Vol. 741 No. 1
13 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of support available to the Defence Forces to deal with severe weather emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24999/11]
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide assistance in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework. Representation on the Government Task Force, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation with the appropriate lead Department in the event of an emergency. The Defence Forces are also members of eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework in order to coordinate the work of the Principal Response Agencies. Furthermore, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities and I am satisfied that this arrangement works well locally.
The various procedures that are in place, both nationally and locally, were seen to operate very effectively last Winter as the Defence Forces responded to all requests for assistance received from the civil authorities during the period of severe weather which ran from 27 November to 26 December 2010.
During this period, all assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces nationally were made available to the Task Force, and its Inter Agency Coordination Committee, for the purpose of providing assistance where it was not possible for other agencies and organisations to respond.
The Inter Agency Coordination Committee, which met almost daily throughout the emergency, requested that, strategically, the Defence Forces would concentrate its support effort on the Health Service Executive, mainly in relation to mobility tasks. Approximately 70% of all ATCA operations conducted by the Defence Forces were in support of the HSE. This proved to be a very effective approach as transport was provided to HSE staff such as palliative care and community nurses visiting patients and in the transport of health workers, particularly doctors and nurses, to their place of work and, indeed, between hospitals as the need arose.
Assistance was also provided to those involved in the delivery of meals on wheels whilst focused ice and snow clearing operations were also carried out throughout the country with particular efforts being made to maintain the safety of public infrastructure and key transport hubs.
A report on the Review of the Response to the Severe Weather Events of 2009-2010 was recently published. I believe that the response of the Defence Forces proved to be extremely effective.
Preparations to cope with the possibility of severe weather occurring during this coming Winter are ongoing. Members of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning, on which my Department and the Defence Forces are represented, are currently working to further develop the "whole of Government" approach to preparing for severe weather.
A special meeting of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning is scheduled for early November when I will be briefed by departments and agencies regarding their winter preparedness measures. Following that meeting there will be an information campaign to let the public know what measures have been taken and also what people can do for themselves in order to be better prepared in the event of severe weather occurring.
14 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the amount generated through the issuing of passports in each of these years; the total number of passports issued; the number of passport holders outside Ireland; the number of dual passport holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25310/11]
A breakdown of passports issued and total passport income is set out below for the years 2007-2010 and 2011 year to date.
|
Year |
Passports Issued |
PassportIncome |
|
2007 |
561,973 |
€30,544,000 |
|
2008 |
576,617 |
€29,721,000 |
|
2009 |
572,783 |
€31,872,000 |
|
2010 |
603,753 |
€33,122,000 |
|
2011 to 9 September |
490,260 |
€28,884,000 |
Passport demand in 2011 is currently running at a level 7% greater than the same period in 2009 and at approximately the same level as over the same period in 2010. It should also be stressed that passport demand varies through the year with patterns from previous years showing that almost 45% of all passport applications are received in the four months April-July.
The Passport Service does not maintain statistical information in relation to the place of residence of passport holders. Accordingly it is not possible to detail the number of passport holders resident outside the State. Similarly the Passport Service neither seeks nor maintains information in relation to the dual citizenship status of any Irish passport holder.
15 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify his policy on Libya and the role of the EU members in the conflict, notably France and Britain. [25325/11]
I have already made clear my warm welcome for the fall of the oppressive Gaddafi regime and the victory of the Libyan people and of the National Transitional Council, which successfully led the challenge to Gaddafi's rule. I was honoured yesterday to represent Ireland at the High-level Meeting on Libya which UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon convened on the margins of the sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly in New York. This meeting marked the formal welcoming of the Libyan interim authorities to the international community.
The new Libya which has now embarked on the transition to democracy faces urgent tasks of reconstruction, reconciliation and development. I hope that the Libyan National Transitional Council will be quickly able to establish an effective government over the whole country and to lay the foundations for a democratic and just Libya. At yesterday's High-level Meeting in New York, and at earlier meetings with NTC representatives, I have been impressed by the new authorities' vision of an inclusive and democratic future for all Libyans and their well-judged plans for achieving it. I look forward to working closely with the National Transitional Council in the coming months as, in cooperation with the UN and the international community, they prepare the ground for the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of the first truly free and democratic elections in Libya. I have offered the Libyan people all possible cooperation from Ireland in the period ahead while we will also work intensely to promote and develop our bilateral relations with the new Libya.
Respect for human rights and the rule of law will be crucial in the new Libya and must be a key priority for the NTC and its international partners. The role of women was also integral to this triumph of the Libyan people and full respect for the rights of women and the realisation of their potential will be a key ingredient in the building of a new Libya. There must also be an end to impunity and those indicted by the ICC, including Gaddafi, must face international justice.
While it is the people of Libya themselves who have been responsible for writing this new chapter in Libya's history, their success would not have been possible without the close involvement and support of the international community. The UN will now play the lead role in coordinating the international community's support for Libya's transition. A peace support mission, UNSMIL, has now been authorised by the UN Security Council. The UN has been strongly supportive of the Libyan people in their struggle, including through the adoption of key Security Council resolutions, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the imposition of stringent international sanctions against the Gaddafi regime and through UN-mandated military protection of civilians. Regional organisations such as the EU, Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic States and the African Union have also provided vital support to this effort. Ireland was glad to provide what political and humanitarian assistance it could to the Libyan people over the past six months and we will continue to remain a strong and committed partner for the Libyan people in the period ahead.
16 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue which would be raised in a full year if the top rate of income tax was increased by 1% in respect of all incomes of more than €60,000 per annum, of more than €80,000 per annum and of more than €100,000 per annum. [25159/11]
It is assumed that the threshold for the proposed new tax bands mentioned by the Deputy would not alter the existing standard rate band structure applying to single and widowed persons, to lone parents and married couples. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2012 incomes, of the introduction of each of the proposed new rate and bands would be of the order of €102 million, €70 million and €54 million respectively.
However, given the current band structures, major issues would need to be resolved as to how, in practice, such new rates could be integrated into the current system and how this would affect the relative position of different types of income earners.
The introduction of this new rate would raise the marginal rate of tax to 53% for PAYE taxpayers on those incomes.
These figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
17 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to negotiate an agreement with the Swiss Government along the same lines as the one reached between the Swiss and UK Governments in August 2011 concerning the tax arrangements of UK subjects with Swiss bank accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25184/11]
I am not privy to the full details of the agreement to which the Deputy has referred and accordingly it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it. Initial reports would suggest that any such agreement may provide for a one-off deduction from funds on deposit to settle past liabilities and a withholding tax from 2013 in place of the actual liability due in respect of investment income and capital gains. We have no plans at present to pursue a similar approach with the Swiss Authorities; however, we will keep the matter under review when the full details of the final ratified agreement are published.
The Deputy may be aware that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners obtained High Court orders in December 2009 requiring clearing banks in the State to provide information to Revenue on details of transfers to and from the State involving a number of offshore jurisdictions including Switzerland. The orders cover the 12 years to 31 December 2008 and include electronic transfers as well as cheques and drafts either drawn in the State and sent offshore or drawn offshore and sent to the State.
18 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on implementing a reduction in the VAT rate on labour intensive crafts in view of the fact that it is difficult for Irish instrument makers to compete with their UK counterparts in view of the relative weakness of the pound and since very few British makers are VAT registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25189/11]
The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. I understand that the major sectors within the Irish craft industry are pottery, glass, jewellery, textiles and furniture. Annex III does not provide for a reduced rate of VAT to be applied to these goods, which are consequentially subject to the standard VAT rate of 21%. I would draw to the Deputy's attention that the VAT treatment of persons supplying crafts, including instruments, in Ireland and the UK is very similar. Sales of crafts are liable to VAT at the standard rate of VAT, which is 21% in Ireland and 20% in the UK. In addition, in Ireland, a person who sells instruments is obliged to register for VAT if their sales exceed or are likely to exceed €75,000 in any twelve-month period. A similar person in the UK is obliged to register for VAT there if their sales exceed or are likely to exceed £73,000 (roughly equivalent to €84,000 at the current exchange rate. Below these thresholds persons supplying instruments are generally exempt from VAT.
19 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding tax credits in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25270/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this matter is currently undergoing an Internal Review. The issue in question is the PAYE tax credit. The taxpayer was not allowed this credit because it was deemed that she belonged to a category excluded by Section 472 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, being the child of her employer. The taxpayer has however claimed that her circumstances entitle her to be treated as one of the exceptional cases entitled to the allowance. At her request, the matter has been referred for Internal Review, and a result will be forthcoming in a matter of weeks.
20 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if he will consult with the Financial Regulator, in view of the protracted length of time it is taking to obtain a mortgage and negotiate the sale of a house, to examine if it is possible to oblige banks to extend beyond three months the period of validity of a mortgage offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25277/11]
The Central Bank does not regulate financial products, rather it regulates financial institutions. The Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code requires regulated financial institutions to act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of their customers. In addition, a regulated institution must ensure that all information it provides to the customer is clear and comprehensible and that key items are brought to the attention of the customer. The method of presentation must not disguise, diminish or obscure important information.
A mortgage loan must be operated by the financial institution in accordance with the terms and conditions applying to the agreement between the lender and the borrower. Issues such as the period of validity of the mortgage offer to the borrower are a matter for the mortgage lender.
21 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if he accepts the claims by various banks that they are lending to a high proportion of applicants for loans and mortgages or alternatively that is he of the view that potential borrowers are being dissuaded, by bankers and brokers, from making formal applications to banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25278/11]
The restructuring of the domestic banking sector creates capacity for the pillar banks to lend in excess of €30 billion over the next three years to the SME and to other important sectors. This is in excess of the Central Bank's estimates of the likely demand for SME and mortgage credit over this period. Both pillar banks are concentrating on the Irish economy and need to issue credit to make profits and rebuild their balance sheets. The Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013 inclusive. Both banks will be required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion this year, €3.5 billion next year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs.
Having noted the comments contained in the fifth quarterly report of the Credit Review Office, which stated that ’it will be a challenge for each of the banks to reach their €3bn sanction target for new and restructured facilities in the current year’, I have written to both pillar banks asking them to provide me with their plans to ensure that the 2011 target is achieved.
22 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any direction by the Financial Regulator precluding credit unions from freezing interest on loans, which if such a facility was available, would be a significant benefit to borrowers in distress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25279/11]
To date, my attention has not been drawn to any direction by the Financial Regulator to preclude credit unions from freezing interest on loans. The Registrar of Credit Unions at the Central Bank of Ireland, who is responsible for the regulation of credit unions, has informed me that he has made no such direction and that he has no role in this matter.
Credit unions are independent financial institutions and the question of what interest rates they apply and how they are applied is a matter for each individual credit union.
23 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance in view of the protracted duration of the economic crisis, if he will consider, with consultation with the Financial Regulator, making provisions to compel financial institutions to offer distressed borrowers variation in agreements which last for a number of years rather than the current practice of variation agreements that lapse after six or 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25280/11]
The Deputy might wish to note that, in addition to the existing measures which resulted from the report of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt (published in November 2010), a new working group has been established under the Economic Management Council. Its remit is to consider the state of implementation of the main recommendations of the expert group and to consider and develop further necessary actions to alleviate the mortgage over-indebtedness problem. The Government will consider what further action is warranted once the working group has concluded its deliberations and reported to the Economic Management Council. I expect that the working group will complete its work in the very near future.
24 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if provision has been made for the large number of interest only loans and mortgages, many of which were taken on the assumption that it would be possible to sell properties at a profit within a few years, which are likely to mature over the next number of years and thereafter oblige borrowers to repay capital and interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25281/11]
As Minister for Finance, I have no statutory role in the setting of the interest rates charged or paid by financial institutions that are regulated by the Central Bank. The Central Bank has responsibility for the regulation and supervision of financial institutions in terms of consumer protection and prudential requirements and for ensuring ongoing compliance with applicable statutory obligations. Each institution determines the rate it charges its customers, depending on a number of factors, such as cost of funds and commercial considerations, competition in the market, risk pricing and the impact on deposit rates. In the case of a customer experiencing financial difficulties in meeting his/her mortgage commitments or one who is concerned that he or she is in danger of getting into financial difficulties, mortgage lenders must comply with the requirements of the Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears which came into effect on 1 January 2011. The code applies to the mortgage loan of a borrower which is secured by his or her primary residence. Primary residence means a property which is the residential property which the borrower occupies as his or her primary residence in the State, or a residential property in the State which is the only residential property owned by the borrower. Under the code of conduct, a lender must have a mortgage arrears resolution process in place incorporating communication with borrowers, financial information, assessment, resolution and appeals. In exploring all options for alternative repayment arrangements lenders must consider, inter alia, deferred payment, term extension, interest and partial capital payments and interest only arrangements.
25 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that the State now has majority ownership of AIB, his plans for staff in AIB to take a pay reduction like other workers in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25290/11]
As the Deputy is aware a review of remuneration policies and practices by each of the covered institutions is under way. As part of that review, the institutions were asked to consider measures that could be taken to realign staff expectations with regard to remuneration and benefits in the current economic environment and financial circumstances of the banks. The review exercise is ongoing. I fully recognise that there is a real public interest in the levels of remuneration at the covered institutions. I will endeavour to have this completed in the shortest timeframe possible with a view to putting the information into the public domain. It is not correct to state — as the Deputy infers in his question — that employees of AIB are part of the public service. He will also appreciate that it is an inevitable, but unfortunate, consequence of the necessary restructuring of the banking system that job losses in the industry will arise.
26 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance further to Question No. 59 of 14 September 2011, his views that out of 291 cases investigated by the Revenue an overall settlement of €1.3 million is satisfactory; the amount that is to be that further collected from the said cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25291/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the purpose of the inquiries into approximately 300 directors and executive or management level employees in the six main financial institutions was to establish if directors and executive or management employees were tax compliant. Inquiries have been closed in approximately 291 of these cases. To date, €1.3 million in tax has been collected from these inquiries. I am advised by Revenue that its inquiries in the 291 cases were closed satisfactorily and the €1.3 million collected from these inquires reflects the additional tax that was due by certain individuals to ensure they were tax compliant. Inquiries are ongoing in the remaining cases. The Revenue Commissioners are not in a position at present to indicate how much more will be collected from the cases investigated.
27 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance further to Question No. 74 of 14 September 2011, if the Revenue have retrieved any of the evaded tax from the funds that were transferred to the offshore jurisdictions over the eight years that the High Court order allowed the Revenue to investigate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25294/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in 2003 they commenced an investigation into the use of offshore bank accounts and other financial products to evade tax. During the initial phase of the investigation, taxpayers were invited to voluntarily disclose previously undeclared liabilities. Under the second phase of the investigation, the Revenue Commissioners obtained High Court orders. The High Court orders require clearing banks in the State to provide information to Revenue on details of transfers to and from the State involving a number of offshore jurisdictions. The orders include electronic transfers as well as cheques and drafts either drawn in the State and sent offshore or drawn offshore and sent to the State. This information was used to identify tax defaulters who had not come forward under the voluntary disclosure phase of the investigation. To date the offshore investigation has collected a total of €969 million in tax liabilities, statutory interest and penalties. This total relates to settlements agreed under both the disclosure phase of the investigation and the High Court orders phase.
