Special Areas of Conservation |
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Date 21/06/2011. Based on 1:10,560 series, Irish Grid map projection. |
|||||||||||
|
County codes |
|||||||||||
|
CL |
Clare |
CO |
Cork |
CV |
Cavan |
CW |
Carlow |
DG |
Donegal |
DU |
Dublin |
|
GA |
Galway |
KD |
Kildare |
KE |
Kerry |
KK |
Kilkenny |
LA |
Laois |
LE |
Leitrim |
|
LF |
Longford |
LH |
Louth |
LI |
Limerick |
MA |
Mayo |
ME |
Meath |
MO |
Monaghan |
|
OF |
Offaly |
RO |
Roscommon |
SL |
Sligo |
TI |
Tipperary |
WA |
Waterford |
WI |
Wicklow |
|
WM |
Westmeath |
WX |
Wexford |
|
Schedule 2 — Special Protection Areas |
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Date 21/06/2011. Based on 1:10,560 series, Irish Grid map projection. |
|||||||||||
|
County codes |
|||||||||||
|
CL |
Clare |
CO |
Cork |
CV |
Cavan |
CW |
Carlow |
DG |
Donegal |
DU |
Dublin |
|
GA |
Galway |
KD |
Kildare |
KE |
Kerry |
KK |
Kilkenny |
LA |
Laois |
LE |
Leitrim |
|
LF |
Longford |
LH |
Louth |
LI |
Limerick |
MA |
Mayo |
ME |
Meath |
MO |
Monaghan |
|
OF |
Offaly |
RO |
Roscommon |
SL |
Sligo |
TI |
Tipperary |
WA |
Waterford |
WI |
Wicklow |
|
WM |
Westmeath |
WX |
Wexford |
|
Site code |
County |
Site name |
Area [ha] |
|
004002 |
WX |
Saltee Islands SPA |
871.00 |
|
004003 |
KE |
Puffin Island SPA |
349.29 |
|
004004 |
MA |
Inishkea Islands SPA |
1330.33 |
|
004005 |
CL |
Cliffs of Moher SPA |
874.32 |
|
004006 |
DU |
North Bull Island SPA |
1944.30 |
|
004007 |
KE |
Skelligs SPA |
624.35 |
|
004008 |
KE |
Blasket Islands SPA |
3621.94 |
|
004009 |
WX |
Lady’s Island Lake SPA |
478.81 |
|
004015 |
DU |
Rogerstown Estuary SPA |
645.62 |
|
004016 |
DU |
Baldoyle Bay SPA |
262.77 |
|
004019 |
WX |
The Raven SPA |
4206.50 |
|
004020 |
WX |
Ballyteigue Burrow SPA |
660.53 |
|
004021 |
CO |
Old Head Of Kinsale SPA |
53.65 |
|
004022 |
CO |
Ballycotton Bay SPA |
281.34 |
|
004023 |
CO |
Ballymacoda Bay SPA |
586.48 |
|
004024 |
DU |
Sandymount Strand/Tolka Estuary SPA |
2194.11 |
|
004025 |
DU |
Broadmeadow/Swords Estuary SPA |
764.96 |
|
004026 |
LH |
Dundalk Bay SPA |
13243.53 |
|
004027 |
WA |
Tramore Back Strand SPA |
675.98 |
|
004028 |
CO |
Blackwater Estuary SPA |
166.90 |
|
004028 |
WA |
Blackwater Estuary SPA |
697.18 |
|
004029 |
KE |
Castlemaine Harbour SPA |
12403.02 |
|
004030 |
CO |
Cork Harbour SPA |
2587.25 |
|
004031 |
CL |
Inner Galway Bay SPA |
3052.01 |
|
004031 |
GA |
Inner Galway Bay SPA |
10216.46 |
|
004032 |
WA |
Dungarvan Harbour SPA |
2219.04 |
|
004033 |
WX |
Bannow Bay SPA |
1363.92 |
|
004034 |
DG |
Trawbreaga Bay SPA |
1518.31 |
|
004035 |
SL |
Cummeen Strand SPA |
1732.43 |
|
004036 |
MA |
Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA |
2321.11 |
|
004036 |
SL |
Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA |
882.28 |
|
004037 |
MA |
Blacksod Bay/Broadhaven SPA |
8314.33 |
|
004039 |
DG |
Glenveagh National Park SPA |
31509.17 |
|
004040 |
DU |
Wicklow Mountains SPA |
1368.23 |
|
004040 |
WI |
Wicklow Mountains SPA |
28654.45 |
|
004041 |
CL |
Ballyallia Lough SPA |
140.80 |
|
004043 |
WM |
Lough Derravarragh SPA |
1130.58 |
|
004044 |
WM |
Lough Ennell SPA |
1398.27 |
|
004045 |
LF |
Glen Lough SPA |
24.44 |
|
004045 |
WM |
Glen Lough SPA |
57.87 |
|
004046 |
WM |
Lough Iron SPA |
933.75 |
|
004047 |
WM |
Lough Owel SPA |
1119.13 |
|
004048 |
RO |
Lough Gara SPA |
301.86 |
|
004048 |
SL |
Lough Gara SPA |
1388.64 |
|
004049 |
CV |
Lough Oughter SPA |
1974.05 |
|
004050 |
RO |
Lough Arrow SPA |
64.78 |
|
004050 |
SL |
Lough Arrow SPA |
1273.70 |
|
004051 |
MA |
Lough Carra SPA |
1761.03 |
|
004052 |
MA |
Carrowmore Lake SPA |
965.93 |
|
004056 |
GA |
Lough Cutra SPA |
386.89 |
|
004057 |
DG |
Lough Derg (Donegal) SPA |
890.27 |
|
004060 |
DG |
Lough Fern SPA |
300.04 |
|
004061 |
CV |
Lough Kinale And Derragh Lough SPA |
44.45 |
|
004061 |
LF |
Lough Kinale And Derragh Lough SPA |
208.81 |
|
004061 |
WM |
Lough Kinale And Derragh Lough SPA |
28.94 |
|
004062 |
GA |
Lough Mask SPA |
783.88 |
|
004062 |
MA |
Lough Mask SPA |
7955.51 |
|
004063 |
KD |
Poulaphouca Reservoir SPA |
30.42 |
|
004063 |
WI |
Poulaphouca Reservoir SPA |
1979.95 |
|
004065 |
CV |
Lough Sheelin SPA |
1124.40 |
|
004065 |
ME |
Lough Sheelin SPA |
453.50 |
|
004065 |
WM |
Lough Sheelin SPA |
323.85 |
|
004066 |
CO |
The Bull And The Cow Rocks SPA |
380.28 |
|
004068 |
SL |
Inishmurray SPA |
235.20 |
|
004069 |
DU |
Lambay Island SPA |
599.56 |
|
004072 |
MA |
Stags Of Broad Haven SPA |
136.44 |
|
004074 |
MA |
Illanmaster SPA |
165.01 |
|
004075 |
DG |
Lough Swilly SPA |
8563.98 |
|
004076 |
WX |
Wexford Harbour And Slobs SPA |
5996.11 |
|
004077 |
CL |
River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA |
20039.00 |
|
004077 |
KE |
River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA |
5070.00 |
|
004077 |
LI |
River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA |
7150.00 |
|
004080 |
LH |
Boyne Estuary SPA |
407.63 |
|
004080 |
ME |
Boyne Estuary SPA |
186.05 |
|
004081 |
CO |
Clonakilty Bay SPA |
507.98 |
|
004082 |
DG |
Greers Isle SPA |
19.14 |
|
004084 |
MA |
Inishglora And Inishkeeragh SPA |
382.06 |
|
004086 |
OF |
River Little Brosna Callows SPA |
407.17 |
|
004086 |
TI |
River Little Brosna Callows SPA |
701.95 |
|
004087 |
DG |
Lough Foyle SPA |
587.93 |
|
004089 |
GA |
Rahasane Turlough SPA |
380.10 |
|
004090 |
DG |
Sheskinmore Lough SPA |
563.28 |
|
004091 |
LH |
Stabannan-Braganstown SPA |
252.00 |
|
004092 |
WX |
Tacumshin Lake SPA |
479.11 |
|
004093 |
MA |
Termoncarragh Lake And Annagh Machair SPA |
406.16 |
|
004094 |
CO |
Blackwater Callows SPA |
390.52 |
|
004094 |
WA |
Blackwater Callows SPA |
647.66 |
|
004095 |
CO |
Kilcolman Bog SPA |
56.74 |
|
004096 |
GA |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA |
1510.15 |
|
004096 |
OF |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA |
1979.96 |
|
004096 |
RO |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA |
1318.69 |
|
004096 |
TI |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA |
675.04 |
|
004096 |
WM |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA |
333.53 |
|
004097 |
GA |
River Suck Callows SPA |
1497.36 |
|
004097 |
RO |
River Suck Callows SPA |
1686.04 |
|
004098 |
MA |
Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA |
25703.81 |
|
004100 |
DG |
Inishtrahull SPA |
474.45 |
|
004107 |
GA |
Coole-Garryland SPA |
520.17 |
|
004110 |
DG |
Lough Nillan Bog SPA |
4116.93 |
|
004111 |
MA |
Duvillaun Islands SPA |
530.03 |
|
004113 |
DU |
Howth Head Coast SPA |
207.82 |
|
004114 |
CL |
Illaunonearaun SPA |
45.97 |
|
004115 |
DG |
Inishduff SPA |
46.50 |
|
004116 |
DG |
Inishkeel SPA |
124.46 |
|
004117 |
DU |
Ireland’s Eye SPA |
214.52 |
|
004118 |
WX |
Keeragh Islands SPA |
80.04 |
|
004119 |
CL |
Loop Head SPA |
377.16 |
|
004120 |
DG |
Rathlin O’Birne Island SPA |
153.61 |
|
004121 |
DG |
Roaninish SPA |
145.82 |
|
004122 |
DU |
Skerries Islands SPA |
217.21 |
|
004124 |
CO |
Sovereign Islands SPA |
28.71 |
|
004129 |
SL |
Ballysadare Bay SPA |
2129.97 |
|
004134 |
GA |
Lough Rea SPA |
365.57 |
|
004135 |
SL |
Ardboline Island And Horse Island SPA |
148.36 |
|
004136 |
MA |
Clare Island SPA |
1006.16 |
|
004137 |
OF |
Dovegrove Callows SPA |
124.56 |
|
004139 |
RO |
Lough Croan Turlough SPA |
151.33 |
|
004140 |
RO |
Four Roads Turlough SPA |
99.64 |
|
004142 |
GA |
Cregganna Marsh SPA |
167.93 |
|
004143 |
WX |
Cahore Marshes SPA |
191.61 |
|
004144 |
GA |
High Island, Inishshark and Davillaun SP |
1217.65 |
|
004145 |
DG |
Durnesh Lough SPA |
144.47 |
|
004150 |
DG |
West Donegal Coast SPA |
3378.01 |
|
004151 |
DG |
Donegal Bay SPA |
10460.34 |
|
004152 |
GA |
Inishmore SPA |
1879.04 |
|
004153 |
KE |
Dingle Peninsula SPA |
3913.19 |
|
004154 |
KE |
Iveragh Peninsula SPA |
3488.49 |
|
004155 |
CO |
Beara Peninsula SPA |
2613.22 |
|
004156 |
CO |
Sheep’s Head to Toe Head SPA |
2501.19 |
|
004158 |
ME |
Ruver Nanny Estuary And Shore SPA |
216.00 |
|
004160 |
LA |
Sieve Bloom Mountains SPA |
15122.56 |
|
004160 |
OF |
Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA |
6663.12 |
|
004161 |
CO |
Stack’s to Mullaghareirks, West Limerick Hills and ? |
13857.55 |
|
004161 |
KE |
Stack’s to Mullaghareirks, West Limerick Hills and ? |
24509.50 |
|
004161 |
LI |
Stack’s to Mullaghareirks, West Limerick Hills and ? |
18316.61 |
|
004162 |
CO |
Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains SPA |
4977.78 |
|
004165 |
LI |
Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains SPA |
4555.59 |
|
004165 |
TI |
Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains SPA |
16366.54 |
|
004167 |
MO |
Slieve Beagh SPA |
3456.83 |
|
004168 |
CL |
Slieve Aughty Mountains SPA |
27826.47 |
|
004168 |
GA |
Slieve Aughty Mountains SPA |
31657.44 |
|
004170 |
GA |
Cruagh Island SPA |
292.57 |
|
004172 |
DU |
Dalkey Islands SPA |
83.08 |
|
004175 |
KE |
Deenish Island and Scariff Island SPA |
845.72 |
|
004177 |
MA |
Bills Rocks SPA |
149.72 |
|
004181 |
GA |
Connemara Bog Complex SPA |
19214.00 |
|
004182 |
CL |
Mid-Clare Coast SPA |
4640.65 |
|
004186 |
WI |
The Murrough SPA |
941.19 |
|
004187 |
LE |
Sligo/Leitrim Uplands SPA |
632.49 |
|
004187 |
SL |
Sligo/Leitrim Uplands SPA |
1101.81 |
|
004189 |
KE |
Kerry Head SPA |
962.25 |
|
004190 |
CO |
Galley Head to Duneen Point SPA |
416.28 |
|
004191 |
CO |
Seven Heads SPA |
447.05 |
|
004192 |
WA |
Helvick Head to Ballyquin SPA |
784.66 |
|
004193 |
WA |
Mid-Waterford Coast SPA |
937.47 |
|
004194 |
DG |
Horn Head to Fanad Head SPA |
2430.70 |
|
004212 |
MA |
Cross Lough (Killadoon) SPA |
26.75 |
|
004219 |
CO |
Courtmacsherry Bay SPA |
1299.27 |
|
004220 |
CL |
Corofin Wetlands SPA |
601.62 |
|
004221 |
GA |
Illaunnanoon SPA |
19.79 |
|
004228 |
MA |
Lough Conn and Lough Cullin SPA |
6461.59 |
|
004232 |
SEVERAL |
River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA |
460.00 |
|
004132 |
DG |
Illancrone And Inishkeeragh SPA |
419.58 |
|
004233 |
SEVERAL |
River Nore SPA |
415.00 |
Performing Arts
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:43 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the possibility of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann taking place in Derry in 2013. [16490/11]
The location of this event is not a matter for consideration by me or my Department. This is entirely a matter for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Environmental Policy
Michael Colreavy
Ceist:44 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an environmental impact assessment has been carried out on raised bogs designated as special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas; the way this compares with the assessments of the impacts of turf cutting on designated raised bogs project, also known as the Fernandez report, which estimates that less than 1% of raised bogs were lost in the past ten years due to turf cutting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16487/11]
Environmental Impact Assessments are required where particular projects, within the meaning of the EU EIA Directives, are proposed to be carried out. The assessments normally form part of relevant consent procedures within Member States. Peat extraction is one category of project which falls within the remit of the Directives. The criteria under which peat extraction projects would require an Environmental Impact Assessment in Ireland are set out in the Planning and Development Regulations under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 and under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations made under the European Communities Acts.
My Department is not aware that consent has been sought under these Regulations, or Environmental Impact Assessment carried out, for any peat extraction project on a designated bog in recent years.
