Vol. 755 No. 2
66 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of meetings she has had with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the Oberstown project; and the dates on which these meetings were held. [8061/12]
75 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the meetings she has held with the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the construction of a national children’s detention centre in Oberstown, County Dublin; the outcome of the meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8107/12]
76 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she expects funding for construction of a national children’s detention centre in Oberstown, County Dublin, to be approved this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8109/12]
84 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the Irish Youth Justice Service has reassessed the projected cost of the Oberstown project as she has requested; if she will provide the details of the newly assessed projected cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8060/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 75, 76 and 84 together.
The proposed National Children Detention Facility (NCDF) is a project to provide residential detention places for all young people detained by the courts on criminal charges, within a children detention school setting at Oberstown, North County Dublin. The Oberstown campus is currently the site of the 3 existing detention schools, Oberstown Boys School, Oberstown Girls School and Trinity House School.
The Government is committed to ending the practice of sending 16 and 17 year old boys to St Patrick's institution. It is a priority of mine to ensure that this practice ends as soon as possible and the funding of the Oberstown project is a key element in resolving this issue. I have asked the Irish Youth Justice Service to reassess the projected cost of the Oberstown project to bring it into line with current price levels and current economic realities. This process is ongoing and the Irish Youth Justice Service has been tasked with progressing to completion during 2012 the design work and tender documentation for the NCDF project. Even when funding for the construction stage of the project is finalised, this work will still have to be completed. I do not propose to comment on estimated project costs in advance of any tendering process.
I had consultations on this issue with the Minister for Justice and Equality in advance of the taking over legal responsibility for this area from 1 January 2012. I met with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the funding of the Oberstown project on 29 November 2011, 6 December 2011 and 10 January 2012. I wrote to him on 17 January 2012 to emphasise the priority that should be attached to this project. I do not propose to comment further on these consultations, except to say that the House can be assured that I will continue to make the case at Government level on the priority that should be given to this project.
Finally, in taking over responsibility for the children detention schools last month I tasked a group to look at interim and innovative solutions that could provide alternatives to detention in St. Patrick's Institution for as many 16 and 17 year old boys as possible. The group is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and comprises senior officials from the Irish Youth Justice Service, Irish Prison Service, and the Probation Service. I understand that the group is making significant progress and I expect to be in a position to provide details of the short term measures to be taken on foot of the group's deliberations shortly.
67 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views that the child and family support agency will not be independent from the new Health Service Executive directorate; if she remains committed to establishing the agency independent from the main health service organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8118/12]
I established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency in September 2011 in response to the Programme for Government commitment to "fundamentally reform the delivery of child protection services by removing child welfare and protection from the HSE and creating a dedicated Child Welfare and Protection Agency, reforming the model of service delivery and improving accountability to the Dáil". The Task Force is chaired by Ms Maureen Lynott.
Child welfare and protection services are operating within the HSE during 2012 on a transitional basis pending the establishment of a dedicated, stand alone agency next year. Such a separate and dedicated agency remains a key part of the Government's reform of children's services and I intend to bring forward legislation to establish this Agency during the current year. The Task Force, which I have established, will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda.
In relation to the Agency it has been asked to:
Propose a vision and the principles to guide operations;
Advise on the appropriate service responsibilities, and the delivery of same;
Review existing financial, staffing and corporate resources; and propose a methodology for resource allocation;
Propose an organisational design and operating child welfare and protection service model;
Prepare a detailed implementation plan;
Identify the main priorities and core relationships required;
Oversee the implementation and monitor progress, pending establishment of the Agency.
The Task Force held its eleventh meeting earlier this month. Work is also being advanced through two sub-groups. I look forward to receiving the report of their work, which will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation.
The Task Force has been asked to advise as to the appropriate service responsibilities of the new Agency. The Government has already decided that child welfare and protection services will transfer along with the Family Support Agency. The full remit of the Agency remains to be seen and the recommendations of the Task Force are awaited in this regard. Whatever the final make-up, there will of course be important linkages with the HSE regarding service provision of health services for children and young people, as necessary. However, the Agency will operate independently from the HSE, with its own management team and a reporting relationship to my Department as part of new and more accountable governance arrangements.
I am anxious to advance the full establishment of the Agency at as early a date as possible, subject to the work of the Task Force and necessary legislative provision. I would envisage tabling legislation before the House later this year to provide for the Agency's setting up in 2013.
69 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to increase the level of input children in care have in the provision of care services. [8070/12]
Central to the care and protection of children in care is listening to their voice. This principle has underpinned national policy and operational practices over the past number of years, in particular for children in the care of the State. Children in residential care and foster care are allocated a social worker whose role includes visiting the child in their placement and talking with them about their day to day life, and longer term plans. The child's wishes inform Care Plans, and children often attend at Care Planning Meetings to express these directly or with the assistance of their social worker.
It is important to note that the National Standards for Children in Residential Care and National Standards for Children in Foster Care explicitly state that children are to be consulted so as to gain their input into issues that influence their daily life. This includes choices regarding meals, recreation and other activities. HIQA inspect against these standards and in their inspection reports HIQA have found that, overall, children are consulted. The HSE and the Irish Youth Justice Service have taken steps to ensure that children in care and detention are familiar with the work of Empowering People in Care (EPIC). This agency meets with and advocates for children in care.
The Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse made two key recommendations in relation to the voice of the child as follows. The first was that they should be able to communicate concerns without fear and secondly that children who have been in child care facilities are in a good position to identify failings and deficiencies in the system, and should be consulted.
The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse 2009 Implementation Plan , commonly known as the Ryan Implementation Plan contains a series of measures, designed to ensure that children and young people have a stronger voice and are consulted.
My Department led a major consultation exercise with children and young people in the care of the State over the course of 2010. Over 200 children and young people took part in consultation sessions. The aims and objectives of the consultations were to get the views of children and young people in the care of the State on the issues that really matter to them and on which they would like to be heard; to explore existing mechanisms for children and young people to express their views and to make recommendations on future structures to be established for children and young people to express their views. The Report, entitled "Listen To Our Voices" was launched by me last July.
At the launch of the "Listen To Our Voices" last July, I indicated that I would be establishing a Voice of Children in Care Implementation Group to be facilitated by my Department. Its work and direction will be informed and influenced by children and young people. It is planned to establish the Group in the current year and my Department is currently working with the HSE on this basis.
70 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total number of young persons currently in receipt of after care services from the Health Service Executive; the number of aftercare workers employed by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8057/12]
85 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the current after care supports that are available for children and young persons who are leaving care; if she will provide figures for the proportion of said children and young persons who are provided with after care supports; her proposals on addressing shortcomings in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8082/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 85 together.
Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view in relation to each person leaving care as to whether there is a "need for assistance" and if it forms such a view, to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to resources. All young people who have had a care history with the HSE, be it foster care, residential care, high support, or special care are entitled to an aftercare service based on their assessed needs. The core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 years and up to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education in which he/she is engaged up to the age of 23 years of age. The HSE has not routinely collected national data in respect of children who leave the care of the state each year, therefore it is not possible to provide data on the proportion of such children in receipt of aftercare. It is intended that implementation of a National Childcare Information System, which is due to go to tender this year, will provide for the routine collection of detailed information of children in care and those leaving care. However, I am advised by the HSE that 1,146 young people were in receipt of an aftercare service at the end of December 2011.
Some 90% of children in care are in foster care and a large number of these remain living with their foster families, supported financially by the HSE, on reaching 18 years of age. These young people continue in education and training as planned. This remains a key component of aftercare for young people when they leave care. Children who have been in residential care, short term foster placements, multiple placements and those who have dropped out of education/training are most at risk and in need of support when they leave care. The most important requirements for young people leaving care are for secure, suitable accommodation as well as further education, employment or training and social support. Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment identifies a young person's need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education in the months before their 18th birthday. The level of support required will vary for each individual.
There are approximately 45 dedicated aftercare workers in the HSE and recruitment of 10 additional aftercare workers is under way. In addition, many social workers while not dedicated aftercare workers, provide aftercare as part of their workload. The HSE also provides funding and has agreements in place with a number of bodies including Focus Ireland and Clare Care, to provide full-time aftercare workers.
The National Aftercare Service is underpinned by a National Policy and Procedures Document which has been developed in cooperation with the key stakeholders including the voluntary sector agencies involved in Aftercare provision and my Department. The policy commits to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring consistency of support to these young people. The most vulnerable group of young people leaving care are those who have dropped out of education and training and those who have left residential care. Some of these young people have mental health problems or a disability. The HSE is alert to this group and the implementation group is working together to improve their circumstances. The HSE has committed to monitor implementation of this policy in the 2012 National Service Plan. I will review demand and uptake of the service over the course of 2012, with a view to assessing how the service is addressing need.
71 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the 60 additional social workers promised for 2011 were not in place, the reason this was the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8087/12]
The HSE made provision for the recruitment of an additional 62 social workers in 2011. The recruitment process is being managed by the HSE National Recruitment Service. The HSE indicated in December 2011 that all of these posts had been either filled or accepted. I am advised by the HSE that twenty five individuals have already taken up duty with the remainder expected to come on stream in the coming weeks. My Department will continue to closely monitor the position with regard to the recruitment of the additional personnel.
The additional social workers are being targeted at priority areas of the service having regard to an overall assessment of workload undertaken by the National Director and his team. The recruitment of the additional social workers is one element of a wider change agenda within the HSE, through which I believe we can deliver better outcomes for children and families. This reform agenda will lead to the establishment of a new Child and Family Support Agency which will provide a dedicated focus on child protection and support families in need.
72 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which she will introduce legislation to put Children First on a statutory footing; the date on which she will publish the policy framework to implement this on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8062/12]
The revised Children First Guidance was launched by me in July 2011. Government approval to place the Children First National Guidance on a statutory basis was given on 12 July 2011. Since then considerable detailed policy examination of the best approach has been undertaken. Consultations have been undertaken with a number of voluntary bodies and experts working in this field and I can advise that the preparation of the Heads of Bill and General Scheme is underway. I will bring these to Government at the earliest possible date. It is my intention to refer the Heads of Bill to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for discussion in line with the commitment to early consultation with committees set out in the Programme for Government.
The policy approach which is being developed is focused on the National Children First Guidance published July 2011 and the promotion and well-being of children generally; the provision of safe services for children; cooperation amongst professionals and organisations where children are at risk of neglect and abuse and mandating key individuals to report child abuse known to them. The latter objective is aimed at removing ambivalence, reluctance or refusal by people and organisations in positions of trust and authority to report child abuse and cooperate with the relevant authorities.
The policy is also bearing in mind other complementary legislative proposals to strengthen child protection being brought forward by Minister Shatter, namely, the National Vetting Bureau Bill and the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes Against Children and Intellectually Disabled Persons) Bill. I have taken the opportunity to consult informally with a number of experts in relation to the development of the policy in this area. A key issue for consideration is to maximise the engagement of adult volunteers with children across a range of voluntary activities (i.e. sports, arts) whilst ensuring that that systems are put in place to keep children safe. Formulating policy of this nature is complex. My aim is to develop a legislative regime which is practical in terms of implementation; supportive of staff and volunteers that work in children's services; but which puts the safety of children as the paramount consideration for all those working with children.
73 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of any proposed interim options put to her by the Irish Youth Justice Service to end the practice of sending children to St. Patrick’s Institution. [8059/12]
94 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which the practice of sending 16 and 17 year olds to St. Patrick’s Institution will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8058/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 94 together.
The Government is committed to ending the practice of sending 16 and 17 year old boys to St Patrick's institution. It is a priority of mine to ensure that this practice ends as soon as possible. I visited St Patrick's Institution twice in November last year, prior to assuming legal responsibility for the children detention schools from the Minister for Justice and Equality in January 2012. I received a briefing from the Governor and his staff on the efforts that are made on a daily basis to provide appropriate, safe and secure care for 16 and 17 males. I also visited each of the children detention schools on the Oberstown campus during 2011.
The Government appreciates that, as far as possible, the 16 and 17 year old age group is accommodated and cared for differently from the other offenders held in St. Patrick's Institution, in line with best practice and child protection guidance procedures. Nevertheless, it is unacceptable that children continue to be detained with adult prisoners and the Government is committed to ending this practice.
I am pursuing both interim and medium term arrangements to address this matter. In the context of my taking over responsibility for the children detention schools last month I tasked a group, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, to identify interim measures which could reduce the number of 16 and 17 year old boys detained in St. Patrick's Institution. The group comprises officials from the Irish Youth Justice Service, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service. I understand that the group has made considerable progress. I expect to have a report on the matter shortly and will examine the position in conjunction with the Minister for Justice and Equality.
I have also asked that the Irish Youth Justice Service reassess the projected cost of the proposed National Children Detention Facility on the Oberstown campus, North County Dublin to bring it into line with current price levels and current economic realities. This process is ongoing and the Irish Youth Justice Service has been tasked with progressing to completion during 2012 the design work and tender documentation for the NCDF project in Oberstown. I am also in ongoing consultations with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the funding of the Oberstown project. The House can be assured that I will continue to make the case at Government level on the priority that should be given to this project.
74 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the structures she is putting in place to consult Opposition parties on the children’s referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8115/12]
The Programme for Government 2011 states that the Referendum on Children's Rights is a priority, and that the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (JCCAC). From the outset of deliberations in relation to the constitutional amendment on children's rights the need for all party consensus on this topic was highlighted. As a member of the JCCAC I can attest to the level of all party co-operation afforded the then Government in the work of the Committee.
Since taking office, both myself and officials of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have had a very considerable number of meetings and communications with the Attorney General and her officials to progress this commitment. A draft wording is being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General in co-operation with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and there is on-going contact and meetings between officials of the Department and of the AG's office focusing on ensuring that the proposed Referendum reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee and the commitment in the Programme for Government.
It is my intention to consult with parties by way of briefings as the output of the deliberations which are currently underway emerges. I also envisage that the issue will be dealt with in the Joint Committee on Health Children and Youth Affairs. It is my intention to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording, with a view to holding the referendum this year.
77 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cuts in funding to the Family Support Agency community based counselling services, including the Genesis psychotherapy and family therapy service in Dublin 15; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that these cuts will lead to the closure of these services; if she will review this decision; if she will renew the funding of these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3807/12]
The Family Support Agency, under my Department, operates the Scheme of Grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage and relationship, child and bereavement counselling services. Some 600 organisations receive funding each year, including the organisation in question, which is one of 28 larger organisations that receive multi-annual funding under the scheme.
On 5 December 2011, the Government announced the funding levels being made available to my Department in 2012. As part of the national effort to address Ireland's fiscal deficit, the Family Support Agency, like all other State bodies, has been asked to make significant savings across all the programmes which it administers.
The Agency is required to achieve savings of €1.265m (12%) in 2012 on the Scheme of Grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage and relationship, child and bereavement counselling services. The Agency is acutely aware of the challenges that the reduction in funding raises for the voluntary organisations concerned and has asked the larger organisations to focus on identifying the scope for greater efficiency through reducing administration and overhead costs in order to protect the front line services.
In 2012 an allocation of €26.465m has been made to the Family Support Agency to fund its services. This includes funding of over €9.4m for the Scheme of Grants for the counselling organisations. The Agency has recently invited applications for the 2012 funding and an application form has been sent to the organisation in question.
78 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the public sector retirement scheme will affect front line child protection services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8097/12]
100 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers who retired during this month or who are due to retire this month; the Health Service Executive areas in which they are based; her plans to replace these employees who are retiring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8054/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 100 together.
The latest information from the HSE indicates that approximately 45 social workers in the Children and Family Services have applied for early retirement. The distribution of this number geographically is as follows:
15 from HSE Dublin Mid Leinster;
8 from HSE Dublin North East;
13 from HSE South; and
9 from HSE West.
This figure is, of course, subject to change between now and the end of February. While the number due to retire is relatively low in the overall context it will, nonetheless, require a considered management response by the HSE. In this context, the National Director of Children and Families Services, Gordon Jeyes, will apply his discretion over the course of the year to the filling of vacancies, subject to this not compromising the achievement of employment targets and subject to services being provided within available resources.
I am very much aware of the financial and service challenges facing the HSE in 2012. This is the case across all care groups. The challenges are such as to require acceleration of the reform programme. This process of reform is a central element of the wider programme of reform for child and family services including the establishment of a new and dedicated Children and Family Support Agency to which the Government is fully committed.
My Department will be working very closely with the HSE throughout the year to ensure that the priorities set out in the HSE National Service Plan are implemented where they relate to children and family services. We have set an ambitious programme of work, one which is designed to significantly strengthen the policy, legislative and practice framework. Our shared goal is the delivery of appropriate, effective and consistent services, notwithstanding the very challenging and demanding circumstances in which these services are delivered.
79 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will publish the preliminary proposals the Health Service Executive has developed regarding the outsourcing of assessment agencies for the purposes of inter-country adoption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8053/12]
The HSE is continuing to develop its proposals in relation to arrangements for providing intercountry adoption assessments. The issues involved are the subject of ongoing discussions with my Department. The Adoption Act 2010 provides that bodies other than the HSE may undertake adoption assessments on behalf of the Executive where they have been accredited by the Adoption Authority of Ireland for this purpose. The arrangements for delivery of this service will be considered against the backdrop of changes in the level of demand for adoption assessments, the overall cost effectiveness of different service delivery arrangements and the management of priorities within the HSE Children and Families Service. Details of the proposals will be made public when the discussions have concluded.
80 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs following her visit to Vietnam, if she will outline to Dáil Éireann if she entered into any protocols or agreements that will resolve the difficulties of foreign adoptions for Irish parents from that country; if there has been any resolution of these difficulties; the likelihood of a restoration of foreign adoption agreement with the Vietnamese authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7852/12]
The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force for Vietnam on 1 February 2012. The ratification of the Hague Convention by Vietnam, the associated changes in Vietnamese law and the arrangements being put in place to support on the ground implementation are hugely significant changes in the intercountry adoption regime in that country since adoptions between Ireland and Vietnam ceased. Ireland withdrew from negotiations on a bilateral agreement. The Vietnamese Government, very prudently in my view, ceased allowing adoptions from that jurisdiction in 2010 in order to focus on responding to the issues raised in two separate reports, prepared by the International Social Service on behalf of UNICEF Vietnam and the Department of Adoption of the Ministry of Justice, Vietnam, and to focus its efforts on the ratification of the Hague Convention.
As I have reported my recent visit to Vietnam, which focused on intercountry adoption, was very positive. It coincided with a visit of a delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland to Vietnam to discuss administrative matters in relation to intercountry adoptions on foot of Vietnam's ratification of the Hague Convention.
Under section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority may enter into administrative arrangements with another contracting State. In this context, the Authority has prepared and submitted to the Vietnamese authorities a suggested scheme of administrative arrangements to be established between Ireland and Vietnam for the resumption of intercountry adoption between the two States. The Authority is awaiting the response of the Vietnamese authorities to this proposal.
The Adoption Authority has also recently announced its approval of ARC Adoption Ltd as a registered accredited body for the purposes of adoption mediation within Vietnam. Further applications from other bodies remain under consideration by the Authority and a decision is anticipated shortly in this regard. Agencies accredited by the Adoption Authority of Ireland also require the approval of the Vietnamese authorities.
81 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions that the Health Service Executive has taken to implement the Health Information Quality Authority recommendations on the Gleann Alainn residential unit in Cork. [8078/12]
102 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs since the publication of the last Health Information Quality Authority report, the number of children who have been locked in their bedrooms form 7.30 p.m. in the Gleann Alainn, Cork, residential unit; the number of times that restraints have been used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8079/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 102 together.
In October 2011, the Heath Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted an unannounced inspection of Gleann Alainn Special Care Unit. It found at the time of their inspection, that it was in a state of crisis, due primarily to the poor standard of management which impacted negatively on the delivery of care to the children, the day-to-day practices of the staff and the capacity of the unit to fulfil its purpose and function as a special care unit.
In January 2012, HIQA carried out a further inspection. I met with HIQA last week to discuss their findings and I was informed that considerable improvements have been made and majority of their recommendations have been addressed. This inspection report is expected to be published by HIQA by the end of this month.
The HSE has advised me that in the period in question i.e. since the publication of the HIQA report (2nd December), no child has been confined to their bedroom and one child was restrained for a period of one minute.
82 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the Adoption Authority has failed to produce an annual report since 2008; and the measures she and the Adoption Authority are taking to improve the reporting of search and reunion services carried out by the Adoption Authority of Ireland, adoptions agencies and the Health Service Executive. [8081/12]
The latest available annual report of the former Adoption Board is in respect of the year 2008. A report in respect of 2009 and the period up to end October 2010, when the Board was replaced by the Adoption Authority of Ireland is not yet available. The priority focus of the Board has been on directing available resources to the establishment of the new Adoption Authority and the ratification of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. However, I expect that a report in respect of this period will be produced and submitted to my Department at the earliest opportunity.
The Adoption Authority of Ireland was established in November 2010 under the terms of the Adoption Act, 2010. Section 117 of the Act provides that the Authority shall prepare and adopt an annual report in relation to the performance of the Authority's functions during the preceding year. The first annual report of the Authority, which will cover the period from its inception to the end of 2011, is therefore due to be presented before the end of June 2012.
Annual reports previously prepared by the former Adoption Board included information on information and tracing services. I expect that this aspect of the Authority's work will continue to feature in the annual reports of the new agency.
83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 15 December 2011, if she has received the following requested information from the Health Service Executive: the number of persons currently acting as foster carers here; the number of relative foster carers here; the number of foster careers who have not been Garda vetted; and the number of foster carers who are still waiting for Garda vetting; and if she will supply this information as requested. [8052/12]
I have asked the HSE to provide me with the additional information requested by the Deputy as a matter of urgency and I will forward same on receipt.
86 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is her intention to have the national missing children’s hotline, when established, run by a State agency or outsourced to a private company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8064/12]
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and led a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.
The position is that Comreg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, Comreg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC.
In the coming months the Project Team will now work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection.
87 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way she interacts with other Government Departments in order to ensure the evaluation of legislation which affects children from a child-focused perspective; if she will outline her role in the development and implementation of the child poverty strategy across the relevant organs of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8008/12]
My Department is charged with leading the development of harmonised policy and quality integrated service delivery to secure better outcomes for children and young people. The Department, as part of the deliberative process of Government, routinely contributes observations on proposals for legislation and any possible impacts on children and young people that are identified through the impact assessment and poverty proofing processes, undertaken in line with Cabinet Handbook.
The many dimensions to the well-being of children and young people require my Department to work across Government and with a wide range of stakeholders to promote the physical, emotional and economic well being of children and young people. Building strong collaborative relationships with Government departments to achieve these aims is a key objective in the Department's Strategy Statement 2011-2014.
Tackling child poverty is a priority for Government and a goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007- 2016, coordinated by the Department of Social Protection. Children are more likely to be poor if they are living in lone parent households with low labour market participation and dependant on income support. The departments of Social Protection, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Education and Skills, are working to deliver a range of measures aimed at getting people back to work.
My Department works closely with the Department of Social Protection in a "whole of Government approach" to tackling poverty in the population. The Department is represented on the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare established by the Minister for Social Protection to examine issues to do with the interactions of the tax and welfare systems so that they provide good incentives for parents to take up and remain in work and thereby contribute to the reduction of poverty and child poverty, in particular. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, improving children's outcomes is my primary objective. The development of the Children and Young People's Policy Framework, 2012 -2017, as the overarching framework under which policy and services for children and young people will be developed and implemented in the State, is an important initiative for cross departmental collaboration to secure this objective. Early childhood care and education programmes, in particular those that are aimed at low income families, are priorities to enhance children's opportunities for social and educational development and to support parents undertaking training and participating in employment. The network of 107 family resource centres that are funded by the Family Support Agency, under the remit of my Department have an important role in this regard. These programmes and the results of pilot projects to enhance children's development in Tallaght, Northside and Ballymun, which are jointly funded by my Department with a philanthropic organisation, will inform the Government's plans to develop a new area based approach to child poverty.
My priority, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, is to enhance the role of early intervention and support programmes for the most vulnerable children and their families in the context of the new Child and Family Support Agency.
88 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to improve inter-agency co-operation between the Health Service Executive and the Garda in respect of the investigation of sexual offences against children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8101/12]
The HSE's Children and Family Services are engaged in a significant programme of reform. A major element of the change programme in 2012 involves implementing consistent child protection procedures in line with the revised Children First Guidance which I launched in July 2011 with the HSE and An Garda Síochána. As part of the drive to improve the response to child abuse the HSE published a supporting Child Welfare and Protection Practice Handbook, which I also launched with the HSE and An Garda Síochána. The Handbook was circulated to all HSE staff in order to support the drive for greater consistency in terms of the application of Children First across the system. There has also been good progress in advancing preparatory work on the establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency and on the preparation of legislation to underpin Children First.
In order to support the consistent implication of Children First across all sectors, I established an Interdepartmental Group on which relevant Government Departments are represented and which is also attended by nominees from the HSE and An Garda Síochána. Furthermore, a HSE/Garda high level strategy group was established this year representing the Office of National Director of Children and Family Services and the Office of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána in order to ensure close liaison and cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the HSE Children and Family Services in all aspects of child welfare and protection services. An Garda Síochána are also represented on two multi-disciplinary, multi-agency committees established by the HSE to examine the assessment, therapy and counselling needs of children who have been sexually abused and to make recommendations concerning service requirements.
The proper recording of sexual crimes against children is a matter for An Garda Síochána to address in the context of their record systems. I understand, however, that Garda policy in this context specifies the immediate creation of a PULSE record, and that front-line Gardaí know exactly what is required of them in such situations. In relation to the timeliness of investigations it is my understanding that the Gardaí accord a high priority to the investigation of child sexual abuse and will continue to co-operate with other agencies to ensure that investigations are completed as quickly as possible.
89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she has studied the incidents of child abuse reported over the past ten years with a view to determination of policy in so far as it is possible to eliminate the potential for recurrence; if from the information available it is now perceived that strategic and adequate intervention might have prevented the scale, extent and continuation of any such abuse of a sexual, physical or psychological nature in respect of children and young adults; the measures she now proposes to take of a legislation and administrative nature in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8034/12]
Over the last number of years we have seen the publication of some very significant reports arising from inquiries, investigations and research conducted into child abuse. I read these reports with great concern and sadness, and the collective learning from this work has helped to inform, motivate and shape the Government's ongoing response to the issue of child abuse in all its forms.
It is difficult with hindsight to speculate at this point as to whether such abuse could have been prevented. In the case of historic inquiries different attitudes and a greater awareness of the prevalence of abuse may certainly have altered the landscape. It is clear that children were failed by the system and by those charged with their protection. More generally national and international research has linked incidents of child abuse with domestic violence, alcohol and drug addiction amongst families. We need to tackle this on a number of fronts, through early intervention and the provision of family support; by ensuring that the social work profession is sufficiently trained to make professional decisions; and perhaps more importantly by promoting and developing much greater societal awareness of child neglect and abuse and the risk posed to vulnerable children.
It is also the case that we need to put in place a strengthened policy, legislative and practice framework to respond to the issue of child abuse in Ireland. I would say in this context and in terms of looking forward that the creation of a dedicated Department of Children and Youth Affairs has been a very significant step by the Government in recognising and acknowledging the importance of this issue and that the protection of children is given the highest political priority. Within the Department I have set a very strong agenda that has as its aim the strengthening of the policy, legislative and structural framework around child welfare and protection, to include required reform of service provision. Since coming into office I published revised Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Guidance deals with the recognition, reporting and management of child safety concerns. The previous Guidance was in place over the last decade. The revised Guidance sets out specific protocols for HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse. In particular the Guidance focuses on the impact of neglect, and the negative effect of domestic violence and addiction on children. The scope of Children First extends beyond the reporting of suspected abuse. It emphasises the importance of multi-disciplinary, inter-agency working in the management of such concerns. Key to this is the sharing of information between agencies and disciplines in the best interests of children and the need for full co-operation to ensure better outcomes. The Guidance also emphasises society’s role in protecting children.
The HSE also published a supporting Child Welfare and Protection Practice Handbook for all its staff in order to support the drive for greater consistency in terms of the application of Children First across the system.
Separately, my Department is developing legislative proposals to make compliance with Children First a statutory obligation. The legislation will reflect a broad based approach to compliance with obligations extending beyond reporting to one of safeguarding children at risk and the objective will be to ensure the greater protection of children by strengthening the existing system for reporting and responding to suspected child abuse.
Putting Children First on a statutory footing was a key recommendation of the Ryan Report and went hand-in-hand with other recommendations including the commitment to recruit additional child protection social workers. These posts will significantly strengthen the capacity of the state’s child protection and family support services. The Ryan report also recommended improved induction training for graduate social workers including a reduced caseload in their first year of practice.
I am also working very closely with my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, who is sponsoring two additional pieces of legislation which will see the vetting of those working with children put on a statutory footing, and which will also provide for penalties for those withholding information relating to the commission of child abuse. The effect of these legislative changes will see a significantly strengthened framework to better protect children at risk.
The legislative changes are being matched by a strong and parallel focus on the reform of child welfare and protection services. This will lead to the establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency, to which the Government is committed. This process is being assisted by the work of the Task Force which I established in September, 2011 and which met for the eleventh time last week. The establishment of the new Agency is part of a wider "change agenda", which is aimed at strengthening the organisational capacity, business processes and systems necessary to deliver safe and reliable child protection services in line with Government objectives.
90 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she intends to direct the Health Service Executive to expand the guardian ad litem service. [8074/12]
Appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) is provided under section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991. Under this provision, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to a child who is the subject of care proceedings, if it is satisfied that it is necessary in the interests of the child and in the interests of justice to do so. They are always appointed where a child is subject to Special Care proceedings. Section 26 also provides that the costs incurred by any person acting as a guardian ad litem shall be paid by the HSE. I should point out that neither I or the HSE has a role in the appointment of guardians. This is a matter for the courts.
There is a commitment in the Ryan Implementation Plan to engage with colleagues to agree a future policy for management and funding of the service. My Department is currently reviewing provision of GAL services having regard to previous reports and current data on demand. Officials are working closely with the HSE in this regard with a view to establishing the most appropriate arrangements for the future organisation and delivery of this service. Preliminary discussions have also taken place with the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence in relation to this matter.
91 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the operation of the National Education Welfare Board; the way the NEWB monitors and invigilates school attendance across the country; the number of staff in the NEWB that are assigned to this responsibility; if she will indicate the average absentee rate at primary and post-primary schools on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis and on recent trends in those rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7853/12]
The complex issue of school attendance is systematically addressed through the provisions of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. This act established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) in 2002 — mandating it with supervising and implementing the provisions of the Act to effectively ensure that ‘each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education' (Section 10). The legislation establishes a framework for promoting regular school attendance, participation and retention as well as tackling the manifold problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The Act also charges the NEWB with responsibility for children who are being educated outside of recognised schools, for example at home, as well as 16-17 year olds who leave school to take up employment.
Since mid-2009 the Board has an expanded remit which includes responsibility for the Home School Community Liaison scheme and the School Completion Programme in addition to the Educational Welfare Service. Under the extended remit, the Board is obliged to devise a single strategic approach to attendance, participation and retention. The Board is currently engaged in developing an integrated service model which would respond to the complexity of issues that impact on attendance, participation and retention. That model will be implemented in the academic year 2012-2013. This implementation will include appropriate management information systems to capture data for the measuring and monitoring of outcomes.
In relation to monitoring school attendance, the NEWB has 90 sanctioned Educational Welfare Service posts, 74 of which are currently filled (59 Educational Welfare Officers, 12 Senior Educational Welfare Officers and 3 Regional Managers). The Board also informs me that 2 Educational Welfare Officers are due to retire at the end of the month.
Since the commencement of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, schools are obliged to submit an Annual Attendance Report ("AAR") to the NEWB on the levels of school attendance each year. An overall report derived from this data is produced by the Education Research Centre (ERC).
I am advised by the Board that the data is not collected in such a way as to allow all the breakdowns requested by the Deputy; I can, however provide the annual data from recent years as a significant indicator of non-attendance rates. In summary out of a primary student population of 424,138 students in 05/06 rising to 487,504 in 09/10 the number of days lost overall at primary level was 6.3% in 05/06, 6.2% in 06/07, 6.5% in 07/08, 6.3% in 08/09 and 6.2% in 09/10.
Out of a post-primary student population of 271,349 students in 05/06 rising to 297,777 in 09/10 the number of days lost overall at post-primary primary level was 7.8% in 05/06, 7.9% in 06/07, 8.1% in 07/08, 8.3% in 08/09 and 7.9% in 09/10.
Analysis of this data identifies key findings such as:
There has been the highest annual attendance returns ever to the NEWB from schools in 2009/10: 97% from Primary and 96% from Post Primary;
The numbers of student days lost (taking primary and post primary schools together) is running at 6.8% and is at the lower end for the five year period 2005 to 2010.
As part of the on-going work around the aforementioned integration of services the Board is currently reviewing case management practices. The review will ensure a co-ordinated case-managed response to attendance involving each of the NEWB strands and schools and will be mainstreamed across the service from September 2012. The current review is affording the simultaneous opportunity to explore the optimum way of collecting relevant data so that maximising student attendance, participation and retention remain core objectives of each school.
In the interim, and whilst the model of integrated practice is being finalised, the Board has put in place a number of measures to ensure a service to all schools. In areas where there are gaps, the following categories of referral have to be accorded priority:
No school place.
Refusal to enrol.
Non transfer from Primary to Post Primary School.
Where a student has been expelled.
Court directed work.
Child discharged from residential care without a school placement.
Educational welfare issues combined with child protection/serious child welfare concerns.
92 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the review of the school completion programme; if she will provide a commitment that this will not be negatively impacted by cuts to DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8067/12]
The School Completion Programme (SCP) is an initiative that aims to have a positive impact on the levels of pupil retention in primary and second level schools and on the number of pupils who successfully complete the Senior Cycle, or equivalent. The majority of schools supported by the School Completion Programme receive this assistance as part of the School Support Programme, under the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) initiative.
The SCP targets individual young people of school-going age, both in and out of school, and arranges supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. It is based on a project model which takes an integrated approach to the aforementioned matters involving not only primary and post primary schools, but also parents and relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies.
Although the 2012 Estimates process was the first for my Department, I have had to find savings as part of the national effort to address Ireland's fiscal situation. With regard to the SCP the Comprehensive Expenditure Report identifies the requirement for savings of 6.5% per annum over the period 2012-2014. This equates to a saving of €2m in the Programme in 2012.
As a first step in considering how to achieve these savings, my Department and the National Educational Welfare Board will complete a major review of the SCP by mid 2012. The review is being undertaken in conjunction with the Board's current work to develop an integrated national approach to educational support services. This review will enhance the ongoing process of integrating the programme within a single national approach to attendance, participation and retention in schools.
I remain committed to supporting those children and young people most in need and in particular most at risk of early school leaving. Indeed a core objective of the review is to ensure that funds are appropriately targeted in this regard. I also appreciate that the achievement of these savings will require difficult trade-offs but it is anticipated that the review will identify operational efficiencies and other reforms which may serve to mitigate the impact of necessary savings.
The broader issue of any adjustments to the School Support Programme is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills, given that responsibility for DEIS policy resides with his Department.
93 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the details of the results of the audit of alternative care services. [8068/12]
In 2011, the Health Service Executive (HSE) commissioned independent consultants to undertake a review of the capacity for alternative care services. The review examined services for Special Care, High Support, Foster Care, Residential Care, Emergency Care, Out of Hours, Aftercare and Separated Children Seeking Asylum. The purpose of the review was to audit the current need and current capacity for alternative care services and to establish the projected need for care placements in the HSE for the period 2011 to end 2013. It also made recommendations regarding the development of services to meet the projected needs for the period 2011-end 2013.
The audit was undertaken last March and the report has been finalised recently. I expect to receive a copy of this report shortly and it is anticipated that the HSE will publish the report in due course.
95 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which she will introduce a children’s rights referendum Bill. [8056/12]
606 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether it will be possible to hold the children’s rights referendum in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1933/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 606 together.
The Programme for Government 2011 states that the Referendum on Children's Rights is a priority, and that the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (JCCAC). From the outset of deliberations in relation to the constitutional amendment on children's rights the need for all party consensus on this topic was highlighted. As a member of the JCCAC I can attest to the level of all party co-operation afforded the then Government in the work of the Committee.
Since taking office, both myself and officials of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have had a very considerable number of meetings and communications with the Attorney General and her officials to progress this commitment. A draft wording is being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General in co-operation with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and there is on-going contact and meetings between officials of the Department and of the AG's office focusing on ensuring that the proposed Referendum reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee and the commitment in the Programme for Government.
It is my intention to consult with parties by way of briefings as the output of the deliberations which are currently underway emerges. I also envisage that the issue will be dealt with in the Joint Committee on Health Children and Youth Affairs. It is my intention to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording, with a view to holding the referendum this year.
96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which she has examined the full extent of issues appertaining to youth affairs with particular reference to identification of the issues primarily affecting young persons materially or psychologically; the extent to which she can engage with the various stakeholders with a view to ensuring that, when possible, immediate action of a supportive nature is taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8035/12]
617 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which she and-or her Department has identified the need for child and youth support services at community level in all regions throughout the country; the extent to which the adequacy of such services have been identified; her plans for further development in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8393/12]
619 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which community child and youth services has been identified as a necessary support for children and young people in the modern world; if any special emphasis is likely to be placed on such requirements in the future with particular reference to the need to provide safe and positive recreational alternatives for young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8395/12]
620 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she has received communications from various youth organisations throughout the country in the context of modernising child and youth policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8396/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 617, 619 and 620 together.
Funding of some €56.626m is available from my Department in 2012 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country through a number of schemes. These schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, the European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas — the Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce — the President's Award.
This funding supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth sector. Youth work programmes and services are delivered to over 1.2m young participants in the various programmes by some 1,100 youth work staff and by a volunteer base of over 60,000.
The main objectives of the Youth Affairs area are to develop and implement coherent, coordinated and relevant youth policies and strategies to support the youth sector in providing effective non-formal education and developmental opportunities for young people through which they can enhance and develop their personal and social skills and competencies.
In that context, as previously advised to the Deputy, a new youth strategy is being developed by my Department. Through this work a clear policy framework will emerge that will aim to enhance the development, participation and support of young people.
As part of this work my Department has commissioned a review of international best practice in the field of youth development and support. The findings of this review will inform my Department's policy objectives and future funding provision with the aim of ensuring that the young people participating in youth services derive maximum benefit.
It is my intention that this policy framework will also facilitate and promote co-ordination and coherence across departments and services and will set out the priorities, rationale and criteria for future funding programmes. It will also accommodate issues relevant to young people within the 10-24 age range in informal or out-of-school settings that fall within the remit of my Department. The overall objective will be to clarify and enhance coherence, connectivity, coordination and delivery in youth services and related out-of-school services for young people and to ensure such provision is both quality and outcomes based.
The Youth Strategy is being developed in the overall context of the development of a new National Children and Young People's Policy Framework 2012-2017 by my Department, thereby ensuring support for the provision of services in the context of a whole child perspective.
Ensuring quality service delivery is an ongoing priority for my Department and in that context two quality standards initiatives are being progressed in the youth area that will help to ensure improvements in good practice, that services are outcomes focussed and that the young people involved are deriving the maximum benefit from their participation in the services and programmes provided.
Through the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC), my Department is involved in ongoing and productive dialogue with the youth sector. This committee is composed of a chairperson and 32 members drawn equally from the voluntary and statutory sectors involved in the administration and provision of youth work programmes and services. Thirteen nominees from the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and four from the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) are represented on the committee.
This committee advises me on matters relating to the development and coordination of youth work policies, programmes and services. The committee meets on average four to five times a year a year. Through this committee, a forum is provided through which specific issues and concerns can be addressed and progressed.
97 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will make a decision regarding the banning corporal punishment in the home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8072/12]
Section 246 of the Children's Act 2001 provides very clear legal deterrents to the use of excessive physical discipline within the home setting or otherwise:
246.—(1) It shall be an offence for any person who has custody, charge or care of a child wilfully to assault, ill-treat,neglect, abandon or expose the child, or cause or procure the child to be assaulted, ill treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed, in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to the child’s health or seriously to affect his or her well-being.
A common law defence or reasonable chastisement does not apply but this has not prevented the Irish courts from handing down severe sentences in cases where parents have been accused and convicted of assault or use of excessive force.
It is important to note the valuable research emerging on this topic in Ireland. Recent research from the longitudinal study of children in Ireland shows that the great majority of parents do not use smacking as a form of discipline. The most frequently used method of discipline was "discussing/explaining why the behaviour was wrong and this discipline strategy was used by almost ninety percent of mothers (88%). Less than one percent (0.5%) of mothers reporting smacking their children "regularly or always".
The priority is to reinforce this trend and provide positive support and encouragement to good parenting. There are a range of valuable parenting programmes and support services for families throughout the country.
98 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date on addressing concerns relating to the care of unaccompanied minors claiming asylum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7851/12]
105 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has met with the Department of Justice and Equality to discuss the issue of the transfer of minors seeking asylum to adult services and the impact it has on the continuity of their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8073/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 105 together.
Under the Child Care Act 1991, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the care and protection of separated children seeking asylum until they reach 18 years of age. The immediate and ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum (SCSA) as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Child Care Act, 1991 and the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the point of entry, the circumstances are investigated and if there are any concerns about the welfare of the child, they are placed into the care of the HSE.
The Implementation Plan on the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009, contained a commitment that the HSE would end the use of separately run hostels for separated children seeking asylum and accommodate children in mainstream care, on a par with other children in the care system. In accordance with this commitment, the HSE phased out hostel type care for separated children seeking asylum and since January 2011, hostels have not been used to accommodate unaccompanied minors. Instead each child is cared for either in a foster care placement or a children's residential centre.
The HSE has developed a national policy on the standards and services to be provided to separated children seeking asylum. The policy seeks to achieve equity and equality of services to separated children seeking asylum vis a vis all children at risk and to ensure that there is no differentiation of care provision, care practices, care priorities, standards or protocols until the young person reaches 18 years. The number of separated children seeking asylum has steadily declined since its peak of 1085 in 2001 to just 105 in 2010.
My Department along with the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Law Reform and the HSE work closely together to plan for the transition to adult service for young asylum seekers who reach 18 years of age. I am meeting Minister Shatter to discuss a number of issues, including this matter, later this week.
99 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure complete recruitment of a specialist therapeutic team for children in special care and detention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8076/12]
The Implementation plan, published in 2009 in response to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Ryan Implementation Plan), included a commitment to the establishment by the HSE in consultation with the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) of a national therapeutic and multi-disciplinary care team for children in detention and special care. The specialist multi-disciplinary team could also provide an in-reach service to boys aged 16 and 17 years who are detained in St Patrick’s Institution. It also states that the HSE will review need and establish resourced multi-disciplinary assessment teams for children and young people at risk.
Notwithstanding the financial constraints applying in 2012, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that it has been agreed that any posts previously funded under the Ryan Implementation Plan, and not yet filled, may be filled in 2012. This includes the establishment of the national therapeutic and multi-disciplinary care team for children in care and detention.
The HSE has committed in its National Service Plan for 2012 to completing the establishment of this team.
When fully in place this key national service will ensure all children placed in secure care, whether on welfare or offending grounds, will have access to specialist clinical interventions in line with their assessed individual needs. The HSE has been funded for this service, as part of the funding provided in respect of the Ryan Implementation Plan.
101 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the establishment of the child and family support agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8071/12]
I established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency in September 2011 under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott.
The Task Force will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda.
In relation to the Agency it has been asked to:
Propose a vision and the principles to guide operations;
Advise on the appropriate service responsibilities, and the delivery of same;
Review existing financial, staffing and corporate resources; and propose a methodology for resource allocation;
Propose an organisational design and operating child welfare and protection service model;
Prepare a detailed implementation plan;
Identify the main priorities and core relationships required;
Oversee the implementation and monitor progress, pending establishment of the Agency.
The Task Force held its eleventh meeting earlier this month. Work is also being advanced through two sub-groups. I look forward to receiving the report of their work, which will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation. A dedicated new budget sub-head was established for the first time in the HSE Vote, in preparation for the planned establishment of the Agency in 2013. A process is currently underway in conjunction with the HSE to further review and refine the detailed components of this sub-head.
I am firmly committed to the transformation of Ireland's child protection and welfare services. Central to this is delivering transparent and accountable management and budgeting. The establishment for the first time of a dedicated budget sub-head within the HSE Vote for children and families is an important part of the ongoing "change agenda", which is aimed at strengthening organisation capacity, business processes and systems, and will pave the way for the transition to the new Child and Family Support Agency in 2013. Management of these services will be led by the National Director (Mr Gordon Jeyes) who already has a very close working relationship with me and my Department. These developments are an integral part of preparations for the new stand alone Agency.
I am anxious to advance the full establishment of the Agency at as early a date as possible, subject to the work of the Task Force and necessary legislature provision. I would envisage tabling legislation before the House later this year to provide for the Agency's setting up in 2013.
103 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date on implementing the recommendations in the report on the Roscommon child care case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7850/12]
I provided the Deputy with detailed responses on this issue on the 3rd November, 2011 and the 15th December, 2011. The HSE was asked for an update on the position and has provided the following information in addition to that already provided:-
The Report recommendation that a review of the effectiveness of the Home Management Services in respect of working with families where chronic neglect is an identified issue has been completed and a pilot project has been undertaken in South Roscommon looking at improving communications between Social Workers and other disciplines. This project is underway and is scheduled for review in May, 2012. The Sexual Abuse Treatment Unit established in Galway is due to be evaluated shortly by the HSE.
104 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures she and the Adoption Authority of Ireland will take to define, investigate and remedy illegal Irish adoptions, both domestic and inter-country, in particular to ensure that adopted persons’ identities have not been erased or altered thus to make future searches for or by original families impossible. [8080/12]
The question raised by the Deputy must be considered in the context of both current and historic adoptions.
In relation to current adoption practice, with effect from 1 November 2010, intercountry adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) performs the function of a Central Authority under the Adoption Act 2010, in accordance with the Convention. In choosing to deal primarily with Hague countries, the AAI has the mechanism to work collaboratively with equivalent structures in that country. Each Central Authority has the responsibility to oversee standards in respect of those parts of the process taking place within their respective jurisdictions. This mutual arrangement is designed to give the AAI, the Government and, most importantly, those involved in the adoption process assurance as to the standards being set and the oversight of the system.
It is not realistic that the Government, or the AAI, could regulate activities relating to the adoption process outside of these State-to-State arrangements. Nor would it be possible for the AAI to work on a case by case basis to oversee individual adoptions extra-jurisdictionally as they are being effected. A system whereby the AAI considered whether adoptions are compliant with the required standards after they have been effected would be unfair both to the children and prospective adoptive parents involved. It leaves open the possibility of adoptions being unrecognised which is contrary to the best interests of the child. The role of the Central Authority in the sending country is therefore critical to the process of national assurance.
The recent statements in the House on the issue of intercountry adoptions provided an opportunity for Deputies to raise a number of important issues around this issue. I found the debate to be constructive and informative and I was particularly pleased to note the many contributions, including that of the Deputy, highlighting the central importance of the best interests of the children concerned in all our intercountry adoption activities.
As regards historic cases the Adoption Authority of Ireland holds records of adoptions effected since the introduction of statutory adoption in 1952. It holds no records relating to birth registrations.
An audit was undertaken in 2010 related to records retained by the Authority of contact received from persons who have been told and/or believe themselves to be adopted, in respect of whom, no adoption record exists. This indicated that 99 people who have identified themselves as adopted do not have a corresponding adoption file. Around 50% of these relate to so-called "adoptions" prior to the introduction of the statutory adoption regime under the Adoption Act, 1952 (which was commenced on 1 January, 1953). This work has continued following the commencement of the Adoption Act 2010 — as these queries continue to arise.
The Authority has indicated its intention to undertake further work to explore the full extent of the issue. The Board of the Authority will then consider possible next steps to contribute to an understanding of the issue including the provision of advice to me on the issue. It is important to note that the Authority has no statutory responsibility in respect of the matter but is extremely sensitive to the issue. Notwithstanding that, it should be noted that, in a number of individual cases, where the facts have been available to the Board or the Authority, it has advised the appropriate authorities in respect of any activities which it believed contravened the Adoption Act(s) for the relevant period.
The drafting of legislation with regard to Information and Tracing is one of my top priorities. Work is underway in relation to the preparation of the Bill, in consultation with the Adoption Authority, to provide for a structured and regulated way of providing access to information and contact for those affected by adoption. It is intended that the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to have access to records currently held by a wide range of Information Services, give the Authority an oversight role with regard to the maintenance of adoption records and place the National Contact Preference Register on a statutory basis. The Bill will also provide for proactive tracing and reunion services by appropriate bodies for adopted adults, birth mothers and birth families, with the Adoption Authority having the overarching responsibility for the service. I intend to take this legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 98.
106 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7746/12]
A copy of my Department's organisation chart is as follows. It is also available on my Department's website —www.taoiseach.gov.ie.
107 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Taoiseach the number of persons over the age of 65 years in County Louth as of January 2012; if he will provide a gender breakdown of the figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7749/12]
The detailed results of the 2011 Census of Population, which are due to be published at the end of March, will include a breakdown of the population by age and county in April 2011. In the meantime, the exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
However, the annual Population and Migration Estimates include an estimate of the number of persons aged 65 years and over in each Regional Authority area. These estimates are not compiled at County level. The latest annual estimate for the Border Region (of which Louth is part) is that there were 60,800 persons aged 65 or over in the region in April 2011: 28,600 men and 32,200 women. The annual estimates are subject to revision when the more detailed Census results become available.
108 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up be him since February 2011; the number abolished since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7750/12]
No agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces or other quangos were established or abolished by me since February 2011.
109 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Taoiseach if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7829/12]
Details of the appointments I have made since coming into office on 9 March, 2011 are set out in the table. No remuneration is paid to persons in relation to the appointments listed:
|
Name |
Organisation |
Appointment made to the |
Date of Appointment |
|
Prof. Edgar Morgenroth |
Associate Research Professor, Economic and Social Research Institute |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Prof. John McHale |
Economist, National University of Ireland, Galway |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Prof. Mary Daly |
Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Prof. Anna Davis |
Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Prof. Seán Ó Riain |
Department of Sociology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Dr. Michael O’Sullivan |
Head of UK Research and Global Asset Allocation, Credit Suisse, London |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Ms Mary Walsh |
Chartered Accountant |
National Economic and Social Council |
June 2011 |
|
Dr. Michelle Morris |
Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Social Science, University College Dublin. |
National Economic and Social Council |
July 2011 |
|
Mr. Martin Fraser,Chairperson of NESC |
Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach |
National Economic and Social Council |
August 2011 |
|
Mr. Shay Cody |
IMPACT |
National Economic and Social Council |
September 2011 |
|
Mr. John Murphy |
Secretary General, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation |
National Economic and Social Council |
November 2011 |
|
Mr. John Shaw, Deputy Chairperson of NESC |
Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach |
National Economic and Social Council |
January 2012 |
110 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8278/12]
No such payments are being made or are scheduled to be paid.
111 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he will outline on a yearly basis form 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8443/12]
In the time allowed it is not possible to provide a detailed response to the Deputy. The information will be provided to you as soon as possible.
112 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give an indication of three key areas that will be focused on during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8138/12]
Work across all Government Departments is continuing to identify the priorities and objectives of the Irish Presidency of the Council of Ministers in 2013. These will be outlined in detail in the Irish Presidency programme that will be published in December 2012. As with all Presidencies, the Irish Presidency priorities will, to some extent, be influenced by the progress made by the Danish and Cypriot Presidencies in 2012 in advancing issues on the EU agenda. However, the Government has already identified a number of themes that will be of particular importance during the Presidency. In response to the current economic and financial situation that we face, a particular emphasis will be attached to achieving progress on measures to boost Europe's global competitiveness, stimulate sustainable economic growth and above all, to create jobs.
The Government will also seek agreement on any aspects of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), that remain outstanding. The MFF sets out the EU budget from 2014-2020.
Alongside the MFF process, other issues to be addressed are of major importance to Ireland and the future development of the EU including the Common Agriculture Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, and initiatives such as Horizon 2020 (the EU's future framework programme for research and innovation) which will be critical for the EU's economic development. Other important issues areas will include energy, climate change and environmental issues.
The Government will continue to work intensively throughout 2012 to refine Ireland's Presidency priorities across all policy areas. Ministers will consult closely with our Partners and the EU institutions as the programme process continues. The Government will also continue to liaise with stakeholders in Ireland including representatives of civil society to ensure that the programme addresses issues of national importance for Ireland.
113 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the ongoing political situation in Syria and in particular the ongoing human rights abuses of Syrian citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7594/12]
I have on a number of occasions stated clearly my grave concerns at the deteriorating situation in Syria and condemned the unacceptable violence and repression which is now estimated to have claimed some 7,000 lives since last March. In my address to the Security Council in New York on 9 February, I described the current situation in Syria as completely intolerable and condemned the appalling suffering of the Syrian people at the hands of the Assad regime. I also discussed the situation with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and US Deputy Secretary of State Burns during the course of my visit to the United States last week.
Given the serious implications for regional peace and security, it is deeply regrettable that the Security Council has so far been unable to speak with a single voice on Syria, in failing to pass a Resolution on 4 February which otherwise commanded the full support of the Council. The ramifications of this failure have been made painfully clear in the past week as the violence in Syria, and in particular the appalling attacks on the civilian population in cities such as Homs, Bab Amr and Hama, has increased significantly. There is a desperate need for humanitarian access, including medical assistance, to citizens in these areas.
The international community can no longer continue to ignore the daily escalation of bloodshed and repression as the Assad regime seeks to extinguish the legitimate desire of ordinary Syrians for democracy and renewal. There is a clear onus on the international community to protect the people of Syria from further suffering and to promote a speedy resolution of this conflict through peaceful political dialogue. It is clear that President Assad will not begin this process without additional pressure from the international community.
I welcome the continued strong leadership of the Arab League as well as the UN Secretary General and others in the international community who are striving to end the violence in Syria. The UN General Assembly is due to discuss the situation and receive a briefing from High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay on 13 February. The current appalling human rights situation is also likely to be addressed at the forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council later this month. Syria will also figure heavily on the agenda for the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 27 February which I will attend and where there is likely to be consideration of how to increase even further the already considerable international pressure on the Assad regime to change course.
Arab League Ministers met in Cairo on 12 February and decided to increase sanctions against Syria, to support Syria's non-violent opposition, and to appoint former Jordanian Foreign Minister Al-Khatib as Arab League envoy to Syria. The Arab League plan adopted last November and recently considered by the UN Security Council still represents the most credible basis for resolving the current crisis. All sides need to desist from further violence and to allow the main elements of the Arab League plan, including withdrawal of all military forces to barracks, release of all detainees and the stepping down of President Assad to allow the start of a political transition, to be implemented. In relation to the Arab League's proposal for a joint UN-Arab peace-keeping force to be established, this is a proposal which offers a further opportunity for the UN Security Council to live up to its responsibilities in the area of international peace and security and revisit the current crisis as soon as possible.
Ireland and its EU partners, working with the UN, the Arab League and international partners such as the US and Turkey, are determined to maintain strong and united political pressure on the Syrian regime until it ends the violent repression against its own people and begins a process of transition.
114 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that have been taken to persuade the British Government to release all files related to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7595/12]
The question of obtaining access to information held by the British Government on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings has been pursued for many years by successive Governments and with the support of Members on all sides of the Oireachtas. There was a significant and lengthy inquiry by a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Barron, from 2000 to 2003. In addition a thorough examination by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights resulted in a series of four reports published in November 2004. Following on from the recommendations of this committee, a full Commission of Investigation was established in May 2005. This was conducted by Mr. Patrick McEntee, Senior Counsel, and its final report was published in April 2007. In July 2008, the Dáil passed an all-party motion on the matter which was transmitted to the House of Commons. I have met with the victims and survivors of this terrible atrocity and am fully aware of the pain and suffering they have had to endure. I have raised the matter of access to information related to the bombings with my ministerial counterparts in the British Government and the Taoiseach has done likewise, most recently at his meeting with Prime Minister Cameron in London on 12 January. The Government will continue to pursue the issue at both ministerial and official level and remains committed to bringing about a measure of closure to those who have suffered as a result of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.
115 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the application of economic sanctions to Israel in order to persuade it to give up its nuclear weapons and bring about a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East. [7610/12]
Israel has never officially declared itself to possess nuclear weapons. It is one of just three states not party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is acknowledged as a cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime and the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. In both national and EU statements, and through our participation in the New Agenda Coalition, Ireland has repeatedly called on all three states not party to the NPT to accede to the Treaty as non-nuclear weapons states and to conclude a full scope safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Ireland regards the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems as a particularly important objective. I am very pleased that at the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ireland brokered agreement on a text which emphasised the importance of establishing such a zone and which set out a number of practical steps towards achieving this, including the convening of a conference in 2012. We are hopeful that all countries in the region, including Israel and Iran, will participate in the Conference and in the process going forward.
Ireland is rightly regarded as having a long and very close association with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and as being a very active proponent of complete nuclear disarmament. The Deputy can be assured that full implementation of the NPT remains a key foreign policy objective for the Government as we enter the 2015 NPT review cycle, which begins in Vienna in late April.
I am repeatedly urged to consider sanctions against Israel for various reasons. I have made clear that, like all previous Irish Governments, the Government does not support such sanctions, and further that there would be no possibility whatever of achieving an EU consensus in favour of such sanctions.
116 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he shares the view of the US director of national intelligence, as the director reported to the US Congress on 31 January, that Iran has not got an active nuclear weapons programme. [7611/12]
The latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran, issued on 8 November, concluded that there are strong grounds for serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme and concluded that information available indicated that Iran had carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device. The report is based on information drawn from a wide variety of sources and deemed by the IAEA to be "consistent in terms of technical content, individuals and organizations involved, and time frames". The IAEA is, of course, the internationally recognised watchdog on this issue, with unrivalled technical expertise and a record of absolute impartiality and independence. The Government, together with the US, EU and other international partners such as China and Russia, is extremely concerned about the findings of this report. The US Director of National Intelligence on 31 January stated that "Iran has the scientific, technical, and industrial capacity to eventually produce nuclear weapons, making the central issue its political will to do so."
Given the lack of any indication from Iran that it is as yet ready to comprehensively address these concerns, the international community continues to pursue a twin-track approach of sanctions and dialogue. In his remarks on 31 January, the US Director of National Intelligence also noted that Iran's "cost-benefit" approach to nuclear decision-making provides the international community with opportunities to influence Tehran. The EU, US and Canada, with the support of other international partners, have introduced further restrictive measures against Iran following the IAEA report in the hope that these will bring the Iranian authorities back to the negotiating table soon to address comprehensively the widespread international concerns, as set out in numerous UN Security Council and IAEA Resolutions, regarding possible military dimensions to its nuclear programme. The international community, including Ireland, the EU and the US, is united in the view that sanctions must be maintained until Iran does so.
117 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are any circumstances in which Ireland would support military action against Iran because of its nuclear activities. [7612/12]
118 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are any circumstances in which Ireland would grant the US or other NATO countries the use of Shannon Airport to facilitate military action against Iran because of its nuclear activities. [7613/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
It is the firm conviction of this Government, and its EU partners, that the grave and valid concerns about Iran's nuclear programme must be resolved through diplomatic negotiations alone and by no other means.
The E3+3, comprising Germany, France and the UK together with the US, Russia and China, represents the international community in negotiations with Iran. I fully support the efforts of the EU's High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf of the E3+3 and it is deeply regrettable that Iran's authorities have yet to respond to her letter of October 2011 calling for a resumption of talks.
In response to the failure on the part of Iran to address the international community's concerns following the publication of the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on the Iran nuclear issue on 8 November 2011, the EU has implemented two further rounds of sanctions against Iran which were approved by the Foreign Affairs Council at its meetings on 1 December and 23 January. The US, UK and Canada have also implemented further tough bilateral sanctions against Iran, in response to the IAEA report. The aim of all these measures is to persuade Iran to return to the negotiating table so that the issues raised in the IAEA report and in repeated UN Security Council and IAEA Resolutions can be addressed.
It is the earnest hope of this Government, as well as its EU, US and international partners, that productive negotiations with Iran will restart soon to address comprehensively all the many serious issues relating to its nuclear programme, including its possible military dimensions.
119 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7740/12]
The officials and their responsibilities within my Department are as follows:
|
David Cooney |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Political Division |
Legal Division |
Trade Promotion Division |
Anglo-Irish Division |
Europe Division |
Development Cooperation |
Corporate Services Division |
Strategy and Performance Division |
|
|
DG David Donohue |
Legal Advisor James Kingston |
DG Colm O’Floinn |
DG Niall Burgess |
DG Anne Barrington |
DG Brendan Rogers DDG Michael Gaffey |
DG Barrie Robinson |
DG Margaret Hennessy |
|
|
Disarmament Security Policy Human Rights Terrorism and Drugs UN OSCE and Council of Europe CFSP and coordination Belarus Moldova Caucasus Central Asia |
Trade Promotion Liaison with State Agencies Export Trade Council Economic Messaging Culture and Information |
N. IrelandUKUSCanadaAustralia |
Europe, incl. Russia (excl. Belarus, Moldova and Caucasus) Enlargement Coordination on EU External Relations |
Irish Aid Sub-Saharan Africa Indo-China Timor Leste |
||||
|
Middle East Unit |
Asia and Latin America Unit |
Irish Abroad and Global Irish Network Unit |
Evaluation and Audit Unit |
Consular Service |
||||
|
(incl. N. Africa, Gulf and Iran) |
Asia (excl. Central Asia, Indo-China and Timor Leste) Oceania Latin America Caribbean |
|||||||
|
Press Section |
Passport Service |
|||||||
|
Protocol Service |
120 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7823/12]
There are no State agencies, and consequently no State boards, under the aegis of my Department
121 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the protocol section of his Department is currently in the process of drafting a protocol in respect of protecting the rights and interests of domestic workers employed by diplomats currently residing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7936/12]
As stated in my response to a similar question on 31 January, my Department is working with the Department of Justice and Equality and other relevant Government Departments with a view to implementing additional protections, including revised procedures related to entry requirements for private domestic workers in diplomatic households consistent with its obligations under the Vienna Convention. Revised procedures will be introduced as soon as this work has been completed and agreement has been reached with the relevant Government Departments on the measures to be implemented.
122 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the issue of the non-implementation of paragraph 20 of the Weston Park agreement in regard to a prisoner (details supplied) in Northern Ireland with the Northern Ireland and British Authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7965/12]
I understand that the prisoner in question has initiated legal proceedings which are currently before the courts. It would not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this stage other than to confirm that officials from my Department continue to monitor developments very closely.
123 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made on securing an independent all-Ireland inquiry into the Omagh bombing as requested by families of the victims; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7982/12]
The bombing in Omagh in August 1998 was an atrocity which resulted in appalling loss of life and injury. The search for closure by those who have been affected by this atrocity has not been an easy or swift process. Criminal proceedings against those who undertook this terrible act have not resulted in a successful prosecution and I understand that an appeal is currently underway regarding the verdict of the landmark civil case taken by the families seeking compensation against a group of men alleged to have been involved in the Omagh bombing. The Government does not propose to establish an all-Ireland inquiry into the bombing. An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland maintain close contact regarding all matters of cross border crime and any new evidential opportunities related to the Omagh bombing will be fully pursued in the spirit of this enhanced relationship.
124 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will lobby key members of the US Senate during his visit to Washington DC by requesting them to support the E-3 visa scheme which would allow up to 10,000 working visas a year for Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7994/12]
As I outlined in my reply to question No. 47 of 25 January, enabling Irish people to apply for E-3 temporary U.S. work visas has been a particular focus of the Government's efforts in the context of our overall ongoing exchanges with the U.S. Administration and Congress on immigration-related issues. The Taoiseach and I discussed immigration issues with President Obama when we met with him on 23 May last year in Dublin and I also did so in separate exchanges which I had during the course of 2011 with Secretary of State Clinton and Senator Patrick Leahy, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
During my visits of last week to Washington D.C. and New York, I reviewed progress on E-3 issues during further separate contacts which I had with Deputy Secretary Bill Burns of the U.S. State Department and also with Senator Leahy, Senator Scott Brown and Senator Charles Schumer and members of the Friends of Ireland group at House of Representatives level.
As the Deputy will be aware, Senators Schumer, Leahy and Durbin and Senators Brown and Kirk had tabled draft Bills which would enable the provision of E-3 visas to Irish applicants. Both Bills have since been referred for examination by the U.S. Senate's Judiciary Committee and I am pleased that progress is being made towards securing the bi-partisan consensus that will be required if a good overall result is to be achieved.
In my discussions with them last week, I thanked Senators Leahy, Schumer and Brown for their ongoing efforts in this regard and encouraged them to persist towards reaching a positive outcome. I also assured them of the Government's continuing close interest and support in this connection, which we are exercising through our Embassy in Washington.
The Embassy is in turn working in tandem with key stakeholder groups from throughout the Irish-American community. The Taoiseach also met last week in New York with representatives from several of these groups, including the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres. I would also like to acknowledge and thank all these groups and others from within Irish-America for their vital help and support in rallying momentum behind our collective efforts.
I am heartened by the advances that have been made so far towards enabling Irish people to apply for E-3 visas. However, and together with our friends and allies on Capitol Hill and amongst the Irish-American community, I am conscious that the current U.S. domestic political climate around immigration issues and the Presidential elections taking place there later this year mean that nothing can be taken for granted. The Government will therefore continue to engage closely through the Embassy with key players at both U.S. Senate and House of Representatives levels over the period ahead with a view to further advancing our Irish E-3 visa objectives.
125 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he intends to make public the Irish language version of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. [7998/12]
The translation of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union is being done by the Council Secretariat and the intention is for the Council Secretariat to publish all linguistic versions simultaneously. This is expected in the coming days. The English language version of the Treaty is available at the following link —http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=DOC/12/2&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.
126 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the event that a referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union does not take place, he intends to have the treaty ratified in advance of the passing of enabling legislation through the Oireachtas, such as the fiscal responsibility Bill, or if ratification would only take place after the enabling legislation is signed into law by the President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7999/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, following agreement on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union at the informal meeting of the European Council on 30 January, and a subsequent meeting of the Government, I sought the views of the Attorney General formally on what will be required by way of ratification in Ireland. The Attorney General is now studying the legal implications carefully, and will, in due course, deliver her advice.
Once her advice is received, the Government will consider it and will take whatever steps are necessary. It is not helpful to speculate at this point on what those steps might be.
The Deputy can be assured that whatever path towards ratification is required, the Oireachtas will be appropriately involved in the process.
127 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the arrest and detention of a person (details supplied) by the Israeli authorities under their administrative detention procedure, the fact that they are currently more than 50 days into a hunger strike; and if he will support the call by Amnesty International for the Israeli authorities to try or release them immediately. [8010/12]
128 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will call on the Israeli Government to cease the practice of administrative detentions as called by various human rights organisations. [8011/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. The subject is generally acknowledged to be a leader of Islamic Jihad. The circumstances of the subject's hunger strike are not fully clear. He is understood to be on hunger strike in protest over what he calls his unjust detention and mistreatment by Israeli authorities. Mr. Adnan was originally detained on 17 December and is at present held in a civilian hospital in Israel where he is being attended by civilian medical staff, not by military or prison doctors. He has been visited on four occasions so far by the International Committee of the Red Cross. I am however concerned that his hunger strike may now be reaching the point where his health could be seriously endangered. We have raised this case with our partners at EU level in Israel, and are monitoring the situation closely.
Unfortunately, States facing serious terrorist threat sometimes have to enact emergency powers, and it cannot be denied that Israel faces such threats. But any such powers should be as minimal as possible, carefully safeguarded and in accordance with international law. The present requirement in Israel is that detention orders be regularly renewed, and the evidence on which they are sought presented to the judge.
Nonetheless, and particularly in a situation where the Palestinian population live under permanent military rule, there is a clear risk of the abuse of such powers. I am concerned that detention orders, rather than an extraordinary measure only applied in the most exceptional cases, are used as part of the broader system of control of Palestinians and of legitimate protest as well as violent action. Nor can it be right that such detention orders be renewed indefinitely, without a case coming to trial. I therefore support the call of NGOs and others that this practice be brought to an end.
Ireland and our EU partners have represented these views to the Israeli authorities for some time, and the number of cases of administrative detention has fallen during that period. We will continue to press on this issue.
129 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount that has been spent on Irish embassies, by location, for each of the past five years. [8025/12]
Our Missions abroad are involved in a wide range of activities which include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and managing programmes, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries The budget of each overseas Mission for 2007 to 2011 is provided in the table below. These budgets are considered to be the locally-devolved administrative budget, including local staff salaries but not salaries of diplomatic staff, which are a charge on the Headquarters budget. Likewise, my Department's small capital budget is not allocated to missions on an ongoing basis but is managed from Headquarters.