28 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance if he will rescind the proposed levy on private pensions in view of the concern on the part of those who rarely depend on the State for support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25296/11]
As I explained in my speech introducing the "Jobs Initiative" in May last, the decision to fund the Initiative by way of a levy on pension funds over the 4 year period was taken because the alternatives for increases in taxation elsewhere at this time would be more damaging to the economy. I do not have any plans for alternative sources of revenue to the fund the Jobs Initiative.
29 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance when the Central Bank review of all firms in the State which appear to offer customers debt advice and-or debt management type services will be finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25305/11]
30 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to introduce regulations for all firms in the State which appear to offer customers debt advice and-or debt management type services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25306/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
Following the collapse of Home Payments (HPL) last month the Central Bank commenced an investigation into the matter. This investigation is on-going and I expect to receive the report from the Central Bank in the near future.
The Central Bank has also informed me that it is undertaking a review of all firms in the State which appear to offer customers debt advice and/or debt management type services.
The Government is committed to having in place an effective regulatory/supervisory system for those firms which provide a household budgeting and bill payment service,a debt management service and/or a debt advice service. The findings of the investigations by the Central Bank into HPL and into the other firms will inform what regulatory/supervisory system should be put in place for firms providing these services — whether provided separately or bundled together — or, alternatively, what amendments to the current regulatory/supervisory framework may be required.
31 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the bondholders in the Anglo Irish Bank deal on the Quinn Group took any write-down of outstanding debt; and if he will clarify if all debt or the portion of the debt that is repayable to the bondholders under the deal agreed. [25326/11]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day running of the bank and for the work out of the existing loan book. The bank has informed me that restructuring arrangements between the creditors and Anglo are due to be finalised in October of this year. These arrangements envisage that the €1.25B of debt will be split into at least two tranches with a senior tranche and subordinated tranche. It is also intended that the debt will be extended for a further 5 years and priced to reflect current market conditions. Based on the arrangements interest on the senior tranche will be paid through the life of the facility, while the subordinated tranche will accrue interest which is payable at the end of 5 years.
32 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance his views on removing, or reducing, the rate of VAT payable by the Irish newspaper industry, in the context of increasing pressure on the sector due to falling revenue from advertising, and falling circulation due to increased competition from the Internet; his further views on this measure in the interests of preserving jobs and recognising the importance of the fourth estate in a democracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25349/11]
I would draw to the Deputy's attention that the VAT rate on newspapers was reduced from 1 July 2011 in the Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 from the reduced rate of 13.5% to the new lower reduced rate of 9%. The new 9% rate applies to printed matter such as brochures, maps, programmes, leaflets, catalogues and newspapers. Books are not included in the 9% rate as they already are subject to VAT at the zero rate. The 9% VAT rate was introduced primarily in relation to services operated in the tourism sector as a means to boost that industry. As such printed matter is relevant to tourism, and EU legislation allows for such a reduction, it was decided to include printed matter among those items to which the new lower reduced rate will apply.
This VAT reduction was welcomed in general by the print media.
33 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current eligibility criteria which operate in respect of free bus travel for students who are repeating their studies for the leaving certificate; if any derogation exists for students who are undertaking their studies in schools which are not the closest institutions offering repeat leaving certificate courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25149/11]
Under the current terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils are eligible for transport if they reside 4.8 kilometres or more from their local post primary education centre, that is the centre serving the catchment area in which they reside.
Pupils who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These pupils can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their ‘own' post-primary centre have been catered for. Such pupils have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
The current pupil charge for post primary transport is €350 per annum subject to a family maximum of €650. Eligible pupils who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from these charges.
34 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/11]
The school referred to by the Deputy has recently submitted an application for additional funding in relation to a building project ongoing at the school.
The application is currently being examined by officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department who are liaising with the school authorities with a view to obtaining more detailed information in this regard. On receipt of this information, a decision will be made and the school authorities notified accordingly.
35 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans on the provision of a new grant system or funding allocation to assist with research and development for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25160/11]
This year my Department is providing some €41 million to support research activities across a range of programmes, including schemes managed by the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) and the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET), and the technological sector research initiative. These schemes specifically focus on providing funding support to post graduate students and early-career post doctoral fellows.
As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is undertaking a Comprehensive Expenditure Review across all areas of Government spending. This process will inform budgetary allocations for the coming years. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not presently in a position to comment on specific areas of expenditure within my Department.
36 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary and secondary schools in north Kildare and west Dublin area that have teachers who are fully qualified to teach mathematics and science to a leading international standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25170/11]
The Teaching Council recently carried out a survey of schools to ascertain the qualifications of Maths Teachers. The results of the survey shows that out of a total of 2,045 teachers teaching maths in 258 schools, 1,400 teachers are fully qualified to do so, 596 teachers have undergone some studies in maths and only 49 have no third level qualifications/studies in maths.
The Teaching Council has now asked schools which have not completed the earlier survey to do so by 26th September.
I understand that the Council carried out the survey on a confidential basis and will not be publishing information in relation to specific schools.
37 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants available to those persons who are unemployed who had been self-employed and are seeking access to third level courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25191/11]
The terms and conditions of funding in relation to financial assistance under the student grant schemes are of general application. Therefore, persons who are unemployed who had been self employed and are seeking access to third level courses may submit a grant application to their local authority or VEC as appropriate. All applications for financial support are assessed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant grant scheme.
Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The decision on grant eligibility is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant local authority or VEC.
38 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed at the FÁS centre of excellence at Mount Lucas, Daingean, County Offaly; the grade of the same staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25194/11]
39 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who have been trained at the FÁS centre of excellence at Mount Lucas, County Offaly since its opening to August 2011; the projected number of trainees expected to use centre in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25195/11]
40 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of running the FÁS centre of excellence, including staff wages, at Mount Lucas, County Offaly since it opened to August 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25196/11]
41 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the training courses provided at the FÁS centre of excellence at Mount Lucas, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25197/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 to 41, inclusive, together.
Currently there are 5 staff in Mount Lucas:
1 Assistant Manager Grade 7
1 Clerical Officer Grade 11
2 Instructors Grade 10
1 Technical Support Grade 13
Mount Lucas Training Facility piloted its first course in the last quarter of 2009 with 4 Participants on a new entrants Construction Skills Certification Course (CSCS). As required by health and safety regulations, a ratio of 4 learners to one instructor is applied to each course type. The suite of construction related courses includes Telescopic Handler, Artic Dumper, 360 Excavator, Site Dumper and Mini Digger.
Training in 2010 (Total 122 Learners)
CSCS: 34
ECDL: 14
Night Training (Start Your Own Business, Supervisory Management): 24
VEC Courses (Business/IT/Healthcare/Computer Networks): 50
Training in 2011 (Total 591 Learners)
CSCS: 136
ECDL: 28
Safepass: 360
Night Training (Security, Manual & Computerised Accounts/Payroll, Health & Safety): 67
|
Year |
€ |
|
2009 |
€180,000 |
|
2010 |
€220,000 |
|
2011 |
€200,000 (Budgeted) |
|
Year |
€ |
|
2009 |
€253,000 (including start up costs) |
|
2010 |
€144,000 |
|
2011 |
€109,000 (Budgeted) |
In early 2010, given the downturn in the construction sector, a Working Group was established to evaluate the viability of continuing to use the facilities at Mount Lucas exclusively for its original purpose — the provision of training related to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
Following this review it has been decided to continue to use Mount Lucas as a centre for training in construction related skills but with an expanded range of courses, including ‘green technology' courses.
42 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date regarding the setting up of the general scheme of a residential institutes statutory fund Bill 2011; if any money has been forthcoming to date from the religious orders; and when a decision will be made regarding the criteria for individual applications. [25285/11]
The Government has approved the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill to provide for the establishment of a Statutory Fund to support the needs of victims of residential institutional abuse. The legislative proposals followed extensive consultations with representatives of survivors of residential abuse together with a public consultation process. The report on the consultation process and the General Scheme of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill are available on my Department's website. It is my intention to publish the Bill as soon as possible. While the General Scheme specifies approved services to include, counselling, psychological support services and mental health services together with such health and personal social services, educational services and housing services as the Fund may determine, the Fund will determine the extent of, and conditions attaching to, the provision of these approved services. To date €21.05m of the congregations' offers of contributions has been received and placed in a special interest bearing account in the Central Bank pending the establishment of the Statutory Fund.
43 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when school transport will be provided to a special needs student (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25334/11]
I am pleased to advise that a school transport service has been approved for the pupil in question. Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department has advised that the service will commence on Thursday 22nd September 2011. The Contractor's vehicle which will be used for this service is currently being adapted for wheelchair accessibility.
44 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that a special needs assistant will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25340/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.
Some 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts are being provided for SNA support for the coming school year. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria. The NCSE issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme is to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.
The NCSE has now advised all mainstream schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy in County Limerick, of their SNA allocation for the current school year, taking into account the care needs of qualifying pupils attending the school. I wish to clarify that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of any review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism. It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
45 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he has not yet implemented the new pay scales informally agreed between the directors of the 12 vocational education committee outdoor education centres and officials from his Department in June 2011; when he plans to implement the new pay scales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25347/11]
My Department gives support and funding to a number of VECs to operate Outdoor Education Centres. There are 12 centres in all. The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) lodged a claim with my Department for a substantial pay increase on behalf of the Directors of each of these Centres. Following protracted negotiations, my Department consented to an ad-hoc referral of the claim to the Labour Court. The Labour Court subsequently issued a non-binding recommendation on 9 February 2009 in respect of this claim.
I regret to inform you that, notwithstanding that the recommendation was made prior to the passage of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, this Labour Court recommendation cannot be implemented in the context of Section 5 (1) of that Act. That subsection provides that where a reduction in pay was made on 1 January 2010 to a public servant's pay rate in accordance with Section 2 of the Act, the resulting pay rate may not be increased. Section 5 (1) states that: "Where a relevant provision [i.e. that sets the pay rate] is taken to have been amended by section 2- (a) a public servant whose remuneration falls to be determined in accordance with the relevant provision is not entitled to receive remuneration of an amount greater than the amount so determined, and (b) no person or body responsible for paying the remuneration of such a public servant is entitled to pay remuneration to the public servant of an amount greater than the amount so determined."
It should be noted that the position taken in relation to this particular Labour Court recommendation is in line with government pay policy generally. You will appreciate that public service bodies are obliged to comply with the terms of that legislation, and indeed would be potentially liable to financial penalties, should they purport to act in contravention of its provisions. In this context, I should also point out that, in accordance with the requirements under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan TD, completed a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the legislation, having regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness in June 2011. The report concluded that there is a need to continue to apply the reductions provided for under the legislation. The report is available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's website.
On 20 July 2011, an agreed statement was issued on the part of the Government and the Public Service Committee of the ICTU following the first review under the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement. That statement noted that as committed to in the Agreement, adjudication findings that were outstanding at the time of the Agreement will be reviewed by the parties. The parties also noted, however, that the review, which is ongoing, will have to have regard to the terms of the Agreement, the moratorium on recruitment and promotion and the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009. Accordingly, my Department is not currently in a position to implement the Labour Court recommendation of 9 February 2009 in respect of the Directors of the VEC Outdoor Education Centres.
46 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of the additional places in training, work experience and education opportunities promised in the programme for Government that have a participant in place. [21327/11]
The majority of the additional training places (15,900) for the unemployed contained in the Jobs Initiative which was announced in May 2011 are being delivered by my Department through the following programmes:
6,000 places on FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses
3,000 places on the Back to Education Initiative (FE)
1,000 places on Post Leaving Certificate Courses (FE)
5,900 places on the Springboard Initiative (HE) and
5,000 places made available through the National Internship Programme (JobBridge) which is being managed by the Department of Social Protection.
Arrangements for filling these places are at different stages at present. FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses I understand from FÁS that the additional 1,000 places for the longer Specific Skills Training Courses have been identified and scheduled with some courses already commenced and participants for the remainder currently being recruited. FÁS are planning to commence over the next 3 months the remaining short, evening and blended learning, specific skills training courses with the additional 5,000 places. FÁS is confident that it will achieve its target in this area in 2011.
The additional 1,000 Further Education Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and 3,000 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) places are being prioritised for the unemployed. These additional places have been allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and other providers and are being made available to participants for the current academic year. It is expected that the additional 1,000 learners on PLC programmes will be fully utilised by the end of September. Data on enrolments will be notified to my Department as part of the standard 30 September enrolment returns which will be available at the end of the year. The additional BTEI places are designed to provide flexible short term programmes, with priority given to people who are unemployed and who left school prior to completing their Leaving Certificate. VECs are currently in the process of recruiting participants and initiating programmes for the Jobs Initiative. Data on the number of participants availing of these places will be submitted by VECs as part of end of year reports.
Springboard Applications for the 5,900 Springboard places opened on 25 May 2011 through the online applications facility on the Bluebrick.ie. web portal. It is open to applicants to submit multiple applications and to date 16,040 applications have been received from 6,736 people. 3,792 applicants have been accepted and are enrolled on courses and 2,378 applications are currently being processed. As applications are still being submitted and processed, the overall position in relation to uptake will not be known for another few weeks. The majority of Springboard programmes will have commenced by mid October.
JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme came into operation on 1st July 2011. This scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for up to 5,000 unemployed individuals at any one time in a Host Organisation. I understand from the Department of Social Protection that as of Friday 16th September a total of 2,471 internship opportunities with host organisations were approved and were available on the JobBridge website to be filled. In addition, to date 1,276 interns have commenced an internship under the JobBridge scheme. Of these, 583 individuals have converted their Work Placement Programme placement into a JobBridge internship.
47 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to see the resourcing of an additional 15,000 places in training, work experience and education opportunities for those out of work in view of the fact that to date the only initiative has been JobBridge. [21151/11]
The majority of the additional places (15,900) for the unemployed contained in the Jobs Initiative which was announced in May 2011 are being delivered by my Department through the following programmes.
6,000 places on FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses
3,000 places on the Back to Education Initiative (FE)
1,000 places on Post Leaving Certificate Courses (FE)
5,900 places on the Springboard Initiative (HE) and
5,000 places made available through the National Internship Programme (JobBridge) which is being managed by the Department of Social Protection.
Arrangements for filling these places are at different stages at present.
I understand from FÁS that the additional 1,000 places for the longer Specific Skills Training Courses have been identified and scheduled with some courses already commenced and participants for the remainder currently being recruited. FÁS are planning to commence over the next 3 months the remaining short, evening and blended learning, specific skills training courses with the additional 5,000 places.
FÁS is confident that it will achieve its target in this area in 2011. The additional 1,000 Further Education Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and 3,000 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) places are being prioritised for the unemployed. These additional places have been allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and other providers and are being made available to participants for the current academic year.