The Assessment of Impacts of Turf Cutting on Designated Raised Bogs Report (Fernandez Report), (2006) was a study carried out to review the impact on all designated bogs in Ireland of turf cutting, and to develop appropriate responses to these impacts. The Fernandez Report showed that domestic turf cutting was taking place on 117 of the 139 designated bogs. It also found that increased mechanisation of turf cutting has generally been associated with an intensification of drainage of the cut over and high bog.
A separate study completed by Fernandez in 2005 assessed the conservation status of almost 50% of the designated raised bog sites in Ireland. The study concluded that turf cutting activities and raised bog conservation were incompatible. It found that there had been an almost 37% decrease in the extent of the priority habitat type "active raised bog" on these bogs in a 10 year period. In the same period, approximately 1% of the high bog area had been cut away. The major cause of the decrease in the extent of these internationally important habitats, that this country is obliged by Irish and EU legislation to protect, was identified in the Fernandez report as domestic turf cutting and drainage works.
Performing Arts
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:45 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the circumstances which led to the recent collapse of the Irish National Opera Company; the losses incurred by the State; his plans to rejuvenate opera here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16491/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to today's Priority Question No. 12 (ref: 16749/11).
Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:46 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise é a bheith ráite ag an Aire go bhfuil sé chun deireadh a chur le scéim labhairt na Gaeilge sa riocht ina bhfuil sé, nach n-aontaíonn sé go mbeadh sé níos fearr dá ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar dtús agus scéim nua chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc an phobail a bheith pléite agus aontaithe sula gcuirfí deireadh leis an scéim reatha; cén scéim a thiocfaidh in áit scéim labhairt na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16439/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:109 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise é a bheith ráite ag an Aire go bhfuil sé chun deireadh a chur le scéim labhairt na Gaeilge sa riocht ina bhfuil sé; nach n-aontaíonn sé go mbeadh sé níos fearr athbhreithniú a bheith déanta ar dtús, scéim nua chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc an phobail a bheith pléite agus aontaithe sula gcuirfí deireadh leis an scéim reatha; cén scéim a thiocfaidh in áit scéim labhairt na Gaeilge. [13221/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 46 agus 109 le chéile.
Mar is eol don Teachta, rinne an Rialtas deiridh cinneadh críoch a chur le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge agus, mar sin, ní bheidh an scéim sin i bhfeidhm sa Ghaeltacht ó dheireadh na scoilbhliana reatha. Bhí moltaí agus tuairimí éagsúla faoin scéim faighte ag mo Roinnse ag dul siar go Coimisiún na Gaeltachta 2002. Is é an deacracht is mó a bhain leis an scéim nach raibh sí ag freastal ar theaghlaigh Gaeltachta le páistí roimh aois scoile agus, dá bhrí sin, ní raibh tionchar a dhóthain aici ar shealbhú teanga sa teaghlach.
Tá sé i gceist ag mo Roinnse scéim nua tacaíochta a chur ina háit, a thabharfaidh deis níos fearr do pháisti óga an Ghaeilge a shealbhú go nádúrtha cois teallaigh sula mbaintear an scoil amach. Beidh aon scéim nua ag teacht le haidhmeanna na Stráitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Táthar ag scrudú na bhféidearthachtaí éagsúla a bhaineann leis an gceist faoi láthair.
Cultural Institutions
Denis Naughten
Ceist:47 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps which he is taking to maximise the use of State exhibits and exhibitions currently held in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16446/11]
The Deputy will appreciate that the management of exhibitions and exhibition material is an operational matter for which the individual institutions have responsibility and this is reflected, in particular, in the legislative basis under which the national institutions such as the National Museum, National Gallery and National Library operate. I am, however, arranging to have the Deputy's interest in these matters conveyed to the Directors of the relevant institutions.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 32.
Commemorative Events
Micheál Martin
Ceist:50 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views that intervention to properly secure the future of 14-17 Moore Street Dublin, and its environs should be a priority in the run up to the 1916 centenary. [14535/11]
Firstly, in relation to the 1916 centenary celebrations, the Deputy is no doubt aware that the Taoiseach has announced his intention to establish a consultative group to make preparations for a major celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Rising in 2016 and has received nominations from partly leaders to same. He is now making arrangements to include representatives of independent Deputies and Senators. I will, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, be chairing that group.
In regard to Moore Street, the position is that, in January 2007, the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government placed a preservation order on Nos. 14 to 17 under the National Monuments Acts. The order was made on the grounds that No. 16 Moore Street is a monument, the preservation of which is of national importance by reason of its historical significance as the site of the final council of war and final headquarters of the Provisional Government, which included five of the Proclamation signatories — Pearse, Connolly, Plunkett, Clarke and McDermott.
The purpose of the preservation order is to ensure the preservation of No. 16 Moore Street in the context of wider redevelopment proposals centred on the former Carlton Cinema site. To achieve this objective, the order also covers Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street and includes the yards to the rear of Nos. 15 and 16 Moore Street, extending to Nos. 8 and 9 Moore Lane. The effect of the order is that works affecting these properties, including any excavation or ground disturbance within, around or in proximity to them, will require my prior written consent under the National Monuments Acts.
In relation to any plans for development work at Nos 14 — 17, I must point out that the buildings are in private ownership. The preservation order does not confer on the Minister the power to carry out works to such a privately owned National Monument and the purpose of the order is to protect the monument from any danger of being destroyed, injured or removed.
The proposed development of the Carlton Cinema site, in accordance with the permission granted by An Bord Pleanála, envisages the retention of Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street and, subject to ministerial consent under the National Monuments Acts, No. 16 Moore Street becoming a commemorative centre. Recent discussions between my Department and representatives of the site owners have considered, because of the small size of the houses, the possibility of spreading the commemorative centre (required to be put in place in No. 16) over the four houses, with Number 16 as the main focus. These discussions took place in the context of the consent required, under the National Monuments Acts, for any works affecting Nos. 14 to 17.
Detailed proposals in this regard were submitted to my Department last Friday. The proposals, which comprise the conservation of No. 14 — 17 as a commemorative centre to facilitate interpretation of the significant cultural history relating to the events of Easter 1916, will now be carefully considered by me and by officials of my Department.
Oiche Chultúir
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:51 D’fhiafraigh Seán Ó Fearghaíl den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an féidir ceantair na Gaeltachta a thabhairt isteach in Oíche Chultúir 2011; an mbeidh sé i dteagmháil le hoifigigh i Ranna eile faoin bhféile seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16615/11]
Tionólfar Oíche Chultúir 2011 ar an Aoine 23 Meán Fómhair seo chugainn.
Is iad Taisce Chultúrtha Teampaill Bharra a dhéanann bainistíocht ar an Oíche. Tuigim go bhfuil dul chun chinn maith déanta i ndáil leis na hullmhúcháin d'Oíche Chultúir na bliana seo agus go bhfuil Ealaíon na Gaeltachta mar cheann de na hiarratais a fuair tairiscint airgeadais ó mo Roinnse.
Western Development Commission
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:52 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received a report yet on the future options in relation to the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/11]
Following the recent re-configuration of Departments, Ministerial responsibility for the Western Development Commission now rests with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
I regret that, due to a misunderstanding, the appropriate arrangements to transfer the Deputy's Question did not take effect as intended.
Arts Plan
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:53 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will clarify his comments at the recent launch of Imagine Ireland’s new cultural programme when he said that there was a major onus on the arts to repair the damage done to Ireland’s reputation. [16611/11]
Rebuilding Ireland's reputation in key territories around the world has been one of this Government's top priorities from its first day in office. In this context, I believe that the arts is one of our strongest assets in restoring our international profile and recapturing the goodwill that is clearly out there for Ireland, and culture needs to be at the heart of this promotional strategy. The Imagine Ireland initiative referred to by the Deputy is a great example of the creative energy, the ambition and the can-do spirit of the Irish arts and culture community in presenting the best of Ireland to the world at a critical time for the country.
Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:54 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cé hiad na hAirí atá ar an gCoiste Rialtais atá ainmnithe leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm; cén taithí atá acu ar a bheith ag plé le ceist na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta agus cén teanga a úsáidtear sna cruinnithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16433/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:110 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair atá Coiste Rialtais le hainmniú chun an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm; agus cén Cathaoirleach a bheidh air [13222/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna 54 agus 110 le chéile.
Rinneadh an Coiste Rialtais don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht a athbhunú ar 14 Aibreán 2011 faoi chathaoirleacht an Taoisigh agus bhí dhá chruinniú aige go dáta.
Is iad baill an Choiste ná an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, Jimmy Deenihan Uasal, T.D., mé féin mar Aire Stáit na Roinne, an tAire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe, Brendan Howlin Uasal, T.D., an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna, Ruairí Quinn Uasal, T.D., an tAire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, Pat Rabbitte Uasal, T.D., agus an tAire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil, Phil Hogan Uasal, T.D. Is Airí iad seo uile a bhfuil ceangal ar leith ag a réimsí freagrachta le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Ag cruinnithe an Choiste, úsáidtear Gaeilge nó Béarla de réir mar a oireann.
Architectural Heritage
Liam Twomey
Ceist:55 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for the conservation of historic buildings that are in a perilous state of repair at present and if funding is available to carry out major conservation work cooperating with other State agencies on a building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16448/11]
My Department provides funding under the built heritage capital programme to the Office of Public Works (OPW) to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic properties and national monuments in State care. It should be noted that there has been a significant reduction in the budgetary allocation to this programme in recent years.
The 2011 allocation to the programme is €2.005 million. €1.250 million of this funding has been allocated to the OPW. The remainder is being provided for a Structures at Risk Fund and for archaeological protection. The Structures at Risk Fund has been established to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. 23 local authorities have been issued with grant offers for a total of 31 projects under the fund.
My Department also provides funding to support the work of the Heritage Council including for a number of conservation grants schemes — the Significant Places of Public Worship Grants Scheme, the Heritage Management Grants Scheme, Large Scale Heritage Properties Grants Scheme, Conservation Plan Led Projects Grants Scheme, and the Irish Walled Towns Grants Scheme.
The building referred to by the Deputy is a national monument in State care. In addition to the Built Heritage Capital Programme referred to above and funded by my Department, the OPW operates an ongoing maintenance programme for all national monuments in State care.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 35.
Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:57 D’fhiafraigh Dessie Ellis den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá ag an Aire maidir le Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga; an féidir leis a dhearbhú go bhfuil an maoiniú atá ann don Scéim slán; an mbeidh an Scéim ag leanúint ar aghaidh mar atá, nó an bhfuil athbhreithniú beartaithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16437/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:107 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta maidir le Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga, cén plean atá ag an Aire don Scéim seo; an féidir a dhearbhú go bhfuil an maoiniú atá ann di slán; an mbeidh sí ag leanúint ar aghaidh mar atá, nó an bhfuil athbhreithniú beartaithe. [13219/11]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna 57 agus 107 le chéile.
Mar is eol don Teachta, bunaíodh Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga i 1999 ar bhonn píolótach chun an Ghaeilge a láidriú mar theanga labhartha i measc aos óg na Gaeltachta agus iompar teanga scoláirí scoile a chur i dtreo na Gaeilge. Íocann mo Roinnse deontais le heagraíochtaí sna réigiúin éagsúla Gaeltachta chun an Scéim a chur i bhfeidh. Suim de €655,236 a bhí i gceist i mbliana.
Faoin Scéim seo, cuirtear cainteoirí líofa Gaeilge chuig scoileanna Gaeltachta chun cuidiú le páistí nach bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar phríomhtheanga acu nó i gcásanna a theastaíonn a thuilleadh cabhrach uathu. Déantar é seo neamhspleách ar an múinteoir ranga le scéalaíocht, rannta, drámaí beaga, cluichí agus a leithéid. Fostaítear suas le 85 cúntóir faoin scéim agus iad ag obair i scoileanna ó cheann ceann na Gaeltachta.
Rinneadh athbhreithniú iomlán ar an scéim i 2003 agus, go deimhin, rinneadh athbhreithniú bliantiúil uirthi ó shin i leith. Ar bhonn ginearálta agus comhthreomhar leis sin, ar ndóigh, tá athbhreithniú cuimsitheach caiteachais ar bun ag gach Roinn Stáit agus cuimseofar san athbhreithniú sin caiteachas iomlán na Roinne sa Ghaeltacht.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá an córas oideachais, an phleanáil teanga agus ról an teaghlaigh i mbuanú na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht sainithe i measc na réimsí gnímh faoi leith atá luaite go sonrach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain Don Ghaeilge 2010-2030. Fearacht gach scéim agus beartais eile a thagann faoi chúram mo Roinne, beidh gá a chinntiú mar chuid de chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise go dtacaíonn siad ar an mbealach is fearr is féidir leis na tiomantais ábhartha atá déanta sa Straitéis trí chéile.
Marriage Rate
Dan Neville
Ceist:58 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Taoiseach the marriage rate per 100,000 population in 1970, 2009 and 2010. [16744/11]
The following table shows the marriage rate in the State per 100,000 estimated population. Marriage figures for 2010 are not yet available but will be published on the 29th June 2011.
|
Year |
Estimated Population |
No. of Marriages |
Rate per 100,000 |
|
1970 |
2,944,000 |
20,778 |
705.8 |
|
2000 |
4,459,300 |
21,541 |
483.1 |
Human Rights Issues
Finian McGrath
Ceist:59 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the UN. (details supplied). [16772/11]
On Friday, 17 June 2011, a resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity was adopted by vote at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva. I welcome this historic development, which is the first time that a UN resolution has explicitly acknowledged human rights protection as covering sexual orientation.
This resolution was adopted with 23 votes in favour, 19 against, and 3 abstentions. While Ireland is not currently a member of the Human Rights Council and as a result did not have a vote, we were supportive of the initiative and co-sponsored the resolution.
The resolution demonstrates the increasing commitment across the international community to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
This resolution also builds upon previous initiatives at the United Nations. In March 2011, at the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland actively supported a Joint Statement on behalf of 85 countries from every continent entitled ‘Ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity'. Ireland was one of fifteen EU Member States that were part of a cross regional core group that worked to prepare the Statement in Geneva.
In December 2008, a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity was delivered with the support of 68 countries including Ireland and all EU Member States.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:60 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that a resolution should be tabled at the UN to investigate the human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the civil war there particularly by the current Government at the end of the war. [16773/11]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question Number 16403/11. Ireland fully supports the UN Panel of Experts recommendation for the establishment of an independent international mechanism to investigate the allegations of human rights violations by both the Sri Lankan military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the closing stages of the war.
At European Union level, a statement by High Representative Ashton on the 10 May also called for an inquiry into the allegations of misconduct by both sides to the conflict. As we know from past experience, such an investigation could make an important contribution to building lasting peace and stability in Sri Lanka. Officials from my Department have conveyed this point to the Sri Lankan authorities and as recently as last week re-iterated this at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The promotion of human rights is a key element of the Government's foreign policy towards Sri Lanka. Ireland played an active part in the European Union decision to suspend duty free access which was granted to Sri Lankan exports under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP plus) after the Sri Lankan Government failed to deliver written undertakings on human rights conventions dealing with torture, children's rights and political rights.
The international community can play an important role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. I would again urge the government in Colombo to co-operate fully with the UN and address the recommendations made by the Panel of Experts. The matter will be kept under consideration as to the most appropriate course of further action at international level.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:61 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16827/11]
At the time of the Good Friday Agreement, North South co-operation issues were handled in a broader framework rather than in a specific North South cooperation unit. These issues continue to be dealt with by the Department's Anglo-Irish Division. Currently within that Division there is a team of five officers made up of one Counsellor, two at First Secretary/Assistant Principal level, one Third Secretary and one Clerical Officer who deal primarily with matters relating to North South economic co-operation.