The Missions highlighted in bold manage significant programmes on behalf of Irish Aid, funded from Vote 29. These budgets reflect the additional management and oversight required for the effective implementation of those important programmes.
|
2007 € |
2008 € |
2009 € |
2010 € |
2011 € |
|
|
— |
— |
429,990 |
600,261 |
466,900 |
|
|
ABUJA |
260,424 |
548,135 |
372,660 |
556,374 |
267,599 |
|
ADDIS ABABA |
1,199,888 |
1,064,185 |
898,000 |
898,685 |
747,137 |
|
ANKARA |
412,851 |
429,022 |
405,487 |
422,633 |
397,809 |
|
ATHENS |
532,525 |
477,093 |
484,116 |
525,292 |
488,109 |
|
ATLANTA (opened 2010) |
— |
— |
— |
26,885 |
147,400 |
|
BEIJING |
789,116 |
838,728 |
973,084 |
841,615 |
750,784 |
|
BERLIN |
999,025 |
1,181,612 |
1,009,825 |
930,500 |
929,251 |
|
BERNE |
331,968 |
463,006 |
507,174 |
450,170 |
445,899 |
|
BOSTON |
365,638 |
353,824 |
472,391 |
392,032 |
344,629 |
|
BRASILIA |
540,443 |
510,761 |
450,012 |
579,964 |
524,784 |
|
BRATISLAVA |
384,325 |
380,840 |
416,857 |
354,215 |
377,803 |
|
BRUSSELS (EMBASSY and P.F.P.) |
1,202,904 |
1,126,087 |
1,230,063 |
930,301 |
844,610 |
|
BRUSSELS (PR-EU) |
3,582,121 |
3,457,843 |
3,805,678 |
4,194,314 |
3,307,842 |
|
BUCHAREST |
566,044 |
577,947 |
484,421 |
457,869 |
485,075 |
|
BUDAPEST |
485,572 |
511,156 |
495,581 |
444,950 |
465,593 |
|
BUENOS AIRES |
351,725 |
372,254 |
383,751 |
454,202 |
426,217 |
|
CAIRO |
445,209 |
569,536 |
500,311 |
460,651 |
396,657 |
|
CANBERRA |
742,471 |
743,869 |
681,238 |
788,271 |
760,756 |
|
CARDIFF (closed 2009) |
213,966 |
182,170 |
79,757 |
— |
— |
|
CHICAGO |
383,173 |
358,542 |
325,799 |
342,853 |
340,825 |
|
COPENHAGEN |
540,031 |
476,526 |
430,412 |
448,180 |
445,389 |
|
DAR ES SALAAM |
819,916 |
1,242,513 |
1,049,784 |
720,238 |
878,000 |
|
DILI (due to close in 2012) |
205,402 |
189,962 |
211,483 |
148,716 |
215,600 |
|
EDINBURGH |
319,133 |
261,682 |
227,646 |
236,941 |
220,194 |
|
FREETOWN |
197,673 |
204,871 |
215,114 |
199,440 |
537,000 |
|
GENEVA |
1,124,538 |
1,096,146 |
1,134,003 |
1,142,564 |
1,282,450 |
|
HANOI |
609,377 |
743,614 |
580,390 |
607,332 |
745,000 |
|
HELSINKI |
655,345 |
634,690 |
637,618 |
539,507 |
539,283 |
|
HOLY SEE (closed 2012) |
740,532 |
498,334 |
437,683 |
455,820 |
420,987 |
|
KAMPALA |
1,376,603 |
1,915,553 |
1,338,000 |
1,140,515 |
1,231,532 |
|
KUALA LUMPUR |
380,607 |
418,700 |
359,821 |
409,445 |
388,340 |
|
LILONGWE |
413,536 |
717,165 |
623,196 |
445,750 |
644,185 |
|
LISBON |
496,611 |
548,396 |
437,493 |
376,459 |
431,630 |
|
LJUBLJANA |
454,887 |
489,219 |
428,186 |
451,370 |
427,868 |
|
LONDON (including Passport Office) |
5,610,590 |
4,669,648 |
4,065,867 |
3,702,234 |
3,396,000 |
|
LUSAKA |
1,293,799 |
1,499,747 |
1,586,698 |
1,097,048 |
1,324,700 |
|
LUXEMBOURG |
716,923 |
709,845 |
738,042 |
724,074 |
435,287 |
|
MADRID |
1,242,986 |
1,273,566 |
1,239,494 |
1,106,768 |
1,038,990 |
|
MAPUTO |
1,377,425 |
1,717,913 |
1,427,000 |
983,406 |
1,086,500 |
|
MASERU |
700,082 |
795,256 |
523,259 |
512,812 |
656,700 |
|
MEXICO |
696,226 |
598,562 |
475,576 |
528,437 |
442,290 |
|
MOSCOW |
970,958 |
896,238 |
873,407 |
1,064,758 |
766,233 |
|
NEW DELHI |
669,453 |
839,809 |
611,455 |
967,485 |
704,242 |
|
NEW YORK — C.G. |
2,281,554 |
1,903,026 |
1,920,283 |
1,915,099 |
1,836,245 |
|
NEW YORK- PMUN |
2,443,225 |
2,681,0741 |
1,546,199 |
2,081,792 |
1,755,273 |
|
NICOSIA |
406,801 |
428,485 |
417,208 |
419,656 |
365,313 |
|
OSCE — VIENNA |
455,567 |
459,195 |
434,483 |
504,823 |
494,500 |
|
OSLO |
715,292 |
787,891 |
634,870 |
601,640 |
615,300 |
|
OTTAWA |
658,038 |
605,680 |
700,330 |
590,775 |
580,960 |
|
PARIS (incl OECD) |
1,867,828 |
1,852,135 |
1,804,602 |
1,817,710 |
1,635,188 |
|
PRAGUE |
524,173 |
573,544 |
604,233 |
612,292 |
598,634 |
|
PRETORIA |
1,407,145 |
1,318,279 |
968,255 |
1,111,600 |
1,182,650 |
|
RAMALLAH |
419,099 |
373,828 |
286,792 |
354,106 |
347,291 |
|
RIGA |
437,135 |
438,808 |
372,586 |
360,659 |
210,748 |
|
RIYADH |
404,299 |
386,430 |
547,777 |
381,231 |
347,071 |
|
ROME |
1,292,690 |
1,270,120 |
1,202,705 |
1,180,581 |
1,193,087 |
|
SAN FRANCISCO |
500,358 |
628,525 |
417,187 |
428,014 |
394,350 |
|
SEOUL |
643,540 |
767,822 |
438,633 |
833,161 |
413,750 |
|
SHANGHAI |
512,507 |
466,888 |
511,801 |
667,532 |
567,923 |
|
SINGAPORE |
913,131 |
865,908 |
805,922 |
833,820 |
828,590 |
|
SOFIA |
617,814 |
452,737 |
425,518 |
367,670 |
408,350 |
|
STOCKHOLM |
458,461 |
426,780 |
435,176 |
591,585 |
616,107 |
|
STRASBOURG |
523,150 |
454,730 |
439,469 |
424,895 |
422,091 |
|
SYDNEY |
546,538 |
511,344 |
489,353 |
587,275 |
647,462 |
|
TALLINN |
445,663 |
426,396 |
352,791 |
415,288 |
390,376 |
|
TEHRAN (due to close in 2012) |
315,881 |
361,419 |
347,641 |
417,048 |
348,049 |
|
TEL AVIV |
666,237 |
574,527 |
737,733 |
623,858 |
573,639 |
|
THE HAGUE |
1,066,280 |
1,079,734 |
949,973 |
921,078 |
749,539 |
|
TOKYO |
1,543,374 |
1,604,708 |
2,079,7742 |
1,637,651 |
1,888,548 |
|
VALLETTA |
369,535 |
329,452 |
330,122 |
372,090 |
322,379 |
|
VIENNA |
677,684 |
664,055 |
633,729 |
662,725 |
670,686 |
|
VILNIUS |
677,347 |
545,639 |
452,692 |
425,124 |
416,380 |
|
WARSAW |
909,879 |
996,352 |
713,657 |
842,848 |
754,711 |
|
WASHINGTON DC |
1,540,392 |
1,268,050 |
1,250,786 |
1,329,159 |
1,149,777 |
130 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of member states of the EU and other European nations that have embassies or consulates which serve the Vatican while simultaneously serving as diplomatic missions to other member states; the reasons the Vatican find this practice so unacceptable from the Republic of Ireland, in view of our grave financial predicament. [8151/12]
There is no EU or other European State which has a resident Embassy or Consulate accredited to the Holy See which also serves as a diplomatic Mission to an EU Member State, although a number of Embassies accredited to the Holy See are also accredited to the Sovereign Order of Malta and/or San Marino. For what I understand are historical reasons, the Holy See does not accept accreditation from a resident Embassy that is also accredited to the Italian Republic.
131 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the European Stability Mechanism Treaty was signed by embassy officials on 2 February 2012 rather than the Minister for Finance; the standard practice for the signing of such international treaties; if he will list any previous occasions on which an international treaty was signed by an embassy official rather than a Government Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8246/12]
The European Stability Mechanism Treaty was signed on behalf of each signatory state by its Permanent Representative to the European Union on 2 February 2012. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties provides that international agreements between states must be signed on their behalf by a Head of State, a Head of Government, a Foreign Minister or someone authorised by any of the foregoing. International law makes no distinction as to whether any such person is a politician or an official and it is normal diplomatic practice for Ambassadors to sign international agreements on behalf of their governments. Ireland's Permanent Representative to the European Union has been authorised by me to sign on behalf of Ireland any international agreement the signature of which has been authorised by the Government. The Government authorised signature of the ESM Treaty at its meeting on 30 January 2012. A list of international agreements signed on behalf of Ireland in the last six months, with the name and function of the signatory, is set out below:
1 Treaty Establishing the European Stability Mechanism between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, Ireland, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Finland; signed by Rory Montgomery, Permanent Representative to the European Union, on 2 February 2012.
2 Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity; signed by Anne Anderson, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on 1 February 2012.
3 Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Mexican States, the Kingdom of Morocco, New Zealand, the Republic of Singapore, the Swiss Confederation and the United States of America; signed by John Neary, Ambassador to Japan, on 26 January 2012.
4 Convention between Ireland and the Republic of Panama for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains; signed by Eamon Gilmore, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, on 28 November 2011.
5 Convention between Ireland and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income; signed by Niall Holohan, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 19 October 2011.
132 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8273/12]
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently employs five retired civil servants. While it is not customary to name officials or retired officials I am setting out in the table below the reason, grade, duration and remuneration details relating to each case:
|
Nature/Reason |
Duration in 2012 |
Remuneration costs in 2011 |
Estimated remuneration costs in 2012 |
|
|
Retired Deputy Secretary |
To act as the Tánaiste’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus in connection with Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012 |
30 weeks |
€0 |
€62,449 |
|
Retired Assistant Secretary |
To act as Head of Task Force in connection with Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012 |
Full year |
€78,868 |
€78,868 |
|
Retired Assistant Secretary |
To review departmental files prior to their submission to the National Archives |
10 Weeks |
€7,018 |
€7,018 |
|
Retired Assistant Secretary |
To act as Passport Appeals Officer under the Passport Act, 2008 |
Dependant on number of cases dealt with |
€0 |
Dependant on number of cases dealt with |
|
Retired Development Specialist |
Review of development cooperation programmes and projects commissioned by the Department |
5 days |
€9,342 |
€2,133 |
No other payments of the type described have been sanctioned for retiring officials of my Department.
133 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8437/12]
With regard to staff of my Department, the calculation and payment of superannuation benefits is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Severance payments totalling €316,943.84 were made to former Ministerial Personal Appointees in 2011.
134 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give an update on a case (details supplied). [8476/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has constantly monitored this case and the person detained has been visited regularly by our Ambassador in New Delhi and by our Honorary Consul in Colombo. I am advised that this case was heard in the Sri Lankan Supreme Court on Friday 3rd February 2012 and that the Court was advised that the person detained is to be indicted in the High Courts of Colombo, Sri Lanka shortly. I am further advised that the next Fundamental rights hearing will be held on the 19th March 2012. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to follow developments on the case and also keep the family fully advised.
135 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that the total VAT currently being charged on ESB bills is being charged on the total bill including the carbon tax and if this is so the basis for same. [8184/12]
I would point out initially that the carbon tax does not apply to electricity and as such ESB bills do not include a carbon tax element, to which VAT would apply. The amount on which VAT is chargeable, in accordance with section 37(1) of the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010, is the total consideration receivable by the supplier, "including all taxes, commissions, costs and charges whatsoever" but not including the VAT itself.
VAT is governed by the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Article 78 of the VAT Directive provides that the taxable amount shall include "taxes, duties, levies and charges, excluding the VAT itself".
In this respect, where a supply of service, such as a gas bill, includes carbon tax, VAT law dictates that VAT should be calculated on the carbon tax element of the charge as well as the charge for the service. The same situation applies in the case of other excises, including for example excises on petrol, auto-diesel, tobacco and alcohol products.
Guidance in relation to the VAT treatment of the total consideration receivable by a supplier is set out in the VAT Guide. This publication is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
136 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the ratification of the European Stability Mechanism Treaty will take place before or after the passing of the European Stability Mechanism Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8229/12]
The ESM treaty was signed by Euro Area Member States on 2 February 2012. The original version of the treaty was signed on 11 July 2011, but it has been modified to incorporate decisions taken by the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) of the Euro Area on 21 July and 9 December 2011, aimed at improving the effectiveness of the mechanism. The treaty will have to be ratified by the 17 Euro Area Member States. The ESM treaty will enter into force as soon as Member States representing 90% of the capital commitments have ratified it. The ESM will become operational as soon as possible. A target date of July 2012 has been set, which is a year earlier than originally planned. As a permanent mechanism, the ESM will take over the tasks currently fulfilled by the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM). With the accelerated entry into force, the ESM will now operate alongside the EFSF for 12 months.
Primary legislation will be required to enable Ireland to ratify the ESM Treaty and implement its provisions. It is expected that the required legislation will be published this term. Ireland cannot ratify the ESM Treaty until the required legislation is enacted.
137 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 8 February 2012, in terms of State and semi-State commercial companies employing contractors, if Revenue has carried out an investigation into whether so-called contractors are in fact employees and the purpose of the contractor status is to minimise personal taxation and if he approves of this policy; his views that this facilitates tax avoidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8309/12]
Unfortunately, it was not possible to collate the information required for this answer in the time allowed. I will provide the Deputy with the answer in writing shortly.
138 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding excise rate on diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8450/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of mineral oil tax and for tackling the illicit trade in mineral oil products, that they are acutely aware of the various illegal activities that lead to loss to the Exchequer of mineral oil tax. The most serious risk in this regard is the large scale laundering of markers from mineral oil (diesel), and the onward supply and sale of the laundered product as auto diesel. Marked mineral oil is subject to a reduced rate of mineral oil tax on condition that it is not used in road vehicles. The suggestion has been made that the present system of marking diesel for non-auto use should be replaced by one in which all diesel would be subject to the same rate of mineral oil tax, with repayment arrangements for certain users. A system of this kind would, however, give rise to additional administrative work for both the users concerned and for the Revenue Commissioners, would impose cash flow costs on users and could be open to fraud and abuse. The focus, therefore, is on strengthening the existing regime for taxing diesel at differential rates, including the implementation of enhanced licensing systems, acquiring a more effective marker, and continued robust enforcement action.
139 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the overtime cost attributable to staff attendance for the exceptional opening of Revenue’s lo-call service on Saturday, 7 January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7545/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of overtime attributable to staff attendance for the exceptional opening of Revenue's lo-call service on Saturday, 7 January 2012 is €39,080.67.
140 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the return of income form 12 for 2011 will be available from the Revenue in view of the fact that many pensioners are being advised to complete the form and it is not yet available. [7560/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the 2011 version of the Form 12 is currently being finalised and should be available very soon. This is in line with the usual timetable for the production of the form. In the meantime, if a taxpayer wishes to complete a return of income for 2011 they should contact their local Revenue office where they will be issued with an adapted version of the 2010 Form 12 for that purpose. However, they will not be disadvantaged in any way by waiting for the correct form. I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are currently developing a significantly shorter version of the existing Form 12 specifically to cater for the needs of pensioners and other PAYE taxpayers whose tax affairs are more straightforward. The intention is that a draft of the short Form 12 (Form 12S) will be circulated to a range of groups representing the elderly and other pensioners for their views on the layout of the proposed new form, its suitability and ease of completion. It is Revenue's intention to complete the consultation process as quickly as possible and to have the Form 12S available for completion as a matter of urgency.
141 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a special higher tax rate for those in receipt of retirement packages greater than €200,000.00. [7609/12]
It is not clear from the question whether the Deputy's reference to "retirement packages" is to retirement lump sums or to the combination of lump sum and pension. An individual in receipt of pension income is liable to tax on that income at his or her marginal rate of income tax. I have no plans to change these arrangements. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that two separate tax treatments can apply to lump sum payments depending on the nature of the lump sums paid to a retiring individual. (These rules apply equally to all employees — public and private sectors). The details of these treatments are set out hereunder. It should be noted that the lifetime limits on the amounts of lump sums that can be paid tax-free under pension arrangements or as termination payments were reduced to €200,000 in last year's Finance Act. I have no plans for further changes in this area at this time.
Retirement lump sums paid under pension arrangements
The following arrangements apply to retirement lump sums paid under Revenue approved pension arrangements:
Lump sum amounts up to €200,000 are paid free of tax. They are also paid free of Universal Social Charge (USC).
The portion of a lump sum between €200,001 and €575,000 is taxed on a ring-fenced basis at 20%. (This means that no tax credits or other tax reliefs can be set against this portion of the lump sum.) No USC is chargeable.
Any amount of a lump sum in excess of €575,000 is taxed at the individual's marginal rate of tax (credits and other tax reliefs are available). In this instance, USC is chargeable on the excess.
These amounts are lifetime amounts with prior lump sums aggregating with later lump sums.
Termination lump sums
Section 201 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and Schedule 3 to that Act set out the legislation in relation to the exemptions that apply to ex-gratia payments including retirement gratuities, and the taxation of any balance after applying these exemptions. The same rules apply to all employees and office holders in receipt of ex-gratia payments.
Statutory redundancy payments are exempt from income tax. In addition, there are additional exemption limits for ex-gratia redundancy payments or retirement gratuities in excess of the statutory redundancy amount, namely—
a basic exemption of €10,160 plus €765 per complete year of actual service in excess of the statutory redundancy payment;
Or
Standard Capital Superannuation Benefit i.e. 1/15th of the person's annual income (average of the last three years) for each year of employment less any tax-free lump sum which is received or receivable under any approved or statutory pension scheme.
It is open to the taxpayer to choose whichever relief is of most benefit.
The basic exemption from income tax as outlined above can be further increased by up to €10,000 if the person is not a member of an occupational pension scheme. (This can only be claimed if the person has not made any claims in respect of a lump sum retirement gratuity received in the previous 10 tax years.)
Any amount of redundancy payment or retirement gratuity in excess of whichever exemption applies is liable to income tax.
As mentioned, under the provisions of section 8 of the Finance Act 2011, the maximum lifetime amount that may be paid tax free in respect of a retirement gratuity is, with effect from 1 January 2011, €200,000.
142 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the total payments made by the State to the EEC-EU broken down on a year-by-year basis since we joined the Union in 1973; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7624/12]
143 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the total payments received by the State from the EEC-EU broken down year-by-year since Ireland joined the Union in 1973; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7625/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
In relation to payments made by the State to the European Union and total payments received by the State from the European Union since 1973, these details are at Table 10 of the document "Budgetary and Economic Statistics" published by my Department in September 2011. The document can be obtained from the following website address:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/guidelines/bessept2011.pdf
A copy of the Table 10 is set out for your convenience.
The Deputy should note that it has not been the practice to include research receipts paid directly to private entities in this table as these are collated in a different manner; however the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation have supplied the following figures, for awards to Irish participants in projects funded under the European Framework Programmes for Research and Development:
|
€ Million |
|
|
FP 1 (1984-1986) |
N/A |
|
FP 2 (1987-1991) |
€44 |
|
FP 3 (1990-1994) |
€88 |
|
FP 4 (1995-1998) |
€191 |
|
FP 5 (1999-2002) |
€148 |
|
FP 6 (2003-2006) |
€188 |
|
FP 7 (2007-2013) |
€362 (to Nov 2011) |
|
Year |
Receipts from EU Budget€m |
Payments To EU Budget€m |
Net Receipts€m |
% of GDP |
|
1973 |
47.1 |
5.7 |
41.4 |
1.1% |
|
1974 |
85.6 |
7.0 |
78.6 |
1.9% |
|
1975 |
138.5 |
12.4 |
126.1 |
2.4% |
|
1976 |
151.7 |
17.0 |
134.7 |
2.1% |
|
1977 |
346.5 |
28.1 |
318.5 |
4.1% |
|
1978 |
520.9 |
58.5 |
462.3 |
5.0% |
|
1979 |
671.8 |
77.0 |
594.9 |
5.4% |
|
1980 |
711.8 |
112.9 |
598.9 |
4.6% |
|
1981 |
643.5 |
133.8 |
509.7 |
3.2% |
|
1982 |
764.5 |
173.6 |
590.9 |
3.2% |
|
1983 |
924.0 |
234.5 |
689.5 |
3.4% |
|
1984 |
1,100.5 |
257.1 |
843.4 |
3.7% |
|
1985 |
1,433.2 |
270.8 |
1,162.3 |
4.7% |
|
1986 |
1,455.9 |
305.1 |
1,150.8 |
4.4% |
|
1987 |
1,397.1 |
324.0 |
1,073.1 |
3.8% |
|
1988 |
1,474.9 |
314.6 |
1,160.3 |
3.9% |
|
1989 |
1,644.7 |
362.6 |
1,282.1 |
3.8% |
|
1990 |
2,210.6 |
359.2 |
1,851.4 |
5.1% |
|
1991 |
2,794.9 |
442.1 |
2,352.8 |
6.2% |
|
1992 |
2,531.9 |
448.7 |
2,083.1 |
5.2% |
|
1993 |
2,849.8 |
575.8 |
2,274.0 |
5.3% |
|
1994 |
2,338.0 |
641.9 |
1,696.1 |
3.7% |
|
1995 |
2,566.5 |
689.2 |
1,877.3 |
3.6% |
|
(Revised GDP) |
3.5% |
|||
|
1996 |
2,820.4 |
687.1 |
2,133.3 |
3.6% |
|
1997 |
3,190.0 |
652.0 |
2,537.9 |
3.7% |
|
1998 |
3,015.1 |
989.4 |
2,025.7 |
2.6% |
|
1999 |
2,678.9 |
1,051.0 |
1,627.9 |
1.8% |
|
2000 |
2,607.2 |
1,075.0 |
1,532.2 |
1.5% |
|
2001 |
2,417.6 |
1,220.0 |
1,197.6 |
1.0% |
|
2002 |
2,519.6 |
1,011.2 |
1,508.3 |
1.2% |
|
2003 |
2,581.1 |
1,190.4 |
1,390.7 |
1.0% |
|
2004 |
2,610.8 |
1,185.5 |
1,425.3 |
1.0% |
|
2005 |
2,379.1 |
1,496.9 |
882.2 |
0.5% |
|
2006 |
2,201.6 |
1,529.7 |
671.9 |
0.4% |
|
2007 |
2,085.3 |
1,570.0 |
515.3 |
0.3% |
|
2008 |
2,064.5 |
1,586.7 |
477.8 |
0.3% |
|
2009 |
1,810.4 |
1,486.3 |
324.1 |
0.2% |
|
2010 (e) |
1,882.2 |
1,352.4 |
529.8 |
0.3% |
|
65,667.6 |
23,935.4 |
41,732.2 |
2.9% |
Notes:
National annual figures may differ in some instances to European Commission published figures. This is due to a number of factors including different accounting periods and practices.
2010 figures are estimates. Rounding may affect totals.
Sources: Department of Finance and Paying Authorities.
144 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the cost to AIB from staff overtime including the total overtime bill and total overtime hours worked broken down by month from January 2011 to January 2012; the average number of hours of overtime worked by affected staff; the number of staff working overtime broken down by month from January 2011 to January 2012 and expressed in numerical terms and as a percentage of the total workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7655/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, notwithstanding the fact that the State is a significant shareholder in AIB, the bank is run on a commercial arm's length basis and I do not have a role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions taken by the board and management of the bank. In relation to employment costs, the management and board of the bank are aware of their duties to their shareholders to ensure that all costs incurred by the bank are necessary and reflect the needs of the business.
145 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if there is any assistance for a person wishing to purchase a car for a person with a medical disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7683/12]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, to those who meet certain disability criteria. The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:
a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
b) be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
c) be without both hands or without both arms;
d) be without one or both legs;
e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
If the Primary Medical Certificate is refused, the person may appeal the refusal to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
146 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm if a retention agreement has been circulated between a company (details supplied) and IBRC and if there was a public procurement process for this agreement; if he will further confirm if the retention agreement is for this company to advise upon the UK commercial loan book and if not, if he will detail what the company may have appointed to advise IBRC upon; the duration and cost of such a retention agreement; if such a retention agreement prevents one of the largest distressed debt purchasers in the world the company to purchase any IBRC assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7689/12]
While IBRC is wholly State owned, it is not formally covered by public procurement rules as its commercial remit makes it subject to market forces. Under the Relationship Framework the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operations of the bank. The bank has retained the services of the ‘strategic advisory arm' of the Group, referred to in the question. The bank has previously been requested by my Department to confirm that there is no conflict in relation to the appointment. The bank obtained independent advice that this entity operates independently of the ‘investment arm' of the Group. The appointment was made having regard for the Bank's procurement policy. Details of the terms and purpose of the bank's appointment of this advisor are commercially sensitive and it is not appropriate to disclose such information.
147 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if with respect to the disposal of bank assets in IBRC that a clear model in accordance with EU state aid rules has been formulated in the event IBRC decides to proceed with specific asset sales; if disposal of IBRC assets shall always be sold directly by the bank or through a third party; if he will outline if asset disposal by IBRC can be done in accordance with EU state aid rules without the appointment of a third party adviser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7690/12]
IBRC is bound to adhere to the requirements of the EU Commission state aid decision on the revised restructuring plan for Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society. The commitments set out in the decision are monitored by a monitoring trustee approved by the Commission. The Commission decision does not determine whether or how assets should be sold by the Bank or through a third party. The Bank has the capacity to either use third party advisors or sell directly and in practice both mechanisms are used in order to achieve the most economically advantageous result for the taxpayer. The Bank does have a robust procurement policy and process for the appointment of any advisors or other providers of services to the Bank and this is used in support of the sales process.
148 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline if with respect to disposal of bank assets in Allied Irish Bank that a clear model in accordance with EU state aid rules has been formulated in the event Allied Irish Bank decides to proceed with specific asset sales; if he will explain if disposal of Allied Irish Banks assets shall always be sold directly by the bank or through a third party; if asset disposals by Allied Irish Bank can be done in accordance with EU state aid rules without the appointment of a third party advisor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, a key component of the Financial Measures Programme is the establishment of deleveraging plans to reduce the Irish banking system to an appropriate size and to stabilise its funding base. The Central Bank has agreed with the troika that a sustainable Loan to Deposit Ratio for the aggregate domestic banking system is 122.5%. As a first step in the Financial Measures Programme process, banks were instructed to segregate their loan assets strategically into core and non-core portfolios. The key principle governing the definition of core portfolios was the need to service the retail, SME and corporate banking requirements of the Irish economy, including cross-border trade and investment, acknowledging that some limited element of international business remains essential. In doing so, the banks needed to ensure that at the end of the process a viable core bank, independent of direct or indirect State support and capable of returning to the capital markets in the medium term, would remain. To this end, separate Non-core teams have been established by each of the banks to focus on managing the deleveraging process. AIB's Non-core team continues to manage AIB's deleveraging as required under the Financial Measures Programme.
AIB is in the process of agreeing its Restructuring Plan with the European Commission. Once that process has concluded compliance with its commitments will be monitored by a Monitoring Trustee approved by the Commission. My understanding is that the Restructuring Plan will not prescribe a particular method or structure of sale. Normally a bank retains the ability to conduct deleveraging using the most appropriate structure for that transaction, in order to obtain a competitive price whilst satisfying any further requirements under its Restructuring Plan. I have been informed by AIB that for material disposals, it often uses the services of agents in the marketing and sales process if it believes this will ensure the price achieved on disposal of assets is maximised.
149 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency continues to pay salaries to NAMA borrowers when NAMA has appointed receivers over their assets; if NAMA allows the NAMA borrower to recoup any rental income from assets where receivers have been appointed over their assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7692/12]
150 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the funds made available to NAMA borrowers from assets which are in NAMA to pay for the legal fees incurred by the borrower in attempting to prevent NAMA appoint a receiver over their assets; the number of borrowers in NAMA who have commenced proceedings against NAMA but continue to receive a salary from NAMA in accordance with their agreed business plans with NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7693/12]
151 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of borrowers in the National Asset Management Agency who have one or more performing assets in NAMA; if these NAMA borrowers are allowed recoup income from the performing NAMA asset as well as the salary which the borrower is receiving from NAMA in accordance with their business plans with NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7694/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 to 151, inclusive, together.
I am informed by NAMA that it does not pay salaries to its debtors. In certain cases, NAMA allows debtors to retain part of the income from their income-producing assets to pay overheads, including salaries. In other cases, such as development assets, NAMA will provide funding for overheads to enable works to be brought to completion, where this makes commercial sense.
On appointment, one of the duties of a receiver is to take control of the assets and any income produced by them will therefore no longer be available to the debtor concerned. NAMA informs me that arrangements which have been in place to allow income to be retained or to provide funds to meet overheads no longer apply after receivers have been appointed over a debtor's assets.
NAMA informs me that its credit approval process requires debtors to obtain NAMA authorisation for expenditure. NAMA does not authorise expenditure by debtors on legal actions intended to prevent enforcement action. Nor does it authorise the retention of income in cases where proceedings have commenced.
As of end-September 2011, the percentage of performing loans in the NAMA portfolio was 21%. Debtors with performing loans make payments of interest and principal from their income-producing assets to NAMA and, in certain cases, they may also, with authorisation from NAMA, retain part of the income from these assets to pay overheads, including salaries.
NAMA advises me that the number of debtors who have one or more performing assets is not readily available. NAMA has undertaken to provide me with this information and, accordingly, I will issue a reply to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
152 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of borrowers in NAMA who have one or more assets in NAMA that receives rental income from the State, a State owned entity or semi-State entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7695/12]
I am informed by NAMA that details regarding NAMA borrowers who have assets producing rental income from the State, State entities or semi-State entities are not yet available. However, NAMA informs me that the loan due diligence process is currently approaching completion and a database with detailed information on the collateral securing acquired loans, including lease arrangements, is in the process of being developed. The Agency expects to have the type of information sought by the Deputy later in the year.
153 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail the processes and procedures by which loans shall be assigned to any of the 16 loan sale advisers which have already been appointed by the National Asset Management Agency; the number of employees in NAMA who formerly worked for any of the loan sale advisers appointed on the panel; if he will name any of the loan sale advisers appointed for whom no NAMA employee has ever worked for; if he will detail the names of the loan sale advisors where NAMA employees have previously worked and will be directly or indirectly responsible to in the decision making process for determining which broker shall be appointed for which loan sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7697/12]
154 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail which month or quarter of 2012 that NAMA has targeted to sell on the US and European loans where they have appointed 16 loan sale advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7698/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
NAMA has appointed two panels of Loan Sale Advisors for both Europe (including UK) and the US to assist the agency in selling acquired loans that are linked to assets in those markets. There are 13 firms on the Europe panel and 10 firms on the US panel. Seven firms are common to both panels, which means that there are 16 firms in total.
NAMA informs me that particular loan sale assignments will be allocated following competitive mini-tenders within each of the panels.
NAMA advises me that there are some officers in the Agency who have worked for firms on one or both panels. NAMA also advises me that, given its remit under the NAMA Act, it must recruit staff with the requisite experience and expertise and that it would not therefore be possible to recruit officers who have not worked with firms on NAMA panels, particularly given the breadth of activities with which the larger law and accountancy firms are involved.
The key issue, however, is that NAMA takes steps to ensure conflicts of interest do not occur. Under Section 42 of the NAMA Act, before he or she is assigned to NAMA, each officer is required to provide a statement of his or her interests, assets and liabilities to the Chief Executive Officer of NAMA and the Chief Executive of NTMA. Furthermore, a key item for any NAMA evaluation group for procurement of services is a declaration by each member that they have no conflict of interest. NAMA advises me that this enables the Agency to ensure
that potential conflicts of interest in the management of the loan portfolios are managed effectively; and
that staff do not participate in decisions which may involve the allocation of work to companies for which they worked previously.
As regards the sale of US or European loans, NAMA will shortly begin the process of identifying certain segments of its loan portfolio for sale. NAMA advises that the volume and timing of actual sales will depend on whether NAMA considers that market bids represent good value for the taxpayer in any particular instance.
155 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the amount the National Asset Management Agency has spent on legal fees in total since its establishment; if he will provide a breakdown of the legal fees spent each year since its establishment; if he will provide a breakdown of the names of the top ten recipients of legal fees from NAMA each year since its establishment; and the amount these recipients received each year from NAMA. [7724/12]
The details requested by the Deputy are set out hereunder. It should be noted that the details are on a cash paid basis as opposed to the accrual accounting basis that must be used in the Agency's annual financial statements. It should also be noted that the figures for 2012 are those incurred up to 6 February only.
|
Year |
Base Amount |
|
2010 |
9,746,625.68 |
|
2011 |
16,455,532.56 |
|
2012 |
1,349,117.41 |
|
Total |
27,551,275.65 |
|
Top Ten suppliers to date (€) |
||
|
1 |
Arthur Cox |
3,074,552.86 |
|
2 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
2,926,301.47 |
|
3 |
Allen and Overy LLP |
2,473,941.32 |
|
4 |
Maples and Calder |
2,046,545.39 |
|
5 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
1,577,475.09 |
|
6 |
Byrne Wallace |
1,507,035.68 |
|
7 |
William Fry Solicitors |
1,445,142.62 |
|
8 |
A&L Goodbody Solicitors |
1,374,989.35 |
|
9 |
Dillon Eustace |
1,189,329.74 |
|
10 |
Beauchamps Solicitors |
1,166,591.81 |
|
2012 |
||
|
1 |
A&L Goodbody Solicitors |
324,087.32 |
|
2 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
164,437.04 |
|
3 |
William Fry Solicitors |
152,472.45 |
|
4 |
Byrne Wallace |
114,664.76 |
|
5 |
Beauchamps Solicitors |
68,014.10 |
|
6 |
Simmons and Simmons LLP |
62,056.91 |
|
7 |
Maples and Calder |
56,959.78 |
|
8 |
SNR Denton UK LLP |
46,350.20 |
|
9 |
Taylor Wessing LLP |
42,991.63 |
|
10 |
DLA Piper UK LLP |
42.488.52 |
|
2011 |
||
|
1 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
1,482,460.33 |
|
2 |
Maples and Calder |
1,436,958.03 |
|
3 |
Arthur Cox |
1,161,824.36 |
|
4 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
1,147,062.53 |
|
5 |
McCann Fitzgerald |
1,030,955.02 |
|
6 |
Allen and Overy LLP |
1,012,815.95 |
|
7 |
A&L Goodbody Solicitors |
858,613.10 |
|
8 |
William Fry Solicitors |
851,490.29 |
|
9 |
Beauchamps Solicitors |
809,880.15 |
|
10 |
Byrne Wallace |
787,574.42 |
|
2010 |
||
|
1 |
Arthur Cox |
1,896,827.73 |
|
2 |
Allen and Overy LLP |
1,424,973.95 |
|
3 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
1,279,406.10 |
|
4 |
Dillon Eustace |
708,632.76 |
|
5 |
Byrne Wallace |
604,796.50 |
|
6 |
Maples and Calder |
552,627.58 |
|
7 |
William Fry Solicitors |
441,179.33 |
|
8 |
Eversheds O’Donnell Sweeney |
424,198.20 |
|
9 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
407,353.51 |
|
10 |
LK Shields Solicitors |
376,848.75 |
156 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7739/12]
An organisational chart detailing the responsibilities of certain officials in my Department is as follows.
|
February 2012 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minister's Office |
|||
|
Press Office |
|||
|
Division |
Senior Staff |
||
|
Secretary General |
Vacancy |
||
|
International Financial Institutions/EU Budget and Finance Directorate |
Paul Ryan |
||
|
Human Resource Manager |
Niall Ó Ceallaigh |
||
|
Second Secretary General |
Ann Nolan |
Financial Services and Taxation Division |
Aidan Carrigan, Derek Moran |
|
Second Secretary General |
Mr John Moran |
Banking Division |
Neil Ryan |
|
Shareholding Management Unit |
Michael Torpey |
||
|
Second Secretary General |
Jim O’Brien |
Budget and Economic Division |
Michael McGrath |
|
Second Secretary General — Ann Nolan |
|
|---|---|
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Aidan Carrigan |
Reform of Financial Regulatory Structures, Credit Unions |
|
Central Bank |
|
|
Credit Unions |
|
|
Financial Service Consumer Issues, Mortgage Arrears |
|
|
Anti Money Laundering and Fin Sanctions and Asset Freezing, FATF |
|
|
Consumer Credit Directive and Financial Ombudsman and Council, IFSAT |
|
|
EU Financial Services Policy and Legislation, |
|
|
Central Co-Ordination Unit |
|
|
Investment Services and Securities, Funds, UCITS, EU Fin Supervision |
|
|
Insurance, IFS |
|
|
NAMA |
|
|
Bank Legislation |
|
|
Legal Advisor |
|
|
Derek Moran |
Business tax team — EU and International |
|
Business tax team — Tax Incentives |
|
|
Business tax team — IFSC |
|
|
Business tax team — Corporation Taxation |
|
|
Income Tax Policy |
|
|
Income tax Incentives |
|
|
VAT |
|
|
Excise Duty, VRT |
|
|
Energy Tax Policy |
|
|
Capital and saving Tax |
|
|
Finance Bill, Tax Clearance |
|
|
Pension Taxation |
|
Second Secretary General — John Moran |
|
|---|---|
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
John Hogan |
Credit and Lending Policy |
|
Mortgage arrears |
|
|
Neil Ryan |
Systemwide Funding and Deleveraging, Bank Sector Balance Sheet Management |
|
Bank Sector HR and IR Policy |
|
|
D.G. Comp, State Aid |
|
|
Stability Monitoring and Planning, ELG Operation |
|
|
Michael Torpey |
Shareholding Management Unit |
|
Second Secretary General — Jim O'Brien |
|
|---|---|
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Michael Mc Grath |
EU Co-ordination/Ecofin/Eurogroup/EFC/ EWG |
|
EU Economic Governance/EU 2020/EU EPC/ NESC and NSB Liaison/ Budget and Economic Statistics/Monthly Economic Bulletin |
|
|
Analysis |
|
|
International Economy/OECD |
|
|
Central Budget Office |
|
|
Statistical Issues |
|
|
NTMA Issues/Debt Management/Funding/EIB |
|
|
Domestic Macroeconomic Analysis and Forecasts |
|
|
Labour Market/Incomes |
|
|
EU/IMF External Programme Compliance Unit |
|
|
EU Advisory Unit |
|
Director: Paul Ryan |
|
|---|---|
|
Director |
Responsibilities |
|
Paul Ryan |
International Financial Institutions, including IMF (SCIMF) — not External Programme), World Bank, ADB, EBRD and CEB. |
|
EU Budget/EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-12 |
|
|
Departmental Finance Unit including Corporate Services1 (excluding HR/Personnel) |
|
|
PMG Pensions2 |
|
|
PMG Banking2 |
|
|
Control Unit2 |
|
|
Accounts Section2 |
|
|
Exchequer Section2 |
|
|
Business Admin Unit2 |
1Shared service to Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
2Shared service to a number of Departments/Agencies.
|
Human Resource Manager : Niall O'Ceallaigh |
|
|---|---|
|
HR Manager |
Responsibilities |
|
Niall O’Ceallaigh |
Employee Relations/Performance |
|
Workforce Planning/Resourcing |
157 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify whether the Garda reserve allowance is taxable income or a travel allowance and if it is included in assessment for third level grant applications. [7792/12]
The position is that the annual allowance paid to a Garda Reserve is income for tax purposes. The assessment procedure for third level grant applications is a matter, in the first instance, for the Minister for Education and Skills.
158 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding banking practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7812/12]
Under the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code (the Code) if a customer is a "consumer" for the purposes of the Code, a financial institution, regulated by the Central Bank, must gather and record sufficient information from the consumer prior to offering, recommending, arranging or providing a product or service and that information must be appropriate to the nature and complexity of the product or service. The Central Bank has advised me that there are no requirements in the Code requiring financial institutions to seek tax clearance certificates from their customers but nor does the Code prohibit the request of such information. The Bank has also advised me that a mortgage loan account must operate in accordance with the terms and conditions applying to the mortgage agreement and that financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank may look for updated information when the nature of a product is about to change.
The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that from their point of view they do not require tax payers to provide Tax Clearance Certificates to financial institutions.
159 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to his announcement on budget day 6 December 2011, when he intends to formally establish the National Asset Management Agency advisory group; the number of members who will form the advisory group; the anticipated nature of its composition in terms of sectoral background and relevant experience of its members; the role he envisages for the advisory group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7813/12]
164 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the new National Asset Management Agency advisory group which he announced in December; if the group has been established; the members of the group; the salaries, expenses or other benefits for membership of this group; how often the group meets; the group’s accountability to the Government and or to NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7952/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 164 together.
I have appointed Mr Michael Geoghegan to chair a small group of advisors to advise me on the future strategic direction of NAMA. Mr Geoghegan has agreed to carry out his role on a pro bono basis.
I am currently considering the names of potential candidates who have the appropriate experience and background to work effectively on the group of advisors with Mr Geoghegan. I expect to announce the other members shortly. At that stage, I will also announce the group's terms of reference, as well as its reporting framework and arrangements in relation to costs.
160 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Finance if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7822/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
|
Name of Body |
Name of appointee |
Date appointed/ reappointed |
Remuneration Received |
|
Disabled Drivers Medical of Appeal |
Dr Angela McNamara |
Re-appointed on 7 Nov 2011 |
Dr McNamara is entitled to a session rate of €607.20 when attending each appeal Board sitting. |
|
*Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) |
Mr Roger McGreal |
15th Nov 2011 |
€73,600 p.a |
|
Mr Oliver Ellingham |
14th Oct 2011 |
€73.600 p.a. |
|
|
Fiscal Advisory Council (established June 2011) |
Mr. Sebastian Barnes |
7th July 2011 |
Council members not already working in Irish public sector roles receive a stipend of €5,000 per annum. Council members employed in the Irish public sector receive no payment for their role on the Council. |
|
Professor Alan Barrett |
|||
|
Dr. Donal Donovan, |
|||
|
Professor John McHale |
|||
|
Dr Roisin O’Sullivan |
*The Directors of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation were appointed by the board of the bank with my approval. For the sake of completeness, I have formed a panel of suitably qualified people in 2011 for possible appointment or nomination to the board of certain banks following a public expressions of interest process. Recently, Bank of Ireland has appointed Mr Patrick Haren who was included on this panel to their Court (board).
161 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding US advisers. [7832/12]
The Central Bank of Ireland has instituted a new Fitness and Probity Regime which came into effect on 1 December 2011 and will be fully implemented by 1 December 2012. The Regulations apply to Pre-Approval Controlled Functions and Controlled Functions. The Regulations apply to financial service providers other than Credit Unions. The Regulations identify 41 senior positions as Pre-Approval Controlled Functions such as Chief Executive Officer, Director or Heads of Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit. Central Bank approval is required before appointments are made to these positions. The Regulations also prescribe specific categories as Controlled Functions and persons performing these functions include the staff that exercise a significant influence on conduct of the affairs of the financial service provider, monitor compliance or perform functions in a customer-facing role. The Fitness and Probity Standards are being implemented on a phased basis as follows:
From 1 December 2011, apply to persons performing Pre-Approval Controlled Functions;
From 1 March 2012, they will apply to persons appointed to Controlled Functions (other than Pre-Approval Controlled Functions). This is to include new offers of employment and internal transfers/promotions which may involve a Controlled Function role after that date;
They will apply to all persons occupying Controlled Functions as at 1 December 2012.
A full overview of the Fitness and Probity regime can be found on the CBI's website at the following link: http://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/processes/fandp/pages/ introductiontofitnessandprobity.aspx
The institution referred to in the Deputy's question has confirmed that a US headquartered firm, was engaged by the Chairman of EBS to perform an independent assessment of the EBS Chief Executive's fitness and probity. The output report was submitted to the Central Bank of Ireland on 3 February. The institution has indicated that the decision to take expert advice was taken in the context of this key position as CEO of the subsidiary and member of the Executive Committee on the institution.
The procurement of external service providers is a matter for the management and board of the institution. I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the banks, which include these matters. These decisions are taken by the board and management of the institution. As the Deputy will be aware, notwithstanding the fact that the State is a significant shareholder in the institution, the bank is run on a commercial arm's length basis as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF.
In relation to costs incurred, the management and board of the institution are aware of their duties to their shareholders to ensure that all costs incurred by the bank are necessary and reflect the needs of the business.
162 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the recent advertisement by the National Asset Management Agency for a company to provide management services for a qualified investment fund, the estimated size of this fund, in value; the assets, or asset types, that will be transferred to the fund; if loan and property valuations and due diligence will be conducted on these assets before their transfer to the fund; the way the funds will be marketed; the origin of this initiative, that is with a proposal from within NAMA or from within the Department of Finance, or from elsewhere; the analysis that was conducted prior to this decision; if he will release a copy of that analysis; and the rationale for the initiative. [7874/12]
170 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance with respect to the establishment of a qualified investment fund by the National Asset Management Agency, the scale of the funds involved in this fund; which assets will be transferred to the fund; will the establishment of this fund or transfer of assets to the fund involve more loan and property valuations and due diligence before assets are transferred to the funds; the way the funds will be marketed; if this will involve the taking on of more staff beyond NAMAs existing top-line 200 employee claim; if this initiative emerged from within NAMA, the Department of Finance or another body; if the initiative will prevent property coming onto the market and thereby prevent property reach a clearing price and bottom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/12]
172 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the qualified investment fund being set up by the National Asset Management Agency, the type of assets that will be transferred to the fund; how large the funds will be; the way the funds will be marketed; from whom the idea to establish the QIF came; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8149/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 170 and 172 together.
I am informed by NAMA that it is currently tendering for Investment Management, Custodian and Fund Administration services with a view to establishing a Qualifying Investment Fund (QIF). Preparations are currently being made by NAMA to obtain the requisite regulatory approval and to set in place the appropriate governance and operational arrangements with a view to establishing a number of such funds during 2012.
The proposal emanated from within NAMA and has received approval in principle from the NAMA Board. NAMA advises me that the analysis which was presented to the Board contains commercially sensitive information and it has no plans to publish it.
The proposal would involve NAMA acquiring property assets, on an arm's length basis, from receivers (or from debtors who would cede secured property directly to NAMA) and to package them into various combinations which could be monetised through sale to investors. It is proposed to assemble portfolios based on asset types (office, residential, retail, etc.) or geographical region (Ireland, Dublin, UK, etc.) and to secure international investment based on specialist investor preferences.
It is not envisaged that additional due diligence will be required given the substantial amount of information which has already been collated on loans and on the property assets securing them.
If regulatory approval is granted, the Board will consider issues such as the size of the QIF and its marketing.
It is not envisaged that additional recruitment of staff will be required as the administration and management of the Fund will operate on an arm's length basis from NAMA. As the Fund is intended to facilitate the investment of funds from abroad into the Irish commercial property market, NAMA anticipates that its impact will therefore be positive.
163 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank of Ireland legislation permits a regulated financial institution, without the express permission of the customer, to transfer money out of an account held by one of its customers and to offset it against an amount owing by the same customer to the bank in a separate loan account with the same institution. [7877/12]
I have been advised by the Central Bank that the legislation governing the Central Bank does not permit nor does it prevent a financial institution regulated by it (regulated entity), from transferring money out of an account held by one of its customers and offsetting it against an amount owing by the same customer to the bank in a separate loan account with the same institution, without the express permission of the customer. This practice referred to as "off-setting" can be provided for in lending contracts and would be more a matter for contract law. I have also been advised by the Central Bank that provision 8.6 (i) of their Consumer Protection Code requires lenders to advise consumers in arrears of any impact of the non-payment on other accounts held by the personal consumer with that regulated entity including the potential for off-setting of accounts, where there is a possibility that this may occur under existing terms and conditions.
165 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance if it is possible for a person that has a savings account designated exempt from deposit interest retention tax to apply for a refund of tax deducted previous to the date the exemption was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7955/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that an individual who qualifies for exemption from Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) may apply for a refund of tax deducted prior to the date the exemption was granted, if he or she fulfilled the conditions for granting the exemption at the time the DIRT was deducted. The conditions for granting exemption from DIRT are:
1. the individual (or his or her spouse or civil partner) is aged 65 or over during the year and their gross income from all sources (e.g., old age pension, deposit interest etc) is less than:
(a) €18,000 (or €36,000 in the case of a married couple / civil partnerships) for the 2011 tax year, or
(b) €20,000 (or €40,000 in the case of a married couple) for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 tax years.
2. the individual (or his/her spouse or civil partner) is permanently incapacitated by physical or mental infirmity from maintaining himself or herself and he or she (and his/her spouse or civil partner) would be entitled to a full refund of DIRT if their tax credits exceed any tax payable (including DIRT) for the tax year. The claim for a refund of DIRT should made by submitting a Form 54 Claims for the relevant year to the individual’s local tax office. Refunds of DIRT are covered by the overall four-year time limit that applies to tax refund claims.
166 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the potential amount that could be raised for the Exchequer by removing the current capital gains tax exemption for disposal of a site to a child. [7972/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as information on the value of the gain arising from the disposal of a site to a child is not required in capital gains tax returns, there is no dedicated basis for separately identifying the potential amount that could be raised for the Exchequer by removing the current exemption. However, on the basis of indicative information on the relevant tax returns, it is unlikely that the yield would exceed €1 million in a full year.
167 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the issue of placing a cap on the disposal of a business or farm on retirement and within families. [7973/12]
In Budget 2012 I announced a modification of retirement relief from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to encourage timely transfer of farms and businesses. Disposals of farm or business assets within families will continue to be fully relieved from CGT where the transferor is aged between 55 and 65 years. Where the transferor is aged 66 or over, the relief will apply subject to an upper limit of €3 million on the value of the assets. For such disposals outside families, the current upper limit of €750,000 will continue to apply where the transferor is aged between 55 and 65 years; where the transferor is aged 66 or over, the upper limit will be €500,000. Individuals who are currently aged 66 years or who reach age 66 between now and the end of 2013 can continue to avail of the current regime (that is, no limit for intra-family transfers and €750,000 for transfers outside the family) until 31 December 2013. The Finance Bill 2012, being introduced to the Dáil today, will give effect to these measures.
168 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total number of contracts awarded for legal, professional and consultancy services in his Department, National Treasury Management Agency, National Asset Management Asset, any agency that falls under his remit and the covered institutions for the years 2010 and 2011; the value of these contracts; the duration of these contracts; the firms to whom the contracts were awarded; if the contracts were put out to tender and when they were not put out to tender the reason behind this decision and the selection process in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8013/12]
The table details the information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department and the Agencies under the remit of my Department. As the Deputy is aware, I do not have a role in the day to day commercial decisions taken by the boards and management of the covered banks, including in respect of the employment of external consultants and advisors. The management and board of the banks are aware of their duties to their shareholders to ensure that all costs incurred are necessary and reflect the needs to the business. The financial institutions covered by the State Guarantee use consultants in respect of many aspects of their operations. The Department of Finance does not compile a comprehensive list of these consultants. Such fees paid in respect of arrangements entered into with individual firms are deemed commercially sensitive.
The Financial Services Ombudsman Council, Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau and Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal are also self-funded enterprises and I do not have a role in the day to day decisions taken by these bodies.
The NTMA group (including National Treasury Management Agency, State Claims Agency, National Pensions Reserve Fund, National Development Finance Agency and NAMA), is unable to provide the information requested in the time available. A reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
The Central Bank of Ireland cannot provide details of payments to individual consultants due to commercial confidentiality reasons. Their total professional fees for 2010 amounted to €7,097,044 (which includes legal fees of €1,070,974). Professional fees for 2011 amounted to €35,954,471. The majority of this (€29 million) relates to the PCAR/PLAR exercises performed in relation to the Irish credit institutions and also includes legal fees of €2,918,842.
The Central Bank has over the last several years retained McCann FitzGerald as its principal external legal adviser to provide specialist legal services to the Bank primarily in the areas of central banking, financial regulation, and High Court proceedings to which the Bank is a party. Additionally, the Bank has also engaged Arthur Cox to provide specialist financial services legal advice on individual projects; and the Bank has also retained the services of Byrne Wallace to provide specialist employment law advisory services. A number of individual barristers have also been used when required. The Bank reviews it legal panel arrangements from time to time.
|
Office/Agency |
Value |
Duration |
Service provider |
Tendered? |
If not, why not and how was the provider selected? |
|
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council |
€12,908 |
The work specified in the contract was carried out between September 2011 and January 2012. |
Dr. Robert Hagemann |
No |
Dr Hagemann is an expert in this field and was known to have the specific expertise required and to have satisfactorily undertaken similar work for the OECD. The contracted work was a key input into IFAC’s report on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill. At the time of awarding the contract, intended publication of the FRB was end 2011, therefore a rapid turnaround was an initial requirement. |
|
Department of Finance |
€15,125 |
May-10 |
Paul O’Higgins Senior Council |
Yes |
|
|
Department of Finance |
€38,287 |
Feb — June 2010 |
Regling (KR Economics) |
No |
Mr Regling was appointed by the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., to work alongside Mr Watson to conduct a preliminary investigation into the crisis in the banking system in Ireland. |
|
Department of Finance |
€59,814 |
Feb — June 2010 |
Watson (John Howell) |
No |
Mr Watson was appointed by the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., to work alongside Mr Regling to conduct a preliminary investigation into the crisis in the banking system in Ireland. |
|
Department of Finance |
€7,638 |
Jan — Feb 2011 |
David Lennon |
No |
Counsel appointed on recommendation of Office of Attorney General |
|
Department of Finance |
€6,939 |
Jan — Feb 2011 |
Garret Byrne B.L |
No |
Counsel appointed on recommendation of Office of Attorney General |
|
Department of Finance |
€2,783 |
Renewed annually |
A&L Goodbody Secretarial |
Awarded by Dept of Industry and Commerce in 1985 |
A&L Goodbody helped establish SAT for the Department of Industry and Commerce in 1985, when Insurance Corporation of Ireland when into administration. |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€16,000 |
4 months |
Petrus Consulting Ltd |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€32,800 |
2 months |
Milliman Ltd |
No |
This was deemed a continuation of previous contract due to specialised knowledge and facts already with the Contractor |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€12,500 |
5 months |
Tom Walsh |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€4,500 |
2 months |
Productive Personnel Ltd |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€26,116 |
17 days |
David Rainey |
No |
It was property advice in relation to the Audit of the National Asset Management Agency. The Office was advised by the valuation Office and Mr Rainey who is a former Commissioner for Valuation in Northern Ireland. It was considered impracticable to tender the work due to conflict of interest. |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€40,165 |
less than 6 months |
Philip Lee Solicitors |
No |
After approaching a number of the large legal firms it became evident that tendering for legal services in relation to NAMA would be impracticable due to conflicts of interest |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€2,000 |
a week |
Grace Dempsey |
No |
Individual chosen due to specialist knowledge |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€1,993 |
2 days |
Access Accounting Ireland Ltd |
No |
Upgrade of existing accounts package made tendering impracticable |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€3,960 |
4 days |
Access Accounting Ireland Ltd |
No |
Upgrade of existing accounts package made tendering impracticable |
|
Office of the C&AG |
€112,000 |
3 years |
Philip Lee Solicitors |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€32,835 |
3 years |
Deloitte |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€27,000 |
4 years |
Mazars |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€34,500 |
1 year |
DHKN |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€32,500 |
1 year |
DHKN |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€27,500 |
1 year |
Moores Stephens Nathans |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€27,600 |
1 year |
Moylan Mulcahy |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€38,500 |
1 year |
OSK |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€29,500 |
1 year |
DHKN |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€21,700 |
1 year |
DHKN |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€31,735 |
1 year |
Moylan Mulcahy |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€33,000 |
1 year |
Moore Stephens Nathans |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€62,002 |
2 years |
Crowleys DFK |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€60,100 |
2 years |
O’Connor Pyne |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€60,198 |
2 years |
Moylan Mulcahy |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€45,842 |
2 years |
Crowleys DFK |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€44,000 |
2 years |
Moore Stephens Nathans |
Yes |
|
|
Office of the C&AG |
€65,600 |
2 years |
LHM Casey McGrath |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €716,246.01 2011: €746,715.76 |
6 years from 1/1/10 |
Holmes O’ Malley, Sexton Limerick |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010:€1,095,244.072011:€1,006,232.03 |
6 years from 1/1/10 |
Ivor Fitzpatrick and Co. Dublin |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €239,377.62 2011: €571,874.15 |
6 years from 1/1/10 |
Lavelle Coleman and Co. Dublin |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €615,068.15 2011: €687,422.49 |
6 years from 1/1/10 |
Mason hayes and Curran, Dublin |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €712,809.63 2011: €918,844.76 |
6 years from 1/1/10 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice, Dublin |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €730,064.68 2011: €802,525.59 |
6 years from 1/1/10 |
Pierse and Fitzgibbon, Listowel |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €639,838.16 2011: €111,744.98 |
New cases to end 2009. |
George V. Maloney, Cavan. |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €33,233.86 2011: €33,553.30 |
1 Aug 2008 — 31 Jul 2012 |
Connolly Sellors Geraghty |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €3,876.84 2011: €7,814.18 |
1 Aug 2008 — 31 Jul 2012 |
Lee Solicitors |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €3,222.20 2011: €3,437.61 |
5 Jan 2009 — 4 Jan 2013 |
Robert Cussen and Son |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €6,100.00 2011: €7,660.00 |
1 Aug 2008 — 31 Jul 2012 |
Patrick F Treacy and Co |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €8,719..26 2011: €6,691.30 |
1 Aug 2008 — 31 Jul 2012 |
McMahon Williams |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2010: €32,282.80 2011: €32,068.99 |
2 years from 1/11//11 |
Gerard O’ Leary |
Yes |
|
|
Revenue |
2011: 10,690.35 |
Driver Focus |
Selective |
Public Procurement Threshold for tendering is > €25,000. However, in line with procurement guidelines a number of quotations would have been obtained before making the final selection (selective tendering). Also, specialist knowledge would have been a factor. |
|
|
Revenue |
2011: €229.04 |
Darlington Consulting |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2011: €300.00 |
Murray McCarter |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2011: €150.00 |
Riverside Medical Centre |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2011: €6,993.03 |
Baker Ryan Tilly Glennon |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €7,278.00 |
Vector Workplace and Facilities Mgt Ltd. |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2011: €943.80 |
Vector Workplace and Facilities Mgt Ltd. |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €21,980.27 |
Polaris HR Consultants |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €2,178.00 |
James Adams |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €8,712.00 |
DZMG — Archives Consulting Services |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €3,003.35 |
Professor Sean Doyle |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €871.20 |
Elevator Consulting Ltd |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €544.50 |
Innovative Food Solutions |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €2,099.81 |
Philip Lee |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €15,447.40 |
Philip Lee |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €656.80 |
Arthur Cox |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2011: €2,922.15 |
Arthur Cox |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2011: €14,345.18 |
Arthur Cox |
Selective |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €3,525.20 |
Doran Cray Architectural Services |
Yes |
Consultant architects were appointed by OPW in accordance with the necessary procedures from Property Maintenance Consultants list. |
|
|
Revenue |
2011: €12,856.50 |
Doran Cray Architectural Services |
Yes |
||
|
Revenue |
2010: €5,141.75 2011: €66,535.22 |
Achilles Procurement Services |
Selective |
Specialised knowledge. Also, circa. €38,000 went to 3rd parties in legal and other fees. |
169 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason KBC bank refused to say if it would pass on the European Central Bank interest rate cut of 14 December to variable mortgage rate holders; the steps he proposes to take to ensure that they will make a statement in the event of future interest rate changes. [8024/12]
Neither I nor officials from the Department of Finance have responsibility for the decisions of KBC Bank regarding the passing on of the ECB interest rate reductions to mortgage customers, nor have I any powers to compel the Bank to make a statement on the interest rate that is charged to their mortgage customers. The lending institutions in Ireland are independent commercial entities. Ultimately the pricing of financial products, including standard variable mortgage interest rates, is a commercial decision for the management team and board of each lending institution, having due regard to their customers and the impact on profitability, particularly where the cost of funding to each lending institution, including deposit pricing, is under pressure. The Deputy will be aware of the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, a copy of which can be accessed on www.centralbank.ie.
171 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the activity in commercial property transfers has been monitored since budget 2012 was announced; and if the reduction in the higher rate of stamp duty has any noticeable impact on that activity. [8141/12]
As I announced in the Budget, a single Stamp Duty rate of 2 per cent will apply to non-residential property transactions executed on or after Budget night 6 December 2011. A significant proportion of the Stamp Duty yield received since 6 December from commercial property transactions is likely to relate to transactions which predate the Budget change and accordingly it is too early at this stage to determine what impact the change will have on the Stamp Duty yield or the level of activity.
173 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if provision was made in the 2011 Finance Act for tax relief to be claimed for home energy improvements; if so, the way a person may make an application; if not, the reason there is a delay in introducing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8159/12]
Section 13 of Finance Act 2011 provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.
As part of the announcement in the Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a co-existing tax incentive for similar works and, following this review, I decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme.
It is worth pointing out that it was never envisaged that individuals could qualify for both the grants and the proposed tax relief. Refocusing the funding such that it is provided via the grants scheme clarifies Government support measures for energy efficiency works.
174 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of beer, wine and spirits off licences issued in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8220/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of beer, wine and spirits off licences issued for the calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 are as follows:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
|
Numbers Issued |
Numbers Issued |
Numbers Issued |
Numbers Issued |
Numbers Issued |
|
|
Spirit Retailer’s Off Licence |
1,487 |
1,770 |
1,537 |
1,722 |
57 |
|
Beer Retailer’s Off Licence |
1,525 |
1,779 |
1,541 |
1,732 |
58 |
|
Wine Retailer’s Off Licence |
3,718 |
3,705 |
3,206 |
3,405 |
136 |
|
Total |
6,730 |
7,254 |
6,284 |
6,859 |
251 |
These licences are issued either singularly such as "Wine Retailer's Off Licence" or in combinations such as Spirits and/or beer, and/or wine. Off licences can also be issued in combination with Wholesale Dealer licences. Therefore, the above figures reflect the actual number of each category of licence issued and cannot be taken to reflect either numbers of licensees or premises. The second issue to note is that as the figures above relate to the calendar year and not the licence year, which runs from 1st October to 30th September, it is possible for a licensee to be reflected twice in the above figures. The Deputy may be interested to note that statistical annual data of this nature is available on the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie and the link to specific data in relation to excise is at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/publications/statistical/2010/index.html Current year data regarding liquor licences, which includes premises and licensee information and is updated on a monthly basis, is available to the public at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/excise/index.html
The most recent publication is as of 7th February 2012.
175 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on the belief that there are 270,000 persons awaiting mortgage relief as announced in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8237/12]
As announced in the Budget, the proposed new 30% rate of tax relief in respect of interest paid on qualifying homes for first time buyers who took out their first qualifying home loan in the period between 2004 and 2008, both dates inclusive, comes into effect as regards the 2012 tax year and subsequent tax years. As with many of the reliefs announced in the Budget this comes into effect when the Finance Bill, which was published last week, is enacted. I should point out that mortgage interest tax relief, including the proposed new 30% rate of relief, in respect of interest paid on qualifying home loans is given by qualifying lending agencies, including local authorities, through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. This requires the various lending agencies to make the adjustments in their computer systems.
In advance of the passing of the Finance Act, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have been in ongoing contact with all qualifying lenders, some 132 in total, to ensure that the necessary software changes to the lenders' tax relief at source (TRS) systems are made to cater for the new 30% rate of tax relief so that, when the Finance Bill is passed into law, the relief, which will be retrospective to 1 January 2012, can be passed onto the borrowers by qualifying lenders without undue delay. The speed with which the software changes can be developed and implemented by lenders may vary from lender to lender. Revenue is currently engaging with all of the lenders in arranging to have the new rate tested and implemented as soon as possible.
It should be noted that approximately 189,000 mortgage accounts are entitled to the new higher 30% rate. The Deputy will be aware that a mortgage account may have one or more individuals associated with it and in total there are approximately 270,000 individuals associated with these 189,000 accounts.
As an interim relieving measure Revenue has already informed lenders that they may grant tax relief at an existing rate of 25% to those who will be entitled to the 30% rate of relief. When the necessary software necessary to implement the 30% rate of tax relief is in place, the lenders will grant the additional 5% relief retrospectively. The reason the 25% rate can apply now is simply because that rate is already in the software systems as part of the existing first time buyer tax relief regime.
176 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance the rate of deemed disposal tax and when it is due; the persons liable for this tax on investments or managed funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8249/12]
The Finance Act 2006 introduced a new chargeable event for investment undertakings and life office investment products, which are subject to the "gross roll-up" regime introduced in Finance Act 2000. This chargeable event occurs at the end of an eight year period commencing on the date of the initial investment, and at the end of each subsequent period of eight years commencing when the previous eight year period ends. Deemed disposal tax arises in respect of Irish resident investors and is at a rate of 33% of the gain on the deemed disposal for such chargeable events occurring on or after 1 January 2012. Certain tax exempt Irish resident investors, such as pension funds and charities, are exempt from the deemed disposal tax.
Investment undertakings and life offices remit the deemed disposal tax to Revenue in January and July in each year. They appropriate or cancel part of the investment holdings of the investors concerned by such amounts as are required to meet the tax liabilities arising.
Irish resident investors who invest in offshore funds or in foreign life policies, which come within the taxation regime introduced in Finance Act 2001 for such investments, are responsible for paying tax on deemed disposals under the self-assessment system.
177 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8272/12]
183 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 183 together.
In the time allowed it is not possible to provide a detailed response to the Deputy. The information will be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
178 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance his plans in relation to the redundancies for staff in AIB which were announced in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8299/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to a recent Parliamentary Question (ref: 5664/12 of 1 February 2012) on this subject which set out the position in relation to the issues raised in his question.
179 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a full breakdown of the firms paid professional fees such as accountants, solicitors and other advisors of the National Asset Management Agency since the date of NAMA’s inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8321/12]
NAMA informs me that it cannot provide all the details requested by the Deputy in the time available. NAMA has undertaken to provide me with this information before the end of the week and, accordingly, I will issue a reply to the Deputy at that stage. In the meantime, I can provide the Deputy with certain information on legal fees. These details are set out as follows.
NAMA advise that the details are on a cash paid basis as opposed to the accrual accounting basis that must be used in the Agency's annual financial statements. It should also be noted that the figures for 2012 are those incurred up to 6 February only.
|
Year |
Base Amount |
|
2010 |
9,746,625.68 |
|
2011 |
16,455,532.56 |
|
2012 |
1,349,117.41 |
|
Total |
27,551,275.65 |
|
Top Ten suppliers to date (€) |
||
|
1 |
Arthur Cox |
3,074,552.86 |
|
2 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
2,926,301.47 |
|
3 |
Allen and Overy LLP |
2,473,941.32 |
|
4 |
Maples and Calder |
2,046,545.39 |
|
5 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
1,577,475.09 |
|
6 |
Byrne Wallace |
1,507,035.68 |
|
7 |
William Fry Solicitors |
1,445,142.62 |
|
8 |
A&L Goodbody Solicitors |
1,374,989.35 |
|
9 |
Dillon Eustace |
1,189,329.74 |
|
10 |
Beauchamps Solicitors |
1,166,591.81 |
|
2012 |
||
|
1 |
A&L Goodbody Solicitors |
324,087.32 |
|
2 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
164,437.04 |
|
3 |
William Fry Solicitors |
152,472.45 |
|
4 |
Byrne Wallace |
114,664.76 |
|
5 |
Beauchamps Solicitors |
68,014.10 |
|
6 |
Simmons and Simmons LLP |
62,056.91 |
|
7 |
Maples and Calder |
56,959.78 |
|
8 |
SNR Denton UK LLP |
46,350.20 |
|
9 |
Taylor Wessing LLP |
42,991.63 |
|
10 |
DLA Piper UK LLP |
42.488.52 |
|
2011 |
||
|
1 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
1,482,460.33 |
|
2 |
Maples and Calder |
1,436,958.03 |
|
3 |
Arthur Cox |
1,161,824.36 |
|
4 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
1,147,062.53 |
|
5 |
McCann Fitzgerald |
1,030,955.02 |
|
6 |
Allen and Overy LLP |
1,012,815.95 |
|
7 |
A&L Goodbody Solicitors |
858,613.10 |
|
8 |
William Fry Solicitors |
851,490.29 |
|
9 |
Beauchamps Solicitors |
809,880.15 |
|
10 |
Byrne Wallace |
787,574.42 |
|
2010 |
||
|
1 |
Arthur Cox |
1,896,827.73 |
|
2 |
Allen and Overy LLP |
1,424,973.95 |
|
3 |
Hogan Lovells International LLP |
1,279,406.10 |
|
4 |
Dillon Eustace |
708,632.76 |
|
5 |
Byrne Wallace |
604,796.50 |
|
6 |
Maples and Calder |
552,627.58 |
|
7 |
William Fry Solicitors |
441,179.33 |
|
8 |
Eversheds O’Donnell Sweeney |
424,198.20 |
|
9 |
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
407,353.51 |
|
10 |
LK Shields Solicitors |
376,848.75 |
180 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the value of legitimate green diesel fuel transactions recorded for the years 2010 and 2011; the current monitoring system for the sale of green fuel; if there is any record or database of purchasers of green diesel and quantities purchased per transaction; if he will provide an estimate of the loss in quantity and cost in revenue due to fuel laundering for the years 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8401/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the quantities of marked diesel for which mineral oil tax was paid in 2010 and 2011 were 1.226 billion litres and 1.155 billion litres respectively, and the net mineral oil tax receipts for those years in respect of that fuel were €51.04 million and €50.49 million. Premises or places from which marked diesel is sold or delivered, other than tax warehouses or certain small-scale operations, are required to be approved by the Revenue Commissioners in accordance with the Mineral Oil Tax Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 442 of 2001). Those Regulations also require the keeping of specified records of stocks, sales and movements of fuels by mineral oil traders.
The Finance Bill 2012 proposes to enhance the supervision and control of the mineral oils supply chain by requiring that, in future, any person dealing in marked mineral oils will have to be licensed by the Revenue Commissioners to do so. It is envisaged that this important change will be complemented by amendments to the Mineral Oil Tax Regulations that will lay down new requirements for the recording and reporting of transactions by mineral oil traders.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to estimate accurately the loss to the national Exchequer from particular activities in the shadow economy such as fuel laundering. It is clear, however, that illegal activity in the fuel market is significant, and that it poses a threat to the tax yield and to legitimate business. Combating it will, therefore, continue to be a priority for the Revenue Commissioners, and the legislative action that is being taken will provide additional support for them in this important work.
181 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance in view of the financial difficulties arising from the extraordinary economic and financial situation being experienced by persons who purchased a second residential property as a means of securing funds for retirement and so forth, if he will consider increasing the amount claimable of mortgage interest against tax from 75% to 100%, particularly as the cost of running a non-residential property is a legitimate business expense. [8411/12]
As the Deputy notes an individual who rents out their residential property may be allowed a deduction (subject to certain conditions) in computing the taxable rents from that letting of 75% of the interest accruing on money borrowed to purchase, improve or repair that property. The level at which interest repayments could be claimed against tax for residential rental properties was reduced from 100% to 75% in April 2009 as part of an urgent revenue-raising package aimed at stabilising the public finances. The restriction, which applies to interest accruing on or after 7 April 2009, significantly reduced the cost of this relief to the Exchequer.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount of tax foregone in 2009(the most recent year available) by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against all rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D for both residential and commercial property was estimated at €745 million. Increasing the relief for residential properties to 100% could result in an additional annual cost to the Exchequer of the order of €100 million.
The need to stabilise public expenditure, which formed the backdrop to the introduction of the 2009 restriction, still exists. The terms of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland commit the State to further substantial decreases in public expenditure. While tax expenditures in many areas have been reduced to broaden the tax base, a 25% restriction on the allowable interest available to residential landlords does not seem excessive and I have no plans to undo the 2009 Act provision.
182 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the amount of Irish sovereign debt purchased in the secondary market which is held by the European Central Bank; if he will provide a breakdown by purchase date and the rate that was paid; the amount in total that would be saved if this debt was repaid to the ECB at the rate it paid in the secondary market; if he will ask the ECB to redeem these bonds at the rate paid in the secondary market as is now being proposed for Greece; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8421/12]
There has been much speculation in recent months about the extent of the European Central Bank's (ECB) purchases of sovereign debt on the secondary markets. The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland maintains the register of holders of Irish Government bonds. I am informed by the Central Bank however that the ECB does not disclose its holdings of sovereign debt and therefore it is not possible to supply the information requested by the Deputy.
184 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if, in the context of correspondence (details supplied), which was submitted to his Department, he will take steps to deal with the issue outlined therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of mineral oil tax and for tackling the illicit trade in mineral oil products, that they are acutely aware of the various illegal activities that lead to loss to the Exchequer of mineral oil tax. The most serious risk in this regard is the large scale laundering of markers from mineral oil (diesel), and the onward supply and sale of the laundered product as auto diesel. Marked mineral oil is subject to a reduced rate of mineral oil tax on condition that it is not used in road vehicles.
Revenue employs a broad range of compliance and enforcement strategies to detect and counteract illegal practices involving mineral oils. These include ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem; development and sharing of intelligence with agencies on both sides of the border; the conduct of intelligence driven operations using covert surveillance to identify oil laundry locations; seizure of illicit product, laundering equipment and vehicles; physical sampling at road checkpoints; and prosecution of those involved in illegal activities in relation to mineral oils.