It is expected that the additional 1,000 learners on PLC programmes will be fully utilised by the end of September. Data on enrolments will be notified to my Department as part of the standard 30 September enrolment returns which will be available at the end of the year. The additional BTEI places are designed to provide flexible short term programmes, with priority given to people who are unemployed and who left school prior to completing their Leaving Certificate. VECs are currently in the process of recruiting participants and initiating programmes for the Jobs Initiative. Data on the number of participants availing of these places will be submitted by VECs as part of end of year reports.
Applications for the 5,900 Springboard places opened on 25 May 2011 through the online applications facility on the Bluebrick.ie. web portal. It is open to applicants to submit multiple applications and to date 16,040 applications have been received from 6,736 people. 3,792 applicants have been accepted and are enrolled on courses and 2,378 applications are currently being processed. As applications are still being submitted and processed, the overall position in relation to uptake will not be known for another few weeks. The majority of Springboard programmes will have commenced by mid October.
JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme came into operation on 1st July 2011. This scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for up to 5,000 unemployed individuals at any one time in a Host Organisation. I understand from the Department of Social Protection that as of Friday 16th September a total of 2,471 internship opportunities with host organisations were approved and were available on the JobBridge website to be filled. In addition, to date 1,276 interns have commenced an internship under the JobBridge scheme. Of these, 583 individuals have converted their Work Placement Programme placement into a JobBridge internship.
48 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will introduce emergency legislation to deal effectively with the issue of oversized lump sums and pension payments to some senior civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25145/11]
The matter of pension arrangements for retiring Secretaries General is at present the subject of a review by my Department, following which I will bring forward proposals in relation to the Top-level Appointments Committee (TLAC) retirement terms. This review is dealing with the terms of future Secretaries General. The Government will be ensuring that the new terms reflect our changed economic circumstances.
As regards the current incumbents of Secretary General posts, their appointments were based on TLAC terms that were agreed by the previous Government at the time of the incumbents' appointments. The Government will be required at the end of the Secretary General's term of office to decide in the case of those under-60 years of age whether they are to be assigned to another Civil or Public Service post, or to grant them TLAC retirement terms. In the case of a retiring Secretary General over 60 years, they are granted the TLAC retirement terms. It should be noted that these terms form part of the terms and conditions of appointment of present Secretaries General.
The new single public service pension scheme will introduce a career averaging system, rather than one based on final salary. There is no provision in the scheme for enhanced exit terms for Secretaries General. Legislation on this will be introduced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform shortly.
It should be noted that Secretaries General have had their salaries cut from €285,000 to €214,000 which will have a significant impact on the superannuation benefits of those retiring after February 2012. Those retiring before then will be subject to an average reduction in their pension of around 10 per cent. Lump sums over €200,000 are also being taxed.
49 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the heads of the freedom of information (amendment) Bill will be brought to Cabinet to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25283/11]
The Deputy will be aware of the significant commitments given in the programme for Government to restore the Freedom of Information Act, to extend its remit to other public bodies including the administrative side of the Garda Síochána, subject to security exceptions and to extend the Act to ensure that all statutory bodies and all bodies significantly funded from the public purse, are covered. To this end my Department is currently reviewing the Freedom of Information Acts in light of the programme commitments to inform the preparation of appropriate legislative amendments for my consideration in the first instance and the Government in due course.
50 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the heads of the public interest disclosure Bill will be brought to Cabinet to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25284/11]
My Department is currently preparing the General Scheme of the Bill to give effect to the commitments in the Programme for Government to introduce whistleblowers legislation. It is planned to submit the Draft Heads to the Government in the autumn of 2011 with a view to securing approval for the drafting of a Bill by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
The objective of the legislation is to provide overarching legislation for enactment by the Oireachtas providing for good faith reporting and protected disclosure on a consistent basis across all sectors of the economy. The proposed legislation is, therefore, intended to provide an overarching legal charter for good faith reporting and protected disclosure for all employees and contractors, in both the public and private sectors. It will seek to ensure that all such parties will be treated equally and fairly within a unitary legislative framework.
In overall terms, the legislation will build on international precedents and best practice as well as the sectoral protections already in place in Ireland. The proposed legislation will address a number of significant issues, including the precise definition of good faith reporting and protected disclosure to be adopted; the scope of issues to be comprehended by whistleblowing; the rights of the complainant; the rights of the person, body or organisation complained of; appeal mechanisms and redress for employees against retributive action by employers.
51 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the heads of the valuation (amendment) Bill will be brought to Cabinet to be approved in view of the need to reduce the costs of the doing businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25286/11]
My Department is currently considering proposals to amend the Valuation Act 2001 to modernise and streamline the valuation process in the interests of both the ratepayers and the local authorities. Preliminary Heads of Bill have been drafted and a significant amount of technical work has already been undertaken in conjunction with the Valuation Office and the Attorney General. My objective is to have the heads of a Bill amending the Valuation Act 2001 brought to Government for approval in this session.
52 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide information on his intention to publish a Bill on media diversity; and if he will further provide an outline on the legislation proposed in the Bill. [25341/11]
Proposals to give effect to the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Media Mergers, which was established in 2008 to review the current legislative framework regarding the public interest aspects of media mergers, will be included in legislation being drafted to, inter alia, merge the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency and reform aspects of competition law. It is my intention to publish this Bill early next year.
The remit of the Advisory Group and my public interest role under the Competition Act 2002 relate solely to mergers involving a media business. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland also have a function in relation to media diversity.
53 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons employed by the industrial development agency and Enterprise Ireland by grade. [25142/11]
Between them IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland employ a total of 1,058.5 people. IDA employs 251 people, while Enterprise Ireland employs 807.5 whole time equivalents. A breakdown of these numbers by grade, in respect of each of the agencies is set out in the following tabular statements.
Tables showing the number and grades of staff employed by IDA and Enterprise Ireland
|
Job Title |
Number |
|
CEO |
1 |
|
Executive Director |
2 |
|
Divisional Manager |
5 |
|
Department Manager |
19 |
|
Section Manager |
63 |
|
Project Executive |
97 |
|
Assistant Project Executive |
29 |
|
Executive Assistant |
35 |
|
Total number of staff employed |
251 |
|
Job Title |
Number |
|
CEO |
1 |
|
Executive Director |
4 |
|
Divisional Manager |
12 |
|
Department Manager |
64 |
|
Senior Executive |
288.5 |
|
Executive |
140 |
|
Administrator |
102.5 |
|
Executive Asst. /Clerical Asst. |
81.5 |
|
Local overseas staff / overseas graduates |
114 |
|
Total W.T.E |
807.5 |
55 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created by the industrial development agency, Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and the community enterprise board in the mid-western region 2010; the cost to create each one of those jobs; and the corresponding job losses in enterprises supported by the various agencies. [25246/11]
I have been informed by the relevant agencies that, in 2010, the total number of new jobs created by them in the Mid-West region, including the Shannon Free Zone, was 2,086 while the number of jobs lost in the same period was 2,878. The cost per job sustained, which is the key metric by which job costs are measured varies from agency to agency reflecting the different nature and quality mix in any given period. In 2010 this ranged from €6,209 to €14,287. The number of jobs created and lost, together with the cost per job sustained in respect of each of the agencies mentioned by the Deputy, is set out in the following tabular statement.
Table showing the number of jobs created and lost in 2010, together with the cost per job sustained in respect of each of the agencies mentioned by the Deputy
|
2010 |
Number of jobs created |
Number of jobs lost |
Cost per job sustained€ |
|
IDA Ireland |
204 |
592 |
14,287 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
608 |
800 |
12,254 |
|
Shannon Development |
362 |
616 |
7,552 |
|
County Enterprise Boards |
912.5 |
870 |
6,209.5 |
|
Total |
2,086 |
2,878 |
56 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the establishment of a money advice and budgeting service for small businesses. [25247/11]
Suggestions have been made, including under the Credit Suggestions Initiative run by my colleague Minister Noonan in the Department of Finance, for the establishment of an independent body for Small Business, similar to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), which would provide ongoing financial and budgeting advice to small and medium enterprises. MABS currently assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisers is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors.
While there is some attraction in the general idea of a MABS for small business, there is a need to fully consider precisely what role it would play and whether a new structure was needed to assist business people in effectively running their businesses. There are already a number of State agencies supporting the enterprise sector which provide, inter alia, advice in relation to general financing of a business and also cash-flow management. Business accountants and auditors also provide financial advice and input along with many other private sector specialists. In addition, business representative bodies provide assistance to their members in dealing with financial matters. To the extent that such advisory services are already available, it remains to be seen to what extent a MABS for Small Business would be necessary.
In the context of debt management for overly indebted businesses, the need is for such businesses to develop a recovery strategy and to negotiate a solution with creditors, including the banking sector. Opportunities exist for formal and informal debt restructuring arrangements. In the first instance, businesses in difficulty must recognise their difficulty, confront their problems and discuss their position frankly with their creditors. In the current climate, the most significant creditors would tend to be the banks.
I think the idea of a MABS for Small Business needs to be considered more fully in order to determine what interventions are needed by business and who is best equipped to provide those interventions. The current MABS initiative has a budget requirement in excess of €18m and is provided through 52 independent MABS companies operating local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country. Any consideration would have to include an examination of existing supports, the demand for a new initiative, the resources, and a cost benefit analysis. In developing any proposal, there should be an involvement and contributions from all stakeholders in the process. I do not think that the State alone should be seen as the solution to the issue either in terms of service delivery or underwriting the cost of any initiative.
57 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons employed by the National Employment Rights Authority by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25308/11]
The following table outlines the current number of persons employed by the National Employment Rights Authority, broken down by grade.
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Director |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
4 |
|
Solicitor |
0.60 |
|
Administrative Officer (Labour Inspector) |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Administration) |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Labour Inspector) |
6 |
|
Executive Officer (Administration) |
4.8 |
|
Executive Officer (Labour Inspector) |
53 |
|
Clerical Officer |
26.53 |
|
Total |
101.93 |
58 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a redundancy settlement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25162/11]
I can confirm that the notification of redundancy in respect of the individual concerned was received in the Redundancy Payments Section on 4 May, 2011 and is awaiting processing.
59 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for social welfare allowance towards the cost of a funeral in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25130/11]
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or health board payments. These payments are known as Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and may be made towards funeral expenses where it is established that there is an inability to meet the costs by the family concerned and the expenses incurred are exceptional. The Executive has advised that an ENP towards the cost of the funeral was made to the person concerned in August 2011.
61 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for a disability allowance application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25153/11]
Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
An appeal was registered on 12 September 2011 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.
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.
62 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and percentage of persons currently on the live register who are categorised as teachers; and the breakdown of same between primary and post-primary teachers. [25155/11]
The most recent Live Register data published by the Central Statistics Office relates to the end of August, when most schools were still closed for the summer break. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tabular statement, which shows that there were 13,490 teachers on the Live Register at the end of August, comprising just under 3% of the Live Register. The breakdown of same between primary and post primary teachers is not available.
The number of teachers on the Live Register in July was at broadly similar levels. For comparison purposes, the equivalent data in respect of the end of May is given in a separate table. This shows that there were 8,222 teachers on the Live Register at that time, comprising just under 2% of the Live Register.
|
Teaching Professionals |
% of Live Register |
|
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
5,270 |
1.12% |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
6,047 |
1.29% |
|
Credits Only |
2,173 |
0.46% |
|
Total |
13,490 |
2.87% |
|
Teaching Professionals |
% of Live Register |
|
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
3,482 |
0.79% |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
2,750 |
0.62% |
|
Credits Only |
1,990 |
0.45% |
|
Total |
8,222 |
1.86% |
63 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will become eligible for the JobBridge scheme; if the three-month waiting period is still in existence; and if eligibility commences from the first three-month waiting period from the point a person becomes unemployed, from when he or she first seeks social welfare assistance or from the point he or she first starts receiving social welfare assistance. [25166/11]
It is not appropriate for me to comment on the social welfare status of a specific individual.
In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme an individual must be:
currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseeker's Allowance/Jobseeker's Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register;
have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.
An individual's eligibility to participate in JobBridge is counted from the time that they first seek social welfare assistance provided that their claim is successful.
64 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person to include his partner and children on a claim (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25167/11]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA), including rent supplement, is currently administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residency condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment may qualify for a weekly payment of SWA.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned is currently in receipt of SWA appropriate to his family circumstances as determined at the time of his application for SWA pending the award of Jobseeker's Allowance. The person concerned should contact his Local Office in the Department of Social Protection if his circumstances have changed in order that they can reassess his entitlements.
65 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding eligibility for a scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25177/11]
It is not appropriate for me to comment on the social welfare status of a specific individual.
However, in order for an individual to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme an individual must be:
currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseeker's Allowance/Jobseeker's Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register;
have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.
Having reviewed the participant eligibility requirements for JobBridge, the Steering Group of the National Internship Scheme has decided that time spent on Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FÁS/Fáilte Ireland Training courses, Youthreach, FIT, Community Employment Schemes, TÚS, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme, FÁS Job Initiative or Job Assist may count towards the 78 day qualifying period. This revised criterion will come into effect from Monday 26th September, 2011.
However, individuals must still have signed back on to the Live Register and be in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance or Jobseeker credits immediately before commencing on JobBridge.
66 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to amend the rules relating to the JobBridge scheme and allow prospective interns to have completed FÁS or similar training courses within the six months before applying for an internship with a qualifying company. [25192/11]
In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme an individual must be:
currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseeker's Allowance/Jobseeker's Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register;
have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.
Having reviewed the participant eligibility requirements for JobBridge, the Steering Group of the National Internship Scheme has decided that time spent on Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FÁS/Fáilte Ireland Training courses, Youthreach, FIT, Community Employment Schemes, TÚS, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme, FÁS Job Initiative or Job Assist may count towards the 78 day qualifying period. This revised criterion will come into effect from Monday 26th September, 2011.
However, individuals must still have signed back on to the Live Register and be in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance or Jobseeker credits immediately before commencing on JobBridge.
67 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the numbers of unemployed and unemployment rates, three months, six months, 12 months for each year of the past five years and to date in 2011 for the north inner city and Cabra and Glasnevin areas of Dublin Central; the specific local initiatives driven by current Government policy that will be taken to address the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25288/11]
Unemployed persons residing in the areas referred to by the Deputy are dealt with by 3 Social Welfare Local Offices in the Dublin area. Accordingly, I have provided a breakdown of each of the offices by duration bands and covering the last 5 years to date in 2011.
With regard to initiatives designed to tackle unemployment I outline below the main programmes which are operating within my Department at the present time. The National Employment Action Plan is the main activation measure for jobseekers and provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people. Under the Plan, all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register, are identified by the Department of Social Protection and referred to FÁS for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market.
I also published the plan for the development and implementation of a new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES), as provided for in the Programme for Government. The objective is to integrate the benefit payment services currently provided directly by the Department of Social Protection with the employment support services provided by FÁS into a single service. This will provide a ‘one stop shop' for people wishing to establish their benefit entitlements, seek employment and / or seek advice about their training options. The focus will be very much on the individual, his / her rights to a payment, his / her access to an opportunity to engage in employment, training or upskilling, as appropriate and his / her responsibility to engage with such opportunities as they are provided.