Freedom of Information Act
Shane Ross
Ceist:62 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider making the Office of the President subject to the Freedom of Information Act; if not, why not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16643/11]
The Deputy may be aware that the Programme for Government proposes to extend the Freedom of Information Acts, to ensure that all statutory bodies, and all bodies significantly funded from the public purse, are covered.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is reviewing the Freedom of Information Acts, in light of the Programme for Government commitment to inform the preparation of appropriate legislative amendments for consideration by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the first instance and the Government in due course.
Departmental Schemes
Joan Collins
Ceist:63 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the cycle to work scheme is only in operation for two months of the year that is March and April of the year; if he confirms that it is an all year scheme, if he will explain the reason the northern area health board only processes this scheme in March and April. [16688/11]
The cycle to work scheme is available all year round, there is no restriction on when a bicycle may be purchased. However, I would point out that it is a matter, in the first instance, for employers to implement the scheme having regard to their own administrative requirements.
While Circular 16/2009 provides instructions on the implementation of the cycle-to-work scheme in the Civil Service, my Department has no objection to the wider Public Service using this civil service circular to implement the scheme.
Departmental Staff
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:64 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons employed by the Office of Public Works by grade; the pay scale by grade within the OPW; the locations of OPW staff by number and grade; if he will provide a full report on the decentralisation to Trim, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16653/11]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded directly to Deputy Broughan.
Proposed Legislation
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:65 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance when the fiscal responsibility Bill will be published and if he will detail the range of fiscal policy and expenditure management reforms that will be contained within the Bill. [16680/11]
Ireland has a long-established budgetary framework which has undergone a series of reforms in recent years to assist in making the budgetary process more transparent and effective. Moves have been made in the last year or so to accelerate this process of reform and the bringing forward of the draft Fiscal Responsibility legislation will be central in this regard. While the matter has yet to be considered by the Government, it is my intention that the Bill will be introduced in the Dáil in the Autumn session. In that context, the main fiscal policy and expenditure management reforms which are likely to be contained in the Bill are:
Provisions to underpin the soon-to-be-established Fiscal Advisory Council which will provide independent assessment of key aspects of the Government's fiscal stance;
Fiscal rules governing expenditure growth, debt formation and deficit financing, taking account of initiatives currently being finalised at EU level, and
Provisions relating to the introduction of a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), building upon existing multi-annual systems and taking account of best international practice, as a support to the ongoing process of restoring the public finances to sustainability.
In early April, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform jointly published a discussion document entitled Reforming Ireland’s Budgetary Framework which provides further detail in relation to the above measures. The document may be accessed on my Department’s website at www.finance.gov.ie.
Enhancing and strengthening our budgetary architecture will assist in establishing confidence in our ability to successfully restore sustainability to the public finances.
Finally, the Deputy may be aware that under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, Ireland is committed to implementing a range of measures to reform the budgetary framework. This includes the introduction of a Fiscal Responsibility Bill by the end of 2011.
Offshore Islands
Noel Harrington
Ceist:66 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Finance if, further to Parliamentary Question No.100 of 5 April 2011, he will make provision for Ilnacullin-Garinish Island to be opened to the public and tourists for the month of March 2012 to provide for the Easter tourist trade, to improve employment prospects in the tourist sector in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/11]
Garinish Island is planned to open to visitors on the 1st of April, 2012 and will remain open until the end of September — Easter Weekend in 2012 is 7/8 April. When Easter falls in March the Island always opens to coincide with this. The experience of OPW is that there are not sufficient visitors in March to justify the costs of rostering staff for this month. The gardening staff at the Island do facilitate visits outside of the main Guided Service period, and are available to facilitate booked coach tours in March 2012, should such bookings be confirmed. The Café franchise coincides with the 1 April to end September period. 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.
Insurance Industry
Noel Grealish
Ceist:67 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance following the flooding which took place in November 2009 in areas (details supplied) in County Galway and at which the Office of Public Works are now carrying out remedial works, his plans to ensure that householders are fully insured in the event of this flooding recurring again in the future. [16716/11]
The question of providing cover to new policyholders or renewing it for existing ones is a matter for each insurance company to decide on a case by case basis. This allows a company to assess properly the risk it is considering accepting. Consequently, I am not in a position to comment on particular cases as neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have any influence over such matters. The Government cannot put pressure on insurance companies to accept or to reject policyholders. However, it should be noted that the industry has informed my Department that it is reluctant to discontinue flood cover for existing policyholders, and would generally only do so where there have been repeated claims. The best option open to homeowners in the areas concerned, who are unable to obtain flood insurance cover or to renew existing cover, is to contact the Irish Insurance Federation which operates a free Information Service. Their service can be contacted at (01) 6761914 or by email at iis@iif.ie.
Tobacco Prices
Gerald Nash
Ceist:68 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the annual increases in the retail price of the most popular price category of 20 filter tipped cigarettes since 1999 to date in 2011 in tabular form; and if he will include the pre-budget retail price, the budget tax increase and the proportion of that due to specific tax, ad valorum tax and VAT, the post-budget price, the trade increase and the tax element of the trade increase broken into its constituent parts. [16761/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the annual increases in the retail price category of the most popular price category of 20 filter tipped cigarettes since 1999, together with the requested breakdown, are set out in the following table.
|
Budget Changes and Trade Increases: Effect on Retail Price Expressed in Cents |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Budget |
Trade |
Excise |
Excise |
Total |
VAT |
Total |
Trade |
||
|
Year |
MPPC |
Increase |
Increase |
Specific |
AdValorem |
Excise |
Content |
Tax |
Content |
|
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
Cent |
|
|
03-Dec-98 |
398.7 |
169.5 |
69.6 |
239.1 |
69.2 |
308.3 |
90.4 |
||
|
1999 |
6.3 |
0.0 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
2.2 |
4.1 |
||
|
405.1 |
169.5 |
70.7 |
240.2 |
70.3 |
310.5 |
94.5 |
|||
|
01-Dec-99 |
63.5 |
40.7 |
11.8 |
52.5 |
11.0 |
63.5 |
|||
|
468.5 |
205.7 |
87.0 |
292.7 |
81.3 |
374.0 |
94.5 |
|||
|
2000 |
8.9 |
0.0 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
1.5 |
3.2 |
5.7 |
||
|
477.4 |
205.7 |
88.7 |
294.3 |
82.9 |
377.2 |
100.2 |
|||
|
06-Dec-00 |
477.4 |
207.4 |
90.2 |
297.6 |
79.6 |
377.2 |
100.2 |
||
|
2001 |
477.4 |
207.4 |
90.2 |
297.6 |
79.6 |
377.2 |
100.2 |
||
|
10.2 |
0.0 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.7 |
3.6 |
6.5 |
|||
|
487.6 |
207.4 |
92.1 |
299.5 |
81.3 |
380.8 |
106.8 |
|||
|
05-Dec-01 |
12.7 |
8.2 |
2.4 |
10.6 |
2.1 |
12.7 |
|||
|
500.3 |
216.4 |
93.7 |
310.1 |
83.4 |
393.5 |
106.8 |
|||
|
2002 |
500.3 |
216.4 |
93.7 |
310.1 |
86.8 |
396.9 |
103.4 |
||
|
20.7 |
0.0 |
3.9 |
3.9 |
3.6 |
7.5 |
13.2 |
|||
|
521.0 |
216.4 |
97.6 |
314.0 |
90.4 |
404.4 |
116.6 |
|||
|
04-Dec-02 |
50.0 |
32.0 |
9.3 |
41.3 |
8.7 |
50.0 |
|||
|
571.0 |
249.9 |
105.4 |
355.3 |
99.1 |
454.4 |
116.6 |
|||
|
2003 |
16.0 |
0.0 |
3.0 |
3.0 |
2.8 |
5.7 |
10.3 |
||
|
587.0 |
249.9 |
108.4 |
358.2 |
101.9 |
460.1 |
126.9 |
|||
|
03-Dec-03 |
25.0 |
16.0 |
4.6 |
20.7 |
4.3 |
25.0 |
|||
|
612.0 |
266.8 |
112.1 |
378.9 |
106.2 |
485.1 |
126.9 |
|||
|
2004 |
13.0 |
0.0 |
2.4 |
2.4 |
2.3 |
4.6 |
8.4 |
||
|
625.0 |
266.8 |
114.5 |
381.3 |
108.5 |
489.8 |
135.2 |
|||
|
2005 |
10.0 |
0.0 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
3.6 |
6.4 |
||
|
07-Dec-05 |
635.0 |
266.8 |
116.3 |
383.1 |
110.2 |
493.3 |
141.7 |
||
|
2006 |
20.0 |
0.0 |
3.7 |
3.7 |
3.5 |
7.1 |
12.9 |
||
|
655.0 |
266.8 |
120.0 |
386.8 |
113.7 |
500.5 |
154.5 |
|||
|
06-Dec-06 |
50.0 |
32.0 |
9.3 |
41.3 |
8.7 |
50.0 |
|||
|
705.0 |
302.7 |
125.3 |
428.1 |
122.4 |
550.4 |
154.6 |
|||
|
2007 |
10.0 |
0.0 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
3.5 |
6.5 |
||
|
715.0 |
302.7 |
127.1 |
429.9 |
124.1 |
554.0 |
161.0 |
|||
|
05-Dec-07 |
30.0 |
19.2 |
5.6 |
24.8 |
5.2 |
30.0 |
|||
|
745.0 |
321.1 |
133.5 |
454.6 |
129.3 |
583.9 |
161.1 |
|||
|
2008 |
10.0 |
0.0 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
3.5 |
6.5 |
||
|
755.0 |
321.1 |
135.3 |
456.4 |
131.0 |
587.5 |
167.5 |
|||
|
14-Oct-08 |
50.0 |
32.0 |
9.3 |
41.3 |
8.7 |
50.0 |
|||
|
805.0 |
350.6 |
147.2 |
497.8 |
139.7 |
637.5 |
167.5 |
|||
|
01-Dec-08 |
2.7 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
2.7 |
2.7 |
|||
|
807.7 |
350.6 |
147.6 |
498.2 |
142.9 |
641.2 |
166.5 |
|||
|
2.3 |
0.0 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.8 |
1.5 |
|||
|
810.0 |
350.6 |
148.1 |
498.7 |
143.3 |
642.0 |
168.0 |
|||
|
07-Apr-09 |
25.0 |
15.9 |
4.6 |
20.6 |
4.4 |
25.0 |
|||
|
835.0 |
366.8 |
152.4 |
519.2 |
147.8 |
667.0 |
168.0 |
|||
|
2009 |
10.0 |
0.0 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
3.6 |
6.4 |
||
|
845.0 |
366.8 |
154.2 |
521.1 |
149.5 |
670.6 |
174.4 |
|||
|
01-Jan-10 |
- 3.5 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
- 3.5 |
- 3.5 |
|||
|
841.5 |
366.8 |
153.6 |
520.4 |
146.0 |
666.5 |
175.1 |
|||
|
2010 |
13.5 |
0.0 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.3 |
4.8 |
8.7 |
||
|
855.0 |
366.8 |
156.0 |
522.9 |
148.4 |
671.3 |
183.7 |
|||
|
2011 |
855.0 |
366.8 |
156.0 |
522.9 |
148.4 |
671.3 |
183.7 |
Note:
In January ‘01 the rate of VAT was reduced to 20% with offsetting increases in excise duty (3.1p) to leave price and total tax content unchanged. Budget date 6th December 2000.
VAT Rate increased to 21.0% on 1 March 2002.
VAT Rate increased to 21.5% on 1 December 2008.
VAT Rate reduced to 21.0% on 1 January 2010.
Public Procurement
Seán Kyne
Ceist:69 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if he will seek, on Ireland’s behalf, to have the financial thresholds for public procurement applications, as set by EU Directives 2004/17/EU and 2004/18/EU, reviewed with the aim of raising the limits in view of the fact that currently all projects costing more than €50,000 must go through the procurement process which is overly cumbersome and time consuming, especially for important community level projects. [16764/11]
Under EU Directives contracting authorities are obliged to advertise contracts valued above certain thresholds in the Official Journal of the European Union as well as on the national public procurement website www.etenders.ie. The current EU Directive threshold for public works contracts (exclusive of VAT) is €4,845,000. Therefore projects of the value referred to by the Deputy are not subject to the provisions of the EU Directive.
It is a basic principle of public procurement that a competitive process should be used. National rules and guidelines set out procedures, proportionate and relevant to the level of the contract, to be followed by public bodies. At present public works contracts in excess of €50,000 are advertised on the etenders website. The main reasons for setting the threshold at this level is to open up public procurement opportunities to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and to achieve value for taxpayer's money through a competitive and transparent tendering process.
Public procurement guidelines are kept under review in light of the impact on operational efficiency, value for money and accessibility to business opportunities etc.
Criminal Prosecutions
Dara Calleary
Ceist:70 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if any criminal prosecutions have been taken in the seizure of more than 120 million illegal cigarettes in Greenore Port,County Louth, in October 2009 and if no prosecutions have occurred, the reason for same. [16768/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners who have primary responsibility for tackling cigarette smuggling, including the investigation of related offences, that the seizure referred to by the Deputy was part of Operation Samhna which was carried out in Greenore, Co Louth, in October 2009. This operation focused on a general cargo vessel, which arrived from the Philippines carrying over 120 million illegal cigarettes concealed in the cargo of animal foodstuffs. The operation was led by Revenue's Customs Service with support from An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Irish Naval Service and the Air Corps. The seizure resulted in nine arrests by An Garda Síochána for the purpose of questioning. The arrested persons were subsequently released without charge, pending the completion of an investigation file by the Revenue Commissioners.
The investigation into this case was carried out by assigned officers from both the Revenue Commissioners and also from the European Anti Fraud Office (OLAF). The investigation required the gathering of evidence from the Philippines and involved a number of requests for Mutual Legal Assistance to the relevant authorities abroad.
The evidence gathered in this case both nationally and internationally is currently under review and a detailed file on the matter is being prepared for consideration by Revenue's legal service.
Social Insurance
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:71 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm receipt of money in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if it will be refunded as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16805/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that all payments made to that office in respect of PRSI Contributions for the individual concerned are on the records of the Department of Social Protection and have been correctly credited by that Department to the individual's PRSI records.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:72 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16826/11]
There are currently 4 staff members (1 Principal, 2 Assistant Principals and 1 Higher Executive Officer) in my Department working on North/South related matters as established under the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, these staff members are also responsible for other areas of work i.e. EU Structural Funds and other programmes. Prioritisation of resource allocation in my Department is conducted on an ongoing basis with reference to the Department's business needs objectives and the level of expenditure available from which to meet those objectives. In this context, I am satisfied that the particular area of work has and will continue to be adequately resourced.
Special Educational Needs
Derek Keating
Ceist:73 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that a child with special needs in an area (details supplied) will not lose a place in the local school due to the lack of special needs assistant posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy 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. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.
The NCSE issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for SNA support for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.
The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and intend to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year.