The Revenue Commissioners are conscious of a number of suspect retail outlets that have opened in various parts of the country and are taking steps to review their compliance with all aspects of the law. In the latter half of 2011 Revenue commenced a vigorous campaign targeting specific locations nationwide, with the intention of immediate closure of unlicensed outlets and the challenging of other instances of non-compliance. As part of this drive, warning letters have been issued to unlicensed retail outlets and a number of these have been effectively closed down by the actions of Revenue enforcement teams. This campaign is ongoing and Revenue is in the process of seizing illicit product and closing down a further number of unlicensed or otherwise illegal retail outlets.
The Finance Bill 2012 proposes to enhance the supervision and control of the mineral oils supply chain by requiring that, in future, any person dealing in marked mineral oils will have to be licensed by the Revenue Commissioners to do so. It is envisaged that this important change will be complemented by amendments to the Mineral Oil Tax Regulations that will lay down new requirements for the recording and reporting of transactions by mineral oil traders.
In 2011 nine oil laundries and 327,000 litres of laundered fuel were seized, together with nine oil tankers and twenty-nine other vehicles. Sixteen persons were arrested in the course of these operations and files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who has to date issued directions to prosecute on indictment in respect of two of the cases. In addition to this a further 718,181 litres of illicit mineral oil has been seized, the large majority from retail outlets or in the course of delivery to such outlets. To date in 2012, a total of 53,530 litres of Mineral Oil has been seized from retail outlets.
The Revenue Commissioners would advise the public to purchase their diesel from known branded outlets, and where they have any concerns or suspicions about a particular outlet to report these to Revenue or the Irish Petrol Retailers Association, which represents the majority of legitimate retail outlets in the State, and who are working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to counteract the threat posed by the sale and distribution of illicit mineral oil.
185 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he understands contractual and non-contractual bonuses continue to be paid by institutions covered by the eligible liabilities guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8481/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply (ref: 41005/11 of 11 January 2012) on this subject when he last raised this issue. The respective operating agreements with the covered institutions, which underpin the State's investments, contain prohibitions on the payment of bonuses save in exceptional circumstances such as meeting obligations on foot of a court order.
As has been the practice to date with pre-existing contractual rights, the legal advice that continues to be available is that such rights prevail and, as the Deputy will appreciate, with the passage of time such entitlements become less material in view of the prohibitions described above.
186 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the overall amount of money currently managed by the National Treasury Management Agency through the various State savings products; if he will provide a breakdown of the overall amount by the type of product, savings bonds, savings certificates, national solidarity bond and so on; the way the money is managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8483/12]
I am advised by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that at end-2011 the amount of State Savings was €14 billion which represented 12% of the national debt of €119 billion. The breakdown of State Savings by product at end-December 2011 was as follows:
|
€ billions |
|
|
3 year Savings Bonds |
4.8 |
|
5½ year Savings Certificates |
4.2 |
|
6 year Instalment Savings |
0.5 |
|
4-10 year National Solidarity Bond |
0.6 |
|
Deposit Accounts (including Savings Stamps) |
2.5 |
|
Prize Bonds |
1.4 |
|
Total |
14.0 |
State Savings constitute part of the overall national debt which is managed by the NTMA.
187 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his comments and views in relation to a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7729/12]
My Department is in receipt of separate correspondence from the company referred to by the Deputy. My officials have made contact with the company and will respond to the company in due course.
188 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the SR Technics European Globalisation Fund funding; the amount of funding that has been spent; if any funding was left unspent and returned to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/12]
200 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the amount, date and to whom European Globalisation Adjustment Fund grants were disbursed to with regards to SR Technics by his EGF policy and operations. [7651/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 200 together.
On foot of an application made by the Irish authorities in October 2009 in support of workers made redundant in 2009 at the SR Technics aircraft maintenance facility at Dublin Airport, EU funding of €7.45m was subsequently received from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in December 2010. Including required matching national funding, a total of €11.46m was available to fund active labour market measures including guidance, training, apprenticeship, further and higher education opportunities and enterprise supports, subject to demand and up-take.
The relevant EGF programme ended on 9 October 2011. The recent EGF review consultation document circulated by my Department in December 2011 estimated that in the region of 1,850 supports and interventions were provided to the redundant workers over the period of this EGF programme. These included grant aid for self-employment and business start ups from relevant City and County Enterprise boards and EGF training grants administered by FÁS.
Activity data and relevant management information is currently being gathered and collated from the relevant service providers by WRC Social and Economic Consultants Ltd., who are contracted to deliver certain administrative and technical support services to EGF funded programmes in Ireland, including in respect of the closure of the SR Technics programme.
To date, on the basis of claims received, the Department has paid some €1,300,073 on EGF programme measures pertaining to the SR Technics workers. A number of additional claims are currently being processed by my Department or are awaited in the context of the ongoing verification and certification process.
A Final Report and statement justifying expenditure is being prepared by my Department and is required to be submitted to the European Commission by 9 April 2012. Until the Final Report and accompanying statement are prepared and submitted and considered and duly responded to by the European Commission, it is not possible to state how much funding will be required to be reimbursed to the EU. However, it is anticipated that total expenditure on this programme will be significantly lower than the total funding available.
189 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an organisation in Balbriggan, County Dublin (details supplied) has not been selected by FÁS as a location for training of unemployed persons in 2012; if she will have this issue reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7987/12]
I am informed that the FÁS Training Centre located in Baldoyle has responsibility for the operation and administration of contracted training in North Dublin which includes the Balbriggan area.
In 2011, FÁS Baldoyle Training Centre conducted a performance review of its training portfolio and provision provided over the previous two years. This review in conjunction with the FÁS training strategy and corporate objectives has determined the 2012 training portfolio and the allocation of training provision.
In light of the prevailing economic conditions it is imperative for training courses to achieve critical performance measurements to justify continuing budget allocation. The FÁS analysis of the courses delivered in the Balbriggan area highlighted that in some cases the required training outcomes, particularly placement into employment were not being achieved. Consequently, the initial 2012 allocation of training provision located in the Balbriggan area has been adjusted from the 2011 provision.
I have been informed that a number of contributing factors were taken into consideration when allocating funds for the allocation of contracted training provision. With the closure of the FÁS Cabra Training Centre and the FÁS City Training Centre in recent years the provision of direct training facilities has resulted in a greater dependence on contracted training. A greater number of urban dwelling clients no longer have direct public transport routes to the remaining FÁS training locations. However, Balbriggan residents can access FÁS Baldoyle Training Centre directly by mainline rail, within the payable travel allowance. If individuals are successful in obtaining employment there is no guarantee the jobs will be located in the Balbriggan hinterland.
FÁS selects approved training contractors through an equitable and transparent procurement process although, it must be born in mind that training contracts are not automatically awarded to particular training contractors located in a specific area. I am however, given to understand that Balbriggan Enterprise Development Group remains on the FÁS approved tender list of contracted trainers and will be provided with the opportunity to tender for training provision in a number of geographical areas, in accordance with their approved areas of expertise and competence.
The FÁS Baldoyle Training Centre contracted training provision and allocation is continually reviewed and the provision of training in the Balbriggan area will continue to be considered in this process.
190 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has examined the role that guidance teachers and councillors employed in schools in providing assistance to pupils regarding their personal health and mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8181/12]
239 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the context of section 9 of the Education Act on giving secondary school principals discretion about the employment of school counsellors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8032/12]
243 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will initiate discussions with the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to review the role of school guidance teachers and councillors in their role in providing assistance and advice to pupils regarding their personal health and mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8175/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 239 and 243 together.
All schools must continue to provide guidance to their pupils. However, from September 2012 guidance provision will be managed by schools from within their standard staffing allocation. As things currently stand and before any changes are made, 42% of second level schools do not presently have a full-time guidance counsellor.
Schools will have autonomy on how best to prioritise its available resources to meet its requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to its students. Decisions on how this is done will be taken at school level and I am confident that schools will act in the best interest of students when determining precisely how to use the teaching resources available to them.
Guidance is a whole school activity and under existing arrangements each school is expected to develop a school guidance plan as a means of supporting the needs of its students. These requirements have not changed and my Department's forthcoming circular will make this clear and point schools to the relevant documentation and guidance available to support such work by schools.
My Department will be issuing a circular to schools in the coming weeks for the 2012/13 school year.
191 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of boarding schools in which pupils are entitled to attend and be paid the remote area grant subject to being eligible under the conditions of this grant; the names of these schools; the locations and roll numbers of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7553/12]
The purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant is to give pupils who are educationally disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as other pupils not so disadvantaged.
A list of boarding schools providing free second-level education is available on my Department's website.
192 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of prefabs currently being used by schools at locations (details supplied); and the number of pupils currently being educated in these structures. [7557/12]
Information on rented prefabricated accommodation is recorded by my Department on a county by county basis. Attached is a list of schools where prefab accommodation is currently being rented in Dublin City and County.
My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who currently occupy temporary accommodation; this depends on the organisation of class groups by schools within available accommodation and may vary from year to year. Local school managements are responsible for organising their class numbers, year on year, to achieve the optimum local efficiencies.
|
283 Rented Prefabs at 95 Schools |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
Address |
Town/Townland |
County |
|
00697S |
St Brigid's Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
|
00697S |
St Brigid's Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
|
00697S |
St Brigid's Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
|
00697S |
St Brigid's Mixed Ns |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
|
00752A |
Central Model Senior Mixed NS |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
01170G |
Naul National School |
Naul |
Dublin |
|
|
01170G |
Naul National School |
Naul |
Dublin |
|
|
01170G |
Naul National School |
Naul |
Dublin |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
06200O |
St Mary’s BNS |
Grotto Place |
Booterstown |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
07546J |
Our Lady of Lourdes NS |
Goldenbridge |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
09932B |
Stanhope St Convent |
Stanhope St |
Dublin |
|
|
12014D |
St Andrew’s NS |
Chapel Hill |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
12014D |
St Andrew’s NS |
Chapel Hill |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
12014D |
St Andrew’s NS |
Chapel Hill |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
14180H |
Holmpatrick NS |
Convent Lane |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
16333Q |
St. Patricks JNS |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
|
16333Q |
St. Patricks JNS |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
|
|
16461C |
St Finian’s NS |
Newcastle Lyons |
Dublin |
|
|
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS |
Powerstown Road |
Tyrrelstown |
Dublin |
|
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS |
Powerstown Road |
Tyrrelstown |
Dublin |
|
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS |
Powerstown Road |
Tyrrelstown |
Dublin |
|
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS |
Powerstown Road |
Tyrrelstown |
Dublin |
|
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS |
Powerstown Road |
Tyrrelstown |
Dublin |
|
16675V |
Mulhuddart NS |
Powerstown Road |
Tyrrelstown |
Dublin |
|
16860Q |
Corpus Christi NS |
Home Farm Rd |
Drumcondra |
Dublin |
|
16972E |
SS Peter and Paul JNS |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
16972E |
SS Peter and Paul JNS |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
16972E |
SS Peter and Paul JNS |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
|
|
17055T |
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Saggart |
Dublin |
|
|
17083B |
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal |
Dublin 8 |
Dublin |
|
|
17472M |
Hedgestown NS |
Hedgestown |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17559B |
St. Mary’s NS |
Garristown |
Dublin |
|
|
17569E |
St Oliver Plunkett NS |
Balrothery |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
17569E |
St Oliver Plunkett NS |
Balrothery |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
17691E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
17912O |
St John Boscos SBS |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
17953F |
Edmondstown NS |
Edmondstown |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17961E |
Lusk NS |
Chapel Rd |
Lusk |
Dublin |
|
17977T |
Scoil Aine |
Raheny |
Dublin |
|
|
17978V |
Naiscoil Ide |
All Saints Drive |
Raheny |
Dublin |
|
17978V |
Naiscoil Ide |
All Saints Drive |
Raheny |
Dublin |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhríde BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhríde BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
18046A |
Scoil Bhride BNS |
Church Ave |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
|
18047C |
Scoil Bhride GNS |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
College St |
Baldoyle |
Dublin |
|
18386B |
Marist NS |
Crumlin |
Dublin |
|
|
18386B |
Marist NS |
Crumlin |
Dublin |
|
|
18411U |
St Marys NS |
Bancroft Ave |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
18411U |
St Marys NS |
Bancroft Ave |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
18411U |
St Marys NS |
Bancroft Ave |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
18412W |
Scoil Phadraic C |
Donabate |
Dublin |
|
|
18632N |
SN Eoin Bosco |
Navan Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
18671A |
St Michaels House |
16/17 Grosvenor Rd |
Rathgar |
Dublin |
|
18763F |
St Michaels Special NS |
Ballymun Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
18763F |
St Michaels Special NS |
Ballymun Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
18763F |
St Michaels Special NS |
Ballymun Rd |
Dublin |
|
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18778S |
St. Mochta’s NS |
Porterstown Road |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
18815V |
Our Lady of Lourdes |
Rochestown Ave |
Dun Laogharie |
Dublin |
|
18976W |
St Colmcilles BNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
18976W |
St Colmcilles BNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
18977B |
St Colmcilles GNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
18977B |
St Colmcilles GNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
18977B |
St Colmcilles GNS |
Chapel Lane |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19066L |
Loreto Primary |
Dalkey |
Dublin |
|
|
19220S |
Scoil Ide |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19220S |
Scoil Ide |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19221U |
Scoil Aine |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19221U |
Scoil Aine |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19221U |
Scoil Aine |
New Rd |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19259W |
St. Patricks GNS |
Foxrock |
Dublin |
|
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
|
19374W |
Our Lady’s Grove NS |
Goatstown Rd |
Goatstown |
Dublin |
|
19390U |
St. Marks SNS |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
19435Q |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Roselawn Rd |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
19470S |
St Francis Xavier JNS |
Coolmine |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallagh |
Dublin |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19472W |
St Marks JNS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19510E |
Talbot SNS |
Bawnogue |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19510E |
Talbot SNS |
Bawnogue |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19510E |
Talbot SNS |
Bawnogue |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
19515O |
St. Teresa’s NS |
Balbriggan Rd |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19535U |
St Cronan’s SNS |
Brackenstown |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19545A |
St Patricks JNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
19574H |
Divine Word NS |
Marley Grange |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
|
19574H |
Divine Word NS |
Marley Grange |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
|
19601H |
St Philip the Apostle JNS |
Mountview |
Clonsilla |
Dublin |
|
19605P |
Scoil Mhuire JNS |
Blakestown |
Dublin |
|
|
19624T |
St Catherine’s NS |
Kenure |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
19624T |
St Catherine’s NS |
Kenure |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
19624T |
St Catherine’s NS |
Kenure |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
19625V |
Scoil Realt na Mara |
Balbriggan Rd |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
19625V |
Scoil Realt na Mara |
Balbriggan Rd |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
19625V |
Scoil Realt na Mara |
Balbriggan Rd |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
19628E |
St Fiachras SNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumount |
Dublin |
|
19628E |
St Fiachras SNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumount |
Dublin |
|
19628E |
St Fiachras SNS |
Montrose Park |
Beaumount |
Dublin |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
19636D |
St Patricks SNS |
Corduff |
Blanchardstown |
Dublin |
|
19652B |
Sacred Heart NS |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
19660A |
Rush NS |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
19662E |
St Michael’s Primary School |
Dominican Campus |
Ballyfermot |
Dublin |
|
19676P |
Scoil Aine Naofa |
Esker |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
19676P |
Scoil Aine Naofa |
Esker |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
19757P |
St Michaels Special NS |
Skerries |
Dublin |
|
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19782O |
St Brigids JNS |
Brookfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes SNS |
Quarryvale |
Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
19817H |
Scoil Mhuire |
Woodview |
Lucan |
Dublin |
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
|
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
|
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
|
|
19834H |
St Aidans NS |
Brookfield |
Dublin |
|
|
19877C |
Holy Family SNS |
River Valley |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19877C |
Holy Family SNS |
River Valley |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary PS |
Old Court Avenue |
Firhouse |
Dublin |
|
19907I |
Gaelscoil Mologa |
Charleville Road |
Dublin |
|
|
19949B |
Muslim NS |
19 Roebuck Rd |
Clonskeagh |
Dublin |
|
20012S |
Griffith Barracks Multi D School |
The Old Guard House |
South Circular Rd |
Dublin |
|
20012S |
Griffith Barracks Multi D School |
The Old Guard House |
South Circular Rd |
Dublin |
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
|
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
|
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
|
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
Stillorgan |
Dublin |
|
|
20035H |
St. Gabriels NS |
Cowper St |
Dublin |
|
|
20043G |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna |
Sean Bhothar Chnoc Liamhna |
Cnoc Liamhna |
Dublin |
|
20047O |
Gaelscoil Bharra |
Ascal an Fhasaigh |
Cabra |
Dublin |
|
20047O |
Gaelscoil Bharra |
Ascal an Fhasaigh |
Cabra |
Dublin |
|
20139T |
Inchicore NS |
Sarsfield Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
20139T |
Inchicore NS |
Sarsfield Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
20139T |
Inchicore NS |
Sarsfield Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
20152T |
North Dublin Muslim School |
Cabra |
Dublin |
|
|
20152T |
North Dublin Muslim School |
Cabra |
Dublin |
|
|
20152T |
North Dublin Muslim School |
Cabra |
Dublin |
|
|
20168D |
Glasnevin Educate Together NS |
Church Ave |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
|
20168D |
Glasnevin Educate Together NS |
Church Ave |
Glasnevin |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20190T |
Holy Trinity NS |
Glencairn Drive, The Gallops |
Leopardstown |
Dublin |
|
20223I |
Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada |
Bothar an Ghrifin |
Leamhcan |
Dublin |
|
20223I |
Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada |
Bothar an Ghrifin |
Leamhcan |
Dublin |
|
20304I |
St. Francis of Assisi |
Belmayne |
Dublin |
|
|
20308Q |
Belmayne ETNS |
Belmayne |
Dublin |
|
|
20334R |
Gaelscoil Ros Eo |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
20334R |
Gaelscoil Ros Eo |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
20334R |
Gaelscoil Ros Eo |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
|
20348F |
Hollywell ETNS |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
|
20348F |
Hollywell ETNS |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
|
20348F |
Hollywell ETNS |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
|
20348F |
Hollywell ETNS |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
|
20348F |
Hollywell ETNS |
Swords |
Dublin |
|
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
Clonkeen Rd |
Blackrock |
Dublin |
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
Clonkeen Rd |
Blackrock |
Dublin |
|
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
Clonkeen Rd |
Blackrock |
Dublin |
|
60343T |
St Josephs Sec School |
Convent Lane |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
60343T |
St Josephs Sec School |
Convent Lane |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
60343T |
St Josephs Sec School |
Convent Lane |
Rush |
Dublin |
|
60370W |
St Fintan’s High School |
Sutton |
Dublin |
|
|
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College |
Chapel Street |
Balbriggan |
Dublin |
|
70230M |
Killester College |
Collins Avenue |
Dublin |
|
|
76062B |
Castleknock Community College |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
|
76062B |
Castleknock Community College |
Castleknock |
Dublin |
|
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
|
76085N |
Gaelcholaiste Reachrann |
Grange Abbey Rd |
Donaghmede |
Dublin |
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
76130P |
Luttrellstown Community College |
Luttrellstown |
Dublin |
|
|
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School |
Malahide Road |
Dublin |
|
|
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School |
Malahide Road |
Dublin |
|
|
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School |
Malahide Road |
Dublin |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
01795A |
Central Model Infants School |
Marlborough St |
Dublin |
|
|
03359N |
Ballyroan Boys NS |
Ballyroan Road |
Rathfarnham |
Dublin |
|
19877C |
Holy Family SNS |
River Valley |
Swords |
Dublin |
193 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total travel expenses paid to teachers shared between schools, in tabular form, for each of the years 2008 to 2012; the number of teachers who availed of such expenses; the average payment made per teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7563/12]
194 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the projected travel expenses which will be paid to teachers shared between schools following the revisions to the general allocation model; the methodology employed to arrive at this projection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7564/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.
The information sought by the Deputy from 2008 to 2012 is set out in the table. Shared-full-time teaching posts and travel between schools is a long standing feature of the primary system. The cost of this travel in 2011 was just over €1.3m. My Department does not anticipate any significant increase in these costs in 2012. The teaching allocation for many schools under the General Allocation Model (GAM) has not been updated since it was first introduced in 2005. This has led to inequity and inefficiencies. The GAM clustering arrangements that date back to 2005 may no longer be the most appropriate and efficient arrangements for 2012. The updating of the GAM allocation for all schools is now being done and this will take effect from September 2012. Under the new and simplified arrangements the GAM hours are being allocated in 5-hour blocks (equivalent to 1 school day) to facilitate clustering of hours into full-time posts and which will also, where feasible, facilitate a teacher going to a neighbouring school from the start of a school day. The Department will be giving autonomy to schools to decide who to cluster their GAM hours with. This should facilitate schools clustering with their nearest neighbouring schools and thereby ensure that travel and travel costs are minimised. The Department will be working closely with schools and the relevant education partners to ensure that the arrangements operate as efficiently as possible.
|
Year |
Total Expenditure paid in the year |
Number of teachers |
Average payment per teacher |
|
2008 |
1,786,514.64 |
1,130 |
1,581 |
|
2009 |
1,653,176.40 |
1,144 |
1,445 |
|
2010 |
1,319,244.43 |
1,134 |
1,163 |
|
2011 |
1,335,924.70 |
1,035 |
1,291 |
|
2012 to date |
169,344.03 |
276 |
614 |
195 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way staff in Longford Vocational Education Committee who are availing of the early retirement scheme are being re-employed into the same positions on a part time basis; the number of these cases that exist; the positions to which they relate; and in view of the cuts at VEC level, the budgets from which these payments are being funded. [7567/12]
I announced measures in November 2011 permitting post-primary schools to re-employ teachers who retire between 1 December 2011 and 29 February 2012 and who, immediately before their retirement, have been teaching students preparing to sit the Junior or Leaving Certificate examinations in 2012. Such teachers may be re-employed until the summer holidays for the teaching duties for which they were timetabled immediately before their retirement.
In the case of the VEC referred to by the Deputy, my Department has been advised that one teacher who availed of the early retirement scheme has been re-employed on a part-time basis for 18 hours per week from 9 January, 2012 on a fixed term contract to the end of the 2011/2012 school year. Payments to any staff re-employed must be funded by the VEC from its annual instruction pay grant.
196 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider reversing the decision made by the previous Government to cut extra personal vacation days to teachers who engage in voluntary overseas work. [7604/12]
A teacher's entitlement to extra personal vacation (EPV) days is on the basis of attending approved summer courses. My Department has in place, a quality assurance system that approves all summer courses and evaluates a sample of summer courses. This is necessary to ensure that the summer courses on offer to teachers and which are eligible for EPV days, foster and facilitate quality learning.
As the Deputy can appreciate it would not be possible for my Department to quality assure summer courses which are located overseas and therefore I have no plans to reintroduce EPV days for these courses.
197 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of the second level schools due to be connected to high speed 100Mbps broadband under the national roll-out of high speed broadband in 2012, 2013 and 2014. [7614/12]
A working group comprising representatives from my Department, HEAnet and the Department of Communications and Natural Resources have recommended a strategy for the roll out of 100mbps to post primary schools. All schools will be connected by the end of 2014. The strategy which has been accepted by Government is based upon the best technical advice available and designed to achieve best value for money. Any issues arising in the course of the roll out will be referred to the Steering Group in the first instance for guidance.
The national roll-out will be completed over three stages with 200 schools being connected by September 2012, a further 200 being connected next year and the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014. The first 200 schools to be installed are located in areas which are served by poorer performing technologies viz. Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath.
The next 200 schools will be selected once work is complete on the re-tendering of schools under the current schools broadband programme and once the first 200 schools have been connected to the 100Mbps scheme.
198 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the centralised office for higher education grants will be in place; the location of same; when it will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7642/12]
Plans are well underway to replace the 66 existing student grant awarding bodies with one single grant awarding authority. I have appointed the City of Dublin VEC to operate the centralised authority commencing operation for all new grant applicants for the 2012/13 academic year and implementation arrangements are well advanced for this purpose. The office will be located in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, adjacent to the headquarters of City of Dublin VEC.
It is intended that the new grant awarding authority will accept all new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year onwards. The existing 66 grant awarding bodies will continue to deal with the renewal of applications for their existing grant-holders for the duration of their current courses. This will wind down the involvement of the existing grant awarding bodies in the student grants function over a three to four year period.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that this is a positive example of genuine public sector reform. The establishment of the single student grant awarding authority will provide for fundamental reform of the student grants system and represents a concrete development in meeting the objectives set out in the action plan for the education sector on the Croke Park Agreement. I believe it will ensure a better level of customer service for all those who use the student grant system.
199 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the future of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7649/12]
The new simplified approach to the General Allocation Model of support for schools will make it easier to automatically update it annually in line with the changes in the number of classroom teachers in each school. Schools will also have autonomy on how to deploy the resource between language support and learning support depending on their specific needs. The arrangements for the staffing allocation under the General Allocation Model (GAM) are specifically designed to facilitate GAM hours being clustered into full-time posts — either entirely within their own school or with a nearby neighbouring school. The new GAM allocations are being done in 5-hour blocks which is the equivalent of the tuition time for a full school day. Teachers that are in shared posts between schools can therefore operate local arrangements that enable their travel to a neighbouring school to be done, where possible, from the start of the school day thus avoiding loss of tuition time.
Any re-clustering of learning support (GAM) and language support hours into full-time posts will be operated at school level with schools having greater autonomy rather than the previous Department led approach.
However, because of the later timeline for the allocation of resource hours by the NCSE, schools will not be permitted to combine GAM and NCSE approved resource hours together into full-time posts.
My Department will be notifying schools in the coming weeks of the new staffing arrangements for 2012/13 school year.
201 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7656/12]
202 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the future of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7659/12]
204 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the effect that the changes to staffing schedules for schools with less than four teachers as outlined in budget 2012 will have on two teacher schools; if he will detail what will happen when such a school is in line to lose a teacher, in view of the fact that departmental guidelines state that you cannot have a one teacher school; if he foresees the closure of such schools or does he envisage a situation whereby there will be one teacher schools or some other arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7682/12]
223 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the retention of a teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7889/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 202, 204 and 223 together.
My Department will be notifying schools in the coming weeks of the new staffing arrangements for the 2012/13 school year. It will include detail of the staffing appeals process and appeal criterion for those small schools that are projecting increased enrolments that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term.
As part of the Budget 2012 decisions, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a classroom teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. Even when all of these phased increases are implemented, the threshold for small schools will still be significantly lower than the minimum of 28 pupils that was required for the appointment of a second teacher in schools prior to the mid-1990s.
The phasing of these measures can provide the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and not by my Department.
203 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale behind the decision to strip a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 of its DEIS band 2 status and that in view of the social and economic demographics of the school’s catchment area, and the large percentage of children attending the school from low income families, if consideration will be given to reversing the decision to revoke the school’s DEIS status. [7662/12]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS, was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
The school to which the Deputy refers was among a number of schools that was judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS.
A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. There was no application for review received from the school referred to by the Deputy.
The current economic climate and the challenge to meet significant targets on reducing public expenditure limits opportunities and means that there is no capacity to provide for additionality to the DEIS programme.
205 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will actively support the completion of the junior and senior schools (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [7685/12]
The project for the school to which the Deputy refers, commenced construction in February 2011. It is anticipated that the project will be complete in quarter 3 of 2012.
206 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied). [7686/12]
250 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school placement in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [8225/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 250 together.
The selection and enrolment of pupils in schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a vocational education committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a board of management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the board, refuses to enrol a student in a school, expels a student or suspends a student for 20 or more days in any school year. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 being upheld.
The parents/guardians of the pupil in question may wish to contact my Department at the section 29 appeals administration unit, Friar's Mill Road, Mullingar, County Westmeath, phone 044-9337008, if they wish to take an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB may be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement within the pupil's area. The contact details for the NEWB in the area is National Educational Welfare Board, Block 3 Floor 1, Grove Court, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, phone number 01-8103260.
207 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of the costs involved in having second level leaving certificate mock examinations marked externally; his views on parents having to pay for the marking of mock examinations; and should he ensure mock examinations are assessed internally as a cost saving measure. [7715/12]
Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system. The decision to organise and/or charge for mock examinations is made at school level, and mock examinations are not a requirement of my Department. Schools are provided with capitation and school services grants to meet their running costs. Post-primary schools receive school services grant of €201 per pupil plus a capitation grant of €317 per pupil. DEIS schools also receive additional funds for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes for students at risk. Schools are free to prioritise these resources in accordance with the overall needs of the school.
Assessment is part of the core work of every teacher. While many schools wish to provide students with the experience of assessment under examination conditions, I see no educational advantage in such arrangements being externally marked. Ideally, if there are to be mock exams, they should be marked by the class teacher. Having the class teacher involved in assessment and giving clear feedback to students on strengths and weaknesses is a vital part of assessment for learning. While schools in the free education scheme may seek voluntary contributions from parents, they may not charge fees for teaching and learning activities scheduled as part of the school day, or exclude students from such services for non payment of a fee. It is important for schools to be sensitive to the financial pressures on families.
The Department is not in a position to provide additional funding towards the cost of mock examinations.
208 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a site for a new school building (details supplied). [7721/12]
My Department has carried out a number of site assessments with a view to identifying a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. Due to commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally it is not possible for me to comment further at this time.
209 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain the qualifying criteria for the designation of DEIS band one and two schools; the frequency that DEIS band status is reviewed; the person responsible for initiating a review of a DEIS school's status; and the appeals procedures should a school lose its DEIS status. [7726/12]
The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS in 2005 was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage set out in the Education Act 1998 as "the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools". The identification process was devised by the ERC and had regard to and employed the existing and most appropriate data sources available.
In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC and the identification of schools for participation in DEIS followed an analysis of the survey returns from primary schools.
Furthermore, an appeal mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme.
An ongoing evaluation of DEIS has been underway since the roll-out of supports commenced in 2006. My Department commissioned the Educational Research Centre to undertake this evaluation, the aim of which is to monitor the implementation of the programme and assess its impact on students and schools at primary and post primary levels. In addition, the Inspectorate of my Department conducted evaluations of planning in a sample of 36 DEIS schools, 18 primary and 18 post-primary. A national composite report on the effectiveness of DEIS planning in primary and post-primary schools has been completed and this report along with the ERC report have been published.
My Department will fully consider these evaluation reports before any decisions can be made regarding the future of DEIS. While a key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target resources at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage, the current economic climate and the challenge to meet significant targets on reducing public expenditure limits opportunities and means that there is no capacity to provide for additionality to the DEIS programme.
210 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he considers that a study should be carried out on the students from the project maths schools now in third level education on the way they are faring with the mathematical aspects of their courses and the way they compare with students of the old syllabus. [7727/12]
Project Maths began in all second level schools in September 2010, building on the experiences of 24 Project Schools which started the programme in 2008. This is being supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers which began in 2009, and will continue to at least 2013.
A Project Maths implementation support group, as an industry/education partnership, reported in 2010 on how stakeholders from business, second level and higher education can work together to achieve the objectives of Project Maths. The recommendations of this report are being progressed.
Research has also been commissioned on the impact of Project Maths on student's attitudes and attainment. In the meantime, the results of the examinations in the 24 Project Maths schools have been published in the leaving certificate in 2010 and 2011, and the junior certificate in 2011. These show an improvement in the proportions scoring grades A,B or C, and fewer students scoring at Grade E, F, N and G.
My Department has produced the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among children and young people 2011-20, "Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life" which is designed to promote a significant improvement in mathematical skills across primary and second level schools. The strategy sets out a range of integrated actions in regard to helping parents to support their children's learning, professional development of teachers, expansion of the duration of initial teacher education, and improving school leadership, assessment and school management and review.
211 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he expects the Teaching Council to complete the survey with mathematics teachers in view of the fact that it was only 58% complete and did not include the exact qualifications of the mathematics teachers as the standard of qualification deemed qualified can vary greatly. [7728/12]
The survey conducted by the Teaching Council provided a good overview of the qualifications of math teachers. All post-primary schools were requested to participate in the survey and there were 422 valid responses. The results provide a clear picture of what is actually happening in schools and help the Department to plan for meeting the training needs of teachers. The survey is now closed and there are no plans for any further follow up.
The Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock announced on 12 September 2011 proposals to introduce a course for teachers of mathematics who may not have an approved qualification in the subject. The competition to identify providers of the course is underway and it is anticipated that courses will be in place this year.
212 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7737/12]
An organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within my Department is set out as follows for the Deputy's information:
213 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify whether the Garda Reserve allowance is taxable income or a travel allowance and if it is included in assessment for third level grant applications. [7793/12]
The Deputy will appreciate that the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority.
However, I am informed that payments made in respect of the Garda Reserve Allowance are taxable and are therefore included in the assessment of income for student grant purposes. The assessment of means under my Department's Student Grants Scheme is based on gross income from all sources.
214 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a qualification allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7809/12]
242 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if those who have commenced programmes prior to the budget announcement that teachers will no longer receive an allowance for a master’s qualification should benefit from a dispensation, whereby their expectations in relation to a master’s allowance will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8148/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 242 together.
Under Circular 70/2011 teachers who have been engaged in a public sector teaching post on or before 4 December 2011 are eligible to retain the allowances they were entitled to be in receipt of on that date. Existing teachers will not be paid any additional allowance where they acquire any further qualification on or after 5 December 2011.
Circular 3/2012 issued on 31 January 2012 provides that, pending the outcome of a review by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, allowances are not payable to new beneficiaries; ie those who become eligible for receipt of the allowance in question on or after 1 February 2012. Examples of such allowances include any form of qualification allowance or the supervision and substitution payment paid to teachers, and the secretary to the Board of Management allowance paid to school principals. The only exceptions to this prohibition are principal and deputy principal allowances.
I am not in a position to comment on the position of existing teachers who, on 5 December 2011, were undertaking courses until the outcome of the public service-wide review of allowances is known.
215 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7820/12]
The information requested is included for the Deputy's information. It should be noted that Board appointments, while made by me, as Minister, are not in all cases made at my sole discretion. Individuals may be nominated for appointment by various organisations as specified in the relevant statute of the body concerned.
The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has recently corresponded with survivors groups seeking nominations for the new Board of the Education Finance Board (EFB). This Board will effectively be a caretaker board which will serve for a number of months pending the establishment of the Statutory Fund. It is envisaged that the new Fund will assume the functions of the Board and the Board will be dissolved when the fund is set up.
Last December, in accordance with Government policy, expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration for appointment to the following boards of Bodies operating under (or will operate under) my Department's aegis:
Leárgas Ltd — The Exchange Bureau
The Higher Education Authority
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (to be newly established) Interested applicants were advised to register an Expression of Interest through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) with a closing date for receipt of applications of 10th January 2012. No appointments have been made to date.
Last week expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration for appointment to the following boards:
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
The State Examinations Commission (SEC)
The Teaching Council Note: In respect of the SEC no fees will be applicable to the new Commission.
Vacancies on other Boards of Bodies under the aegis of my Department that arise during 2012 will continue to be advertised on my Department's website. The Deputy should note that in making any direct Ministerial appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but will ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant skills and competencies for the positions.
|
Agency Name |
Number Appointments /re-appointments |
Names |
Remuneration Fees p.a. (other than standard expenses) |
Notes |
|
Foras Áiseanna Saothair |
1 appointment |
Mr. Michael Moriarty |
€11,790 |
Mr. Moriarty, who is General Secretary of the IVEA, was appointed in July 2011 because of his expertise in the area of Vocational Education which will be particularly useful in the context of the future integration of the FÁS training division and the VECs and the creation of SOLAS, the new further education and training authority. |
|
Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) |
11 re-appointments (See Note 1) |
Mr. Donal O’Rourke, Dr. Padraig Walsh, Ms Margaret O’Connell, Mr. Rory O’Sullivan, Mr. Joseph O’Leary, Ms Deirdre Keyes, Ms Bridie Daly, Ms Margaret Mernagh, Mr. John Mulcahy, Mr. Tony Petit, Ms Shira Mehiman |
Not applicable |
As FETAC’s term of office expired in December 2011, and to meet with statutory obligations, eligible members of the outgoing Board were re-appointed to the Board until such time as the new QQAAI is established. All 11 re-appointedon 21st December 2011. |
|
Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) |
2 appointments8 re-appointments (See Note 1) |
Dr. Maria Hinfelaar (1st appointed 9/6/2011), Mr. Aengus Ó Maoláin (1st appointed 1/7/2011), Prof. Séamus Smyth, Dr. Finola Doyle-O’Neill, Dr. Marion Palmer, Dr. Íde Ní Fhaoláin, Ms Mary Mc Glynn, Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan |
Not applicable |
As HETAC’s term of office expired in December 2011, and to meet with statutory obligations, eligible members of the outgoing Board were re-appointed to the Board until such time as the new QQAAI (see note 1) is established. All 8 re-appointed on 21st December 2011. |
|
Higher Education Authority |
1 re-appointment |
Mr Gary Redmond |
€7,695 |
Mr. Redmond was re-appointed in July 2011 by virtue of his re-appointment as President of the USI |
|
National Council for Curriculumand Assessment |
2 appointments |
Mr. Seán Ó Coinn, Professor Noirín Hayes |
Not applicable |
Mr. Ó Coinn nominated by Foras na Gaeilge and Professor Noirín Hayes nominated by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Both appointed on the 13th of December 2011. |
|
National Council for Special Education |
1 appointment |
Ms Maureen Costello |
Not applicable |
Director of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) appointed in September 2011. |
|
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
1 appointment5 re-appointments (See Note 1) |
Mr. Gary Redmond (1st appointed 24/6/2011), Prof. Anne Scott, Ms Marie Bourke, Mr. Eamon Devoy, Ms Audry Deane, Mr. Tony Donohue |
Not applicable |
All re-appointed on 31st March 2011 with exception of Mr Redmond. |
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) |
11 re-appointments |
Dr. Fionnuala O’Loughlin, Dr. Helen Cummiskey, Dr. Harry Bugler, Dr. Mary Bluett, Dr. Ruth Pilkington, Dr. William Delaney, Mr. John Campbell, Ms Ann O’Brien, Ms Samantha Cruess Callaghan, Ms Dariona Conlon |
See Note 2 |
All re-appointed on 16th December 2011 |
|
Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC) |
6 re-appointments |
The Hon. Mr. Justice Francis D. Murphy, Mr. John Dalton, Ms Ita Managan, Mr. Justice John Buckley, Mr. Brendan Gogarty, Mr. Colm Gaynor |
See Note 3 |
All re-appointed on 16th December 2011 |
|
Skillnets Ltd (See Note 1) |
1 |
Mr. Mícheál Ó Fiannachta |
Not Applicable |
A Departmental official appointed in June 2011. |
Note 1: The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) are to merged to form a new body to be known as the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI) in the coming months.
Note 2: The Chairperson of the RIRB is due to retire with effect from 15th February and will be paid an annual salary for a former President of the Circuit Court subject to abatement to take account of his pension. The other board members of the RIRB are paid a per diem rate and the per diem rate from 1st January 2011 is €668 per day.
Note 3: The Chairperson of the RIRC is paid an annual salary for a Supreme Court judge subject to abatement to take account of his pension. Since October 2011 the Chairperson has taken a 50% voluntary reduction in salary. The other board members of the RIRB are paid a per diem rate and pension abatement applies in the case of members receiving a pension from the State. The per diem rate from 1st January 2011 is €668 per day.
216 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm whether an application has been made to the European Globalisation Fund for workers made redundant in TalkTalk in 2011; if so, when the application was made; the number of workers named in the application; the total funding being sought from the EGF for this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7838/12]
Officials in the Department are currently finalising an application for EGF co-financing of certain measures in support of almost 600 redundant workers at the TalkTalk company in Waterford and a number of ancillary enterprises.
The application has involved considerable consultation to date with representatives of the redundant TalkTalk workers and the relevant service providers at local, regional and national levels and including a grouping chaired by the Waterford City manager. Both I and my officials have met with the relevant parties on a number of occasions since the redundancies were announced with the aim of ensuring the most sustainable and appropriate EGF application is submitted to the European Commission.
As the final details are being put to the application currently I am not in a position to state the total amount of funding being sought at this time. Subject to final inputs it is intended to submit the application by the end of February 2012. Already certain support measures have been provided by local service providers and by Skillnets networks to the redundant workers since the redundancy announcement was made. Recently the Department approved the running of a tailored certificate in career development and skills enhancement for this cohort at the Waterford Institute of Technology in order to provide early interventions and advice to the workers even in advance of the EGF application being submitted.
217 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that have been received to date for the 17 new graduate skills conversion programmes across the country; if he is expecting over-subscription to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7842/12]
The 17 programmes on offer in the new level 8 conversion programme will provide for 768 places countrywide. The courses will be delivered on average over two semesters of 12/13 weeks study and will include a period of about 12 weeks work experience. Applications for the programmes can be submitted online through the Bluebrick.ie website. To date 422 applications have been received. The closing dates for applications have not yet passed and participating colleges are still accepting applications. Given the very close involvement of industry in the design and development of these programmes, which are being fully funded by my Department, I would expect a high level of interest on the part of jobseekers.
The question of the provision of additional places will be considered in the light of the outcome of an interim evaluation of the initiative to be carried out by the HEA before the end of the year.
218 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will forward to this Deputy the small schools value for money report; the consultation if any he engaged in with parent representative groups with regard to his planned cuts to teaching numbers in small schools threatening their future viability; and if he will publish the value-for-money audit upon which he has based his budgetary decisions for small schools. [7847/12]
A value for money review on small primary schools is currently under way in my Department. This review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by all Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure and is being conducted in line with the standard procedure for value for money reviews. Work on the review is well advanced and I expect that the report of the review should be available to me early in 2012. I will then have to consider its outcomes and proposals. When this process is complete, publication will be arranged.
My Department will be notifying schools in the coming weeks of the new staffing arrangements for the 2012/13 school year. It will include detail of the staffing appeals process and appeal criterion for those small schools that are projecting increased enrolments that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term.
As part of the Budget 2012 decisions, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a classroom teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. Even when all of these phased increases are implemented, the threshold for small schools will still be significantly lower than the minimum of 28 pupils that was required for the appointment of a second teacher in schools prior to the mid-1990s. All schools are being treated equally irrespective of the type of patronage.
The phasing of these measures can provide the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and not by my Department.
219 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students attending courses here at present to qualify as primary school teachers; the number of these doing these courses online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7858/12]
The statistics requested by the Deputy are set out in the attached table. The current average number of graduates from the State-funded colleges is approximately 1,300 per annum.
Hibernia College provides a part-time online course. The College has two intakes per year in October and March. The average number of graduates is 650 per annum.
All courses are subject to review by the Teaching Council to ensure that they meet the required standards.
|
Bachelor of Education Years 1-3 Current Enrolment |
Postgraduate Students commenced February 2011 |
Postgraduate Students commenced February 2012 |
Postgraduate Students commenced 2011 |
Total |
|
1,261 |
64 |
65 |
1,390 |
|
|
94 |
0 |
0 |
94 |
|
|
1,239 |
74 |
60 |
1,373 |
|
|
199 |
33 |
35 |
267 |
|
|
320 |
62 |
65 |
447 |
|
|
685 |
685 |
|||
|
3,113 |
233 |
225 |
685 |
4,256 |
220 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that there are enough teachers available to meet the demand for teachers due to the recent retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7859/12]
257 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he believes that there will be any vacancies available in schools for recently graduated teachers and unemployed teachers who are seeking teaching posts arising from the public sector retirement deal; if there are such vacancies to indicate when he believes they will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8456/12]
262 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers at primary level and at second level who are expected to retire by the end of February 2012; the number that will be re-employed up to the end of the current school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8473/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 257 and 262 together.
At the outset, I want to be very clear that vacancies created in the teaching profession by the forthcoming wave of public sector retirements up to February 29th 2012 will be filled. Students and pupils will not be left without teachers to teach them as a result of retirements. Furthermore, the turnover in teaching staff will provide many newly qualified teachers with opportunities to gain employment. The filling of vacancies in individual schools will be addressed by Boards of Management at school level.
I am also seeking to reduce the impact of these retirements on students preparing for the State examinations. I am allowing schools to re-employ teachers who retire between 1 December 2011 and 29 February 2012, and who had been teaching classes due to sit State exams in 2012, until the end of the school year. I do not have information of the numbers of retirees who will be re-employed under these special arrangements as it will be a matter for the school and teacher concerned to decide if they wish to avail of them.
In the case of teachers who are not teaching exam classes, replacements can be employed until the end of the school year, subject to the numbers framework.
The information available to the Pensions Unit of my Department in relation to projected retirements nationally from 1 January 2012 to 29 February 2012 are of the order of 729 Primary teachers, 507 Secondary/Community and Comprehensive School teachers and 220 Vocational teachers.
The Government has prioritised, as best as possible, the filling of front-line posts in the Education sector within the constraints of the Employment Control Framework. For example, schools are permitted to fill teaching vacancies that arise within their approved staffing allocations. I am confident that the large pool of qualified and registered teachers will be in a position to continue to provide high quality education to students.
221 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has proposals for a central database of all positions to be filled in primary schools that both prospective teachers and schools could register with similar to the website www.publicjobs.ie for the Public Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7860/12]
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998. The Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure document 2011 sets out the procedures for appointment of teachers and special needs assistants at primary level.
From 1 December 2011 all advertising of teaching and special needs assistant positions at primary level must be through one of the four listed websites, which include sites run by the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) and the management bodies. Vacancies for the post of principal may also be advertised on www.publicjobs.ie.
I issued Circular 31/2011 in May of last year which requires that, from September 2011, schools at primary and post-primary level maintain a list of appropriately qualified registered teachers who notify the school that they are available for substitute teaching at short notice.
Jobseeking teachers at primary level may also register with the IPPN www.educationposts.ie website for both permanent and temporary roles or may also register with SubSearch, which is run by the INTO. I have no plans to further rationalise recruitment procedures at primary level at this time.
222 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will supply the names of those individuals from County Donegal who were named in the application to the European Globalisation Fund for construction workers made redundant between 2009 and 2010. [7861/12]
I am precluded by the provisions of the Data Protection Acts from supplying the data sought by the Deputy.
224 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school teachers in each county who retired in December 2011. [7902/12]
225 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school teachers in each county who retired in January 2012. [7903/12]
226 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school teachers in each county who have indicated their intentions to retire in February 2012. [7904/12]
227 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary teachers in each county who retired in December 2011. [7905/12]
228 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary teachers in each county who retired in January 2012. [7906/12]
229 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary teachers in each county who have indicated their intention to retire in February 2012. [7907/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 to 229, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy is not compiled in the format sought. Officials in the Pension Unit of my Department are currently fully occupied addressing the pension benefit entitlements for those who are retiring at this time. The number of teachers in Primary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools who have applied to retire in the period 1 December 2011 to 29 February 2012 is detailed in the attached table. Information received from the Vocational Education Sector indicate that 220 teachers have applied to retire in that sector during that period.
A circular was issued by my Department, in July, 2011 requesting School Boards of Management to inform all staff in their schools (who are members of an occupation pension scheme) who intend to retire on or before 29 February 2012 that they are required to give 3 calendar months' notice of their date of retirement. The circular also stated that a notification may not be withdrawn on or after the date indicated as the last day of service. It was pointed out in that circular that failure to give the required notice could result in a delay in payment of pension benefits.
Accordingly, the actual number retiring will not be accurately known until after 29 February, 2012. When the work of processing pension benefits for those retiring has been addressed it is intended to commence work on compiling detailed statistical data on the number of teachers who retired and to publish this information on my Departments' website.
|
Month |
Primary |
Secondary and C+C |
Total |
|
December 2011 |
142 |
110 |
252 |
|
January 2012 |
136 |
61 |
197 |
|
February 2012 |
532 |
437 |
969 |
|
Total for Period |
810 |
608 |
1,418 |
230 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding teaching positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7909/12]
260 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in the context of the attached correspondence (details supplied), he will review the decision to suspend payments of allowances to new entrants pending a review; in view of the impact that this will have upon persons who are currently obtaining their professional qualifications and are due to graduate in the next four months or so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8469/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 260 together.
Under Circular 70/2011 teachers who have been engaged in a public sector teaching post on or before 4 December 2011 are eligible to retain the allowances they were entitled to be in receipt of on that date. Existing teachers will not be paid any additional allowance where they acquire any further qualification on or after 5 December 2011.
Circular 3/2012 issued on 31 January 2012 provides that, pending the outcome of a review by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, allowances are not payable to new beneficiaries; ie those who become eligible for receipt of the allowance in question on or after 1 February 2012. Examples of such allowances include any form of qualification allowance or the supervision and substitution payment paid to teachers, and the secretary to the Board of Management allowance paid to school principals. The only exceptions to this prohibition are principal and deputy principal allowances.
I am not in a position to comment on the position of existing teachers who, on 5 December 2011, were undertaking courses until the outcome of the of the public service-wide review of allowances is known.
231 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills which company has won the tender for printing the State examination paper in 2012; and the process undergone before the contract was awarded. [7946/12]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the preparation of examination papers and other examination materials, holding examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.
In view of the above I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you. The normal public procurement procedures apply to such issues.
232 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the contents of correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7957/12]
My Department is in receipt of separate correspondence from the company referred to by the Deputy. My officials have made contact with the company and will respond to the company in due course.
233 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will inform Dáil Éireann of the mean and median class contact hours for professors, associate professors and senior lecturers in the departments of economics of the following third level institutions: University College Dublin, University of Dublin, National University of Ireland Maynooth, National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University and the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7958/12]
While in practice class contact hours account for approximately one-third of the total time of an academic, the very specific level of detail required by the Deputy is not available within my Department. Staff management and the allocation of class contact hours are entirely a matter for the individual universities concerned.
234 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills the portion of the education budget that was allocated to the operation of AONTAS in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7966/12]
In 2011, the Department provided funding of €896,000 to AONTAS. The Department's budget for 2011 exceeded €8.8 billion.
235 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding progress in securing additional financial contributions from religious congregations towards redress for survivors of residential child abuse; the amount of additional funding that has been sought; if the congregations have responded positively in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/12]
The cost of the response to residential institutional abuse is now estimated to exceed €1.36 billion. The Government believes that this cost should be shared on a 50:50 basis, between the State and the congregations who were responsible for the management of institutions. The contribution of the 18 congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement amounted to €128 million. They have since committed to contribute a further €110 million to the proposed Statutory Fund for former residents, of which €21.05m has already been received. They have also offered properties they value at a further €235.5m to different State bodies and voluntary organisations. If all of these properties were acceptable to the State and their values confirmed, the congregations' offers would fall short of the €680m contribution required to realise a 50:50 share by at least €200m.
Of the properties offered to the State, 12 have been identified as of potential immediate benefit and the transfer of these properties is being pursued. The value of these 12 properties, based on the congregations' own valuations is approximately €60m. Following consideration of the issues involved by the Government I met with representatives of the 18 congregations who were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement either on 22 July 2011 or on dates since then. At those meetings I expressed my disappointment that their offers fell well short of the contribution required to realise a 50:50 share. I sought their agreement to exploring a legal mechanism to transfer the title of school properties to the State and my Department is currently examining this possibility.
I will be writing to the congregations shortly to continue to pursue these issues.
236 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding cuts to smaller schools. [8026/12]
I fully acknowledge that the reduction in resources to second level schools will be challenging for schools. However, the change must be seen in the context of the major challenges we have as a Government in trying to shelter public services to the greatest extent that we can in these exceptional times. The net impact on overall teacher numbers in our schools has been minimised to the greatest extent possible. In the budget announcement for education I made clear that the net impact of the measures relating to second level schools for the school year commencing next September would, after taking account of demographics amount to about 450 posts.
Schools will have autonomy on how best to prioritise its available resources to meet its requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to its students. Decisions on how this is done will be taken at school level and I am confident that schools will act in the best interest of students when determining precisely how to use the teaching resources available to them.
I have also provided for the filling of 300 Assistant Principal posts in second-level schools over the level originally planned. This will ensure that schools have sufficient management positions to ensure appropriate supports are available for all students. A key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target available funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage. All 195 second-level school in DEIS will be given targeted support by a more favourable staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point reduction compared to the existing PTR of 19:1 that applies in non fee-paying second-level schools.
My Department is currently notifying schools of the new staffing arrangements for 2012/13 school year.
237 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects his Department to report to him on the impact of the withdrawal of posts under DEIS; when he proposes to make decisions in relation to the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8028/12]
263 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concern in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in relation to the proposed changes to DEIS which would adversely affect a number of schools; when the DEIS review is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8479/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 263 together.
As announced in the house on the 11th January, I have asked my Department for a report on the impact of the withdrawal of certain posts allocated under previous disadvantaged schemes in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 primary schools.
This report, which is currently being finalised, will detail the facts for each individual school affected by this measure, applying the most up to date enrolments for September 2011. In addition, the report will take account of the net effect of a range of factors on teacher allocations in these schools, for example increasing and decreasing enrolments and the reforms to the existing teacher allocations process, all of which will determine the staffing requirement for these schools for 2012/13 school year.
When the report is finalised and submitted to me I will be in a position to make a decision on the final outcome for the individual schools involved.
Schools will be notified in the coming weeks of their staffing entitlements under the new arrangements for 2012/13.
238 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Higher Education Authority have yet submitted to him the criteria in relation to the establishment of technological universities; when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8029/12]
The HEA submitted and recommended "Process and Criteria for designation as Technological University" and I have now approved these with the agreement of Government. The criteria set a performance bar appropriate to a national and international understanding of the term "university" so as to safeguard the quality and reputation of Ireland's higher education system. They will also preserve and enhance the diversity required in a modern higher education system by ensuring that any Technological University is not just of high quality but is also clearly differentiated by mission to existing universities through the nature of its research, teaching and engagement activities.
At my request, the HEA published the agreed Process and Criteria document on Monday 13th February 2012 along with other system development papers to give clarity and certainty to institutes of technology that are considering consolidation and designation proposals.
The relevant documents are available to read at www.hea.ie.
240 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8033/12]
I will arrange for a reply to issue direct to the Deputy in relation to the case that he has referred to.
241 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action being taken to address the findings of Thomas Hammerberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, who estimated on the 15 of September 2011 that 30% of Roma children in Ireland attend school and that 95% of Roma women in Ireland cannot read or write in any language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8144/12]
All children are entitled to pre-school, primary and post-primary education, irrespective of nationality or ethnicity. All children are, in fact, required to attend from age 6-16 years. A student's nationality is noted at primary and post-primary schools. Whether a student from Romania or Hungary etc. is a member of the Roma community is not noted.
If a student has identified educational needs, such as gaining proficiency in the language of instruction or difficulties with literacy or numeracy, then assistance is provided based on the student's educational needs and not on their cultural background. If a student has a poor attendance record, a significant amount of data is collected by the school about the student and provided to the NEWB but data on their ethnicity is not recorded.
The Intercultural Education Strategy was launched in 2010. Amongst its ten key components are "mainstreaming of education provision" and "knowledge of the language of instruction". English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes are provided free of charge by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) as part of adult literacy provision, based on local demand, and are open to all adults (of the 54,000 adult literacy participants in 2010, some 11,500 were ESOL participants). There have been some initiatives organised specifically for Roma women.
Into the future, the approach to provision of further education programmes will continue to be one that is inclusive, mainstreamed and available to all based on identified educational need, irrespective of nationality or ethnicity.
244 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) will be eligible to complete a FÁS plumbing apprenticeship under the scheme for redundant apprentices and when the funding will be available for them to do so. [8185/12]
The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2012 (RAPS) will provide opportunities for redundant apprentices to complete the minimum duration for off-the-job training and assessment with FÁS approved employers for Phase 3, Phase 5 and Phase 7 of the standard based apprenticeship programme.
I am informed that the person in question has currently completed 62 weeks of his apprenticeship only 5 of which were in unsupported employment. He completed his Phase 2 off-the- job training with FÁS from 11th May to 25th September 2009. He then completed his Phase 4 off-the-job training in DIT from 4th January to 18th March 2011.
Subsequently, the person in question participated in the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme (RAPS) from the 9th May to 14th November 2011, which allowed him to complete Phase 3 on-the-job training of his apprenticeship. He is currently scheduled to commence his Phase 6 off-the-job training in April 2012.
If he successfully completes his Phase 6 off-the-job training he will then be eligible to complete his Phase 5 and Phase 7 on-the-job training phases by re-engaging with the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme.
The RAPS interventions will not complete the person in question's apprenticeship, as he will still be a number of weeks short of the mandatory 208 weeks required to complete his apprenticeship.
However FÁS has recently introduced a new Competency Determination Mechanism where apprentices undertake to complete a competence assessment. If eligible apprentices successfully complete this assessment they will be deemed to have completed their apprenticeship. At the appropriate juncture the person in question may also be offered the opportunity to avail of this intervention.
245 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will arrange a meeting between representatives of the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare and appropriate officials in the primary planning and building unit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8194/12]
My officials in the Department's Planning and Building Unit have no record of receiving a request for a meeting from the school referred to by the Deputy. It is open to the school authority to make direct contact with my officials relating to any accommodation issues it may have.
246 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the total adult and further education budget per vocational education committee for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8199/12]
In 2011, my Department provided funding of nearly €420 million for further education programmes delivered by Vocational Education Committees (VECs). This covered the pay of staff, non-pay capitation, participant allowances and student support for learners in Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses.
Funding for the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, Youthreach, Senior Traveller Training Centres, the Back to Education Initiative, Adult Literacy and Community Education, the Adult Education Guidance Initiative and a range of other smaller programmes is totalled, broken down by VEC, and set out in the attached table, along with expenditure on student support for PLC learners.
Funding for the pay of staff and an element of non-pay funding for PLC is administered to VECs as part of mainstream allocations. The estimated costs of these for each VEC are set out in the table.
Funding is also allocated to some VECs under the co-operation hours scheme for further education services delivered in non-VEC centres, like prisons. The total estimated cost of this provision nationally is €25 million.
|
VEC |
Actual Further Education provision — VTOS, Youthreach, STTC, PLC FE Capitation, BTEI, Adult Literacy, Community Education and Adult Guidance € |
Estimated Post Leaving Certificate Pay € |
Estimated Post Leaving Certificate Post Primary Capitation € |
Actual Post Leaving Certificate Student Grants € |
Total € |
|
City of Cork |
9,124,313 |
14,141,176 |
820,080 |
2,914,633 |
27,000,203 |
|
City of Dublin |
36,830,655 |
27,310,588 |
1,586,712 |
4,318,638 |
70,046,594 |
|
City of Limerick |
8,791,491 |
3,282,353 |
193,800 |
1,288,876 |
13,556,520 |
|
City of Waterford |
6,224,368 |
2,741,176 |
161,160 |
907,750 |
10,034,454 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
3,245,872 |
7,656,471 |
450,024 |
1,784,847 |
13,137,213 |
|
City of Galway |
6,309,080 |
4,164,706 |
248,880 |
1,814,133 |
12,536,799 |
|
County Carlow |
3,500,648 |
2,917,647 |
171,360 |
1,058,641 |
7,648,297 |
|
County Cavan |
4,250,535 |
4,341,176 |
259,080 |
2,536,998 |
11,387,789 |
|
County Clare |
8,199,510 |
463,529 |
28,152 |
434,280 |
9,125,471 |
|
County Cork |
10,302,304 |
4,743,529 |
278,256 |
164,670 |
15,488,759 |
|
County Donegal |
9,340,879 |
652,941 |
37,740 |
243,112 |
10,274,673 |
|
County Dublin |
26,809,645 |
3,268,235 |
192,984 |
560,897 |
30,831,761 |
|
County Galway |
9,978,725 |
658,824 |
40,800 |
337,162 |
11,015,511 |
|
County Kerry |
9,626,291 |
1,941,176 |
120,360 |
958,110 |
12,645,938 |
|
County Kildare |
8,105,481 |
1,260,000 |
72,828 |
308,548 |
9,746,857 |
|
County Kilkenny |
4,820,867 |
1,729,412 |
104,040 |
418,368 |
7,072,687 |
|
County Laois |
4,481,869 |
1,305,882 |
75,480 |
344,029 |
6,207,260 |
|
County Leitrim |
1,757,019 |
324,706 |
18,768 |
53,124 |
2,153,617 |
|
County Limerick |
4,799,916 |
1,117,647 |
67,320 |
314,921 |
6,299,804 |
|
County Longford |
3,746,306 |
1,235,294 |
71,400 |
277,903 |
5,330,902 |
|
County Louth |
5,714,124 |
3,952,941 |
236,640 |
1,490,564 |
11,394,270 |
|
County Mayo |
7,507,867 |
1,496,471 |
94,656 |
649,884 |
9,748,878 |
|
County Meath |
7,510,634 |
1,150,588 |
74,664 |
320,705 |
9,056,591 |
|
County Monaghan |
3,220,206 |
1,051,765 |
68,952 |
482,643 |
4,823,565 |
|
County Offaly |
4,411,089 |
200,000 |
14,280 |
34,771 |
4,660,140 |
|
County Roscommon |
4,201,620 |
222,353 |
12,852 |
79,913 |
4,516,738 |
|
County Sligo |
2,877,185 |
1,623,529 |
102,000 |
1,077,885 |
5,680,599 |
|
County Tipperary NR |
4,110,924 |
2,205,882 |
131,580 |
1,015,812 |
7,464,199 |
|
County Tipperary SR |
3,011,730 |
1,011,765 |
61,200 |
261,633 |
4,346,328 |
|
County Waterford |
4,180,918 |
787,059 |
45,492 |
335,291 |
5,348,760 |
|
County Westmeath |
4,609,722 |
511,765 |
33,660 |
915,129 |
6,070,276 |
|
County Wexford |
8,697,432 |
2,682,353 |
155,040 |
614,715 |
12,149,540 |
|
County Wicklow |
10,511,153 |
3,529,412 |
212,160 |
1,371,281 |
15,624,005 |
|
250,810,380 |
105,682,353 |
6,242,400 |
29,689,865 |
392,424,997 |
247 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed savings to be attained from the changes introduced to post primary school transport; if he will review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8208/12]
The Deputy will be aware that changes to the School Transport Scheme, including the ceasing of the catchment boundary system effective from the 2012/2013 school year, were announced in Budget 2011 and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme. There is no scope for reversing these changes as under the four year recovery plan, there is a requirement to deliver savings of €17 million on the school transport budget and all these measures, including the ceasing of the catchment boundary system, are an integral part of this.
248 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school teachers who have less then two years' experience, between two and five years' experience, between five and ten years' experience, between ten and 20 years' experience, between 20 and 30 years' experience and over 30 years' experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8212/12]
249 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post primary school teachers who have less then two years' experience, between two and five years' experience, between five and ten years' experience, between ten and 20 years' experience, between 20 and 30 years' experience and over 30 years' experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8213/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to teachers in Primary, Voluntary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive Schools is being compiled and will be forwarded directly to him. Details regarding teachers employed in VEC schools are held by individual VECs.
251 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid to any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8270/12]
At the 31st, December 2011 one retired Assistant Principal Officer, two retired Principal Officers and eleven retired school inspectors were engaged by my Department to assist the Department in certain functions. In addition to this one retired Assistant Secretary was appointed to the board of FÁS. Where appropriate, pension abatement was applied. The tabular statement gives details of the officials concerned, their grade at retirement and the remuneration they received in 2011.
One retired school inspector has been appointed to the holding company and another appointed to the board of directors of the Middletown Centre for Autism which is a body jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. The holding company meets once a year while the Board of Directors is expected to meet 8 to 10 times a year. A daily rate for attendance of £160 (sterling) will apply. No payments were made in 2011.
At this juncture 39 officials at my Department have applied to retire on or before the 29th, February 2012. There are currently no plans to re-engage any of these officials.
|
Name: |
Grade at Retirement: |
Amount Payable in 2011 € |
|
Joan Williams |
Inspector |
€2,901.51 |
|
Frank Murray |
Principal Officer |
1923.18 |
|
Ian Murphy |
Assistant Chief Inspector |
€22,364.90 |
|
Eamonn Stack |
Chief Inspector |
€13,000.00 |
|
Sean MacConmara |
Divisional Inspector |
€1,714.50 |
|
Tadhg O’Ruairc |
Assistant Principal Officer |
€690.00 |
|
Con O’Caoimh |
Inspector |
€927.81 |
|
Sean O Cearbhaill |
Divisional Inspector |
€1,858.65 |
|
Liam O hEigearta |
Assistant Chief Inspector |
€6,720.45 |
|
Caitlin Ni Bhraonain |
Inspector |
€3,315.30 |
|
Michael Leonard |
Inspector |
€1,314.17 |
|
Eddie Bracken |
Primary Inspector |
€654.93 |
|
Dermot Ryan |
Principal Officer |
€230.00 |
|
Torlach O’Connor |
Assistant Chief Inspector |
€15,088.00 |
|
Paddy McDonagh |
Assistant Secretary |
€11,970.00 |
|
€84,673.40 |
252 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is permissible under European Globalisation Fund rules for a person to receive funds from the EGF or interventions funded via the EGF while in full time employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8306/12]
A redundant worker, who meets the criteria of the EGF Regulations and who is included in an EGF application which is subsequently approved by the EU budgetary authorities, may avail of the measures provided under the approved EGF programme even where such a redundant worker subsequently obtains employment. This position has been confirmed to my Department by the European Commission.
253 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) received a payment from the European Globalisation Fund or interventions funded via the EGF while employed by the Department of Finance; the nature and value of this payment; if this payment complied with the rules of the European globalisation fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8307/12]
I am precluded by the provisions of the Data Protection Acts from releasing the specific personal information sought by the Deputy.
A redundant worker who meets the criteria of the EGF Regulations and who is included in an EGF application which is subsequently approved by the EU budgetary authorities, may avail of the measures provided under the approved EGF programme even where such a redundant worker subsequently obtains employment. This position has been confirmed to my Department by the European Commission.
254 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; and the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8434/12]
The information in the format sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I have requested officials at my Department to collate the information and this will be forwarded to the Deputy when it is to hand.
255 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil cinneadh déanta aige ar iarratas le haghaidh áiseanna spóirt atá déanta ag scoil dara leibhéal i gContae na Gaillimhe (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [8448/12]
Chuir an scoil i gceist iarratas ar MhaoiniúÉigeandála faoi bhráid i Mí Lúnasa 2010 chun an pháirc imeartha a uasghrádú. Os rud é go bhfuil scóip na n-oibreacha don tionscadal seo lasmuigh de théarmaí na Scéime Oibreacha Éigeandála ní féidir é a chur san áireamh i gcomhair mhaoiniúéigeandála. Eisíodh litir dhiúltaithe i leith an iarratais seo chuig údaráis na scoile ar 30ú Lúnasa 2010.
256 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form the annual salary for each vocational education committee chief executive officer. [8453/12]
Chief Executive Officers of Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are paid directly by the Committees which employ them. Accordingly, the information which the Deputy is seeking is not readily available. However, my Department has requested the information from the VECs and this will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is received and collated.
258 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, while reforming the education system, he will consider putting in place measures that will meet some of the demands (details supplied); and if he will engineer future reforms to facilitate the meeting of this significant demand. [8457/12]
As the Deputy will be aware the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector, which is a key objective of the Programme for a National Government 2011-2016, was officially launched by me in April last year. Part of the terms of reference of the Forum are to advise me on the practicality of how transfer/divesting of patronage should operate for individual primary schools in communities where it is appropriate and necessary; and how such transfer/divesting can be advanced to ensure that demands for diversity of patronage (including from an Irish language perspective) can be identified and met on a widespread basis nationally. An Advisory Group appointed to convene the Forum has held a number of meetings in public, during June and November 2011. The Group sought and received submissions from the education stakeholder groups and from the public as part of its work. The Group is currently finalising its report and I expect to receive it shortly. In addition, in June 2011, I announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post-primary schools are to be established up to 2017 across a number of locations. I also announced new arrangements for the recognition of new primary and second-level schools. The new arrangements published by my Department, provide a balanced approach to allow for applications to be made from prospective patrons for the establishment of schools. The criteria to be used in deciding on patronage of the new schools place a particular emphasis on parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage.
259 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in respect of the proposed new post-primary school in Maynooth, County Kildare, he can confirm if An Foras Pátrúnachta has been ruled out of consideration for patronage of same, either as a single application or as part of a joint one; if he can confirm that An Foras Pátrúnachta will not be considered for patronage either as a single application or as part of a joint one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8458/12]
As the Deputy may be aware, as part of the new arrangements for the establishment of new post-primary schools, which I announced in June 2011, I said that an initial decision would be made by my Department, before seeking applications for patronage, on whether the school would operate through the medium of Irish or English and that applications would be sought from patrons when this decision was made.
In inviting applications for the new post-primary schools to be established on 2013 and 2014 patron bodies were informed about which schools would operate through the medium of Irish. The new school to be established in Maynooth in 2014 will provide instruction through the medium of English. However, one of the requirements that must be satisfied by prospective school patrons is the confirmation of willingness to establish an Aonad where there is demand for it (for a school where the primary medium of instruction is to be English). The closing date for receipt of applications for new post-primary schools to be established in 2013 and 2014 is 24 February 2012. Full details of the new arrangements for patronage of new schools and the criteria for deciding on patronage of these new schools are available on my Department's website.
261 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to a Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 23 November 2011 the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8471/12]
The school in question was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a resource room and boiler replacement under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2010.
The school authorities have sought additional funding towards this project and in September 2011, my Department's Planning and Building Unit requested further supporting information. When this information is received a final decision will be communicated to the school authority.
264 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of the persons on the transitional teams he has established to manage the exodus of staff from the public sector at the end of February; the number of teams that have been established; the number of times each of the transition teams has met; and the reporting mechanisms of the teams to the Government. [7748/12]
The Strategic Workforce Planning Groups, which have been in place for a number of months, have been considering the impact of reductions in public service numbers in the longer term as well as the more immediate implications of the ending of the grace period.
However, the Government decided that in order to deal with specific short-term challenges arising from the ending of the grace period, transition teams, drawn from the existing Workforce Planning Groups, will manage the process in each of the five sectors: Health, Education, Local Government, Justice and Defence and the Civil Service. Each Team, which is headed by an Assistant Secretary in the relevant Department, will prepare a report for Government on how the impact of the retirements before end-February will be managed. These reports will be submitted to Government via a Memorandum from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Teams will also be responsible for a pro-active communications strategy to relay to the public the plans that are in place to deal with the impact of retirements to end-February.
Details of membership of the various teams and other details sought will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
265 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it his intention to propose the disposal of Bord Gáis electricity generation and-or supply as part of the programme for Government commitment to sell off State assets. [7870/12]
266 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform , following the statement by An Taoiseach to Dáil Éireann on 24 January 2012 that the Government has made a formal decision in respect of the ESB assets, if it intends to sell to private interests; and when he intends to relay this information to Dáil Éireann. [7891/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
As I have previously informed the House, the matters referred to in the Deputy's questions have been examined by two inter-departmental groups: one group examined the ESB part-sale and the second examined other assets, including Bord Gáis Éireann, in order to inform any further decisions that the Government may wish to take. Although the reports of these groups have been considered and discussed by relevant Ministers, they have not yet been considered by the Government as a whole.
I have also had a series of discussions with the EU/ECB/IMF Troika on these matters, and I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made, particularly on the issue of the use to which the proceeds generated from any assets sales will be put. I expect the Government to shortly be in a position to make a final decision on the scale and composition of the asset disposal programme to be pursued and when this is finalised the House will be fully briefed on these matters.