In addition, a number of initiatives have been introduced that seek to assist unemployed people into employment and education. Each is in operation locally. These include:
JobBridge, the National Internship scheme, which is providing up to 5,000 work experience placements in the private, public and voluntary sectors. The scheme provides work experience placements for a 26 or 39 week period. A weekly allowance of €50 per week on top of the existing social welfare entitlement is paid for the period of the internship.
Springboard, which offers people the opportunity to study on a part-time basis for higher education qualifications in areas where more employment opportunities are expected to arise as the economy recovers. Programmes vary in duration from several months to three years and are suitable for people who have no prior experience of third level education as well as unemployed graduates who may need to acquire new qualifications to re-enter the workforce.
Tús, which is a community work placement scheme that provides one-year work opportunities for unemployed people. The work opportunities are provided by community and voluntary organisations in both urban and rural areas. Participants work 19.5 hours per week for 12 months.
In the time available it is not been possible to get information on specific local initiatives in these three local offices but I will write to the Deputy in this regard as soon as possible.
|
Week Ending |
<3mths |
3-6mths |
6-12mths |
>12mths |
Total |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
31/12/2006 |
299 |
206 |
281 |
707 |
1493 |
|
31/12/2007 |
279 |
179 |
285 |
740 |
1483 |
|
|
31/12/2008 |
519 |
322 |
408 |
836 |
2085 |
|
|
31/12/2009 |
507 |
402 |
735 |
1166 |
2810 |
|
|
31/12/2010 |
453 |
360 |
628 |
1559 |
3000 |
|
|
31/08/2011 |
460 |
332 |
547 |
1814 |
3153 |
|
|
KINGS INN STREET |
31/12/2006 |
862 |
514 |
612 |
1427 |
3415 |
|
31/12/2007 |
1003 |
534 |
627 |
1338 |
3502 |
|
|
31/12/2008 |
1769 |
1020 |
1026 |
1423 |
5238 |
|
|
31/12/2009 |
1889 |
1582 |
2249 |
2123 |
7843 |
|
|
31/12/2010 |
1500 |
1349 |
1834 |
3312 |
7995 |
|
|
31/08/2011 |
1770 |
1147 |
1623 |
4165 |
8705 |
|
|
NAVAN ROAD |
31/12/2006 |
585 |
400 |
462 |
1046 |
2493 |
|
31/12/2007 |
725 |
416 |
501 |
1054 |
2696 |
|
|
31/12/2008 |
1410 |
738 |
776 |
1178 |
4102 |
|
|
31/12/2009 |
1552 |
1221 |
1959 |
1866 |
6598 |
|
|
31/12/2010 |
1228 |
1012 |
1385 |
2845 |
6470 |
|
|
31/08/2011 |
1514 |
967 |
1320 |
3608 |
7409 |
Note:- Numbers above are in respect of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit Credits Only customers
68 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (detail supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25295/11]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
On 28 July 2011 an application for Invalidity Pension was received from the person concerned. While the person concerned satisfies the contribution conditions for Invalidity Pension, her suitability on medical grounds has yet to be established.
A request will issue shortly to the person concerned to submit medical evidence in support of her application. Upon receipt and examination of the requested information, an opinion on medical suitability will be provided to the deciding officer by the department's chief medical advisor. Once the deciding officer receives this opinion regarding medical suitability, a decision regarding entitlement to invalidity pension will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of illness benefit from my department at a weekly rate of €188.00. Illness benefit is a short-term payment for people who are incapable of work for medical reasons and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
69 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford who is on a pension of €219 is being refused carer’s allowance in respect of his elderly parents, to whom it is being given full-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25299/11]
On 12 September 2011 the person concerned was advised that his claim was under review.
Based on departmental records, his weekly income exceeds the statutory limit set down in respect of carer's allowance. He was requested, on the same date, to forward any additional evidence of his income that he might have to prove his entitlement to carer's allowance. Any such evidence, once received, will be taken into account before a decision is made on his continued eligibility for carer's allowance.
70 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason carer’s allowance and respite grant have been discontinued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25300/11]
On 01 June 2011, payment of carer's allowance to the person concerned was stopped on the grounds that the person concerned was working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week, contrary to the statutory conditions for receipt of carer's allowance.
She was notified of this decision and the reason for it. Qualification for receipt of the Respite Care Grant is subject to the same condition, that the carer may not work outside the home for more than 15 hours per week.
71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a review of the entitlement to rent support will take place in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25301/11]
The answer remains as previously advised in Question No. 165 which I provided to the Deputy on 14th July 2011. The Health Service Executive has advised that on 24th May 2011, the designated Appeals Officer upheld the decision of the Community Welfare Officer not to award a rent supplement to the person concerned on the grounds that the rent payable was in excess of the prescribed limit for a single person.
72 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way it could transpire that an overpayment of old age pension dependant’s allowance exists in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25302/11]
The husband of the person concerned is in receipt of a State pension (contributory) which includes an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) in respect of his spouse. Entitlement to this increase, which had been in payment at the maximum weekly rate, is subject to the means of the spouse continuing to be within the prescribed limits.
Following a review of this case in August 2011, a Deciding Officer determined that the husband was entitled to a reduced rate of IQA for the period 6th April 2000 to 28th July 2011, as the spouse had means from employment over this period ranging from €70.00 to €310.00 per week. The husband was advised on 24th August 2008 that an IQA overpayment of €40,157.34 on his State pension (contributory) had arisen which, under Section 335 (a) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, is recoverable as a debt due to the State.
A debt recovery proposal issued to the husband of the person concerned on 30th August 2011, and on 13th September 2011 he consented to €50 per week repayment by deduction from his State pension. However, on 14th September he notified the Department of his intention to appeal this decision and the deduction has been suspended pending the outcome of this appeal.
73 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for payment in respect of the family income supplement scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25303/11]
Family Income Supplement (FIS) is calculated on the basis of 60% of the difference between the income limit for the family size and the net income of the person(s) raising the child(ren). Net income for FIS purposes comprises total family income less tax, employee PRSI, universal social charge and pension contributions. I can confirm that the person concerned has been approved for and is being paid FIS in respect of a family of 5 children. A deduction of €25.00 per week is however being made from this weekly entitlement, in repayment of an outstanding overpayment of One Parent Family Payment incurred by the partner of the person concerned.
74 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25311/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. The administrative arrangements for the 2011 BSCFA scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of BSCFA entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. 127,000 households in respect of over 250,000 children received their payment automatically in June.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application.
In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information. Staff are working as quickly as possible on clearing the large volume of manual application claims received. Departmental records show that an application form was received from the person concerned on 15th July 2011. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of her claim when an assessment of her entitlements has been completed.
75 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether it is acceptable for a person (details supplied) who applied for domiciliary carer’s allowance on the 18 of March 2010, and was refused and appealed the decision on 9 June 2010, and was listed for an oral hearing on the 19 November 2010, and some 15 months later to be still waiting for an oral hearing. [25313/11]
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 the week commencing 3 October 2011. The person concerned will be notified of the arrangements. 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.
76 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection if the criteria for admission to the JobBridge interim programme will be relaxed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25348/11]
In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme an individual must be:
currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register;
have been in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.
Having reviewed the participant eligibility requirements for JobBridge, the Steering Group of the National Internship Scheme has decided that time spent on Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FÁS/Fáilte Ireland Training courses, Youthreach, FIT, Community Employment Schemes, TUS, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme, FÁS Job Initiative or Job Assist may count towards the 78 day qualifying period. This revised criterion will come into effect from Monday 26th September, 2011. However, individuals must still have signed back on to the Live Register and be in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance or Jobseeker credits immediately before commencing on JobBridge.
77 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact Ireland has lost roughly half of its farm birds due to human activities if he will ensure that local authorities are made aware of the damage that can be done to numerous bird species by excessive trimming of hedgerows; if he will put in place guidelines to ensure that trimming is carried out in a responsible manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25187/11]
The Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme has compiled population figures for common and widespread bird species across Europe between 1980 and 2009. Amongst those species covered, farmland birds were considered the most threatened group and it is asserted that overall numbers are at an all-time low, down by 48% since 1980.
However a review of the substantial amount of data available for Ireland, collected over the period 1998-2008 through the Countryside Bird Survey, shows that the vast majority (85%) of 52 species examined have either increased or remained relatively stable. Hedgerows are an important reservoir of biodiversity and habitat for birds and other wildlife during the summer breeding season. Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is prohibited during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife from 1 March to 31 August.
My Department writes each year to local authority managers reminding them of the need to plan hedge cutting operations to comply with the Wildlife Acts as referred to above, and to encourage in their organisations, an awareness of and guardianship of hedgerows as a rich and vital reservoir of biodiversity in our rural landscapes. Members of the public are encouraged to contact their local wildlife ranger and report instances where hedgerows are being destroyed during the prohibited period.
78 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will reconsider the proposed designation of special areas of conservation in the parish of Cloughaneely, including the island of Toraigh, taking into account the dwindling human population in the area, and in view of the already very strict planning conditions that govern this area. [25318/11]
My Department is currently engaged in a roll out of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) nationwide. An adverse Judgement delivered by the European Court of Justice against Ireland in December 2007 for failure to comply with the requirements of the Birds Directive means Ireland must deliver on this programme of work in order to meet the requirements of the Judgement and to remedy perceived deficiencies in the designation of existing SPAs.
The area in question is one of a number of Corncrake sites that have been specifically selected to encourage the re-population of these traditional breeding sites for the Corncrake. These sites are of high ornithological importance as they are now strongholds for Corncrake. The Corncrake is listed on the 2010 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. It should be noted that Oileán Thoraigh had previously been designated as an SPA. The designation of this site as a SPA does not mean there is a prohibition on further development or activities within the site. Development in this area would, as ever, go through normal planning processes and be subject to assessment from an environmental perspective.
79 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the Irish film board (amendment) bill will commence Second Stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25161/11]
The Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2011 has yet to be published. I intend to seek Government approval to publish the Bill and introduce it in the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
80 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households in the State in need of adequate insulation to meet national standards; and the amount it will cost to fully insulate these homes. [25199/11]
Acceptable thermal insulation levels for building elements (roofs, walls, floors, doors and windows) are specified in the technical guidance document (TGDL) published to accompany Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. These requirements apply to new dwellings and, in certain circumstances, to works on existing dwellings which involve an extension, a material alteration or a material change of use having previously functioned as a building other than a dwelling. Minimum acceptable thermal insulation levels for new dwellings and existing dwellings, in the specific circumstances referred to earlier, have been revised upwards through amendments to Part L requirements signed into law in 2002, 2007 and 2011.
The recently published revisions to Part L in 2011 will further improve the current requirements ensuring newly built dwellings approved from 1st December 2011 will be constructed to the tightest energy standards in Europe. This will ensure only homes with higher insulation standards, producing lower levels of green house gas emissions are added to the stock in future.
Analysis by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) suggests that a programme to improve over 1 million homes to at least a C2 on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale could cost in the order of €5.7 billion and lead to lifetime savings of €8.6 billion at an average of €500 saved per dwelling per annum from reduced energy spend. The total capital allocation for Better Energy in 2011 is €91.4 million. Future allocations will be determined in light of the Capital Spending Review and budgetary discussions.
Better Energy: Homes (formerly the Home Energy Savings (HES) Scheme) is administered by the SEAI and provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofitting measures, including attic and wall insulation, high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. In 2011 to the end of August, 33,559 homeowners have undertaken 97,957 energy efficiency measures. Since the start of the scheme in May 2009, over €100 million has been paid to homeowners enabling 96,219 homes to undertake 233,822 energy efficiency measures.
Better Energy: Warmer Homes (formerly the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS)) is intended to provide energy efficiency improvements at no cost to low-income homes. The scheme has addressed over 71,197 fuel poor homes since 2000 of which 11,197 have been delivered since the start of 2011 to the end of August.
81 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he justifies his decision to change from the alternative energy requirement scheme, in which the contracted projects contributed to the public service obligation levy fund when the wholesale price of electricity exceeded the contracted price, to the system under the wind REFIT scheme in which the electricity supply companies receive the benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25176/11]
82 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the wind REFIT scheme requires generators to enter into a contract with an electricity supply company; the reason these supply companies receive a 15% balancing payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25178/11]
83 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he can justify allowing electricity supply companies, under the wind REFIT scheme, to receive all the upside when the wholesale price of electricity increases, while at the same time imposing a public service obligation levy on the electricity consumer here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25179/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 to 83, inclusive, together.
The first support scheme introduced in Ireland to support electricity from renewable sources was called the ‘Alternative Energy Programme' or AER, which was launched in 1996. It was a programme based on competitive tendering and was funded through the PSO levy. Over the course of the programme, there were 6 tender competitions held. The Programme was designed to support a variety of technologies including onshore and offshore wind and biomass. As the schemes were put in place before the electricity market was liberalised, the contracting party for all of the generators in the AER scheme was the Public Electricity Supplier (PES) ESB. Under the terms of the scheme, ESB was required to enter into Power Purchase Agreements with bidders who were successful in AER. ESB was not allowed to profit from its role in the Programme.
The AER scheme had modest success in encouraging new renewable generation during the course of a decade, with over 500MW of new renewable generation building out under the scheme. One of the acknowledged issues with the scheme was that bidders often bid prices too competitively, such that while they were successful in the competition, they did then not ultimately end up developing the project, as the prices they had bid were too low to obtain finance or have a reasonable rate of return, particularly if there were any delays in building their projects. The tender process was unsatisfactory as it delivered a low level of actual build out from the listed projects.
Under the 2001/77/EC Directive, Ireland was assigned a renewable electricity target of 13.2% by 2010 and the rate of build out of AER was such that the target would not be reached. Following extensive public consultation and consideration, it was decided that in order to reach the 2010 targets, a new scheme was necessary to deliver the build rate required to meet the renewable electricity directive target level. Experience across Europe clearly showed that feed-in tariffs were proving the most successful of the options available to Member States in terms of encouraging new build. It was for that reason that the REFIT scheme was introduced.
The REFIT scheme achieved its goal, in that at the end of 2010, Ireland had succeeded in surpassing its 2010 target by a small margin. REFIT was announced in 2006 and obtained state aid clearance in 2007. Given our extremely challenging legally binding renewable energy targets for 2020, a scheme that can sufficiently incentivise new renewable generation is crucial going forward.
By the time the REFIT scheme was announced, there had been significant liberalisation of the electricity sector. ESB as the dominant domestic electricity company had to reduce its share of the market and REFIT was therefore designed around developers entering into a Power Purchase Agreement with any supply company in the market.
Under the terms of REFIT, the supplier and generator enter into a Power Purchase Agreement, the terms of which are a matter of commercial negotiation between both parties. REFIT is paid to the supplier on the basis of the terms and conditions of the scheme and relevant legislation and the supplier then pays the generator on the basis of the commercially negotiated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA.)