However, while this process is ongoing it is not possible to predict the numbers of Special Needs Assistants that will be allocated to any school, including the school referred to by the Deputy in Lucan.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:74 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that schools are reporting difficulties in complying with circular 0030/2011; if such reports are widespread; if there is any updated guidance for schools to deal with the complexities which arise as a result of implementing the circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16644/11]
Circular 30/2011 sets out the interim arrangements to apply for the 2011/12 school year for Learning Support/Resource Teacher and Resource Teacher posts.
The purpose of this circular is to inform schools of the interim arrangements that are being put in place for the 2011 /12 school year in respect of their NCSE approved resource hours and learning support hours so that posts are deployed in line with authorised allocations.
The Department's approach has allowed schools to "roll-over" all their existing full time posts on the condition that any surplus capacity in these posts is shared with other local schools.
If the "roll-over" arrangements are not sufficient to meet a schools approved allocation, they must firstly contact their local schools for any surplus capacity and then, if necessary, there is an application process to the Department under the Circular.
Higher Education Grants
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:75 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a highereducation grant adjacent or non-adjacent is available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16654/11]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for a student's grant awarding body. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the absence of the all of the relevant details contained in an application form, it is not possible for me to say if a candidate qualifies for a grant.
However, students who are attending undergraduate courses in an EU Member State, which appears to be what the student has in mind, can apply for a grant in respect of an approved course which is being pursued in an approved institution.
I would advise the student in question to apply to his local grant awarding body to establish his eligibility or otherwise for a grant.
Schools Recognition
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:76 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to develop a plan for the establishment of new all-Irish schools, gaelscoileanna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16661/11]
A review of the criteria and procedures for the establishment of new primary schools has been undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation and its report was recently published on my Department's website. The report's recommendations and proposals are a useful contribution to the deliberations of the recently established Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.
The report recognises the increasing parental demand for diversity of school provision and in particular for Irish medium and multi-denominational/non-denominational education. I am considering the report's recommendations and proposals. In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupil numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. In this regard, I should point out that approval has been given to recognise a new Gaelscoil in Ashbourne , Co. Meath from September 2011 and approval has also been given to recognise a new Gaelscoil in Mulhuddart, Co. Dublin from September 2012. Both these schools will be under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta.
Schools Building Projects
Dan Neville
Ceist:77 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the completion of the construction of the new national school (details supplied) in County Limerick; if the school will open for the resumption of classes in September; and if he will clarify the situation regarding payment for work by subcontractors [16690/11]
My officials are aware of the issues which have arisen in relation to this school building project and are liaising with the Board of Management and the Design team in relation to next steps. It is not possible at this stage to give an indicative timeline for the progression of the project; however my priority is to ensure that the project will be completed as soon as possible.
The contract for the project to which the Deputy refers is between the Board of Management and the main contractor. There is no contractual relationship between any of the sub-contractors engaged on this project and either my Department or the Board of Management. In general, all sub-contractors employed on school building projects are employed directly by the Main Contractor or indirectly by the Main Contractor through other sub-contractors. Payment to subcontractors is a matter to be dealt with under the terms and conditions agreed between the parties involved.
Site Acquisitions
Simon Harris
Ceist:78 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional land has been purchased for educational purposes at a location (details supplied); the amount of land that was purchased and the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department acquired 9.63 hectares of land for educational purposes in 2010 in the area to which he refers. This was in addition to land previously acquired in the area for educational purposes. Due to commercial sensitivities pertaining to site acquisitions generally it is not my Department's policy to provide details of the purchase cost of sites recently acquired as it could jeopardise ongoing site acquisitions.
Schools Building Projects
Simon Harris
Ceist:79 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the new temporary post-primary school currently being built for first year students at a location (details supplied) when these premises are replaced by a new premises built by way of public private partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16697/11]
My Department is in the process of finalising its analysis of enrolments at primary and post-primary level in all areas in the country in order to determine the level of additional school provision which will be required at both levels up to 2017. The accommodation requirements in the area to which the Deputy refers, including the future use of the temporary post primary school, will be considered as part of this process.
FÁS Training Programmes
John Lyons
Ceist:80 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that participation in a FÁS course has the effect of making persons ineligible to apply for the new initiative, Springboard; his views on whether this penalises persons who have been long-term unemployed and are making every effort to re-enter the labour force, including retraining and upskilling, and if he will review the criteria of this scheme to allow applications to be decided on a case by case basis. [16698/11]
It is not the case that people who have participated in FÁS training programmes are precluded from applying for a Springboard programme. To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course applicants must have been unemployed for a minimum of 6 months when the course starts. At the time of starting a Springboard course an applicant also must be in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment or be signing for contribution credits and be available and actively seeking employment. In calculating the qualifying period of 6 months unemployed, time in receipt of a FÁS training allowance will be taken into account.
Telecommunications Services
Noel Harrington
Ceist:81 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the next phase of providing 100 MB broadband to schools following the pilot programme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16702/11]
Noel Harrington
Ceist:83 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide 100 MB broadband service to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16707/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 83 together.
No decision has been made in relation to the next phase of providing 100Mbps to schools. Any decision to extend the programme will be made having regard to the current budgetary constraints and other priorities of my Department. The National Centre for Technology in Education is currently in the process of completing a pedagogical review of the pilot project, the outcome of which will also inform future plans in this area. In relation to providing 100Mbps to the Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, this school will be provided with a 100Mbps connection in due course should a decision be made to roll out 100Mbps to all post primary schools.
School Transport
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:82 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to an agreement involving his Department at a school (details supplied) in County Meath in respect of free school transport for children who were previously in the catchment areas of two schools which were amalgamated into the larger school; if this agreement is still in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16704/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that school transport arrangements under the Closed School Rule originated from the last major amalgamation of schools in the late 1960's. Under the Closed School Rule, transport is generally provided to the school of amalgamation for pupils who reside in a closed school area. However, over the course of the last forty two years, many parts of Ireland have experienced changes in population, the number of schools in an area may have increased and private transport is more widely available. While my Department acknowledges the importance of school transport, my Department must always seek to ensure that every service that is funded by the public is operated in a manner that delivers for pupils, parents and taxpayers alike. In light of this, the Closed School Rule changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.
It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR). The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport.
The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those pupils entering in September 2012, to pupils who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school. Available statistics, based on sampling undertaken as part of the Value for Money Review, indicate that the impact of this change will be limited as the majority of pupils categorised under the CSR are in fact attending their nearest school and will not be affected by this change.
Before implementing this second main change which is proposed for 2012, my Department has requested Bus Éireann to conduct a detailed analysis of the "on the ground" impact for individual schools and the rural communities they serve. This analysis will be based on the most up to date information available on current school transport usage patterns and I expect to have this information available to me this summer. I will then have an opportunity to carefully examine the likely affects of this change well in advance of the 2012 implementation date.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 81.
Schools Refurbishment
Noel Harrington
Ceist:84 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide financial support to carry out urgent repairs to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16715/11]
Applications under my Department's Summer Works and Emergency Works Schemes to upgrade the school's Home Economics Room have been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.
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 for this project is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme it cannot be considered for emergency funding and due to the scale of demand for funding under the Summer Works Scheme it was not possible to grant aid all applications.
State Examinations
Robert Dowds
Ceist:85 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the leaving certificate examination in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [16718/11]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
Special Educational Needs
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:86 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a mild general disabilities class. [16755/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that 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. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such supports.
In respect of special classes, schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children to these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meet the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for special classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria. Schools are required to liaise with their local SENO in the context of any proposed placements in special classes. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.
In respect of pupils with mild general learning disability (MGLD) who are in a class which being suppressed due to reduced pupil numbers, these pupils will be able to receive teaching support through the teaching resources allocated to the school under the General Allocation Model (GAM). Schools decide themselves how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils and how to adjust their support in line with the changing needs of pupils as they mature. My Department provided a circular SP ED 02/05 to schools to assist them in deploying the General Allocation Model resources. Schools in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme with Band 1 status, including the school in question, receive beneficial GAM allocations in addition to enhanced pupil-teacher ratios.
Teacher Training
John Browne
Ceist:87 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the professional development service for teachers support service is compensating education centres adequately for hosting and providing in-service for the programme; if he is satisfied that teachers are receiving a high standard of continuous professional development through the use of PDST; the evidence of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16802/11]
The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) was established in September 2010, following a reconfiguration of the support services in existence prior to that date. 2011 is the first full year of operation of the PDST. In allocating budgets to education centres for the administration of PDST strands my Department aims to ensure that the funding allocated is commensurate with the level of activity, and there is ongoing communication between the education centres, PDST and my officials in this regard.
The aim of the continuing professional development (CPD) provided by all support services is to enhance and maintain the quality of teaching and learning in our schools. In designing its CPD programmes, the PDST, which is staffed by expert practitioners, consults as appropriate with other experts in the area of educational provision such as the Inspectorate of my Department, and external bodies such as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment etc. The Department's primary means of gathering evidence about quality and evaluating the effectiveness of teaching and learning is the inspection process in schools. The reports of my Department's inspectorate informs CPD planning on an ongoing basis. In addition, feedback from participants at in-service events is collected and this serves as evidence of quality as well as in informing the development of future provision.
In the coming school year, the PDST will play a key role in the implementation of the national literacy and numeracy strategy. I am satisfied that the PDST provides high quality continuing professional development for teachers and will continue to do so.
School Transport
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:88 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport (details supplied); the terms for free transport to a school of amalgamation; the transport amalgamation procedures agreed to by the Government and the people; the terms of the primary school transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that school transport arrangements under the Closed School Rule originated from the last major amalgamation of schools in the late 1960's. Under the Closed School Rule, transport is generally provided to the school of amalgamation for pupils who reside in a closed school area. However, over the course of the last forty two years, many parts of Ireland have experienced changes in population, the number of schools in an area may have increased and private transport is more widely available. While my Department acknowledges the importance of school transport, my Department must always seek to ensure that every service that is funded by the public is operated in a manner that delivers for pupils, parents and taxpayers alike.
In light of this, the Closed School Rule changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme. It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR).
The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport.
The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those pupils entering in September 2012, to pupils who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school.
Available statistics, based on sampling undertaken as part of the Value for Money Review, indicate that the impact of this change will be limited as the majority of pupils categorised under the CSR are in fact attending their nearest school and will not be affected by this change.
Before implementing this second main change which is proposed for 2012, my Department has requested Bus Éireann to conduct a detailed analysis of the "on the ground" impact for individual schools and the rural communities they serve. This analysis will be based on the most up to date information available on current school transport usage patterns and I expect to have this information available to me this summer. I will then have an opportunity to carefully examine the likely affects of this change well in advance of the 2012 implementation date.
The Primary School Transport Scheme is available at www.education.ie
Special Educational Needs
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:89 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 15 June 2011, the options available to a family whose child is in attendance at a school and in view of the fact that the school has advised the parents that it cannot meet their child’s special educational needs if, in circumstances in which the special educational needs organiser cannot identify an acceptable alternate school placement, home tuition would be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16807/11]
The Deputy is aware that the home tuition scheme provides a grant to parents to facilitate the provision of education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as for pupils who are awaiting a suitable educational placement.
As I have already clarified for the Deputy, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for co-ordinating special needs education provision at local level and arranging for the delivery of special educational services. They act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find an alternative school placement if their child has been unable to secure a placement to date.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:90 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established; and the year on year change for his Department. [16824/11]
There are currently 6 (4.8 wte*) staff currently working in the North/South Co-operation Unit of my Department. In addition, the unit is currently holding 2 vacancies. The filling of these vacancies will be considered in light of current staffing constraints and the business needs of the Unit. The grade breakdown of these staff is as follows:
1 (1 wte) Principal Officer (also undertaking some non North/ South duties)
1 (1 wte) Assistant Principal Officer (vacancy)
1 (1 wte) Higher Executive Officer (vacancy)
1 (1 wte) Administrative Officer
2 (1.5 wte) Executive Officers
1 (0.8 wte) Staff officer
1 (0.5 wte) Clerical Officer
In addition to the above 2 vacancies there was an internal reassignment of an Executive Officer (0.5 wte) from North/South Co-operation Unit to International Section in March 2011.
The year on year numbers in the North/South Co-operation Unit in my Department from its establishment in 2000 to end 2010 is set out in the following table.
|
Year Ending 31 Dec |
Headcount |
Whole-time equivalent* |
Year-on-Year Change |
|
2000 |
5 |
4.5 |
N/A |
|
2001 |
4 |
3.5 |
-1 |
|
2002 |
7 |
5.6 |
+2.1 |
|
2003 |
5 |
4 |
-1.6 |
|
2004 |
8 |
7 |
+3 |
|
2005 |
8 |
7 |
0 |
|
2006 |
7 |
5.8 |
-1.2 |
|
2007 |
8 |
6.8 |
+1 |
|
2008 |
8 |
6.8 |
0 |
|
2009 |
8 |
6.3 |
-0.5 |
|
2010 |
8 |
6.3 |
0 |
NOTE
In addition to the above a Principal Officer had overall responsibility for International Section plus North/South Cooperation. Their involvement in North/South Cooperation varied depending on demands of the work and as such has not been included in above figures.
* whole time equivalent
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:91 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons employed by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement by grade; the number of vacancies by grade in the ODCE; the number of promotions or additional staff approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16652/11]
There are currently 39.7 (full-time equivalents) staff employed in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. The table provides a breakdown of the number of staff by grade:
|
Grade |
Grade Equivalent |
Number employed |
|
Director |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
Corporate Compliance Manager |
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Legal Advisor |
Principal Officer |
3 |
|
Principal Solicitor |
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Solicitor |
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Principal Officers |
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Accountant Grade 1 |
Assistant Principal |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
9.7 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
6.7 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
7.3 |
|
|
Total |
39.7 |
There are no promotions or additional staff approved for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement at this time. During 2009 my Department assigned 6 additional staff to the Office to assist with Anglo Irish investigations, i.e. 3 Higher Executive Officers, 1 Executive Officer and 2 Clerical Officers. Those additional staff remain assigned to the Office.
Gerry Adams
Ceist:92 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established; and the year on year change for his Department. [16838/11]
North South cooperation issues are currently dealt with by a dedicated Section within the Innovation and Investment Division of my Department. This Section coordinates policy development and implementation on North South cooperation in relation to trade, R&D and innovation, including the programmes of InterTrade Ireland and the InterReg Enterprise Programme. The Section also supports Ministers participating in the North South Ministerial Council — both plenary and sectoral sessions — in connection with these matters.
The Section is staffed by 1 HEO and 1 EO, and by 1 AP (50% of his time) and 1 PO (20% of his time). Very similar numbers worked in the section in earlier years but, as the Section draws on very extensive inputs from many other Sections in the Department and from the industrial development agencies, the number working in the North/South Section is only a small portion of the number working on North/South issues at any one time.
Social Welfare Appeals
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:93 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16646/11]
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 by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that was not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of this appeal, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further 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.
Noel Coonan
Ceist:94 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16658/11]
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.
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. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he 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
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:95 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will approve an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16664/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has not received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. The HSE has forwarded a rent supplement application form to the person concerned.
Social Welfare Appeals
Áine Collins
Ceist:96 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding appeals (details supplied). [16670/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a child benefit appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 07 December 2010 and a domiciliary care allowance appeal was registered on 26 January 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 02 and 03 June 2011 respectively.