267 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to draw funding from the European Social Fund which contains €30 billion of uncommitted funding and must be committed by the end of 2013; the plans in place to use this funding towards job initiatives for young persons and the long-term unemployed here; if he has notified the EU of his interest in drawing such funding for the purposes of job initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8022/12]
Ireland has been allocated a total of €901m in EU Structural Funding for the period 2007-13. Of this, €750 million is assigned to the Regional Competitiveness and Employment (RCE) objective, and the balance to Territorial Co-operation programmes, including the including the PEACE III (Ireland/NI), INTERREG IVA (Ireland/NI and Western Scotland) and the Ireland Wales Programme. The RCE objective is being delivered through three operational programmes, the National ESF Human Capital Investment OP, managed by the Department of Education and Skills, and the Border Midland and Western (BMW) and Southern and Eastern Regional ERDF (S&E) OPs, managed by the BMW and S&E Regional Assemblies.
The general programme priorities in Ireland are the promotion and encouragement of innovation, the knowledge economy, enterprise, research and development, upskilling the workforce and increasing the participation of groups outside the workforce. It is expected that the overall objectives of each programme will be achieved and that Ireland will drawdown the funding we have been allocated.
Following the informal European Council meeting on 30 January, EU Commission President Barroso has launched a special initiative to boost growth and tackle the problem of youth unemployment.
The Commission will work with the eight Member States with the highest youth unemployment rates to develop a plan which could use unallocated structural funds to strengthen national programmes. The Commission will be promoting a plan in each Member State with measures to deal with youth employment and strengthen support schemes for SMEs. President Barroso envisages that the funding would come from existing unallocated EU funds and from any available national funding, from either public or private sources.
At present, Ireland has no unallocated Structural Funds. Recent Commission figures show that Ireland has the highest Cohesion absorption rate in the EU at 48% for the current 2007-2013 Structural and Cohesion funding round and it is estimated that the remaining 52% allocated to Ireland will be drawn down.
I strongly welcome President Barroso's initiative. I and other members of the Government will be working closely with the EU Commission.
As there are no unused Structural and Cohesion funds available for Ireland at present, we will, in the first instance, be looking at whether employment programmes might be re-focused to better effect. If, at a later stage, additional EU funding becomes available, Ireland will make the necessary application.
Dealing with unemployment is the major priority for the Government and this is an initiative which must be utilized to maximum effect.
268 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his understanding of the number of financial institutions willing to participate in public private partnerships, PPPs; his views of the operation of the market for PPPs; and the steps he intends to take to assist a more efficient operation of the market. [8480/12]
It is widely acknowledged that there is limited liquidity in the European PPP market as the majority of the large international project finance banks have refocused activities on home markets. Furthermore Ireland's fiscal and banking difficulties has meant that such international banks are additionally, for the first time in modern times, taking ‘country risk' into account before considering funding a project in Ireland. In reality, this has led to the absence of international project finance banks in the Irish PPP market.
However the European Investment Bank (EIB) continues to be a strong supporter of our PPPs and we appreciate the support and confidence shown by EIB's continued engagement to help us meet our infrastructure needs. In addition, our domestic ‘pillar' banks continue to give positive indications of support for our PPP projects. My Department has worked closely with the NDFA and the Department of Finance to secure funding from a mixture of EIB and domestic bank funding for the two ‘live' PPP projects on a value for money basis for the State.
The principle rationale for pursuing projects as PPPs alongside traditionally funded exchequer projects is that they provide value for money for the State and that they are affordable. With respect to the operation of the PPP market, to date the reduction in liquidity has had limited impact on the operation of the small/ medium PPP market and it continues to operate efficiently. Recent experience of PPP tender competitions here indicate that there remains a market for well defined projects with relatively low funding requirements and with clear Government support.
My Department and the National Development Finance Agency are actively engaged in identifying and incentivising additional sources of funding for our PPP's, for example there is engagement with the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) with a view to it supporting some of our capital projects in 2012 /2013 and engagement with our domestic pension funds similarly remains ongoing with a view to investing in Irish infrastructure. Furthermore we maintain close links with international best practice to ensure that there is consistency of approach across our projects in order to remain competitive in what is a very competitive international market.
269 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has taken on any employees in a permanent or temporary capacity for the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7556/12]
Within the last six months the Office of Public Works has employed six seasonal drainage operatives in the western region. Additional seasonal staff will be employed as the year progresses, namely, drainage operatives and guide/information officers for visitor sites.
270 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities in his Department. [7744/12]
An organisational chart detailing the responsibilities of certain officials in my Department is contained in the following tables:
|
February 2012 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Minister's Office |
||
|
Press Office |
||
|
Senior Staff |
Division |
|
|
Secretary General |
Robert Watt |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
Deirdre Hanlon |
Expenditure Policy Evaluation and Management |
|
Assistant Secretary |
John O’Connell |
Health, Pension Policy and EU/NI |
|
Assistant Secretary |
David Moloney |
Labour Market and Enterprise Policy |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Michael Errity |
Remuneration and Industrial Relations |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Tim Duggan |
CMOD and eGovernment |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Paul Reid |
Public Service Reform and Delivery |
|
Assistant Secretary |
William Beausang |
Government Reform Unit |
|
Director |
Patricia Coleman |
Civil Service Human Resource |
|
Human Resource Manager |
Angela Costello |
Human Resources |
|
Chief Medical Officer |
Dr Thomas O’Connell |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Deirdre Hanlon |
This division deals with civil service numbers policy; administrative budgets; national procurement policy; construction procurement policy; lottery licence, capital expenditure/PPPs; expenditure evaluation; and manages various Votes (Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht; Environment; Foreign Affairs; Justice; OPW; Taoiseach’s Group of Votes). |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
John O’Connell |
This division deals with health policy, public sector pension policy and issues relating to the EU and Northern Ireland such as EU Structural Funds and North/South Programme policy. This Section is also responsible for the ERDF Audit Authority and Internal Audit Unit The Internal Audit Unit provides a shared internal audit service to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance. |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
David Moloney |
This division manages various Votes (Agriculture, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Children and Youth Affairs; Defence; Health; Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; Social Protection; Transport, Tourism and Sport); and also deals with Education Policy, Climate Change, Commercial Semi-State Bodies, New Era State Assets and Government Accounting. |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Michael Errity |
This division deals with pay policy and industrial relations in the public service including remuneration in non-commercial state agencies, CEOs of commercial state companies, education sector, Defence and EU officials; C&A Scheme — civil service and garda; board fees; travel and subsistence policy; Croke Park implementation body secretariat; training — civil service, Gaeleagras, language training centre. |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Tim Duggan |
This division deals with eGovernment and the application of information technology including ICT infrastructure policies and services, ICT Vote Control and IT systems development |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Paul Reid |
This division is responsible for driving overall Public Service Reform. It reports on the integrated plans for all departments and major offices. It drives a whole set of cross cutting reforms agreed by Government, It also has specific responsibilities for business consulting; organisational review programme; baselining public service reform and delivery programme office; cabinet committee and sub-structures; communications; and shared services policy. |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
William Beausang |
This unit deals with the Government reform agenda; freedom of information policy; civil service codes of standard and behaviour; and Whistleblowing. |
|
Senior Staff |
Responsibilities |
|
Patricia Coleman |
This directorate is responsible for the development and implementation of HR policies in the civil service including workforce planning encompassing the workforce planning framework and policies on recruitment; promotion; mobility; secondment, redeployment and decentralisation. The Directorate is also responsible for performance management including policy on induction; probation; PMDS and underperformance. It also deals with the Senior Public Service, policy on equality and diversity; the establishment of the Civil Service HR Shared Service. |
|
HR Manager |
Responsibilities |
|
Angela Costello |
Employee Relations/ Performance |
|
Workforce Planning/ Resourcing |
|
Chief Medical Officer |
|
Dr. Tom O’Connell |
271 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail all cuts, mergers and abolishments that have been made to all non-governmental organisations since the Government came to power; the number and names of the non-governmental organisations in operation; his plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7802/12]
Details relating to part one of the Deputy's question are set out in the following table:
|
Department |
Bodies Abolished or Merged |
|
Education and Skills |
The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) |
|
Health |
The National Social Workers Qualifications Board |
|
The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery |
|
|
Environment, Community and Local Government |
Affordable Homes Partnership1 |
|
Centre for Housing Research1 |
|
|
Local Government Management Services Board2 |
|
|
Local Government Computer Services Board2 |
|
|
Comhar (Sustainable Development Council) |
|
|
Limerick Northside and Southside Regeneration Agencies3 |
|
|
Transport, Tourism and Sport |
Dublin Regional Tourism Authority |
|
Children and Youth Affairs |
The Children Acts Advisory Board |
Notes:
1The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency is operating on an administrative basis and will include the functions of the Affordable Homes Partnership and the Centre for Housing Research. The Agency will also include the National Building Agency which is in the process of being wound up.
2The Local Government Management Agency includes the functions of these Boards and will be given legal effect in 2012.
3Both Agencies are currently operating as a single administrative unit and will form part of an Office for Regeneration in conjunction with Limerick City Council.
With regard to the second part of the question, I refer the Deputy to my answer to Deputy Mary Lou McDonald (PQ Ref No: 5539/12) on 31 January 2012, which sets out the different bodies currently in operation and the approach which my Department is taking in classifying the different types of organisation. Regarding my plans in this area, as the Deputy will know, the Public Service Reform Report, published in November 2011, outlined the programme of public service reforms and improvements which are designed to deliver the commitments made in the Programme for Government. The radical streamlining of state bodies is a key element in the programme of reforms and to this end, the Report listed 48 bodies which are due to be rationalised by end 2012 and a further 46 bodies which are to be critically reviewed by June 2012.
In addition, the Government has also decided to:
introduce sunset clauses when new bodies are created which will ensure a new body will cease to exist after a predetermined date unless its mandate is specifically renewed;
ensure Departments regularly review the continuing business case for all significant State bodies; and
require that robust service level agreements are put in place as a matter of urgency by each Department with each of its State bodies.
These reforms, once implemented, will not only simplify the administrative landscape but will lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service.
272 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7827/12]
In response to the Deputy's Question the following table lists the details requested:
|
Name of Body |
Name of appointee |
Date appointed/ reappointed |
Remuneration Received |
|
An Post National Lottery Company |
Mr Donal Connell |
22nd November 2011. Mr Connell was re-appointed as chairman of the Board until 28th February 2012. This was in order to allow sufficient time for him to appear before the relevant Oireachtas Committee in accordance with Government policy. |
Nil |
|
Board of the Public Appointments Service |
Mr. Eddie Sullivan, Chairman |
All appointed/ reappointed 1st September 2011 |
€11,970 per annum |
|
Mr. Des Dowling, Assistant Secretary — Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government |
Nil |
||
|
Dr Deirdre O’Keeffe, Assistant Secretary — Department of Justice and Equality |
Nil |
||
|
Ms. Patricia Coleman, Director — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
Nil |
||
|
Mr. Seán McGrath — National Director of HR in the HSE |
Nil |
||
|
Ms Judith Eve — former Chairperson the Civil Service Commissioners, Northern Ireland |
€7,695 per annum |
||
|
Dr. Eddie Molloy — Management Consultant |
€7,695 per annum |
||
|
Mr. Dan Murphy, former General Secretary of the PSEU |
€7,695 per annum |
||
|
Mr. Bryan Andrews as CEO of the PAS holding office on an ex officio basis. |
Nil |
||
|
Civil Service Arbitration Board (for the civil service, the Defence Forces, the Gardaí and the teachers) |
Mr Turlough O’Donnell, S.C. (Chair) |
1st July 2011. Re-appointment was by Government following agreement with the staff side in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme |
€786 per sitting |
|
Mr Gerard Barry |
€416 per sitting |
||
|
Mr Tom Wall* |
€416 per sitting |
||
|
Mr George Maybury |
€416 per sitting |
||
|
Mr Hugh O’Flaherty |
€416 per sitting |
*Note Mr. Wall who sits on the Arbitration Boards for the Civil Service and Teachers receives an annual retainer of €4,625 to cover 11 sitting days.
273 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date by which conveyance of the lands for the development of a new coast guard station at Doolin, County Clare, which has already been considerably delayed by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8023/12]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question for written answer on 19 January 2012.
The position remains that the Chief State Solicitor's Office is in ongoing correspondence with the vendor's solicitors to complete the legal formalities for the conveyance of the site, and with the solicitors for the owner of the sewage treatment plant, in relation to the Grant of Easement for connection to same. I can assure the Deputy that this matter is being afforded the highest priority.
274 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding flooding. [8040/12]
As Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), I can advise the Deputy that the OPW has no role or function in relation to the operation and maintenance of surface water drainage infrastructure. Under section 31 of the Water Services Act 2007, local authorities, are responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure. The matter raised by the Deputy relates to inadequate surface water drainage following heavy rain and is appropriate to be addressed by Dublin City Council. I will forward a copy of this reply to Dublin City Council for their immediate attention.
275 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the numbers of public servants in County Cavan who retired as part of the Croke Park early retirement scheme; if he will provide a breakdown of these numbers for gardaí, doctors, nurses, teachers, firemen and local authority service that is water and so on and by electoral area. [8129/12]
276 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the numbers of public servants in County Kerry who retired as part of the Croke Park early retirement scheme; if he will provide a breakdown of these numbers for gardaí, doctors, nurses, teachers, firemen and local authority service that is water and so on and by electoral area. [8130/12]
279 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline for each year from 2008 to 2015 the expected staff numbers in the public service at the end of each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8419/12]
284 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to the early retirement scheme under which public servants have the option of retiring by the end of February 2012, the analysis that was done prior to the announcement of this scheme on the number of public servants that would avail of this regarding rank or class, and at what cost; if he will release this analysis; the estimate that was made of the necessity of replacing some of these immediately, and the cost involved; and if he will release any analysis documents on this; the measures that are in place to ensure that those retiring will not be rehired by the public sector as consultants. [8485/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 276, 279 and 284 together.
Firstly, there is no generally available incentivised scheme of early retirement in operation at present in the public or civil service. Many of the retirements at this time are occurring in the normal course where an individual has reached retirement age. There are also cases where individuals are availing of "cost-neutral early retirement", which allows retirement earlier than normal retirement age, but with an off-setting actuarial reduction applied to the individual's lump sum and pension.
When public service salaries were reduced in 2010, it was agreed by the then Government that persons retiring during a transitional or "grace" period would have their retirement benefits calculated on the basis of the previous payscale levels before the salary cut. That grace period will now expire on 29 February 2012. Persons retiring from 1 March 2012 onwards will have their retirement benefits calculated on the basis of their actual, reduced pay scale.
Secondly, estimates for retirement numbers in the public sector and public service pay bill and pensions expenditure were based on the pattern of annual retirements where approximately 5,000 to 8,000 staff retire from the public service in any given year. The issue of potential rehiring costs was not considered.
Thirdly, as I indicated in PQ No. 2468 last month, there is no prohibition on civil or public servants who have retired under normal circumstances from applying for a publicly advertised public service post for which they are suitably qualified. However, restrictions on further public service appointments apply to staff who opted for early retirement under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 (applying to Civil Service) and the Department of Health Circular 7/2010 of 1 November 2010 (applying to the Health Service Executive).
From time to time, retired public servants are engaged by Departments for specific tasks or assignments. Such engagements are normally remunerated on a fee basis and provision exists for fees to be abated, where appropriate, by reference to pension payments.
Fourthly, Public Service numbers for the years 2008-2012 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Public Service Staff Numbers |
|
2008 |
319,891 |
|
2009 |
310,277 |
|
2010 |
305,512 |
|
2011 |
297,000 (prov) |
|
2012 |
294,000 (est) |
Policy decisions have not yet been taken with regard to numbers targets for 2013 and 2014. However, as published in the Public Service Reform Plan, the Government's Public Service numbers target is 282,500 by end-2015. Lastly, details of Public Service retirements on a county basis are not held centrally. The Deputy should contact the relevant Ministers directly for such information.
277 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process involved in the hiring of Office of Public Works staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8244/12]
It is understood that the Deputy is referring to the employment of drainage maintenance operatives for seasonal works on the River Maine in County Kerry. The scheduling of seasonal employment is still under consideration. Otherwise, the position remains unchanged since my reply to the Deputy's previous question, No. 263 of 31 January 2012.
278 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8276/12]
280 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline on a yearly basis form 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8441/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 280 together.
In the time allowed it is not possible to provide a detailed response to the Deputy. The information will be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
281 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 1 February 2012, if he will explain the way in which he can stop awarding up to ten added years and a special severance gratuity payment of half a year’s salary to new entrant Secretaries General without legislative change but is unable to end the awarding of added years and special severance gratuity payments for city and county managers of local authorities. [8460/12]
As stated by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in his reply, the specific entitlements in question are provided under Article 78 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. The terms of the scheme are set out in SI 455 of 1998 and, consequently, any changes to the terms would require legislation. As the Minister advised in his reply, the matter is currently under examination in his Department.
The exit terms applicable to Secretaries General were provided under Government Decisions and, therefore, legislation to amend the terms was not required.
282 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector employees whose salary is in excess of €250,000 and €200,000 respectively in the current year; the way in which this differs in total from 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8482/12]
I refer to my reply to Question No. 20285/11 of 14 July 2011 regarding the introduction of:
a general pay ceiling of €200,000 for future appointments to higher positions across the public service; and
a general pay ceiling of €250,000 for future appointments to CEO posts within Commercial State Companies.
The enactment of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Act 2011 and the retirement of a number of senior office holders has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of public sector employees receiving approved salaries in excess of the pay ceilings introduced. This trend will continue as existing post holders retire and new appointments are made.
Based on the information available within my Department, there are 24 (reduced from 28) post holders in the public service who are currently paid more than the proposed pay ceiling including the President. The Constitution affords protection to the remuneration of the serving President. There are now 2 members of the judiciary (reduced from 45) who receive salaries in excess of the ceiling of €200,000. In addition there are 7 (reduced from 9) Chief Executive Officers in the Commercial Semi State Sector where the current salary exceeds the pay ceiling for that sector of €250,000.
There are also some 150 academic medical consultants, some of whom would attract salaries in excess of €200,000. My colleague the Minister for Health proposes to address this issue in the context of his discussions with the representative associations for those public service grades on matters related to the current consultant contract.
My colleague the Minister for Finance has outlined the remuneration rates in respect of the Central Bank and the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) in his replies to Questions Nos. 17682/11, 17686/11, 17690/11 and 17691/11, and to Nos. 1768/11, 17685/11, 1788/11 and 17692/11 on 29 June last. I am currently in correspondence with the Minister for Finance, concerning the pay arrangements in those bodies, including in relation to greater transparency with regard to remuneration.
The salaries applying to the above posts are not reflective of any voluntary arrangement that the individuals concerned may have entered into, following the Government decision in June 2011 to seek voluntary waivers of salary of 15%, or by a lesser amount if the application of the full 15% reduction would bring the salary levels of such individuals to below the pay ceiling of €200,000 p.a. across the public service and of €250,000 within Commercial State Companies. For example all Secretaries General with approved salary levels above the ceiling have voluntarily waived the additional pay.
283 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the whole time equivalent staffing level within the Civil Service staffing at each grade from assistant secretary to clerical officer in December 2011 and December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8484/12]
The numbers of whole time equivalent civil servants from Clerical Officer to Assistant Secretary grades are set out as follows:
|
Non Industrial Civil Servants — December 2011 Whole Time Equivalent |
|
|
ASSISTANT SECRETARY TOTAL |
142.00 |
|
PO STANDARD TOTAL |
337.20 |
|
PO HIGHER TOTAL |
295.00 |
|
AP STANDARD TOTAL |
1163.01 |
|
AP HIGHER TOTAL |
678.79 |
|
HEO TOTAL |
3167.24 |
|
AO TOTAL |
234.53 |
|
EO TOTAL |
4832.10 |
|
SO TOTAL |
1507.40 |
|
CO TOTAL |
10134.88 |
|
SERVICES ATTENDANT TOTAL |
89.40 |
|
SERVICES OFFICER TOTAL |
533.10 |
|
TOTAL |
23,114.65 |
The above data does not include the National Gallery as a breakdown by grade is not available for technical reasons.
Data for end 2012 is not available.
285 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider the contents of correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7953/12]
An issue arose following a High Court judgement in October 2010 where it was held that Ireland was not in compliance with its EU obligations under Copyright Directive 2001/29/EC. It was held that the Court could not grant an injunction against an intermediary in relation to transient communications. Until this judgment, it had been considered that Ireland was fully compliant with Art 8(3) of the relevant directive and that injunctions were available both under Section 40(4) of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 and by reason of the inherent power of the court in relation to equitable remedies. Following consultation with the Office of the Attorney General it was considered that as the High Court decision was not appealed, it was necessary for Ireland, for the avoidance of doubt, to restate its previous understanding of its compliance with EU law. Non-compliance with EU law is a very serious matter and could leave Ireland exposed to damages arising from legal actions based on non-compliance as well as proceedings by the European Commission.
A public consultation was held by my Department last July in relation to the wording of a proposed Statutory Instrument amending Section 40 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. More than 50 submissions were received from interested parties. I am most grateful to all who contributed to this consultation. It provided me with an excellent overview of all the issues and concerns involved. I have also engaged extensively with stakeholders with a wide range of views in relation to any issues or concerns that have been raised in relation to the matter.
Under the proposed legislative measure, an order may be sought by copyright holders only in relation to their own works. Any order against an intermediary will be subject to a judicial process. This must involve due consideration of the rights of other persons likely to be affected, such as internet service providers and consumers. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which has the same status as a Treaty when implementing EU law, must be considered. The Court of Justice of the European Union has held that this must be interpreted in a way which allows a fair balance to be struck between the various fundamental rights protected by the Community legal order and the principle of proportionality. These rights include the right to intellectual property, the important and fundamental human right of protection of private data, the equally important human right of freedom of expression and information and also the right to conduct a business. The amended text of the proposed Statutory Instrument was recently published by my Department and it should also be noted that this matter was the subject of a Dail debate on 31st January 2012.
286 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of labour inspectors employed by him and the National Employment Rights Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7602/12]
NERA currently has in place a complement of sixty-one inspectors. Five of these inspectors are assigned other duties in addition to inspection duties.
In 2011, the Inspection Service completed almost six thousand cases and recovered almost two million euro in unpaid wages for employees.
287 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will support a matter (details supplied). [7688/12]
The Action Plan for Jobs, which I launched yesterday, outlines the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and create jobs. The plan will improve access to finance for small businesses, reduce costs and red tape, and improve supports for exports, management and innovation. There are a number of actions contained in the plan specifically directed at indigenous industry, including construction.
Without doubt, the construction sector in Ireland has witnessed a dramatic decline in recent years. However, under the Plan, there are opportunities for the sector both domestically and in overseas markets. For example, Government investment in infrastructure under the Capital Programme will directly support in the region of 30,000 jobs in construction in the period to 2016. Employment will be maintained and created through investment in schools, hospitals, roads and water services.
While small companies and independent contractors dominate the sector, there is a growing base of Irish construction and engineering companies undertaking projects abroad. Enterprise Ireland clients in the construction and timber sector had a turnover of more than €6.4bn in 2010, of which more than €1.3bn was exported. While employment conditions remain very challenging, more than 23,000 people were working in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in the sector during 2011.
Enterprise Ireland support is targeted primarily at exporting companies. However, the agency can provide support for domestically trading companies wishing to explore new opportunities in overseas markets, such as the Going Global Competitive Fund, First Flight Workshops and interaction and advice with EI personnel, including those based in overseas markets. Enterprise Ireland's Public Procurement Unit is focused on developing opportunities for participation in tender opportunities for client companies through supporting Contracting Authorities in identifying innovative SMEs. In addition, the agency is actively supporting the adoption and use of Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Circular 10/10 Guidelines on improving access to tender opportunities for SMEs. While not specifically aimed at construction contractors, Enterprise Ireland's supports are focused on addressing issues concerning all SME inclusion and participation. Details of Enterprise Ireland's supports are available on the agency's website www.enterprise-ireland.com.
I have been reviewing the structure of enterprise supports in recent months and, in particular, the role of the CEBs. Under the Action Plan for Jobs it is proposed that a new "one-stop-shop" micro enterprise support structure be established through the dissolution of the existing CEB structures and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit in EI. Enterprise Ireland will work with the Local Authorities to establish a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in each Local Authority. The LEOs will combine the enterprise support service of the previous CEBs and the business support work of the Business Support Units in the Local Authorities, offering an enhanced service because of their seamless access to both EI expertise and the broader business services of the Local Authority. The intention is that the new LEOs will act as a focal point for a series of important new policy initiatives aimed at small businesses. The Deputy may wish to access the full details of the Action Plan for Jobs on my Department's website www.djei.ie.
288 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7742/12]
The following Organisation Chart identifies the number of staff and their areas of responsibility within each Division of my Department:
|
Corporate Services and Employment Rights DivisionAssistant SecretaryMr. Dermot CurranStaff: 413.33 FTE’s (1) |
Innovation and Investment DivisionAssistant SecretaryMr. Martin ShanagherStaff: 93.43 FTE’s |
EU Affairs and Trade Policy DivisionAssistant SecretaryMr. Philip KellyStaff: 104.70 FTE’s |
Competitiveness and Jobs DivisionAssistant SecretaryMs Clare DunneStaff: 33.28 FTE’s |
Commerce, Consumer and Competition DivisionAssistant SecretaryMs Breda PowerStaff: 184.51 FTE’s |
|
Industrial Relations and Coordination EU Employment and Social Affairs |
Cross-departmental Science, Technology and Innovation Policy |
EU Affairs and Internal Market |
Competitiveness and Climate Change |
Competition and Consumer Policy (including NCA and Competition Authority Liaison) |
|
Employment Rights Policy Section |
Taxation Policy |
Chemicals Regulation Policy |
Enterprise Development Unit |
Company Law (EU Legislation) |
|
Employment Rights Legislation and Regulations |
Industry Research and Development |
Health and Safety Policy Liaison |
Micro-Enterprise Policy Unit |
Company Law Projects |
|
Management Support Unit |
Science Foundation Ireland |
Trade Policy Unit |
Operational Programmes Management Unit |
Company Law Review |
|
Personnel, HR Policy, Learning and Development Unit |
Intellectual Property Unit |
Export Licensing Section |
Small and Medium Enterprise Policy Unit |
Company Law Policy Unit (including CRO/RFS, ODCE and IAASA Liaison) |
|
Business Services Unit |
Patents Office |
Bi-lateral Trade Promotion |
NSAI — State Aids and Standards |
Better Business Regulation Unit |
|
Finance Unit |
Inward Investment and North South |
ICT Unit |
Co-operative Legislation/Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
|
|
EU and International Science, Technology and Innovation Policy |
Economic integration Policy and Employment Permits |
|||
|
Internal Audit |
||||
|
Multilateral Trade Policy |
||||
|
Responsibility for upcoming Presidency |
(1) FTE — Full Time Equivalent
289 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7825/12]
I am pleased to provide the information requested by the Deputy on the State Boards and agencies under my Department's remit.
The National Consumer Agency
Ms Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition Authority and Chairperson Designate of the proposed Competition and Consumer Authority was appointed to the Board of the National Consumer Agency on the 30th November 2011. Ms Goggin is not entitled to remuneration as a board member.
Personal Injuries Assessment Board
Two appointments were made to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). Ms Ann Fitzgerald was reappointed to the Board on 8 September 2011 in her capacity as Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency, which is a statutory position on the Board. Ms Breda Power, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation was appointed to the Board on 26 October 2011. No remuneration is payable to either Ms Fitzgerald or Ms Power in respect of their membership of the Board.
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
Seven appointments were made to the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA). Mr Dave Martin and Mr. Kevin O'Donovan were both appointed as nominees of the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies on the 26th May 2011. Ms Sylvia McNeece of the Irish Pension Board, Ms. Deirdre Behan of the Revenue Commissioners, Ms. Mairead Devine of the Central Bank, Ms. Marie Daly of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation and Mr. Sean Hawkshaw of the Irish Association of Investment Managers were all appointed as nominees of the Designated Bodies on the 3rd January 2012. Board fees per member, for a full calendar year, amount to €7,695. No remuneration is payable to Ms. Behan in respect of her membership of the Board.
The Competition Authority
The Competition Authority consists of a Chairperson and up to four other members who act as an executive board. The Competition Acts 2002 to 2010 set out the requirements pertaining to appointments to the Authority. Mr. Declan Purcell was reappointed as Chairperson of the Competition Authority on 1st July 2011 and following his retirement, Ms Isolde Goggin was appointed as Chairperson from 1st October 2011, following her selection by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
The Chairperson of the Authority is paid at a salary level equivalent to Deputy Secretary General.
Ms Noreen Mackey and Mr David McFadden were appointed as temporary members of the Authority in July 2011, and were subsequently reappointed from 1st October until 30th November 2011. Mr. Ciarán Quigley was reappointed from August 2011 as a temporary member of the Authority. These temporary appointments were made in accordance with the Competition Acts 2002 to 2010. On the completion of the PAS selection process Mr. Stephen Calkins, Mr. Gerald FitzGerald and Mr Patrick Kenny were appointed as whole-time members to the Authority from 1st December 2011, 5th December 2011 and 9th January 2012 respectively. Members of the Authority are paid a salary equivalent of the Assistant Secretary General.
Forfás
Two appointments were made to the Board of Forfás on 18th January 2012 — Mr. John Murphy, Secretary General of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland (ex officio post).
No board fees are payable in respect of either of these appointments
IDA Ireland
Two appointments were made to the Board of IDA Ireland — Mr. Alan W. Gray and Ms Mary Campbell. The fee for membership of the IDA Ireland Board is €11,970 per annum. In accepting his appointment, Mr Gray indicated that he did not wish to receive board fees.
National Standards Authority of Ireland Board (NSAI)
Ms Helen Curley, a Principal Officer in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, was appointed to the NSAI Board on 8 July 2011. Ms Curley resigned from the Board on 15 November 2011.
No remuneration applied to this appointment
Science Foundation Ireland
Professor Martina McLaughlin-Newell and Dr. Rita Colwell were reappointed to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland on 26 July 2011. Board members, other than serving public servants, are entitled to receive a fee of a maximum of €11,970 per annum as per guidelines from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
290 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide information as to the number of estate management companies registered in the State for the purposes of managing the provision of services in certain residential developments; if he will provide details as to the number of such companies which have been declared insolvent in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will provide the information on a county basis. [7910/12]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question 211 of 7 February 2012 in relation to the number of estate management companies declared insolvent in the years listed. The Companies Registration Office does not maintain statistics on a county basis.
291 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will clarify the reasons for the refusal by Enterprise Ireland to invest in a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7915/12]
The Cork Swansea ferry route was re-launched in 2010 by the company concerned on the back of raising substantial local community and private sector funding. Enterprise Ireland approved an investment in the company in 2010 of €1m in redeemable preference shares, on full commercial terms, to complete the funding round. This investment represented less than 10% of the overall funding round.
Having sustained significant losses, the company entered interim examinership on 1 November 2011 and full examinership was granted on 15 November. The Examiner assisted the company in drawing up plans to restructure its business and in seeking buyers/investors for the business.
Enterprise Ireland met with the Examiner on 27 January last and the agency was asked to consider further investment in the company. The agency immediately undertook a due diligence process and its findings raised a number of issues regarding the viability of the business plan, the proposed balance between private sector investment and State funding and consequent EU State Aid implications. I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the agency concluded that substantial private sector funding, committed on a long term basis, would have been required to make the business plan viable.
The owners of the Cork-to-Swansea service announced the end of the service on 2 February 2012. The effect that this outcome has had on the company's employees, their families and the local community as well as on business and tourism development in both Ireland and Wales is very regrettable.
292 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the plans the Industrial Development Agency has in place to entice enterprise and development into County Meath in 2012. [8169/12]
One of the targets in IDA Ireland's strategy document "Horizon 2020” is the creation of 62,000 direct jobs in 640 investment projects over the period 2010-2014, resulting in an additional 105,000 jobs overall in the economy, with 50% of these investments to be based in locations outside of Dublin and Cork. Central to IDA’s strategy is to build on existing regional strengths to ensure Ireland’s economic development, while optimising regional spread, in line with the National Spatial Strategy.
To achieve balanced regional development, IDA Ireland markets the Gateway locations within each Region as areas of critical mass and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distance of these Gateways. The East Region has one Gateway (Dublin) and a number of large towns including Navan, Drogheda, Naas, Arklow and Carlow and, as such, will continue to be a key location of focus for the winning of foreign direct investment (FDI). As well as marketing the region for new Greenfield investment, IDA Ireland continues to work with existing clients in encouraging them to broaden their mandate and to continue to re-invest in their sites within the region.
The availability of cost effective and flexible private property solutions forms a central part of IDA Ireland's marketing efforts. The Agency has informed me that there are 16 IDA Ireland supported companies in Co Meath employing approximately 1,300 people in key companies such as Generali International, Welch Allyn and Europ Assist.
IDA has developed a significant Business Park at Johnstown in Navan and spent approximately €3 million on developing and upgrading the park as and when required. Planning permission has also been obtained for a 2,500 sq.m advance facility in the Business Park.
Globally the outlook for FDI continues to be challenging, but there are still investment opportunities in global markets. IDA will continue to compete vigorously for these projects for Ireland and will continue to promote the East Region in line with the objectives set out in "Horizon 2020".
293 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8274/12]
Three former Civil Servants who retired from my Department are now re-engaged on a contract for services basis. Mr. John Walsh, former Assistant Secretary in this Department is serving on the NERA Advisory Board. The only payments made for participation on the Advisory Board are travel and subsistence payments in accordance with the Department of Finance rates for civil servants. In 2011, payments totalling €440.28 were made for attendance at board meetings on 14/9/2010, 9/11/2010 and 15/2/2011. Mr. Martin Lynch, former Principal Officer, is the Irish Government representative and Deputy Chair of the Board of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) based in Helsinki, Finland. This individual is engaged as an expert and is paid on a fee per day basis in respect of each Board meeting that he attends and also for attending meetings of the Board Sub-Committee which he chairs. His fee is €202 gross per day. He was paid a total of €11,881.30 gross in 2011 and this includes travel and subsistence costs, some of which the ECHA refunds to the Department. Ms Eveta Brezina, former Assistant Principal, is a Member of the Employment Appeals Tribunal. She is paid the appropriate "sitting fee" of €193.24 per diem in addition to any travel and subsistence costs. She was paid a total of €6,243.04 gross in respect of fees in 2011 and €375.75 in respect of travel and subsistence. Fees are subject to Schedule E tax, Universal Social Charge, PRSI and pension-related deduction where appropriate. There are no payments sanctioned for current civil servants who are about to retire from my Department.
294 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/12]
The following table details the actual cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means in the years 2008-2011 as well as projected costs for the years 2012 to 2015. The projected figures for 2013-2015 for lump sums and pensions relate only to the number of persons expected to retire in normal course in those years and do not factor in the rolled up cost of provisioning for existing pensioners.
In relation to the figures included in the table for the loss of the pension levy and superannuation payments, it should be noted that the pension levy commenced in March 2009 and 2011 was the first year in which a loss was recorded in this context. There was no loss in 2010 as it was the first full year of the pension levy. A contributory factor in the amount of the loss recorded in superannuation contributions in 2010 relates not only to the number of departing employees but also to pay reductions that took effect in January 2010. Figures for 2012 will only be available at the end of the year.
|
Cost of : |
Lump Sums |
Severance |
Pensions (per annum) |
Loss of Pension Levy |
Loss of Superannuation Payments |
|
2008 |
€2,002,216 |
€91,361 |
€653,379 |
0 |
0 |
|
2009 |
€3,400,129 |
€58,240 |
€1,877411 |
0 |
0 |
|
2010 |
€1,674,457 |
0 |
€737,815 |
0 |
€239,606 |
|
2011 |
€2,546,809 |
€279,907 |
€975,791 |
€245,595 |
€57,030 |
|
2012 |
€4,143,411 |
0 |
1,332,358 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2013 |
€701,141 |
0 |
€66,636 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2014 |
€925,629 |
0 |
€238,898 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2015 |
€671,580 |
0 |
€144,065 |
N/A |
N/A |
295 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details of the proposed changes to pension legislation pertaining to defined benefit pensions schemes for print workers and the status thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7919/12]
The Government has approved a number of changes to defined benefit (DB) pension provisions in order to enhance the security of members benefits and to increase equity in the provision of pension benefits between scheme members.
It is proposed to reform and strengthen the Funding Standard by requiring DB pension schemes to hold a risk reserve as a protection against future volatility in financial markets; change how pensions schemes benefits are re-valued to ensure more equity between deferred and current scheme members; grant powers to the Pensions Regulator to wind up a scheme in very limited circumstances and provide for a more equitable distribution of scheme assets when an underfunded scheme is wound up while at the same time continuing to prioritise the benefits payable to pensioners.
The proposed amendments to the Pensions Act, 1990 are currently the subject of detailed drafting considerations. The proposed changes will apply to all DB schemes and not just to print workers who may be members of DB scheme.
296 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a case in respect of a person (details supplied). [7995/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 15th December 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 26th January 2012 advising of the decision.
In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within twenty one days. The person concerned has indicated that she intends to appeal this decision. As part of the appeal process, her original application, along with any additional information she may provide, will be reviewed by another Medical Assessor in the Department.
297 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider altering the pension system to allow persons unlock and use part of their pension savings before retirement age as this would provide essential funds to complement budgetary initiatives and help stimulate the domestic economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8142/12]
Pensions are a long-term investment aimed at ensuring that people have an adequate income in retirement. Government policy supports this aspiration through generous tax reliefs and we are currently reforming the pension system to ensure its future sustainability.
There are a number of reasons why early withdrawals of pension savings are not permitted, or desirable, the principal one being that funds, and the associated tax relief on contributions, are designed to support people in later life to ensure they have an adequate income. This requires that pensions must be long term vehicles based on the principle that savings will be "locked away" until retirement.
Allowing access to pension savings before retirement or pension age would be a significant change to pension policy and the basis of pension savings in Ireland. At the request of the Economic Management Council (EMC) the issue has been considered in detail by an inter-departmental ad-hoc group, chaired by my Department. The group concluded that the principle of pension savings being "locked away" until pension age should be maintained and reported this to the EMC. The EMC also requested that the report of this group be examined by the Interdepartmental Group on Mortgage Arrears who also examined the issue of early access to pensions and did not recommend such an approach.
The idea of allowing people to access their pension savings early to pay off mortgage debt or to increase their spending power may seem attractive, particularly at the moment. However, the resulting reduction in pension savings could have significant negative consequences longer term and in particular, fails to address the group who may be most affected by personal debt or mortgage arrears. For example, younger people who are most likely to be at risk of mortgage debt are also the group who have the least amount of pension savings. If their pension scheme has incurred losses, as many have over the past number of years, early withdrawal of funds would mean very poor value for money. Where people are close to retirement, an early withdrawal of funds could significantly diminish the pension they receive as they may not have time before retirement age to fill the gap left by such a withdrawal. There is no guarantee the funds could be repaid or that people could make up these losses.
Only 51% of people in employment aged 20 to 69 have pension coverage. This relatively low rate of pension coverage is a concern. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reforming the pension system to progressively achieve universal coverage, with particular focus on lower-paid workers and so a National Employment Pensions Scheme based on an automatic enrolment approach is being developed. Allowing people access to their pension savings before pension age would run totally counter to the policy of encouraging more people to save more for their retirement.
Accordingly, there are no proposals at present to amend the legislation to provide for early access to pension funds.
298 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [7546/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 3rd January 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
300 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in community employment schemes at locations (details supplied). [7580/12]
There are currently 311 persons employed by Community Employment Schemes located in the Clondalkin area, 49 in Palmerstown and 14 in Lucan. Please see individual programme details below (as at 3rd February 2012);
|
Location |
Sponsor |
Current No |
Supervisor |
Asst. Super |
Drugs Task Force |
Health |
Childcare |
Other |
|
Clondalkin |
Bawnogue Youth and Family Support |
28 |
2 |
1 |
25 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Cabhair |
19 |
1 |
10 |
8 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Catholic Youth Care |
16 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Catholic Youth Care |
31 |
1 |
3 |
27 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Catholic Youth Care |
19 |
1 |
16 |
2 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Clondalkin Addiction Support Group |
32 |
1 |
1 |
30 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Clondalkin Ctr for U/E Ltd. |
26 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
||
|
Clondalkin |
Clondalkin Travellers Enterprise |
19 |
1 |
0 |
18 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Clondalkin Volunteer Bureau Lt |
16 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
13 |
||
|
Clondalkin |
Dolcain Project |
24 |
1 |
23 |
||||
|
Clondalkin |
Neilstown Parish Social Action |
18 |
1 |
1 |
16 |
|||
|
Clondalkin |
Ronanstown Comm. Childcare Ctr. |
24 |
1 |
0 |
16 |
7 |
||
|
Clondalkin |
South Dublin Co. Co |
24 |
1 |
23 |
||||
|
Clondalkin |
The Get Ahead Club Ltd |
15 |
1 |
14 |
||||
|
Clondalkin |
311 |
15 |
8 |
83 |
11 |
48 |
146 |
|
|
Lucan |
West Dublin Disability Service |
14 |
1 |
13 |
0 |
|||
|
Lucan |
14 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Palmerstown |
Bluebell Women’s Group |
38 |
1 |
1 |
31 |
5 |
||
|
Palmerstown |
Stewarts Special School |
11 |
1 |
10 |
||||
|
Palmerstown |
49 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
10 |
31 |
5 |
301 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if reforms will be made to ensure self-employed persons have access to jobseeker’s benefit and allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7592/12]
Self-employed persons are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer's PRSI is 4.25%).
Any changes to the PRSI system to extend the full range of social insurance benefits, including jobseeker's benefit, to self-employed persons would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The Advisory Group will, inter alia, examine and report on issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which is due to be completed in mid-2012, will examine this matter.
Self-employed workers may establish eligibility to assistance-based payments such as jobseeker's allowance. They can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year and, in the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. As in the case of a non-self-employed unemployed claimant of jobseeker's allowance, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or co-habitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment.
302 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to overcharging under the health levy element of PRSI, her views on the timing of the announcement which has meant that many of those overcharged in 2008 and previous years, missed the deadline of 31 December to claim a refund. [7629/12]
The Department has received a very high level of enquiries in relation to requests for refunds of the Health Contribution over the last few weeks and I am pleased to be able to take this opportunity to clarify the position in relation to this matter.
Since the introduction of the health contribution the Department of Social Protection has refunded the contribution where it was found that the conditions for refund were met. Prior to 2010 there was no time limit on the period for which refunds were paid and any requests for refunds submitted prior to 1 January 2010 were processed on that basis.
To clarify the position in relation to eligibility for a refund a person who earned more than €26,000 in 2008, 2009 and 2010 was liable to pay the Health Contribution and is not due a refund.
A person who earned less than €26,000 and never earned more than €500 in any one week would not have been charged the Health Contribution and is not eligible for a refund.
A person may be entitled to a refund of the Health Contribution if he or she earned less than €26,000 in 2008, 2009 or 2010 and earned more than €500 in any particular week in those years.
The Health Contribution was included in the Universal Social Charge (USC) with effect from 1 January 2011 and no Health Contribution refunds arise after that date.
Any contributions paid prior to 1 January 2008 are outside the time limit for making a claim.
The provision in relation to the four year limit on the return of PRSI contributions was introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2009 and has been in effect since 1 January 2010.
The time limit governing the refund of PRSI contributions is in line with the arrangements of the Revenue Commissioners governing the refund of tax.
303 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recent graduates who have availed of JobBridge internships since its inception; if JobBridge will consider targeting those most at risk of emigration; if any statistics are available to show the impact JobBridge has on the employment status of recent graduates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7631/12]
JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, came into operation on 1st July 2011. As of 7th February, a total of 4,588 internships have commenced. Of the 4,588 internships that have commenced, some 2,187 of these positions were advertised as requiring a third level qualification.
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. The scheme is limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, the key objective of labour market policy and of the NEAP will be to keep those on the Live Register close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that Live Register members availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.
For these reasons, it has been proposed as a matter of public policy that eligibility for the scheme be confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 of the last 6 months. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time but I will keep the position under review.
My Department has invited tenders for consultancy for the evaluation of JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme for the Department. Progression rates from JobBridge into employment will feature as part of this evaluation. It is anticipated that this evaluation will commence shortly.
My Department requires this project to be undertaken to assess the design, delivery and impact of the JobBridge scheme on the unemployed. It should also assist the Department in making further policy decisions on the benefit of work placement programmes in the overall context of the Government's activation policy which is to engage with every unemployed individual to provide him or her with a pathway to employment and to prevent and reduce long term unemployment.
304 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment under the carer’s allowance scheme will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7673/12]
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
305 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal in respect of an application for disability allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [7674/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 25th January 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.
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.
306 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for domiciliary care allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [7675/12]
The continued entitlement to domiciliary care allowance (DCA) in this case was reviewed in January 2012 by one of the Department's Medical Assessors. The Medical Assessor found that the child was no longer medically eligible for the allowance and a letter issued on the 16th January 2012 advising the person concerned of the decision.
The person concerned may submit additional information and ask for the case to be further reviewed, or they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within twenty one days.
307 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made in respect of determination of eligibility for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7678/12]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who found that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. Accordingly, the deciding officer has confirmed the original decision and the claimant has been notified of the outcome.
308 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is likely that a decision will be made in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7680/12]
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 27 April 2011. Weekly payment will commence on 29 February 2012. Any arrears due to the person concerned will issue shortly after that date. The person has been notified in writing of this decision.
309 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 31 January 2012, if she will clarify the situation in respect of a scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7681/12]
The Government announced in Budget 2012 a reduction in the materials and training allocation for Job Initiative schemes.
For 2012 the grant per place will reduce to €433.33. This will result in a funding reduction for materials/overheads from 8% to 4%. Training will cease to be paid for Job Initiative participants except for training to meet statutory requirements. Any training claimed will be included in the 4% materials/overheads allocation.
The minimum weekly payment to a Job Initiative participant will continue at €416.00. In money terms the materials, overheads and training element of the grant will be reduced to €17.33 per place per week.
Grant aid to the Sponsors to cover supervision of the project will continue on the same scale as CE Supervisors.
I have given assurances to community and voluntary organisations that no project will be forced to close as a result of the reductions in training and material grants, pending the completion of a review at the end of March.
Department officials have discretion in assisting projects meet their commitments, subject to individual schemes providing a clear and transparent demonstration of a need for additional funding. The onus is on sponsors to make the case for the appropriate level of the grant for their individual scheme. The level of grant sought will have to be justified by the scheme sponsor and will be subject to verification and agreement by the Department on a case by case basis. Our Officers are currently working with Sponsors to this end.
310 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7684/12]
The person concerned started on a Community Employment (CE) scheme in Cahirciveen in May 2011 and has eligibility for one year on the scheme. The full allowance for training for CE participants, before the changes announced in the 2012 Budget, was €500 per participant per year. The person concerned has already received training to the value of €75 and has been approved for further training of €380.
311 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding small business contractors. [7687/12]
Self-employed people can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. Self-employed customers do not have to de-register as self-employed persons in order to claim jobseeker's allowance.
Legislation provides for the assessment of all income in cash and any non-cash benefits which the person or his or her spouse may reasonably expect to receive during the succeeding year. While accounts provide significant information, a means assessment is not based solely on audited accounts. The income from the previous twelve months is used as an indicator of likely future earnings but it is not simply assumed that the previous year's earnings will be received in the following year. Any circumstances that would be likely to lead to a significant variation, either upward or downward, in the level of a person's income from one year to the next are taken into consideration.
If a self-employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for jobseeker's allowance, the person can apply to have his or her means reviewed in the light of these changed circumstances. In addition, it is open to the individual to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office if he or she is dissatisfied with the level of means assessed.
Information on all social welfare entitlements, including supports for self-employed people, is set out on the Department's website —www.welfare.ie.
312 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the living alone allowance increase; if she will provide a breakdown of recipients by qualifying payment and age group; the amount this payment cost in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7699/12]
At the end of December 2011 there were 174,015 recipients of the living alone allowance at a weekly cost to the exchequer of €1.34m. This equates to some €70m. per annum. More than 80% of recipients of the Living Alone Allowance are aged 65 years or over and more than 30% are aged 80 years or over.
A breakdown of the recipients by scheme and age group follows.
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
Disability Allowance |
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
Invalidity Pension |
Occupational Injury Benefit |
|
|
Under 25 |
0 |
305 |
0 |
||
|
25-29 Years |
7 |
800 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
30-34 Years |
17 |
1,326 |
0 |
62 |
0 |
|
35-39 Years |
16 |
1,790 |
0 |
153 |
0 |
|
40-44 Years |
27 |
2,497 |
0 |
302 |
0 |
|
45-49 Years |
38 |
3,021 |
0 |
668 |
0 |
|
50-54 Years |
28 |
3,650 |
0 |
1,334 |
0 |
|
55-59 Years |
62 |
4,351 |
0 |
2,290 |
0 |
|
60-64 Years |
55 |
4,835 |
2 |
3,466 |
0 |
|
65-69 Years |
13 |
916 |
244 |
786 |
25 |
|
70-74 Years |
0 |
0 |
265 |
0 |
57 |
|
75-79 Years |
0 |
0 |
162 |
0 |
58 |
|
80 Years and older |
0 |
0 |
75 |
0 |
75 |
|
263 |
23,491 |
748 |
9,064 |
215 |
|
Widow/er’s Contributory Pension |
Widow/er’s Non Contributory Pension |
State Pension Contributory |
State Pension Non Contributory |
|
|
Under 25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
25-29 Years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
30-34 Years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
35-39 Years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
40-44 Years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
45-49 Years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
50-54 Years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
55-59 Years |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
60-64 Years |
1 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
65-69 Years |
5,128 |
1 |
12,527 |
5,886 |
|
70-74 Years |
10,174 |
0 |
14,218 |
6,675 |
|
75-79 Years |
12,129 |
0 |
14,123 |
6,616 |
|
80 Years and older |
20,644 |
0 |
18,225 |
13,881 |
|
48,076 |
7 |
59,093 |
33,058 |
313 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within her Department. [7745/12]
The Department's organisation chart details the senior management structure and is also available on our website at http://www.welfare.ie/EN/AboutUs/Documents/DeptOrganisationalStructureChart.pdf.
314 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently waiting for statutory redundancy applications to be processed; the average time for processing such applications; the number of staff involved in processing these applications; if any mechanism exists for fast-tracking these applications; if she will provide a breakdown of new applications by month from January 2011 to January 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7789/12]
351 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure for the processing of redundancy applications; if applications are being processed as they are being received; the reason it appears that persons who have sought redundancy have not been paid but others who applied at a later date have received payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8245/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 351 together.
The purpose of the Redundancy Payments Scheme is to compensate workers, under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007, for the loss of their jobs by reason of redundancy. Under the Redundancy Payments Acts an eligible employee is entitled to two weeks statutory redundancy payment for every year of service, plus a bonus week. Compensation is based on the worker's length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a ceiling of €600 per week. Employees must have at least two years' service to be eligible for a redundancy payment. There are two types of redundancy payments — rebates to employers and lump sums paid directly to employees, where an employer refuses, or is unable to pay lump sums. Both rebate and lump sum payments are paid from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF).
It is the responsibility of the employer to pay statutory redundancy to all eligible employees. An employer who pays statutory redundancy payments to employees is then entitled to a rebate from the State of a percentage of the relevant amount.
There is currently a backlog of approximately 29,000 statutory redundancy claims on hand.
There are two processing streams for redundancy claims. A new computerised system was introduced in October 2011 and online claims submitted correctly through this system may be processed, on average, within six to eight weeks. Manual claims submitted since October 2011 are also processed as part of this stream but take longer to process due to the need to enter the manual claims onto the new system.
Claims submitted prior to the introduction of this new system require more clerical intervention and will take longer to process and are part of a second processing stream. The Department is currently processing claims in this category which were received in late May/early June 2011.
There are currently 24 staff involved in processing applications, or in full-time equivalent terms, 22.3 staff.
Applications received for the period January 2011 to January 2012 are as follows:
|
Jan 2011 |
Feb 2011 |
Mar 2011 |
Apr 2011 |
May 2011 |
Jun 2011 |
Jul 2011 |
Aug 2011 |
Sep 2011 |
Oct 2011 |
Nov 2011 |
Dec 2011 |
Jan 2012 |
|
4,846 |
3,090 |
5,350 |
3,738 |
4,103 |
3,670 |
4,712 |
3,827 |
3,367 |
2,265 |
3,969 |
6,850 |
4,774 |
315 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage of first-time applications for domiciliary care allowance that were approved in each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [7790/12]
The Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) since 1st April 2009. Statistics relating to the allowance for the period prior to April 2009 are a matter for the HSE, the previous administrators of the scheme.
The number of applicants for DCA allowed on initial application by the deciding officer in each of the last 3 years is as follows:
|
Applications received |
Applications processed in year |
Applications allowed* |
Applications disallowed |
|
|
2009 (from 1st April) |
3,389 |
2,823 |
1,220 (43%) |
1,603 |
|
2010 |
5,457 |
5,333 |
2,576 (48%) |
2,757 |
|
2011 |
5,525 |
5,396 |
2,502 (46%) |
2,894 |
*Includes cases initially disallowed but allowed on review by the deciding officer following receipt of additional information from the applicant.
316 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) in County Galway is seeking redundancies to its workforce; if she has had discussions with this group to try ensure continuity of employment of the very special workforce there; if she has had discussions with the workers regarding retraining and locating alternative employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7804/12]
The Minister is aware that 20 employees from the Rehab Recycling group in Ballybrit, Galway will be laid off at the end of March 2012. The lay-offs include 17 employees for whom the company receives a valuable DSP Wage Subsidy. DSP Employment Services have recently been in contact with the Rehab Recycling group to offer assistance and are currently awaiting a response to the offer. The services available include on-site group briefings and individual consultations with employees to identify training needs and individual job-seeking support requirements. Rehab Recycling will continue to receive a substantial wage subsidy payment from the Department to support the continued employment of 17 remaining employees who are being retained by the company.
317 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the delay in processing the appeal of rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7807/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30th November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 06th January 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 24th January 2012 for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
319 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by her since she came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7828/12]
The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) comes under the remit of the Department.
Social Welfare Tribunal
The Tribunal consists of a Chairman and four ordinary members, two on the nomination of Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two nominated by Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC).
One of ICTU members of the Tribunal resigned in 2011 and on the nomination of ICTU, a replacement, Ms. Chris Rowland, was appointed by me commencing from 24 October 2011.
No remuneration is paid to the members of the Tribunal. Members can claim expenses for attending both hearings and meetings, as set out below. They are also entitled to the standard travel and subsistence allowances if hearings/meetings involve travel.
|
Chairman |
€ |
|
Hearing (per sitting day) |
488.11 |
|
Meetings |
73.44 |
|
Members |
€ |
|
Hearing (per sitting day) |
136.71 |
|
Meetings |
68.36 |
Citizens Information Board
I have made two appointments to the Citizens Information Board since coming into office. Mr. Eugene McErlean was appointed with effect from 7 September 2011 and is entitled to an annual fee of €5,985. On 1 November 2011, I appointed Ms. Fiona Ward but as she is the Department's representative on the board she is not entitled to any fees.
Pensions Board
I have made no appointments to the Pensions Board since coming into office. Further information in relation to the boards of the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board is available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie/EN/AboutUs/Pages/stateagencies.aspx and is updated as required.
321 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason she gives notice to recipients of domiciliary care allowance to reapply only two months ahead of the cessation date when currently her Department takes five to six months to consider new applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7863/12]
327 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a natural transition does not occur for benefits of a child (details supplied) with Autism whose parent is receiving domiciliary care allowance to receiving disability allowance at the child’s 16th birthday when neither the diagnosis nor the means of the family have changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7901/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 327 together.
Since November 2011, recipients of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) have been given 4 months advance notice in writing of their child reaching 16 years and the end of the payment of DCA. They are advised that their child may be entitled to receive a disability allowance (DA) payment in their own right and of how to make such a claim. Prior to November 2011, the notice period was 8 weeks, but this was adjusted to advise customers to make application for DA well in advance of the child's 16th birthday.
The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria of the scheme. The average time to award a claim in 2011 was 17 weeks. Disability allowance section is currently undertaking a major service delivery modernisation project to improve the efficiency with which it processes applications from customers which should lead to faster processing times.
The qualifying conditions for DCA and DA are significantly different and as a result, an automatic transfer from one payment to the other is not feasible. The qualifying conditions include a means test on DA where none applies to DCA, while there are also differences in the medical criteria applicable to the two schemes. In addition, payment of DA is made directly to the child, whereas DCA is paid to the parent/guardian of the child.
Question No. 322 withdrawn.
323 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a method established within her Department for streamlining representations on applications for exemptions being made on behalf of persons with disabilities in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7866/12]
In certain circumstances people who have been in receipt of illness benefit or invalidity pension were granted permission to engage in part-time work of a rehabilitative or therapeutic nature. This permission is known as an exemption. All applicants for an exemption have some form of a disability or medical condition and as such they would be considered on their own merits. Applications for exemptions are generally dealt with on a chronological basis but if a person had an urgent need for a decision the matter would be expedited.
Yesterday I launched a new scheme called partial capacity benefit. The scheme will provide an opportunity for people with medical conditions and assessed and deemed to have an employment capacity which is restricted when compared to the norm to avail of employment opportunities while continuing to receive an income support payment. The introduction of the scheme seeks to respond to weaknesses in the current structure of the welfare system, which categorises people only as "fit to work" or "unfit to work". This does not reflect the reality for many existing welfare customers. The scheme will be open to people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months. Following the introduction of the new scheme exemptions for participation in part-time work will no longer be available. Participation in the partial capacity benefit scheme will be voluntary.
324 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that an existing community employment participant who also receives illness benefit will continue to receive both payments if his or her CE participation is extended for a third year. [7871/12]
Existing CE participants who have their contracts renewed after the 16th January 2012 will retain their social welfare payment provided they are continuously employed on CE from that date. This provision is subject to the standard CE participation limits and a final cut-off date for double payments of December 2014. All CE participants will receive a single payment only from that date.
325 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the ineligibility of one-parent family recipients for the JobBridge scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7888/12]
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. The scheme is limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months.
The eligibility to access the National Internship Scheme is based on the overall objective of labour market policy in ensuring a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for those on the Live Register. It is important that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register. The structure for achieving this objective is through a reinvigorated National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) which currently provides the framework for engaging with the unemployed.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, the key objective of labour market policy and of the NEAP will be to keep those on the Live Register close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that Live Register members availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.
For these reasons, it has been proposed as a matter of public policy that eligibility for the scheme be confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 of the last 6 months. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.
My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme including its eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis. The extension of JobBridge to those in receipt of One Parent Family Payments forms part of this broader review process. Individuals in receipt of a One Parent Family Payment may access a wide range of activation supports including the Work Placement Programme, which is designed to provide participants with valuable work experience, thereby improving their prospects of securing employment.
326 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against a decision to refuse invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7892/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that it has not received an appeal from the person concerned. 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.
328 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when the new rules in relation to social welfare payments for FÁS community scheme participants came into force; the category of participants affected by these rule changes; if she carried out any poverty impact analysis before making her decision in respect of these changes; the result of such an analysis; the relative poverty of the groups in question before these decisions were taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7911/12]
From 16th January 2012, new participants on Community Employment (CE) schemes will not be able to simultaneously claim their original social welfare payment and a Community Employment allowance, as per section 12 of the Social Welfare Act 2011. This measure affects those in receipt of the following payments commencing CE after that date:
One Parent Family Payment,
Deserted Wife's Benefit,
Widow(er)s Pension,
Illness Benefit,
Disability Allowance,
Invalidity Pension,
Blind Pension.
These new CE participants will receive payments directly via the CE scheme at a rate equivalent to their original social welfare payment (including any increase for a qualified adult and/or child dependants) plus an additional €20 CE participation bonus. New participants are defined as those persons who, with effect from 16th January 2012, have not been employed on a CE scheme in the 12 months prior to commencing the current CE placement.
CE participants on maternity leave or sick leave at the 16th January will not be considered new starts when they return as they will have participated on CE within the 12 month period. Persons who were approved by DSP officers for CE positions before 16th January 2012 but who only commence working on or after the 16th January 2012, due to operational reasons, will be treated as existing CE participants for the purpose of retaining their social welfare payments. Existing CE participants who have their contracts renewed after the 16th January 2012 will retain their social welfare payment provided they are continuously employed on CE from that date. This provision is subject to the standard CE participation limits and a final cut-off date for double payments of December 2014. All CE participants will receive a single payment only from that date.
In addition, payment of two qualified increases per child where the person is employed on a CE scheme and in receipt of either One-Parent Family Payment, Deserted Wife's Benefit/Allowance or Widow(er)s Pension will cease for new and existing recipients with effect from Monday 20th February 2012. Existing CE participants will continue to receive increases for qualified children from their original social welfare payment only. New CE participants will receive the qualified child increase (where applicable) on their CE payment. The CE Single Adult Rate includes the €20 CE participation bonus. The following table outlines a summary.
Following these changes it will continue to be financially advantageous for all Social Welfare categories to participate on CE. Such participants will continue to have access to the supports available within my Department where applicable.
|
DSP Payment Category |
Existing CE Participants |
New CE Participants |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
No change |
No change |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
No change |
No change |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
CE increase for a qualified child ceases from February 20th. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
CE increase for a qualified child ceases from February 20th where applicable. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
|
Widow(er)s Pension |
CE increase for a qualified child ceases from February 20th where applicable. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
|
Disability Allowance |
No Change. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
|
Blind Pension |
No Change. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
|
Illness Benefit |
No Change. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
|
Invalidity Pension |
No Change. CE Single rate only. |
DSP rate including dependants plus €20 all paid by CE. DSP payment ceases. |
329 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will issue in respect of redundancy payments due under RP50’s in respect of persons (details supplied). [7913/12]
Two redundancy rebate claims in respect of the former employer of the persons concerned have been awarded. A cheque payment is due to issue directly to the company concerned.
330 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will actively support those on community employment schemes; and her views on a matter (details supplied). [7923/12]
Allowances on Community Employment schemes are paid by the sponsoring body/organisation to their Employee (Participant) in line with the Payment of Wages Act. To facilitate prompt and continuing payments my Department gives a significant financial advance to such bodies. In addition my Department processes a payment on the Thursday of every week which is credited to the sponsor's bank account on a Friday. The final payment to participants is the responsibility of the sponsoring body. The monitoring of such payments continues to be an important part of the work of Department officials.
331 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will meet the cost of any redundancies which arise from the winding up or discontinuance of community employment schemes owing to the changes in their funding in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7926/12]
A commitment has been given that no scheme will be forced to close as a result of the reduction in grants whilst the financial review is on-going. As such it is not envisaged that any redundancies will arise pending the completion of the review process. Supervisors of Community Employment schemes are employed by independent, community and voluntary organisations. As such these sponsoring groups are the employer and are bound by employment legislation and requirements, including Redundancy legislation.
The funding of redundancy is the responsibility of the employer. In situations where specific Community Employment schemes are closing the employing organisation is responsible for funding redundancy. In the event of the employer not being in a position to make such payments they then have recourse to the Redundancy Payments section within this Department as set out in legislation.
332 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an exceptional needs payment will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7943/12]
The person concerned was awarded an exceptional needs payment on 8 December 2011. No further applications have been received.
333 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will explain the logic that means a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of a one parent family payment and would like to get back to work cannot apply for a Tús position. [7951/12]
The purpose of TÚS is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed. For this reason, eligibility is at present confined to those on the Live Register for at least 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently affected by long-term unemployment. As the person concerned is not in receipt of any jobseekers payment, she does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for either participating on Tús or for recruitment as a full time Tús Supervisor/Team Leader.
334 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) will be heard in view of the fact that this appeal is in the system almost 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7956/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
335 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding long-term carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7967/12]
The home-maker's scheme which is in place in my Department since 1994 is designed to accommodate people who take time out of the workforce for caring duties and to ensure that they do not lose their entitlement to a State pension (contributory). The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for an incapacitated person to be disregarded when the carer's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes.
The scheme will not, of itself, qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance ten years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied. From April 2012, 520 contributions (10 years) will be required.
I am currently considering the introduction of a system of home-maker's credits to replace the current disregard from 2012 and allow backdating to 1994 for the purpose of the averaging system that will continue until the total contributions system is introduced in 2020. This would represent a significant improvement whereby people reaching pension age could have credits rather than disregards applied to their records to cover periods of care since 1994 (up to a maximum of 20 years).
336 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends meeting with the Irish Postmaster’s Union; the reason it has not got a meeting to date despite initially requesting a meeting nearly a year ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7970/12]
I have scheduled a meeting with the General Secretary of the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) in March and look forward to exchanging views with them at that meeting. I was unable to meet sooner due to a heavy schedule of Government and Oireachtas commitments.
337 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow in respect of their appeal for supplementary welfare allowance which has been ongoing since July 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7971/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
338 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm if she carried out poverty-proofing before deciding to cut emergency needs payment to those on low-incomes as contained in a recent circular to community welfare officers; if she will review this decision as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7986/12]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. These ENP payments are a vital component of the SWA scheme and link the income support function of the scheme with the wider welfare role of the Department's community welfare service.
There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. ENP's are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
A review of the guidelines on Exceptional Needs Payments is currently being finalised in the Department by a group made up of former community welfare service staff. One of the recommendations emanating from this review was the need to address the different approaches taken, in different areas, in relation to the payment of exceptional needs payments in respect of religious ceremonies and to ensure that the SWA scheme is responding to a specific financial need and not to the occasion. The Department has not cut payments in respect of religious ceremonies but has recommended a maximum amount payable with a view to limiting any such payments to those cases of significant hardship. The Department's circular does not remove or limit the discretionary powers provided to its designated officers in Social Welfarelegislation to help individuals in need.
The Department also recently clarified the circumstances under which payments should be made toward the furnishing of local authority accommodation. This clarification will not impact the customer in any way. Instead of the Department furnishing these units it will, in certain circumstances, become the responsibility of the local authority to ensure the accommodation is furnished before allocating the accommodation to the tenant.
One of the most important aspects of a poverty proofing strategy is the process whereby Government Departments, local authorities and state agencies ensure that they either contribute to reducing poverty or, at least, do not increase poverty. An additional prime consideration is the re-focusing of expenditure to meet those most in need and this is what my Department is doing.
339 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs applications for first communion support that have been received from County Donegal over recent years; and the number of these that were successful. [7990/12]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. These ENP payments are a vital component of the SWA scheme and link the income support function of the scheme with the wider welfare role of the Department's community welfare service.
There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. ENP's are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
A review of the guidelines on Exceptional Needs Payments is currently being finalised in the Department by a group made up of former community welfare service staff. One of the recommendations emanating from this review was the need to address the different approaches taken, in different areas, in relation to the payment of exceptional needs payments in respect of religious ceremonies and to ensure that the SWA scheme is responding to a specific financial need and not to the occasion.
The Department recently recommended to staff that a maximum payment of €110 be made in respect of the religious ceremony (mainly Communions and Confirmations). This will be the first step towards limiting these payments to cases of significant hardship only, in 2013. While the Department does not maintain records of the number of applications received for support for religious ceremonies it is clear that the number of such payments in Donegal was at the lower end of the scale at less than ten payments made in 2011.
341 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8017/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. 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.
342 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8019/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 3rd October 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 30th November 2011 advising the customer of the decision.
The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and advised that additional information will follow. As part of the appeals process, this information, when received, together with the original application will be forwarded to a Medical Assessor for review.
343 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will immediately recruit 214 new staff to replace those leaving at the end of the month under the early retirement scheme in view of the existing lengthy delays in the processing of social welfare applications and the envisaged greater role for Departmental staff in terms of profiling and activation which is more human resource intensive. [8020/12]
As the Deputy will be aware there is currently a moratorium on recruitment across the civil and public service. I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to source available staff to fill critical vacancies, including those arising from retirements, by way of redeployment, or transfer from within the Department and other Government Departments, taking account of the Employment Control Framework (ECF) target, as determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. To this end, operational processes and procedures, the organisation of work and the staffing needs for all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed, having regard to workloads, management priorities and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
344 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of current inquiries by FÁS with regard to scheme sponsors that are raising their own revenue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8030/12]
Following the reductions in the CE training and materials grant announced in the Budget, the Department of Social Protection commenced a review of the financial resources of individual schemes. This review is scheduled to be completed by the end of March.
All sponsors have been contacted by Department officers at local level to brief them on the review, discuss their returns and deal with any queries that the sponsors may have. The submissions will be made to these officers.
As this is a financial review, and given the requirement for savings, all possible sources of income/funding for the project must be identified. Many projects receive funding/income from different sources and may not require the same level of assistance as others. The review is to ensure that those projects that require the most assistance can be identified.
345 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason FÁS offices require bank details of community employment projects, in view of the fact that the CE schemes are private companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8031/12]
Following the reductions in the CE training and materials grant announced in the Budget, the Department of Social Protection commenced a review of the financial resources of individual schemes. This review is scheduled to be completed by the end of March.
All sponsors have been contacted by Department officers at local level to brief them on the review, discuss their returns and deal with any queries that the sponsors may have. The submissions will be made to these officers.
As part of the contract between my Department and CE sponsors full details of the sponsor's CE bank account must be available for monitoring and control purposes. Significant advances from public funds are paid into CE sponsors bank accounts and my officials have a duty of care for these taxpayer's funds. In addition the requirements of the Company Registration Office ensure that the amount of funds in the bank accounts of CE sponsors must be returned on an annual basis.
As this is a financial review, and given the requirement for savings, all possible sources of income/funding for the project must be identified.
346 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8041/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
347 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied). [7993/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1 February 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
348 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8172/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 20 March 2012. The person concerned has been 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.
349 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is in receipt of social welfare payments; if they have been refused assistance; the reason for this refusal; if they have been refused supplementary welfare allowance and the reason for this refusal. [8201/12]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance from 5 September 2011. His application was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to disclose full particulars of his means and that he is not genuinely seeking employment.
He appealed the disallowance and his file is currently with the Social Welfare Appeals Office for a decision. When a decision is given he will be advised of the outcome.
The person concerned applied for supplementary welfare allowance from 31 January 2012. His application was disallowed on the grounds that he is not genuinely seeking employment. He has not appealed this decision to date.
352 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive their redundancy payment. [8248/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 20 July 2011. Redundancy lump sum claims received in June 2011 are currently being processed.
353 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from her Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from her Department; if she will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8277/12]
No remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any staff member who has retired from my Department beyond their accrued pension entitlements and no such payment has been sanctioned for any current staff members who are about to retire from my Department.
354 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for invalidity pension will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow based on correspondence recently sent to the appeals office. [8303/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
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.
355 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for disability allowance will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow based on the general practitioners letter provided. [8304/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11 January 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
356 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8404/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
357 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8408/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
358 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will have the views of a council in relation to the community employment scheme given consideration (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8414/12]
Following the reductions in the CE training and materials grant announced in the Budget, the Department of Social Protection commenced a review of the financial resources of individual schemes. This review is scheduled to be completed by the end of March. All sponsors have been contacted by Department officers at local level to brief them on the review, discuss their returns and deal with any queries that the sponsors may have. The submissions will be made to these officers. In addition to these local discussions, discussion and consultation with the main representative bodies and stakeholders, including councils, involved in schemes will take place over the coming weeks in regard to funding.
359 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to her Department seeking insurance quotes collectively for all FÁS schemes nationwide or within each county as a means of achieving more competitive quotes and thus achieving savings within FÁS companies. [8415/12]
My Department officials are investigating a number of requirements that have a direct cost on the operation and delivery of Community Employment (CE) schemes with a view to reducing these costs. One such area is that of Insurance, both in terms of the cover required and the most cost effective manner to obtain such cover. Meetings have been arranged with interested parties and various options are been considered. It should be noted that this work is taking place in conjunction with the on-going financial review of CE schemes.