It is not true to claim that in REFIT the supplier retains all the benefit, including any market payment above the REFIT payment. That would be a matter for negotiation in the PPA and the generator is free to negotiate with all suppliers in the market to obtain the best PPA deal possible. Similarly while a 15% payment was introduced to compensate suppliers in the REFIT scheme, it is a matter for negotiation in the PPA what element of this, if any, is payable to the generator, who is free to negotiate with all suppliers on the market to obtain the best deal.
In the State Aid clearance for REFIT in 2007, DG Competition inserted a clause whereby a generator, despite having a 15 year off-take contract, could leave the contract and go to the open market either by agreement with the supply company or by serving twelve months notice. This clause enables generators to go directly into the market themselves if there is any prolonged ‘upside' available in the market. The reason generators do not avail of this clause en masse, is that the electricity wholesale price has proved to be extremely volatile over the last few years, in particular falling significantly around the time of the economic slowdown.
A balancing payment for suppliers was introduced in the design of the REFIT scheme in order to ensure that suppliers are compensated for acting as an intermediary in the REFIT scheme on behalf of generators and for dealing with the intermittent nature of much of the generation and fluctuations in the market payment that may not be offset by REFIT payments in the year in which they are incurred.
New renewable electricity generation is supported in every Member State and is necessary to underpin delivery of the European Union's ambitious renewable energy and climate change targets. It also displaces imported fossil fuels in our electricity generation and improves our overall security of supply. In Feb 2011, EirGrid and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland published a study entitled "Impact of Wind Generation on Wholesale Electricity Costs in 2011". Key messages from that study show that:
The wind generation expected in 2011 will reduce Ireland's wholesale market cost of electricity by around €74 million.
This reduction in the wholesale market cost of electricity is approximately equivalent to the sum of Public Service Obligation (PSO) costs, estimated as €50 million, and the increased constraint costs incurred, due to wind in 2011.
84 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25188/11]
In general, all civil servants are eligible for superannuation benefits on reaching minimum retirement age provided they satisfy the qualifying conditions outlined in the Superannuation Schemes. My Department is responsible for payment of these benefits in respect of civil servants who resigned from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs on or after 1st June 1973 and before 1st January 1984 (Vesting Day). These former employees are entitled to have any Superannuation benefits to which they may be entitled preserved and these become payable on reaching minimum retirement age, i.e. age 60 or 65 depending on which Scheme they are members of.
It is not possible to say from the limited information provided if the officer is question has any such entitlement but the Human Resources Division of my Department will make direct contact with her to establish this.
85 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/11]
86 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25337/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.
No company currently holds an exploration authorisation that permits exploration drilling onshore, including exploration drilling that would involve hydraulic fracturing.
In February of this year, my Department granted onshore Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the Lough Allen and Clare Basins. The Licensing Options are for a two year period from March 2011 to the end of February 2013.
The Licensing Options are preliminary authorisations and are different to exploration licences. The purpose of the licensing options is to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. This work is largely office/desktop based and does not involve exploration drilling or hydraulic fracturing. The Licensing Options also confer on the companies involved a first right of refusal for an exploration licence over the areas concerned.
By the end of the Option period in February 2013, the companies will have to decide whether to apply for a follow-on exploration licence or relinquish their acreage. In the event that any of the companies involved decide to apply for an exploration licence that proposes hydraulic fracturing, the application would have to be set out in detail and be supported by an environmental impact statement.
My Department would then undertake a full assessment of the application, including an environmental impact assessment and public consultation. My Department would also consult with other relevant statutory authorities such as the EPA, NPWS, Local Authorities etc, in reaching any decision.
Work under these Licensing Options is at an early stage and it is too soon to conclude whether or not these authorisations will proceed to the exploration licence stage.
87 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a mechanism by which Irish passport holders residing abroad will be facilitated to vote in all elections here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25148/11]
In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.
Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of certain categories of persons who are entered in the register of electors. The Electoral Act 1992 provides for postal voting by whole-time members of the Defence Forces, members of the Garda Síochána, and Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners. Subsequent legislation enacted by the Oireachtas has extended postal voting to other categories: electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996); electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day and full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State — (the Electoral Act 1997); certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001); and electors who because of the circumstances of their detention in prison pursuant to an order of a court are likely to be unable to go in person on polling day to vote (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006).
The Programme for Government sets out a comprehensive range of constitutional reform measures including the review by a Constitutional Convention of the Dáil electoral system and giving citizens the right to vote at Irish embassies in presidential elections. I will bring forward proposals for change to electoral law in light of the decisions for change which may arise from these processes.
88 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme for employees of local authorities. [25287/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 522 of 14 September 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.
89 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason County Westmeath is to lose its tourism development officer, despite the fact that the county and the general midlands region are consistently at the bottom of every tourism league table published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25297/11]
The embargo on the filling of posts in local authorities was introduced on 24 March 2009 and my Department received a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance in August 2009 for implementation of the moratorium across local authorities. Where vacancies arise, local authorities must consider all options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Any exceptions to this principle require sanction from my Department.
Local authorities have reduced numbers, in terms of whole time equivalent staff, by around 6,500 since June 2008. The work carried out by departing staff has been absorbed by remaining staff delivering very significant savings in terms of sustainable remuneration costs.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for County and City Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the reduction in staff numbers is managed so that the appropriate service level is maintained.
My Department has not received a request for sanction in relation to the filling of a position of Tourism Development Officer from Westmeath County Council.
90 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Fingal County Council is selling its domestic waste collection service; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that AES-Bord na Móna has tendered for that business; if he has discussed AES-Bord na Mona’s strategy for purchasing loss-making domestic waste collection services from local authorities with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; if he will clarify the purpose of the public service obligation levy applied to householders’ electricity bills; the extent to which AES-Bord na Móna is in receipt of funds generated by the levy; the extent to which AES-Bord na Móna is subsidised by the State; if AES-Bord na Móna has or is using its subsidy to buy domestic waste collection services from local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25132/11]
Advanced Environmental Solutions (Ireland) is a subsidiary company of Bord na Móna, and currently offers household waste collection services primarily in markets in the Midlands, South-East and Mid-West. Questions concerning the funding and the strategic direction of Advanced Environmental Solutions (Ireland) are a matter for Bord na Móna and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Many local authorities have withdrawn from the provision of household waste collection services. Fingal County Council's intention to cease household waste collection services is a matter for the County Council; any queries concerning that process should be directed to the County Council in the first instance.
As regards policy concerning household waste collection generally, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, whereby service providers will bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service. A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process has recently concluded. The responses received are currently being examined and I intend to bring policy proposals to Government before the end of the year.
91 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made to close the off-the-road loophole with regard to drivers avoiding paying motor tax by receiving a stamp from An Garda Síochána declaring that their car has not been in use without proof of same; when proposals to deal with the matter will be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25157/11]
I am concerned at the high level of off-the-road declarations being made and I am aware that current procedures governing the making of such declarations may be open to potential abuse. The General Scheme of a Motor Tax Bill, which will include provisions in relation to off-the-road declarations, is at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department and will be brought forward as soon as possible.
More generally, the Motor Tax Bill will consolidate and modernise motor tax law generally and will reform the administration of the motor tax system to ensure consistency, resource efficiency and best customer practice in service delivery.
92 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the introduction of container deposit legislation in view of the fact that such legislation will not only reduce the incidence of plastic, glass bottle and aluminium can littering, as has occurred in other EU countries such as Germany and Denmark, but which will also create jobs in recycling centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25158/11]
Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) classifies items such as bottles, drink cans and containers as packaging. Deposit and refund schemes on such items can reduce litter and contribute to the recovery rates for packaging waste.
The Packaging Directive is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market. Under the Directive, the recovery rate of packaging waste required by Ireland in 2011 is 60%. Ireland had already achieved a rate of 70% in 2009. The material specific recycling targets for glass of 60% and for metals of 50% had also been achieved by Ireland in 2009 — the recycling rate for these materials being 76% and 50% respectively.
Rather than being content with this level of performance, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of a sustainable waste strategy. One of the possible elements of this waste reduction programme is a levy on packaging.
I recently consulted with industry, other stakeholders and the public on a possible levy on packaging. This consultation closed on Friday 5 August 2011 and the submissions and comments received are currently being examined. Any decision regarding deposit and refund schemes will be taken as part of the overall response to dealing with the issue of packaging.
93 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria that must be satisfied for an organisation to receive an exemption of paying the landfill levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25165/11]
The Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2011 provide for exemptions from the landfill levy for the disposal, to an authorised landfill facility, of certain types of wastes. The Regulations do not provide for exemptions from the landfill levy for particular organisations.
The following types of waste are exempt from the levy under Regulation 6(1) of the 2011 Regulations, providing they are disposed of at an authorised landfill facility:
(a) non-hazardous waste from construction and demolition activity, comprising concrete, bricks, tiles, road planings or other such similar materials, with a particle size of 150mm or less, which is used for landfill site engineering, restoration or remediation purposes;
(b) excavation spoil comprising clay, sand, gravel or stone, which is used for landfill site engineering, restoration or remediation purposes;
(c) stabilised waste arising from the composting of the biodegradable fraction of municipal waste, to which fraction sewage sludge may have been added;
(d) waste arising from street cleaning activities carried on by or on behalf of a local authority;
(e) waste which has been deposited elsewhere without appropriate authorisation and is subsequently removed by or on behalf of a local authority or the EPA for disposal, for the purpose of preventing environmental pollution (but not including waste which has been deposited elsewhere without appropriate authorisation and is subsequently required to be removed for disposal by a person at the direction of a local authority or the EPA);
(f) waste arising from local clean-up activities carried on by community or environmental groups, where such activity is approved in advance by the relevant local authority for the purposes of exemption of such waste arising from the levy;
(g) residues from filtration during the extrusion of recycled polymeric material;
(h) non-metalic residues arising from the shredding of end-of-life vehicles, white goods and other metal waste;
(i) waste arising from a process which meets the energy efficiency threshold specified in paragraph R1 of the Fourth Schedule to the Act; and
(j) dredge spoil from inland waterways and harbours.
The following types of waste are also exempt from the levy under Regulation 6(2) of the 2011 Regulations:
(a) the disposal of waste in a landfill facility, where such a facility is connected or associated with an activity specified in the First Schedule of the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 and 2003 and is subject to a licence or revised licence granted by the EPA under section 83 of the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 and 2003; and
(b) the deposition in a quarry of natural material arising from the excavation of that quarry, where such material is in a chemically unaltered state.
94 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason County Donegal, the county with the most ghost estates, has received no funding to date. [25304/11]
I have established and am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments to oversee implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, together with the Government's response to the recommendations.
The Committee is meeting on a regular basis with the aim of publishing a report on progress achieved within the next 12 months. In the meantime, work is ongoing on implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group and real progress is already being made with regard to the public safety works required to improve the living conditions of existing residents on some unfinished estates.
To date, my Department has made allocations totalling some €2.16 million to fifteen local authorities from the €5 million funding allocation made available to address immediate safety issues. The types of works that have been approved to date include the fencing off of unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting, and other works to secure sites. My Department will be making further allocations as applications are received from local authorities and assessed.
Planning authorities are also making progress in securing the co-operation of developers, financial institutions and/or bond holders, thereby obviating the need to use Exchequer resources to fund such work.
Developers and owners of unfinished housing developments (or their receivers, where appointed) have the primary legal obligation in addressing outstanding problems associated with these developments. Any public funds expended under this provision should ultimately be recouped from the developer/receiver.
Estates which fall under the direct control of NAMA, or receivers appointed by NAMA, are being managed by them and as a consequence do not fall within this scheme.
The recent national survey of Unfinished Housing Developments identified 103 unfinished housing developments in County Donegal. However, to date Donegal County Council has not identified any of these estates as falling into Category 4 — the only category being considered for funding under the public safety initiative — and have therefore not received any funding.
95 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the administration of funding that was previously the responsibility of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25317/11]
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) took a decision to cease trading on 7 September 2011 on the basis of insolvency.
My Department and Pobal met with MFG on 9 September 2011. This meeting was used to establish the facts in relation to the specific decisions taken by the company and its progress on implementing these decisions. The company was strongly encouraged to avail of financial advice, alongside legal advice. My Department and Pobal are awaiting a written update on foot of the advice received by MFG and are examining mechanisms to support the continuation of services previously supplied by MFG within the Gaeltacht areas.
96 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of alcohol seized by the Garda from persons drinking alcohol in a public place for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the monetary value of the alcohol seized by the Garda; and the additional steps being taken to deal with same. [25136/11]
Sections 8A and 8B of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, inserted by section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, provide members of An Garda Síochána with certain powers in relation to persons who are found in possession of intoxicating substances in a place, other than a place used as a private dwelling.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that information regarding the amount of alcohol seized is not readily available and would necessitate the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to provide.
97 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the powers and equipment available to the Garda when dealing with a vehicle which has tinted windows. [25138/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that provisions of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicle) Regulations 1963, made by the Minister for Transport, allow members of An Garda Síochána to prosecute drivers whose windows fail to provide a view of the road and traffic on the road, as is necessary to enable him or her to drive safely.
Article 23 of the Regulations provides that every vehicle shall be so constructed that the driver, while controlling the vehicle in motion, can at all times have such a view of the road and of other traffic on the road in front and to the sides of the vehicle as is necessary to enable him or to drive safely. Article 34(2)(b) provides that all glass and all safety glass fitted to a vehicle shall be maintained in such a condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven and shall be free of inessential objects or inessential stickers.
Following a tendering process, appropriate equipment capable of measuring tinted glass, in line with the relevant EU Council Directive, was purchased and is being utilised in all Garda Divisions since December, 2010.
98 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional Garda vans and Garda motorbikes purchased in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [25139/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table outlines the number of vans and Garda motorbikes purchased in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
Vans |
49 |
52 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Motorbikes |
90 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
99 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is in receipt of correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25200/11]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in June, 2009 and my predecessor decided in his absolute discretion to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of that decision in a letter issued to his solicitor in July, 2010. A letter dated 4 July, 2011 was received from the applicant appealing the decision not to approve the application. There is no provision under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended for appeal in relation to an application for a certificate of naturalisation.
However, the person concerned may make a new application to INIS at any time. It is not possible nor is it appropriate to give any indication of the likely success or otherwise of an application before processing has been finalised and the case submitted to me for decision.
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.
100 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of new medical evidence being uncovered, he will ensure that the Garda investigation will be reopened into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25274/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident to which the Deputies refer was the subject of investigation by An Garda Síochána, which resulted in the submission of an investigation file to the law officers, who directed that a person be charged with manslaughter and assault. At the subsequent trial, directions to acquit were given by the judge.
I understand that following the publication of an article in October, 2010, representations were made requesting an investigation of the matters raised in it. The Commissioner arranged for a Detective Superintendent to meet the author of the article and the persons making the representations to make an assessment whether there was any evidence not available to the original investigation team and further investigation was required in this case. As a result, a number of lines of inquiry are currently being pursued.