A disability allowance appeal was registered on 02 February 2011 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office is currently awaiting the relevant papers and the comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal. When received, the relevant appeals will be considered concurrently by an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the cases can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list them or oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Community Employment Schemes
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:97 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be permitted to continue to participate in a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16674/11]
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 (CE) programme. The administration of individual cases under CE 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.
Social Welfare Appeals
Joan Collins
Ceist:98 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the outcome of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [16681/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has partially allowed the Carer's Allowance 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.
Flood Relief
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:99 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends assisting families (details supplied) with the cost of relocation due to the refusal of their insurance company to insure them against flooding arising out of the floods that occurred in November 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16743/11]
The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.
The Government is aware that for various reasons, a small number of people have been unable to resume living at their home and others, while they have resumed living at their home, are still faced with significant problems arising from the flooding. The Government is also aware that some householders who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home
In light of this, the Government has decided that support may be available in such cases where: serious and permanent damage has been caused to the family home by the November 2009 flooding; there is a high probability of a recurrence of serious flooding because of flood depth, duration or frequency on a scale that could further damage the family home; the house cannot be protected from flooding at an economically feasible cost; the household is unable to secure insurance against flooding as a result of the November 2009 floods.
Support will only be considered for relocation in cases where the cost of remedial works would exceed the cost of relocation, as determined by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The following considerations will also apply: the gross cost of relocation underpinning the level of support provided will not exceed the cost of providing a reasonable home in the area in question, as determined by the local authority; the existing house must be demolished and the site must be rehabilitated , which may require planning permission from the local authority; if the household has settled a claim with their insurance company, the funds provided in settlement of that claim will be taken into account in determining the amount of funding, if any, provided for relocation. Beneficiaries will be required to instruct their insurance company to provide information in that regard.
The households in question have been visited by officials from the Department and a report of their individual circumstances has now been completed. The OPW were requested to provide a detailed report for each household outlining the problems in the areas in question, what works if any have been completed in the area or are planned for the area and to provide an assessment of the likelihood of future flooding having regard to the works that have already taken place or are scheduled to take place. Following a recent meeting between representatives from my Department and the OPW reports on further households have now been received from the OPW. These reports are being considered in my Department at present and any outstanding matters relating to the reports are being pursued with the OPW. When all of this information is received my Department will be in a position to make decisions on the affected households.
Health Service Staff
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:100 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be considered for a transfer. [16806/11]
The person concerned is employed on a temporary contract in the Community Welfare Service with the Health Service Executive, and is not comprehended by the protocols governing the transfer of the Community Welfare Service to my Department. Accordingly, they cannot be considered for a transfer.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:101 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in her Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for her Department. [16830/11]
The Department of Social Protection is not identified in the Good Friday Agreement as one of the six areas for North/South Cooperation and therefore no special unit has been set up within the Department.
Special Areas of Conservation
Frank Feighan
Ceist:102 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim who sold bog under the national heritage area directive to his Department many years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16808/11]
In May 2010, the voluntary bog purchase scheme was closed to new applicants. Processing of applications on hand has been slower than anticipated due to capacity constraints in undertaking the conveyancing work involved.
The Government recently announced a number of decisions regarding the future management of peatlands in Ireland and, in particular, the protection of bogs designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas. In addition to the establishment of an independent Peatlands Council, the Government has announced a compensation package for turf-cutters in sites where continued turf cutting is no longer possible for reasons of environmental protection. My Department will be writing to all remaining applicants under the voluntary purchase scheme in the coming weeks to outline their options in light of the availability of alternative compensation arrangements.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 37.
Cruthú Fostaíochta
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:104 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta de réir tuairisce le Indecon, chun an leibhéal fostaíochta reatha sa Ghaeltacht a chaomhnú, tá gá le buiséad caipitil de bhreis is €12m, tá tograí a bhfuil luach €26m orthu ceadaithe ag an eagraíocht faoi láthair, rud a chiallaíonn go bhfuil gá le €6m sa bhliain le seirbhísiú a dhéanamh air sin, níl measta ag an Roinn ach buiséad caipitil de €6m d’Údarás na Gaeltachta do 2012 agus 2013 agus úsáidfear é sin ar na gealltanais reatha, rud a chiallaíonn nach mbeidh an tÚdarás in acmhainn tograí nua a cheadú ná tacú le poist nua a chruthú, cén cur chuige mar sin atá ag an Aire chun poist a chaomhnú agus a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht sa dá bhliain atá romhainn [13216/11]
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:114 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise thuairisc Indecon ina ndeirtear go bhfuil gá le buiséad caipitil de bhreis is €12m chun an leibhéal fostaíochta reatha sa Ghaeltacht a chaomhnú; togra a bhfuil luach €26m air a bheith ceadaithe ag an eagraíocht faoi láthair, rud a chiallaíonn go bhfuil gá le €6m sa bhliain le seirbhísiú a dhéanamh air sin; buiséad caipitil de €6m a bheith measta ag an Roinn d’Údarás na Gaeltachta do 2012 agus 2013, ar buiséad é a úsáidfear ar na gealltanais reatha, rud a chiallaíonn nach mbeidh an tÚdarás in acmhainn tograí nua a cheadú ná tacú le poist nua a chruthú; cén cur chuige mar sin atá ag an Aire chun poist a chaomhnú agus a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht sa dá bhliain atá romhainn [16835/11]
Tógfaigh mé Ceisteanna 104 agus 114 le chéile.
Is é €6m an tsuim atá curtha ar fáil i Vóta na Roinne Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta mar sholáthar caipitil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain reatha. Anuas ar an suim seo, tá sé curtha in iúl ag an Údarás go mbeidh fáil aige ar thuairim is €7.5m eile i mbliana ó dhíol socmhainní agus, ar an mbunús seo, tuigtear dom go bhfuil an tÚdarás in ann leanúint ag ceadú tionscnamh faoi láthair a bheidh dírithe ar fhostaíocht a chruthú sna blianta 2012 agus 2013.
Is i gcomhthéacs phróiseas na Meastachán do 2012 a dhéanfar cinntí sonracha maidir leis an soláthar a bheidh ar fáil don Údarás ón Státchiste an bhliain seo chugainn. Mar is eol don Teach, níl de rogha ag an Rialtas, mar gheall ar chúinsí eacnamaíochta reatha, ach feachaint go géar ar gach uile líne caiteachais stáit faoin Athbhreithniú Caiteachais Cuimsithigh atá ar siúl i láthair na huaire.
É sin ráite, beidh a fhios ag an Teach seo fosta go bhfuil cinntí sonracha tógtha ag an Rialtas mar gheall ar struchtúr agus fheidhmeanna Údarás na Gaeltachta sa todhchaí. Ag eascairt ó na cinntí sin, a chuirfear i gcrích trí reachtaíocht nua, beidh cumhacht ag an Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta treoir a thabhairt don Údarás a chuid acmhainní teoranta a dhíriú i dtreo earnálacha fiontraíochta ar leith. Chomh maith leis sin, deánfar meicníocht á fhorbairt chun go mbeidh Údarás na Gaeltachta in ann comhoibriú níos fearr le háisíneachtaí forbartha Stáit eile, go háirithe i gcás tograí suntasacha Gaeltachta a bhfuil poitéinseal ard ag baint leo. Ciallóidh an cur chuige seo go mbeidh bealach níos córasach ann chun a chinntiú go bhfaighfear an luach is fearr ó thaobh airgid agus cruthú fostaíochta don Ghaeltacht ó na hacmhainní teoranta atá ar fáil don Stát san aeráid eacnamaíoch reatha.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 32.
Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 20.
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 57.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 32.
Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 54.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 40.
National Asset Management Agency
Robert Troy
Ceist:112 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received a response from the National Asset Management Agency regarding his request for a meeting to discuss the use of buildings within its portfolio as arts and cultural facilities. [16751/11]
I have engaged with the National Asset Management agency on this matter and that engagement will continue.
National Archives
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:113 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the potential of genealogy tourism, if he accepts there is a need to develop a less fragmented approach to record keeping; the way that might be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16839/11]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to today's Question No. 14. (16748/11).
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 104.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 22.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 31.
Special Areas of Conservation
Damien English
Ceist:117 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications received by him to consent to works, under section 19 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, on the 75 bogs designated as national heritage areas under the Act; the number of consents provided and the number of consents refused for each of these 75 bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/11]
Damien English
Ceist:118 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under section 19 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the level of compensation paid per acre on each bog on which consent was refused; when compensation has been paid the valuation model used; when compensation has been paid the use to which the land has been put by the applicant in the period of five years immediately preceding the refusal of consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16816/11]
Damien English
Ceist:119 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under section 19 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, in cases in which he has refused consent to works, the number of occasions on which he has made a determination that it would not be just and reasonable to prevent the payment of compensation on the basis of the provisions of section 22 of the Act paragraph (6a); the level of compensation paid per acre on each bog when he has made a determination that it would not be just and reasonable to prevent the payment of compensation; the amount of total compensation paid to date for each of the 75 natural heritage areas designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 following a refusal to consent to works under section 19 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000; the amount of any other compensation whether under any of the voluntary designated bogs compensation schemes or howsoever paid to date to any landowners of the 75 natural heritage areas, itemising (a) the amount of that compensation which relates to natural heritage areas when turf cutting has ceased; (b) the amount of that compensation which relates to natural heritage areas when turf cutting has not yet ceased and in respect of that compensation, the amount of it that was paid for bogs where turf cutting is scheduled to cease in each of the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, itemized per year; (c) the acreage of natural heritage areas referable to bogs in respect of which compensation was paid in each of (a) and (b) above, itemised for (a) and (b); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16817/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 119, inclusive, together.
The extensive information sought by the Deputy is being collated by my Department at present and will be forwarded directly to him as soon as possible.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:120 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16821/11]
There are currently 3 staff working in the North South Co-operation Unit of my Department, including a Principal Officer, Assistant Principal Officer and Higher Executive Officer. The Principal Officer also has other areas of responsibility within my Department.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach announced the establishment the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht in March 2011, which brings together functions from the former Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I am advised that arrangements were in place in each of these Departments to progress North South Co-operation matters. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that information is not readily available that would allow me to give a breakdown of staff that worked on these matters in the former Departments referred to.
National Museum
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:121 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts he has made to repatriate all personal belongings and effects of leaders of the 1916 Rising, including those of Roger Casement, which are held by the British state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16836/11]
As the Deputy may already by aware, Roger Casement's ceremonial sword and hat have been recently returned to Ireland for display, through the good offices of the London Metropolitan Police and the assistance of the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Embassy in London.
The repatriation of effects and belongings of historical Irish figures involves issues of ownership which are the subject of ongoing discussions between the National Museum of Ireland and various institutions and bodies in Britain as required. The Museum also receives relevant material on loan from various institutions for display purposes.
Census of Population
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:122 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts he has made to ensure the publication of the 1926 census at the earliest opportunity; when the necessary legislation to facilitate the publication of the 1926 census will be published; when the 1926 census itself will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16837/11]
The 1926 Census is currently in the ownership of the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which is under the remit of the Department of the Taoiseach. Informal discussions have taken place between my Department and both bodies on the digitisation of the 1926 Census.
The timeframe for the publication of necessary legislation is currently under consideration. It is essential that I take into account existing legislation that may impact on such legislation, such as the Statistics Act 1993, which lays down the strong conditions of secrecy around the Census information and restricts publication to 100 years after the taking of the census; the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, which also restrict the publication of personal information; and the EU Directive on Data Protection.
In relation to the publication of the census itself, it is my Department's objective to have this in place by 2016, subject to the appropriate arrangements being put in place.
Telecommunications Services
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:123 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of times the digital switchover steering group has met since it was formed in 2010; the decisions made on foot of their deliberations; the way he plans to inform the public of these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/11]
A Digital Switchover Steering Group (DSG) has been established to plan, coordinate and deliver switchover from analogue terrestrial TV to digital TV in Ireland by the end of 2012. The Group is chaired by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and comprises members from DCENR, Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), RTÉ, RTÉNL, TV3, TG4 and ComReg. The first meeting of the Group was held on 3 September 2010 and there have been 13 meetings to date. TV3 and TG4 joined in June 2011, after the national launch of Saorview.
The Group has developed a digital switchover programme to ensure TV viewers are given the options, information and assistance to switch from the analogue terrestrial TV network to a digital TV network or pay TV service, by the date of closure of the analogue TV network in Q4 2012.
The programme targets an analogue switch off date in Q4 2012, which is being finalised in coordination with analogue switch off in Northern Ireland; an alternative free to air national digital TV network being in place in advance of analogue switch off to ensure all TV viewers have time to migrate to digital TV; TV households throughout the country being made aware of analogue switch off and their options for going digital through an information campaign that is planned to launch in October 2011; and vulnerable TV households being given some public assistance to go digital. In this regard, the plan is to work with charities and community groups to provide outreach support.
The Steering Group has developed a number of working groups. An Analogue Switch-off Information Campaign group chaired by DCENR, which aims at developing and operating a public information awareness and assistance campaign on digital switchover and analogue switch off. Membership of this working group comprises relevant broadcasters, ComReg and BAI. A Digital Switchover Information group is chaired by RTÉ and has membership from other broadcasters. Its aim is to inform the public about the new ‘Saorview' network, including information about coverage, the availability of Saorview receivers and information on how to tune in to Saorview. A Technical group, which is chaired by RTÉNL with membership from the broadcasters, BAI, ComReg and DCENR, provides information on progress in relation to network build, receiver specifications and receiver availability and seeks to identify and resolve technical issues. A Content group, which is chaired by BAI, with membership from the broadcasters. It is aimed at optimising services on DTT multiplexes. Much progress has been made on the issues highlighted above. RTÉ has built and launched the national digital TV network. The national Saorview digital TV network was launched nationally on 26 May 2011. RTÉ and the other broadcasters have been, and will continue to, operate a substantial Saorview information and awareness campaign to inform the general public about the availability of the new national digital TV network. In addition RTÉ has established a dedicated website, www.saorview.ie, and a telephone helpline to assist the public to access Saorview.
Broadcasting Services
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:124 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans or those of RTÉ to inform the public of their options in areas in which RTÉ intend abandoning its present broadcasting network in late 2012; the location at which satellite is proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16640/11]
RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. In relation to the broadcasting network, section 130(1)(b)(i)(II) of the Act provides that RTÉ shall provide a digital TV network by 31 December 2011 capable of providing coverage to the same extent as its existing analogue TV network.
While I have no function in relation to the development or operation by RTÉ, or its subsidiary RTÉNL, of its broadcast infrastructure, I understand from the company that the analogue TV network uses 150 sites and provides 98% population coverage. I also understand that the RTÉ digital terrestrial television (DTT) network, which launched on 26th May 2011 and is providing the Saorview service, will also be capable of providing 98% coverage from 51 sites.
In relation to the proposed RTÉ Saorsat service, this is a satellite-based broadcast service being developed independently by RTÉ on a commercial basis and the service is currently undergoing testing by RTÉ. I understand from the company that, once established, the service is expected to provide ‘free to air' TV reception of the RTÉ TV channels to virtually 100% of the population. The provision of information to the public in relation to the Saorview and Saorsat services is a matter for RTÉ. In that regard, since the national launch of the Saorview service on 26th May 2011, RTÉ and the other broadcasters have been operating a substantial Saorview information and awareness campaign to inform the general public about the availability of the new national digital TV network. In addition RTÉ has established a dedicated website —www.saorview.ie — and a telephone helpline to assist the public to access Saorview.