360 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review was scheduled by the medical assessor when an application for domiciliary care allowance was approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and the date of the review. [8420/12]
The person concerned was awarded domiciliary care allowance from March 2011. The Medical Assessor who dealt with the application has recommended that this case does not need to be reviewed again.
361 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a farm assist appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8423/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the farm assistance appeal, of the person concerned, took place on 2 February 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. 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.
362 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline on a yearly basis form 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in her Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8442/12]
The table shows the number of staff who retired from my Department from 2008 to date (10 February); the amount paid to those officers in lump sums; and the annual estimated gross pension costs per annum associated with those retired staff members which does not include the Public Service Pension Reduction. Details of future retirements up to 2015, apart from those in respect of staff members who may reach maximum retirement age in that period, are not readily available and due to the pressure of work in the HR pensions area at present I am not in a position to provide these details. I can, however, inform the Deputy that a further 202 staff members have applied to retire before 29 February 2012 and their applications are currently being processed.
During the period from 2008 no severance payments were made to staff retiring from my Department. Figures in relation to the loss of the pension levy from employees who have retired from my Department and the loss of superannuation payments from retired staff of my Department are not available:
|
Year |
Number of retirements |
Lump sums |
Pensions |
|
2008 |
80 |
€5,094,146.97 |
€1,666,127.75 |
|
2009 |
257 |
€11,998,046.98 |
€6,309,771.95 |
|
2010 |
98 |
€5,075,274.43 |
€2,309,060.71 |
|
2011 |
118 |
€6,415,699.86 |
€2,063,324.11 |
|
2012 to date |
35 |
€2,225,574.31 |
€805,867.40 |
363 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a redundancy payment application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [8446/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 6 February 2012 and a cheque payment issued directly to the person concerned.
364 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate the entitlements available to a person who is compelled due to ill health as certified by medical consultants and who has been in self employment for the past 35 years or so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8467/12]
Self-employed persons are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4%, which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer's PRSI is 4.25%).
Any changes to the PRSI system to extend the full range of social insurance benefits, including illness benefit, to self-employed persons would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The Advisory Group will, inter alia, examine and report on issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which is due to be completed in mid-2012, will examine this matter.
Self-employed individuals may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments such as Disability Allowance. Disability Allowance is a weekly payment made to persons with a disability whose employment capacity is substantially restricted by reason of their disability and whose means are insufficient to meet their own needs and those of their dependents. As well as providing income support for people with disabilities, incentives towards employment and training are also a key feature of Disability Allowance. An income disregard for earnings from rehabilitative employment provides that all earnings up to €120 per week are disregarded as means when assessing entitlement, while income between €120 and €350 is assessed on the basis of 50 cents for every euro earned.
365 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of hours persons, who are in receipt of social welfare, can work on a weekly basis where such persons might have to do the same for rehabilitate purposes or which might arise due to part time work becoming available and whereby they still can receive their specific social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8468/12]
Where a person is in receipt of a disability allowance payment, s/he may take up employment of a rehabilitative nature, subject to the approval of the Department. There is no limitation on the number of hours they may work in such circumstances. Any earnings up to €120 per week will be disregarded in the means-test for the disability allowance payment, while earnings above that threshold will be assessed at 50%.
Hitherto, where a person was in receipt of a social insurance based invalidity pension, or long-term illness benefit, s/he could apply for an exemption to take up rehabilitative employment which did not exceed 20 hours per week. With effect from 13 February 2012, a new scheme has been introduced which offers a more flexible long-term support to claimants of invalidity pension or long-term illness benefit. The partial capacity benefit scheme will provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to have their capacity for work assessed and to receive an ongoing income support payment based on this assessment. Any increase being paid in respect of a qualified adult or qualified children will not be affected.
The scheme is open to people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months. Participation in the scheme is voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who have hitherto sought to avail of exemptions in order to take up employment opportunities. There are no limitations applied in relation to the number of hours a person may work, or the level of earnings they may secure, under the new scheme.
366 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 353 of 31 January 2012 referring to rent supplement recipients who are forced to secure alternative accommodation, the period of time that they will be given to do so; if they will continue to receive their rent allowance at the existing rate while they do so; if she will release the analysis carried out by her Department in rental prices for Bray, and on County Wicklow overall; if she will consider also excluding the towns of Greystones,Kilcoole, Delgany and Newtownmountkennedy, where rent is similar to that in Bray; and if not the reason therefore. [8477/12]
As existing claims come up for review or when an existing lease expires, they will be reassessed using the new limits. Where a claim is under review and the rent is above the new maximum limit the customer is being asked to contact the landlord to renegotiate the rent. Where a landlord does not agree to reduce the rent to the new rates departmental officials will discuss the options open to the tenant up to and including seeking alternative accommodation. It is accepted that in limited circumstances rent supplement recipients may be forced to secure alternative accommodation.
Departmental guidance to the officers administering rent supplement states that where negotiation with the landlord fails then rent supplement may continue to be paid for a period of up to thirteen weeks at the higher rate. However, once the lease has expired the tenant will be expected to find suitable accommodation at below the new limits in force. Department officials will continue to ensure that rent supplement recipients' accommodation needs are met. There will be no incidence of homelessness due to these changes. I can confirm to the Deputy that the rent limits review report has now been published and is available from the Department's website.
The Deputy will note from this report that the Department is committed to carrying out a specific review of the rent limits for Bray. As previously advised, officials in the Department are in the process of completing this review and, if it is found necessary, maximum rent limits specific to Bray will be established. My Department will also consider Greystones, Kilcoole, Delgany and Newtownmountkennedy; however it is important to bear in mind that the purpose of the review is to ensure availability of accommodation for rent supplement tenancies, not to provide rent supplement tenants with access to all housing in all areas.
367 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans regarding carrying out a humane seal cull similar to the Canadian initiative in view of the increase in the numbers. [8310/12]
There are two species of seal in Irish waters — the harbour or common seal and the more numerous grey seal. While seals are protected under the Wildlife Acts, licences may be obtained under section 42 of the Wildlife Act to hunt seals where damage is being caused. Licences are issued in response to specific applications and each application is considered on its merits. This redress is available to individual fishermen to control damage to fisheries by seals at particular locations. However, I have no plans to sanction a more general cull.
It is also an obligation under the EU Habitats Directive that Ireland designates Special Areas of Conservation for both species of seal. The main breeding areas for seal are now legally protected. It should be noted that my Department is involved in a number of studies in relation to seals. These include making arrangements to complete a national survey of harbour and grey seals; liaising with Inland Fisheries Ireland concerning a research project to investigate seal-fisheries interactions in the Moy Estuary and Wexford Harbour with a view to informing management options; and liaising with Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute concerning a research project to investigate seal depredation and seal-fisheries interactions.
368 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to carry out a cull of the deer population in view of the severe financial consequence to our farming community who live near forests and are constantly having their fences broken and grass eaten by these wandering deer. [8311/12]
Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.
369 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures he is taking to ensure that the Ward Union Hunt does not continue to break the law in relation to hunting deer as per section 23A(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act in view of the new evidence which shows that they are continuing to hunt stag in contravention of the ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7569/12]
Officials of my Department monitor compliance with the Wildlife Acts across the country on an ongoing basis and carry out patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of these Acts as required. They also investigate reports of breaches of the Acts. Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged offences and to prosecute, if they see fit. In this regard, my Department will follow up appropriately on any alleged breaches of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 which makes it an offence to hunt a deer with two or more dogs.
370 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way a building becomes listed; the criteria or qualifications used for a building to become a listed building; if a listed building may be de-listed; the way a building may become de-listed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7617/12]
371 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the buildings that are listed in County Cavan; the architectural conservation areas in County Cavan; the restrictions owners of listed properties or properties in ACAs face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7618/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.
Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding architectural heritage, each planning authority is required to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures (RPS), which includes all structures or parts of structures in their functional areas which, in their opinion, are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. This record forms part of a planning authority's development plan. Inclusion on the RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them in order to safeguard their future.
My role in relation to protected structures is to ensure that there are appropriate legislative and policy frameworks in place in relation to the built heritage. My Department has responsibility for the National Inventory for Architectural Heritage, which provides a basis for me to recommend structures to local authorities for protection. However, operational issues are generally a matter for planning authorities under these frameworks.
Planning authorities are further obliged to preserve the character of places and townscapes, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or that contribute to the appreciation of protected structures, by designating them as architectural conservation areas (ACAs) in their development plan. My Department's Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) provide statutory guidelines with regard to the implementation of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Act. However, the protection of the architectural heritage for both protected structures and architectural conservation areas is a matter for the planning authority, in this case Cavan County Council.
The list of structures included in the RPS and the areas designated as ACAs for County Cavan are detailed in the Cavan County Development Plan 2008-2014, that was adopted at a meeting of Cavan County Council on Monday 13 October 2008 and came into effect on Monday 10 November 2008. A planning authority in reviewing its RPS from time to time (normally during the review of the development plan) may make additions or deletions. A planning authority may add or delete a structure from its RPS by the following procedures as appropriate:
a) in accordance with a review or variation of its development plan as set out in Section 12 of the Act; or
b) at any other time by following different prescribed procedures laid out under Section 55 of the Act.
Unlike with a protected structure where the protection extends to the interior of the building, in an ACA only the carrying out of works to the exterior of a structure within the area, which would materially affect the character of the area, will require planning permission.
ACAs allow planning authorities to protect the architectural heritage by controlling and guiding change on a wider scale than individual structures, in order to retain the overall architectural or historical character of an area or place.
372 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if in view of the fact that representatives of a company (details supplied) are seeking information on the battlefield status of the Moore Street area, Dublin, in applying for ministerial consent for work to the 1916 national monument, if he will authorise an independent battlefield site assessment of the Carlton site in line with his undertaking to preserve the 1916 national monument under preservation order no. 1 of 2007. [7717/12]
373 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the expenditure of public funds there has been to date, on the preservation and protection of the 1916 national monument, Moore Street, Dublin, since its designation under section 8 of the National Monuments Act. [7718/12]
374 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views that the national monument at 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin, is in danger of being or is actually being destroyed, or is falling into decay through neglect; the steps he has taken to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7719/12]
380 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding plans to protect and develop 16 Moore Street, Dublin, as an important historical, cultural and tourism landmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7983/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 to 374, inclusive, and 380 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 83 on 31 January 2012. To facilitate consideration of the consent application submitted under the National Monuments Acts in respect of the proposed development of the monument site, the applicant has been asked by my Department, following consultation with the National Museum of Ireland, to, inter alia, examine and report on some wider aspects of the site. I understand that the applicant has engaged a consultant archaeologist to undertake this assessment. Responsibility for the care and maintenance of the monument is the responsibility of the owner and, consequently, no such expenditure has been incurred by my Department. I have from time to time given the owner consent under the National Monuments Acts to undertake essential maintenance works and I am satisfied that there is no immediate risk to the structures of the monument buildings.
375 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7733/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
376 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7816/12]
The information requested by the Deputy (as conveyed to my Department by the relevant bodies), is contained in the table:
|
Name of Body |
Appointments to the board since 9th March 2011 |
Remuneration/Board fees |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Fred Krehbiel |
Not in receipt of fees. |
|
National Concert Hall |
Kieran Tobin (Chair) |
Chair receives €8,978. Fees are not applicable to ordinary members. |
|
Dearbhla Collins |
||
|
John McGrane |
||
|
Laurie Cearr |
||
|
Gina Menzies |
||
|
Bruce Arnold |
||
|
Margaret Ryan |
||
|
Ray Bates |
||
|
Alma Hynes |
||
|
Artemis Kent |
||
|
Deborah Kelleher |
||
|
Peter McEvoy |
||
|
Pat Heneghan |
||
|
Rachel Holstead |
||
|
Patricia Slavin |
||
|
Chester Beatty Library |
Patricia Donlon |
Fee not applicable. |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
John Bowen (Chair) |
Fees not applicable. |
|
Sheila Maguire |
||
|
Noel O’Keefe |
||
|
Úna Feely |
||
|
Jim Corr |
||
|
Tim Brosnan |
||
|
Tim Lucey |
||
|
Arts Council |
Eimear O’Connor |
€5,985 |
|
Ciaran Walsh |
€5,985 |
|
|
Mark O’Regan |
€5,985 |
|
|
John Fanning |
Not in receipt of fee. |
|
|
Heritage Council |
Ciara Breathnach |
Not in receipt of fees. |
|
Kieran O’Conor |
€5,985 |
|
|
Ted Creedon |
€5,985 |
|
|
Catherine Heaney |
€5,985 |
|
|
Fidelma Mullane |
€5,985 |
|
|
Michael Parsons |
€5,985 |
Appointments to North-South Bodies are not made by the Minister but by the North-South Ministerial Council arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from both jurisdictions. However, for the sake of completeness, I can inform the Deputy that 15 appointments were made by the Council in December 2011 to the board of Foras na Gaeilge, and 8 appointments were made to the board of the Ulster-Scots Agency. The fees for board members of these North-South bodies are; Chair —€11,970/Stg£8,140, Vice-Chair —€9,830/Stg£6,690 and Member —€7,695/Stg£5,235.
377 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a decision will issue on an application by the coast guard for a site for a new coast guard station at the new airstrip at Cluain Leacht an Abba near Cleggan, County Galway, in view of the need to ensure the best use of resources and the need for a coast guard station in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7882/12]
While some preliminary discussions have taken place between my Department and the Irish Coast Guard, no formal application has been received in relation to the provision of a site for a new coast guard station. Planning permission has been granted in relation to the provision of terminal buildings at Cluain Leacht an Abba, An Cloigeann, Co. Galway and a new management contract for the airstrip will commence on 1 March 2012. This matter will be discussed further with the management company and with the Irish Coast Guard when the new management arrangements come into effect.
378 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to cessation of turf cutting on certain bogs if he will clarify if he has ring fenced sufficient finance to compensate effected families; if the compensation paid out will reflect the number of households who benefit from the use of the plot of bog seeking to be included in the compensation scheme; if he will clarify whether the right of ownership ceases once an applicant completes and submits compensation form; and the person responsible if any future liability arises on a plot of bog which is included in the compensation scheme. [7962/12]
In April 2011, the Government announced a redress package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, over 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to non-designated bogs, where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. I have ensured that sufficient funding is being made available in 2012 in respect of this scheme.
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme is designed to compensate the owner of the land or turbary rights. I am conscious that there are individuals sharing plots and my Department is giving consideration to this issue at present.
The completion of a Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme application form and its submission to my Department is not legally binding on the applicant.However, those who qualify for and receive compensation will be required to enter into a legal agreement with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This legal agreement will set out the responsibilities and obligations of the owner of the land or turbary right and of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It will also confirm that ownership of the property will not pass to the Minister but will remain in the ownership of the applicant.
379 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the future proposals for Mount Heavey Bog, County Westmeath. [7963/12]
Mount Hevey Bog is situated approximately 4 kilometres north-east of Kinnegad, in the townlands of Cloncrave, White Island, Aghamore, Kilwarden and Kilnagalliagh. The site comprises raised bog, which is listed under Annex I of the European Union Habitats Directive, and has been designated as a special area of conservation (SAC). Mount Hevey Bog is one of 24 raised bog SACs affected, from the end of last year, by the cessation of turf cutting.
In April 2011, the Government announced a redress package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog SACs. The package offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, over 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to non-designated bogs, where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State.
In December 2011 my Department wrote to known owners of land and rights in the 24 SACs in question to inform them of the cessation of turf cutting in these sites and to invite applications for compensation. Advertisements have also been placed in local and national papers. The deadline for the receipt of applications for compensation is the end of February 2012.
Once turf cutting has ended on raised bog SACs, a conservation objective will be drawn up and a draft management plan will be discussed with local land owners for each designated site. These issues will be considered within the wider context of a national strategy on peatland conservation and management.
Qualifying turf cutters on Mount Hevey Bog may avail of the financial payment or, where feasible, relocation. In respect of relocation, my Department is in discussion with several groups of turf cutters from different bogs with a view to reaching satisfactory solutions at a local level. Agreement has been concluded with groups from Clara Bog in County Offaly and from Carrownagappul and Curraghlehanagh SACs in County Galway. These solutions involved turf cutters moving to nearby Bord na Móna bogs to continue turf cutting. My Department is also in discussions as regards relocation possibilities for Mount Hevey Bog.
381 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of bogs for turf cutting in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8042/12]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to peat bogs in County Mayo that have been designated for protection as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 or as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). These are set out in the Table.
The relevant legislation also regulates certain uses of these bogs, including turf extraction. Turf extraction may also be subject to controls under the Planning and Development Acts or require Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licensing, depending on the nature of the activity.
|
Site Name |
Location |
Type of bog |
Type of designation |
|
Carrowmore Lake Complex |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Glenamoy Bog Complex |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Lough Gall Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Owenduff/Nephin Complex |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Slieve Fyagh Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Lough Hoe Bog |
Mayo and Sligo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Bellacorick Bog Complex |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Ox Mountains Bogs |
Mayo and Sligo |
Blanket Bog |
SAC |
|
Bangor Erris Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Ummerantarry Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Croaghmoyle Mountain |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Cunnagher More Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Doogort East Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Ederglen Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Forrew Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Glenturk More Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Inagh Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Lough Greney Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Pollatomish Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Sraheens Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Tawnymackan Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Tristia Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Lough Corrib |
Galway and Mayo |
Raised Bog |
SAC |
|
Tullaghan Bay And Bog |
Mayo |
Blanket Bog |
NHA |
|
Flughany Bog |
Mayo and Sligo |
Raised Bog |
SAC |
|
River Moy |
Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo |
Raised Bog |
SAC |
If the Deputy has a particular query in relation to any other bog not listed in the Table above, I will be glad to make enquiries if he provides the requisite details.
382 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid to any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8266/12]
No payments of the types described by the Deputy are being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from my Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements. No such payment is sanctioned or planned by my Department.
383 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if all commonage framework plans are to be reviewed in 2012 and subsequent years in view of the age of existing plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8407/12]
Staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department are currently co-ordinating a review of the stocking restrictions in all commonage plans prepared to date. This is a joint exercise funded by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The carrying capacity of all commonages will be expressed at Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) level and will prescribe the sustainable carrying capacity in ewe equivalents per hectare. This will reflect any recovery delivered since the original commonage plans were prepared. It is expected that the review will be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2012.
384 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the bounty scheme for mink is in operation or if the details are yet to be finalised as we approach the critical spring period for wildlife and the lambing season. [8416/12]
Wild mink are not protected species under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2010 and they can be controlled by farmers, landowners and others.
I have been concerned for some time at the number of feral mink around the country and especially their effects on ground nesting birds. A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated the population of wild mink in the State could reach a total of between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals. The report identified ground nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species, including red-throated diver, corncrake, grey partridge, waders and terns, from a range of predators, including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these bird species.
I am also aware of the work of the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), which has been actively promoting mink control to its members by providing funding to its regional councils for the purchase of traps for individual clubs.
I decided to provide €20,000 to NARGC towards the payment of a bounty to hunters this year, based on the number of mink that are killed. I consider that this offers a useful addition to the measures already being taken by my Department. While feral mink are found in most parts of the country, I requested that, as far as it is possible, special attention should be given to the counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry, where my Department has also concentrated its efforts. The bounty scheme itself will be operated by the NARGC, with a verification process agreed with my Department.
385 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of pension levy from employees who have left; and the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/12]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department was established in June 2011.
The costs of annual pensions and retirement lump sums paid in respect of staff who retired from my Department and the bodies under its aegis in 2011 and the equivalent estimated costs for the years 2012 to 2015 are set out in the tables below. No severance payments have been made to date or are expected to be made over this period.
At this stage it is not possible to estimate the loss of superannuation contributions or pension levy from retired or departed staff.
|
Year |
Estimated Annual Cost of Pensions of staff retiring by year |
Estimated Cost of Lump Sums |
|
2011 |
€142,000* |
€487,000* |
|
2012 |
€423,000 |
€2,151,000 |
|
2013 |
€119,000 |
€644,000 |
|
2014 |
€123,000 |
€637,000 |
|
2015 |
€194,000 |
€854,000 |
*Actual
|
Year |
Estimated Annual Cost of Pensions of staff retiring by year |
Estimated Cost of Lump Sums |
|
2011 |
€398,000* |
€1,547,000* |
|
2012 |
€524,000 |
€1,509,000 |
|
2013 |
€372,000 |
€974,000 |
|
2014 |
€395,000 |
€1,186,000 |
|
2015 |
€341,000 |
€590,000 |
*Actual
386 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil cinneadh déanta aige ar iarratas le haghaidh áiseann spóirt atá déanta ag scoil dara leibhéal i gContae na Gaillimhe (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [8449/12]
Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn ar dheontas chun áiseanna spóirt a fhorbairt don scoil atá luaite ag an Teachta.
Tar éis an t-iarratas a scrúdú, moladh don iarratasóir athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar scála na forbartha chun an costas a laghdú. Moladh don iarratasóir chomh maith fiosruithe a dhéanamh leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir le cúnamh a fháil don tionscadal. Tá mo Roinnse ag fanacht ar aiseolas ón scoil maidir leis an ngné seo.
I bhfianaise líon na n-iarratas atá ag mo Roinn faoin scéim seo faoi láthair, agus an soláthar laghdaithe airgid atá ar fáil, tá sé ráite leis an iarratasóir nach mbeidh mo Roinn in ann aon deontas a cheadú sa chás seo sa ghearr-thréimhse.
387 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the current moratorium on eel fishing will be lifted or relaxed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8146/12]
Following scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the EU introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation required that all Member States prepare a national Eel Management Plan (EMP). Ireland's plan was approved by the European Commission in July, 2009.
The Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law No. C.S 303, 2009, and Conservation of Eel Fishing (Prohibition On Issue Of Licences) Bye-Law No. 858, 2009 give effect to the National Eel Management Plan and provide for closure of the fishery until June 2012, when the status of stocks will be fully reviewed and reported on to the European Commission.
This review will consider whether the eel fishery could be reopened in any River Basin District in light of the data gathered in the interim and the performance of stocks. The EMP includes a comprehensive programme of monitoring and evaluation of management actions and their implementation. It also includes a programme of scientific eel stock assessment to establish a stock baseline, estimate current silver eel escapement and monitoring the impact of the management actions on the local stocks.
The imperative is to ensure that the vulnerable stocks of eels are protected — currently it would be premature to speculate on the future of the eel fishery and whether it will be open to commercial exploitation.
The status of the European Eel in Ireland was recently defined as critically endangered (Ireland Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish Red Data List, published in 2011). Scientific analysis estimated that 2007 Eel escapement (adults going to sea) was at 23% of pristine stock and declining. Due to the very long cycle and slow growth in Irish waters it is probable that any recovery of the Irish eel stocks will be over a very long time frame.
388 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the fishing seasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8465/12]
I can inform the Deputy that the opening and closing dates for lakes are fixed annually by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on the basis of assessment of demand from anglers and resources to manage those lakes responsibly. Local advice is one of the factors taken into consideration when considering the length of period of the season. In the case of South Kerry, I am informed there has been no change, as compared with last year, in the case of Lough Fadda andBarfinnihy lake, both of which are managed as put and take fisheries.
IFI seeks to ensure that the resource and opportunities are available to recreational and tourist anglers at peak times at a reasonable number of lakes. Over the years the demand in the early part of the season varies and is generally significantly lower than other parts of the year and hence resource management imperatives mean that all lakes do not open at the same time.
IFI, while recognising that there is some off peak demand for the lakes in question, must, in common with all public sector bodies, operate responsibly within overall budgetary constraints. As part of the balance between these constraints and assessed demand, it is necessary to manage the lakes within the resources available and in that context it is not currently in a position to open the lakes referred to by the Deputy any earlier than proposed.
389 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of rural post offices in each county in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7616/12]
Post office network issues are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
390 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are applications for the warmer homes scheme operated by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland made in 2010 by applicants in County Kildare that have not yet been approved or, if approved, have not been carried out; the reason such delays are occurring in County Kildare; if he will indicate the number of cases outstanding in County Kildare from 2010 or earlier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7640/12]
Better Energy: Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty with a total of 20,388 being addressed in 2011. The scheme is managed on behalf of my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage.
In 2010, 1,318 homes were completed in County Kildare, with a further 377 completions in 2011. Of the four homes outstanding since 2010 in Kildare, the SEAI has not been able to make contact with two of the homes, resulting in one cancellation to date.
One further home only proved eligibility in October 2011 and was formally added to the waiting list at that time. The final home has been confirmed as eligible for the scheme and has been scheduled for survey. The SEAI further advises that as of 31 December 2011 there were 216 applicants from County Kildare on the waiting list.
2012 will mark a shift in emphasis on the Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme to take account of the Government's Affordable Energy Strategy, which I launched last November. Heretofore, applicants were considered eligible for retrofit measures if they met defined criteria, such as eligibility for the National Fuel Scheme. All successful applicants were placed on a waiting list and addressed in rotation. The focus in 2012 will shift to addressing those households considered in extreme energy poverty as a priority; such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. This will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first.
391 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7735/12]
Details of the senior management of my Department and their responsibilities are outlined in the table below:
|
Aidan Dunning |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Secretary General |
|||
|
Senior Management Organisation Chart |
|||
|
Katherine Licken |
Michael Manley |
Eamonn Molloy |
Sara White |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Assistant Secretary |
Assistant Secretary |
Deputy Secretary |
|
Communications and Knowledge Society |
Finance, Corporate Services and Natural Resources |
Human Resources, Broadcasting and Postal |
Energy |
|
Kenneth Spratt |
Frank Sheridan |
Patricia Cronin |
Una Nic Giolla Choille |
|
PO |
PO |
PO |
PO |
|
Communications Policy Division |
Exploration and Mining Division |
Human ResourcesDivision/ISD/ Press Office/Postal Division |
Electricity and Gas Regulation Division |
|
Dave Hanley |
Denis Maher |
Éanna Ó Conghaile |
Martin Finucane |
|
PO |
PO |
PO |
PO |
|
Communications Development Division |
Corporate Services, FOI, Trainingand Inland Fisheries |
Broadcasting Policy Division |
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Division |
|
Roger O’Connor |
Ciarán Ó hÓbáin |
Matt Shaw |
Mairead McCabe |
|
Director of Communications |
PO |
Principal Solicitor |
PO |
|
Business and Technology |
Petroleum Affairs Division |
Legal Unit |
Energy Planning — North SouthDivision |
|
Aidan Ryan |
Brian Carroll |
David Brophy |
St. John O’Connor |
|
Telecommunications |
PO |
Legal Advisor |
PO |
|
Advisor/Specialist |
Finance and Corporate Affairs Division |
Legal Unit |
Energy Efficiency and Affordability Division |
|
Patrick O’Connor |
Aoife MacEvilly |
||
|
Assistant Director |
AP (Higher duties) Oil Security and Energy Corporate |
||
|
Geological Survey Ireland |
Governance Division |
||
|
Koen Verbruggen |
Bob Hanna |
||
|
Principal Geologist |
Chief Technical Advisor |
||
|
Geological Survey Ireland |
|||
|
Eibhlín Doyle |
|||
|
Principal Geologist |
|||
|
Exploration and Mining Division |
|||
|
Noel Murphy |
|||
|
Petroleum Exploration Specialist |
|||
|
Petroleum Affairs Division — Technical |
|||
|
Ronan Tierney |
|||
|
Contractor |
|||
|
Head of Internal Audit Unit |
392 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the status of metropolitan area network infrastructure projects in Dunmanway, Bantry, Skibbereen and Kinsale separately; the stage of each project; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that each network is lying dormant since 2005; if he will take this into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7795/12]
The provision and quality of electronic communications services, including broadband, is primarily a matter for private sector service providers, regulated and licensed by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The State is not a service provider in the telecoms market and tends to intervene only in cases of demonstrated market failure.
The Government's investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), is one such case of State intervention in the telecoms market. The aim of the MANs Programme is to provide an open access network to all service providers who wish to provide services in regional and rural towns. These state-of-the-art fibre networks are a long term strategic investment. They significantly enhance the productive capacity of local economies, particularly those that seek to attract companies requiring excellent telecoms infrastructure.
Under the MANs Programme, there were eleven MANs built in County Cork covering 15 towns, including four towns in west Cork — Dunmanway, Bantry, Skibbereen and Kinsale. The MANs are operated and managed on behalf of the State by a Managed Services Entity (MSE), e|net.
The following is the current position in relation to the MANs projects in Dunmanway, Bantry, Skibbereen and Kinsale:
Dunmanway
The Dunmanway MAN was constructed in 2007 and was handed over to e|net in 2010. I have been advised by e|net that the Dunmanway MAN is expected to be live in the next month or so.
Bantry
The Bantry MAN was constructed in 2007 and was handed over to e|net in 2010. The Bantry MAN is already operational, i.e. being used by industry.
Skibbereen
The Skibbereen MAN was constructed in 2007 and was handed over to e|net in 2010. While the Skibbereen MAN is available for use, it does not have any connections. e|net is in discussions with local business representatives with the aim of stimulating demand for MAN based services.
Kinsale
The construction of the Kinsale MAN commenced in 2007. However, construction could not be completed due to the commencement of a local authority drainage project in Kinsale. Work recommenced on the Kinsale MAN in 2009 and the telecoms duct was largely completed in 2009. There is still some work to be done before the MAN can be fully completed and handed over to e|net. I am advised that the Kinsale MAN is due to be completed before the end of 2012.
While some MANs are currently inactive, such MANs are ready to meet the demand for fibre connectivity when that demand arises. It is important to note that the MANs for which e|net is responsible are managed and maintained on an ongoing basis. Even though a MAN may be inactive, it is monitored remotely and inspected regularly by e|net staff.
I must emphasise the long term nature of the MANs investment. While the networks will be available for generations to come, and facilitate digital based business of the future, they may not be used immediately, but they are available and I envisage that greater use will be made of the MANs in the coming years to provide bigger broadband to more businesses and citizens.
393 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7818/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that there are 18 State bodies under the aegis of my Department. Of these there are 15 whose boards are appointed in whole in or in part by the Minister and/or the Government. The table below sets out appointments made by me to State boards since taking up office on the 9th March 2011 and the relevant fee, as determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, for the member appointed.
|
Body |
Appointee |
Board FeeApplicable |
|
An Post |
Mr Donal Connell |
€15,750 |
|
Mr James Wrynn |
€15,750 |
|
|
Mr Paul Henry |
€15,750 |
|
|
Bord na Móna |
Ms Denise Cronin |
€12,600 |
|
EirGrid |
Dr. Gary Healy |
€12,600 |
|
Ms Regina Moran |
€12,600 |
|
|
Mr. Liam O’Halloran |
€12,600 |
|
|
Ms Bride Rosney |
€12,600 |
|
|
Ms Doireann Barry |
€12,600 |
|
|
ESB |
Ms Noreen Wright |
€15,750 |
|
Mr. Seamus Mallon |
€15,750 |
|
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd |
Mr Sean Fitzgerald |
€11,970 |
|
Mr. Vincent Caffrey |
€11,970 |
|
|
Ms Aoife MacEvilly (DCENR) |
No fee applicable |
|
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
Ms Aoife MacEvilly (DCENR) |
No fee applicable |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Ms Julie O’Neill |
€7,695 |
|
Mr. Michael Conlon |
€7,695 |
394 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households accessing the better energy scheme; and the average grant paid for each of the past four years. [7867/12]
395 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of direct and indirect jobs created and sustained by investment in the better energy scheme for each of the past four years. [7868/12]
396 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his assessment of the recent changes to the better energy grants scheme in terms of take-up of grants and jobs sustained. [7869/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 to 396, inclusive, together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers Better Energy on behalf of my Department. As announced in the context of the Budget, the Government has committed significant funding of €76 million to the Better Energy Programme this year. The scheme was launched in March 2009 and since then has paid out over €123m supporting 285,000 measures in approximately 116,000 homes. The Programme will continue to sustain economic activity in 2012, supporting at least 4,500 jobs and realising anticipated energy savings of 340GWh.
Better Energy: Homes is a demand-led programme open to all homeowners of dwellings built before 2006. The funding provision for 2012 allows for a similar number of transactions as in 2011. The final number of homes upgraded this year will however depend on the number of applications received from homeowners and the nature of the measures applied for. Homeowners can apply for any number of measures so long as the minimum grant amount of €400 for the first application is met. Number of homes completed and average grant levels are as laid out as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Homes completed |
Average Grant Amount Per Home |
|
2009 |
18,152 |
€893 |
|
2010 |
45,940 |
€984 |
|
2011 |
48,716 |
€1,183 |
|
2012 ( to date) |
3,719 |
€1,168 |
The estimated number of jobs supported in this labour intensive market since the launch of the scheme in 2009, are summarised as follows:
|
Year |
No of jobs supported (whole of year) |
|
2009 (from March 2009) |
2,390 |
|
2010 |
4,950 |
|
2011 |
4,940 |
The scheme uptake and performance is monitored continuously relative to the objectives set out above and the efficient utilisation of exchequer monies. The recent grant amount changes followed a review of the actual costs incurred by homeowners on the various house types and reflect increased cost competitiveness in this maturing market. It would not be possible to fully assess any impact to demand or jobs as a result of the Budget adjustments, as it is still too soon after the changes to make such a judgement.
397 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will publish the report carried out by senior officials in his Department with officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with advice from NewERA on the proposed sale of a minority stake in the Electricity Supply Board; and his rationale for standing by the sale if it is the considered opinion of his own senior civil servants that such a sale would not be financially beneficial to the taxpayer. [7890/12]
Two Inter-Departmental groups were established in 2011, one to consider the best approach in achieving a part-sale of ESB, including energy policy, regulatory, legal, financial and economic considerations, and a second group to examine other possible disposal candidates in order to inform any further decisions that the Government may wish to make. Both of these groups reported in December, 2011. While these reports have been considered and discussed by relevant Ministers and by the Economic Management Council, they have not yet been considered by the Government as a whole.
I expect that the issue of disposal of State assets will be considered shortly by the Government and full account of the above mentioned reports will be taken in the deliberations of Government. It is not intended to publish either of the reports as they both contain highly sensitive commercial information in relation to the assets in question.
398 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will address the problem of net fishing on the River Nore which is severely reducing the fish stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7065/12]
A licensed snap net fishery operates on the River Nore. This fishery has operated for several hundred years. The snap net fishery is allocated a percentage of the total available catch (available salmon surplus). The division of the total available catch between the snap net fishery and the rod and line fishery is determined after consultation with the District Committee, which includes commercial fishery representatives, salmon rod angling representatives and rated occupier representatives.
In 2011 the total available catch was divided equally between the snap net fishery and the rod and line fishery and 32 snap net licences were issued on the River Nore. The snap nets are only allowed catch a maximum of the total available catch allocated to them. Each salmon caught has to be tagged as per the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations. The snap net fishery is closely monitored by officers of Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure compliance with the Regulations.
399 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if eel fishermen in the Suir estuary will receive compensation following the closure of commercial eel fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7064/12]
The 2007 EU Eel regulation (1100/2007), drafted in response to the endangered status of the European Eel, required EU States, including Ireland, to develop an Eel Management Plan.
Based on the scientific facts available, a recommendation of this plan was that Ireland close both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries in 2008. Bye-laws, Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-law No. C.S. 303, 2009 and Conservation Of Eel Fishing (Prohibition On Issue Of Licences) Bye-law No. 858, 2009, were signed by the then Minister in 2009 prohibiting the capture of eels. There was no provision for compensation for those who previously engaged in this fishery on a commercial basis.
The then Central and Regional Fisheries Boards (now Inland Fisheries Ireland — IFI) engaged with the eel fishermen representatives to investigate possible diversification schemes; however, no specific funding was identified for diversification. I understand that a number of former eel fishermen have been contracted by the ESB to undertake Trap and Transport operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the eel management plan.
In June 2012, the status of eel in Ireland, and across Europe, will be reviewed as part of the reporting requirement for the 2007 EU regulation. This will include a review of the status of the eel stocks nationally and the potential for commercial fishing in the future.
This report will clarify and update the situation for eel fishery in Ireland and it will inform any decision to open the fishery or to keep it closed. In line with the conservation imperative, no eel fishing will be permitted in the interim.
The status of the European Eel in Ireland was recently defined as critically endangered (Ireland Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish Red Data List, published in 2011). Scientific analysis estimated that 2007 Eel escapement (adults going to sea) was at 23% of pristine stock and declining. Due to the very long cycle and slow growth in Irish waters it is probable that any recovery of the Irish eel stocks will be over a very long time frame.
400 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha an raibh comhráite aige le RTÉ maidir leis na ciorruithe atá déanta ag RTÉ ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ar na bealaí craolacháin ar fad atá acu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7898/12]
Bhuail mé le RTÉ ar roinnt ócáidí le bliain anuas maidir le réimse leathan ábhar. Ina measc sin, bhí an aeráid reatha eacnamaíochta agus an tionchar atá aige sin ar RTÉ i dtéarmaí a dheacrachtaí maoinithe. Is craoltóir náisiúnta neamhspleách seirbhíse poiblíí RTÉ ar a bhfuil an sainchúram agus na dualgais a léirítear san Acht Craolacháin 2009. Léiríonn Alt 114 den Acht na príomh cuspóirí ag RTÉ, ina measc an ceanglas go soláthródh sí réimse cuimsitheach clár san dá theanga, Gaeilge agus Béarla, a léireodh éagsúlacht chultúrtha oileán na hÉireann ina iomláine.
Leagtar ar RTÉ ag Alt 102 den Acht go bhfoilseofaí sí Ráiteas Bliantúil i dtaobh Gealltanas Feidhmíochta ar aon dul lena cuid cuspóirí agus na gníomhaíochtaí a bheadh i gceist ag RTÉ gealltanas a thabhairt ina dtaobh san mbliain airgeadais úd san áireamh ann. Leagtar ar RTÉ sa bhreis ar sin ag an Acht go ndéanfaidh Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann athbhreithniú ar RTÉ ar bhonn an Ráitis i dtaobh an Ghealltanais Feidhmíochta arna fhoilsiú aici. Le déanaí fuair mé an Ráiteas i dtaobh Gealltanas Feidhmíochta de chuid RTÉ don mbliain 2012 agus ní hamháin go léiríonn RTÉ ann a tiomantas do chlársceidealú na Gaeilge ach go seasann sí lena tiomantas ann freisin.
Foráiltear faoi Alt 98 go mbeidh RTÉ neamhspleách agus í i mbun a cuid cuspóirí a chur i bhfeidhm, faoi réir ceanglas an Achta, agus uaidh sin níl aon ghnó agamsa, i gcáil dom mar Aire, i mbainistíocht ar chúrsaí RTÉó lá go lá, agus cúrsaí a bhaineann lena cuid craolacháin i leith na Gaeilge san áireamh. I gcáil dom mar Aire, áfach, táim go hiomlán sásta go bhfuil RTÉ ag comhlíonadh a cuid dualgas i leith na Gaeilge, mura bhfuil sí ag dul thairis sin. Rud eile dhe, creidim go bhfuil an reachtaíocht láidir go leor chun féachaint chuige go leanann RTÉ d'athláithriú agus de chur chun cinn na Gaeilge.
401 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will be in a position to supply high speed broadband to an area (details supplied) in County Offaly; if it is envisaged that the existing service will be improved in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8015/12]
Ireland's telecommunications market has been liberalised since 1999 and thus the delivery of all communications services in that market, including broadband services, is a matter for private sector commercial operators, in the first instance. EU State Aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in the market which, as a general rule, prohibits State intervention in areas already served by the open market. The National Broadband Scheme is an example of an approved Government intervention on the basis that it is restricted to providing a basic broadband service in areas of the country un-served by the open market.
Under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide high-speed Next Generation Broadband access to every home and business in the State.
The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce, which I convened last summer, has an important role to play in this regard. The Taskforce, which I chair, also comprises Minister of State, Fergus O'Dowd, T.D., the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services. The purpose of the Taskforce is to discuss and report on policy issues and proposals in relation to the provision of high speed broadband across Ireland.
The Taskforce, and four Working Groups reporting to it, are considering issues such as targets, spectrum policy, private sector investment plans, and the removal of barriers in order to facilitate investment. I expect that the Taskforce will help to identify how best to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband generally and thereby assist in delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government.
The Taskforce will conclude its deliberations shortly. I intend to consider the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the report of the Taskforce and to make a submission to Government in this regard. It is my objective to move quickly thereafter to put in place the optimal policy environment for the delivery of high speed broadband.
402 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the Saorview service which is imposing additional charges on householders is necessary; if householders will be allowed to retain their existing satisfactory service; and if not, the reason therefore. [8126/12]
Broadcasting services which use the radio spectrum are planned at an international level. This is to avoid broadcast services in the different countries interfering with each other. The move from analogue to digital broadcasting is no exception and the planning for this has taken place on a world wide scale.
In Geneva in 2006 a conference was held between the countries of Europe, Asia and Africa to finalise and agree a plan to move from analogue TV to digital TV. The agreement was signed by over 140 countries, including Ireland. The deadline for full implementation of this plan is 2015.
The European Commission Recommendation 2009/848/EC of 28 October 2009, recommends that Member States cease usage of their analogue television networks by the end of 2012. Most EU countries, including Ireland, have committed to meeting this deadline and, as a result, the date for analogue switch off in Ireland has been set as 24 October 2012.
The digital Saorview service has been developed by RTÉ as the replacement ‘free-to-air' television. The service is currently available to 97% of television households and will be available to 98% of television households on the date of Analogue Switch-off. The remaining 2% of television households will be able to access ‘free-to-air' television by way of the satellite-based Saorsat service which RTÉ has developed on its own initiative and is expecting to launch in the coming months.
403 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed outline of his plans for the roll-out of the new pay-as-you-save scheme; the way this new scheme will operate; the level of private sector involvement in this new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8128/12]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to roll out a Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS) energy retrofit scheme for domestic buildings in early 2014. Such a scheme would substitute Exchequer funding currently being provided to the Better Energy Programme.
The PAYS concept is an innovative financing mechanism that would allow consumers to finance upgrades directly through the energy savings generated. It is also envisaged at this time that such a scheme would encourage energy efficiency measures in non-domestic buildings and premises. My Department has established a project team to undertake the necessary technical and financial analysis of a PAYS model in the Irish context and I will bring forward proposals to Government shortly.
There are considerable complexities involved in the development of the PAYS scheme and it is anticipated that a steering group will be charged with the technical, legislative and financial aspects of the scheme design. At this stage, the extent of private sector involvement has not been decided, but the intention is that any scheme design will be subject to comprehensive consultation with stakeholders.
404 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8268/12]
No such payments are being made to persons who have retired from my Department. One member of staff, retiring at end February, who has been the Irish member of the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for over ten years and whose last term of appointment is to expire on 15 June, 2012, will attend the 29th session of the Commission from 8th to 21st April 2012 inclusive. In accordance with the rules for the payment of retired public servants, he will be paid under the "abatement principle" which provides for the abatement of pension for civil service pensioners who are re-employed in the civil service such that the pensioner's total income from pay and pension for the period should not exceed the salary which would be payable had the civil servant not retired. Travel and subsistence costs will also be paid in accordance with standard rates.
405 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8413/12]
I am aware of the report of the SIPTU Oil and Gas Review Group and I welcome its contribution to the wider debate on how best to maximise the benefits to Ireland from the exploration and production of our indigenous oil and gas resources.
There have only been four commercial gas discoveries and no commercial oil discoveries since exploration began offshore Ireland in the early 1970s. As a result the petroleum potential of the Irish offshore is largely unproven and this is likely to remain the case until there is a significant increase in the level of exploration activity and in particular in the number of exploration wells drilled. At this point in time, I believe that the focus should be on attracting a larger share of mobile international exploration investment to Ireland in order to increase the chances of new commercial discoveries being made.
406 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8432/12]
It is not possible to provide the information requested in the timeframe allowed but my Department will provide it directly to the Deputy shortly. This information will cover the years 2008 to date only as it cannot be predicted what, if any, retirements will occur in future years and what associated entitlements will arise.
407 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if further consideration will be given to the request to extend a natural gas supply to a centre (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8472/12]
The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory, independent body, has, since 2002, been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
The CER, in 2006, approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This policy ensures that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. Otherwise uneconomic projects will increase costs for all energy consumers. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
Having regard to CER's new network connections policy, Bord Gáis Networks, and more recently Gaslink, carried out a comprehensive assessment of 39 towns (including Cootehill) not already connected to the national gas network, with detailed economic analysis based on criteria outlined in the policy. The study was published in April 2010 following approval by the CER. The Gaslink report found that 35 towns, including Cootehill, did not qualify for connection on economic grounds.
Nevertheless, Gaslink continues to review the towns which did not qualify for connection under the Study, and other towns, on an ongoing basis. I understand that following a recent review by Gaslink, the CER has recently approved the connection of Cootehill to the national gas network subject to specific contractual commitments for gas usage being entered into. Should Gaslink succeed in securing the requisite contractual commitments, it will enable the connection of the town to the gas network within 12 months.
408 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the commitment contained in the programme for Government to reduce eligibility for the rental accommodation scheme from 18 to six months will be implemented; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7593/12]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 429 of 31st January 2012 which sets out the position in this matter.
409 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, if he is successful in changing co-funding arrangements for EU schemes, the effect this will have on the Leader programme. [8316/12]
The European Commission recently agreed that Member States availing of the Financial Stabilisation mechanism could also avail of an increased EU co-funding rate for the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) in 2012 and 2013. Ireland has chosen to avail of this opportunity and this will result in amendments to the financial plan for Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the RDP for the remainder of the Programme.
Currently, under Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the RDP, funding of 45% provided for by Ireland is matched at a 55% rate from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The new system will facilitate the provision of 15% of Irish funding in 2012 and 2013 with EAFRD funds matching at a rate of 85%. The amount of EAFRD funding available over the lifetime of the Programme will remain the same. The changes will decrease the pressure on the national Exchequer to provide matched funding while still allowing Ireland to draw down the full EAFRD allocation for this programming round. This provides a unique opportunity to accelerate the expenditure under the Programme and it is reflected in the increase in allocation of €34 million made available to LEADER this year bringing the total allocation available in 2012 to €96 million.
The local development companies delivering the Programme are being exhorted to do all they can to ensure that maximum expenditure is achieved both this year and next, thereby maximising the benefit of this opportunity to Ireland.
While the reduced Exchequer contribution will, in effect, reduce the size of Axes 3 and 4 over the lifetime of the Programme, the level of funding remains significant at over €300 million and the Programme will continue to provide access to substantial financial resources to rural communities all over Ireland.
410 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 1 February 2012, in which he stated that there are 35 local development companies contracted to deliver the rural development programme Leader; if he will provide a breakdown of the budgets allocated to each for projects under the Leader programme; the administration budget allocated to each; if he will provide a breakdown of the total spent by each company to date on projects and a breakdown of the total spend by each company on administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/12]
The table details the information requested in the question for each Local Development Company currently contracted to deliver Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP).
|
Local Action Group |
Programme Allocation: Project and Administration |
Administration Allocation: 20% overall allocation |
Administration Spend to date |
Project Spend to date |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
€9,057,810 |
€1,811,562 |
€627,452.92 |
€2,489,877.62 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
€11,673,519 |
€2,334,704 |
€1,045,753.10 |
€3,380,056.02 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
€8,878,177 |
€1,775,635 |
€824,872.60 |
€2,131,126.32 |
|
Cavan Part and County Monaghan Area Part |
€12,035,118 |
€2,407,024 |
€964,624.50 |
€1,733,928.10 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
€14,028,529 |
€2,805,706 |
€910,842.91 |
€3,224,498.00 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
€4,642,415 |
€928,483 |
€430,507.67 |
€882,538.81 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
€12,831,901 |
€2,566,380 |
€914,948.59 |
€2,448,496.58 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
€7,766,780 |
€1,553,356 |
€549,750.46 |
€543,664.92 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
€9,668,965 |
€1,933,793 |
€698,531.77 |
€850,015.49 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
€15,257,985 |
€3,051,597 |
€971,795.38 |
€2,910,798.66 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
€8,286,143 |
€1,657,229 |
€625,581.28 |
€1,794,576.78 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
€10,315,943 |
€2,063,189 |
€721,022.77 |
€2,403,767.60 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
€12,282,448 |
€2,456,490 |
€868,870.54 |
€1,202,802.20 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
€11,523,729 |
€2,304,746 |
€833,182.31 |
€2,657,057.21 |
|
Laois Community and Enterprise Development |
€10,993,608 |
€2,198,722 |
€879,759.20 |
€1,726,360.26 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
€10,845,497 |
€2,169,099 |
€863,729.22 |
€1,799,413.10 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
€8,714,110 |
€1,742,822 |
€529,574.09 |
€1,720,286.30 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
€8,839,815 |
€1,767,963 |
€812,265.71 |
€1,642,010.67 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership |
€10,751,894 |
€2,150,379 |
€820,226.54 |
€2,090,088.07 |
|
Meath Partnership |
€12,748,771 |
€2,549,754 |
€1,105,071.84 |
€2,093,828.37 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta |
€17,278,809 |
€3,455,762 |
€1,314,883.67 |
€2,003,508.11 |
|
North and East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
€10,558,882 |
€2,111,776 |
€849,954.60 |
€882,538.81 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
€9,708,008 |
€1,941,602 |
€744,731.38 |
€2,694,542.57 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
€11,520,489 |
€2,304,098 |
€693,821.89 |
€2,419,636.12 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
€12,838,021 |
€2,567,604 |
€832,371.17 |
€2,286,223.28 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
€10,888,673 |
€2,177,735 |
€659,871.45 |
€3,344,222.85 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
€10,641,494 |
€2,128,299 |
€675,991.95 |
€2,344,385.99 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
€12,370,667 |
€2,474,133 |
€1,128,984.93 |
€1,604,772.27 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited |
€11,106,187 |
€2,221,237 |
€848,247.34 |
€2,286,527.10 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
€12,150,007 |
€2,430,001 |
€766,966.56 |
€3,093,228.74 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
€10,558,519 |
€2,111,704 |
€846,348.29 |
€2,344,291.88 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
€14,601,149 |
€2,920,230 |
€1,047,709.16 |
€2,676,558.38 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
€9,997,751 |
€1,999,550 |
€822,146.32 |
€1,393,937.49 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
€10,987,060 |
€2,197,412 |
€607,057.85 |
€1,207,408.38 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
€12,515,565 |
€2,503,113 |
€850,704.22 |
€2,993,987.78 |
|
County Wicklow Partnership |
€11,135,560 |
€2,227,112 |
€787,274.14 |
€1,651,520.00 |
|
Total |
€399,999,998 |
€80,000,000 |
€29,475,428 |
€74,952,481 |
411 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the guidelines for telecommunications antennae and support structures were last updated; his plans to update same in the near future; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that other EU countries have different guidelines in this area; and if he is fully satisfied that public health is not at risk due to these telecommunication structures. [7554/12]
My Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures in 1996. The guidelines are intended to facilitate planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, the licensed providers of mobile telecommunications services and the public by providing guidance on dealing with these developments within the planning system.
The guidelines set out a locational hierarchy in relation to the siting of radio masts and advise that free-standing masts should only be located within, or in the immediate surrounds of, smaller towns or villages as a last resort. If such a location should become necessary, masts and antennae should be designed and adapted for the specific location. In the vicinity of larger towns and in city suburbs, operators should endeavour to locate in industrial estates or in industrially zoned land. The guidelines further advise that only as a last resort, and if all the alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable, should free-standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools. Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities are required to have regard to any Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions. The Guidelines are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The Guidelines will be kept under review in light of best scientific evidence and technical advice.
My Department is not aware of the differences between Ireland and other EU countries' guidelines in this area. The issue of the potential health effects of mobile phone masts was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This Report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, is available for download on my Department's website (www.environ.ie). The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion to date is that no adverse short or long term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). However, extensive international research on the issue continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organisation.
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the licensing authority for the telecommunications industry, commissions audit reports to verify that its licensed operators are in compliance with their licence conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionising radiation. The detailed measurement results from over 900 transmitter sites surveyed to date have so far shown total compliance. Recorded levels of radio frequency signals are typically measured as being within the range of 0.002% to 2% of the safe exposure levels set by the ICNIRP guidelines. This is lower or comparable to radio frequency exposures from radio and television broadcasts. The location of licensed telecommunications antennae and the results of individual site survey reports can be found on ComReg's website: http://www.askcomreg.ie/mobile/ siteviewer.273.LE.asp.
My Department's current advice to those living in close proximity to mobile masts or base stations, based on the conclusions of the Expert Group, is that there is no scientific basis or evidence of adverse health effects in children or adults as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields below ICNIRP levels. This applies irrespective of the location of the mobile phone mast.
412 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a householder is liable for the household charge when local authority rates are already being paid on the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7562/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. The Act places the household charge under the care and management of the local authorities, and application in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Section 2 of the Act sets out the meaning of "residential property" for the purposes of the Act. In particular, section 2(2)(d) of the Act provides that a building that is wholly used as a dwelling (other than a dwelling that forms part of a mixed hereditament within the meaning of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1978), and in respect of which local authority rates are payable, is not a residential property for the purposes of the household charge. There would be a liability in respect of a residential property that forms part of a mixed hereditament, within the meaning of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1978, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to a waiver.
413 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to deal with the substantial problems faced by residents whose dwellings are part of management companies, in view of the large number of such companies that are insolvent, causing legal problems for owners, combined with the problems of local authorities being unable to offer a level of service if residents request a taking in charge, due to ongoing cutbacks and the recruitment embargo. [7568/12]
My Department has no function in relation to the operation of property management companies. The Multi Unit Developments Act 2011, which falls under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality, regulates the management and operation of such companies.
Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires that where a development for which permission is granted under the planning acts includes the construction of two or more houses and the provision of new roads, open spaces, car parks, sewers, water mains or service connections, and the development has been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the planning permission and any conditions to which the development is subject, the authority shall, where requested by the developer or the majority of house owners, initiate the procedures to take the development in charge.
414 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline on a county basis the number of payments due to community organisations and businesses, grant recipients not suppliers, by Meitheal Forbatha Na Gaeltachta Teo as part of the Leader programme and when these groups and businesses will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7570/12]
415 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current status of the Leader programme in Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7571/12]
455 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a community development related matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8171/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415 and 455 together.
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG), the group contracted by my Department to deliver Axes 3 and 4 (Leader) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Gaeltacht Areas, went into liquidation on 7 September 2011. The group is currently the subject of an ongoing ‘winding up' process and in this context the final figures with regard to number of payments due are not yet fully clarified. My Department is aware of the level of funding committed at various different stages of project life cycles but a series of administrative and financial checks will have to be carried out before payment numbers and amounts can be finalised.
Significant progress is being made in dealing with the issue of determining an alternative delivery mechanism for RDP funding in Gaeltacht areas. All relevant RDP (Leader) project files have been released by the liquidator and are now with officials in my Department. All project promoters will be contacted shortly.
While no final solution has been reached with regard to the delivery of Axes 3 and 4 (Leader) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Gaeltacht Areas a potential solution has been identified. My Department will begin a consultation process with the relevant stakeholders within the next few weeks to determine if this solution is workable. My intention is that any alternative delivery mechanism will be efficient and effective and applied at the earliest possible opportunity. I can assure the Deputy that all relevant stakeholders will be informed as soon as an appropriate solution is finalised.
416 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the delay in providing Traveller-specific group housing for families living in Dunsink Lane; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7588/12]
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, statutory responsibility for the provision of Traveller accommodation rests with the relevant housing authority, in this case Fingal County Council.
In February 2011, following regular discussions and meetings with Fingal County Council, my Department issued approval in principle to the Council for the development of a Traveller Group Housing Scheme at Cappagh Lands, which is intended to provide accommodation for some of the families currently living in the area in question. It is now a matter for the Council to advance the development of this scheme, separately to other proposals by the Council for social housing in the area. From ongoing contact between my Department and the Council, I understand that the Council is endeavouring to advance the provision of suitable accommodation for these families as soon as possible. In addition, my Department provided funding to Dublin City Council in 2011 for the refurbishment of an existing halting site in the Dunsink Lane area.
417 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if capital funding exists for community centres experiencing overcrowding to redevelop or build extensions; the mechanism through which they might apply for any such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7589/12]
Axes 3 and 4 (Leader) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 have significant funding for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. One of the objectives of the RDP is to identify and provide appropriate amenity and leisure facilities to local communities not otherwise available to them. Accordingly, it may be possible to obtain funding for the types of community facilities described in the Question under the RDP.
For the purposes of implementing Axes 3 and 4 of the Rural Development Programme (RDP), the following areas are excluded:
The City Council boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick;
The Borough Council boundaries of Kilkenny, Sligo and Wexford;
The Town Council boundaries of Athlone, Ballina, Castlebar, Cavan, Dundalk, Ennis, Killarney, Letterkenny, Mallow, Monaghan, Mullingar, Tralee, Tuam and Tullamore.
There are 35 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with Departmental operating rules and EU regulations. Contact details for these groups can be found on the website of the National Rural Network at www.nrn.ie.
418 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider an amnesty on the non-principal private residence charge for persons who own only one house but because of their work situation are unable to live in it and to compensate the cost of renting a house near their workplace are financially forced to rent out their own. [7608/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect non-principal private residence charges and late payment fees due to it, and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
My Department is currently engaged with the City and County Managers' Association in the development of guidelines for local authorities in relation to the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the legislation. In particular, this guidance will deal with situations where significant arrears of non-principal private residence charges and late payment fees have arisen and where a person can demonstrate genuine hardship in having to discharge their liability in a single payment. In such cases, the guidelines will set out the modalities for local authorities, exercising their functions under the care and management provisions, including where payment of the outstanding liability in a single payment would result in hardship, entering into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period.
419 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to bring in a deposit on all aluminium cans to discourage littering of these items throughout the countryside; if he has any future plans to improve recycling systems in relation to our manufacturing and the end-of-life use of all non-biodegradable items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7621/12]
Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) classifies items such as aluminium cans as packaging. 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, Ireland's requirement to achieve a 60% recovery rate for packaging waste in 2011 had already been exceeded by 2009, when a recovery rate of 70% was achieved. The material-specific recycling targets of 60% for glass and 50% for metals had also been achieved by 2009, with recycling rates of 76% and 50%, respectively, recorded. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of the overall approach to sustainable waste management. A levy on packaging is one of the possible elements of this waste reduction strategy. A period of initial public consultation on a possible levy on packaging concluded in August 2011. The main issues examined in this consultation included:
The overall views of stakeholders on a packaging levy;
How a packaging levy might operate;
International experiences of similar levies; and
How a possible packaging levy might be structured to best contribute to a reduction in packaging waste.
Following on from this consultation, I intend to commence a full review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) model in Ireland in 2012, which will include a review of the packaging recovery and recycling system. The packaging analysis will build on the initial levy consultation and will examine other relevant issues in the packaging arena, such as deposit and refund. The aim of the review is to identify any changes to PRI policy which are required to ensure that Ireland is in a position to meet more challenging waste recovery and recycling targets in the future in the most cost-effective manner possible.
It is important to note that there are legal requirements in place in relation to the composition and reusable-recoverable nature of packaging. Article 9 of the Packaging Directive provides that packaging may not be placed on the market within the European Union unless it satisfies the provisions of the Directive i.e. it must comply with the essential requirements on the composition and the reusable and recoverable nature of packaging as provided for in Annex II of that Directive. In this regard, Annex II of the Directive explicitly provides that packaging shall be designed, produced and placed on the market in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling and composting.
The essential requirements of packaging are transposed into national law under the provisions of article 28 of, and the Fourth Schedule to, the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007. The regulations provide that a person may not supply packaging or packaged products to the Irish market unless the packaging concerned complies with essential requirements as to its nature and composition. In effect, those essential requirements provide that packaging must be prevented so that only the minimum amount necessary is used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods. Furthermore, packaging must be recoverable — either by means of material recycling, energy recovery, composting or by biodegradation. I continue to encourage the use of recycled material in the manufacturing of new products through the RX3 programme. This programme supports the development of markets for recyclates, identifies new opportunities for waste materials and stimulates business ideas by providing support and advice for the sector. Further information on RX3's work to create markets for recycled materials is available on www.rx3.ie.
420 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will list the ways in which persons may pay the household charge. [7633/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
There is a range of options available for persons to pay the household charge. An online system www.householdcharge.ie is in place in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to enable homeowners to pay the household charge by credit/debit card or in four instalments by direct debit. In addition, homeowners can make payment by cheque, postal order, credit/debit card or in four instalments of €25 by direct debit by completing the relevant payment details on the declaration form and posting it to Household Charge, PO Box 12168, Dublin 1. Instalment payments are available by direct debit only and persons opting to pay in this way must register their details by 1 March, 2012.
A bureau is in place in the LGMA to administer the charge on a shared service-agency basis for all local authorities. In addition, all county-city councils have been requested to have arrangements in place for persons to attend their principal offices to pay the household charge up to 31 March 2012. I am satisfied that there is a comprehensive suite of payment options available to persons with a liability to pay the household charge.
421 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of housing units owned by local authorities here. [7643/12]
422 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of currently vacant housing units owned by local authorities here. [7644/12]
423 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of currently vacant housing units owned by local authorities here which have been vacant for over six months. [7645/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 to 423, inclusive, together.
Data on local authority housing stock are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie and the most recent data published in this regard relate to 2010. As the data relate to units both owned and managed by local authorities they also encompass Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and long term leasing units. At the end of 2010, 1,655 units were reported to the Department as being vacant.
Local Authorities provide information on the proportion of stock that is vacant at the end of each year, and this information is collated and published as part of the annual Service Indicators in Local Authorities Report. The Report also contains data on the average time taken to re-let dwellings. Copies of the 2010 report are available from the Local Government Management Services Board and may be downloaded from their website (www.lgmsb.ie).
424 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of staff employed by each local authority in 2011; the numbers by local authority who have applied for the early retirement scheme; if there are vacancies that are under consideration for replacement; if so, the number of same, the specific role of same and the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7650/12]
Local authorities have been early movers in terms of staff reductions, reducing from 37,243 whole-time equivalents (WTE) in 2008 to 29,744 WTE in December, 2011 a reduction of 7,499 WTE (20%). A breakdown of staff numbers by local authority is provided in Table 1.
Based on the most up to date information, a total of 120 local authority employees have retired in the period 1 January 2012 to 27 January 2012 and a further 739 employees have notified local authorities of their intention to retire in the period 28 January, 2012 to 29 February, 2012 giving a total figure of 859. A breakdown by local authority of the numbers who have retired or notified their intention to do so is provided in Table 2. A breakdown by grade of the numbers that have retired is provided in Table 3.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009. When vacancies arise, public bodies must reallocate staff and/or re-organise work or staff accordingly. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities. Any local authority exceptions to the moratorium require sanction from my Department.
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 moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.
The reduction of staff in local authorities is a net figure, as given the nature of the front line services provided such as fire and emergency services, critical road and water services, beach supervision in summer months and other temporary seasonal services, some sanctions for exceptions to the moratorium need to be, and are, regularly approved. In this regard, my Department has processed some 2,600 such requests since 2009.