101 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will increase the retirement age for Garda sergeants, inspectors and superintendents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25309/11]
Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory provisions which set the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. I have no plans to extend that age at this time.
Of course members with 30 years service may retire on a full pension at any time once they reach 50 years of age, for those who joined prior to 2004, or 55 years of age for those who joined since then.
102 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the difference in the processing time for Garda clearances for voluntary youth workers here compared to that of the PSNI which processes such applications within a few weeks and at a time when the uptake of volunteerism is increasing, his plans to review this process with a view of reducing the processing time. [25314/11]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that at present the average processing time for vetting applications received at the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is approximately 10 weeks. I appreciate that it is important to process these applications in as timely a manner as possible and that the length of time currently being taken is a matter of concern which I am determined to address.
A number of immediate steps 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 GCVU. A further ten temporary employees have recently commenced work in the GCVU. Other measures aimed at improving turnaround times are also under consideration. All of this should have a positive impact on processing times.
I should mention that, 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. It should be understood that while the Gardaí make every effort to reduce the time to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out what are very necessary checks, there will always be a reasonably significant period required to process a vetting application and registered organisations have been advised to take account of this in their recruitment and selection processes.
In addition, the average processing time for vetting applications also fluctuates in line with periods of increased demand.
The GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives from almost 188,000 in 2007 to almost 292,000 in 2010. At present, there are approximately 55,000 applications in the course of being processed. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that at present there is a total of five Gardaí, 76 full-time Garda civilian personnel and twenty 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 Deputy will be aware that the Government has approved the draft scheme of a National Vetting Bureau Bill. The Bill will establish a statutory basis underpinning vetting procedures for persons to work with children and vulnerable adults. The Bill will be published in accordance with the Government's Legislative programme. The National Vetting Bureau to be established will take over the work of the GCVU.
Criminal history disclosure services in Northern Ireland are provided by Access NI which works with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be a matter for me to comment on the operation of that service but I can assure him that In respect of vetting applications which contain addresses in Northern Ireland, the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) has a long-standing and successful reciprocal arrangement in place with the PSNI.
103 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of solicitors that have switched careers to become barristers and vice versa in the past ten years; if he will provide a breakdown by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25316/11]
Under the law as it stands I have no function in the matter of solicitors and barristers switching careers.
However, the Law Society has provided me with the following information regarding the number of solicitors who have had their names voluntarily removed from the Roll of Solicitors, and of barristers who have applied to have their names added. While solicitors must make an application to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in order to have their name removed from the Roll of Solicitors prior to making an application to King's Inns in order to be called to the Bar, the Society cautions that it does not have information on the reasons for these particular individuals having applied to have their names removed.
|
Year |
No. of solicitors who have had their name voluntarily removed from Roll of Solicitors* |
No. of barristers who have applied to have their name admitted to the Roll of Solicitors |
|
2001 |
3 |
3 |
|
2002 |
8 |
3 |
|
2003 |
4 |
2 |
|
2004 |
1 |
2 |
|
2005 |
3 |
4 |
|
2006 |
6 |
4 |
|
2007 |
2 |
3 |
|
2008 |
5 |
11 |
|
2009 |
7 |
9 |
|
2010 |
3 |
6 |
|
2011 (as at 19/09/2011) |
9 |
0 |
|
Total |
51 |
47 |
* The Society is unable to state the reason why each solicitor has had his or her name voluntary removed from the Roll of Solicitors.
I am awaiting the corresponding data from the Honourable Society of King's Inns and I will arrange to have the material forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
104 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the locations at which vacancies exist for judges at District Court level; if and when it is intended to appoint persons to these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/11]
There are three vacancies in the District Court: in District Number 14 (Limerick), District Number 20 (Cork) and District Number 22 (Carlow/Kilkenny).
Due to upcoming retirements two additional District Court vacancies will shortly arise in the Dublin Metropolitan District and District Number 23 (Wexford).
The current procedures for judicial appointments are set out in the Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995. I should mention that I have asked my Department to examine the judicial appointment procedure and this review is currently in train. It is the Government's intention to fill the vacancies as soon as possible.
105 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting times for hearing family law cases, by district court location; in locations at which the wait is very long, the action he intends to take to reduce the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25329/11]
The management and administration of the courts including responsibility for maintaining and publishing court statistics is a matter for the Courts Service. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following table which shows the most recently available data, from May 2011, in relation to waiting times for Family Law cases in District Courts within the administrative area of the District Court offices detailed in the Table. Figures relate to weeks.
|
Office |
Family Law Domestic Violence Applications |
Family Law Maintenance/ Guardianship Applications |
|
Athlone |
2 |
4 |
|
Ballina |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Ballinasloe |
1 |
4 |
|
Bray |
1 to 3 |
3 to 6 |
|
Carlow |
8 |
8 |
|
Carrick on Shannon |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Castlebar |
Next sitting |
6 |
|
Cavan |
Next sitting |
8 |
|
Clonakilty |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Clonmel |
4 to 8 |
8 to 12 |
|
Cork |
10 |
10 to 12 |
|
Derrynea |
Next sitting |
3 |
|
Donegal |
2 to 5 |
4 to 6 |
|
Drogheda |
Next sitting |
4 |
|
Dublin |
8 |
8 |
|
Dundalk |
1 |
3 |
|
Ennis |
2 |
4 |
|
Galway |
1 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 to 4 |
4 to 8 |
|
Killarney |
Next sitting |
4 to 6 |
|
Letterkenny |
4 |
8 |
|
Limerick |
3 to 5 |
6 to 8 |
|
Listowel |
4 |
4 |
|
Longford |
1 |
4 |
|
Loughrea |
Next sitting |
8 |
|
Mallow |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Monaghan |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Mullingar |
2 (1) |
4 |
|
Naas |
2 |
8 |
|
Nenagh |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Portlaoise |
Next sitting |
8 to 12 |
|
Roscommon |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Sligo |
2 |
4 |
|
Tralee |
4 |
4 |
|
Trim |
4 to 8 |
4 |
|
Tullamore |
Next sitting |
4 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
12 |
|
Wexford |
Next sitting |
4 |
|
Youghal |
8 |
8 |
I am informed that urgent interim applications are dealt with on the next sitting day in every District. The waiting time given is the time from receipt of application to listing for hearing. The Courts Service keeps waiting times under constant review in consultation with the President of the District Court and the local District Court Judge and special sittings can be scheduled to deal with backlogs.
I might also mention that in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government I intend, when resources permit, to arrange for the publication of a Bill to amend the Constitution to provide for the establishment of a distinct and separate system of family courts to streamline family law courts and to make them more efficient and less costly.
106 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25330/11]
The Coroner for County Offaly has confirmed to me that the file in relation to this matter has not been destroyed or burned and is fully intact. He is at a loss to know why this question has arisen.
107 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons currently in the Air Corps and Naval Service by rank. [25143/11]
The following table shows the number of persons in the Air Corps and Naval Service by rank, as at 31 August 2011, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Rank |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
|
Major General |
1 |
0 |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 |
11 |
|
Commandant |
29 |
38 |
|
Captain |
66 |
64 |
|
Lieutenant |
35 |
39 |
|
Sergeant Major |
5 |
5 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
4 |
5 |
|
Company Sergeant |
39 |
58 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
11 |
14 |
|
Sergeant |
124 |
193 |
|
Corporal |
177 |
177 |
|
Privates |
276 |
382 |
|
Cadets |
3 |
16 |
|
Total |
786 |
1,005 |
108 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Malcolm Miller ship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25154/11]
The position is that the previous Government decided in the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010 that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure.
In light of the above and in the context of the current economic climate, my Department has no plans to purchase the Malcolm Miller.
109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military installations decommissioned in previous years have been disposed of and benefits realised for the Exchequer; the extent to which any such buildings are retained and for what purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25258/11]
On 15 July 1998 the then Government approved a programme of the closure and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Castleblayney, Kildare, and Islandbridge, Dublin.
The sale of 97 acres approximately at Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig was completed in 2003 for a total of €42 million. The bulk of the lands were purchased by O'Flynn Construction. The sale of a site comprising c.2.7 acres to the Southern Heath Board for €1.73 million was completed in December 2004 and the sale of a further site comprising c.1.7 acres to the HSE South for a consideration of €1.1 million approximately was completed shortly thereafter. A half-acre site is being transferred to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for a consideration of €1.45 million to facilitate extension of the existing Garda Station located on Main Street, Ballincollig. As was agreed at the time of the closure and sale of Murphy Barracks, an area comprising approximately 27 acres of the property was transferred to Cork County Council for community use.
An area comprising 19 acres approximately at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, was sold to Cork County Council in 2001 for close to €1 million for economic development of the site in conjunction with the IDA.
Castleblayney Military Post, Co. Monaghan, comprising c. 10 acres, was sold to the North Eastern Health Board for €0.8 million approximately in 2002.
An area comprising 7 acres approximately at Devoy Barracks, Naas, Co. Kildare, was ceded free of charge to Naas Urban District Council, while a further 14 acres were sold to that authority for €8.9 million approximately. The balance of the Barracks lands — one acre — was sold to Kildare County Council for approximately €0.4 million in 2002.
Clancy Barracks, Dublin, comprising 13.6 acres approximately, was sold to Florence Properties Ltd. for €25.4 million in 2004.
The value of sales/disposals completed to date, in respect of the aforementioned five barracks is in the region of €80 million. The Government decided on 1st July 2003 that the former Magee Barracks in Kildare Town would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. On foot of this announcement Kildare County Council prepared a local area plan for the site, which encompassed a range of uses including community activities. The Department had been involved in the process of transferring ownership to Kildare County Council and a final Contract of Sale was sent to the Solicitors for the Council in 2009. However, the local authority subsequently contacted the Department to state that it no longer wished to proceed with the development and had no interest in taking possession of the property. The property now remains with the Department of Defence in its entirety. The property will be disposed of by the Department, taking account of the market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces.
In the Budget of October 2008 the closure of Longford and Monaghan Barracks, Rockhill House (Letterkenny), Lifford Military Post and St. Bricin's Hospital Dublin was announced.
The sale of Monaghan to the local VEC for €3.1m was completed on 24 August 2010 while the sale of part of Longford to the VEC for €0.95m was completed on 16 July 2010.
The position with Lifford and Rockhill is that discussions are at an advanced stage with Donegal County Council on the basis of them acquiring both premises over a 3-4 year period. Longford County Council has expressed some interest in acquiring Connolly Barracks and discussions with the Council are at a preliminary stage in this regard. The closure of St. Bricin's Hospital was linked to the decentralisation programme. It cannot be progressed until issues arising from the cancellation of the transfer under that programme, of Defence Forces Headquarters to the Curragh, have been addressed.
The total realised to-date in terms of sales of surplus property is €84m approx. This, together with income from the sale of other smaller military properties and married quarters has been re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the age profile of the Defence Forces at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25259/11]
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the average age of all personnel in the Permanent Defence Force is 36.8 years with 60.3% of all personnel aged under 40 years. The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both identified the requirement to address the high age profile in the Defence Forces. The key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain the expertise and experience, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces. The upper age limit for enlistment in the Army is under 25 years of age on the date of enlistment and for the Naval Service it is under 27 years of age on the date of enlistment. These limits are determined on the basis that the essential functions of the Permanent Defence Force requires that its members be composed of able bodied personnel of an age which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation.
The following table outlines the average ages by rank in the Permanent Defence Force as at 19 September 2011.
|
Rank |
AverageAge |
|
Major General |
58.6 |
|
Brigadier General |
58.0 |
|
Colonel |
57.3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
53.2 |
|
Commandant |
45.1 |
|
Captain |
33.1 |
|
Lieutenant |
27.4 |
|
Sergeant Major |
54.3 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
54.2 |
|
Company Sergeant |
50.9 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
49.9 |
|
Sergeant |
44.0 |
|
Corporal |
37.0 |
|
Private (includes Recruits & Cadets) |
33.1 |
111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing upskilling and training in line with requirements or anticipated requirements continues in respect of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25260/11]
The Defence Forces conducts training and education under three broad categories — skills training; career training and education; and collective training.
Skills training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that its personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills to permit the development of organisational capabilities. Career training provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels from Section Commander to Brigade Commander. Collective Training operationalises individual, crew, specialist and career training by moulding Sub-Units, Units and Formations into integrated and coherent combat forces thereby providing the Defence Forces with the capabilities required to fulfil its roles and missions both at home and overseas.
Training is at the core of all things military. I am satisfied with the ongoing actions to keep military training techniques up to date in all respects and Defence Forces training plans structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned by Government.
112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; the extent to which these numbers have altered in each of the past five years and to date in 2011 and for whatever purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25261/11]
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 August 2011, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,513 comprising 7,722 Army, 786 Air Corps and 1,005 Naval Service Personnel.
In the five year period from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010 the overall strength of the Permanent Defence Force reduced from 10,446 to 9,550. This represents an 8.6% decrease over the period. The latest monthly strength figures (31 August 2011) show a further decrease in strength of 37 personnel.
The Government is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and my Department has submitted a report as part of that process. The outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure will determine the future envelope available for Defence.
I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
A table outlining the end of year strengths of the Permanent Defence Force from 2005 to 2010 together with the latest end of month strength (31 August 2011) is set out below.
|
31 December 2005 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1052 |
3060 |
4340 |
87 |
8,539 |
|
AIR CORPS |
134 |
403 |
294 |
21 |
852 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
163 |
471 |
404 |
17 |
1,055 |
|
TOTAL |
1349 |
3934 |
5038 |
125 |
10,446 |
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1064 |
3030 |
4371 |
71 |
8,536 |
|
AIR CORPS |
136 |
383 |
320 |
26 |
865 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
158 |
506 |
397 |
15 |
1,076 |
|
TOTAL |
1358 |
3919 |
5088 |
112 |
10,477 |
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1049 |
2947 |
4446 |
70 |
8,512 |
|
AIR CORPS |
137 |
383 |
301 |
24 |
845 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
159 |
487 |
415 |
16 |
1,077 |
|
TOTAL |
1345 |
3817 |
5162 |
110 |
10,434 |
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1071 |
2970 |
4394 |
71 |
8,506 |
|
AIR CORPS |
147 |
380 |
291 |
14 |
832 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
160 |
495 |
402 |
13 |
1,070 |
|
TOTAL |
1378 |
3845 |
5087 |
98 |
10,408 |
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1041 |
2836 |
4152 |
66 |
8,095 |
|
AIR CORPS |
142 |
371 |
282 |
6 |
801 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
164 |
475 |
379 |
19 |
1,037 |
|
TOTAL |
1347 |
3682 |
4813 |
91 |
9,933 |
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1027 |
2655 |
4018 |
52 |
7,752 |
|
AIR CORPS |
149 |
349 |
263 |
5 |
766 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
161 |
450 |
403 |
18 |
1,032 |
|
TOTAL |
1337 |
3454 |
4684 |
75 |
9,550 |
|
TOTAL OFFRS |
TOTAL NCOS |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
1027 |
2689 |
3985 |
21 |
7,722 |
|
AIR CORPS |
147 |
360 |
276 |
3 |
786 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
155 |
452 |
382 |
16 |
1,005 |
|
TOTAL |
1329 |
3501 |
4643 |
40 |
9,513 |
113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of promotions pending or position waiting to be filled at all levels in the Defence Forces; when it is expected that all such positions will be filled and appointments concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25262/11]
Official confirmation and details relating to the Employment Control Framework (ECF) were received on 18 October 2010 from the Department of Finance. The ECF is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to enable them meet the roles assigned by Government.