In addition, as Minister with responsibility for broadcasting, I have promised to deliver a substantial information campaign on the switch-off of the analogue signal and the necessity for the digital switchover. This information campaign, which is currently being developed by my Department, is planned to launch in October 2011. The aim of this campaign will be to ensure that TV households throughout the country are made aware of analogue switch-off and of the range of options available to them for going digital.
In conjunction with this, my Department is also currently developing plans to ensure that a range of practical assistance is made available, in particular, to address the particular needs of vulnerable households as they prepare to go digital. In this context, the expertise and local knowledge of the many voluntary and charity organisations around the country will be of critical importance to ensuring the success of the switchover process. I have asked my Department to ensure that, to the greatest possible extent, these organisations play a major part in our digital switchover information and assistance campaign.
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:125 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he proposes to assist low income households with the cost of digital set-up boxes and when necessary aerials at the time of the digital switchover; the number of households identified to date by the digital switchover steering group as requiring these boxes and aerials who are on low income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16641/11]
Ireland's national digital switchover strategy provides for the closure of the RTÉNL analogue TV network at the end of 2012 and, through the resulting ‘digital dividend', paves the way for the delivery of new jobs, new mobile and broadband services and new national economic growth.
I am keenly aware of the challenges this initiative brings, in particular for Irish households which are reliant on the existing "free to air" analogue TV network. I recently published a Report on TV Viewing Methods in Ireland, which was commissioned by my Department to assist with planning for Analogue Switch-Off (ASO). This report focuses on TV viewers who rely on the analogue terrestrial TV network and also provides useful information on the economic profile of TV households, their media preferences and preferences for receiving information about analogue switch off. This report will usefully inform the digital switchover programme.
This report is also useful in helping to estimate the number of TV households reliant on the aerial TV network backed up by other research such as the TAM establishment survey. From the research, we can estimate that there are at least a quarter of a million households in Ireland reliant on the aerial network solely for television reception and an estimated 100,000 of these are classified as DE homes from a socio-economic perspective. All households that rely solely on the existing "free to air" analogue TV network will need to upgrade to digital TV by the end of 2012 or they will lose access to television services. TV households can choose to upgrade to digital TV by moving to a pay TV service or by upgrading to Saorview, Ireland's national digital TV aerial network. This network was built by RTE and launched on 26th May 2011.
To upgrade to Saorview, TV households will need to purchase either a set top box to connect to their existing TV or a new Saorview digital TV. In some cases, depending on the type of aerial and the orientation and age of the aerial, TV households may also need a new aerial. The number of TV households who may need a new aerial or aerial adjustment is difficult to estimate and is expected to be at least 20,000 TV households.
Experience from other European countries indicates that the cost of set top boxes and other digital receivers reduces as the date for digital switchover approaches, and there is increased competition in the market. I look forward to RTÉ and RTÉNL working intensively with manufacturers and retailers to ensure that there is a plentiful supply of simple to use, accessible and affordable set top boxes available on the market as well as a wide range of digital televisions and digital video recorders.
To overcome the challenges that digital switchover brings, we must also assist people with information and practical assistance to ensure that no one is left behind as Ireland goes digital. For my part, as Minister, I have promised to deliver a substantial information campaign providing households with information on the digital switchover and on their options for going digital. This information campaign will start later this year.
In conjunction with this, my Department is currently developing plans to ensure that a range of practical assistance is made available, in particular, to address the particular needs of vulnerable households as they prepare to go digital. In this context, the expertise and local knowledge of the many voluntary and charity organisations around the country will be of critical importance to ensuring the success of the switchover process. I have asked my Department to ensure that, to the greatest possible extent, these organisations play a major part in our information and assistance campaign.
Prospecting Licences
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:126 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has carried out analysis on the possible negative environmental impacts of fracking or hydraulic fracturing in view of the licence recently issued to a company to use this technique to explore for natural gas in the Roscommon and Leitrim area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16742/11]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has not licensed hydraulic fracturing/drilling in the Roscommon and Leitrim areas.
Earlier this year, following an open competition, my Department awarded onshore Licensing Options to Tamboran Resources Ltd over parts of Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo and to the Lough Allen Natural Gas Company Ltd over parts of Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo. The Licensing Options are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of their acreage largely based on desktop studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. Exploration drilling is not allowed under these authorisations, but shallow geological sampling is permitted.
Exploration activity under these Licensing Options is at an early stage and there is no certainty that it will lead to applications for follow-on exploration licences that would be required before exploration wells could be drilled. In the event hydraulic fracturing was envisaged as part of a possible future exploration or production programme, then that activity would be subject to an environmental impact assessment, including an appropriate public consultation phase. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Alternative Energy Projects
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:127 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Mayo County Council has adopted a new renewable energy strategy which designates many hundreds of square kilometres of lands as preferred or open to consideration for onshore wind farming including very large areas of north-west Mayo; if he will provide the estimate of the wind turbine capacity in megawatts per square kilometre at 50 m and 100 m above ground at Bellacorick; the capacity factor and mean annual energy production per square kilometre at 50 m and 100 m above ground at Bellacorick; the possible error range of his calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16810/11]
The development by Mayo County Council of a renewable energy strategy is a positive initiative. The development by all local authorities of renewable energy strategies is to be encouraged. My Department together with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and other relevant stakeholders are working to develop a methodology and template for local authority renewable energy strategies. My Department does not hold information on wind data at specific locations around the country.
The SEAI's Wind Energy Atlas, available on their website (www.seai.ie), provides information on wind speeds, electricity transmission and distribution networks for locations around Ireland at national and county levels. It is noted that specific windfarms providing detail on such data is generally considered as commercially sensitive by the commercial entities concerned.
Natural Resources Data
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:128 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Mayo County Council passed a unanimous resolution calling on semi-State companies in possession of data relating to our natural resources to disclose that information; his views that openness and transparency should be standard practice in projects that seek to develop our natural resources and that semi-State companies which are more than 90% owned by the citizens of this country have a special responsibility in this regard; if he will write to the boards of Bord na Móna and the ESB asking that they disclose the wind resource data for their wind farm project at Bellacorick, a few miles from the Shell terminal, which is to be built on lands acquired from the local community, by compulsory purchase order in some cases, for the purposes of cutting turf and if he will ask the boards to publish their proposals for community funds in relation to their wind farm projects as is best practice in most EU States. [16811/11]
All wind farms developed in Ireland are required to comply with all relevant planning and environmental legislation and to obtain all necessary licences and authorisations prior to full commercial operation. The issues raised by the Deputy relate to the commercial mandate and day to day operational functions of Bord Na Móna and ESB and is not a matter in which I have a function. I have been advised by Bord na Móna that all rights, title and interests over the lands in question were purchased between 1959 and 1973.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:129 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16823/11]
There is extensive North/South cooperation on a range of issues in the sectoral areas of Energy, Communications and Broadcasting, which are under the aegis of my Department. Staff discharge this work in addition to other functions in the relevant areas. The Coordination Unit in my Department also has a role in relation to overall coordination on North/South elements. Finally, the North/South Body, the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission is under the co-sponsorship of my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, and staff in the Natural Resources areas of my Department service this work in addition to their other duties.
Local Authority Staff
Patrick Deering
Ceist:130 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of veterinary surgeons employed in each local authority; their job specification and the cost of this scheme on an individual local authority basis. [16714/11]
My Department gathers quarterly statistics regarding the number of whole time equivalent staff in local authorities. While data is gathered on the number of Professional and Technical staff it is not practical to require a breakdown of the numbers by job title. This information is retained by each Local Authority.
Fire Stations
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:131 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will sanction the provision of two new fire stations in Ballyshannon and Bundoran; his views regarding the assessment of Donegal County Council that a station in each town is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/11]
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:132 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will approve the provision of a new fire station for Glencolmcille in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16651/11]
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:135 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the amalgamation option is still being considered by him as part of the capital review in relation to Bundoran and Ballyshannon fire stations, County Donegal; when he expects the review to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16679/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 132 and 135 together.
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, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981.
My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and emergency equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations.
Donegal County Council, in partnership with my Department, has made substantial progress in modernising fire stations in Co Donegal and has replaced 12 fire stations following investment of some €11 million by my Department over the last decade. The following towns in County Donegal are now served by modern fire stations with full facilities: Milford (1998); Buncrana (2000); Letterkenny (HQ) and An Fál Carrach (both in 2003); Carndonagh and Donegal town (both in 2004); Killybegs (2005); An Clochán Liath, Glenties and Moville (all three in 2007); and most recently Gaoth Dobhair and Stranorlar (2009).
It is important that value for money is delivered from all expenditure under the fire services capital programme. Following completion of a review of the programme, continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority measure over the next 24 months. In that context, I recently approved a new programme of joint procurement of 17 fire appliances.
Given the tight constraints on public finances any further support from my Department to Donegal County Council on the fire services capital programme in the period ahead will have regard to the Council's priorities, the extent of previous investment, the value for money offered by proposals, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from fire authorities countrywide.
Departmental Funding
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:133 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry without further bureaucracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16659/11]
The group referred to in the question received funding in February 2010. Groups are requested to account for such funding within six months, and, as part of the relevant accounting procedure, each of the beneficiaries signs a beneficiary form which is countersigned by a group representative. These forms were not completed in this case. A member of the group contacted my Department to explain that the beneficiaries had signed the receipt, which was submitted by the group, from the equipment supplier. My Department confirmed that this was acceptable on this occasion. The group has been asked to provide a statement signed by the Chairman and Treasurer to the effect that the grant was used for the purpose for which it was made.
Housing Market
Brian Walsh
Ceist:134 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the reintroduction of a first-time buyer’s grant would assist in dealing with the problem of unsold housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/11]
On 16 June I launched the Government's new housing policy statement which will serve as a framework for a sequence of legislative and policy initiatives in the short to medium term. Based on a number of fundamental principles and goals that will form the foundation of a substantial reform programme, the new framework for housing policy responds to current and emerging conditions in the housing sector, taking account of the dramatic cycle of rapid growth and sudden collapse in the residential property market. The centrepiece of the approach is to chart a way forward for housing policy in Ireland by placing greater emphasis on:
choice;
equity across housing tenures; and
delivering quality outcomes for the resources invested.
In terms of home ownership, the policy statement recognises and welcomes the fact that home ownership will continue to be the aspiration of the majority of households. However, the Government is also conscious that there are other households who either do not want or may not ever be in a position to own their home.
We need to provide choice for such households. This choice will be on the basis of household circumstances and need and will not entice people through fiscal or other stimuli to favour one tenure over another. I have no plans therefore to introduce such a scheme that would incentivise house purchase.
However, I am committed to exploring all options for bringing unsold suitable residential stock into productive use for social housing purposes, including through the social housing leasing initiative.
Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 131.
State Agencies
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:136 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to consolidate the current legislative framework governing the Environmental Protection Agency; his views that any attempt to consolidate this framework should be carried out in connection with a parallel attempt to consolidate IPPC and waste licensing regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16687/11]
The recently published review of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended that legislation governing the EPA, including the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) and waste licensing regulations, be consolidated. Each of the recommendations of the report of the EPA Review Group, which is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, will be considered by my Department in the coming months.
Community Development
Niall Collins
Ceist:137 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will list the organisations involved in the development of disadvantaged communities which he or any Minister of State in his Department may have met with in the past three months. [16712/11]
One of the key roles of my Department's Community remit is to support the development of sustainable communities, through the delivery of a range of measures which tackle poverty and social exclusion.
In this regard, Minister of State Penrose and I have met with a number of Local Development Companies and other social inclusion practitioners, in the community and voluntary sector, in the last three months. The organisations in question are listed in the following table.
Organisations
Kilkenny Leader Partnership
Irish Council for Social Housing
COPE Women's Refuge Galway
Limerick Regeneration
Focus Ireland
Simon Community
Irish Traveller Movement
Roscommon Integrated Development Company
Atlantic View Community Development Project
Donegal Local Development Company
Irish Local Development Network
Respond
Planning Issues
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:138 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that it is almost one year since the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 was enacted, when will section 261(a) designed to introduce a sunset provision for quarries in response to the findings of the European Court of Justice in case C-215/06 be commenced; if our failure to implement the ruling of the European Court of Justice is putting the State at continued risk of fines; the reason there has been a delay in commencing this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16798/11]
Significant new provisions were enacted in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 in relation to:
appropriate assessment of development proposals;
a new substitute consent system for projects requiring environmental impact assessment in exceptional circumstances; and
a new examination of all quarries by planning authorities under new section 261A, to be followed by applications for substitute consent or planning enforcement, as the case may be.
Substantial regulations are required before these provisions can be commenced and, in the case of section 261A, guidance on the implementation of these complex provisions will also be issued. Both regulations and guidance are at an advanced stage of preparation and it is intended to commence these sections and publish the enabling regulations and associated guidance over the summer.
The essence of the judgment in case C-215-06 was that, in allowing applications for retention permission in relation to projects requiring environmental impact assessment, in the absence of exceptional circumstances, Ireland was in contravention of the EIA Directive. Following the consideration of the July 2008 decision of the European Court of Justice in this case, planning authorities were instructed in August 2008 that they should cease accepting retention applications in such cases: in that sense, the judgment was complied with promptly.
Notwithstanding the fact that the practice had ceased since 2008, section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was amended in the 2010 Act to provide beyond any doubt that a planning authority could not accept an application for retention permission in respect of a development which would have required an environmental impact assessment, or a determination as to whether an environmental impact assessment was required. The above provision was commenced on 23 March 2011.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:139 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16825/11]
My role in relation to the North South Ministerial Council (Environment Sector) established under Strand 2 of the Good Friday Agreement is co-ordinated by a unit within the Environment Division of my Department. The unit is headed by a Principal Officer who also has wider responsibilities in relation to international environment matters and sustainable development. The main work of the unit is carried out by one Assistant Principal Officer, one Higher Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer. There is also input as required at Assistant Secretary level. Other areas within the Environment Division provide input on specific issues as they arise. These arrangements have been in place since the institutions under the Good Friday Agreement were established.
Under the recent re-organisation of Departmental responsibilities, the Community Division of the former Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs was transferred to my Department. This included new responsibilities in relation to rural development which comes under the general remit of the North South Ministerial Council (Agriculture Sector). Work in this regard is co-ordinated by one Higher Executive Officer with input, as appropriate, at Principal Officer level.
Proposed Legislation
Sean Fleming
Ceist:140 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the recent European Court of Justice decision which found that the exemption contained in Article 5 (2) of Directive 2004, 113/EC as enacted under Irish law in Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2008, was unlawful, his proposals to bring forth legislation to deal with the invalidity of this exemption; if he will further outline, in respect of any proposed legislation to deal with this issue, his position on the application of the courts decision to insurance contracts entered into prior to 21 December 2012, in circumstances in which premiums and or benefits remain payable or contingently payable on such contracts after 20 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/11]
In a decision issued on 1 March 2011, the European Court of Justice, having reviewed Article 5(2) of Directive 2004/113/EC which enables the Member States to maintain an exemption from the rule of unisex premiums and benefits in insurance, concluded there was a risk that the permitted derogation from the equal treatment of men and women could persist indefinitely. As such a provision would work against achieving of the Directive's stated objective of equal treatment between men and women the Court determined that this provision of the Directive must therefore be considered to be invalid upon the expiry of an appropriate transitional period, which it set at 21 December 2012.