In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services and economic issues are given precedence as is the requirement to avoid increases in overall staffing levels. Information in relation to sanction requests under consideration in my Department is set out in Table 4.
|
Local Authority |
No. of Staff (WTE) at December 2011 |
|
Cork City |
1,336.00 |
|
Dublin City |
6,072.35 |
|
Galway City |
438.34 |
|
Limerick City |
465.14 |
|
Waterford City |
367.09 |
|
Carlow |
285.41 |
|
Cavan |
416.30 |
|
Clare |
785.50 |
|
Cork |
2,184.11 |
|
Donegal |
959.14 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
1,063.60 |
|
Fingal |
1,391.90 |
|
Galway |
811.61 |
|
Kerry |
1,165.77 |
|
Kildare |
880.90 |
|
Kilkenny |
529.09 |
|
Laois |
368.88 |
|
Leitrim |
279.13 |
|
Limerick |
656.65 |
|
Longford |
299.94 |
|
Louth |
652.64 |
|
Mayo |
1,061.50 |
|
Meath |
640.64 |
|
Monaghan |
404.69 |
|
Offaly |
399.00 |
|
Roscommon |
461.07 |
|
Sligo |
488.74 |
|
South Dublin |
1,277.60 |
|
Tipperary North |
468.83 |
|
Tipperary South |
632.26 |
|
Waterford |
476.00 |
|
Westmeath |
462.79 |
|
Wexford |
765.76 |
|
Wicklow |
747.05 |
|
LA Total |
29,695.42 |
|
Regional Authorities |
48.7 |
|
Overall Total |
29,744.12 |
|
Numbers of Retirements from 1 January 2012 to 27 January 2012 inclusive |
Numbers of Retirement Notices on hand where the notice of retirement is from 28 January 2012 to 29 February 2012 inclusive |
Total |
|
|
City Councils |
|||
|
Cork |
3 |
24 |
27 |
|
Dublin |
23 |
145 |
168 |
|
Galway |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
19 |
20 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
8 |
11 |
|
County Councils |
0 |
||
|
Carlow |
0 |
7 |
7 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
22 |
24 |
|
Clare |
1 |
20 |
21 |
|
Cork |
2 |
46 |
48 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
37 |
40 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
3 |
18 |
21 |
|
Fingal |
6 |
32 |
38 |
|
Galway |
7 |
23 |
30 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
21 |
22 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
16 |
20 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
14 |
15 |
|
Laois |
3 |
11 |
14 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
10 |
12 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
24 |
32 |
|
Longford |
0 |
9 |
9 |
|
Louth |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
8 |
24 |
32 |
|
Meath |
0 |
16 |
16 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
14 |
15 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
4 |
6 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
South Dublin |
12 |
43 |
55 |
|
Tipperary North |
4 |
13 |
17 |
|
Tipperary South |
2 |
17 |
19 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
15 |
18 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
9 |
12 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
25 |
29 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
21 |
23 |
|
Total |
120 |
739 |
859 |
|
Breakdown by grade of those who have retired from1 January 2012-27 January 2012 inclusive |
|
|
City Councils |
|
|
Cork |
General Operative (1) |
|
Water Production Attendant (1) |
|
|
Park Ranger (1) |
|
|
Dublin |
Administrative Officer (1) |
|
Assistant Community Officer (1) |
|
|
Assistant Staff Officer (1) |
|
|
Building Inspector (1) |
|
|
Clerical Officer (1) |
|
|
Senior Executive Officer (1) |
|
|
Senior Housing Officer (1) |
|
|
Senior Staff Officer (1) |
|
|
Sheltered Housing Liaison Officer (1) |
|
|
Superintendent of Building Works (1) |
|
|
Assistant Foreman (1) |
|
|
Chargehand(1) |
|
|
Firefighter (2) |
|
|
Foreman (2) |
|
|
Painter (1) |
|
|
General Operative (5) |
|
|
Sub Officer (1) |
|
|
Galway |
Clerical Officer (1) |
|
Limerick |
Craftsman (1) |
|
Waterford |
Clerical Officer (1) |
|
Driver (1) |
|
|
City Hall Superintendent (1) |
|
|
County Councils |
|
|
Carlow |
Nil |
|
Cavan |
Craftsman (1) |
|
Driver (1) |
|
|
Clare |
Retained Firefighter (1) |
|
Cork |
Executive Planner (1) |
|
Plumbers Helper (1) |
|
|
Donegal |
Senior Engineer (1) |
|
Senior Staff Officer (1) |
|
|
Multi Skilled (1) |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
Senior Executive Parks Superintendent (1) |
|
Assistant Staff Officer (1) |
|
|
Clerical Officer (1) |
|
|
Fingal |
Administrative Officer (2) |
|
Librarian (1) |
|
|
Senior Librarian (1) |
|
|
Library Attendant (1) |
|
|
Ganger (1) |
|
|
Galway |
Assistant Staff Officer (1) |
|
Branch Librarian (1) |
|
|
Executive Engineer (1) |
|
|
Executive Planner (1) |
|
|
General Operative (1) |
|
|
Craftworkers Mate (1) |
|
|
Chargehand (1) |
|
|
Kerry |
Roads Foreman (1) |
|
Kildare |
Chief Technician (1) |
|
Revenue Collector (1) |
|
|
Settlement Worker (1) |
|
|
General Services Supervisor (1) |
|
|
Kilkenny |
Driver (1) |
|
Laois |
Clerical Officer (2) |
|
Fire Station Officer (1) |
|
|
Leitrim |
County Librarian (1) |
|
Retained Firefighter (1) |
|
|
Limerick |
School Warden (2) |
|
Retained Firefighter (1) |
|
|
Senior Library Assistant (1) |
|
|
Roads Foreman (1) |
|
|
Ganger (1) |
|
|
Craftworkers Mate (1) |
|
|
Waterworks Caretaker Grade Three (1) |
|
|
Longford |
Nil |
|
Louth |
General Services Supervisor (1) |
|
Craftworker (1) |
|
|
Mayo |
Assistant Staff Officer (1) |
|
Foreman (1) |
|
|
Ganger (1) |
|
|
General Operatives (2) |
|
|
Library Driver (1) |
|
|
Waterworks Caretaker Grade Three (2) |
|
|
Meath |
Nil |
|
Monaghan |
General Operative (1) |
|
Offaly |
Foreman (1) |
|
Semi Skilled (1) |
|
|
Roscommon |
Waterworks Caretaker (2) |
|
Sligo |
General Operative (1) |
|
South Dublin |
Staff Officer (2) |
|
Water and Drainage Inspector (1) |
|
|
Driver (1) |
|
|
Ganger (1) |
|
|
Craftworker (2) |
|
|
Wheelie Bin Operative (2) |
|
|
General Operative (2) |
|
|
Park Ranger (1) |
|
|
Tipperary North |
Staff Officer (1) |
|
County Librarian (SEO) (1) |
|
|
Library Officers (2) |
|
|
Tipperary South |
Clerical Officer (1) |
|
General Operative (1) |
|
|
Waterford |
Clerk of Works (1) |
|
Foreman (1) |
|
|
General Operative (1) |
|
|
Westmeath |
Assistant Staff Officer (1) |
|
General Operative (1) |
|
|
Life Guard (1) |
|
|
Wexford |
Drivers (2) |
|
Waterworks Caretaker (1) |
|
|
General Operative (1) |
|
|
Wicklow |
Driver (1) |
|
General Services Supervisor (1) |
|
Local Authority |
Date of Request |
Position |
No. |
Type of contract sought |
|
Carlow Co |
04/10/2011 |
Senior Executive Librarian |
1 |
Acting |
|
Carlow Co |
04/10/2011 |
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Carlow Co |
13/12/2011 |
School Warden |
2 |
Permanent |
|
Cavan Co |
12/01/2012 |
Assistant Foreman -Water Services |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Cavan Co |
18/01/2012 |
Administrative Officer Grade VII |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
18/01/2012 |
Head of HR Project Team Grade VII |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
06/02/2012 |
Water/Wastewater Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Cavan Co |
30/11/2011 |
Assistant Staff Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
01/12/2011 |
Senior Planner |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
01/12/2011 |
Head of IT |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
01/12/2011 |
Museum Curator |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
01/12/2011 |
Senior Staff Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
01/12/2011 |
General Services Supervisors |
2 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
14/12/2011 |
Technician Grade I — Roads Lab |
1 |
Acting |
|
Cavan Co |
20/12/2011 |
Project Co-ordinator |
1 |
Contract |
|
Clare Co |
03/01/2012 |
Sports Facilities Assistant — Part-time |
2 |
Contract |
|
Clare Co |
20/01/2012 |
Retained Firefighter |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Clare Co |
20/01/2012 |
Retained Firefighter |
1 |
Contract |
|
Clare Co |
07/02/2011 |
Marketing Executive |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Clare Co |
01/07/2011 |
Canteen Attendant |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Clare Co |
05/07/2011 |
Caretaker Traveller Accommodation |
1 |
Acting |
|
Clare Co |
27/07/2011 |
Health and Safety Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Clare Co |
02/09/2011 |
Library Attendant |
1 |
Acting |
|
Clare Co |
19/09/2011 |
Foreman |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Clare Co |
24/01/2012 |
Director of Services |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Cork Co |
17/01/2012 |
Chief Veterinary Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Cork Co |
17/01/2012 |
Veterinary Inspector |
1 |
Contract |
|
Donegal CC |
26/10/2011 |
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Donegal CC |
14/11/2011 |
Storeperson |
1 |
Acting |
|
Donegal CC |
13/12/2011 |
Sub Station Officer — Part-time |
1 |
Acting |
|
Donegal CC |
23/12/2011 |
Maintenance Craftsmen — Housing |
4 |
Permanent |
|
Donegal Co |
02/02/2012 |
Tourism Officer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Donegal Co |
03/02/2012 |
Roads Services Supervisor |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Donegal Co |
03/02/2012 |
Seasonal Road Workers |
22 |
Contract |
|
Donegal Co |
03/02/2012 |
Roads Services Supervisor |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Donegal Co |
08/02/2012 |
Water Services Caretaker Grade 5 |
4 |
Contract |
|
Donegal Co |
08/02/2012 |
Water Services Caretaker Grade 5 |
2 |
Contract |
|
Dublin City |
28/11/2011 |
Superintendent of Building Works |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Dublin City |
30/11/2011 |
Director of Dublin Regional Homeless Executive |
1 |
Contract |
|
Dublin City |
23/12/2011 |
Superintendent of Building Works |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Dublin City |
03/01/2012 |
Dangerous Building Inspector |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Dublin City |
12/01/2012 |
Executive Technician — Water |
4 |
Permanent |
|
Dublin City |
12/01/2012 |
Technician Grade 1 — Water |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Dublin City |
12/01/2012 |
Civil Defence Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Dublin City |
12/01/2012 |
Assistant Civil Defence Officer |
2 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
06/09/2011 |
Senior Engineer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
06/09/2011 |
Senior Executive Engineer |
2 |
Contract |
|
Galway City |
07/09/2011 |
Assistant Staff Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
08/09/2011 |
Relief Porter Maintenance Man |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
09/09/2011 |
Senior Executive Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
12/09/2011 |
Craftsman — Electrical |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
22/11/2011 |
Museum Director |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
30/11/2011 |
Customer Services Manager |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
30/11/2011 |
Customer Services Supervisor |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
30/11/2011 |
Customer Services Advisor |
6 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
09/12/2011 |
Stage Technician |
1 |
Contract |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Director of Services |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Rapid Co-ordinator |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Senior Executive Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Senior Executive Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Staff Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Staff Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
09/01/2012 |
Senior Staff Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway City |
31/01/2012 |
Ganger |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
31/01/2012 |
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway City |
31/01/2012 |
Housing Estate Liaison Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway Co |
24/01/2012 |
Caretaker — Beach |
1 |
Contract |
|
Galway Co |
26/01/2012 |
General Services Supervisor |
2 |
Permanent |
|
Galway Co |
27/01/2012 |
Civil Defence Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway Co |
27/01/2012 |
Caretaker — Park |
1 |
Contract |
|
Galway Co |
20/10/2011 |
Senior Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Galway Co |
20/10/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Galway Co |
24/11/2011 |
Head of Information Systems |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway Co |
24/11/2011 |
Head of Information Systems |
1 |
Acting |
|
Galway Co |
13/12/2011 |
Branch Librarian — part-time |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway Co |
20/12/2011 |
Director — West Regional Authority |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Galway Co |
30/12/2011 |
Waterworks Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Kildare Co |
22/07/2011 |
Assistant Chief Fire Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Kildare Co |
14/11/2011 |
Site Technician Level 1 — Roads |
2 |
Contract/Acting |
|
Kildare Co |
14/11/2011 |
Assistant Resident Engineer |
2 |
Contract/Acting |
|
Kildare Co |
14/11/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
2 |
Contract/Acting |
|
Kildare Co |
18/11/2011 |
Senior Architect |
1 |
Acting |
|
Kildare Co |
22/12/2011 |
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Kildare Co |
04/01/2012 |
Project Engineer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Kilkenny Co |
24/01/2012 |
Tea Shop Manager |
1 |
Contract |
|
Kilkenny Co |
24/01/2012 |
Tea Shop Assistants |
4 |
Contract |
|
Kilkenny Co |
24/01/2012 |
Driver B/Plant Operator |
20 |
Contract |
|
Kilkenny Co |
24/01/2012 |
Lifeguards |
14 |
Contract |
|
Kilkenny Co |
24/01/2012 |
Student Litter Pickers |
24 |
Contract |
|
Kilkenny Co |
27/01/2012 |
Roads Maintenance Ganger |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Laois Co |
11/01/2012 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Acting |
|
Laois Co |
11/01/2012 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade III |
2 |
Acting |
|
Laois Co |
11/01/2012 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Acting |
|
Laois Co |
11/01/2012 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Acting |
|
Laois Co |
18/01/2012 |
Assistant Chief Fire Officer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Laois Co |
20/01/2012 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
28/02/2011 |
Staff Officer — Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
28/02/2011 |
Senior Staff Officer — Grade VI |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
20/09/2011 |
Assistant Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Limerick City |
01/11/2011 |
Senior Planner |
1 |
Acting |
|
Limerick City |
14/11/2011 |
Environmental Inspector |
1 |
Contract |
|
Limerick City |
02/12/2011 |
Assistant Supervisor — Cemeteries |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
02/12/2011 |
Assistant Supervisor — Housing Dept |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
02/12/2011 |
Foreman — Water Services |
3 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
02/12/2011 |
Superintendent — Housing Dept |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
02/12/2011 |
Superintendent — Street Cleaning |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
02/12/2011 |
Superintendent — Roads Dept |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick City |
09/12/2011 |
Head of IT |
1 |
Acting |
|
Limerick City |
09/12/2011 |
Head of Finance |
1 |
Acting |
|
Limerick Co |
05/01/2012 |
Foreman — Road Maintenance |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick Co |
13/01/2012 |
Water Services Caretaker Grade 3 |
3 |
Contract |
|
Limerick Co |
18/01/2012 |
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Limerick Co |
19/01/2012 |
General Operative — Landfill |
2 |
Contract |
|
Limerick Co |
01/02/2012 |
Director of Services |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Limerick Co |
02/02/2012 |
Debt Management Staff |
3 |
Permanent |
|
Longford CC |
15/09/2011 |
Archivist |
1 |
Contract |
|
Longford CC |
23/09/2011 |
Sports Co-ordinator |
1 |
Contract |
|
Longford CC |
22/11/2011 |
Craftsman — Road Works |
1 |
Acting |
|
Longford CC |
22/11/2011 |
Senior Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Longford CC |
22/11/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Longford Co |
08/02/2012 |
Housing Liaison Officer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Louth Co |
06/02/2012 |
Networking for Peace Officer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Mayo Co |
08/11/2011 |
Senior Executive Officer |
1 |
Acting |
|
Mayo Co |
15/12/2011 |
Revenue Collector |
1 |
Acting |
|
Mayo Co |
16/12/2011 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade III |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Mayo Co |
16/12/2011 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade III |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Mayo Co |
21/12/2011 |
Waterworks Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Mayo Co |
17/01/2012 |
General Services Supervisors |
2 |
Permanent |
|
Mayo Co |
18/01/2012 |
Senior Executive Officer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Mayo Co |
31/01/2012 |
Lifeguards |
24 |
Contract |
|
Mayo Co |
01/02/2012 |
Water Services Caretaker Grade 5 |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Mayo Co |
10/02/2012 |
Lifeguard and Swimming Teacher |
3 |
Contract |
|
Meath Co |
26/05/2011 |
Mechanical Fitter |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
19/09/2011 |
Water Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
28/09/2011 |
Fitter/ Mechanic |
3 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
25/10/2011 |
Assistant Staff Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
17/01/2012 |
Water/Wastewater Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
17/01/2012 |
Assistant Staff Officer Grade IV |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
24/01/2012 |
Settlement Outreach Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
26/01/2012 |
Assistant Staff Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
26/01/2012 |
Library Caretaker |
1 |
Contract |
|
Meath Co |
13/02/2012 |
School Warden |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Meath Co |
28/09/2011 |
Fitter Foreman/Supervisor |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Monaghan Co |
09/11/2011 |
Dog Warden |
1 |
Contract |
|
Monaghan Co |
25/11/2011 |
Sports Inclusion Disability Officer |
1 |
Contract |
|
North Tipp |
29/11/2011 |
General Services Supervisors |
1 |
Acting |
|
North Tipp |
15/12/2011 |
Waterworks Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
North Tipp |
15/12/2011 |
Waterworks Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Permanent |
|
North Tipp |
15/12/2011 |
Technician — Civil Engineering |
1 |
Contract |
|
North Tipp |
16/12/2011 |
Re-settlement Worker |
1 |
Contract |
|
North Tipp |
22/12/2011 |
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Offaly CC |
21/12/2011 |
Senior Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Offaly CC |
21/12/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
3 |
Contract |
|
Offaly CC |
21/12/2011 |
Assistant Resident Engineer |
2 |
Contract |
|
Roscommon CC |
11/10/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Roscommon CC |
11/10/2011 |
Senior Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Roscommon CC |
11/10/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Roscommon CC |
11/10/2011 |
Assistant Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Roscommon CC |
28/11/2011 |
Administrative Officer (RAS) |
1 |
Acting |
|
Roscommon CC |
12/12/2011 |
Lorry Driver (Driver B) |
1 |
Acting |
|
Sligo Co |
28/11/2011 |
General Services Supervisors |
1 |
Acting |
|
Sligo Co |
09/12/2011 |
Building Superintendent |
1 |
Acting |
|
Sligo Co |
09/01/2012 |
Foreman — Housing |
1 |
Acting |
|
South Tipp |
14/12/2011 |
Retained Firefighter |
1 |
Permanent |
|
South Tipp |
14/12/2011 |
Clerk of Work |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Waterford Co |
14/06/2011 |
Clerk of Work |
2 |
Contract |
|
Waterford Co |
14/06/2011 |
Resident Engineer |
1 |
Contract |
|
Waterford Co |
27/01/2012 |
Resident Engineer (Civil) |
1 |
Contract |
|
Waterford Co |
27/01/2012 |
Clerk of Works |
1 |
Contract |
|
Westmeath Co |
01/02/2012 |
Water and Sewerage Caretaker Grade V |
1 |
Contract |
|
Westmeath Co |
01/02/2012 |
Swimming Pool Manager |
1 |
Contract |
|
Wicklow Co |
06/02/2012 |
Retained Firefighter |
3 |
Permanent |
|
Wicklow Co |
06/02/2012 |
Town Overseer |
1 |
Permanent |
|
Total |
319 |
425 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funds collected by local authorities under the development contribution scheme continue to have a restriction whereby only money collected in any given year may be spent in that year; if so, how that will impact on the ability of local authorities to fund the local contribution of new capital works; if any of these funds are at risk of being refunded on the basis of time limits for carrying out works; the amounts that are held by local authority and the years of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7661/12]
In February 2009, my Department set out details of the financial requirements for local authorities relating to their overall management of capital and current accounts. These requirements flow directly from the requirement for Government finances as a whole to be managed in accordance with the Stability and Growth Pact established under the Maastricht Treaty, and the associated limitation on budget deficits. The Government set a limit of €200m for the contribution of the local government sector to the deterioration in the General Government Balance (GGB) in any one year. This is not a new requirement. However, the downturn in the economy and substantial pressures on Government funding generally require a sharp focus in all sectors, including local authorities, to ensure effective control and management of public finances.
In order to stay within the overall GGB limits, it is necessary for local authorities to maintain both their current and capital accounts broadly in balance. The only restriction on local authorities is that, in aggregate, capital income equals capital expenditure in the year. Balance is only required at an overall level and this allows considerable scope for authorities to draw on their existing capital reserves as an element of their overall investment programme. The precise manner in which capital and current accounts are managed in order to achieve the overall balance necessary is a matter for individual local authorities themselves. However, within these overall limits, there is additional capacity for non-mortgage borrowing and the expenditure of capital balances on hand by local authorities. Subject to the maintenance of balanced current and capital accounts, and allowing for the repayment of existing borrowings, up to €250m in new loan finance and expenditure of capital balances on hand can be made available to the local government sector annually to fund capital investment in necessary infrastructure projects. The process of prioritising applications for such projects for 2012 is under way and my Department is being guided by local authorities in respect of the most critical projects requiring funding at this time.
While I appreciate that these GGB requirements impose limitations on local authorities, there are considerable funding constraints at all levels of Government. It is a matter for every local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources within the GGB limits as set out. The latest year for which we have complete audited information is 2009. The overall Development Contributions balance, comprising both cash and debtors, at the 31 December 2009, is some €962 million. The funds involved are being released over time as projects progress to completion. Development contributions are refundable in respect of special contributions imposed under section 48(2)(c) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. Section 48(12) of the Act sets out the relevant refund provisions.
426 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7738/12]
Information in respect of the organisational structure and associated Heads of Business Units of my Department is available at www.environ.ie/en/AboutUs/OrganisationalStructure/.
427 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason there is a need to include your PPS number while paying the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7794/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under section 5(1) of the Act, the owner of a residential property, who on a liability date, is liable to pay a household charge to a relevant local authority, or who is entitled to a waiver from payment of a household charge under section 4(4), must make and provide to the relevant local authority a declaration stating that he or she is so liable or so entitled, as the case may be. Under section 5(2) of the Act, the declaration must, in the case of a person who is liable to pay a household charge, be accompanied by payment of the household charge in respect of the property concerned.
Article 5(2) of the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 requires a household charge declaration to contain information, including the personal public service number of the person who, in the case of an individual, is the owner of the property, or the tax reference number of a company which is the owner of the property. These numbers are required for identification purposes, particularly in the context of owners of residential property with similar names located in close proximity.
428 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 424 of 24 January 2012, if, under the Building Regulations 1997 to 2011, one front entrance and no back entrance to a house is considered adequate provision, as specified in part M/TGD M. [7811/12]
Part M of the Building Regulations, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M (TGD M), aim to ensure that, among other things, new dwellings are visitable regardless of age, size or disability. Section 3 of TGD M 2010 outlines how current minimum requirements in respect of access and use may be achieved in practice by a new dwelling. A new dwelling having only one entrance which has been constructed in accordance with Section 3.2 of TGD M 2010 and which has an approach route constructed in accordance with Section 3.1 of TGD M 2010, would be considered as having made adequate provision. Accessibility requirements apply to the main entrance to the dwelling and there is nothing in the Building Regulations to require any additional accessible entrance to be provided.
429 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7821/12]
The information requested is outlined in the following table:
|
Agency/Board |
Name of Appointee |
Remuneration |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson) |
PPC Rate €189,474 and the Non PPC Rate €180,000 * |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Ms Mary MacMahon |
Ordinary Board Members —€116,935 and the Non PPC Rate €111,214 * |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Conall Boland |
Ordinary Board Members —€116,935 and the Non PPC Rate €111,214 * |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board (BRAB) |
Mr. Aidan O’Connor (Departmental representative) |
Nil |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board (BRAB) |
Mr. Paul Kelly |
Nil |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board (BRAB) |
Mr. Conor Taaffe |
Nil |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Mr. Michael Morley (Chairperson) |
€8,978.00 |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Mr. Des Gunning |
€5,985.00 |
|
EPA |
Ms Laura Burke (Director General) |
Salary Scale Director General PPC: €164,464; Non-PPC: €156,240 * |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms Breda Collins (Chairperson) |
€8,978.00 |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. John Considine |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Michael Cuddihy |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Tom Doyle |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Brendan McGrath |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Paul Murphy |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Seamus O’Neill |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Martin O’Sullivan |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms Anne Ryan |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms Lola O’Sullivan |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Christy McDonagh |
Nil |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Tim O’Sullivan (Departmental representative) |
Nil |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Rich Howlin (Chairperson) |
€11,970.00 |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. John O’Connor |
Nil |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Eddie Lewis (Departmental representative) |
Nil |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Ms Marie McLaughlin |
Nil |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Peter Carey |
Nil |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Ms Ann McGuinness |
€7,695.00 |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
Nil |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
Mr. Tom Coughlan |
Nil |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Professor William Reville (Chairperson) |
€11,970.00 |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Paraic James |
Nil |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald |
€7,695.00 |
* New reduced rate of remuneration.
All appointments are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering applications due regard is had to Government policy regarding gender balance on State Boards. A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent of the Minister for Finance or following consultation with the Minister for Finance or Minister for Education and Skills, as appropriate.
The Boards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Bord Pleanála are executive in nature and members are employed on a full time salaried basis. The appointments as Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála and Director General of the EPA were made after competitions held by the Public Appointments Service. The Board Members of the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) have been re-appointed on an interim basis pending enactment of legislation in respect of the HSCA.
The following members were appointed to the Board of Pobal, a not for profit company under the aegis of my Department, by Government, and do not receive fees:
Mr. Séamus Boland (Chair)
Mr. Thomas Maguire
Mr. Liam Keane
Ms Siobhan McLoughlin
Ms Jennifer McHugh
Mrs. Mari Hurley
430 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason persons living in private housing estates who already pay for services such as roads by way of estate management company charges must also pay the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7837/12]
The EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland commits the Government to the introduction of a property tax for 2012. The Programme reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services. In light of the complex issues involved, a property tax, requiring a comprehensive property valuation system, would take time to introduce and accordingly, to meet the requirements in the EU-IMF Programme, the Government introduced the household charge in 2012. The household charge is an interim measure and proposals for a full property tax will be considered by the Government in due course.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. Revenues from the household charge will support the provision of local services. Internationally, local services are administered by local authorities and financed by local service charges. In Ireland, local authorities are responsible for, among other services, public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting. These facilities benefit everyone.
431 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the household tax database was not put out to tender in accordance with departmental procedures. [7840/12]
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The householdcharge.ie website is a modification of the website that is being used for the charge on non-principal private residences charge (NPPR). The NPPR website was procured through e-tenders.ie. The LGMA own the intellectual property for the purposes of the NPPR website and this was used in the context of the household charge website.
432 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the conditions of an An Bord Pleanála planning decision are not met and the development is in the hands of a liquidator, on whom does the local planning enforcement office enforce the conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7843/12]
433 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the conditions of an An Bord Pleanála planning decision are not met and the development is in the hands of a receiver, on whom does the local planning enforcement office enforce the conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7844/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
The developer of, for example, a residential estate is statutorily required to complete the development in accordance with the terms of the planning permission. A development which has not been completed in accordance with the planning permission is unauthorised development. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authority, which can take action where a development requiring planning permission has not obtained this permission or where permission has not been complied with.
Planning authorities have substantial enforcement powers under the Planning and Development Act 2000. A planning authority may issue an enforcement notice, non-compliance with which is an offence, in connection with unauthorised development (which includes failure to comply with planning conditions) requiring such steps as the authority considers necessary to be taken within a specified period. If an enforcement notice is not complied with the planning authority may itself take the specified steps and recover the expense incurred in doing so. A planning authority may also seek a court order requiring any particular action to be taken or not to be taken. The Planning Acts also place clear statutory obligations on planning authorities in relation to unauthorised development.
A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). The planning authority must then carry out an investigation and where it establishes following such an investigation that unauthorised development (other than development that is of a trivial or minor nature) has been or is being carried out, and the person who has carried out or is carrying out the development has not proceeded to remedy the position, the planning authority must issue an enforcement notice or make an application for a court order unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so.
The 2000 Planning Act also contains other relevant provisions in relation to the completion of housing estates:
Sections 34(4)(g) and 180(2)(b) of the Act provide that a planning authority may attach a condition to a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a development, and, if the development is not subsequently completed satisfactorily, may apply the security to that satisfactory completion.
Section 160 of the Act provides that a planning authority may apply to the Circuit Court or the High Court for an order requiring that a development be carried out in accordance with the permission.
Accordingly, planning authorities have very substantial powers to compel the completion of housing estates by developers in accordance with the terms of the planning permission.
Section 180 of the 2000 Planning Act provided that where estates have not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority and enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period, the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the residents of the estate, initiate the procedures for taking the estate in charge. A further provision has been added in the 2010 Act to provide that a planning authority may take in charge an unfinished estate, at the request of the owners of the housing units, at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have commenced or where the planning authority consider that enforcement action will not result in the satisfactory completion of the estate by the developer. Planning authorities have also been empowered to take in charge part of an estate or some, but not all, of the facilities in an estate. The decision as to whether to take an estate is taken in charge is ultimately one for the elected members of a local authority.
Legislation and issues arising in the context of company law are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. However, in general the liquidation of a company is the process under which assets are collected and disposed of and the resulting proceeds are applied, if there are sufficient funds, in discharging the company's liabilities. The balance, if any, which remains after paying the costs and expenses of a liquidation is distributed among the members of the company according to their rights and interests or as set out in the company's constitutional documents.
434 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an organisation (details supplied) is eligible for lotto funding, funding from the homelessness budget, funding from the community budget or any other funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7855/12]
My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin action to address homelessness at a local or regional level. Section 10 funding provided by my Department in this context relates to the recoupment of 90% of approved expenditure by housing authorities on accommodation for homeless persons, with the balance being funded from housing authorities' own resources. The HSE has responsibility for funding in relation to health and care services for homeless persons. There are no alternative current funding streams available for accommodation or operational issues relating to this service available from my Department.
Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the Management Group of the Homelessness Consultative Forum may make recommendations to housing authorities regarding services to address homelessness and funding for such services, taking into account the financial resources that are available or are likely to be available. I have no direct involvement with individual services or operational matters on the ground. Any potential Section 10 funding for this service is a matter for the Dublin Regional Homeless Consultative Forum which covers the four Dublin local authorities.
435 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to a recent application (details supplied) for a foreshore licence, the number of submissions that were received in the public consultation period; the duration that he intends to deliberate on this application; and when he expects to make a decision. [7875/12]
Almost 700 individual submissions and 4,100 petitions were received by my Department in respect of the Providence Resources foreshore licence application during the public consultation period that ended on 2 February 2012. It is intended to publish the submissions on my Department's website as soon as possible.
The licence application will be the subject of an environmental assessment by the scientific and technical advisors on the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC). Their assessment will involve a detailed examination of the application, related information and issues raised in submissions received from the public and prescribed bodies, and the applicant's responses to those issues. I expect that the environmental assessment will consider potential impacts on European sites, sensitive species, other legitimate uses within the area the subject of the application, and navigation issues.
I will make a determination on the application in due course taking account of the recommendation of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department.
436 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has any proposals to enure that patients in long-term nursing care, even if they entered such care after 1 January 2011, will not have to pay the household charge in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7876/12]
454 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the household charge is applicable to persons who have been in nursing home care for less than 12 months; the number liable for the tax under this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8165/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 454 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
There are a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge under the legislation. In particular, section 4(2) of the Act provides an exemption from liability to pay the household charge for the year in which that liability date falls if, on that date, the owner of a residential property, which was that person's main or sole residence, is not residing in that property by reason of his or her having had to vacate the property due to long term mental or physical infirmity and that person is residing in another property that he/she does not own.
Section 4(6) of the Act defines the meaning of "long term mental or physical infirmity" as that which required the person to vacate the property in which he/she had been dwelling for a continuous period of more than 12 months and provides that such an infirmity must be certified by a registered medical practitioner.
437 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a new sewerage scheme for Adare, County Limerick. [7916/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Limerick. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €29 million in County Limerick during the period of the Programme. However, the Adare Sewerage Scheme was not amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion in the current Programme.
The Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Limerick County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.
Progress under the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 was reviewed last year and through this process, consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by local authorities for addition to the Programme. Limerick County Council included some works on the Adare Sewerage Scheme, with an estimated cost of €240,000, in their review but it was determined that the funding requirements would fall into the Small Schemes category of the Rural Water Programme and therefore was not added to the current Water Services Investment Programme.
Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual schemes for advancement and funding under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocations provided, is therefore a matter for individual local authorities which in this case is Limerick County Council.
438 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will be given to a grant (details suppled); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7959/12]
I refer to the reply to question 146 of 25 January 2012, which sets out the position in this matter. I am not in a position to consider any additional funding for the type of project referred to until such time as the DG Competition decision is received.
439 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Foreshore Act 1933 in relation to the awarding of foreshore leases and licences in order that all applicants for a foreshore licence or lease must provide site notices and provide copies of the application to the appropriate local authority for public viewing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7964/12]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 369 and 372 of 19 July 2011, outlining the position, which is unchanged, in regard to public notice of foreshore lease and licence applications.
440 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) is not included in the list of sites on which houses are exempt from the household charge due to being unfinished estates. [7969/12]
447 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the residents of an estate (details supplied) in County Galway have not been granted a waiver in respect of the household charge given that the estate is very obviously unfinished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8140/12]
459 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the criteria for deciding which housing estates are exempt from the household charge in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8227/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 440, 447 and 459 together.
As part of the process of preparing the National Housing Development Survey 2011, published by my Department in October 2011, local authorities provided details of all unfinished housing developments in their areas. Unfinished housing developments were divided into four categories as follows:
Category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;
Category two, where a receiver has been appointed;
Category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and
Category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.
Other relevant factors for the purposes of the categorisation process include, inter alia:
the state of completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting facilities, piped water and sewerage facilities and open spaces or similar amenities within the development;
the extent to which the development complies with the terms of applicable planning permission;
the extent to which it complies with the provisions of the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;
the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 as they pertain to dangerous places and dangerous structures within the meaning of the Act;
the extent to which facilities within the development have been taken in charge by the local authority concerned; and
where there is an agreement regarding the maintenance of such facilities, the extent to which this agreement has been complied with.
In some cases a local authority may have found that conditions in respect of a certain phase of a development were relatively good and that, for example, no serious public safety issues could be identified. This phase of the development may have been categorised under category 1 or 2. Conversely, safety issues may have been identified in another phase of the same overall development, or development in that second phase may have been abandoned altogether, implying a category 3 or 4 identification for that phase. This categorisation formed the basis for the list of those unfinished developments eligible for a waiver on the annual household charge.
Only households in developments in categories three and four are eligible for the waiver from payment of the household charge. The list of developments in which households are eligible for the waiver in 2012 is set out under the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 and forms the complete list of such developments for this year. A revised list of estates will be prescribed for 2013 after which time the waiver for unfinished housing developments will end. Throughout this period it is anticipated that the numbers of categories 3 and 4 developments will decrease as my Department continues to work with local authorities and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues, including through the Public Safety Initiative.
441 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the discretion EirGrid has at its disposal to move a line carrying a pole a short distance if the relocation would benefit local residents and have no detrimental effect on any other local resident and if An Bord Pleanála were to sanction the permission, or if this discretion for relocation is curtailed. [7974/12]
I have no function in relation to the matter raised. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
442 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the regulations under which the Greyhound waste group operates its services in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7981/12]
Waste collection in Ireland is subject to compliance with applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, primarily the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, and conditions attached to each waste collector's collection permit issued by the relevant local authority under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, as amended. Waste collection in individual local authority areas may also be subject to local bye-laws. These requirements apply regardless of the location of a waste collector's corporate headquarters.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would 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 concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. As one might expect, a consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie.
My Department is currently undertaking a regulatory impact analysis to examine the costs, benefits and other impacts of options for change, and to inform how best to regulate the household waste collection market. My overall policy objective is to improve the functioning of waste management in this country. I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in relation to household waste collection to Government by Easter this year.
443 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action a community association must take in order to request that its estate be taken in charge by a local authority, either through a plebiscite or other means. [8043/12]
Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 applies to estates which have been granted planning permission and include the construction of two or more houses (which as defined in the Act includes apartments) and the provision of new roads, open spaces, car parks, sewers, watermains or drains. In relation to estates which have been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the permission, section 180 provides that the planning authority must if requested to do so by the developer or by the majority of the qualified electors who are owners of the houses involved, initiate the procedures in section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 for declaring the road(s) to be public roads, for whose maintenance the local authority will then be responsible.
Section 11 of the Roads Act empowers a local authority to, by order, declare any road over which a public right of way exists to be a public road. Before making an order the local authority must be satisfied the road is of general public utility, consider the financial implications of taking the road in charge and consult with the public/consider any objections received. The consideration of the objections and the making of the order declaring the road to be a public road is a reserved function, so that the decision whether to take the road in charge is ultimately one for the discretion of the elected members.
In relation to estates which have not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority and enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period section 180 also provides that the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the owners, initiate the procedures in section 11 of the Roads Act. However, in this case the section provides that the provision in section 11 of the Roads Act requiring the authority to consider the financial implications of taking the road in charge shall be disregarded. Section 180 also provides that where a planning authority, in complying with section 180, makes an order under section 11 of the Roads Act, it must also take in charge any open spaces, car parks, sewers, watermains, or drains within the attendant grounds of the development.
Section 180 was amended in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to provide that a planning authority may take in charge an unfinished estate, at the request of the owners of the housing units, at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have commenced or where the planning authority consider that enforcement action will not result in the satisfactory completion of the estate by the developer. Planning authorities have also been empowered to take in charge part of an estate or some, but not all, of the facilities in an estate.
444 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are plans to abolish town councils (details supplied) under the local government reform plan. [8050/12]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 144 of 9 February 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.
445 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the ESB will have to pay for the use of water for the purpose of the production of hydroelectricity based on the reasoned opinion received from the European Commission in November 2011; the reply sent to the Union regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8121/12]
446 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Waterways Ireland will have to pay for the abstraction of water for use in the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and other man-made waterways as a result of the reasoned opinion from the European Union in November 2011; the reply sent by him regarding same to the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8122/12]
466 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has replied to the reasoned opinion of the EU Commission of 24 November 2011, on the matter of the water framework directive within two months, as requested by the Commission; the details of the reply; if he will lay the reply before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8300/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 445, 446 and 466 together.
A Reasoned Opinion from the European Commission in relation to the interpretation of the definition of water services under the water framework directive was received in November 2011, with a request for reply by 29 January 2012. My Department sought, and has been granted, an extension of the date for reply to 29 March 2012, in view of the complexity of the issue. This matter is also the subject of Reasoned Opinions issued to at least 5 other Member States.
In relation to the question of payment for the use of water for purposes such as hydropower or inland navigation, Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive provides Member States with some discretion on the application of the cost recovery principle. For example, Member States may have regard to the social, environmental and economic effects of the recovery, as well as the geographic and climatic conditions of the region affected.
My Department is considering its response to the Reasoned Opinion in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. It would not be appropriate or normal procedure to lay the terms of the eventual reply before the Houses of the Oireachtas; the matter is likely to be subject to further communication between the Commission and the Irish authorities.
Question No. 447 answered with Question No. 440.
448 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current number employed by Kildare County Council broken down by grade; and if they are indoor or outdoor staff. [8150/12]
My Department gathers information on the numbers employed in local authorities on a quarterly basis. The breakdown for Kildare County Council according to its quarterly return for December 2011 is provided in the table:
|
Post |
Whole Time Equivalent |
|
Managerial |
6.00 |
|
Clerical/Administrative |
332.00 |
|
Professional/Technical |
157.00 |
|
Outdoor |
314.00 |
|
Contract posts |
40.00 |
|
Other |
31.9 |
|
Total |
880.9 |
449 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the Bandon sewage scheme, County Cork; when he expects the project works to commence; the expected timetable for its completion; if he will confirm that funding will be provided by him to complete the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8152/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €230 million in the county during the period of the Programme.
Contracts for both a wastewater treatment plant upgrade and network for the Bandon Sewerage Scheme Phase 2 are included as contracts to start during the life of the Programme.
In October 2011 my Department approved the revised Design Brief submitted by Cork County Council for the appointment of a Consultant to prepare a Preliminary Report for the upgrade of the Bandon Wastewater Treatment Plant.
I approved funding to allow Cork County Council award the contract for the network element of the scheme on 10 February 2012. The Council can now complete the contract formalities with the successful tenderer with a view to commencing work on the contract as soon as possible.
450 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Castletownbere sewage scheme, County Cork; when the project works will commence; the expected timetable for its completion, if he will confirm that funding will be provided by him to complete the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8156/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Cork. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €230 million in the county during the period of the Programme.
The Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme is included in the Programme as a scheme to advance through planning during the life of the Programme. My Department is awaiting the submission by Cork County Council of a revised Preliminary Report for the scheme.
451 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure the continued funding for the Fettercairn and Killinarden estate management projects, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8157/12]
As part of the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and the 2012 estimates process, difficult decisions have had to be taken in relation to prioritising funding for core services in all programme areas. The provisional funding estimate to support my Department's mainstreamed drugs projects under the Housing programme budget 2012 was €100,000.
Two of 5 drugs projects mainstreamed to my Department's Housing programme were the Tallaght Fettercairn and Killinarden Estate Management Projects. In 2011, funding was provided through South Dublin County Council for these projects and the Council had been informed that it would not be possible for my Department to continue funding these projects beyond 31 March 2012.
A consultation process has commenced between the projects, the relevant local authorities and other bodies to explore alternative funding mechanisms for the mainstreamed drugs projects for 2012 and beyond. My Department also met officials from South Dublin County Council with regard to broader public funding for relevant projects and asked them to consider the potential for the estate management projects to be reconfigured in line with the Council's housing management role. Following difficulties identified by the Council, the projects and other funding partners in ensuring that projects have sufficient time to identify alternative streams of funding and/or to undertake a reconfiguration of project tasks and priorities, my Department has agreed to provide additional pro rata funding to support the projects for the second quarter of 2012, i.e. to 30 June 2012, through a transfer of a further €100,000 from within the provisional Housing programme estimate for 2012.
This funding is being provided strictly on a once off basis and on the clear understanding that it represents an extension of the transitional arrangement only, thereby providing projects with sufficient time to undertake a fully comprehensive consultation to identify future alternative funding mechanisms. It will be a matter for all the public funding bodies, as part of the consultation process, to identify resources to deliver on the overall objectives of the reconfigured projects beyond end June 2012.
Furthermore, in the context of a public funding provision of €260 million for drugs programmes across all Departments and agencies in 2011, my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy is currently undertaking a review of the structures that underpin the National Drugs Strategy at local, regional and national level, including how the current funding structures can be improved or streamlined, particularly in relation to local and regional drugs task forces.
452 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of notices to quit, broken down by council, served in relation to rent arrears in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the levels of arrears in these instances; the numbers of these notices to quit that have led to summonses and the number of evictions that resulted; for those households evicted the tracking that is done and if it is known if any of those households became homeless. [8162/12]
My Department has since 2008 collected data on rent arrears, calculated by the total monetary amounts and not by individual persons or households, owing to local authorities. The data are supplied in a tabular format below. However my Department does not collect data on notices to quit related to those rent arrears.
Data in respect of 2011 are not yet available.
|
Local Authorities |
Rent arrears at date specified |
||
|
County Councils |
1st Jan 2008 |
1st Jan 2009 |
1st Jan 2010 |
|
Carlow |
84,873 |
109,471 |
160,989 |
|
Cavan1 |
0 |
214,556 |
350,000 |
|
Clare |
375,379 |
363,279 |
655,272 |
|
Cork North |
11,238 |
14,772 |
69,385 |
|
Cork South |
391,776 |
397,744 |
550,648 |
|
Cork West |
210,491 |
134,063 |
123,691 |
|
Donegal |
803,777 |
789,230 |
813,395 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
1,410,295 |
2,162,803 |
2,556,128 |
|
Fingal |
797,918 |
787,066 |
918,236 |
|
Galway |
549,116 |
526,352 |
722,076 |
|
Kerry |
234,710 |
418,520 |
358,375 |
|
Kildare |
863,458 |
896,353 |
1,182,098 |
|
Kilkenny |
431,555 |
435,078 |
480,123 |
|
Laois |
433,205 |
315,346 |
327,097 |
|
Leitrim |
113,177 |
89,067 |
143,012 |
|
Limerick1 |
0 |
442,504 |
472,028 |
|
Longford1 |
0 |
400,275 |
608,991 |
|
Louth |
90,060 |
168,595 |
444,192 |
|
Mayo |
1,022,451 |
921,180 |
900,257 |
|
Meath |
640,766 |
473,250 |
838,962 |
|
Monaghan |
72,748 |
70,222 |
54,889 |
|
North Tipperary |
27,222 |
20,803 |
71,759 |
|
Offaly |
278,932 |
276,969 |
290,896 |
|
Roscommon |
380,884 |
370,022 |
712,154 |
|
Sligo |
220,504 |
123,418 |
373,314 |
|
South Dublin |
127,613 |
5,384,977 |
5,430,994 |
|
South Tipperary |
168,869 |
84,964 |
254,778 |
|
Waterford |
127,613 |
135,404 |
183,596 |
|
Westmeath |
297,438 |
604,557 |
723,675 |
|
Wexford |
657,534 |
675,753 |
152,062 |
|
Wicklow |
289,913 |
365,289 |
275,811 |
|
Total (1) |
11,113,517 |
16,912,251 |
21,198,883 |
|
City Councils |
|||
|
Cork |
1,428,656 |
1,558,922 |
1,796,483 |
|
Dublin |
14,272,333 |
13,939,639 |
19,526,762 |
|
Galway |
1,342,782 |
1,567,429 |
2,235,764 |
|
Limerick |
770,987 |
737,000 |
647,029 |
|
Waterford |
627,790 |
786,367 |
1,122,119 |
|
Total (2) |
18,442,548 |
18,589,357 |
25,328,157 |
|
Rent arrears at date specified |
|||
|
Town Councils |
1st Jan 2008 |
1st Jan 2009 |
1st Jan 2010 |
|
Arklow |
66,899 |
57,843 |
73,401 |
|
Athlone |
132,946 |
132,946 |
134,447 |
|
Athy |
52,908 |
608,577 |
78,408 |
|
Ballina |
156,344 |
135,342 |
88,962 |
|
Ballinasloe |
24,069 |
31,343 |
27,765 |
|
Birr |
9,629 |
5,932 |
17,345 |
|
Bray |
81,737 |
109,950 |
144,724 |
|
Buncrana |
21,433 |
38,769 |
71,616 |
|
Bundoran |
7,279 |
8,586 |
5,412 |
|
Carlow1 |
0 |
20,268 |
10,070 |
|
Carrickmacross |
2,968 |
7,204 |
13,158 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
31,155 |
40,522 |
93,060 |
|
Cashel |
26,325 |
11,294 |
14,459 |
|
Castlebar |
24,791 |
19,037 |
14,826 |
|
Castleblaney |
5,483 |
9,210 |
7,888 |
|
Cavan |
231,005 |
241,787 |
277,907 |
|
Clonakilty1 |
0 |
46,874 |
52,899 |
|
Clones |
5,490 |
8,943 |
17,179 |
|
Clonmel |
23,687 |
46,962 |
88,729 |
|
Cobh |
40,292 |
46,184 |
71,581 |
|
Drogheda1 |
0 |
340,156 |
545,520 |
|
Dundalk |
359,079 |
372,057 |
354,287 |
|
Dungarvan |
154,584 |
114,083 |
112,444 |
|
Ennis |
46,486 |
33,720 |
54,938 |
|
Enniscorthy |
131,646 |
125,037 |
152,062 |
|
Fermoy |
21,890 |
21,098 |
58,152 |
|
Kells2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny2 |
136,058 |
131,850 |
0 |
|
Killarney |
9,650 |
8,721 |
9,019 |
|
Kilrush |
21,803 |
19,873 |
19,370 |
|
Kinsale |
49,776 |
46,420 |
46,388 |
|
Letterkenny |
39,012 |
37,825 |
45,373 |
|
Listowel |
24,126 |
29,035 |
40,704 |
|
Longford |
200,000 |
130,483 |
136,073 |
|
Macroom |
3,955 |
3,732 |
1,843 |
|
Mallow |
30,665 |
49,476 |
38,884 |
|
Midleton |
26,586 |
18,282 |
33,459 |
|
Monaghan |
64,419 |
54,460 |
57,318 |
|
Naas |
35,176 |
90,066 |
105,490 |
|
Navan2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Nenagh |
9,252 |
13,538 |
28,456 |
|
New Ross1 |
0 |
42,346 |
29,899 |
|
Skibbereen |
21,311 |
19,945 |
21,000 |
|
Sligo |
188,342 |
219,839 |
271,358 |
|
Templemore |
2,264 |
14,388 |
0 |
|
Thurles |
38,663 |
28,366 |
25,001 |
|
Tipperary |
18,216 |
2,000 |
18,222 |
|
Tralee |
232,562 |
249,877 |
290,398 |
|
Trim2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tullamore |
225,178 |
278,839 |
286,000 |
|
Westport3 |
0 |
0 |
16,339 |
|
Wexford |
236,181 |
199,520 |
205,715 |
|
Wicklow |
26,489 |
11,916 |
715 |
|
Youghal3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total (3) |
3,297,810 |
4,025,998 |
4,308,260 |
|
Totals (1+2+3) |
32,853,875 |
39,527,605 |
50,835,300 |
12008 data not available.
2Included in county return.
3Not available.
453 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding property owners who have leased their properties to the local authority under the rental accommodation scheme; if these property owners are liable for the household charge and the non-principal private residence charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8163/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge and that Act also amended the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 which provides the legislative basis for the charge on non-principal private residences. The 2011 Act has ceased the exemption from payment of the non-principal private residences charge in respect of properties in the rental accommodation scheme with effect from 1 January, 2012. Such properties are also liable to the household charge, unless otherwise entitled to an exemption or a waiver.
456 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount that has been granted to pensioners in County Meath for home improvements under the scheme of housing aid for older people for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8176/12]
My Department's involvement with the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. The grant schemes, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to determine how the funding is apportioned between the various grant measures.
Details of recoupments to Meath County Council under each of the various grant measures for the period 2009 to date are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability |
Housing Aid for Older People |
Mobility Aids Grant |
|
2009 |
€47,125 |
€227,666 |
€10,160 |
|
2010 |
€962,725 |
€199,101 |
€309,497 |
|
2011 |
€741,758 |
€395,919 |
€47,263 |
|
2012 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Allocations under the grant schemes for this year will be notified to local authorities as soon as possible after the publication of the 2012 Revised Estimates for Public Services. Information on the status of applicants, including information relating to those in receipt of pensions, is not available in my Department.
457 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons on housing waiting lists in each local authority in the State; on average the number of persons applying to be on the housing list every month; if this trend in increasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8188/12]
My Department does not hold information on the number of households on local authorities' waiting lists. This figure continuously fluctuates as households are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. Detailed information on the latest statutory assessment of housing need carried out in March 2011, including a breakdown by housing authority, is available on my Department's website —www.environ.ie or on the Housing Agency’s website at www.housing.ie.
458 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the improvement project of the Kilmallock town, County Limerick sewerage scheme. [8204/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Limerick. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €29 million in the county during the life of the Programme.
The Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme, wastewater treatment plant (Design Build Operate) contract is included among the contracts to start during the period of the Programme at an estimated cost of €3.4 million. Limerick County Council's recent request for confirmation that the necessary funding is in place to allow them accept the most economically advantageous tender for the contract is under examination in my Department. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.
460 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that the memorandum of understanding with the IMF-EU states that the Government will conduct a study on the economic impact of eliminating the cap on the size of retail premises with a view to enhancing competition and lowering prices for consumers and discuss implementation of its policy implications with the commission service, if any legislation is planned to effect these changes in planning laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8236/12]
The draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning which issued for public consultation on 21 November 2011 are aimed at:
ensuring that the planning system plays a key role in supporting competitiveness in the retail sector;
advancing choice for the consumer while promoting and supporting the vitality and viability of city and town centres; and
contributing to a high standard of urban design and encouraging a greater use of sustainable transport.
In response to the requirement in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland for an economic analysis of the potential impact on competition and consumer prices of eliminating or relaxing the floorspace cap on retail premises, my Department and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation commissioned Forfás to undertake an evidence-based and focused study to analyse the potential economic impacts of eliminating the cap on the size of retail premises. The draft Guidelines take into account the recommendations of the Forfás Study Review of the Economic Impact of the Retail Cap which is published on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie. Public consultation period closed on 20 December 2011 and a total of 102 submissions are now being considered for purposes of finalising the Guidelines.
461 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is possible for a householder in an area in which waste collection services are provided by a private company and not by the local authority to contract any waste service provider to collect their bins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8250/12]
472 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is bringing in new legislation as outlined under the programme for Government 2011 to allow for competitive tendering for local waste collection services where the tenderer will bid to provide services in an entire local authority area; the timeline for introducing this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8500/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 472 together.
Currently, very few local authorities directly provide household waste collection services. In many areas, a number of private sector waste collectors offer competing services to householders, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation. Householders in such areas are free to choose from among the competing service providers.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would 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 concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. As one might expect, a consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie.
My Department is currently undertaking a regulatory impact analysis to examine the costs, benefits and other impacts of options for change, and to inform how best to regulate the household waste collection market. My overall policy objective is to improve the functioning of waste management in this country. I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in relation to household waste collection to Government by Easter this year.
462 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is planning to include hardship cases among the waivers for the household charge; if he will direct the interdepartmental group to look at this for the property tax also; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8254/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect household charges and late payment penalties due to it and all charges and late payment penalties imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
I have recently established an inter-Departmental expert Group to design an equitable property tax having regard to its terms of reference. This Group has been asked to report to me by end April, 2012. I will then bring proposals to Government for decisions on the structure and modalities of the property tax.
463 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has been briefed by Dublin City Council on the exact works that are being carried out at the Priory Hall complex, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8259/12]
Dublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which are at issue in relation to Priory Hall. I have no direct role in relation to enforcement activity, or in relation to the remedial works which have been undertaken to date in the complex in question, or which continue to be necessary. Notwithstanding the above, my Department is being kept informed by Dublin City Council of developments in relation to the matter.
The legal proceedings in relation to the Priory Hall complex are continuing.
464 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are only four members at present of An Bord Pleanála, when there should be nine, and as few as two members may make a decision which means that major projects as well as individual persons planning issues could potentially be dealt with by only two persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8261/12]
The statutory process of filling a number of the current vacancies on the Board is now underway and I expect to be in a position to make appointments shortly. When appointing new Board members I will be taking account of the balance of skill sets and expertise required for the effective discharge of An Bord Pleanála's complex and wide ranging functions. Under section 108 of the Planning and Development Acts 2010, the reduced quorum of two Board members may not adjudicate on strategic infrastructure cases.
465 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8271/12]
No such payments are being made by my Department to any former public servant who has retired from my Department and no such payments are anticipated to be made to any officials due to retire in the near future.
In 2010 eleven retired civil servants in receipt of civil service pensions were re-engaged by my Department on a fee basis at a total cost of €55,415. The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applied to all such payments made. The tasks carried out included time bound tasks or projects such as membership of expert groups, occasional service on interview boards, value for money reviews and process audits.
Information relating to 2011 will be available following the finalisation of the Appropriation Accounts which are currently being compiled. Any re-engagement of former civil servants by my Department would have been on the same basis as outlined above.
467 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has made a case for Ireland, within the two months as requested, as to the continued exemption of entirely private water sources in rural Ireland such as wells and rainwater run-off tanks from his water metering plans; his views on the matter and his stance on the metering of private wells and of rain water run-off tanks and drains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8301/12]
468 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has proposed, as part of his response, to tier his well and rainwater metering charges in proportion to the ambient participation annually experienced in different parts of the country; if he has made a case in Europe for lower charges in areas of higher rainfall in view of the evidently lesser extractive impact of any wells and rainwater run-off tanks in those areas and with reference to the long term data gathered and held by the European Environmental Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8302/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.
The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB also contains commitments for the reform of water services delivery and operation and the introduction of domestic water charges. To meet these commitments, the Government intends initiating a water metering programme for households on public water supplies in advance of the introduction of water charges.
The Government is proposing to establish an independent economic regulator for water within the Commission for Energy Regulation and the approach to be taken in relation to setting the level of charges for water services will be determined in consultation with the Regulator.
The Government is not proposing to install meters or to apply charges in respect of private wells or rainwater run-off tanks. The position regarding Ireland's response to the European Commission's Reasoned Opinion on our legal interpretation of the definition of water services provided for in the Water Framework Directive is set out in my response to Questions Nos. 445, 446 and 466 on today's Order Paper.
469 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider an exemption to original offshore islanders who have an additional home on the mainland from the household charges. [8308/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. I have no plans to provide an exemption along the lines suggested.
470 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department: the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8435/12]
The information requested in relation to officers who have retired from my Department from 2008 to date is outlined in the table below.
The details in respect of future retirements from my Department up to 2015 are not available. However, a further 26 staff members have applied to retire before 29 February 2012 and their applications are currently being processed.
Figures in relation to the loss of the pension levy from employees who have retired from my Department and the loss of superannuation payments from retired staff of my Department are not available.
|
Year |
Lump Sum |
Pension |
|
2008 |
€2,011,995.96 |
€642,974.66 |
|
2009 |
€4,410,356.51 |
€2,600,945.64 |
|
2010 |
€3,210,242.05 |
€1,064,973.70 |
|
2011 |
€3,205,169.87 |
€696,736.96 |
|
2012 |
€460,751.69 |
€80,321.38 |
*Public Service Pension Reduction is not included.
471 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support the issues raised regarding the household charge. [8475/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
Citizens and residents of the State are bound by the laws of the State which are enacted by the Oireachtas. This is underscored by the Constitution of Ireland. There is no validity in the suggestion put forward that a person can opt out of a law of the State by not consenting to it. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is required to make a declaration of liability and to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The Act further provides for offences where a person contravenes these statutory requirements.
473 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify those parental, or other, rights that currently extend to both partners in a same sex relationship when one is the biological parent of the child and one is not. [7976/12]
The Guardianship of Children Acts 1964 to 1997 set out who may have parental responsibility for a child. The position is that the married mother and father of a child are jointly guardians of the child. In relation to a child born outside marriage, the mother is sole guardian unless she and the father make a statutory declaration appointing him joint guardian of the child, or the father obtains a court order appointing him guardian of the child. Guardianship entitles a parent to make important decisions regarding a child's upbringing, for example, deciding on the child's religion, education, medical treatment and where he/she lives. Both parents are responsible for maintaining the child, and a father may apply for custody of or access to his child, whether or not he is the child's guardian.
Where a child's parent is in a relationship with another person, whether of the same sex or of the opposite sex, that other person has no parental responsibility for the child under the law as it stands. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions numbers 390, 397 and 411 of 7 February 2012 in which I said:
“The Programme for Government includes a commitment to amend the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 to address any anomalies or omissions, including those relating to children. In this regard, the Law Reform Commission has made detailed recommendations in its Report on the Legal Aspects of Family Relationships. In particular, the Commission recommends that legislative provisions be introduced to facilitate the extension of guardianship (parental responsibility) to civil partners and step-parents either by agreement with the other parties who have parental responsibility for the child or by application to court. The Commission’s recommendations are under consideration in my Department with a view to preparing legislative proposals.”
474 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the conditions for the granting of visas to investors from abroad who may wish to reside here. [8242/12]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question 498 of 31 January 2012. The position remains unchanged.
I would direct the Deputy to my press release on Government approval for the two immigration programmes for investors and entrepreneurs. This press release outlines the available information on the programmes and may be viewed on my Department’s web-pages. The specific application procedures including application forms, other supporting documentation and other requirements of the programmes are currently being drafted and will made available at the formal launch in March.
475 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who were imprisoned here for each year from 2008 to 2011, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7598/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. Figures are taken from the Annual Reports for the Irish Prison Service.
|
Year |
Total Persons committed |
|
2008 |
7,140 |
|
2009 |
9,371 |
|
2010 |
10,877 |
|
2011* |
11,285 |
*The 2011 figure is provisional pending the publication of the Irish Prison Service Annual Report.
There has been a consistent increase in the total prisoner population in Ireland over recent years. The problem of prison overcrowding therefore remains a challenging issue which unfortunately cannot be resolved overnight.
I share the view of the Thornton Hall Review Group that decisive action is required on a number of fronts in order to address the problem of overcrowding and poor physical conditions particularly in Mountjoy and Cork Prisons. Whilst the reduced capital envelope for this year will not allow the Prison Service to proceed with the construction of Thornton Hall or Kilworth prisons, this does not signal a reversal of the Government's decision last year to approve in principle the recommendations contained in the Thornton Hall Review Group Report. It has been necessary to defer the commencement of these projects but it is my strong intention to revisit the timeframe for their delivery later this year.
I am also continuing to pursue alternatives to custody and progress is being made. The Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 requires the sentencing judge to consider the imposition of community service where a custodial sentence of 12 months or less is being considered. A number of key recommendations contained in the Thornton Hall Review Group Report are also receiving priority attention in my Department and many are in the process of being implemented, most notably the introduction of an incentivised scheme for earned temporary release under which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered early temporary release in return for supervised community service. In this regard, a six month pilot project commenced in October 2011 in which it is envisaged that a total of 130 prisoners will participate.
The Fines Act 2010 introduced measures to prevent the automatic imprisonment of fine defaulters. I intend to bring forward new legislative proposals to introduce a system of "attachment orders" allowing a small amount of money to be taken from wages or social welfare facilitating the payment of the debt or fine over time. The concept of restorative justice also has a place in the range of non-custodial options which are available for use by the courts. The Deputy can be assured that my focus is to encourage the use of such options to the greatest extent possible.
476 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who were imprisoned here for each year from 2008 to 2011, inclusive, for the non-payment of fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7599/12]
A breakdown of the number of persons imprisoned for non-payment of fines for each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of Persons |
|
2008 |
2,344 |
|
2009 |
4,350 |
|
2010 |
5,995 |
|
2011* |
6,725 |
*The 2011 figures are provisional pending the publication of the Irish Prison Service Annual Report.
I can advise the Deputy that the number of such persons held in custody at any one time is a tiny fraction of the overall prisoner population. To illustrate this point, on 13 February, 2012 there were 22 persons or 0.5 percent of the numbers in prison custody that fell into this category.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Fines Act 2010 includes a number of provisions designed to minimise the level of fine default and where it does occur, to ensure, as far as possible, that fine defaulters are not committed to prison. In particular, under Section 14 of the Act, the court must consider the financial circumstances of the person before the amount of the fine is determined. There are also provisions in the Act, that I intend to commence in 2012, allowing for the payment of fines by instalments; the appointment of receivers to recover outstanding fines (or property to the value of those fines); and the substitution of community service orders for fines, where they remain unpaid after the receiver has completed his or her work.
I am also committed to pursuing alternatives to custody. The Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 commenced on 1 October last and requires judges when considering imposing a sentence of imprisonment of 12 months or less to first consider the appropriateness of community service as an alternative to imprisonment. I expect that these measures, taken together, will all but eliminate the need to commit persons to prison for non-payment of fines.
477 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount it costs the Exchequer on annual basis for a person to remain in prison for a full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7600/12]
The Deputy may wish to note that the average cost of an available staffed prison space is published annually in the Irish Prison Service Annual Report. The most recent figures are contained in the 2010 Annual Report which is available on the Prison Service's website www.irishprisons.ie.
The average cost of an available staffed prison space during the calendar year 2010 was €70,513 (€77,222 in 2009), a decrease on the 2009 cost of €6,709 or 8.7%. The decrease in average cost is attributed to the following two factors:
a decrease in total costs of €20.7 million,
an increase in bed capacity of 97 from 4,106 as at 31st December 2009 to an average bed capacity of 4,203 for 2010.
Consistent with calculations in previous years, costs which are not under the direct control of the Irish Prison Service have been excluded. Therefore, the teachers' salary costs are excluded from this exercise as these costs are not provided for under the Prisons budget allocation. Similarly, capital expenditure, including building/equipment assets and small works, is excluded from the calculations in the interest of facilitating comparison between prison types.
478 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if provisions are available to commit to extra resources for community gardaí in areas (details supplied), in view of increases in burglaries; if no extra provisions are available the plans in place to counteract the increase in localised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7632/12]
The allocation of Garda resources in any particular location is a matter for Garda management. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Whitehall Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of an increase in the number of burglaries recorded in the area.
The area is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, Garda Bike Unit and local Detective and Drug Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Local Garda management has directed that additional patrols take place in the area, including the deployment of members of the Community Policing Unit, to prevent, deter and investigate these crimes. A Community Garda is allocated specifically to the area concerned and attends meetings with local residents to address any issues raised.
Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. I am further informed that this situation is being kept under review.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that an initiative was commenced in January 2010 by Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region, in response to an increase in the number of burglary incidents recorded across the Garda divisions comprising the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). The main objective of this initiative is, primarily but not exclusively, targeting those suspected of committing burglaries and the investigation and detection of such incidents, with particular emphasis on the DMR North, South and West Garda Divisions. An Inspector is tasked with the day-to-day running of the initiative, monitoring of crime trends and coordination of resources.
479 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding applications for certificates of naturalisation in respect of a persons (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7641/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 179 on 9th February, 2012. The position remains as stated.
Reply to Parliamentary Question 179 of 9th February, 2012
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications for certificates of naturalisation were received from the persons referred to by the Deputy in September 2011 and May 2010 respectively.
The application from the first named person is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether he meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. The application from the second-named person is at an advanced stage of processing and she will be informed of my decision in due course.
I can inform the Deputy that good progress is being made towards eliminating the backlog of standard cases awaiting a decision for more than 6 months and it is my expectation that this objective will be achieved by late May 2012.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
480 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí employed at the end of 2011 by region; the grades in which they were employed; the numbers who have applied under the early retirement scheme by location and grade; the minimum number of gardaí deemed necessary for the security of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7652/12]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí by rank and Regions, on the 31 December 2011, was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
A/Comm |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Gda |
|
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
1 |
7 |
22 |
98 |
527 |
3,555 |
|
Northern Region |
1 |
3 |
18 |
26 |
219 |
1,155 |
|
South Eastern Region |
0 |
4 |
15 |
21 |
175 |
1,027 |
|
Eastern Region |
0 |
4 |
14 |
29 |
212 |
1,259 |
|
Southern Region |
0 |
4 |
18 |
39 |
322 |
1,874 |
|
Western Region |
1 |
3 |
22 |
22 |
208 |
1,242 |
Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the force prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served for at least 30 years and they have reached 50 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the Force on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served at least 30 years and have reached 55 years of age. In both cases members must retire once they reach 60 years of age.
Members of An Garda Síochána who are over 50 years of age and do not have 30 years service may also avail of a cost neutral early retirement (C.N.E.R.) scheme. Their pension and lumps sums are actuarially reduced depending on their length of service and age at the time of retirement.
Almost all Gardaí take voluntary retirement i.e. they leave before the compulsory retirement age of 60 years of age, rather than early retirement. In 2010 there were 353 voluntary retirements, 9 compulsory retirements and 1 CNER, and in 2011 there 428 voluntary retirements, 8 compulsory retirements and 2 CNER's.
Public servants, including Gardaí, who retire on or before 29 February 2012 will receive pension benefits based on their salary scales applicable on 31 December 2009 andthey, like others presently in receipt of public service pensions, will pay a Public Service Pension Reduction (P.S.P.R.) on their pensions thereafter. This reduction is a scaled percentage of their actual pension. Public servants, including Gardaí, who retire after 29 February will receive pension benefits based on their then current salary scales (as already affected by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009) but they will not pay the Public Service Pension Reduction on their pensions.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that since 1 January 2010, 3 members have availed of the CNER scheme, namely a Garda in Charlestown, a Sergeant in Clara and Sergeant in Garda Headquarters.
There is no mathematical formula for determining the optimum strength of the Garda Síochána, or indeed any police force. Instead, it is a matter of Government policy, taking into account all the relevant factors such as population and the crime rate, as well of course as the availability of resources.
481 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be made on applications for naturalisation in respect of persons (details supplied). [7663/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications for a certificate of naturalisation were received from the persons referred to by the Deputy in July, 2009.
The applications are currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
482 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when join-spouse and join-parent visas will be issued in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7669/12]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa applications referred to have been approved.
Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
483 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider introducing legislation to reduce receivership and liquidation professional fees; his views that adequate incentive structures are in place for receivers and liquidators expeditiously to achieve liquidity for a maximum number of creditors and thereby reduce the cost of professional fees; if he agrees the lack of fee regulation for receivers and liquidators is unjustly enriching professional firms to the detriment of unsecured creditors and other creditors further down the preferential chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7696/12]
I will contact the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.
484 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7743/12]
The table sets out the information sought by the Deputy in respect of my Department. Further information is available on the Department's website at www.justice.ie.
|
Table |
|
|
Secretary General |
Minister’s Constituency Office |
|
Minister’s Private Office |
|
|
Press Office |
|
|
Secretary General’s Office |
|
|
Cosc |
|
|
Director General |
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) |
|
Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) |
|
|
Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
EU Presidency and International Policy |
|
Assistant Secretary (Vacancy) |
Civil Law Reform |
|
Assistant Secretary (Vacancy) |
Courts Policy |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Equality Division |
|
Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
Garda Division |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Criminal Law Reform |
|
Prisons and Probation Policy |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
Anti-Human Trafficking |
|
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit |
|
|
Crime Divisions |
|
|
Irish Youth Justice Service (Community Programmes) |
|
|
Mutual Assistance and Extradition |
|
|
White Paper on Crime Unit |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
Casino Gaming Control Section |
|
Charities Regulation Unit |
|
|
Corporate Affairs |
|
|
Financial Shared Services |
|
|
Freedom of Information Unit |
|
|
HQ Financial Management Unit |
|
|
Human Resources Division |
|
|
Internal Audit |
|
|
IT Division |
|
|
Office for Internet Safety |
|
|
Procurement Strategy Group |
|
|
Reform and Development Unit |
|
|
Victims of Crime |
485 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on Cosc’s examination of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence; and the date on which they will make a submission to the Government on Ireland signing the convention. [7753/12]
521 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will sign and ratify the new Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and to allow Ireland, as per the recommendations of Thomas Hammerberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, to serve as role model in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8145/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 521 together.
The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence is a very detailed Convention with a very broad scope across a number of policy areas. Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, has examined the Convention and has requested observations on potential policy and legislative implications from relevant government departments and state agencies. Following receipt of the observations, consideration will be given to any issues which need to be addressed. It is hoped that this will be quickly followed by a submission to the Government on the question of signature of the Convention by Ireland.
486 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the Garda Commissioner’s draft policing plan for 2012 will be published; the date it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7754/12]
The Policing Plan for 2012 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 5th of December 2011.
487 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to bring forward legislative proposals to introduce attachment orders in addition to that contained in the Fines Act 2010; and the date on which this legislation will be introduced. [7755/12]
The Fines Act 2010 includes a number of provisions designed to improve the collection of fines and to reduce the number of people committed to prison for the non-payment of fines. I intend to commence the outstanding provisions relating to instalment payments; the appointment of receivers; and the use of community service orders where fines remain unpaid, later this year.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce attachment orders to collect outstanding fines. I am currently considering how to implement this commitment and expect to be in a position to bring forward a Fines (Amendment) Bill to provide for attachment orders later in the year.
488 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on his intention to give new guidelines to the Parole Board for the application of a temporary release scheme for long-term prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/12]
In line with the Thornton Hall Review Group recommendations, an incentivised scheme for earned temporary release under which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered early temporary release in return for supervised community service has been introduced. A six month pilot project, the Community Return scheme, commenced in October, 2011 in which it is envisaged that a total of 130 prisoners will participate. The issuing of guidelines to the Parole Board will be considered in the context of the development of the Community Return scheme.
489 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he will establish the group to conduct a strategic review of penal policy incorporating an examination and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including prevention, sentencing policies, alternatives to custody, accommodation and regimes, support for reintegration and rehabilitation, the issue of female prisoners and 16 and 17 year olds within the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7757/12]
490 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which his group conducting a strategic review of penal policy will work with the sub-committee on penal reform. [7758/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.
I will announce details on membership and the terms of reference for this Group shortly.
Officials from my Department, the Irish Prison Service, and the Probation Service recently met with the Sub-Committee on Penal Reform to brief them on particular developments in the area of penal policy. I am aware of the Sub-Committee's work in that regard and will continue to bear it in mind.
491 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions No. 398 and 434 of 22 November 2011, if he will publish the legislative proposals suggested by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission referred therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7759/12]
Legislative proposals which are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission were included in its Two Year (2008) and Five-Year Report (2011) produced in accordance with section 80 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. For details of the proposals concerned, the Deputy may wish to consult these reports which have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
As the Deputy will no doubt agree, it is necessary to strike the correct balance between the effectiveness and efficiency of police oversight and the other objectives of the Ombudsman Commission as set out in the 2005 Act. Preliminary discussions have taken place between the Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Síochána with a view to advancing the Ombudsman Commission's proposals in this area. In addition, I met the newly appointed members of the Ombudsman Commission in January and, following that meeting, they are now engaged in a review of the operations of the organisation with a view to submitting a paper to me on all relevant issues, including their proposed legislative amendments. I expect to receive the document from the Ombudsman Commission before the summer recess. Ultimately, any legislative amendments which are being brought forward in this area will require amendment of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and, accordingly, formal legislative proposals will be presented to the Oireachtas for debate and consideration in the usual way.
492 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he will introduce consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions numbers 164 to 166 of 30 November 2011, in which I indicated the following:
"The Programme for Government commitment — to introduce consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation to address all aspects of domestic violence, threatened violence and intimidation, in a way that provides protection to victims — will be progressed as soon as possible having regard to the need for consultations and the need to dispose of urgent legislative matters in my Department under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for the State.”
The Law Reform Commission's Third Programme of Law Reform 2008-2014 provides for a general review of the law on domestic violence. I understand that the Commission has commenced its consultations and any recommendations it makes will inform the development by my Department of proposals for further legislative reform in this area.
493 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 432 of 22 November 2011, when he will put the question of giving ethnicity status to the Traveller community to the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7761/12]
Further to my answer on 22 November 2011, consideration is still ongoing and I intend that the question will be before the Government for decision as soon as possible.
494 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 22 November 2011, the date on which he will publish a general scheme of a Bill to enable ratification of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/12]
Subject to Government approval and other priorities, the General Scheme of an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, which will include provisions to enable ratification of the UN Optional Protocol, is expected to be published mid 2012.
495 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 22 November 2011, if he will provide an update on his officials examination of the possibility of introducing formal risk assessment procedures for all new prisoners upon admission; the date on which he will publish their findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/12]
I have been informed by the Irish Prison Service that the Director General is in the process of establishing an expert working group to examine the matter. It is expected that this Group will report to me by the end of April 2012.
496 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of nurses and medical orderlies employed in each of the prisons here. [7764/12]
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service provides general healthcare services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to that available to those entitled to General Medical Scheme services in the community and which are appropriate to the prison setting. Primary care is the model of care through which healthcare is delivered; it is the linchpin of the prison healthcare system. The primary care service is provided using a multidisciplinary model and intra-disciplinary working processes and strives to provide proactive healthcare with a focus on health awareness and preventative medicine.
Each prison has a complement of nurses, medical orderlies and attendance by a prison doctor commensurate with the healthcare needs and prison population of the institution. The Irish Prison Service currently employs 3 full-time and 15 part-time doctors. In addition, a total of 135.5 nursing staff are employed, details of which are set out in the table:
|
Prison |
Complex Nurse Managers |
Chief Nurse Officers |
Nurse Officer |
Medical Orderly |
|
Arbour Hill |
1 |
5 |
||
|
Castlerea |
1 |
8.5 |
||
|
Cloverhill |
1* |
1 |
17 |
|
|
Cork |
1 |
4 |
2 |
|
|
Dóchas |
1 |
6 |
1 |
|
|
Limerick |
1 |
4 |
2 |
|
|
Loughan |
2 |
|||
|
Midlands |
1** |
1 |
14 |
|
|
Mountjoy |
1*** |
1 |
24 |
2 |
|
Portlaoise |
1 |
7 |
||
|
Shelton |
2 |
|||
|
St. Pat’s |
1 |
6 |
2 |
|
|
Training Unit |
1 |
|||
|
Wheatfield |
1 |
11 |
1 |
|
|
Total |
3 |
11 |
111.5 |
10 |
*Complex Nurse Manager covering Wheatfield and Cloverhill Prisons
**Complex Nurse Manager covering Portlaoise and Midlands Prisons.
***Complex Nurse Manager covering Mountjoy/St. Patrick's Institution/Dóchas and the Training Unit.
497 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison medical staff who have retired this month. [7765/12]
I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that one nurse officer intends to retire with effect from 28 February, 2012.
498 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners on waiting lists for drug treatment programmes and the average waiting list time. [7766/12]
Given the large number of prisoners requiring drug treatment services, the Irish Prison Service endeavours to provide a comprehensive range of services. Drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations. It is the policy of the Irish Prison Service that where a person committed to prison gives a history of opiate use and tests positive for opioids to offer a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification, if clinically indicated. Patients can, as part of the assessment process, discuss with healthcare staff other treatment options, which may include stabilisation on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance, while in prison and when they return to the community on release.
Merchants Quay Ireland are contracted to provide addiction counselling services in those prisons and deliver approximately 1,500 prisoner contacts per month. The service is delivered by 21 counsellors. There were 2,792 referrals to the service in 2011. There are currently approximately 290 on waiting lists across the system awaiting assessment and treatment. All those referred are assessed initially by a counsellor to identify the person's addiction and agree a treatment plan.
499 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who requested methadone treatment during each of the past five years; and the number of prisoners who received methadone treatment during each of the past five years. [7767/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is the policy of the Irish Prison Service that where a person committed to prison gives a history of opiate use and tests positive for opioids to offer a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification, if clinically indicated. Patients can, as part of the assessment process, discuss with healthcare staff other treatment options, which may include stabilisation on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance, while in prison and when they return to the community on release. Methadone maintenance is available in 9 of the 14 prisons and places of detention. The following table illustrates the number of prisoners who received Opiate Substitution Treatment with Methadone (detox, stabilisation, maintenance) in the last 5 years whilst in prison:
|
Year |
Number of Prisoners |
|
2007 |
1,840 |
|
2008 |
2,014 |
|
2009 |
2,424 |
|
2010 |
2,424 |
|
2011 |
2,241 |
500 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who requested pharmacy, dental, chiropody, physiotherapy and optical services during each of the past five years; and the number of prisoners who received pharmacy, dental, chiropody, physiotherapy and optical services during each of the past five years. [7768/12]
I wish to advise that it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the specific information requested as this would require the manual examination of records. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
The Irish Prison Service provides general healthcare services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to that available to those entitled to General Medical Services in the community and which are appropriate to the prison setting. The delivery of quality primary care interventions is a central tenet of the Irish Prison Service Healthcare strategy. Critical to the delivery of this service is the initial health assessment carried out at committal from which care interventions are developed. If, on clinical assessment, a need is identified for medical treatment, including those treatments identified by the Deputy, appropriate referrals are made. Prisoners can also self refer for treatment. The healthcare service strives to meet the essential healthcare needs of prisoners with a focus on health awareness and preventative medicine.
501 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will publish the review of the gratuity payments and allowances system recently completed by the Irish Prison Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7769/12]
I can advise the Deputy that a review of the prisoner gratuity payments and allowances system has been completed by the Irish Prison Service. The review covered all aspects of the current scheme including the daily allowance and approved work allowance. I am currently considering the recommendations from that review and hope to conclude this shortly.
502 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to improve the bail system; the date he will bring proposals on this to the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/12]
A decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the court, which is, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of its judicial functions. There is a constitutional presumption in favour of bail, since, in the eyes of the law, a person is innocent until proven guilty. The provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights also restrict the extent to which the right to bail can be limited.
Prior to the Sixteenth Amendment of the Constitution, bail could be refused essentially only on the grounds that a person would be likely to abscond or interfere with witnesses. The Bail Act 1997, which gave effect to the terms of the Sixteenth Amendment of the Constitution, provides for the refusal of bail to a person charged with a serious offence where it is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person.