The number of positions by rank in the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 August 2011 currently waiting to be filled, as compared with the Employment Control Framework for the Permanent Defence Force, are outlined in the attached tabular statement. Officials from the Department together with the Military Authorities are in the process of reviewing the structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in accordance with the upper limits in ranks provided for in the ECF subject to a final decision on the estimates for Defence.
In this regard the Government is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and this will inform the resource envelope available for Defence over the coming years and the priorities within Defence.
The expenditure review and the ongoing review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces are factors which must be considered in any future decision relating to the filling of promotional vacancies.
|
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COM DT |
CAPT/ LT |
SM/ BQMS |
CS/ CQMS |
SGTS/ CPLS |
PTES/ CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
Strength at 31 August 2011 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
35 |
131 |
332 |
821 |
72 |
430 |
2,999 |
4,683 |
9,513 |
|
ECF |
1 |
2 |
9 |
43 |
152 |
370 |
774 |
96 |
540 |
3,250 |
4,763 |
10,000 |
|
Vacancies by rank |
- |
- |
-2 |
-8 |
-21 |
-38 |
+47 |
-24 |
-110 |
-251 |
-80 |
-487 |
|
Posts held for possible overseas appointments |
1 |
2 |
4 |
15 |
22 |
|||||||
|
Net Vacancies by rank |
0 |
0 |
-1 |
-6 |
-17 |
-23 |
+47 |
-24 |
-110 |
-251 |
-80 |
-465 |
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which upgrading of equipment has been identified or is required in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; the extent to which it is expected to meet such requirements in the short, medium and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/11]
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces continue to be equipped with the most modern technology in terms of communications, body armour or other equipment with particular reference to the needs of those serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25265/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 116 together.
Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various Subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, Naval Service ships and stores, communications and Information Technology equipment.
The provision for defensive equipment for 2011 allows, inter alia, for the acquisition of a range of equipment, e.g. Chemical Detection Equipment, Body Armour, Force Protection Equipment, Rifle enhancement, Communication Equipment etc. in order to maintain the Defence Forces capabilities. The provision also allows for the acquisition of a range of different ammunition types necessary to maintain stocks given the training and overseas requirement throughout the year.
A particular focus is maintained in ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment, which the individual soldier in the Defence Forces has at his / her disposal in Lebanon is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries.
One of the most significant allocations provided for this year, and which will be required in the coming years, relates to the Naval Service subhead which provides for the development and provision of two new Off Shore Patrol vessels, the first of which is to be delivered in 2014.
With regard to the Air Corps, the equipment and aircraft available are of a high standard and are maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces is a matter that will be kept under continuous review. It is, however, imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies can be made taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available for the Department for the acquisition of new equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes for equipment over the coming years. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions will be made accordingly. The priority this year and in the coming years is on maintaining the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotions by rank throughout the Defence Forces in each of the past five years and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25264/11]
In relation to the number of promotions by rank throughout the Defence Forces in each of the past five years and to date in 2011, it has not been possible at this time to source all the necessary information in order to fully answer this question.
I will revert with a complete answer at the earliest possible opportunity.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the UN has fully reimbursed the State in respect of overseas troop deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25266/11]
The only mission in which the Defence Forces is currently participating and for which Ireland is due reimbursement by the UN is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). An Irish Battalion was deployed to UNIFIL as recently as last June. The Department of Defence is in the process of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UN for Ireland's contribution of Defence Forces personnel and equipment to UNIFIL. The MoU is expected to be signed shortly and payment of troop and equipment costs is expected to commence in the final quarter of 2011. The costs of deployment of the Battalion have been claimed from the UN. The total amount owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations as at 31 August 2011 in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Force personnel in UN missions was calculated at €9.7 million approximately. This figure includes deployment costs (€0.9 million) and troop and equipment costs (€1.7 million) in respect of the current UNIFIL mission, repatriation costs of both personnel and equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad (€6.7 million approximately) and costs associated with the participation in the UNIFIL mission in 2006/2007 (€0.39 million approximately).
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all equipment including sea going vessels available to the naval service is fully modernised and up to date in line with requirements to meet any emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25267/11]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps is fully modernised in terms of aircraft, equipment and skilled personnel with particular reference to requirements arising from overseas deployment or emergencies such as air rescue or surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25268/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue, (SAR) services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to Search and Rescue. In this regard, the Air Corps provides support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within its available capability. Air Corps assets are not deployed on overseas service.
On the issue of equipment for the Naval Service and Air Corps, a contract was awarded to Babcock Marine for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment is available to Naval Service personnel for their various roles.
The equipment and aircraft available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and are maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational. There are no plans for the purchase of new aircraft for the Air Corps at present.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that sufficient provision is being made in terms of skills, equipment and aircraft and sea going vessels to provide the highest level of coastal surveillance and air-sea rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25269/11]
The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery and drug interdiction operations.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits, or the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200-mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time and a high level of coastal surveillance is carried out during the fishery protection patrols.
The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them in the White Paper on Defence, the Air Corps and the Naval Service are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Air Corps and the Naval Service provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capabilities.
A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard which sets out the search and rescue assistance that the Air Corps and Naval Service can provide, within their capabilities, to the Coast Guard. The provision of assistance during mountain rescue operations and fixed wing top cover by the Air Corps Casa aircraft to Coast Guard helicopters is included in the agreement. Assistance that is provided by the Naval Service to the Coast Guard during maritime search and rescue and recovery operations is also covered in the SLA.
A contract has been placed for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service, each of which will be almost 90 metres in length. The acquisition of these larger vessels will ensure that the Service can continue to carry out all its taskings in increasingly difficult and dangerous sea conditions in the Atlantic. Preparations for their construction have commenced at Appledore in the UK and the first vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second new vessel will follow one year later. The two Air Corps Casa aircraft also have an important surveillance capability which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone. These aircraft both underwent mid-life upgrades that were completed in 2008 at a cost of €16.5m. The upgrades included the fitting of state of the art surveillance and communication equipment.
I am satisfied that both the Air Corps and Naval Service have the necessary resources to meet all their operational requirements including coastal surveillance taskings and search and rescue assistance to the Coast Guard.
121 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the grants available to persons who are involved in growing commercial produce; the section of his Department that deals with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25134/11]
Through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department provides grant aid for horticultural growers who are making capital investments in specialist plant and equipment.
The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices and promote diversification of on-farm activities in response to market demand. Apart from improving the quality of products, investments under the scheme have also significantly extended the growing season for Irish produce.
This is a competitive grant aid scheme so funding is only provided for the very best projects which will achieve scheme objectives. The closing date for the latest round of the Scheme was Friday 18th February 2011 and €4 million was allocated to 157 projects. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry and will assist in funding investments of approximately €10.2 million in 2011.
Further details of the Scheme are available from the Crop Policy, Production & Safety Division of my Department, who can be contacted at 01-5058801.
A decision has not yet been taken on whether a similar scheme will operate in 2012.
There is also a Scheme of Grant Aid for the development of the Organic Sector which provides financial assistance towards projects which help to improve the production, handling and preparation of organic produce.
The main objective of the Scheme is to facilitate the development of the organic sector so as to ensure a regular supply of high quality organic produce to the market. This Scheme is open at present and approximately €180,000 has been allocated to organic projects so far in 2011.
Further details of the Scheme are available from the Organics Unit of my Department, who can be contacted at 053-9163400.
122 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the remaining 25% of the REP scheme 4 payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25135/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in 2008 and has received full payments for the first two years of his contract.
In addition, 75% of the third year payment issued on 21st March 2011 for the amount of €5,361.94. An area based discrepancy was discovered following a cross check between the Single Payment Scheme application for 2010 from the person named and the REPS agri-environmental plan. This discrepancy has resulted in the imposition of a penalty and a delay in processing the final 25% payment under REPS 4 for 2010.
My Department is currently making arrangements to process outstanding payments to farmers of the 25% due in respect of 2010 in the cases where penalties were incurred and I expect payments to commence in these cases in October.
123 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [25144/11]
Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers.
The named person submitted an application to the Tribunal seeking an allocation of additional quota under the Hardship category. This application was examined on 15th September 2011 and an allocation of 5,000 litres of additional milk quota was made from the National Reserve. The named person and his Co-op have been notified in this regard.
124 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a definitive conclusion is expected to be reached in relation to a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25168/11]
I understand that it is expected that the review of this case will be finalised in the near future and Teagasc will then inform the person concerned.
125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for an additional milk quota in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25190/11]
Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers.
The people named submitted an application to the Tribunal seeking an allocation of additional quota under the Hardship category. This application was examined on 14th September 2011. The Tribunal did not recommend an allocation of additional quota on this occasion. The people named have been notified of the outcome.
126 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive authorisation to plant trees in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25193/11]
The person named received approval to proceed with planting on 13 April 2011, subject to the planting being completed by 30 June 2011. However, he was unable to complete planting by that date and the application was withdrawn on his behalf by his registered forester on 27 July 2011.
In the event that an autumn planting programme is approved, it would be open to the person in question to re-apply for financial approval at that time. He should contact his registered forester to arrange for the submission of such application.
127 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan who submitted maps for the agri-environment options scheme in April 2011 was only informed on 7 September 2011 that there was a problem with the map; the further reason the person was previously informed by his Department that the application looked clear and that the person could expect payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25272/11]
I refer to my previous reply dated 14th September in relation to the above named person. The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) with effect from 1st September 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. As previously advised claimed areas under AEOS must match the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) application. The person named submitted an amendment form to SPS requesting that two separate plots be redigitised. Following the redigitisation of these two plots, further queries regarding discrepancies between the areas claimed have arisen. Officials in my Department have been in contact with the person named to clarify this and the application will be processed further when the query is resolved.
128 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce farm partnership legislation; the discussion he has had with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the reform of the existing partnership law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25293/11]
Farm partnerships have the potential to play an important role in the development of the agriculture sector in the coming years. As well as bringing improved economic returns and social benefits to farm families, a wider adoption of the partnership model can improve the competitiveness of the sector as a whole and help to achieve increased scale at lower cost. This will result in greater productivity and increased agri-food exports, thereby supporting our export led economic recovery.
One of the key recommendations of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy is that obstacles to farm partnership should be removed insofar as possible. My Department is actively working towards the removal of these administrative obstacles to farm partnership formation. It is also engaged in an ongoing dialogue with farming organisations and with Teagasc on how to encourage the formation of more farm partnerships in Ireland. The question of partnership legislation may indeed be considered in this context, and may involve engagement with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. In the meantime, I am pleased to note that Teagasc will organise a publicity campaign promoting the positive benefits and experiences of partnership, followed by information seminars to provide more in-depth and practical advice to individuals interested in entering a farm partnership. I would encourage all farmers to reflect on the potential benefits of partnership and other forms of collaboration.
129 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the option of regulating the sale of raw milk, rather than leaving Ireland in the unique position whereby the product is banned outright; his further views on a system whereby the product is sold with visible health warnings in line with practices in other EU countries; the economic implications of allowing a situation whereby raw milk is banned in the context of the burgeoning artisan food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25346/11]
The proposed ban on the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption is not new. Sale of raw cows milk was banned for many years (from 1997 till 2006) by my Department; and previously by most local authorities. The ban lapsed due to a change in EU legislation in 2006.
The independent scientific committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and my Department's own dairy science and veterinary experts have strongly advised that there are serious health risks associated with drinking raw milk. Disease risks include TB, Brucellosis, E. coli O157, Campylobacter and Salmonella. There have been incidents of these in Ireland and other countries in recent years. Resulting illnesses can be serious and on occasion fatal.
The FSAI has therefore recommended that the sale of unpasteurised milk from all farm animals which is intended for direct human consumption should be prohibited; and advises that the most effective way to protect public health is to ensure that such milk is pasteurised.
The prevalence of TB in herds in Ireland puts us in a different position to most other Member States in the EU where the disease has been eradicated. It is inappropriate that Ireland should adopt the same approach to the consumption of raw milk as countries that do not have the same difficulty with TB and therefore have no associated risk.
A public consultation process was held in 2008 in relation to the proposed extension of the ban to goats and sheep milk. Seventeen submissions were received. On being reviewed, they did not provide justification to change the expert advice that a complete ban was necessary.
An outright ban will not be unique in the EU. I understand for example that Denmark and Scotland apply such a ban.
The ban will not apply to the consumption of raw milk which has not been placed on the market — e.g. a dairy farmer drinking milk from his/her own cows. Such a ban is not possible under the law and in any event would be unenforceable. However, it is recommended to avoid this practice for health reasons.
Regarding the economic implications, Ireland exports over €2bn worth of dairy products each year, and is the leading producer of infant formula with about 15% of the world market. Any food scare associated with raw Irish milk could have major implications for our dairy industry. The recent E. coli outbreak in Germany, resulting in 46 deaths, 782 cases of HUS (haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a serious kidney condition) and 3,128 known cases of VTEC, indicates the scale of possible risks associated with raw food.
It is important to note in this context that the ban will not apply to making cheese using raw milk. The cheese making process takes time and this provides an opportunity to withdraw product from sale in the event of a problem arising with the source milk. The cheese making process also prevents growth of pathogens and in some cases encourages slow decline in numbers of some pathogens. I would also like to point out that some artisan food producers are pasteurising raw whole milk and are licensed by my Department in this regard. These artisans are very successfully marketing liquid whole milk, ice cream, different flavoured yoghurts and artisan farmhouse cheeses. I am advised by the FSAI that meaningful differences in nutritional value between pasteurised and unpasteurised milk have not been demonstrated and these artisans clearly show that pasteurised whole milk can be used in the manufacture of safe and quality dairy products.
Section 54 of the Health Act of 1947 has been identified as the appropriate primary legislation for the renewal of the ban and it is intended to bring forward a Statutory Instrument under that Act for signature by the Minister for Health. The latest indicative timeframe for the introduction of the S.I. is end 2011, which includes allowance for a 3-month EU notification period.
130 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 809 of 14 September 2011, when the information on the number of children placed in relative care by social workers, promised in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 23 June 2011 but not provided in the Health Service Executive’s direct reply of 19 July 2011, will be provided by the HSE. [25175/11]
My Office is advised by the HSE that the information on the number of children placed in relative care by social workers will issue to the Deputy today.