All Member States of the EU have availed of this derogation, which remains valid until expiry of the transitional period. I understand that the Commission will prepare guidelines for Member States and the insurance industry on complying with the decision of the Court. I would expect that the transitional issue raised in the Deputy's question will be addressed in these guidelines. Proposals for appropriate amendment of our domestic legislation will be developed once these guidelines are available.
Garda Deployment
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:141 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the current numbers of gardaí in each Garda division and the corresponding number of Garda reserves for each division in tabular form and the number of gardaí stationed at Garda headquarters and at the Garda college in Templemore, County Tipperary. [16633/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, that as of 31 May 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of each Garda Division, including the Garda Reserve, and the strength of Garda Headquarters and the Garda College, was as set out in the following table.
|
Division |
Garda Strength |
Reserve Strength |
|
DMR South Central |
753 |
42 |
|
DMR North Central |
674 |
27 |
|
DMR North |
795 |
71 |
|
DMR East |
461 |
19 |
|
DMR South |
618 |
41 |
|
DMR West |
786 |
50 |
|
DMR Office |
58 |
- |
|
DMR Traffic |
156 |
- |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
312 |
23 |
|
Wicklow |
348 |
15 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
316 |
17 |
|
Wexford |
278 |
22 |
|
Tipperary |
383 |
25 |
|
Cork City |
697 |
48 |
|
Cork North |
308 |
18 |
|
Cork West |
319 |
19 |
|
Kerry |
333 |
11 |
|
Limerick |
647 |
33 |
|
Donegal |
462 |
22 |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
382 |
16 |
|
Louth |
312 |
31 |
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
324 |
17 |
|
Clare |
317 |
13 |
|
Mayo |
312 |
25 |
|
Galway |
608 |
52 |
|
Roscommon /Longford |
302 |
14 |
|
Westmeath |
263 |
20 |
|
Meath |
310 |
22 |
|
Kildare |
324 |
23 |
|
Waterford |
301 |
25 |
|
Garda College |
140 |
- |
|
Garda Headquarters* |
1,663 |
- |
|
TOTAL |
14,262 |
761 |
* Garda Headquarters includes the Garda Depot, Harcourt Square and Dublin Castle and covers such units as Special Detective Unit, National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Liaison and Protection, Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Road Traffic Offences
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:142 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if gardaí are authorised to issue parking tickets when they come across illegally parked cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16635/11]
In accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts, the Minister for Transport has declared a number of offences, including parking offences, as offences in respect of which fixed charge notices may be issued. I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána have the statutory authority to issue fixed charge notices for these offences.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:143 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons living in County Kildare who are awaiting Garda vetting for unsupervised work or volunteering with children and or vulnerable adults; the longest waiting period for same; the number of personnel assigned to progress the waiting lists to an acceptable level; if he will request the Garda Commissioner to temporarily assign additional staff to the Garda central vetting unit to facilitate the required improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that applications for Garda vetting received from registered organisations are recorded by name and date of birth of the person for whom a vetting request is being made and not by reference to geographical origin. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
The length of time currently being taken to process vetting applications is a matter of concern and I am determined to take action to address it. 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 involved.
A number of immediate measures are being taken to improve the situation. The sanction of the Department of Finance has been obtained to retain the services of ten temporary employees in the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU). A further sanction has been obtained to engage an additional ten temporary employees for the Unit and the process of recruiting these is underway. 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 to reduce the time taken for the processing of applications.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that at present there is a total of five Gardaí, 76 full-time Garda civilian personnel and ten temporary civilian personnel assigned to the 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.
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 enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. Registered organisations have been advised to take account of this in their recruitment and selection process. However, the Gardaí make every effort to reduce the time to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out what are very necessary checks. 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 GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives from around 188,000 in 2007 to almost 292,000 in 2010. At present, there are approximately 55,000 applications in the course of being processed.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has worked in this country for the past five years and holds a stamp 4 visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16655/11]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that the Minister must be satisfied that the applicant is of good character. In pursuance of this condition, the Citizenship Division of my Department routinely receive reports from an Garda Síochána on each applicant.
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division in October 2007 and my predecessor decided to refuse the application on 17 February, 2010. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to her on 9 March, 2010.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements. However, in doing so she should bear in mind the reasons for refusal of her previous application.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Magdalene Laundries
Gerry Adams
Ceist:145 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will implement the recommendation of the Irish Human Rights Commission for a statutory inquiry into the abuse at the Magdalene laundries. [13446/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided on a number of actions following its meeting last week which considered the circumstances of the women and girls who resided in the Magdalen Laundries. The Government believes it is essential to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Laundries as a first step. Along with my colleague, the Minister for State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, I am now following up on this decision with the relevant parties.
Garda Deployment
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:146 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in the Kerry division for each year since 2005; if he will provide a breakdown of the stations to which the gardaí are assigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/11]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda Station in the Kerry Garda Division on 31 December 2005 to 2010 and on 31 May 2011, latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the following table:
|
District/Station |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
31/05/11 |
|
Caherciveen |
|||||||
|
Ballinskelligs |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Caherciveen |
21 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
|
Castlemaine |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Glenbeigh |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killorglin |
10 |
10 |
10 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
14 |
|
Portmagee |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sneem |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Valentia Island |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Waterville |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killarney |
|||||||
|
Barraduff |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Beaufort |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Castleisland |
9 |
11 |
11 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
|
Farranfore |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Kenmare |
7 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
|
Kilgarvan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killarney |
49 |
58 |
66 |
70 |
73 |
70 |
70 |
|
Lauragh |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Listowel |
|||||||
|
Ballybunion |
7 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
|
Ballyduff |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballyheigue |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballylongford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Brosna |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Knocknagoshall |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Listowel |
29 |
32 |
37 |
41 |
39 |
38 |
38 |
|
Lixnaw |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Moyvane |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Tarbert |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tralee |
|||||||
|
Abbeydorney |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Annascaul |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ardfert |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballyferriter |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Camp |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Castlegregory |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clochan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dingle |
9 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
11 |
|
Fenit |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tralee |
89 |
98 |
109 |
118 |
118 |
118 |
115 |
|
Total |
266 |
295 |
318 |
341 |
339 |
334 |
333 |
Sentencing Policy
Dara Calleary
Ceist:147 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views that sentences handed down for cigarette smuggling and illegal cigarettes are sufficient. [16766/11]
The Deputy will appreciate that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the sentencing of offenders is clearly a matter for the presiding judge. As the Deputy will be aware the legislation in relation to fiscal smuggling including cigarette smuggling or illegal cigarettes is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance.
Legislative Programme
Dara Calleary
Ceist:148 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when legislation providing for the establishment of judicial councils will be published. [16767/11]
As indicated in the Government Legislation Programme for the Summer Session announced by the Chief Whip on 5 April 2011, the Judicial Council Bill is in the course of being drafted with a view to being published in late 2011.
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:149 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he is planning to bring the new mental capacity legislation before Dáil Éireann. [16769/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 419 of 17 May 2011 which indicated the following:
"The Government Legislation Programme announced on 5 April 2011 indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in late 2011."
Citizenship Applications
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:150 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied). [16770/11]
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 December, 2008. The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be finalised as expeditiously as possible. In that context, I can inform the Deputy that I have announced steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements include improved application forms that are coming into force this Friday, 24th June 2011, and are currently available online with an associated online residence checker, streamlined and accelerated procedures for certain types of application and plans to recruit interns under the new Internship Programme. Further details can be obtained from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration website www.inis.gov.ie.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. 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.
Crime Levels
Dan Neville
Ceist:151 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of indictable crime convictions in 2009 and 2010. [16799/11]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from An Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling, publishing and responding to queries regarding recorded crime statistics. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:152 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year-on-year change for his Department. [16829/11]
My Department does not have a unit that deals exclusively with North-South issues. Work in relation to these issues, which arise primarily in the context of criminal justice co-operation, is carried out across a range of Divisions in my Department depending on the nature of the work involved.
Tribunals of Inquiry
Micheál Martin
Ceist:153 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the contact between himself and senior Unionists prior to the passing of the motion concerning the Smithwick tribunal on 1 June 2011. [15012/11]
Micheál Martin
Ceist:154 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will elaborate on his comments on 31 May 2011 regarding the Smithwick tribunal that if for some reason the inquiry is unable to conclude its business in the time requested by Government, he will consider that. [14530/11]
Micheál Martin
Ceist:155 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has discussed the Smithwick tribunal with the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the North. [14524/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 153 to 155, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that on 1 June 2011 the Dáil passed a Resolution amending the terms of reference of the Smithwick Tribunal of Inquiry to require it to provide an interim report to the Clerk of the Dáil not later than 30 June 2011 and to present its final report to the Clerk of the Dáil not later than 30 November 2011.
I stated to the House that Judge Smithwick had previously indicated to me that the Tribunal would be able to conclude its work in the timescale now established in the amended terms of reference. I emphasised in my statement to the Dáil that if, for an unforeseen reason, the Chairman found that he could not conclude his inquiries and report finally by 30 November 2011, he could report that matter and the Oireachtas could consider it further. I also made very clear that the Government's response would be fully cognisant of and consistent with the need for the Tribunal to fulfil its obligations fully and as expeditiously as possible.
I spoke with the Northern Ireland First Minister, Peter Robinson, and with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford, to inform them of the content of my speech in Dail Eireann relating to the Smithwick Tribunal and the motion passed by the Dail on 1 June 2011.
Garda Operations
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:156 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the fund from which the recent State visits were paid; if the Garda was allocated additional funds; if so, the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14108/11]
Garda expenses are paid from the Garda Vote. I am currently in discussions with my Government colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the arrangements to be made to meet the costs of the visits mentioned by the Deputy.
Army Barracks
Brendan Smith
Ceist:157 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that Dún Úi Neill Barracks in County Cavan will continue to play a key role in the work of the Defence Forces taking into account its location, the modern facilities at these barracks, the long history of the army being based in Cavan town and the great commitment, dedication and service of personnel based there over the years to the important work of the Defence Forces, locally, nationally and internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16759/11]
Various commissions, reports and studies back to the 1990s identified barrack closure as a fundamental requirement towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency. The dispersal of Defence Forces personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training and the consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties. In addition, the funding realised from the disposal of surplus barracks and properties provides some of the resources required for infrastructure, training-area development and equipment procurement. The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. In that context the dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to effectiveness and also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security.The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective for me as we strive to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces. Whilst no decision has been made in relation to the future of any particular military installation I cannot give a commitment that there will not be further programmes of barrack consolidation or that any particular location will be excluded.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:158 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year-on-year change for his Department. [16832/11]
My Department does not have a North South Cooperation Unit.
Departmental Properties
Joan Collins
Ceist:159 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of acres of lands that have been sold by Coillte in the past year; if he cannot provide this information if he will present proposals on the way elected representatives, through his auspices in Dail Éireann, may access information. [16684/11]
Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as land transactions, are the responsibility of the company.
I am advised that the company sold 436 hectares (1,077 acres) of land in 2010 for diverse uses including commercial activities, wind farm and other national infrastructure projects.
The Deputy may be interested to note that Coillte publish on its website its property management policy and a listing of its property sales in each year.
Grant Payments
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:160 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the amount of eligible land under the disadvantaged area scheme was reduced by 2.04 ha in 2010 on the 2009 total in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if the person will now be paid in respect of the said 2.04 ha; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16657/11]
Applications under the 2009 and 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme were received from the person named on 30 April 2009 and 7 May 2010, respectively. These applications were fully processed and payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued in both years in respect of 14.85 hectares of eligible area. This area was reduced from the previous year's total of 16.79 hectares, due to the exclusion of non eligible area following a review of commonage land.
Heather Humphreys
Ceist:161 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16765/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in February 2008 and has received full payment in respect of years 1 and 2.
A 75 % payment in respect of year 3 was approved for payment by my officials on 17 June 2011 and will issue within 10 days. Payment of the final 25% will be made when outstanding checks are finalised and compliance with the scheme conditions has been fully established.
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:162 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for a forestry development in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16804/11]
The application for the person named is currently being processed and payment will issue shortly. I understand that the grant element of this contract will be just over €108,000. The premium element, payable to the applicant, will amount to just over €16,000.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:163 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16820/11]
The North-South Co-Ordination Unit is part of the Corporate Affairs Division of my Department and was established in 2000. It is serviced, as necessary, by an Assistant Principal Officer and supported by an Administrative Officer and Clerical Officer.
Missing Persons
John Lyons
Ceist:164 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding in respect of a 116000 helpline for missing children is under consideration in the forthcoming budget; and if this helpline will be operational in 2011. [16885/11]
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:166 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with regard to the EU 116000 missing children hotline number if he will provide the funding that is required to provide this very necessary service [16818/11]
The purpose of the 116000 phone number is to provide a contact number to families if children go missing. While the Office of the Minister for Children is involved in ongoing discussions with other Government Departments in relation to the development of a hotline for missing children, the establishment of the hotline for missing children is not a matter for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The issue of missing children is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Child Abuse
Derek Keating
Ceist:165 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her policy on mandatory reporting of child abuse, wilful neglect and physical or emotional abuse; her plans to introduce legislation for mandatory reporting of suspected abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16757/11]
In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to the introduction of legislation to underpin Children First, the national guidance on the reporting and management of child welfare and protection concerns.
The implementation plan prepared following the publication of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse provides that legislation will be drafted such that all staff employed by the State and staff employed in agencies in receipt of funding from the Exchequer will have:
A duty to comply with the Children First;
A duty to share relevant information in the best interests of the child;
A duty to co-operate with other relevant services in the best interest of the child.
My Department is working on the preparation of the necessary legislation and it is my intention to bring legislative proposals to Government in this regard as a priority.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 164.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:167 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in her Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for her Department. [16822/11]
The Government established the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and the legislation enacting the new Department came into force on 2 June 2011. The administrative structures of the new Department are currently being finalised. The work related to North South Co-operation will be prioritised in the development of these structures.
In the meantime, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs continues to take an active role in North South Co-operation particularly in relation to its involvement in the Cross Border Group on Child Protection, which is taking forward initiatives in areas where co-operation, shared learning and best practice could be of benefit to both jurisdictions, and meets regularly to review progress.
Prescription Charges
Tom Hayes
Ceist:168 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health if prescription charges are to be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16645/11]
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:171 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation to abolish prescription charges for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 171 together.
Prescription charges are provided for under Section 59 of the Health Act 1970 as amended by the Health (Amendment ) (No 2) Act 2010. Revoking these provisions requires primary legislation.
It is the intention of my colleague, the Minister for Health, subject to Government approval, to introduce legislation to abolish prescription charges for medical card holders.
Health Service Contracts
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:169 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has not tendered the supply of fruit and vegetables in the County Donegal area and continued the existing contract; his views on whether this represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/11]
I have referred this matter to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it might be possible to approve an application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16656/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 168.
Health Services
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:172 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the services currently available for persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the extent to which the recommendations set out in the National Respiratory (COPD) Framework, 2008 have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16663/11]
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has a significant impact on people's health, on health services and on the Irish economy. Based on international figures, over 400,000 people in Ireland may have the condition. In view of the significant effects on health and on health services, the development and implementation of a COPD strategy has been a priority for the HSE.