I am conscious of public concern about the extent to which offences continue to be committed by persons on bail. I share that concern. I believe that bail law must be continually reviewed to ensure that all possible avenues are taken to protect the public against the commission of crime, particularly serious crime, by persons on bail. Accordingly, my Department has been engaged in work to consolidate and update bail law with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law. In the context of that modernisation of the law, I will be seeking to restructure the law so that it has a focus on the protection of the individual and of the public. My intention is that the new proposals will provide better guidance to the courts on how such protection might be provided. I am also taking the opportunity to introduce some general improvements to bail law to improve the overall working of the bail system. I will bring proposals to Government on the matter in the near future.
503 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the five-year capital strategy for the Irish Prison Service will be completed and published; and if he will lay a copy before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [7771/12]
The Director General of the Irish Prison Service is in the process of preparing a draft Strategic Plan 2012-2014 which I expect will be presented to me for consideration in April. It will contain a Capital Expenditure Plan.
504 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the probation and welfare service will publish its research on the recidivism rates of offenders under their management. [7772/12]
The Probation Service is in the process of conducting initial research in order to measure the recidivism rates of offenders under their management. Preliminary findings from the work done to-date indicate that the percentage of offenders who did not commit an offence in the 12 and 24 month periods after their initial conviction is high. However, as I have said before, this is a complex area of study and this research needs to be validated further before exact figures and findings can be published.
505 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 1 December 2011, if he has received the requested information from the Garda Commissioner that is the recommendations of the An Garda Síochána training and development review group report that have been implemented and those which are outstanding; the date on which he expects all the recommendations to have been implemented; and the date when this information will be received. [7773/12]
In the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 1 December 2011, I undertook to write directly to the Deputy who put down the original question. The information sought was provided by letter to the Deputy's Parliamentary colleague on the 13 January 2012.
506 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 14 December 2011, if he will supply the further information regarding expenses received by certain employees within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7774/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the further information, he required, has been recently provided directly to him.
507 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons employed within his Department who receive salaries of more than €100,000 per annum; their job titles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7775/12]
There are 31 individuals in senior positions in my Department who receive salaries of over €100,000 as follows:
|
Job Title/Position |
Number |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretaries |
7 |
|
Director of COSC |
1 |
|
Head of Anti-Human Trafficking Unit |
1 |
|
Principal Officers |
21 |
508 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 14 December 2011, the costs of running overseas visa offices as requested. [7776/12]
As advised in my answer to Parliamentary Question 187 of 14 December 2011 there are currently six overseas offices in operation run by staff members of my Department. These are located in Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow and New Delhi. Visa fee income in respect of the 46,500 visas processed in the offices in question in 2011 was approximately €2.3m. Precise figures in respect of the operational costs are not yet available, but when the relevant staffing costs are discounted — as staff salary costs are incurred in any event — these costs are likely to be close to the fee income.
509 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will begin the process to expunge the criminal records of all persons convicted and detained as minors within residential institutions as defined by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in residential institutions; if he will fast-track the legislative framework and advice necessary for the President to carry out same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7803/12]
The Deputy may wish to note that Section 35 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that, for the avoidance of doubt, a person who was detained in an industrial school as a child in circumstances where no criminal offence was committed by him or her is not to be regarded as having a criminal record. Section 258 of the Children Act, 2001 also provides that any person convicted of an offence while a child shall be treated for all purposes in law as a person who has not been charged or found guilty of the offence provided he or she has not re-offended within a three-year period after the conviction. In addition, if an individual who was formerly resident in an industrial school wishes to have confirmation that he or she does not have a criminal record, this can be provided by way of a certificate to that effect. To date, 17 individuals have requested such certificates and these have been issued.
510 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7826/12]
I can inform the Deputy that since I took up office, I have made appointments to a number of State bodies under the remit of my Department. Details of these appointments, including remuneration, if any, are set out in the following table:
|
Entity |
First Name |
Last Name |
Remuneration € p.a./per diem |
Start Date |
|
Children Detention Schools Board of Management |
Dan |
Kelleher |
No fee paid |
20/09/11 |
|
Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime |
Ray |
McAndrew |
8,978 |
01/09/11 |
|
Committee to monitor the effectiveness of the Garda Diversion Programme under Section 44 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) |
Norah |
Gibbons |
5,985 |
12/09/11 |
|
John |
Cheatle |
5,985 |
12/09/11 |
|
|
Anne Marie |
McMahon |
No fee paid |
12/09/11 |
|
|
John |
Twomey |
No fee paid |
12/09/11 |
|
|
Courts Service Board |
Deirdre |
O’Keeffe |
No fee paid |
05/12/11 |
|
Pat |
Doyle |
11,970 |
05/12/11 |
|
|
Shane |
Browne |
11,970 |
05/12/11 |
|
|
Equality Authority |
Kieran |
Rose |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
Betty |
O’Leary |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Ellen |
Mongan |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Salome |
Mbugua |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Paddy |
Maguinness |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Christy |
Lynch |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Lynn |
Jackson |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Sean |
Fogarty |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Nigel |
Brander |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Angela |
Kerins |
11,970 Chairperson |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Rhona |
Murphy |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
Peter |
White |
7,695 |
21/09/11 |
|
|
David |
Joyce |
7,695 |
26/09/11 |
|
|
Annette |
Dolan |
7,695 |
26/09/11 |
|
|
Garda Confidential Recipient |
Oliver |
Connolly |
12,500 |
18/07/11 |
|
Irish Film Classification Office (Assistant Classifiers) |
David |
Power |
167.44 per day |
24/10/11 |
|
Mark |
Brennan |
167.44 per day |
24/10/11 |
|
|
Irish Human Rights Commission |
Roger |
Sweetman |
7,695 |
20/12/11 |
|
Helen |
O’Neill |
7,695 |
20/12/11 |
|
|
Conleth |
Brady |
7,695 |
20/12/11 |
|
|
Judicial Appointments Advisory Board |
Karen |
Dent |
No fee paid |
07/06/11 |
|
Valerie |
Bresnihan |
No fee paid |
07/06/11 |
|
|
Simon |
Boucher |
No fee paid |
07/06/11 |
|
|
Legal Aid Board |
Ger |
Power |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
Michelle |
O’Neill |
7,695 |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Philip |
O’Leary |
7,695 |
1110/11 |
|
|
John |
O’Gorman |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Donncha |
O’Connell |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Micheál D |
O’Connell |
7,695 |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Oonagh |
McPhillips |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Joy |
McGlynn |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Kate |
Hayes |
7,695 |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Rob |
Reid |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
David |
Garvey |
7,695 |
18/01/12 |
|
|
Mary |
Dalton |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Oonagh |
Buckley |
No fee paid |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Muriel |
Walls |
No fee — waived Chairperson |
11/10/11 |
|
|
Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board |
Michael |
Mulcahy |
250 per case reviewed |
27/09/11 |
|
Nora |
McGarry |
250 per case reviewed |
27/09/11 |
|
|
Brian |
McCracken |
75,000 Chairman |
27/09/11 |
|
|
Parole Board |
Ciairín |
de Buis |
7,695 with a 149.75 per diem payment for each prison visit, to a maximum of 12,600 p.a. |
26/07/11 |
|
Parole Board |
John |
Costello |
11,970 Chairperson |
26/07/11 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
Frank |
Branigan |
No fee paid |
30/03/11 |
|
Teresa |
Pilkington |
€11,970 |
27/5/11 |
|
|
Deirdre |
Fox |
€11,970 |
4/8/11 |
511 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the ministerial council on migrant integration is still operable; the number of meetings of the council held in the past year; the date of these meetings; if no meetings were held in 2011 the reason for this; his view on the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7831/12]
The position is that no meetings of the Ministerial Council on Integration were held in 2011 as the future of the Council is under consideration and I will make a decision on the matter shortly.
512 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for refugee status in respect of a person (details supplied); when he expects to be able to make a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7848/12]
Applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to me on whether such status should be granted. If an application for refugee status has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.
513 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for refugee status in respect of a person (detail supplied); when he expects to be able to make a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7849/12]
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 14th May, 2010, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
514 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the details of the closure of a Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin 9; his plans for this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7920/12]
In reaching a decision on the closure of Garda stations, the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area. It must be stressed that the key objective of the station closures is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than secure modest cash savings. In this context the Commissioner has concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front-line if these particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. There are no plans to review those decisions.
The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. Each Divisional Officer with responsibility for a Division that will be affected by this decision has been tasked with developing a comprehensive consultation strategy together with a tailored implementation plan that will meet the particular needs of their Division. They will consult with the various stakeholders within their respective Divisions during this process. On receipt of a formal closure notice of the station from An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works will examine other potential uses for the property.
515 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the options available to undocumented non-nationals living in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7929/12]
It is the responsibility of all non-EEA nationals who are resident in the State to ensure that they have an appropriate permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. Individuals who do not have a permission to be in the State are liable to be subject to the deportation process as provided for in Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999.
I am aware of proposals for schemes for undocumented migrants which have been in circulation and I would refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 17 November 2011. The position is unchanged since then.
I am aware that there have been proposals of this nature and of course my Department will give due consideration to the issue. However great caution should be exercised before embarking on such a project. A proposal of this nature could give rise to very large, unpredictable and potentially very costly impacts across the full range of public and social services.
At EU level, the Member States, in agreeing the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum at the European Council in October 2008, made specific commitments “to use only case-by-case regularisation, rather than generalised regularisation, under national law, for humanitarian or economic reasons”. While the Pact is not legally binding, the political commitment among the Member States, then and now, is clearly against any form of process that would in any way legitimise the status of those unlawfully present without first examining the merits of their individual case.
Any possible implication for the operation of the Common Travel Area would also have to be very carefully considered.
516 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the progress that has been made with the report on the Magdalene laundries; and when it is likely to be published. [7944/12]
The Inter-Departmental Committee, under the independent chairmanship of Senator Martin McAleese, submitted an interim progress report last October which was considered by Cabinet and published on my Department's website www.justice.ie. The Committee, which is receiving the full co-operation of Government Departments, the religious orders, and representative groups of women who were formerly resident in the Laundries, indicated their intention to conclude their work by mid 2012.
517 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering allowing high-skilled workers who have completed two years on the Irish green card scheme to apply for long-term residency in its current form until such time that permanent residency status is possible. [7975/12]
At the present time, applicants for Long Term Residence are required to be resident in the State for a period of five years and to have five consecutive work permits. This requirement is in place for all applicants.
In relation to the specific category of immigrants referred to by the Deputy, I have asked my officials to examine his proposal and I will revert to him in due course.
518 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the stage at which the report is at regarding the issues surrounding prostitution; when he expects the consultation to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8000/12]
I announced in the Autumn my intention to arrange a consultation process to help inform the future direction of legislation on prostitution. A detailed discussion document to facilitate the consultation process is being prepared.
It will be appreciated that the discussion document, if it is to fully inform the public, needs to be prepared carefully. Drafting of the document is progressing well. I expect that the document will be ready for publication in the coming weeks. This, of course, is subject to resources having regard to competing priorities, including legislative priorities.
I will make a further public announcement when the consultation document has been completed. At that point, full particulars regarding the arrangements and time frame for making submissions will be provided. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that ample time will be given to enable members of the public prepare and submit views on this issue.
519 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the number of public sector workers in his Department or under his aegis, including gardaí, who have retired between 1 January 2012 to date and who will retire by the end of February 2012, including their grade and place of employment, that is Garda station location in tabular form. [8012/12]
A detailed breakdown of the number of public servants in my Department and the agencies under my remit who have retired or have indicated their intention to retire in the period from 01 January 2012 to 29th February 2012 is set out in the table:
|
Department/Agency |
Place of Employment |
Grade |
Total Number |
|
Department of Justice and agencies staffed by the Department |
Department Head Office |
Assistant Secretary 3 |
30 |
|
Principal Officer 3 |
|||
|
Assistant Principal 7 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer 5 |
|||
|
Executive Officer 2 |
|||
|
Staff Officer 2 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 8 |
|||
|
Equality Authority |
Assistant Principal 2 |
3 |
|
|
Solicitor 1 |
|||
|
Equality Tribunal |
Assistant Principal 1 |
1 |
|
|
Irish Prison Service — non-discipline grades |
Principal Officer 1 |
3 |
|
|
Assistant Principal 1 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Probation Service |
Assistant Principal Probation Officer 1 |
12 |
|
|
Senior Probation Officer 3 |
|||
|
Probation Officer 7 |
|||
|
Community Service Supervisor 1 |
|||
|
Private Security Authority |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
1 |
|
|
Office of the State Pathologist |
Senior Lab Analyst 1 |
2 |
|
|
Office of the State Pathologist |
Clerical Officer 1 |
||
|
National Disability Authority |
Dublin |
Porter 1 |
1 |
|
Legal Aid Board |
Dublin |
Managing Solicitor Grade II 2 |
4 |
|
Clerical Officer 2 |
|||
|
Nenagh |
Managing Solicitor Grade II 1 |
1 |
|
|
Letterkenny |
Mediator 1 |
1 |
|
|
Dundalk |
Clerical Officer 1 |
1 |
|
|
Property Registration Authority |
Dublin |
Deputy Registrar 1 |
6 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer 1 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
6 |
||
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Examiner in Charge 1 |
|||
|
Waterford |
Higher Executive Officer 2 |
3 |
|
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Roscommon |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
2 |
|
|
Staff Officer 1 |
|||
|
Courts Service |
Carlow |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
4 |
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Court Messenger 1 |
|||
|
Castlebar |
Court Messenger 1 |
1 |
|
|
Cavan |
Executive Officer 1 |
2 |
|
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Clonmel |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
3 |
|
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Cork |
Higher Executive Officer 2 |
2 |
|
|
Drogheda |
Assistant Principal 1 |
||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Dublin |
Principal Officer 1 |
||
|
Assistant Principal 3 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer 6 |
|||
|
Executive Officer 2 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 3 |
|||
|
Usher 1 |
|||
|
Cleaner 1 |
|||
|
Dundalk |
Assistant Principal 1 |
2 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Ennis |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
2 |
|
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Galway |
Executive Officer 1 |
3 |
|
|
Clerical Officer 2 |
|||
|
Kilkenny |
Executive Officer 2 |
2 |
|
|
Limerick |
Higher Executive Officer 2 |
3 |
|
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Longford |
Executive Officer 1 |
1 |
|
|
Monaghan |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
||
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Court Messenger 1 |
|||
|
Naas |
Clerical Officer 1 |
1 |
|
|
Sligo |
Assistant Principal 1 |
1 |
|
|
Tralee |
Staff Officer 1 |
3 |
|
|
Clerical Officer 2 |
|||
|
Waterford |
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
2 |
|
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
An Garda Síochána |
Cavan/Monaghan |
Superintendent 1 |
|
|
Inspector 1 |
|||
|
Sergeant 1 |
|||
|
Garda 12 |
|||
|
Clare |
Sergeant 2 |
11 |
|
|
Garda 7 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Cleaner 1 |
|||
|
Cork |
Inspector 1 |
28 |
|
|
Sergeant 4 |
|||
|
Garda 18 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 4 |
|||
|
Cleaner 1 |
|||
|
Harcourt Square |
Assistant Commissioner 1 |
10 |
|
|
Sergeant 1 |
|||
|
Garda 8 |
|||
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) East |
Inspector 2 |
12 |
|
|
Sergeant 4 |
|||
|
Garda 6 |
|||
|
DMR North |
Superintendent 1 |
16 |
|
|
Inspector 2 |
|||
|
Sergeant 9 |
|||
|
Garda 3 |
|||
|
General Operative 1 |
|||
|
DMR North Central |
Sergeant 1 |
2 |
|
|
Garda 1 |
|||
|
DMR West |
Inspector 2 |
9 |
|
|
Sergeant 2 |
|||
|
Garda 5 |
|||
|
DMR South |
Chief Superintendent 1 |
10 |
|
|
Superintendent 1 |
|||
|
Inspector 1 |
|||
|
Sergeant 2 |
|||
|
Garda 5 |
|||
|
DMR South Central |
Inspector 1 |
9 |
|
|
Sergeant 3 |
|||
|
Garda 5 |
|||
|
Garda HQ |
Chief Superintendent 3 |
21 |
|
|
Superintendent 2 |
|||
|
Inspector 1 |
|||
|
Sergeant 4 |
|||
|
Garda 8 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Staff Officer 1 |
|||
|
Service Attendant 1 |
|||
|
G.N.I.B |
Superintendent 2 |
||
|
Sergeant 3 |
|||
|
Garda 9 |
|||
|
Dublin Castle |
Inspector 1 |
||
|
Staff Officer 1 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
NSS |
Inspector 1 |
11 |
|
|
Sergeant 6 |
|||
|
Garda 4 |
|||
|
Donegal |
Superintendent 1 |
10 |
|
|
Sergeant 5 |
|||
|
Garda 4 |
|||
|
Galway |
Sergeant 4 |
17 |
|
|
Garda 13 |
|||
|
Kerry |
Superintendent 1 |
10 |
|
|
Inspector 1 |
|||
|
Sergeant 2 |
|||
|
Garda 6 |
|||
|
Kildare |
Superintendent 1 |
3 |
|
|
Garda 2 |
|||
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
Superintendent 1 |
||
|
Garda 2 |
|||
|
Cleaner 1 |
|||
|
Laois/Offaly |
Chief Superintendent 1 |
11 |
|
|
Superintendent 1 |
|||
|
Inspector 1 |
|||
|
Sergeant 3 |
|||
|
Garda 3 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 2 |
|||
|
Limerick |
Inspector 1 |
23 |
|
|
Sergeant 5 |
|||
|
Garda 16 |
|||
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Louth |
Sergeant 3 |
10 |
|
|
Garda 7 |
|||
|
Mayo |
Superintendent 1 |
17 |
|
|
Inspector 1 |
|||
|
Sergeant 3 |
|||
|
Garda 6 |
|||
|
Assistant Principal 1 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer 3 |
|||
|
Executive Officer 1 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Meath |
Superintendent 1 |
6 |
|
|
Sergeant 2 |
|||
|
Garda 2 |
|||
|
Staff Officer 1 |
|||
|
Roscommon/Longford |
Superintendent 1 |
12 |
|
|
Sergeant 3 |
|||
|
Garda 7 |
|||
|
Staff Officer 1 |
|||
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
Sergeant 2 |
9 |
|
|
Garda 7 |
|||
|
Tipperary |
Superintendent 1 |
10 |
|
|
Sergeant 1 |
|||
|
Garda 4 |
10 |
||
|
Assistant Principal 1 |
10 |
||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Cleaner 2 |
|||
|
Waterford |
Sergeant 2 |
6 |
|
|
Garda 4 |
|||
|
Westmeath |
Superintendent 1 |
5 |
|
|
Garda 3 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Wexford |
Sergeant 3 |
6 |
|
|
Garda 3 |
|||
|
Wicklow |
Sergeant 1 |
||
|
Garda 2 |
|||
|
Clerical Officer 1 |
|||
|
Irish Prison Service |
Limerick |
Prison Officer 5 |
5 |
|
Mountjoy |
Deputy Governor 1 |
5 |
|
|
Prison Officer 4 |
|||
|
Trades Officer 1 |
|||
|
Dóchas Centre |
Assistant Governor 1 |
2 |
|
|
Assistant Chief Officer 1 |
|||
|
St Patrick’s |
Governor II 1 |
||
|
Assistant Chief Officer 2 |
|||
|
Prison Officer 4 |
|||
|
Arbour Hill |
Prison Officer 4 |
5 |
|
|
Industrial Supervisor 1 |
|||
|
Cloverhill |
Deputy Governor 2 |
3 |
|
|
Chief Officer I 1 |
|||
|
Wheatfield |
Governor I 1 |
1 |
|
|
Loughan House |
Assistant Chief Officer 1Prison Officer 7 |
8 |
|
|
Loughan House |
Prison Officer 7 |
||
|
Shelton Abbey |
Prison Officer 4 |
4 |
|
|
Cork |
Prison Officer 6 |
8 |
|
|
Trades Officer 2 |
|||
|
Portlaoise |
Governor I 1 |
2 |
|
|
Prison Officer 1 |
|||
|
Midlands |
Deputy Governor 1 |
3 |
|
|
Prison Officer 1 |
|||
|
Nurse Officer 1 |
|||
|
Castlerea |
Prison Office 2 |
3 |
|
|
Industrial Manager 1 |
|||
|
Cork |
Trades Officer 2 |
2 |
520 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the office of the legal services ombudsman will be up and running. [8021/12]
In the course of my opening contribution to the Second Stage debate on the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, which is nearing completion, I recalled to the House the decision taken in May 2011 not to proceed with the appointment of a Legal Services Ombudsman. This is because the oversight model proposed in the Legal Services Ombudsman Act 2009 was that of supervised self-regulation. Such a degree of self-regulation does not meet this Government's policy commitment to greater independence in the regulation of the legal professions. The 2011 Bill, therefore, contains a package of more independent structural reforms. These will be delivered as part of our national EU/IMF/ECB undertakings in support of greater competitiveness and early economic recovery. They will take the form of a new, independent Legal Services Regulatory Authority; an independent procedure to deal with complaints of professional misconduct, and the establishment of an independent Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal. The Bill also provides for a more modern, consumer-friendly and transparent legal costs regime under the Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator that will take-over the functions of the Taxing-Master. With the establishment of this more independent, regulatory regime under current Government policy the Legal Services Ombudsman Act of 2009 will be repealed.
522 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when will the towing and management contract tender for An Garda Síochána in Waterford be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8168/12]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is planned to advertise a tender for the provision of a towing and management service for the Waterford Garda Division in the second quarter of 2012.
523 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way personal insolvency trustees, required for the proposed debt settlement arrangements, are to be selected and appointed; the standard of qualification and experience that will be required of them; the way they will they be remunerated and on what scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8170/12]
The Personal Insolvency Bill, the Heads of which I published on 25 January 2012, introduces a number of new non-judicial debt settlement systems. Two of the proposed arrangements — Debt Settlement Arrangement and the Personal Insolvency Arrangement — require the involvement of a Personal Insolvency Trustee.
The intention is that the Personal Insolvency Trustee will act as an intermediary between the debtor and his or her creditors. The General Scheme of Bill sets out in some detail the duties of the Trustee from initial assessment of the debtor's suitability for a particular arrangement, to negotiation of the arrangement and through to its completion. The role of the Trustee is critical to the proper functioning of the debt settlement arrangements as it is vital that debtors be properly and independently advised as to the implications of all options available to them prior to arriving at a decision. The average debtor is at a disadvantage vis a vis credit institutions and creditors in terms of experience, advice and expertise. Once a debt settlement is agreed and registered, effectively the personal insolvency becomes the custodian of the arrangement.
The Trustee will be selected by the debtor and, similar to debt settlement schemes which operate in other jurisdictions, it is intended that the fees involved in the arrangement will be borne by the creditors on the assumption that this will facilitate the maximum debt recovery.
The Deputy will appreciate that a number of matters still require to be finalised in relation to the proposed legislation such as the detailed arrangements for licensing and regulation of personal insolvency trustees and parameters in regard to appropriate costs and remuneration. As these are essentially financial services, it is my intention to consult with the Department of Finance and the Central Bank to see how these issues might best be addressed within the context of regulation of financial advisory services generally.
524 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportations that took place in 2011; the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8173/12]
Over 4,100 persons were deported or removed from the State in 2011 in accordance with the enforcement of our immigration-related laws.
The break down by category is as follows:
Almost 3,700 persons refused entry into the State at ports of entry and returned to the place where they had come from,
280 failed asylum seekers and other illegal migrants deported from the State in 2011, all of whom had entered the State art one point or another,
144 asylum seekers transferred to the EU member state in which they first applied for asylum under the Dublin Regulation,
41 EU nationals were returned to their countries of origin on foot of an EU Removal Order.
The removal of illegal immigrants from the State is a necessary feature of the enforcement of immigration legislation with the purpose of upholding the integrity of the immigration system. In enforcing the law in this respect, Ireland is no different from other countries who also remove individuals who have no lawful right to remain within their territory.
525 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Síochána will act on a traffic safety matter at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 as a matter of urgency. [8174/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of the difficulties being experienced at this location due to car access, parking and egress to three educational establishments, in particular at peak drop off and collection times.
The area is the subject of patrols, particularly during peak traffic periods, by the Community Garda and other Sub-District and District personnel, including Divisional Traffic Corps personnel. Fixed charge penalty notices are regularly issued for offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts detected in the locality.
I am further informed that the local Community Policing Unit has been directed to monitor and address the issues referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the local Community Garda specifically allocated to the area is liaising with the management teams at the respective schools in order that appropriate measures can be put in place to regulate parking, particularly at identified peak-times. A leaflet is also being distributed by the Community Policing Unit for parents/guardians, through the schools. Residents are being advised to report incidents to the local Community Garda should these difficulties continue and local Garda management will continue to monitor the situation.
526 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount received by An Garda Síochána from Croke Park, the RDS, the O2, the FAI, the IRFU, the GAA and so on towards covering the cost of policing events in the years 2007 to 2011, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8214/12]
I have requested the information from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
527 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional vehicles being purchased for An Garda Síochána will be marked or unmarked vehicles; the proportion of each; if additional vans will be purchased; when he expects An Garda Síochána to receive the additional vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8215/12]
The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 40 new Garda vehicles will be rolled out in the coming weeks, all of which will be marked Garda cars. I am also informed that the number and category of further Garda cars to be purchased will be determined following the successful completion of a procurement process which is currently under way. The provision of new cars will be undertaken in the light of An Garda Síochána's operational requirements and the availability of financial resources.
The Garda authorities have further advised that the National Procurement Service will shortly advertise a tender for the procurement of vans. An Garda Síochána's requirement for vans will be addressed in that overall context.
528 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the tender for the contract of towing away seized vehicles in the Dublin north division was last awarded; the cost of same; the name of the company that was awarded the contract; the length of the contract; the average cost of hiring out the recovery truck; if the price increases or decreases depending on the time of day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8216/12]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the contract for the towing of seized vehicles in the Dublin North Division was awarded to Gannon City Recovery and Recycling Services Ltd in 2009 for a period of three years. Under the contract costs associated with the use of recovery trucks are fixed irrespective of the time of a call out.
I am further advised that the relevant cost of towing vehicles in 2011 amounted to €255,285.
529 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost to the Garda air support unit of purchasing an additional helicopter or aircraft; the cost per hour of having either the helicopter or aircraft airborne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/12]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the cost of purchasing new aircraft for the Garda Air Support Unit can only be established in the context of an open procurement process. In the circumstances it is not possible to indicate such costs to the Deputy.
I am further advised that the flying costs for all Garda aircraft are borne by the Air Corps and, accordingly, they are not charged to the Garda Vote. I have requested details in relation to flying costs associated with the Garda Air Support Unit and I will forward these to the Deputy when they are to hand.
530 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of requests received from An Garda Síochána to employ additional civilian staff in the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the job title of each request; the number of requests that were approved, pending or refused in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8218/12]
The number of requests sought, approved and refused, for additional civilian staff in An Garda Síochána for the years 2009-2011 and to date in 2012 was as set out in the attached table. It must be remembered that the moratorium on public service recruitment and appointments continues to apply in the Garda Síochána for civilian staff and sworn members. Derogations may be sought from the moratorium in exceptional circumstances from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
|
Year |
Grade |
Number Sought |
Approved |
Refused |
|
2009 |
— |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2010 |
— |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2011 |
Crime and Policing Analysts |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
2011 |
Higher Executive Officer |
7 |
4 |
3 |
|
2011 |
Executive Officer |
4 |
4 |
0 |
|
2011 |
Staff Officer |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
2011 |
Clerical Officers |
35 |
0 |
35* |
|
2011 |
District Finance Officers |
To replace as required |
Acting up posts where necessary |
Permanent replacements |
|
2012 |
— |
0 |
0 |
0 |
*Sanction was received for the filling of 20 temporary clerical officer positions in 2011 in the central vetting unit in Thurles.
531 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda checkpoints that were carried out in the Dublin region on the 31 December 2011 and 1 January 2012; the number of persons arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated; the number of successful convictions secured to date; if he will provide same for each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8219/12]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
532 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8252/12]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in August 2009.
The application is at an advanced stage of processing. The person concerned will be informed of my decision on his application in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I shouldremind 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.
533 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the projected cost of decommissioning the 39 Garda stations scheduled for closure in 2012; the costs on a station basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/12]
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Divisional implementation plans are being prepared in relation to the closure of the relevant stations. These plans will deal, inter alia, with the associated costs. Additionally, certain expenditure may arise for the Office of Public Works which is funded separately.
In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the information he has sought is not available.
534 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlement; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8275/12]
Some 7 senior public servants who had retired from my Department were re-engaged to carry out a range of services in 2011 at a total cost of €82,065. Payments to these individuals in 2011 ranged from €400 to €44,536 in respect of work related to the Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board, the Commission for Support for Victims of Crime, legislative drafting, and work as a Human Rights Monitor.
All of the individuals concerned were paid in accordance with the provisions of the Pensions (Abatement) Act, 1965 whereby the amount of remuneration paid plus the pension payable cannot exceed the salary payable prior to retirement.
No payments have been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from my Department.
535 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality while acknowledging retirements within An Garda Síochána and the requirements to reduce Garda numbers as set out in the EU-IMF financial assistance plan, when recruitment to the Garda Training College at Templemore, County Tipperary, may recommence. [8409/12]
The moratorium on Public Service Recruitment continues to apply to An Garda Síochána and no date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College. A decision on when recruitment will re-commence will, as the Deputy points out, take into account the rate of retirements in the Garda Síochána and Government targets, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants.
Of course, what will ultimately determine the sustainable level of Garda numbers, and therefore establish when recruitment will recommence, is the level of budgetary provision that can be made for the Force, and the House will be conscious that difficult decisions will continue to have to be made, right across the public sector, in order to bring our public finances back into balance.
536 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if potential Garda recruits who completed a medical examination and were on the list awaiting to be called up prior to the temporary cessation of recruitment are still regarded as being on the list or if they will have to undergo new medical examinations pending the possible resumption of recruitment in the foreseeable future. [8412/12]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is a Garda recruitment panel currently in place consisting of applicants selected by the Public Appointments Service as part of a 2008 recruitment campaign. However, no offers of employment have been made to applicants since the introduction of the public service moratorium on recruitment in 2009.
The moratorium on recruitment remains in place in furtherance of the objective, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants. While successful applicants on this panel currently remain eligible to be offered positions as trainee Gardaí, the lifetime of the panel, and the position of applicants on it, will be kept under review in the light of when Garda recruitment might recommence.
537 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting times for family law cases to be heard in Donegal Circuit Court causing distress for vulnerable families; the actions he will take to address this and the county registers’ ongoing delays in performing their functions. [8424/12]
The management and administration of the courts, as the Deputy will be aware, is a matter for the Courts Service. The allocation of the business of the courts, scheduling of court cases and the management of court lists are matters for the judiciary and in particular the Presidents of the courts. The Deputy will also be aware that judges are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the waiting times for family law cases in Co. Donegal are as follows: Contested hearings: 9-12 months. Consent hearing: Next available court date. Appeals: 9-12 months
The Court Service has informed me that in 2011 three weeks of family law sittings were held in Letterkenny and one week was held in Donegal. It is intended to allocate similar amounts of time to family law in 2012, however, the situation is being kept under review by the President of the Circuit Court.
Case progression hearings in family law cases are dealt with by the County Registrar. These hearings help ensure that when a case is listed for hearing before the court it is ready to proceed, they also help to minimise the costs of the proceedings for the individuals and maximise the use of court time. I am informed that in Donegal, there are currently 18 cases in the case progression process.
Where the parties to a case are experiencing an undue delay in arranging the hearing of their case they or their legal representative should contact their local court office to establish whether an earlier date would be possible.
538 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the provision in law where a fine can be deduced from a person’s contributory pension for the non-payment of fines instead of undergoing jail time has begun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8428/12]
The Fines Act 2010 contains a number of provisions designed to reduce the number of people committed to prison for the non-payment of fines, including arrangements for the payment of fines by instalments. There is, however, no provision in the Act or in any other legislation, for a court to order the deduction of a fine from a contributory pension.
539 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/12]
In general the costs associated with staff leaving my Department, including any retirement lump sum and ongoing pension payments are incurred from Vote 7 Superannuation and Retired Allowances of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As a result the information sought would not be available directly from my Department.
540 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a Garda car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8455/12]
The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of Garda transport at District, Divisional and Regional levels is subject to ongoing review to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I am further advised that provision has been made in the Garda Vote for 2012 to acquire new Garda vehicles which will be deployed in accordance with An Garda Síochána's identified policing requirements and the availability of financial resources. In that context I understand that the needs of the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered.
541 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a determination will be forthcoming in a criminal injuries board appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8486/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which has responsibility for the administration of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers, is independent in the matter of individual applications under the Scheme. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Tribunal.
I understand that the application referred to by the Deputy is the subject of an appeal by the applicant. The grounds for appeal were forwarded to the Tribunal by the applicant's solicitor on 16 January 2012.
I further understand that the applicant's case for appeal will be placed in chronological order with other appeal cases to be heard by the Tribunal and that a hearing is expected to proceed during the second half of this year.
542 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Department of Defence is seeking to rent a premises in Cavan town to accommodate Reserve Defence Forces training when there is a perfectly feasible Army barracks in the town that is earmarked for closure and sale; if he will provide a cost-benefit analysis of renting a premises in Cavan town while simultaneously closing the barracks which is currently in Department ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8205/12]
553 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the reason he is seeking to rent a premises in Cavan town to accommodate Reserve Defence Forces training; the reasons they will not use the army barracks in Cavan town that is earmarked for closure and sale; the length of time for which his Department wishes to rent such a premises; the details of the tender and contract process; the details of a cost benefit analysis of renting a premises in Cavan town while simultaneously closing the barracks that is currently in Department of Defence ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8243/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 553 together.
Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, four military barracks — Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar — will close on 30 March 2012. Military personnel at present occupied on security and support functions within these installations will be released for operational duties leading to an efficiency gain of around €5 million p.a. In addition, there will be direct cash savings of approximately €1.3m arising from utilities, maintenance and security duties allowances in the four barracks.
The Reserve Defence Force in each barracks will be provided with alternative rented accommodation prior to the closure of the barracks. This is a normal arrangement for Reserve Units in other locations around the country and consistent with how the previous Government dealt with the matter. The Department has 10 permanent rentals and 30 part time rentals in place including part time use of parish and community halls as well as some commercial premises. The total annual cost is less than €100,000 for all forty premises.
On this basis, it is simply absurd to contend that there is an economic argument for keeping a full barracks open to cater for a Reserve Unit that may only train for a few hours once or twice a week when alternative rented accommodation can be provided for a small fraction of the cost.
The closing date for receipt of tenders in respect of Cavan is 12 noon today. As this is a tendering process the Deputies will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter.
543 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7736/12]
The organisation chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within my Department is set out in the table:
|
Assistant Secretaries |
Director |
|
|
Mr. Ciarán Murphy |
Mr. Maurice Quinn |
|
|
45 Officials |
214 Officials |
|
|
Conciliation and Arbitration Branch |
Finance Branch |
Executive Branch |
|
Defence Forces Personnel Policy Branch |
Management Information Framework |
Office of Emergency Planning |
|
International Security and Defence Policy Branch |
Human Resources Branch |
Legislation Branch |
|
Litigation Branch |
Information and Communication Technologies Branch |
Property Management Branch |
|
Delegation of Ireland to the Political and Security Committee |
Planning and Organisation Branch |
Contracts Branch |
An organisation chart is available on my Department's website.
544 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Defence if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7819/12]
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The Civil Defence Act 2002 provides that the Board shall consist of at least eight but not more than fourteen members who shall be appointed by the Minister for Defence. Legislation is currently being drafted to dissolve the Civil Defence Board and transfer the functions of the Board back into the Department of Defence. I appointed the current Board as an interim measure from 11 July 2011.
Membership of the interim Board appointed from 11 July 2011 is set out in the table:
|
Nominating Bodies |
|
|
Civil Defence Board Chairperson |
|
|
Mr. Brian Spain, Director, Department of Defence |
Nominated by Minister for Defence |
|
Civil Defence Board Members |
|
|
Mr. Cathal Duffy, Principal Officer, Department of Defence |
Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
|
Ms Clare Tiernan, Principal Officer, Department of Defence |
Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
|
Mr. Robert Mooney, Principal Officer, Department of Defence |
Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
|
Mr. Bill Smith, Director General, Civil Defence Board |
Appointed as Director General, Civil Defence Board |
|
Mr. Ned Gleeson, County Manager, Limerick City Council |
Nominated by City and County Managers Association |
|
Mr. Keith Leonard, Assistant Fire Advisor |
Nominated by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government |
|
Dr. Barbara Rafferty |
Nominated by Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
|
Ms Becci Cantrell |
Nominated by the Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Ms. Veronica Forde, Assistant Civil Defence Officer |
Nominated by the Civil Defence Officers Association |
|
Lt. Col. Tony Kelly, SSO, Defence Forces |
Nominated by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces |
|
Detective Superintendent Orla Mc Partlin, An Garda Síochána |
Nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána |
|
Mr. Fergal Conroy |
Elected volunteer member of Civil Defence |
|
Ms Eileen Joyce |
Elected staff member of the Civil Defence Board |
There is no remuneration attached to membership of the Civil Defence Board.
The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance. The chairperson and the civilian doctor are entitled to annual fees of €7,618 and €5,079 respectively. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
The position of Army Medical Corps ordinary member recently became vacant due to retirement, and I have appointed Commandant Adam Lagun to the Board on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff. As the Army Pensions Act 1927 specifies that one of the ordinary members must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps, this position was not advertised.
In the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010, the Government decided 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. As a result, no funding was provided in 2010 or 2011. No appointments have been made since that decision was taken and the Board will be dissolved shortly. There is no remuneration attached to membership of the Board of Coiste an Asgard.
545 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he provides a social work service at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7949/12]
I am advised by the military authorities that as part of their Personnel Support Service (PSS), personnel serving in the location referred to by the Deputy have access to a full time civilian Social Worker whose task is to provide assistance (preventative and curative) and support to service personnel and their families where required. The PSS is a confidential information, education, support and referral service, designed to give Defence Forces personnel access to information and services both from within and outside of the military community. It is a key element of human resource management. There is a PSS office in every major installation in the Defence Forces.
546 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a competition this year to recruit cadets to the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8192/12]
547 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if recruitment to the Defence Forces will occur in 2012. [8211/12]
552 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if there will be an Army cadetship recruitment this year; and if so, the date of same. [8233/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 546, 547 and 552 together.
The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 December, 2011, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,438 comprising 7,650 Army, 791 Air Corps and 997 Naval Service.
It is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence, so as to maintain the Government approved strength of the Defence Forces. The Permanent Defence Force is not at present seeking applications for General Service Enlistment. If a decision is taken to hold a competition in 2012, details will be available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie.
I would expect that the question of a cadet class in 2012 will be considered in the context of the re-organisation of the Defence Forces now necessary to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces within the new establishment of 9,500. It is too early to confirm if there will be a cadet class this year.
548 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the evidence given to the Committee of Public Accounts by officials from the Irish Red Cross on 19 January 2012 last was accurate in all respects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8221/12]
549 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his views on the evidence given recently by the Irish Red Cross to the Committee of Public Accounts; his further views on the recent letter from a former senior manager at the IRC to the PAC which disputes some of the evidence given by the IRC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8222/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 549 together.
I welcome the fact that the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) recently examined the Chapter on Financial Control in the Irish Red Cross Society that was contained in the Comptroller and Auditor General's recent Report. I also welcome the fact that the Irish Red Cross Society readily agreed to appear before the Committee and I believe that their attendance represented a further important step in restoring the full confidence of the public in the Irish Red Cross Society. It is clear that before it agreed to dispose of the Chapter in question, the PAC dealt in some considerable depth with a wide range of issues relating to weak financial controls in the past and allegations of poor corporate governance. I believe that the PAC's work in this regard has helped to clear the air in relation to a number of serious allegations that have been made in public concerning, inter alia, the appropriateness of how the Society deals with unrestricted donations, its treatment of its property portfolio in its accounts, and also its ability to produce consolidated audited accounts for the whole of the Society. I am satisfied that the officials from the Irish Red Cross Society answered all of the questions put to them and whilst I am aware that some of the information presented to the PAC has subsequently been disputed by some, the question of resolving any discrepancies or misunderstandings that may have arisen is a matter for the Committee.
550 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his views on the fact that under the new Red Cross constitution, there is no provision for retrospection of service, meaning the vice chairman and honorary treasurer can each serve for a further six years, bringing their service to 27 years and 15 years respectively; his further views on whether this arrangement meets good corporate governance guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8223/12]
551 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence when the new Irish Red Cross statutory order will be brought to Cabinet for consideration; if it is his intention to include a clause on retrospection of service for members of the IRC executive committee in the new order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8224/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.
I am on record as saying that I do not believe that it is conducive to good corporate governance for any individual to serve indefinitely on the Central Council or the Executive Committee of the Irish Red Cross Society, or in the same appointment. I have previously written to the Chairman of the Society and expressed my views on the need for mandatory breaks in service. I welcome the fact that the issue of turnover and rotation at leadership levels was raised by him at a subsequent Central Council meeting and that agreement was reached by the members to introduce a mandatory three-year break for Executive Committee members in circumstances where a member may have previously served for two consecutive three year terms.
In relation to the issue of retrospection, I am aware of the fact that it is the firm view of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that this is a matter for the membership of the Irish Red Cross Society who are free to choose whether to support long serving colleagues who present themselves for re-election to the Executive Committee. I am also aware that there is an ongoing debate about this issue amongst the membership of the Irish Red Cross Society. As retrospection is a matter for the democratic processes of the Society, I believe that its members should be given the opportunity to determine this issue for themselves. I am satisfied that in seeking to get the right balance, the members will consider the views of their external stakeholders in making such decisions. In these circumstances, I do not believe that it is appropriate for the State to impose on the Society, which is an independent body corporate, changes to its election procedures that have not been sought by its members or by the International Federation.
The position in relation to the proposed legislation is that officials from my Department are currently liaising with the Office of the Attorney General on the final text of an amendment to the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939. I expect to be in a position to bring this legislation to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
554 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlement; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8269/12]
I can confirm that no remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer by my Department, beyond any accrued pension entitlements, to any senior civil servant who has retired from the Department of Defence in the past five years. It was not possible to gather the detailed information sought by the Deputy in respect of the Defence Forces in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile the relevant data and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
555 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/12]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile all the necessary information requested by the Deputy. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
556 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary. [8487/12]
As I have previously outlined to the House the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength. As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme any barracks, once vacated, will be disposed of with the proceeds being used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. Since the announcement of the Government decision on barrack closures my Department has written to each Government Department and various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in acquiring any of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. There have been preliminary discussions between officials of my Department and some other State agencies in relation to Kickham Barracks Clonmel but these discussions are at early stages.
557 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give consideration to exclude forest parks from any sale of Coillte Teo in view of their importance to local communities and tourism development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/12]
No decision has been taken by the Government in relation to the potential sale of Coillte. The consideration of a number of options in relation to the possible disposal of State assets, one of which is Coillte, is currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in consultation with relevant line Departments and NewERA.
I am aware that Coillte currently manages 10 Forest Parks and over 150 recreation sites throughout Ireland and that their forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. I am also conscious that such recreational facilities are also very valuable resources as tourism attractions in the various regions. In view of the importance of such recreational opportunities for citizens for ongoing recreation and for visitors during their stay in Ireland, as I have previously advised the House, any potential sale would take account of public access to recreational land.
558 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payments a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is receiving from him. [7547/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st October 2010 and has received full payment in respect of 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, have to be completed before any payment can issue. During the course of these checks queries have arisen regarding the capital investment actions listed on the AEOS application of the person named. My Department will contact the person named about these queries and the 2011 payment will be processed upon the satisfactory resolution of these queries.
559 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the timeframe for the animal health and welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7578/12]
The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and welfare. The main vehicle to fulfil this commitment will be the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which I intend to publish as soon as possible, the exact timing will depend on the legal text being finalised by the Attorney General's Office and the Cabinet agreeing to publication. The Bill is a wide-ranging piece of legislation providing a basis for regulating the related areas of animal health and welfare with nearly seventy sections which requires careful consideration and examination. I am hopeful however that matters will be progressed at an early date on this matter.
560 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil sé i gceist aige casadh le Comhar Caomháin, Inis Oírr leis an bhforbairt feirme éisc gar don oileán a phlé agus, go mór mór, an bhfuil sé i gceist aige na riachtanais bunstruchtúir ar an oileán a phlé leo le gur féidir leis an oileán an tairbhe is fearr is féidir a bhaint as an togra; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7603/12]
Tá a fhios agam gur bhuail Bord Iascaigh Mhara le hionadaithe coiste forbartha Inis Oírr mar chuid de chlár fairsing comhairliúcháin sular cuireadh tús leis an bpróiseas iarratais oifigiúil le haghaidh ceadúnais maidir leis an tionscadal atá beartaithe.
Tuigim go ndearnadh raon leathan ceisteanna a phlé agus gur tugadh tacaíocht láidir an phobail don tionscadal faoi deara.
Déanfaidh mo Roinn an t-iarratas ar cheadúnas dobharshaothraithe a mheas de réir an Achta Iascaigh (Leasú), 1997. De réir mar a thuigim, ní mheasann BIM faoi láthair go mbeidh an bonneagar ar Inis Oírr ina bhac ar dheiseanna fostaíochta don phobal maidir leis an tionscadal.
561 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a 2011 REP scheme payment. [7606/12]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2008 and received payments for the first three years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue in respect of 2011. These checks have now been completed and 75% of the year 4 payment issued to the person named on 2nd February 2012 for the amount of €6,112.79 and the remaining 25% balancing payment issued on 7th February 2012 for the amount of €2,048.03.
562 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a 2011 REP scheme payment. [7607/12]
The person named commenced REPS in July 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue in respect of 2011. These checks have now been completed and 75% of the year three payment issued to the person named on 9th February 2012 for the amount of €6,657.86. The 25% balancing payment will also issue shortly.
563 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasons for non-payment of REP scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7634/12]
The person named commenced REPS in February 2009 and received payment for the first two years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue.
These checks are currently being finalised out and I expect that payment will issue shortly.
564 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7732/12]
There are currently almost 3,700 people (3,510 full-time equivalents) employed in my Department. It would not be feasible to provide the details requested by the Deputy in respect of each staff member.
The organisation chart below details the Divisions within the Department, together with their various areas of responsibility. It also contains details of all staff at Assistant Principal (and equivalent) level and above, as currently appointed to these areas.
As the Deputy is aware, the information may be subject to significant change following the ending of the retirement ‘grace period' on 29 February 2012.
|
Mac Member |
Deputy |
Head of Division |
Assistant Principals and Equivalent |
||
|
Tony Burke |
Finance |
HeberMc Mahon |
P. Stanley |
M. O’Raghallaigh |
|
|
J. Caddle |
P. Heeney |
||||
|
M. Hoban |
|||||
|
Accounts |
Geraldine Mullen |
N. McHugh |
C. McKiernan |
||
|
C. O’Reilly |
J. Grimes |
||||
|
Legal Services |
Oliver Randall Plunkett |
J. Winston |
D. Fitzsimons |
||
|
S. O’Brien |
F. McKeon |
||||
|
A. Kieran |
D. Harney |
||||
|
C. Kennedy |
J. Kinsella |
||||
|
J. Dempsey |
|||||
|
Internal Audit Group |
Tom Medlycott |
P. Lynch |
D. Galvin |
||
|
M.Quirke |
H. Murphy |
||||
|
Agricultural Appeals |
John Murphy |
M. O’Brien |
J. Byrne |
||
|
Tony Burke (contd.) |
R. Neilan |
LM O’Regan |
|||
|
N Hobson |
S. Barron |
||||
|
Agriculture Structures and Other Market Supports |
Gordon Conroy |
J. Furlong |
P. Kelly |
||
|
D. Mc Carthy |
M. Mc Mahon |
||||
|
K. Coggins |
|||||
|
Agricultural Environment and Structures |
William Fahey |
O. Molloy |
D. Power |
||
|
F. Macken |
J. Caffrey |
||||
|
L. Brady |
S. O’Suilleabhain |
||||
|
Dave Beehan |
Dermot Ryan |
Crop Policy, Production and Safety |
Kevin Cassidy |
A. Duane |
R. O’Connell |
|
P. Vickers |
|||||
|
Crops Evaluation and Certification |
Donal Coleman |
J. Claffey |
B. O’Reilly |
||
|
S. Gaule |
G. Doherty |
||||
|
D. Murphy |
J. Brennan |
||||
|
Plant Health and Horticulture |
Gabriel Roe |
S. Nolan |
M. Clarke |
||
|
N Cunningham |
E. Massey |
||||
|
B. Delany |
L. Byrne |
||||
|
Pesticides Registration and Controls |
Dermot Sheridan |
G. Rennick |
A. Moody |
||
|
T. Barron |
J. Harrison |
||||
|
A. Dillon |
T O’Flaherty |
||||
|
D. McGilloway |
P. Hickey |
||||
|
J. Acton |
S. Macken |
||||
|
Feedstuffs, Fertilisers, Grain and Poultry |
Liam Hyde |
J. Canny |
G. Lohan |
||
|
C. O’Bric |
|||||
|
Livestock Breeding, Production and Trade |
Gerry Greally |
C. MacAodhain |
M. Maguire |
||
|
T. Keating |
J. Carty |
||||
|
F. Deere |
E. McGeough |
||||
|
Nitrates, Biodiversity and Engineering |
William Callanan |
R. Leonard |
T. Quinlivan |
||
|
P. Torpey |
T. Reid |
||||
|
O. McEvoy |
L. Kinsella |
||||
|
J. Nolan |
|||||
|
Research Food and Codex |
Richard Howell |
C. Byrne |
D. Crammond |
||
|
P. Byrne |
C. Howard |
||||
|
Dave Beehan (contd.) |
J. Conway |
||||
|
Agricultural Inspectorate Audit Unit |
|||||
|
Martin Blake |
Paula Barry Walsh DCVO |
State Veterinary Service Internal Audit Group |
Pat Flanagan |
R. Doyle |
|
|
Inspection Service |
|||||
|
Veterinary Public Health Inspection Service |
M. Kenny |
A. Guthrie |
|||
|
South East, East and South |
G. Griffin |
D. Lynch |
|||
|
Veterinary Public Health Inspection Service |
Dave Nolan |
K. Unger |
V. Jordan |
||
|
South West, North East and North West |
D. Patton |
||||
|
Michael Sheridan DCVO |
International Trade and Class A Contingency |
Billy McAteer |
J. Melville |
S. Gaynor |
|
|
Animal Health and Welfare |
|||||
|
Veterinary Medicines and SIU |
Pat Brangan |
B. Flaherty |
D. Holmes |
||
|
TSE and Animal By-Products |
John Griffin |
H. Sheridan |
C. Alexander |
||
|
Vacancy DCVO |
Veterinary Area Management — South |
Vacant |
M. Fitzgerald |
J. Powell |
|
|
Animal Health and Welfare |
P. Meskell |
M. Hayes |
|||
|
Delivery |
T. Kelliher |
J. McCarthy |
|||
|
D. Lynch |
I. O’Boyle |
||||
|
E. McDonald |
T. Myers |
||||
|
Veterinary Area Management — North |
Vacant |
J. Hannon |
P. Corkery |
||
|
M. Lyons |
D. Butler |
||||
|
P. Monaghan |
R. Finn |
||||
|
J. Magee |
B. Smith |
||||
|
M. O’Brien |
J. Burke |
||||
|
T. McTague |
|||||
|
ERAD — Brucellosis, Animal Welfare |
Garry O’Hagan |
M. Sheahan |
N. O’Nuallain |
||
|
Martin Blake (contd.) |
TB/CVERA/ Identification/ Johne’s/ Training |
Margaret Good |
P. Maher |
J. O’ Keeffe |
|
|
A. Duignan |
P. Mullowney |
||||
|
Dan O’Sullivan |
Vacant |
Dairy Science Labs |
Nicholas Finnerty |
B. Hickey |
B. Bugler |
|
Head of Agriculture Labs |
R. Heslin |
P. Power |
|||
|
M. Rea |
|||||
|
Pesticides, Seed Testing and Plant Health |
Michael Hickey |
J. Garvey |
J. Choiseul |
||
|
J. Byrne |
|||||
|
Veterinary Public Health Regulation Laboratory |
Alma Flack |
L. Scott |
C. Mannion |
||
|
Donal Sammin |
Bacteriology |
John Egan |
T. Murphy |
M. Gutierrez |
|
|
Head of Veterinary Labs |
|||||
|
Pathology |
W. Byrne |
M. McElroy |
|||
|
Virology |
Pat Lenihan |
B. Bradshaw |
P. Raleigh |
||
|
Regional Veterinary Laboratories and |
Micheal Casey |
J. Fagan |
A. Johnson |
||
|
Blood Testing Laboratory |
D. Dooge |
||||
|
Biosecurity |
John Moriarty |
||||
|
Backweston Labs Admin Unit |
P. Lynch |
||||
|
Longtown Farm |
R. Fisk |
||||
|
Cecil Beamish |
Seafood Policy and Development |
Josephine Kelly |
K. Moriarty |
D. Clarke |
|
|
K. Burns |
D. Kelleher |
||||
|
Aquaculture and Foreshore Management |
John Quinlan |
P. Corcoran |
D. O’Donoghue |
||
|
B. Whelton |
|||||
|
Marine Engineering |
Gerard J. Farrell |
J. McHale |
C. O’Donoghue |
||
|
T. O’Sullivan |
G. Egan |
||||
|
Sea Fisheries Administration |
Paschal Hayes |
K. Hodnett |
M. Ní Dhúinn |
||
|
Kevin Smyth |
Single Payments |
Paud Evans |
P. O’Hara |
N. Dinneny |
|
|
C. Delahunt |
|||||
|
Disadvantaged Areas and Suckler Cow Schemes |
Andy McGarrigle |
B. Brennan |
U. McMahon |
||
|
M. Lawlor |
L. Cashman |
||||
|
Kevin Smith (contd.) |
Direct Payment Integrated Controls |
Al Grogan |
M. Fanning |
||
|
J. O’Rourke |
J. Sheehan |
||||
|
M. Sharkey |
M. Moloney |
||||
|
T. Corcoran |
C. O’Brien |
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|
J. Flannery |
P. Kelly |
||||
|
Forest Service |
Bridgeena Nolan |
G. Cassidy |
D. Furlong |
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|
M. McNamara |
N. Heffernan |
||||
|
Forest Service Inspectorate |
Seamus Dunne |
N. Foley |
G. Cahalane |
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|
F. Moore |
T. McDonald |
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|
Forest Sector Development |
Eugene Hendrick |
J. Fennessy |
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|
Beef Control |
Vacant |
||||
|
Martin Heraghty |
Meat and Milk Policy |
Brendan Gleeson |
T. Corkery |
B. O’Connor |
|
|
M. McCarthy |
J. Downey |
||||
|
Milk and Meat Hygiene and Animal By-Products |
Tom Loftus |
A.Dillon |
M. Broderick |
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|
Dairy Controls |
Nicholas Finnerty |
M. Potter |
P. Collins |
||
|
J. Lewis |
J. Murphy |
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|
P. Lynch |
E. O’Brien |
||||
|
Food Safety Liasion |
Paul Dillon |
K. Kelly |
J. Byrne |
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|
Food Industry Development |
Marian Byrne |
M. Lynch |
S. Murphy |
||
|
Aidan O’Driscoll |
EU and International Trade |
Brid Cannon |
J O’Reilly |
G. Mulligan |
|
|
P. Savage |
|||||
|
CAP Rural Development |
Patricia Cannon |
L. Walsh |
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|
Economics and Planning |
Ann Derwin |
L. Broderick |
S. McPhillips |
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|
C O’Cribin |
C. Hayes |
||||
|
Climate and Bio Energy |
Paul McKiernan |
L. Kinsella |
M. Cadwell |
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|
E. Forde |
|||||
|
Michael Bunyan |
IMT Direct Farm Payment Systems |
Sean Keevey |
G. Hall |
A. Hamilton |
|
|
J. Deasy |
N. Toomey |
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|
S. Connolly |
J. Ryan |
||||
|
IMT Animal Health and Traceability Systems |
Vacant |
G. Meleady |
M. Farrell |
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|
D. Murray |
A. King |
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|
T. Forristal |
|||||
|
Michael Bunyan (contd.) |
IMT Customer Admin Financial and Fisheries Systems |
Joe Hanly |
B. Duffy |
E. Minogue |
|
|
A. O’Brien |
S. Murphy |
||||
|
IMT Infrastructure |
Robert Butler |
S. McGarry |
T. McGarry |
||
|
J. Birthistle |
D. O’Riordan |
||||
|
Philip Carroll |
National Beef Assurance Scheme |
Martin Farrell |
U. Forde |
P Keena |
|
|
A. Keating |
|||||
|
Animal Health Admin |
Stephen Fitzpatrick |
N. Holleran |
M. Carr |
||
|
Animal Health and Welfare |
Dermot Murphy |
K. O’Connor |
M. Butler |
||
|
B. Farrell |
T. Ryan |
||||
|
M. Winkelmann |
|||||
|
ERAD / Veterinary Medicines |
Richard Healy |
B. Hickey |
R. Green |
||
|
P. Kirwan |
|||||
|
Regional Office Administration |
Richard Healy |
S. Bric |
C. O’Neill |
||
|
Corporate Affairs/ F.O.I. and Minister’s Office |
Paul Dillon |
M. Kearney |
R. Williamson |
||
|
M. Curley |
M. McDonagh |
||||
|
Personnel and Training |
Bert O’Reilly |
M. Mackessy |
N. Lynch |
||
|
K. Ryan |
N. Behan |
||||
|
M. Talbot |
P. Clarkin |
||||
|
F. O’Brien |
A McManus |
||||
|
Accommodation, ISO and Health and Safety |
Danny Carroll |
D. Mehigan |
S. Heneghan |
||
|
D. Ward |
G. Curley |
||||
|
Management Services |
Breffini Carpenter |
S. Bell |
E. Mansfield |
||
|
D. Buckley |
P. Mulvey |
||||
|
A. Robinson |
T. Drea |
565 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 on behalf of a person (details supplied), if he has considered the review request made by this Deputy on 7 December asking that permission be given to the landowner in question to lodge an amended agri-environment options scheme plan as a result of additional lands that was reinstated by the Department following a successful appeal for the purpose of the disadvantaged area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7805/12]
The person named has been informed in writing that he was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2011.
The person named claimed 22.22 hectares of commonage under his AEOS application. Following a review by SPS the reference area of his commonage share has increased to 35.42 hectares. This increased area will be recognised on his AEOS application and the person named should now deliver on all the actions selected in the approved application together with this additional commonage land. My Department will issue a letter to this effect to the person named.
566 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7815/12]
There are currently 12 State Bodies that fall under the aegis of my Department. Of these, I have made appointments to those Boards listed in the following table since I became Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
While the remuneration quoted is payable to all Board members, there are some who do not avail of this money.
|
Body/Agency |
No. of Board Members |
No. of Board appointments |
Name |
Remuneration Rates per annum |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
7 |
1 |
Brendan Brice |
Chair: €8,978; Ordinary member: €5,985 |
|
An Bord Bia |
15 |
7 (including the Chair) |
Michael Carey (Chair) |
Chair: €20,520; Ordinary member: €11,970 |
|
Gary Brown |
||||
|
Michael Cronin |
||||
|
Rhona Holland |
||||
|
John Kingston |
||||
|
Brody Sweeney |
||||
|
John Comer |
||||
|
Bord na gCon |
7 |
4 |
Philip Meaney (Chair), Matt Murphy, Brendan Moore, Tim Gilbert |
Chair: €21,600; Ordinary member: €12,600 |
|
Coillte |
9 |
1 |
Oliver McCabe |
Chair:€21,600; Ordinary member: €12,600 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
7 |
3 |
Neville O’Byrne, Mary O’Connor, Noel Meade |
Chair: €21,600; Ordinary member: €12,600 |
|
Teagasc |
11 |
1 |
Thomas Cooke — nominated by ICMSA |
Chair: €20,520; Ordinary member: €11,970 |
|
Veterinary Council |
19 |
5 |
Michael Joseph Sheahan, Peadar Ó’Scanaill, Michael Patrick Mary Sadlier, Deirdre Patricia Campion, Martin Blake |
No remuneration is paid to Board members |
567 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single farm payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7886/12]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2011. The processing on this application was recently finalised and payment issued directly to the nominated bank account of the applicant on 2 February 2012.
568 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding REP scheme payments in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7893/12]
The person named commenced REPS in September 2008 and received payments for the first three years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks have now been completed and the year 4 payment will shortly issue to the person named.
569 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the options open to a person (details supplied) who inadvertently did not comply with entitlement regulations by giving up land they had rented, brought the amount of their entitlements under the 50% figure for the reference year and it appears that this will result in a substantial drop in their income for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7895/12]
In the 2005 Scheme year the person named submitted an application under the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme to inherit the entitlements established by his late wife. Following a successful Force Majeure application, these 69.06 entitlements had a gross unit value of €244.42 each giving a total value of €16,879.65 and were established utilising the alternative reference period 1997-1999.
The person named also submitted an application under the Consolidation measure of the 2005 Single Payment Scheme as he only inherited 49.73ha. This application was unnecessary as Under EU Regulations, the total Single Payment amount will, on transfer by way of inheritance, be divided by the number of hectares inherited. This resulted in the person named receiving 49.73 entitlements at a gross unit value of €339.43 each giving a total value of €16,879.65.
The person named submitted an application under the Consolidation measure of the 2011 Single Payment on 13 May 2011. The rules governing Consolidation require that an applicant must retain a number of hectares at least equal to 50% the original number of entitlements established — in this case 69.06ha. The land declared by the person named on the 2011 Single Payment application was 26.60 hectares which is less than 50% of the 69.06 entitlements originally granted. The application for Consolidation was therefore rejected.
The person named has recently submitted an application to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office. A formal letter setting out their decision will issue to the person named within the coming weeks.
570 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that Department approved meat plants have the appropriate equipment for the slaughter of buffaloes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7937/12]
Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants operate under the approval and supervision of my Department, in accordance with the terms of EU Food Hygiene Regulations. My Department has approved 31 meat plants for the slaughter of bovine animals. Buffaloes are classified as bovine animals. The slaughter of buffaloes would be a matter for commercial decision by the meat plants concerned, but logistical issues may arise because of the size of the animals. Any such activity would be closely monitored by my officials as part of their supervisory role in such plants, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements relating to animal welfare and hygiene.
571 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the number of farmers in County Kildare who are still awaiting their 2011 single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7950/12]
There are currently 23 herd owners in Kildare awaiting payments under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme. The timing of the Single Farm Payment is of critical importance to farmers, given that it represents in excess of €1.2 billion of the €1.7 billion that is paid out annually in direct aid. The SFP forms a significant part of the annual income of all farmers in Ireland, in many cases it is used to subsidise the running costs of the farming enterprise and is, therefore, greater than the net farm income in those cases. During 2011, mindful of the significance to the wider rural economy of the Single Payment, I successfully sought the approval of the Commissioner to have advance payments made on the earliest possible date. I am pleased to say that these payments commenced issuing on 17 October 2011, with payments continuing to be made, twice weekly, on an on-going basis. The vast majority of farmers had been paid by the end of December 2011.
572 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a REPS scheme 4 payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8177/12]
The person named commenced REPS in July 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue in respect of 2011. These checks are currently being finalised out and I expect that year 3 payment will issue shortly.
573 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to our fishing industry, the proposals he has to manage harvest to match sustainable supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8257/12]
Total Allowable Catches (TAC) and quotas are set each year taking account of the scientific advice for each stock. On November 23 2011, I presented a Sustainability Impact Assessment of EU Commission Proposal on TACs and quotas for 2012 to the Dáil. This assessment set out my strategy for the negotiation of Ireland's quotas. Following intensive negotiations at the December EU Fisheries Council TACs and quotas were established which protected the Irish fishing industry while respecting the most up-to-date scientific data for priority stocks of critical importance to our fleets.
Fish quotas are managed each year in close consultation with industry representatives.
In relation to the monthly allocation of whitefish stocks, my Department officials and the representative producer organisations in the industry, both fishermen and onshore processors, meet each month to make recommendations to me in relation to the quota to be allocated in the coming month.
When making decision on the policy governing the allocation of pelagic stocks, such as mackerel and herring, an extensive consultation process is undertaken. These consultations provide the opportunity for those involved in the industry, to highlight their concerns and make recommendations concerning the policy. This is the process which was used to determine the polyvalent mackerel policy, the boarfish policy and the revised herring policy which is nearing conclusion.
574 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals regarding the criminalisation Bill being removed with regard to our fishing industry. [8263/12]
The Programme for Government committed to replacing the criminal sanctions system for minor fisheries offences with administrative sanction system to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions.
I sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. The Attorney General has responded with a detailed advice on the issue which I am currently examining. The advice highlights the difficulties in relation to the Constitution and in relation to the laws of the European Community relevant to the question of implementing a system of administrative sanctions for fisheries.
There are many significant differences between the legal systems in Ireland and that of other EU Member States. Ireland's constitutional and legal position provides certain basic rights which must be respected within our system of justice. Furthermore, European Union legislation requires that penalties for fisheries offences must be "effective, proportionate and dissuasive”. That is, they must act as a deterrent and they must also ensure that there is no benefit gained by infringing the rules.
Given the nature of the penalties involved, there is a general requirement under the Constitution that alleged breaches of fisheries control regulations must be tried in a court of law. I am continuing to actively examine the issue in the context of the Attorney General's advice in relation to the Programme for Government commitment.
At EU level, a new fisheries control framework was introduced in 2009 which came into force at the beginning of 2010, following fisheries control failures identified by the EU Court of Auditors across the EU. This new framework including the application of electronic reporting of catches by all large and medium sized vessels, a new penalty points system, a payback system for overfished quotas and provisions to allow for the suspension of Community assistance in the event of non-compliance by Member States with the agreed control provisions. The new control system is designed to promote a level playing field. I am fully supportive of all measures that promote effective controls across the EU and that promote a culture of compliance within the Irish and EU Fishing industry. The future of our industry is totally dependant on healthy fish stocks and fishing must be carried out on a sustainable basis in accordance with the rules in place across the EU.
576 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/12]
My Department has re-engaged one retired Civil Servant on a contract basis since 25 October 2010 on foot of sanction received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Remuneration of €101,468 has been paid to date and normal pension abatement rules apply.
577 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payments under the agri-environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8312/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 November 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. During these checks a query arose in relation to the claimed Natura area on one of the parcels. This problem is presently being addressed and I expect payment will issue shortly.
578 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding agri-environment scheme payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8313/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 November 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. During these checks a query arose in relation to the claimed Natura area on one of the parcels. This problem is presently being addressed and I expect payment will issue shortly.
579 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for maintaining a sustainable future for the inshore sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8315/12]
In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, my overriding policy priority for the inshore sector continues to be to bring all inshore fisheries, and aquaculture, in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. As part of a major project involving my Department and its agencies and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, a substantial body of scientific data and analysis has been generated over the past number of years since the ECJ judgment. The project is now focused on the roll-out of the bay by bay environmental assessments required under the Directives.
Three comprehensive assessments were completed in 2011, in respect of Castlemaine Harbour County Kerry, Dundalk Bay Co. Louth and Roaring Water Bay, Co. Cork. Work is at an advanced stage in respect of Lough Swilly, Co. Donegal and Clew Bay, Co. Mayo, among others, and this process will continue throughout 2012 in respect of these and other prioritised sites.
Any wider policy initiatives for the inshore sector must take account of this policy priority and the associated legal constraints these Directives impose in terms of putting in place new licensing or management arrangements for inshore stocks within Natura sites, in advance of the completion of the necessary environmental assessments.
580 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is successful in changing its co-funding arrangements for EU schemes the effect this will have on the early retirement scheme. [8317/12]
581 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is successful in changing its co-funding arrangements for EU schemes the effect this will have on the farm improvement scheme. [8318/12]
582 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is successful in changing its co-funding arrangements for EU schemes the effect this will have on the installation aid programme. [8319/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 to 582, inclusive, together.
The European Commission has introduced an enabling provision in the rural development legislation allowing certain Member States, experiencing budgetary constraints, to draw down existing allocated EAFRD funds up to a maximum rate of 85% under their Rural Development Programmes during 2012 and 2013 if they continue to receive financial assistance under the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism.
My Department has sought an amendment of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) in order to avail of the higher rate of draw down. This amendment is intended to ensure full draw down of available EU funding and is in line with current budgetary allocations and projected demand under the Programme schemes. With regard to existing commitments for schemes, such as the farm improvement scheme, early retirement scheme and the young farmers' installation aid scheme, provision has been made for outstanding commitments under these schemes and the proposed draw down rate will not impact on these existing commitments.
583 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average and maximum times being taken to process REP scheme payments for those cases inspected in 2011 by offices in Limerick, Clonmel, Tralee and Mallow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8320/12]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013, and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the 75% payment can issue. The remaining 25% may only be paid when all the required on-the-spot inspections have been completed. REPS 4 applications take the form of an agri-environment plan which is prepared by a planner in consultation with the participant and which addresses many issues including nutrient management, grassland management and the environmental impact of the farming system. In order to minimise the possibility of EU disallowances, the administrative checking process and the on-the-spot inspections examine every aspect of the plans in detail.
In addition to the comprehensive administrative checking procedure which is carried out on all applications, each case selected for on-the-spot inspection is different. There is no maximum time prescribed for carrying out the administrative check or the on-the-spot inspection. The time taken will vary depending on a number of factors, including, location, the nature and complexity of the agri-environment plan, scale and weather conditions. In many cases, additional information and clarifications are required from the farmer after the farm visit. My Department makes every effort to ensure inspections are completed in a timely fashion to allow payments to issue to applicants at the earliest possible time. In this context, over 22,000 REPS 4 participants received payment in respect of 2011 before 31st December 2011, with the vast majority paid their 100%. All other cases are being paid as quickly as possible as issues arising are being resolved.
584 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 323 of 6 December 2011, the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [8406/12]
This person named was the subject of a Satellite inspection in 2010 which resulted in a penalty of between 3 and 20 percent arising from a determined over-declaration of eligible land. As a result the person named submitted an application in 2011 which reflected the determined area in 2010. In response to Parliamentary Question 32674/11 on 3rd November, I confirmed that the person named was entitled to lodge an appeal in relation to the results of the 2010 Satellite Inspection.
An appeal dated 28 October 2011 was received. This appeal led to the need to carry out an inspection, which took place in mid December 2011. That ground review identified some areas that required amendment to my Department's Land Parcel Identification System database. The required changes are being carried out and will be completed shortly. When completed, the person named will then be promptly informed of the outcome.
585 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015, in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department, the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8429/12]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and will take some time to collate. Available information will be provided as soon as possible.
586 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application form for the organic farming scheme is currently pending in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8447/12]
The closing date for receipt of Organic Farming Scheme applications was 16 May, 2011. There is no record of any application form received by my Department for the Organic Farming Scheme from the person named.
587 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the dairy equipment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8451/12]
The funding of all Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS), including the Dairy Equipment Scheme, is kept under constant review in order to ensure that optimum use is made of the financial allocation provided for such Schemes. However, I have no plans at present to alter the level of funding which has been made available for the Scheme.