131 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25319/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
132 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25321/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
133 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of new fittings of hearing aids carried out by the Health Service Executive in 2009 and 2010. [25119/11]
134 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of reviews of hearing impaired persons carried out in 2009 and 2010. [25120/11]
135 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of audiologists currently employed by the Health Service Executive; the cost to the State of same; and if he will provide a breakdown by HSE area. [25121/11]
136 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of adults waiting for a hearing test; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will provide a breakdown by Health Service Executive area. [25122/11]
137 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for a hearing test; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will provide a breakdown by Health Service Executive area. [25123/11]
138 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of adults waiting to be fitted with a hearing aid; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will provide a breakdown by Health Service Executive area. [25124/11]
139 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting to be fitted with a hearing aid; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will provide a breakdown by Health Service Executive area. [25125/11]
140 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the cost of a hearing aid device to the Health Service Executive. [25126/11]
141 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the frequency with which patient reviews take place once a hearing aid is fitted. [25127/11]
142 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of patient visits made to Health Service Executive audiologists in the years 2009 and 2010; and the number of these that were new patients. [25128/11]
143 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the supply cost that is the service element and the hardware cost of hearing aids to the Health Service Executive in the years 2009 and 2010. [25129/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 to 143, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy, in relation to the number of new fittings of hearing aids carried out by the Health Service Executive in 2009 and 2010; the number of reviews of hearing impaired persons carried out in 2009 and 2010; the number of patient visits made to Health Service Executive audiologists in the years 2009 and 2010 and the number of these that were new patients, is not readily available. I have asked the HSE to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible. In the meantime, Table 1 provides indicative figures for audiology service activity for the month of October 2009.
|
From 1st — 31st October 2009 |
Numbers receiving initial assessment |
Numbers receiving fitting service |
Numbers receiving review service |
Number of hearing aids issued |
Patient did not attend |
Total Activity in month |
|
Children 0-4 years |
425 |
85 |
211 |
105 |
93 |
721 |
|
Children 5 — 17 years |
183 |
49 |
281 |
30 |
94 |
513 |
|
Adults 18 + |
915 |
608 |
887 |
529 |
267 |
2,410 |
|
1,523 |
742 |
1,379 |
664 |
454 |
3,644 |
Table 2 provides details of the numbers of audiologists by HSE area. The Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) data is being checked at present. A report is due to be completed by the end of October 2011. The WTE data and staffing costs will be forwarded to the Deputy once the data is available.
|
HSE South |
HSE DML |
HSE West |
HSE DNE |
TOTALS |
|
|
Audiologists |
6.5 |
1.17 |
5 |
3.91 |
16.58 |
|
Senior Audiologists |
2 |
3.4 |
9.5 |
5 |
19.9 |
|
Chief Audiologists |
2.5 |
5.5 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
|
Audiological Scientist |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
Senior Audiological Scientists |
5 |
4 |
0.8 |
3 |
12.8 |
|
Associate Audiologists |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|||
|
Assistant Audiologists |
0.86 |
0.86 |
|||
|
Technician |
0.3 |
0.3 |
|||
|
Senior Clinical Engineering Technicians |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
Principal Clinical Engineering Technicians |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
16.86 |
14.37 |
19.3 |
19.41 |
69.94 |
Table 3 provides details of the numbers of adults and children waiting for hearing tests and waiting to be fitted with hearing aids in June 2011.
|
HSE South |
HSE DML |
HSE West |
HSE DNE |
Total |
|
|
Adults Awaiting Hearing Test |
1,708 |
2,485 |
2,153 |
835 |
7,181 |
|
Children Awaiting Hearing Test |
1,899 |
1,468 |
2,613 |
432 |
6,412 |
|
Adults Awaiting Hearing Aid Fitting |
282 |
304 |
585 |
97 |
1,268 |
|
Children Awaiting Hearing Aid Fitting |
5 |
72 |
25 |
23 |
125 |
The majority of adults are waiting more than 10 months for assessment while children are waiting from 3 months to over 10 months. Data on waiting times to be fitted with a hearing aid has not been validated and will be provided to the Deputy when available.
Once a hearing aid is fitted a patient typically gets a routine appointment to ensure that the hearing aid is suitable. Further appointments are arranged as required.
The current cost to the HSE of a hearing aid device ranges from €88 to €399.
The total budget for hearing aids, ear moulds and accessories provided by the HSE in 2009 was approximately €1.9m and for 2010 it was €1.5m. I will provide the cost of the service element to the Deputy when it is provided by the HSE.
144 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on assessment of Aviva and VHI that there are adequate facilities already available for persons with eating disorders beyond those offered by the Lois Bridges Eating Disorder Treatment Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25133/11]
Each private health insurance provider in the Irish market has the right to determine which private health care providers and facilities they will cover. It is a matter for each insurer to determine how much capacity in any particular area is purchased by them to deliver the services required by their customers. It is not the role of the Minister for Health to determine or direct which private facilities are covered by any private health insurer.
The national policy document for mental health ‘A Vision for Change' sets out the framework for the development of mental health services generally. HSE services for people with eating disorders are embedded in the Community Mental Health Teams and with Primary Care.
The HSE has developed a Mental Health in Primary Care accredited training programme for primary care practitioners with Dublin City University. The skills included in this programme are designed to enhance the capacity of primary care to recognise, assess and treat a range of mental illnesses within the primary care setting. As individuals with Eating Disorders frequently present to the primary care practitioner with complications of their condition, early intervention at this level greatly improves outcomes.
Community based Adult Mental Health Services receive referrals from Primary Care and provide assessment and treatment to individuals with eating disorders. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams provide a similar role for their cohort of referrals.
Where the individual's psychiatric or medical needs are more acute, in-patient admission is offered within the local psychiatric services or acute medical care where necessary.
Following the recommendation of the Consultant Psychiatrist, the HSE can and has worked with service providers in the independent sector to provide specialised care, on an in-patient and/or an out-patient basis. In a limited number of cases, referrals to specialised eating disorder services in Dublin or the UK can be clinically recommended and supported in appropriate circumstances subject of course to the necessary resources being available.
145 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health his plans for the ambulance service in west Cork; the changes planned for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25150/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
146 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps which have been taken to implement the report of his Department’s benzodiazepine committee; the total cost of benzodiazepine prescribing to the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25156/11]
The Benzodiazepine committee was set up by the Department of Health and Children in June 2000 to examine the prescribing and use of benzodiazepines and to make recommendations on good prescribing and dispensing practice. The Committee's report was published in August 2002. It made a number of recommendations for implementation by the Department, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Medicines Board, the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. The majority of the recommendations have been implemented in full or in part, the main one being the preparation and issuing of Good Practice Guidelines to all GPs. In addition GPs can audit their prescribing of benzodiazepines through systems put in place by the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service; the systems also allow GPs to compare their prescribing practices with that of their peers.
I am aware that the consumption of benzodiazepines in Ireland is high and tackling the inappropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines is a priority area for me. It is intended to develop proposals to amend the Misuse of Drugs legislation to introduce stricter controls on benzodiazepines. In addition, the HSE has been asked to look at prescribing patterns for benzodiazepines in order to identify those areas which are out of line with best practice.
I have asked the HSE for information in relation to the cost of benzodiazepine prescribing to the health service and I will revert to the Deputy with this information.
147 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health the funding available to allow a person (details supplied) in County Galway to access intensive dialectical behaviour therapy for emotionally unstable personality disorder in the UK; if similar treatment is available here; if so, the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25163/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
148 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his plans, draft or otherwise, to change, amend or diminish the range of services delivered at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath. [25171/11]
149 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to transfer orthopaedic services from Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath, to Cappagh Hospital in Dublin. [25172/11]
150 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the emergency department in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath, to a 12-hour service. [25173/11]
151 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to transfer all surgery from Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath, to Louth County Hospital. [25174/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 151, inclusive, together.
The HSE is assessing services in the Louth/Meath Hospital Group, including Navan Hospital, in the context of the need to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access, address patient safety issues and ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. The assessment is focusing on the HSE Acute Medicine Programme, the Peyton Report and HIQA's reports on Ennis and Mallow in this regard. My Department understands that draft documentation has been prepared by the HSE at local level in this regard but that no definitive plans have been made regarding changes to services for patients.
In relation to the Emergency Department at Navan Hospital, I have emphasised that any changes need to be carried out in a planned way and that all changes will be fully communicated.
The HSE has advised that it has no plans to transfer all surgery from Navan to Louth County Hospital. Currently patients with acute or complex surgical problems are assessed at Navan Hospital and if requiring admission are transferred to one of the receiving hospitals in Dublin North East.
The HSE is determined to provide orthopaedic services at Navan and wants to ensure that the service continues in the most effective and safe manner for patients having regard to the implications of the reports by HIQA on Ennis and Mallow.
152 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for surgery; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25182/11]
The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
153 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for appointments for reviews in relation to certain surgery (details supplied); if such reviews are being carried out at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/11]
My Department has asked the HSE for the detailed information sought by the Deputy and I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.
154 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if there have been any changes to the processing or qualification criteria for the fair deal scheme since the restoration of said scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25241/11]
There have been no changes to the processing or qualification criteria for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme since the HSE recommenced issuing approvals for financial support in June.
The criteria for the care needs assessment and for the financial assessment are set out in the legislation underpinning the scheme and can only be amended by primary legislation.
155 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for a colonoscopy at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the average time on the waiting list; the steps being taken to reduce waiting list; the average waiting time across the country for a colonoscopy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25248/11]
In 2009 the HSE provided hospitals with national guidelines on managing colonoscopies. This included a definition to prioritise patients referred for colonoscopy services into two groups — urgent and non-urgent. The target time frame for urgent cases to be seen is within 4 weeks. For the month of June, 98.1% of patients waiting for an urgent colonoscopy had the procedure within the 28 day target. Nationally, 5 patients were outside the 28 day target. This is a slight improvement on the May figure when the rate was 97.8% with 20 people outside the 28 day target.
For non-urgent colonoscopy, figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund show that over 1,600 people are waiting between 3-6 months and a total of 2,418 are waiting up to 12 months and longer for the procedure.
The HSE has put in place a specific waiting list initiative to deal with this issue. This will see an additional 3,000 endoscopies (that is colonoscopies and upper endoscopies) take place by the end of the year, in hospitals where there are waiting lists. The aim of this initiative is to increase access to routine colonoscopies for patients. A second phase of this initiative will bring the total additional number of endoscopies to be undertaken to 7,000.
With regard to the Deputy's questions in relation to colonoscopies at Beaumont Hospital specifically, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him on these matters.
156 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the amount of money that would be saved if the 2009 level of 16.4% of generic drugs was increased to the Netherlands figure of 57% use of generic drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25249/11]
The Government is fully committed to increasing the usage of generic medicines to achieve greater value for money in pharmaceutical expenditure and to help reduce the cost to individuals of their medications.
In 2008 approximately 8% (€67.12 million) of the total ingredient cost of drugs dispensed under the GMS scheme was spent on generic drugs. Approximately 4% (€15.32 million) of the total ingredient cost of drugs dispensed under the Drug Payment and Long Term Illness Schemes in 2008 was spent on generic drugs.
Under the GMS Scheme in 2008 the ingredient cost of proprietary drugs with no generic equivalent was approximately €658.67 million, representing 73% of the total ingredient cost. Under the Drug Payment and Long Term Illness Schemes the ingredient cost of proprietary drugs with no generic equivalent was approximately €301.04 million, representing 79% of the total ingredient cost. 19% (€163.36 million) of the total ingredient cost of medicines was spent on proprietary products where there was an equivalent generic product available on the GMS scheme. 17% (€64.40 million) of the total ingredient cost of medications was spent on proprietary drugs where there was an equivalent product available under the Drug Payment and Long Term Illness Schemes.
The potential savings arising from using generic drugs instead of proprietary drugs, where there is an equivalent generic product available, is dependent on a number of factors, in particular, the price differential between the proprietary drugs and the equivalent generic drugs. Therefore, it is not possible to provide an answer to the question posed by the Deputy. The Department of Health has finalised the Heads of the proposed Health (Pricing and Supply of Medicines) Bill. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for prescribed medicines. A number of high volume medicines are expected to come off patent in the coming years and this will increase the scope for savings through the greater use of generic medicines. It is expected that the legislation will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in significant savings for taxpayers and patients.
Prescribing practices are a significant factor in the usage of generic medicines. The HSE is working in partnership with key health professionals to develop pathways for quality prescribing, promoting an extended role of the use of clinical protocols for the delivery of evidence-based prescribing, developing the role of community pharmacists and promoting the introduction of patient-held prescribing records. In addition, the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service has introduced an on-line facility for GPs to review and self-audit their individual prescribing practice in comparison with the national average, which has been standardised for the individual GP's patient profile.
I intend to undertake a closer examination of prescribing patterns and I hope to finalise the details of this initiative shortly.
157 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health when he will bring the heads of the health (pricing and supply of medicines) Bill to the Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25250/11]
The Draft Heads of the proposed Health (Pricing and Supply of Medicines) Bill have been finalised and will be submitted to the Government for approval shortly. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for drugs prescribed under the GMS and community drug schemes.
158 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25282/11]
The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for directreply.
159 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive an appointment for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25292/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
160 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if transport could be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25298/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
161 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the amount generated through car-parking fees at each of the six major hospitals in the Dublin region for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the way the money received in each hospital car park was spent in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25307/11]
I have referred this matter to the Health Service Executive for Direct Reply.
162 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the delays at the accident and emergency department in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin (details supplied). [25322/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
163 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25335/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
164 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health if the transfer of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be urgently requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
165 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25338/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
166 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25339/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service for direct reply.
167 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding plans for the provision of a cervical vaccine programme for school going girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25345/11]
The HPV vaccination programme has been operational in second level schools since 2010 for girls in first year and second year. A catch-up programme for the vaccination of all girls in secondary schools, as committed for action in the first 100 days of the Government's term commenced last week This will be repeated for the following two years in September 2012 and 2013 and will result in all girls in the senior cycle of secondary school being offered HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccination programme for first year girls will continue.
168 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an investigation into an aircraft accident during a military training exercise on 12 October 2009 at Crumlin East, Cornamona, County Galway, resulting in two deaths is not complete and the report still not published; his views on the fact that investigations of this nature are usually completed within 12 months and that 23 months seems an inordinate delay; if he appreciates the anxiety that this is causing to the victim’s family; and when the report will be published. [25245/11]
The Minister for Defence, at the time of the accident, and together with the then Minister for Transport agreed that the investigation would be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of my Department. A Preliminary Report was issued by the AAIU one month after the accident. Following a complex and detailed investigation and in accordance with Regulations 18 of S.I. 205 of 1997, a notice of findings that included a Draft Report on the accident was issued on 14 July 2011 to all interested parties associated with the accident. This included the families of the deceased pilots. All parties made formal comments and these require detailed consideration and response by the AAIU. While I fully understand that the delay in publication is causing anxiety to the immediate families, nevertheless, I am sure the Deputy appreciates that due process, including the formal procedures of response to these detailed comments, is required prior to finalising the report.
169 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current waiting time to access the national car test at each test centre nationwide. [25140/11]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test (NCT). Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
170 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional steps being taken to attract major international events to be held here in 2012; and the budget allocated for same. [25141/11]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