In this regard, the National Clinical Programme for COPD was established under the HSE Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate in 2010 to develop and implement solutions to improve quality of and access to COPD services and improve patient outcomes. The scope of the programme is vast and covers prevention, primary and secondary care and links with the ED, Acute Medicine and Palliative Care programmes. Aspects of the National Respiratory (COPD) Framework, 2008 are incorporated in the objectives of the programme.
The focus on the clinical programme for 2011 is to implement guidelines for the management of COPD including establishing 12 COPD outreach services nationally. The services will deliver early supported discharge to patients admitted with COPD exacerbations and prevent readmissions. In addition, development of solutions for primary care management of COPD patients and the expansion of the delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation services along with access to COPD outpatient clinics are under way.
Improving access will involve mandating Primary Care direct access to diagnostics rather than patients having to attend hospital out patient facilities. The diagnostics that are being targeted initially are spirometry (breath tests for diagnosis and management of COPD and Asthma), Ultrasound and Radiology. It is envisaged that most routine treatment of these chronic diseases will take place in Primary Care and the provision of diagnostics is seen as an essential part of this shift in care.
The HSE's roll out of Primary Care teams throughout the country will support the diagnosis of COPD within the community and primary care setting. The Programme for Government provides for a new GP contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as COPD, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. My Department, in consultation with the HSE is finalising proposals for this new contract.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Jack Wall
Ceist:173 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment date for surgery at Tallaght General Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16676/11]
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Pat Breen
Ceist:174 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 11 May 2011, 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. [16678/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have been in contact with the Health Service Executive in relation to the Deputy's question of 11th May last. I have arranged to have this follow-up question referred to the HSE for an urgent direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Cards
Jack Wall
Ceist:175 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16683/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:176 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of redundancies both voluntary and mandatory, respectively, which arose on foot of the cut to funding of section 39 agencies in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/11]
Agencies funded under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 are not public service bodies and their employees are not public servants. Therefore, neither my Department nor the HSE collects employment statistics or information on redundancies or retirements in such agencies.
However, the grant funding of Section 39 Agencies was subject to the general efficiency savings for the health sector provided for in Budget 2010. Accordingly, it is entirely appropriate that Section 39 Agencies and other HSE-funded voluntary providers take appropriate measures to ensure that they continued to provide the same level of service, notwithstanding the reductions in their funding. It is the responsibility of each individual employer to decide exactly what mix of actions should be taken to achieve this goal, to take appropriate legal and other advice, to consult and inform its employees/trade unions as necessary and to manage the HR and industrial relations implications of its decisions.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:177 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will approve an application for a home care package in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16701/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Noel Grealish
Ceist:178 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has any plans to extend the insulin pump scheme and a back-up service for children with diabetes which is available from Temple Street in Dublin to children in Galway; the timeframe for a proposed roll-out of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16703/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Service Staff
Michael McCarthy
Ceist:179 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number and percentages of reduction in staff in the following grades, namely, nursing, medical-dental, general support staff, management-administration, health and social care professionals and other patient and client care staff for the period 3 March 2010 to 31 March 2011; the expenditure for overtime, agency staff and retired staff regarding those employed for the following grades nursing, medical-dental, general support staff, management-administration, health and social care professionals and other patient and client care staff for the period 3 March 2010 to 31 March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16705/11]
The reduction in the grade categories from March 2010 to March 2011 is outlined in Table 1.
|
General Support Staff |
Health and Social Care Professionals |
Management/Admin |
Medical/Dental |
Nursing |
Other Patient and Client Care |
Total |
|
|
31/03/2010 (WTE excl. Career Break) |
11,775.25 |
16,048.90 |
17,559.43 |
8,042.31 |
37,794.46 |
18,623.19 |
109,843.54 |
|
31/03/2011 (WTE excl. Career Break) |
10,863.84 |
16,294.73 |
16,256.32 |
8,004.51 |
36,782.21 |
17,462.61 |
105,664.22 |
|
Difference (WTE) |
-911.41 |
245.83 |
-1,303.11 |
-37.80 |
-1,012.25 |
-1,160.58 |
-4,179.32 |
|
Reduction % |
-7.74 |
1.53 |
-7.42 |
-0.47 |
-2.68 |
-6.23 |
-3.80 |
Data Source — Health Service Personnel Census. The comparison between March 2010 and March 2011 are not directly comparable for the following reasons:
Note 1: Not included in the March 2010 figure is 260 WTE in the National Cancer Screening Service which was brought onto the HSE's census in late 2010
Note 2: From 1 January 2011, Community Welfare staff have transferred from the HSE to the Department of Social Protection on secondment. Therefore, the decrease in 2011 includes the effect of this transfer (960 WTE).
Note 3: The decrease to March 2011 also includes the effect of the Voluntary Early Retirement/Redundancy Scheme at the end of 2010 (1,626 WTE)
Note 4: Not included in employment at March 2011 in the table is 374 WTE in the Nurse Banks in the Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals
Table 2 below provides details of Overtime and Locum/Agency expenditure from 1 March 2010 to 31 March 2011
|
Overtime |
Locum/Agency |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Management/Admin |
7,925,920 |
8,304,194 |
|
Medical/Dental |
184,679,038 |
57,231,858 |
|
Nursing |
58,832,150 |
85,704,720 |
|
Paramedical |
4,666,809 |
24,862,221 |
|
Support Services |
45,334,393 |
53,958,092 |
|
Maintenance/Technical |
6,832,235 |
554,280 |
|
Total |
308,270,545 |
230,615,365 |
These figures relate to Overtime and Agency Expenditure for both Statutory and Voluntary Health Care Providers. It should be noted that the categorisation of grades into grade categories on the HSE's Financial system is different to that used in the HR census. Therefore, the categories are not directly comparable.
In relation to payments made to retired staff, the HSE has advised that it is not possible to obtain figures from March 2010 — March 2011 as this information is collected on an annual basis for the purpose of producing the Appropriation Account.
The recently published 2010 Appropriation Account states that 773 retired staff received payments for services in 2010. The cost of these services amounted to €14,619,549.
The following Table 3 provides a breakdown of this number by staff category and amount paid from January to December 2010.
|
Category |
Grade |
Number |
% |
Amount |
% |
|
1 |
Medical |
49 |
6 |
1,838,068.82 |
13 |
|
2 |
Dental |
5 |
1 |
159,182.90 |
1 |
|
3 |
Nursing |
488 |
63 |
8,718,674.22 |
60 |
|
4 |
Clerical |
49 |
6 |
923,152.09 |
6 |
|
5 |
Interviewer |
12 |
2 |
59,843.23 |
0 |
|
6 |
Health & Social Care Professionals |
31 |
4 |
889,764.73 |
6 |
|
7 |
General Support Staff |
54 |
7 |
1,069,641.62 |
7 |
|
8 |
Other Client Patient Services |
85 |
11 |
961,222.25 |
7 |
|
Total |
773 |
100 |
14,619,549.86 |
100 |
These figures relate to payments made to retired staff in the HSE Statutory Sector only.
Health Service Capital Programme
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:180 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail all changes to the Health Service Executive capital programme that he has implemented to date. [16708/11]
The HSE has submitted its draft capital plan for the multi-annual period 2011-2015. This is a multi-annual programme which is developed over a rolling five year period. This draft plan is under consideration and requires my approval together with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The draft plan which is under consideration reflects key capital priorities for health including those set out in the Programme for Government. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.
Hospital Services
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:181 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the meetings he has held with Health Service Executive personnel regarding hospital service configurations. [16709/11]
Since becoming the Minister for Health I have met with the HSE on over thirty separate occasions to discuss the various aspects of the health services including the acute hospital transformation. I have instructed the HSE not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until I receive a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, the alternative arrangements to be put in place, and the overall implications for patients. I can confirm that a number of the meetings with the HSE focused on the reorganisation of hospital services; however this topic would also have been discussed in the context of primary, community care and the development of the clinical programmes.
As Minister for Health, I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU will work closely with the HSE, building on initiatives already underway. I anticipate that there will be ongoing contact between myself and the HSE in order to progress this initiative as expediently and swiftly as possible.
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:182 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he has been supplied by the Taoiseach with a list of hospital services which should be kept open. [16710/11]
I have received no such list from the Taoiseach, nor am I aware of the existence of any such list.
National Drugs Strategy
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:183 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the meetings of local or national drugs task forces he or any Minister in his Department may have attended in the past three months. [16711/11]
The Deputy will be aware that there are fourteen Local and ten Regional Drugs Task Forces in the country. I have recently met with the Local Drugs Task Force Chairpersons Network, where a number of important issues were discussed. I have also attended a meeting of the Finglas Cabra Local Drugs Task Force. In addition, I will be meeting with the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign next Monday the 27th June 2011.
Health Services
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:184 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the proposals made by Diabetes Action in relation to diabetic paediatric services (details supplied). [16735/11]
The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes — is established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. This programme has a Clinical Lead appointed through the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). The working group is made up of a multi-disciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group. The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives, including the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multi-disciplinary Foot care package for patients with diabetes.
The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.
Medical Cards
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:185 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency to assist a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [16736/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Centres
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in respect of an evaluation of services, facilities and accommodation available at a health centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for the upgrading of facilities including provision of temporary accommodation with particular reference to the need to ensure the continuation of a well supported health service in an area with a rapidly expanding population, in view of the fact that these services have been in place since the 1960s and the need in the interim has grown significantly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16738/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Cards
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:187 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [16739/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:188 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [16740/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Eating Disorders
Derek Keating
Ceist:189 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing a programme of information and advice to address the growing problem of child obesity; if she has any responsibility in this area of child welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16758/11]
The Health Service Executive is involved in many programmes to help prevent obesity; equally my Department — in conjunction with other organisations and Government Departments — is involved in a number of programmes that encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles. And in this regard I set up a Special Action Group on Obesity, comprising representatives from my Department, the Health Service Executive, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Safefoood to examine and progress a number of issues to address the problem of obesity — including nutritional labelling, calorie posting on restaurant menus and the treatment of obesity. The Group will liaise with other Departments and organisations as required. The area of child welfare falls within the remit of my colleague, Ms Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:190 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 530 of 17 May 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [16762/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Gerald Nash
Ceist:191 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health his plans and those of the Health Service Executive to address the trolley crisis in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, in which 52 persons were left on trolleys on 16 June 2011; his plans to ensure that this situation is prevented from occurring again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16763/11]
I have stated many times that the waiting times for admission for patients attending Emergency Departments in many hospitals are unacceptable. I am determined that this situation should be addressed. In this regard the Deputy will be aware that I have recently established the Special Delivery Unit and assigned to it as a priority the task of addressing the issues arising in Emergency Departments.
The difficulties in Emergency Departments cannot be resolved solely within the EDs themselves and must be addressed on the basis of a health-system wide approach. In particular, overcrowding in the Emergency Department has a number of causes and any solution to problems that may arise from this issue must reflect this reality. Any solution must start with ensuring that patients are treated in the most appropriate way in the most appropriate location. This means that where and whenever possible patients who can be treated in the primary care setting receive that treatment in a timely manner. This will ensure that patients can be confident of receiving the necessary treatment on time and that there is less need for patients to attend at EDs.
I am confident that with careful planning, with leadership from the Special Delivery Unit, the implementation of the HSE's Emergency Medicine Programme and related clinical programmes and the roll-out of Acute Medicine Units we will be in a position to reassure patients that the challenges related to the delivery of services in Emergency Departments will be addressed.
The specific service issue raised by the Deputy has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Training
Finian McGrath
Ceist:192 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason that in this current economic crisis we are now going to recruit doctors from overseas when we have doctors graduating from our own medical colleges here. [16774/11]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:193 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the suggestion that doctors graduating from medical college and paid for by the taxpayer be contracted to serve at least two years in a public hospital and that it to be considered part of their training. [16775/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
The career path of a non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) following graduation is normally: Intern — 1 year, Senior House Officer — 2 or 3 years, Registrar — 1 year +, Senior/Specialist Registrar — up to 7 years.
Typically doctors who graduate from Irish medical colleges undertake a one year internship in the public hospital system. Following their internship they can apply for Senior House Officer posts. Alternatively they can choose to leave the system at this point, or at a later stage. The HSE has advised that there is currently no shortage of interns in the public hospital system. However, it is recruiting doctors from overseas because there is an immediate shortage at Senior House Officer and Registrar level. 450 posts are due to be filled from 11th July when the next rotation of NCHDs takes place and the HSE is having difficulty filling some of these. Most of these posts are service rather than training posts and it appears that the posts are not attractive to newly qualified Irish doctors.
The question of contracting doctors who are trained in Ireland to serve at least two years working in our public health system is among the options which is currently being examined on the context of healthcare workforce planning.
Medical Cards
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:194 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [16795/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Sean Fleming
Ceist:195 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16800/11]
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:196 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 31 May 2011, when a reply will issue. [16812/11]
The working group is made up of a multidisciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group.
The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives, including the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multidisciplinary Footcare package for patients with diabetes.
The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:197 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16828/11]
Responsibility for North-South Co-operation is co-located in the Unit of my Department responsible for EU and International Affairs. Additional responsibilities have also been assigned to this Unit from time to time.
Relevant records prior to 2004 cannot readily be accessed but staffing in the relevant Unit since 2004 was as follows:
|
Year |
Grade |
WTE |
|
December 2004 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4.5 |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
1.0 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4.0 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
2.0 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
3.0 |
|
|
July 2005 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4.5 |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
1.0 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.5 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
2.0 |
|
|
December 2006 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3.5 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1.5 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
1.0 |
|
|
December 2007 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3.5 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.5 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
0.8 |
|
|
December 2008 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3.0 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.5 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
0.8 |
|
|
December 2009 |
Assistant Principal |
3.0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.5 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
0.4 |
|
|
December 2010 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3.0 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.0 |
|
|
Staff Officer |
1.0 |
|
|
May 2011 |
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
2.8 |
|
|
Health Attaché (AP) |
1.0 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.0 |
|
|
Services Officer |
1.0 |
Tourism Promotion
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:198 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of plans for the use of the Tourism Ireland’s allocation of €30,242,000 from the tourism marketing fund; if he will provide a breakdown of the budget allocation on a target market basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16677/11]
The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Road Network
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:199 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expend public funding on a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16796/11]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
Departmental Staff
Gerry Adams
Ceist:200 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current numbers and grades of staff employed in North-South co-operation units in his Department as established under the Good Friday Agreement; the numbers in each unit when first established and the year on year change for his Department. [16831/11]
Under the Good Friday Agreement, North/South tourism co-ordination is supported full time within my Department by 1 Principal Officer, 1 Assistant Principal and 1 Higher Executive Officer with oversight by the appropriate Assistant Secretary. Tourism Ireland is the only North South body under the aegis of my Department and the staffing support for co-ordination functions is in addition to the staff directly employed in Tourism Ireland.
North/South transport co-operation within the Department is mainstreamed into day to day work. The Divisions dealing with Roads, Road Safety, Sustainable Transport, Policy Coordination and Public Transport have regular interaction with their colleagues in Northern Ireland at Principal Officer, Assistant Principal and Higher Executive Officer level. The Management Board of the Department also meets with its Northern counterparts.