588 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, as it is reported that the EU Commission has confirmed that an application has been received from Ireland regarding changes to the qualification criteria for payment structure for the disadvantaged area scheme, he will confirm his intention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8452/12]
The Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU, is an integral part of Ireland's Rural Development Plan, 2007/2013, and as such, any proposed change to Scheme criteria requires the agreement of the EU Commission. In this regard, therefore, the changes announced in the context of the recent Budget are under discussion with the EU Commission and the Commission's response is expected shortly.
589 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to dispose of the harvesting rights of Coillte as part of the programme for Government State asset disposal programme. [8454/12]
No decision has been taken by the Government in relation to the potential sale of Coillte.
To assist in its examination of options for the possible disposal of State assets, the Government requested the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in consultation with relevant line Departments and NewERA, to consider a number of possible State assets for disposal. In addition, they will advise the Government in relation to the appropriate valuations to be placed on the assets in question, the most appropriate method of disposal, likely timeframe and economic impact of any such disposal, in order to inform any decisions that the Government may wish to make in this regard. Coillte has been included in that valuation exercise.
In relation to the issue of harvesting rights, as I have previously mentioned, one of the suggested ideas is that a crop, or asset, could be sold through harvesting rights for the next 30 or 50 years, depending on how much value the State wishes to maximise. At the end of the process, the land would revert to the State, with a requirement in place for reafforestation. While the sale of harvesting rights is an option, I want to reiterate that no decision has been made on the sale of Coillte as a company or in terms of forest assets. The large-scale sale of Coillte land is not an option.
590 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has with regard to transparent scientific advice and reports being made available stating who carried out surveys, when and where, the parties involved and the cost of independent scientific information supplied by fishermen to be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8461/12]
591 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the fish industry. [8462/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 591 together.
The Marine Institute provide me with scientific advice to inform policy decisions. It annually publishes scientific papers including the Stock Book which details for fisheries of interest to Irish fishermen scientific advice on a stock by stock basis.
The design, management and execution of specific research surveys and data collection exercises are the sole remit of the Marine Institute and should be raised directly with the Institute. The Institute liaise and consult on a regular basis with industry interests including through the well established Industry Science Partnership, which offers a good forum for specific concerns.
592 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding marketing and labelling. [8463/12]
Under the umbrella of the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) the European Commission have proposed a new regulation“ of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Common Organisation of the Markets in Fishery and Aquaculture Products”.
The proposal to revise the Common Organisation of the Markets(CMO) for fishery and aquaculture products follows a very lengthy consultation phase.
The CMO is intended to provide market stability, to ensure a stable supply of quality products, to guarantee a fair income for producers and ensure a fair price to consumers.
I have welcomed the proposal to revise the CMO and support many of the elements contained in it including a greater emphasis on informing the consumer. Current labelling requirements are very broad and give little useful information to the consumer.
I believe in greater traceability and in that regard I am seeking to have more meaningful, recognisable, local catch origin labelling and product information so that consumers can usefully differentiate fish on the basis of a recognisable local area of origin.
593 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding imports. [8464/12]
EU is increasingly dependent on imports of fish and fishery products to meet its needs. In 2009, the EU imported €15.5 billion worth of fish and fishery products, accounting for more than 60% of it fish consumption. Europe exported €2.5 billion worth of fisheries goods in 2009, the bulk of it to large markets like Norway, Russia and Japan. Total aquaculture production in the EU is around 1.3 million tonnes. As the world's largest market for fish imports, the EU has a major interest in improving market access conditions both at multilateral and bilateral level.
As an EU Member State it is not possible to restrict imports nor do I believe such a policy would be beneficial for the seafood sector in Ireland which is strongly dependant on the export market. Ireland's Seafood Sector is an export orientated industry with an estimated €420m of Seafood Exports in 2011 up 13% on 2010. After the recent success at the December 2011 Council of Fisheries Ministers where I secured an estimated €250m of fish quotas for Irish vessels, the prospects for exports are again positive for 2012. The export market is also critically important for our aquaculture sector.
In terms of import tariffs, tariff quotas (annual limits) are laid down by the EU within which certain products originating in countries outside the EU may be imported at preferential rates of duty (either at a reduced or zero rate). Ireland's position is, in general terms, supportive of the principle of Community preference for products, such as herring and mackerel, where EU is a major supplier to meet internal demand.
I am committed to continuing the path set out in Food Harvest 2020 for the development of the seafood sector in Ireland into 2012. Food Harvest 2020 identifies the potential of the seafood industry to increase employment from the present level of 11,000 to 14,000 full time equivalent jobs by 2020, mostly in peripheral coastal communities. It also identifies the potential to increase turnover in the sector from €700 million to €1 billion by 2020. These opportunities for the growth of our seafood industry will be driven by an expected growth in world population, particularly in Asia, and a consequent increased demand for seafood.
I am pursuing three key strategies to grow the Irish seafood industry and realise the potential identified in Food Harvest. These are — growing our aquaculture production, adding value to our product and improving the scaling and competitiveness of our processing sector. These are my priorities which I believe will deliver on the potential of the seafood sector in Ireland.
594 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans regarding crawfish (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8466/12]
In order to protect the reproductive potential of the crawfish stock, Council Regulation No. 850/98 sets a minimum landing size of 95mm. The Regulation allows Member States to take measures for the conservation and management of stocks that go beyond the minimum requirements set by the Regulation. When the minimum landing size for crawfish specified in the Regulation was reduced in 2001 in an amending Regulation from 110mm to 95mm, this reduced size was considered by Ireland to offer inadequate protection to the reproductive potential of the stock. There were industry calls at the time for the higher minimum size to be restored in national law and this was done.
In June 2011, I asked BIM to carry out a review of the technical conservation measures (TCMs) currently in place for the crawfish stock. The review was to be conducted in conjunction with the Marine Institute and in consultation with crawfish fishermen and their representatives.
In the terms of reference for that review, I specified that the review should have regard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock, undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species from the use of nets by some fishermen in fishing for crawfish, the apparent market preference for smaller crawfish and the range of TCMs for crawfish used internationally. I asked BIM, in framing its recommendations, to ensure that its proposals provided at least the equivalent or a higher level of protection to the reproductive potential of the stock, as provided by the present measures, and that a high level of compliance would be assured within available resources.
I received a draft report from BIM last month and I am expecting the final report in the near future. I intend to publish the report shortly and will make arrangements for a copy to be sent to the Deputy.
I do not accept that Ireland's minimum landing size is in any way anti competitive or discriminatory. While the minimum landing size for crawfish specified in EU Regulations is 95mm, it should be noted that there is a wide range of different minimum landing sizes in force across Europe. Each Member State must take account of the characteristics of its own stock, including varying factors such as age at maturity. In those circumstances harmonised arrangements are not always practical or desirable.
595 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme 4 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8478/12]
The person named commenced REPS in January 2010 and received payments for the first year of their contract.
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, has to be completed before any payment can issue in respect of 2011. Following an inspection, a discrepancy was discovered in respect of one parcel of land that requires digitisation and verification of its area. This is currently being done with the intention of an early resolution and to enable payment in respect of 2011 to issue.
596 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in view of the Children’s Rights Alliance’s overall positive C+ grade to Government in its report card 2012, she will ensure that budget 2013 ring-fences the funding and staff complement required to ensure that the new child and family support agency will be able to deliver on its statutory obligations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7751/12]
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform published the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014 on 5th December last. The sections relating to my Department in this document clearly highlight that the transfer of services to the new Child and Family Support Agency fully informed the strategic approach taken by my Department. This report states that: “The Department used the CRE process to inform its new structures and priorities based upon streamlined and effective use of limited resources which maximise policy outcomes and service delivery.”
My Department's input to the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure process was fully aligned with the Government's reform objectives for children's services and encompassed the child protection and welfare services currently operated by the HSE and intended to transfer to the new Agency. In addition, the Government's public service reform announcements on 17th November signalled my decision to merge the Family Support Agency into the Child and Family Support Agency following the latter's establishment. Once again, this is consistent with the approach taken by my Department in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure process of considering new, more effective ways to use resources to achieve the Government's key objective to improve services for children and families.
A dedicated new budget sub-head had been established for the first time in the HSEVote, in preparation for the planned establishment of the Child and Family Support Agency in 2013. A provision of €568m has been made for 2012. A process is currently underway in conjunction with the HSE to further review and refine the detailed components of this sub-head. The provision for the first time of a dedicated budget for children and families within the HSE Vote will pave the way for the establishment of the new Agency in 2013. This dedicated budget will be managed by the National Director of Children and Family Services and his staff in support of the process of operational improvement in child protection and welfare services which he is leading. Central to this reform is the delivery of transparent and accountable management and budgeting.
The Government's reform of child welfare and protection services is also being assisted by the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency which I established in September. The Task Force, which has very considerable expertise, met for the eleventh time earlier this month and also has a number of sub-groups undertaking particular aspects of its work. The Task Force is chaired by Ms Maureen Lynott and it also includes the National Director of Children and Family Services, Mr Gordon Jeyes, and the Secretary General of my Department.
The Task Force has been asked to advise on the appropriate service responsibilities for the Agency during the course of its work from amongst those within the HSE that relate to children and family services, or from within the relevant operational responsibilities of my Department or its agencies. The allocation of financial and human resources for the new Agency will largely be determined by the services for which it will have responsibility; in terms of both direct provision and commissioning. The Task Force has been asked to review the existing budgets, staffing and other corporate supports in respect of the services transferring. Further, the Task Force has been asked to assess and propose, within the resources available for the transferring services, a plan for resource and staffing configuration which takes full account of the overall corporate vision, indicators of need (geographically and by service) and the objectives of public sector reform and modernisation. I look forward to receiving the report of the Task Force's work, which will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation. I would envisage tabling legislation before the House later this year to provide for the Agency's setting up in 2013.
In conclusion, I am satisfied that the recent budgetary decisions, while taking place in a context of tremendous pressure on the public finances, have been fully informed by the Government's commitment to the establishment of the Child and Family Support Agency. The establishment of the new Agency is part of a wider ‘change agenda', which is aimed at strengthening the organisational capacity, business processes and systems necessary to deliver safe and reliable child protection services. This change agenda is necessary in order utilise resources to their fullest to promote better outcomes for children and achieve Government objectives for the improvement of the child protection system. I believe, in time, this will constitute an important and demonstrable example for the general public of the benefits of public service reform.
597 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the national strategy on aftercare will be published; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7596/12]
I have been informed by the HSE that the National Policy on Aftercare has been finalised and was formally issued to the Regional Managers for Children and Family Services, all Principal Social Workers and Child Care Managers. Copies are available from the HSE on request and I understand that the HSE intend to make this available on their website shortly.
598 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons under 18 years that are homeless as defined by section 5 of the 1991 Child Care Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7597/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
599 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will explain her views on the possibility of establishing a strong administrative agreement as an alternative to a bilateral agreement in respect of inter-country adoptions as per her statement in Dáil Éireann on 26 January; if she will elaborate on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7660/12]
With effect from 1 November 2010, intercountry adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. The Hague Convention is a minimum set of standards in intercountry adoption in areas such as subsidiarity, consent and financial considerations.
The Hague Convention is a formal state-to-state agreement between countries developed on a multi-lateral basis. The key difference between an administrative arrangement and a bilateral agreement is that Governments are bound to one another by a bilateral agreement. Administrative agreements are related to the sequence and process arrangements in place to support the safeguards already agreed between states. The Adoption Authority of Ireland works with central authority counterparts in the establishment of administrative agreements while bilaterals are Government to Government agreements.
If a country has ratified the Hague Convention then the Adoption Authority of Ireland may establish administrative arrangements, as provided for in Section 72 of the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has over recent months travelled to a number of jurisdictions and has had discussions with the relevant Central Authorities. The purpose was to advise of its processes and procedures and to assess the need for additional administrative arrangements or agreements with referring Hague countries in order to underpin the process. These visits also provided an opportunity to discuss ways to streamline processes on both sides and get up to date information for prospective adopters on developments in the particular countries.
If a country has not ratified the Hague Convention then a bilateral agreement would be necessary in order for adoptions to continue with that country. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry adoption with states which have not ratified the Hague Convention is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010. Ireland has not to date entered into a bilateral agreement in respect of intercountry adoption. Under Section 73 of the Act, "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State.”
The priority focus for the Adoption Authority is the putting in place of administrative arrangements with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention. Any future bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would also be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Convention.
600 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in State care who were charged or convicted of any criminal offence in 2010 or 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7720/12]
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
601 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within her Department. [7734/12]
I have arranged for the Department's organisation chart to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at her office. The Department's chart is now also available on my Department's website.
602 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by her since she came to power; the persons appointed; to which boards and agencies; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7817/12]
In relation to the NEWB, there have been two appointments to the Board since my appointment as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Mr. Brendan Broderick was appointed based on a nomination of the trade unions and staff associations representing teachers under S9(2)(1)(b)(iv) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Mr. Broderick was a direct replacement of a retiring nominee during his term of office. Mr. Eamonn Flynn was appointed to the NEWB based on a nomination of the Educational Welfare Officers under S9 (2)(1)(b)(v) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 whereby the Minister is obliged to consult with specified bodies in the process of these appointments. Mr. Broderick and Mr. Flynn are both ordinary board members in receipt of no remuneration.
In relation to the FSA, there have been ten members appointed to the Board since my appointment as Minister, namely Sharon Foley, Dick Hickey, Catherine Hazlett, Marie Fenlon, Yvette O'Malley (resigned 10 November, 2011), Liz Chaloner, Nuala Ryan, Imelda Martin, Caroline Murphy and Nollaig Byrne. Both Catherine Hazlett and Imelda Martin are not in receipt of any remuneration. As Yvette O'Malley resigned in November, 2011 there are currently seven board members who are each in receipt of €5,985 per annum.
I have made one appointment to the Board of the AAI since my appointment. Imelda Ryan was appointed on 7th February, 2012 and is in receipt of €7,965 per annum.
There is no Board for the Ombudsman for Children's Office. I am currently in the process of making appointments to the board of management of the children detention schools and will announce the full board when all members have been appointed. The term of the previous Board expired in October 2011 and the vacancies for the current Board are currently listed on my Department's website.
603 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the costs that will be incurred for the refurbishment of Coovagh House special care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Limerick city, when it will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7960/12]
My Department has sought the information from the HSE requested by the Deputy and I will provide the Deputy with this information when it becomes available.
604 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children that are being sent outside the State for special care; the cost to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7961/12]
My Department has sought the information from the HSE requested by the Deputy and I will provide the Deputy with this information when it becomes available.
605 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of vacant education welfare officer positions in the National Education Welfare Board; the number of education welfare officers currently employed by the Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7985/12]
The complex issue of school attendance is systematically addressed through the provisions of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. This act established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) in 2002 — mandating it with supervising and implementing the provisions of the Act to effectively ensure that ‘each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education' (Section 10). The legislation establishes a framework for promoting regular school attendance, participation and retention as well as tackling the manifold problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The Act also charges the NEWB with responsibility for children who are being educated outside of recognised schools, for example at home, as well as 16-17 year olds who leave school to take up employment.
In relation to monitoring school attendance, the NEWB has 90 sanctioned Educational Welfare Service posts, 74 of which are currently filled (59 Educational Welfare Officers, 12 Senior Educational Welfare Officers and 3 Regional Managers). The Board also informs me that an additional 2 Educational Welfare Officers are due to retire at the end of the month.
Since mid-2009 the Board has an expanded remit which includes responsibility for the Home / School / Community Liaison scheme and the School Completion Programme in addition to the Educational Welfare Service. Under the extended remit, the Board is obliged to devise a single strategic approach to attendance, participation and retention. The Board is currently engaged in developing an integrated service model which would respond to the complexity of issues that impact on attendance, participation and retention. That model will be implemented in the academic year 2012-2013. This implementation will include appropriate management information systems to capture data for the measuring and monitoring of outcomes.
In the interim, and whilst the model of integrated practice is being finalised, the Board has put in place a number of measures to ensure a service to all schools. In areas where there are gaps, the following categories of referral have to be accorded priority.
No school place.
Refusal to enrol.
Non transfer from Primary to Post Primary School.
Where a student has been expelled.
Court directed work.
Child discharged from residential care without a school placement.
Educational welfare issues combined with child protection/serious child welfare concerns.
607 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the helpline. [8048/12]
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and led a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.
The position is that ComReg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross-departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, ComReg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC.
In the coming months the Project Team will now work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection.
608 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the annual costs of promoting and pursuing inter-country adoption in her Department and at the Adoption Authority of Ireland. [8133/12]
The Adoption Authority of Ireland was established on 1 November 2010. It is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy.
The Adoption Authority is being funded in 2012 from within the Department of Children and Youth Affairs vote. Funding of €3.3 million has been allocated for the current year. Any additional costs to be borne by my Department would be low and would most likely arise as a consequence of a limited number of Ministerial/official visits in relation to intercountry adoption during the year.
609 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the annual costs of providing search and reunion services to adopted persons and natural parents; and the amount of Adoption Authority of Ireland and Health Service Executive annual budgets that are spent on these activities. [8134/12]
The Adoption Authority has advised that the direct payroll cost to the Agency for providing information and tracing services is in the region of €300,000 per annum.
I have been informed by the HSE that the overall cost to provide information and tracing services nationally by the HSE is in the region of €3 million. This includes salary, travel, office and administration costs.
610 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the problems being encountered by the Adoption Authority of Ireland with inter-country adoption applications for new couples seeking to adopt from India; the steps being taken to resolve the issue and problems; if she will outline a timeframe for the matters to be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8202/12]
The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy. The AAI has advised that it is proposing to send a delegation to India to discuss administrative matters relating to intercountry adoption between our two countries.
611 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment beyond any accrued pension entitlements is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from her Department; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from her Department; if she will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8267/12]
No payments as described by the Deputy have been made, or are planned to be made, to any retired or retiring official from my Department.
612 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she has studied the incidents and frequency of child abuse in situations inside or outside the home over the past number of years with particular reference to identification of situations or circumstances which might lead to recurrences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8388/12]
613 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which early detection and support services are available in situations whereby children or young adults might be vulnerable to abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8389/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 613 together.
When we talk about child abuse it is important to remember that in reviewing the number of cases referred to the HSE's Children and Family Services, child neglect has been identified as the most common form of abuse. There are in fact more cases of neglect than sexual abuse and maltreatment in child protection. I am aware that national and international research has linked incidents of child abuse with domestic violence, parental mental health issues, and alcohol and drug addiction amongst families. There are, however, other factors to be considered including the parent's role and the societal and environmental factors contributing to the parent's inability to provide for the basic needs of the child, such as social isolation, poor housing, low levels of employment and poverty.
Family support and social work intervention are crucial to identifying, containing and alleviating the circumstances that can lead to child abuse in all its heinous forms. The HSE's Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook, published to complement the revised Children First Guidance which I launched last year, sets out in significant detail the indicators of abuse and how they may be reflected in parental behaviour, in the environment in which the child is growing, and in the behaviour of the child. These indicators allow the relevant professionals to make judgments about current risk to a particular child and/or the potential future risk to other children. By evaluating and recording their experiences with the child and the family, the professional is in a very strong position to intervene in an appropriate and agreed manner.
Early intervention and family support are undoubtedly the best means of keeping a child safe in its home environment. I should also say that by getting to know a family over a period of time and with the input of other medical and professional colleagues, social workers are probably best placed to monitor developments or and to deal with concerns should they occur. This requires appropriate training, support and supervision for staff working at the coalface. Social workers do unfortunately need to continue to develop skills in dealing with families who do not wish to engage, who are threatening and violent towards staff, and who may try to be elusive in relation to the standard of care they are providing.
The lessons that continue to be learned from the child welfare and protection system have led to significant changes to how services are being delivered. These include the decision to establish a dedicated agency; publication and roll out of the revised Children First Guidance and the accompanying HSE Handbook; the appointment of a National Director for Children and Family Services in the HSE; the work done in standardising business processes across the HSE Children and Families Service; the commitment to develop improved information systems and a child protection register. They have also contributed to an increase in the child protection social work cohort and in staff development.
614 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which adequate support services are available to provide the necessary follow up and support in cases in which child sexual or physical abuse is identified or suspected; the length of time within which it can be reasonably expected that supportive measures are taken in individual cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8390/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
615 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent, if any, to which she has been in a position to identify the most important or needy areas for investment in terms of personnel or facilities in the child support services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8391/12]
My Department publishes a biennial State of the Nation's Children report which benchmarks progress on services and supports as well as children's outcomes. My Department has also recently published a National Research and Data Strategy which sets out a strategic direction and comprehensive action plan for research and data on children's lives in Ireland for the next five years. One of the five objectives is to improve monitoring and evaluation of children's services in Ireland at local and national level and the actions carried under this objective, particularly those relating to improving administrative systems, will be used to ensure good quality information is available to inform my Department about key areas for investment.
My Department also manages the National Children's Research Programme. As part of this Programme, more than sixty research studies on children's lives have been funded. Among these are studies of children at risk including children on remand, youth homelessness, children who are witnesses to domestic violence and children as carers. This month a set of briefing notes covering more than half of these studies was published, containing key messages for policy and practice arising from this research. The largest study under the National Children's Research Programme is Growing Up in Ireland, the National Longitudinal Study of Children. This Study is following the development of almost 20,000 children in Ireland across two cohorts: an infant cohort recruited at age nine-months; and a child cohort recruited at age nine years. Since 2006, when the first phase of the study commenced, two waves of data collection of the infant cohort have been completed (at age nine months and three years) and two waves of data collection of the child cohort are also almost completed (at ages nine years and thirteen years).
These studies allow us to better understand children's lives, particularly the lives of children at risk. Growing Up in Ireland in particular, also allows us to better understand the risk and protective factors for these children and the importance of early experiences on outcomes later in life.
Further, the recently published National Strategy for Research and Data on Children's Lives, 2011-2016 contains commitments to improving our knowledge of children's lives and the supports and services needed across five themes based on the National Services Outcomes of the Agenda for Children's Services. Some examples include:
Child protection
Analysis of existing reports and literature on children in need of protection and in care of the State with extraction of key messages to be published by mid 2013.
Youth justice
Studies measuring the impact and outcomes of youth justice initiatives will be carried out over the period 2012-2015.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Findings of process and intervention evaluations from the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme by mid 2014.
Children’s participation in decision-making
Two reports on the extent to which children's voices are heard in policy and service development will be published at the end of 2012, from a research project to examine young people's experiences of existing participation structures and from a review of literature on participation initiates and experiences with seldom-heard young people.
Youth affairs
Administrative data on youth work services will be used to profile activity, resources and services in this sector, starting in 2012.
Poverty and social inclusion
Performance indicators to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of child income support payments will be published by the Department of Social Protection commencing in 2012.
616 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which psychological support and diagnostic services are available to children and young adults as required; her plans to develop such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8392/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
618 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which the fosterage services throughout the country are adequate to meet requirements; the extent of the waiting lists; the proposals if any for the development of such services in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8394/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
621 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she and her Department have identified locations for potential trafficking in children or young adults with particular reference to the need to prevent the activities of organised criminals in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8397/12]
622 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she and or her Department have identified situations likely to allow trafficking in children or young adults; her plans to address any issues arising from evidence available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8398/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.
I do not have responsibility for offences relating to the trafficking of children. Under the Child Care Act, 1991, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the care and protection of separated children seeking asylum until they reach 18 years of age. Their immediate and ongoing needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991. Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the point of entry, their circumstances are investigated and if there are any concerns about the welfare of the child, they are placed into the care of the HSE. These children are particularly vulnerable and in need of care and protection.
The HSE is aware of concerns that separated children seeking asylum who go missing from care may be at risk of being trafficked. The HSE and the Garda National Immigrant Bureau have worked closely since 2008 in this regard and have a Joint National Protocol on Children who go missing from care, and have held meetings between their respective management to identify risk, share information and work cooperatively in respect to this group of children. The parties to the meetings included Local Garda Inspectors, GMIB Inspectors, Social Workers engaged in after hours and separated children seeking asylum teams.
The steps taken to address risk issues in relation to separated children include:
Collaborative interviewing at points of entry between the Garda and social workers.
Planned surveillance of those at risk of going missing from the point of entry to the initial period in placement and a range of other activities undertaken by An Garda Síochána.
The revised Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children deals with the recognition, reporting and management of child safety concerns. It emphasises the need to safeguard and to protect children, particularly vulnerable children. It specifically highlights the roles and responsibilities of the HSE and An Garda Síochána, as the two agencies with statutory responsibility for child protection and forms an integral part of their existing operations and practice. Where the HSE has identified a concern regarding child trafficking, this is referred to the Gardaí and the two statutory organisations work closely together to ensure the safety of the child. HSE management and staff have been closely involved in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Equality in the development of the National Action Plan on Anti-Human Trafficking and every effort is being made to fulfil commitment to combat trafficking as outlined in this Plan.
623 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of incidents of child or youth abuse reported in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which the various back up services have increased or are likely to be increased to meet ongoing requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8399/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
624 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in her Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8431/12]
Since the establishment of my Department in June 2011, one member of staff has retired with an associated lump sum and pension cost of €95,504 and €29,820 respectively. It is not possible to identify the number of staff retiring and associated costs between now and 2015 for a number of reasons: (a) the decision to retire is a personal matter for individual staff to make and (b) different retirement conditions apply depending which scheme they are a member of. For example, some staff can retire at any time between the ages of 60 and 65 years while other staff must continue to work until at least aged 65 years. Another complicating factor is that retirement benefits are based on final salary and final pensionable service, all of which may be subject to change between now and 2015. All members of the various schemes may also opt for actuarially reduced retirement benefits once they have reached the age of 50.
As a result, it is not possible to supply figures on loss of revenue from pension related deductions and superannuation contributions for those retiring before 2015. However, an indicative figure for a civil servant at my Department currently earning €54,000 per annum and recruited after April 1995 would suggest a pension related deduction of €3,500 (gross) per annum and superannuation contributions of €3,091 (including contributions to the Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme).
625 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the length of time it is acceptable to wait for an answer to a query directed to the Health Service Executive from her Department following a parliamentary question. [7555/12]
All Parliamentary Questions should be answered on the day required by the Oireachtas, or if due to the nature of the question this proves impossible as soon as possible thereafter. The Health Service Executive is very conscious of the need for prompt replies to Parliamentary Questions and there is regular liaison between my Department and the Executive in this regard. While the Executive attempts to answer all questions referred to it as quickly as possible, many of the questions submitted by Deputies request large and detailed amounts of statistical data on a variety of subjects which require input and coordination from all areas of the Executive.
In its National Service Plan the HSE commits to answering 75% of questions within 15 working days. In November of last year the Executive introduced a new IT system for dealing with Parliamentary Questions. It is envisaged that this system will contribute towards a more efficient method of dealing with PQs within the HSE and result in more prompt replies being issued.
While I, as Minister for Health, have ultimate responsibility for the health services I continue to believe that questions concerning individual patients and operational matters relating to local issues should be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to Deputies. A balance has to be struck between responsibility for local issues, which rests with local area service managers, and the ultimate accountability of Ministers.
If the Deputy has concerns about a specific Parliamentary Question I would ask him to forward the details to my office and I will follow it up with the HSE.
626 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in processing medical card application forms; if staff are allocated to register applications within a set timeframe; the timeframe for same; if staff are allocated to open mail; if a dedicated postbox could be provided for the public to deliver forms and documents in view of the extent of material being lost; the changes he will make to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7561/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
I very much share the Deputy's concerns in relation to lost or misplaced documentation.
A review of the medical card processing service is under way at the moment and the issues raised by the Deputy are being examined as part of this process. The review will be completed in a few weeks time.
627 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the operational arrangements that have been put in place at St. Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina, County Mayo, at the end of February; if agreement has been reached with existing staff at the facility and with health insurers and insurance companies; the training programmes that are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7574/12]
628 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the savings achieved by the closure of 12 beds at St. Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina, County Mayo, since November; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7575/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 627 and 628 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
629 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the details of a fund he has put in place to maintain beds at community and district hospitals here; if Swinford District Hospital, County Mayo, has received an allocation under this fund; the operations of the fund; the future of community and district hospitals generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7576/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
630 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason there is a delay in processing medical card applications in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Donegal; and the steps being taken to reduce the waiting times. [7583/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
631 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7584/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
632 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the average processing times for appeals in each regional appeals office by category of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7585/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
I have held detailed discussions with the HSE regarding the ongoing backlog in medical card appeals. The HSE is moving additional staff to this area to help address the unsatisfactory waiting times.
633 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7586/12]
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.
634 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in receiving surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; when the person may expect the surgery to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7620/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a nine-month maximum wait time for inpatient or day case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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 and facility involved.
635 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health if the moneys collected as part of the pension levy from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service were passed on to the Department of Finance or if the IBTS retains the money as part of its own pension plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7623/12]
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is a public service body as defined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 and consequently its employees are public servants within the terms of that Act. To date, the Pension Levy deducted has not been remitted by the IBTS to the Exchequer. My officials are in discussion with the Board of the IBTS on how best to resolve the issue of the deficit in the IBTS pension fund, and this may involve using a proportion of pension levy funds. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service pension scheme comes under the scope of a public service pension scheme as defined in Section 1 of the Act.
636 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a placement for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14, now that the Health Service Executive national service plan has been published; if a decision on their care could be communicated to their family as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7635/12]
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.
637 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a placement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16, now that the Health Service Executive national service plan has been published; if a decision on their care will be communicated to their family as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7636/12]
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.
638 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a placement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14, now that the Health Service Executive national service plan has been published; if a decision on their care could be communicated to their family as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7637/12]
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.
639 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing home beds available in County Louth at present; the number that are public beds and the number that are private; and the comparable figures for 2002. [7638/12]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the statutory body responsible for the registration of all designated centres for older people, including public, voluntary and private nursing homes. HIQA has been given until 30 June 2012 to fully register all existing nursing homes. Full details of all currently registered nursing homes, including the maximum number of residents who can be accommodated, as well as inspection reports on all nursing homes, can be found on the HIQA website, www.hiqa.ie.
In addition to the above the Long-Stay Activity Reports, published by the Department present data collected through a survey of long-stay units for older people. In 2002, 497 questionnaires were returned out of a total of 569 giving a national response rate of 87.3%. The survey reports that there were 2,189 beds in the former North Eastern Health Board Area and provides a breakdown of the number of beds on a unit by unit basis within the region.
The latest comparable report published by the Department in 2011, covering the year 2010 had an 80% response rate, nationally. The survey now provides a breakdown of the number of beds in each County on a unit by unit basis. It reports that there were 5 HSE Extended Care Units providing 228 public beds and 9 private nursing homes providing 415 private beds in Louth.
The Long-Stay Activity Reports are published on the Department's website, www.doh.ie. The Deputy should be mindful that these are survey results.
I have asked the HSE to supply the Deputy with the current number of public long-stay beds available in Louth.
640 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is committed to public provision of nursing home beds into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7639/12]
Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care.
While the Minister and this Government continues to reiterate our commitment to the future public provision of residential care for older people we must recognise that the HSE is facing challenges in respect of all services in 2012. In the case of Community Nursing Units these include challenges regarding staffing, funding and the age and structure of its units.
In this regard the HSE is carrying out a viability review of all its long stay nursing homes. When complete, this will give a clear outline and profile of each of the public long stay units including their status on meeting Health Information and Quality Authority standards.
641 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans, if any, to introduce a proposal that restaurants include the calorie content of each dish on their menus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7646/12]
Late last year I wrote to a range of Fast Food Outlets and cafes requesting they, like their counterparts in the USA and UK, take part in an initiative to put calories on menus in Ireland. This calorie posting would be done initially in a voluntary capacity. There has been a positive response to my request and this scheme is an excellent opportunity to work with all stakeholders and partners in food service establishments to tackle the ever growing problem of obesity in the Irish population.
Working with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, I launched a public consultation, "Putting Calories on Menus in Ireland," on 2 February 2012, which will help inform how best to provide calorie information to consumers. The consultation period will finish at the end of February and results are expected in April.
642 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide figures on the total number of annually diagnosed cases of systemic lupus erythematosus here for each year in the past decade; if his attention has been drawn to the average cost of treatment for a person diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus; his plans to include this chronic, long-term incurable disorder under the terms of the Health Service Executive long-term illness scheme; if not, the measures that exist to offset the continued costs for patients with the disorder; the measures the HSE have taken to make the public aware of the disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7658/12]
Lupus is an uncommon condition, with 90% of cases occurring in women. The condition causes many different health problems ranging from mild to life-threatening. As there is no register of patients with lupus, it is not possible to provide a figure for the total number of annually diagnosed cases.
Patients with lupus are generally under the care of a rheumatologist and may also be seen by other specialists such as dermatologists. Any person may be referred to their local hospital by their GP. There is no estimate available of the average cost of treatment.
There are no plans at present for a national campaign to provide information regarding lupus. The HSE would be happy to make arrangements to meet the Lupus Patient Group. The HSE National Advocacy Unit will facilitate such a meeting and can be contacted at www.yourserviceyoursay.ie or 045 880400.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.
643 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop and improve the rural practice grant for general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7676/12]
The current rates of payments are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to General Practitioners) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 638/2010). Under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, fees and allowances payable to GPs were reduced in 2009 and 2010.
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Contract, GPs are eligible for a Rural Practice Allowance when they live and practise in an area with a population of less than 500, where there is not a town with a population of 1,500 or more within a three mile radius of that centre and where the HSE considers it necessary to pay an allowance to retain a doctor in the area. The current annual rural practice allowance is €17,530.89.
Under the Programme for Government, it is intended to develop a new contractual framework for GPs which will be more suited to current needs and will facilitate the planned development of Primary Care Services. Mechanisms for encouraging GPs to set up practices in rural and urban disadvantaged areas will be considered, as appropriate, in the context of this review of the GMS GP Contract.
644 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7700/12]
645 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7701/12]
646 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7702/12]
647 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7703/12]
648 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7704/12]
649 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7705/12]
650 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7706/12]
651 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7707/12]
652 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7708/12]
653 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7709/12]
654 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7710/12]
655 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7711/12]
656 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7712/12]
657 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated to local community projects via a drugs task force (details supplied) in 2011; the name of each project; the amount they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7713/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 to 657, inclusive, together.
Due to the volume of information requested by the Deputy, I have arranged for the details to be forwarded directly to her.
658 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person for their child (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7714/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
659 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health the date on which his Department will present policy proposals on assisted human reproduction to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7716/12]
My Department is examining policy proposals in the area of Assisted Human Reproduction and related practices in Ireland. I will be examining the proposals with a view to submitting them to Government later this year.
660 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the measures being put in place to ensure there are sufficient front-line health staff at a time when so many are retiring from the public health service. [7723/12]
The impact of staff reductions, and particularly those occurring before the end of the present "Grace Period", together with reduced financial resources, represents a significant challenge for the health system in delivering services. The HSE's National Service Plan 2012, which I recently approved, sets out what actions will be taken to address these challenges. The HSE is seeking to mitigate the impact of the retirements on frontline services by:
Using the provisions of the Public Service Agreement to bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, redeployment and other changes to achieve more efficient delivery of services;
Delivering greater productivity through the National Clinical Programmes to reduce average length of stay, improve day of admission surgery rates and increase the number of patients treated as day cases;
Some limited and targeted recruitment in priority areas to help limit the impact of retirements on frontline services.
To implement the National Service Plan, the HSE is finalising regional business plans, supported by detailed local planning, which will take account of the effect of the reduction in both staff numbers and budgets, as well as addressing the service areas identified for priority development under the National Service Plan. Briefings with staff, unions, public representatives and other stakeholders have already commenced and will continue over the coming weeks.
Detailed planning for retirements in the period to the end of February 2012 commenced in October last and has been intensified at regional and local service level as the numbers and locations of those leaving have become clearer. The focus of these plans is on maintaining essential frontline services such as emergency departments, intensive care and maternity services. The plans reflect the fact that the number of staff leaving varies from region to region and from service to service.
661 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7741/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
662 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical appliance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7777/12]
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.
663 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding safe food (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7806/12]
SafeFood (or the Food Safety Promotion Board) has run upwards of 10 major media campaigns in the last 12 years. These are aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of food safety and on healthy eating. In the last 2 years their campaigns have focused on the importance of proper food hygiene practices when handling and preparing food, the necessity of avoiding cross-contamination in food preparation, and on healthy eating. All of their campaigns are evaluated on an ongoing basis using independent consumer market research, which uses a nationally representative sample. In each case, the research has shown that the SafeFood media campaigns have helped to considerably raise awareness of the issues raised among consumers.
664 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they have been appointed; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7824/12]
Where fees are approved, there are four categories payable to chairpersons and directors of Non-Commercial State Agencies. The "one person one salary" principle provides that public servants acting as chairpersons or directors of state-sponsored bodies do not receive additional remuneration for undertaking such duties. Members of Boards are entitled to claim travel and subsistence as governed by the Travel and Subsistence Circulars issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Instead of the fees mentioned above, members of the Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal are paid a briefing fee of €17,526 when they take up their appointment and a daily rate of €992.68.
The approved annual rates in respect of those Boards to which I have made appointments and where board fees are payable are:
|
Category |
Chair |
Director |
|
1 |
€29,888 |
€14,963 |
|
2 |
€20,520 |
€11,970 |
|
3 |
€11,970 |
€7,695 |
|
4 |
€8,978 |
€5,985 |
The information regarding remuneration for the members detailed below is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy when finalised. The following Board appointments have been made by me since 9th March 2011:
|
Board |
Member |
Position |
Appointed |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
Maureen Cronin |
Ordinary Member |
20/04/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Brian Gilroy |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Laverne McGuinness |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Philip Crowley |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Barry White |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Bairbre Nic Aongusa |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Paul Barron |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Tony Holohan |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Michael Scanlan |
Ordinary Member |
20/05/2011 |
|
National Haemophilia Council |
Ann Grogan |
Ordinary Member |
23/05/2011 |
|
National Haemophilia Council |
Deborah Greene |
Ordinary Member |
23/05/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Martin Connor |
Ordinary Member |
06/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Catriona O’Driscoll |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Michael Barry |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Leonie Clarke |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Jean Holohan |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Ciaran O’Boyle |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Fionan O’Cuinneagain |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Kenneth McDonald |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Keith O’Hourihane |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
John David Corr |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Ignatius Noel Stenson |
Ordinary Member |
15/06/2011 |
|
National Haemophilia Council |
Barry Harrington |
Chairperson |
19/07/2011 |
|
National Haemophilia Council |
Mary Jackson |
Ordinary Member |
22/07/2011 |
|
Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal |
Kathryn Hutton |
Ordinary Member |
01/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Anna Gavin |
Ordinary Member |
06/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Donal Hollywood |
Ordinary Member |
06/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Deirdre Murray |
Ordinary Member |
06/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Mary Jackson |
Ordinary Member |
06/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
John McCormack |
Ordinary Member |
06/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Paul Redmond |
Ordinary Member |
06/08/2011 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Tony O’Brien |
Chairperson |
06/08/2011 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Fachtna Murphy |
Ordinary Member |
26/09/2011 |
|
Medical Council |
Michael Ryan |
Ordinary Member |
04/10/2011 |
|
Medical Council |
Marie Kehoe |
Ordinary Member |
04/10/2011 |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
Lelia Thornton |
Ordinary Member |
18/10/2011 |
|
Irish Medicines Board |
Mary Horgan |
Ordinary Member |
19/10/2011 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Jenny Bulbulia |
Ordinary Member |
24/11/2011 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Muiris Fitzgerald |
Ordinary Member |
24/11/2011 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Martin Higgins |
Ordinary Member |
24/11/2011 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Pat Quinlan |
Ordinary Member |
24/11/2011 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Kristin Quinn |
Ordinary Member |
24/11/2011 |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
Keith Pearson |
Chairperson |
14/12/2011 |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
Peter Byrne |
Ordinary Member |
21/12/2011 |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
Tom O’Higgins |
Ordinary Member |
21/12/2011 |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
David Pierpoint |
Ordinary Member |
21/12/2011 |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
Peter Prendergast |
Ordinary Member |
21/12/2011 |
|
Health Service Executive |
Michael Scanlan |
Chairperson |
01/01/2012 |
|
Tallaght Hospital Board |
Richard Reilly |
Ordinary Member |
18/01/2012 |
|
Dublin Dental Hospital Board |
Pat O’Boyle |
Ordinary Member |
02/02/2012 |
|
St James’s Hospital Board |
Colm Bergin |
Ordinary Member |
07/02/2012 |
|
St James’s Hospital Board |
Sean Farrell |
Ordinary Member |
07/02/2012 |
665 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason 25mg tablets of Prednisolon cannot be dispensed by pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7834/12]
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid and is used to treat a wide range of conditions. For a medicine to be authorised in Ireland the manufacturer has to make an application to the Irish Medicines Board for approval of the medicine before placing it on the market. In this instance the manufacturer in question has only sought authorisation for prednisolone in 1mg, 2.5mg and 5mg tablet strengths. While higher strengths of prednisolone are available in other countries the manufacturer has not sought to authorise these products in Ireland.
666 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7835/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
667 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the employment panel for physiotherapists in Ireland; if any recently graduated physiotherapists have been accommodated with employment in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7839/12]
In 2008, the HSE ran a recruitment campaign for physiotherapists which provided the health service with a significant number of candidates suitable for appointment. To date, 250 physiotherapists have been appointed from this panel and over 200 remain available for appointment. While the current panel would meet the forseeable recruitment needs for staff grade physiotherapists, the Executive is considering the possibility of running a new recruitment campaign at an appropriate time.
668 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) is eligible for any funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7857/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
669 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment for a medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7872/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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 and facility involved.
670 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if haemochromatosis is covered under the medical card schemes for medical card holders; if not, the plans he has to include it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7878/12]
Eligibility for health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. There are currently two categories of eligibility for all persons ordinarily resident in Ireland i.e. full eligibility (medical card) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits, and is granted to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, are unable to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services to themselves and their dependents without undue hardship. There is no automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons who have haemochromatosis.
There is a provision for discretion to grant a card in cases of "undue hardship" where the income guidelines are exceeded. The HSE recently set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards where there are difficult personal circumstances. It is the Government's intention to extend free GP services to the entire population during the course of this Government.
671 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health when a permanent appointment will be made to the position of the director of the national suicide prevention office. [7879/12]
673 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health when a permanent appointment will be made to the position of the director of the national suicide prevention office. [7881/12]
693 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that a director for the National Office for Suicide Prevention will be appointed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7984/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 671, 673 and 693 together.
As the National Office for Suicide Prevention was established by the HSE in 2005 and is part of the internal organisation of that body the issue raised is a matter for the HSE. On that basis the questions have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
672 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health when the director of mental health services will be appointed to the Health Service Executive. [7880/12]
The Government has approved the drafting of legislation to give effect to changes in the governance of the HSE. Significantly the new system of governance will involve seven Directorates, including a separate Directorate for Mental Health which will have full responsibility and accountability in that area. In this context, my colleague the Minister for Health intends to bring forward detailed proposals at a later date for the re-organisation of the HSE at directorate, regional and local levels in a manner which facilitates a smooth transition from the current governance arrangements to the proposed new structures.
674 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if there has been any application to produce genetically modified food; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7083/12]
Responsibility for issues relating to the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in Ireland rests with my colleague Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, while responsibility for GM animal feed rests with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D. My responsibility in this area relates to the safety of food.
Each application for authorisation to place food consisting of, or containing, genetically modified ingredients on the markets of EU Member States is considered on a case-by-case basis. The food in question must be deemed to be safe by both the European Food Safety Authority and the competent authority in the country of application. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority on food safety in Ireland. My Department has consulted with the FSAI and has been informed that they have received no applications for the production of GM foods.
675 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7894/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
676 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm and elaborate on his plans to abolish the Health Service Executive by the end of this year; if he will clarify specifically the functional areas of responsibility and authority that will reside with his Department following the abolition of the entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7899/12]
677 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans for Health Service Executive employees following the planned abolition of the body at the end of this year, specifically in relation to issues of employee retention, redundancy pacakages, or any requirement there might be to re-apply to a new organisation which may replace the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7900/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 676 and 677 together.
My Department has primary responsibility for advising me on issues relating to national policy development and review, while the HSE has responsibility for the delivery of health and personal social services. In line with the Programme for Government commitments, a series of legislative changes are planned to bring about radical reform of the health services which will see the introduction of Universal Health Insurance (UHI). As a step towards achieving this goal, new governance arrangements will be made for the HSE, through legislation to abolish the Board structure and to replace the Board structure with a directorate structure. These transitional governance arrangements will be given effect to by legislation which will be advanced as a priority. There will also be strengthened accountability arrangements for the HSE.
New administrative arrangements will be put in place in tandem with the proposed transitional legal structures. The new arrangements will provide clarity as regards the delivery of the relevant services under the responsibility of the Directors and greater financial transparency and accountability in assessing those services. The Directorate team will be tasked with running the health services and preparing for the transformation required in the move to UHI. These arrangements constitute a step in the process of transformation which will, over time, see the HSE ceasing to exist, as the health reform programme advances. The dissolution of the HSE as a legal entity will be a complex task, potentially requiring sequential legislation to provide for the HSE's functions to move to other bodies as the health reform programme advances. Such future legislation will also include appropriate provisions for the transfer of HSE employees to these bodies.
Other organisational reform priorities this year include the relocation of the National Clinical Care Programmes and the National Cancer Control Programme to my Department and the establishment of a Programme Management Office in the Department to drive the implementation of this wide ranging process of reform.
678 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7912/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
679 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health if he will put in place a plan to provide speech and language therapy services for pupils of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7918/12]
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.
680 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the results of analyses in the tobacco content of cigarettes smuggled illegally here with regard to harmful chemicals and carcinogens which exceed the permitted levels in cigarettes in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7922/12]
The Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for dealing with the issue of illicit trade of tobacco products. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that they do not carry out any analysis of seized products. The only testing carried out in relation to tobacco product seized by Revenue is done under the auspices of O.L.A.F. (E.U. Antifraud Office) and is only to determine if large scale seizures consist of counterfeit or contraband product.
681 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a transition team has been established with his Department to manage the exodus of staff from the health services to avail of pension entitlements before the end of February; the members of the transition teams; when were they established; and the number of times the team has met. [7924/12]
Considerable work has been undertaken by my Department and the HSE in recent months to deal with and plan for retirements from the health sector, together with the reduction in financial resources available for the health services in the current year. My approval on 16 January 2012 of the HSE National Service Plan followed a rigorous examination of budget allocations and human resources, aimed at minimising the impact on frontline services and identifying where efficiencies will be driven. In recent weeks my Department has been briefed in detail on the HSE Regional Service Plans and the measures being taken to safeguard service provision in the current year.
Building on these engagements and to oversee the response to the specific short-term impact of Grace Period retirements, I have established a formal Transition Team for the health sector, chaired by the Assistant Secretary in my Department with responsibility for Human Resources and Professional Regulation. The other members of this Team are the HSE National Director of Integrated Services, the Executive's National Director of Quality and Patient Safety and the four Regional Directors of Operations. The Transition Team first met on 2 February 2012.
682 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for urgent surgical intervention in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7925/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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 and facility involved.
683 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a decision will be made. [7927/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
684 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the maximum number of hours doctors are allowed to work concurrently in hospitals under the EU working time directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7930/12]
685 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive asks doctors to sign documentation concerning the EU working time directive before working in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7931/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 684 and 685 together.
S.I. No. 494 of 2004 European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Activities of Doctors in Training) Regulations 2004, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive, provides for:
A maximum 48 hour average working week;
A 30 minute rest break every 6 hours during period on-site on-call;
11 hours rest every 24 hours or equivalent compensatory rest before return to work;
35 hours continuous rest per week or twice a fortnight or 59 hours continuous rest per fortnight.
The 2010 Contract of Employment for Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs), which these staff sign on appointment, reflects the above provisions. Under the contract NCHDs are to undertake the duties/services set out in the contract, typically for 39 hours per week and to deliver these hours on any 5 days out of the 7 in a week. However, the contract provides that NCHDs shall not be required to work more than 24 consecutive hours on-site. In addition, the contract also states that work outside the confines of the contract is not permissible if the combined working time associated with employment under the contract taken together with any other employment exceeds the maximum weekly working hours as set out in S.I. 494 of 2004. A related agreement between the HSE and the IMO provides that the contract is subject to the Directive. On the13th January 2012, in response to a Reasoned Opinion on EWTD compliance forwarded by the EU Commission, Ireland submitted a detailed Plan outlining how it will achieve compliance by NCHDs with the Working Time Directive. The response affirms Ireland’s commitment to achieving compliance with the Directive and sets out a timeframe for achieving this over the next 3 years. It commits to implementing measures that will support compliance, including:
a. The implementation of new work patterns for medical staff;
b. Transfer of work undertaken by NCHDs to other grades;
c. Organisation of hospital services to support EWTD compliance.
These measures will be complemented by my plan to establish hospital groups as soon as possible, by the efficiencies being driven by the Special Delivery Unit in association with the HSE's National Clinical Programmes and by the ongoing changes in work practice being advanced under the Public service Agreement.
686 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of different doctors who were required to work beyond the hours stipulated in the EU working time directive in Irish hospitals, by hospital, during 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
687 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the provisions that are in place for insuring doctors working in Irish hospitals, particularly for those hours that exceed the limit imposed by the EU working time directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7933/12]
The Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS) indemnifies public hospitals, doctors, nurses, nurse midwives and allied healthcare professionals in relation to the provision of their professional medical services. Once a doctor is providing his/her professional medical services for and on behalf of his/her employing public hospital, whether his/her hours exceed the limit imposed by the EU Working Time Directive, that doctor continues to be indemnified by the CIS. e principle of Enterprise liability, which underpins the CIS, ensures that the doctor is covered, vicariously, for all professional medical services provided by him/her on behalf of his/her employing hospital.
688 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants retiring under the recent retirement scheme; the number of these that are under retirement age and by how many years; the number of these consultants that will be replaced; and on what kind of contracts will they be replaced [7934/12]
I wish firstly to clarify that there is currently no early retirement scheme available in the public health sector. The ‘grace period' during which the calculation of public service pensions is unaffected by the pay reductions applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) (No. 2) Act 2009 expires on 29 February 2012.
The most recent information available from the HSE indicates that over the period January/February 2012 52 consultants will have retired from the health service. These numbers are liable to change as data is refined, such as additional applications being processed or existing applications being withdrawn.
Of this total, the HSE has advised that nine consultants are retiring under the Cost Neutral Early Retirement facility. This facility allows public servants to retire before reaching normal pension age. However, under this facility, retirement benefits are reduced to take into account the early payment of the lump sum and the longer period over which pensions will be paid. Those who meet the eligibility criteria with a minimum retirement age of 60 can retire from age 50 on reduced benefits, while those with a minimum retirement age of 65 can retire from age 55 onwards (also with reduced benefits).
The HSE has advised that decisions on consultant posts to be filled will not be finalised for some weeks. Where posts fall to be filled, the type of contract to be offered in each case will be determined in line with established procedures and according to the service need and other relevant circumstances.
Vacant posts may be filled on an interim basis through temporary appointments or by locum consultants.
689 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the position regarding social work and psychological services in the Kildare town and Monasterevin areas of County Kildare; if the approved staffing levels are in place in this area to provide for these necessary services; if adequate occupational therapy services are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7947/12]
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.
690 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with current staffing levels in all departments of Naas General Hospital, Kildare; if the public service retirement scheme will impact adversely on the services that the hospital provides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7948/12]
The most recent information available from the HSE (as of 8 February 2012) indicates that, over the first two months of 2012, some 2,300 staff will have retired from the health service, with 1,920 of these expected to leave during February. These numbers are liable to change as data is refined, additional applications are processed and the possibility that existing applications may be withdrawn. As such it is not possible to furnish the Deputies with exact numbers of staff retiring or subsequent re-employment in advance of 29th February and I have referred your query to the HSE for direct reply once the information becomes available.
Planning for the delivery of health services is undertaken within the context of the annual National Service Planning process. This process ensures that all factors, including budgets and staffing levels and any other emerging issues, including the impact of the retirements are factored into the plan for what services will be delivered within the coming year. To meet these challenges and to implement the National Service Plan, the HSE is finalising detailed regional plans which will take account of the effect of the reduction in both staff numbers and budgets, as well as addressing the service areas identified for priority development under the plan.Briefings with staff, unions, public representatives and other stakeholders have already commenced and will continue over the coming weeks. Detailed planning for retirements in the period to the end of February 2012 commenced in October last and has also been intensified at local service level as the numbers and locations of those leaving have become clearer.The focus of these plans is on maintaining essential front line services such as emergency departments, intensive care and maternity services. The plans reflect the fact that the number of staff leaving varies from region to region and from service to service. I intend to review the Service Plan in March when the full picture in relation to the current retirements will be clear. The HSE is continuing to utilize the provisions of the Public Service Agreement 2010 to 2014 (the "Croke Park Agreement") as it seeks to change staff rosters, work practices and to redeploy staff.This will assist in minimising the service impact. Contingency plans to address the impact of the retirements also focus on staff redeployment, streamlining, delivering Greater Productivity through the National Clinical Programmes and the related work of the Special Delivery Unit. There are a number of additional allocations set out in the HSE's National Service plan that will assist in minimising the impact of the retirements on services, to include the following. Focused Recruitment for critical posts vacated will be undertaken (within the context of the cost containment plans and budgets for each service). Agency staff may be used where there is a critical requirement. Any reliance on agency staff will be in the context of the HSE's objective to reduce overall agency costs by 50% in 2012. The National Service plan in 2012 also makes provision for some conversion of agency costs into whole time equivalent staff which will be explored in limited circumstances where local budgets allow.
691 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason there is a delay in processing medical card application (details supplied); and the steps that are being taken to reduce the waiting times [7954/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
692 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the total amount of money expended by the Health Service Executive on external legal advisers each year for the past five years [7978/12]
I have referred this matter to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
694 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac procedures that were carried out at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [7988/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
695 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 400 people die in Ireland each year from the outcome of ruptured aorta aneurysms, and in view of the fact that this condition, which meets all of the criteria set down by the World Health Organisation for screening programmes which can be diagnosed at very low cost, if he will now consider introducing a pilot scheme for the screening for this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7992/12]
In June 2010 "Changing Cardiovascular Health: Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010-2019" was launched. This policy establishes a framework for the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which seeks to ensure an integrated and quality assured approach in their management, so as to reduce the burden of these conditions; and while decisions concerning recommendations for screening and surgical repair of aortic aneurysm were not considered, the report did add that it should be considered further as part of general policy requirements for health screening. The Department will establish a working group to examine the possibility of introducing a pilot scheme.
696 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will advise the reason for the delay in dealing with an application for a change of doctor under the medical card scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7996/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
697 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will advise the reason correspondence sent to the primary care reimbursement service by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in September 2011 in respect of their medical card application has been requested again by that Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7997/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
698 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been told by the Health Service Executive in Swords, County Dublin, that they must wait 14 to 16 months for an appointment with a speech and language therapist appointment and 12 months for a hearing test for their three and half year old child; his views on such lengthy waiting times for a public patient with a medical card who is reliant on the public health system. [8009/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be transferred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
699 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he can assist with a transfer request by a health professional (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8016/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
700 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will make inquiries regarding the fact that an emergency call for an ambulance in Rathkeale, County Limerick, resulted in a delay of two and a half hours for the ambulance to arrive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8027/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
701 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of all the drugs task forces nationally, including the name of the chair, the number of board members, and the number of staff employed on full-time and part-time contracts; the procedures, if any, that are in place to decide the persons that compose these boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8045/12]
702 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he could provide a breakdown of the expenditure of each drugs task force on local projects and on salaries; the funding allocated to each drugs task force nationally for 2011; the amount of funding allocated for each task force for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8046/12]
703 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the section within his Department that has responsibility for allocating funding to drugs task forces; if he will clarify if it is this same section to whom task forces report ; if not, to whom do they report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8047/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 701 to 703, inclusive, together.
Due to the volume of information requested by the Deputy in relation to the membership and staffing of each Task Force and its expenditure on local projects and salaries, I have arranged for the details to be forwarded directly to her.
The procedures governing the appointment of the chair and members to the Task Force are contained in the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces Handbook, which is available on the Department's website. In the main, each Task Force is supported by a coordinator, a development worker and administrator.
Drugs Task Forces report to the Drugs Programmes Unit of my Department in relation to their expenditure and activities. This Unit is also responsible for allocating funding to the Drugs Task Forces. The 2011 and 2012 allocations in respect of each Task Force are detailed in the table:
|
Local Drugs Task Force |
2012 Allocation € |
2011 Allocation € |
|
Ballyfermot |
1,569,489 |
1,608,413 |
|
Ballymun |
1,180,695 |
1,209,976 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1,124,343 |
1,152,227 |
|
Bray |
1,573,101 |
1,612,114 |
|
Canal Communities |
1,562,243 |
1,600,987 |
|
Clondalkin |
1,421,577 |
1,456,832 |
|
Cork |
1,578,581 |
1,617,730 |
|
Dublin 12 |
1,120,360 |
1,148,145 |
|
Dublin NE |
1,228,782 |
1,259,256 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
926,167 |
949,136 |
|
Finglas Cabra |
936,590 |
959,818 |
|
North Inner City |
2,369,624 |
2,428,391 |
|
South Inner City |
2,161,821 |
2,215,434 |
|
Tallaght |
1,250,347 |
1,281,356 |
|
Total |
20,003,720 |
20,499,815 |
|
Regional Drugs Task Force |
2012 Allocation € |
2011 Allocation € |
|
East Coast Area |
851,596 |
872,716 |
|
Midland |
849,513 |
870,581 |
|
Mid-West |
1,496,428 |
1,533,540 |
|
North East |
986,091 |
1,010,546 |
|
North West |
765,610 |
784,597 |
|
North Dublin City and County |
826,087 |
846,574 |
|
South East |
1,132,703 |
1,160,794 |
|
South West |
849,524 |
870,592 |
|
Southern |
1,034,305 |
1,059,956 |
|
Western |
702,677 |
720,104 |
|
Total |
9,494,534 |
9,730,000 |
|
Overall Total |
29,498,254 |
30,229,815 |
704 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health in view of deaths recently in a Belfast maternity hospital associated with pseudomonas, the measures that have been taken by the Health Service Executive to examine the risk of a similar contamination in maternity hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8123/12]
On 1st February, my Department requested the HSE to prepare a report (to be submitted to me by the end of this week) on the actions, if required, to minimise the risk of pseudomonas infection in augmented care settings (i.e. high dependency, adult and neonatal critical care) such as raising awareness of the potential infection risks posed by water systems; reinforcing good practice for the management of water delivery systems; working with estates management to identify potential risk areas; developing guidance on pseudomonas and augmented care settings etc. In the meantime the HSE has issued guidelines on the prevention of pseudomonas infection in neonatal units.
705 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if the directive on cross-border health care, that was adopted by the European Council and the European Parliament in February 2011, has been transposed into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8135/12]
The Directive on the Application of Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare was published in the EU Official Journal on 4th April 2011 and the transposition period of 30 months commenced on 24th April 2011. Member States have until October 2013 to implement the Directive. The purpose of this patient-focussed Directive is to establish a clear legal framework to facilitate cross border healthcare with a focus on patient rights, information for patients on entitlements and patient choice. This will require all Member States to put in place processes to allow for the exchange of information on treatments, and their cost, to citizens across the EU. Member States will also have to facilitate the exchange of patient information following treatment and put in place mechanisms to refund patients up to the amount the treatment would have cost them to have received the same procedure in their own Member State.
Given the complexity of the issues to be considered, both nationally and between Member States, it is envisaged that the transposition of the Directive into Irish law will be completed within the transposition time frame of October 2013.
706 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the steps events, policies and so on being taken by him throughout 2012 to promote the European Year of Active Aging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8136/12]
Following a co-decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of Ministers, 2012 has been designated as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. The Year provides an opportunity to reflect on how Europeans are living longer and staying healthier than ever before — and to realise the opportunities that represents. The Year also places a focus on solidarity between generations (or "intergenerational solidarity") which refers to the mutual support and cooperation between different age groups in order to achieve a society where people of all ages have a role to play in line with their needs and capacities, and can benefit from their community's economic and social progress on an equal basis.
The aim of the Year is to encourage and support the efforts of Member States, their regional and local authorities, social partners, civil society and the business community to mobilise demographic opportunities, and to embrace the contribution that older people can make to society by promoting active ageing. The Department of Health is co-ordinating the Year for Ireland, and a National Coordinator from the Office for Older People within the Department has been appointed.
While responsibility for co-ordinating the European Year falls to the statutory authorities, my Department recognises that a joined-up partnership approach working with the NGO, community and voluntary sector and with other public sector organisations, to ensure the input and involvement of a broad range of relevant stakeholders will be key to achieving the objectives of the Year outlined in the official decision.
Ireland has a strong voluntary and community sector and can boast considerable expertise among the many NGOs working with and for older people and on matters relating to intergenerational solidarity. The invaluable work carried out within these sectors is supported and encouraged by the Irish Government, which recognises the need for a joined-up partnership approach in the provision of services to people of all ages within the statutory, voluntary/community and NGO sectors.
To build on forging these partnerships, a National Steering Group for the Year has been established which draws together a range of key stakeholders who are willing to work in partnership arrangements, both with each other and with my Department to identify existing activities, to suggest alternative ways of doing things and to develop new ideas within the constraints of limited resources. In the main, the membership of the Steering Group is composed of all of the key stakeholders with an interest in ageing and intergenerational solidarity in Ireland.
An ambitious programme of activities, events and initiatives has already been identified for the Year by the National Steering Group. The initial National Work Programme will be available shortly on my Department's website. As the Year progresses and awareness builds, it is expected that many additional activities/initiatives will be included in an expanding calendar of events which will be available on the official website for the Year at www.activeageing.ie in the coming days.
The Deputy may wish to note that the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins officially launched the Year in Ireland at a successful conference held in Dublin Castle on 9 February 2012.
707 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the funding that was spent on speech and language therapy by the Health Service Executive in the past ten years in tabular form. [8143/12]
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.
708 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has cut respite services to the pupils of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin who have ASD and are aged 12 to 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8147/12]
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.
709 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who submitted requested further information on 13 January; the reason for the delay in processing the information received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8153/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
710 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will prioritise payment of gratuity in respect of a person (details supplied) who has taken early retirement on ill health grounds following an assault which occurred while working. [8154/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
711 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a month by month breakdown of retirements of the number of health service staff that are retiring each month between September 2011 and end of April 2012; if he will provide an outline of the posts that will be prioritised for replacement and give a month by month breakdown of when these positions will be filled. [8160/12]
These numbers are liable to change as data is refined, as additional applications are processed and if existing applications are withdrawn. There is currently no data available for the months of March and April 2012.
The Government has determined that, in line with its commitment to reduce the size of the public service, health sector employment numbers must be reduced to approximately 102,100 WTE in 2012.
The impact of staff reductions, and particularly those occurring before the end of the present "grace period", together with reduced financial resources, represents a significant challenge for the health system in delivering services. The HSE's National Service Plan 2012, which I recently approved, sets out what actions will be taken to address these challenges. The HSE is seeking to mitigate the impact of the retirements on frontline services by—
Using the provisions of the Public Service Agreementto bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, redeployment and other changes to achieve more efficient delivery of services.
Delivering greater productivity through the National Clinical Programmes to reduce average length of stay, improve day of admission surgery rates and increase the number of patients treated as day cases.
Some limited and targeted recruitment during 2012 to address critical risks and in priority areas including mental health, primary care, child protection and the National Clinical Programmes, to help limit the impact of retirements on frontline services. It is not possible at this stage to indicate a detailed timescale for such appointments.
712 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a monthly breakdown of the number of health service staff in County Louth due to retire between September 2011 and end of April 2012; if he will provide a breakdown by grade and location; the posts that will be prioritised for replacement if he will and give a monthly breakdown of when these positions will be filled. [8161/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
713 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for fair deal nursing in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8164/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
714 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider employing extra staff in the Midleton and District Day Care centre in County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8166/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
715 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the frequency and location of MRSA infections in hospitals reported for each year for the past five years to date in 2012; the steps that have been taken to reduce the occurrence of the virus; if a reduction has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8189/12]
716 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the frequency and location of norovirus infections in hospitals reported for each year for the past five years to date in 2012; the steps that have been taken to reduce the occurrence of the virus; if a reduction has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8190/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 715 and 716 together.
A table showing the data on Staphylococcus aureus/MRS bloodstream infection from acute hospitals (public and private) for the past five years follows. The information is taken from a report by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) which is available on their website. The Table shows that there has been a decrease of 43% in the number of MRS cases reported between 2007 and 2010.
The control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) continues to be a policy priority for my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and a number of initiatives have been taken in the last few years aimed at reducing the incidence of HCAIs. National Infection Control Action Plan was launched by the HSE in 2007, aimed at reducing HCAIs by 20%, MRS infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. National Standards for the Prevention and Control of HCAIs were published by HIQA in May 2009 and the process of implementation by the HSE is ongoing. Hand hygiene is an important factor in the control of HCAI's. The HSE continues to encourage good hand hygiene among its staff and monitors the level of compliance with hand hygiene standards across the hospital system.
In relation to norovirus infections, data on the frequency of occurrence by hospital for the past 5 years is not available. There is no requirement to report hospital name or location of outbreaks in relation to norovirus to the HPSC. The HPSC, does however, collect the number of confirmed norovirus outbreaks in acute hospital settings, by region, each year. These are set out in the table which shows the total number of outbreaks and a geographical breakdown of the location.
In 2003, National Guidelines on the Management of Outbreaks of Norovirus Infection in Healthcare settings was produced to address the issue of hospital and other healthcare settings. In 2002 the average size of norovirus outbreaks in Irish hospitals was about 100 cases. Average hospital outbreak size fell to about 28 cases by 2006. In 2011, the average size of norovirus outbreaks in hospital has reduced again to 22, a clear indication of the improved capacity within the acute sector to rapidly control norovirus outbreaks. It should be noted that norovirus is highly transmissible and what is seen in hospitals is simply a reflection of generalised norovirus activity in the community rather than a reflection on the hygiene conditions in any particular hospital. The reason hospitals figure so prominently in norovirus data is that outbreaks are more likely to be identified and managed in hospitals than in any other setting. In addition, people ill with norovirus are more likely to present to hospital hence inflating the figures.
|
Data correct as of 14/12/2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Adelaide, Meath and National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght |
61 |
18 |
29.5% |
0.097 |
80 |
27 |
33.8% |
0.141 |
61 |
14 |
23.0% |
0.074 |
62 |
12 |
19.4% |
0.064 |
38 |
6 |
15.8% |
0.043 |
|
Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
2 |
2 |
100.0% |
* |
1 |
1 |
100.0% |
* |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
11 |
8 |
72.7% |
0.307 |
5 |
1 |
20.0% |
0.037 |
5 |
3 |
60.0% |
0.124 |
11 |
7 |
63.6% |
0.392 |
8 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Beacon Hospital, Sandyford |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
8 |
2 |
25.0% |
0.055 |
8 |
3 |
37.5% |
0.095 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
127 |
50 |
39.4% |
0.222 |
110 |
45 |
40.9% |
0.198 |
103 |
20 |
19.4% |
0.086 |
93 |
22 |
23.7% |
0.097 |
83 |
23 |
27.7% |
0.142 |
|
Blackrock Clinic |
12 |
3 |
25.0% |
* |
6 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
7 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
4 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Bon Secours Hospital, Cork |
10 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
7 |
2 |
28.6% |
0.031 |
12 |
1 |
8.3% |
0.015 |
15 |
3 |
20.0% |
0.045 |
6 |
1 |
16.7% |
0.020 |
|
Bon Secours Hospital, Galway |
2 |
1 |
50.0% |
0.066 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
|
Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee |
4 |
3 |
75.0% |
* |
2 |
1 |
50.0% |
* |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
4 |
1 |
25.0% |
0.030 |
5 |
1 |
20.0% |
0.039 |
|
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Cavan General Hospital |
24 |
9 |
37.5% |
0.137 |
22 |
3 |
13.6% |
0.046 |
19 |
6 |
31.6% |
0.089 |
17 |
5 |
29.4% |
0.071 |
15 |
2 |
13.3% |
0.038 |
|
Children’s University Hospital, Temple St |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
11 |
2 |
18.2% |
0.065 |
8 |
1 |
12.5% |
0.032 |
14 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
6 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown |
28 |
14 |
50.0% |
0.172 |
32 |
7 |
21.9% |
0.089 |
27 |
8 |
29.6% |
0.100 |
23 |
6 |
26.1% |
0.074 |
11 |
6 |
54.5% |
0.093 |
|
Coombe Women’s and Infant’s University Hospital |
11 |
2 |
18.2% |
0.034 |
9 |
1 |
11.1% |
0.018 |
15 |
1 |
6.7% |
0.019 |
21 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
12 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Cork University Hospital1 |
128 |
39 |
30.5% |
0.182 |
88 |
25 |
28.4% |
0.116 |
100 |
27 |
27.0% |
0.125 |
73 |
15 |
20.5% |
0.069 |
62 |
20 |
32.3% |
0.125 |
|
Erinville Hospital, Cork1 |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
|
Galway Clinic, Doughiska |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
6 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
5 |
2 |
40.0% |
0.047 |
4 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Galway University Hospitals2 |
92 |
37 |
40.2% |
0.161 |
89 |
47 |
52.8% |
0.208 |
84 |
35 |
41.7% |
0.158 |
79 |
22 |
27.8% |
0.104 |
45 |
16 |
35.6% |
0.102 |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Hermitage Medical Clinic, Lucan |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
|
Kerry General Hospital, Tralee |
38 |
16 |
42.1% |
0.187 |
21 |
13 |
61.9% |
0.162 |
21 |
9 |
42.9% |
0.119 |
17 |
8 |
47.1% |
0.106 |
14 |
5 |
35.7% |
0.094 |
|
Kilkreene Orthorpaedic Hospital, Co. Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Letterkenny General Hospital |
34 |
13 |
38.2% |
0.129 |
42 |
19 |
45.2% |
0.193 |
36 |
14 |
38.9% |
0.145 |
39 |
9 |
23.1% |
0.095 |
27 |
4 |
14.8% |
0.057 |
|
Louth County Hospital, Dundalk |
9 |
1 |
11.1% |
0.028 |
10 |
4 |
40.0% |
0.112 |
7 |
1 |
14.3% |
0.029 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Mallow General Hospital |
8 |
4 |
50.0% |
0.139 |
11 |
6 |
54.5% |
0.230 |
10 |
2 |
20.0% |
0.078 |
5 |
3 |
60.0% |
0.116 |
3 |
1 |
33.3% |
0.062 |
|
Mater Misericordiaie University Hospital |
97 |
40 |
41.2% |
0.221 |
95 |
34 |
35.8% |
0.199 |
75 |
19 |
25.3% |
0.095 |
92 |
21 |
22.8% |
0.106 |
53 |
6 |
11.3% |
0.043 |
|
Mater Private Hospital |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
9 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
5 |
1 |
20.0% |
0.020 |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar |
39 |
20 |
51.3% |
0.226 |
23 |
8 |
34.8% |
0.092 |
34 |
19 |
55.9% |
0.221 |
26 |
15 |
57.7% |
0.187 |
11 |
2 |
18.2% |
0.035 |
|
Mercy University Hospital |
27 |
15 |
55.6% |
0.219 |
29 |
12 |
41.4% |
0.192 |
27 |
3 |
11.1% |
0.050 |
19 |
8 |
42.1% |
0.134 |
12 |
3 |
25.0% |
0.069 |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway2 |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar |
15 |
5 |
33.3% |
0.091 |
23 |
6 |
26.1% |
0.105 |
21 |
5 |
23.8% |
0.087 |
21 |
4 |
19.0% |
0.066 |
18 |
6 |
33.3% |
0.124 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise |
9 |
3 |
33.3% |
0.071 |
9 |
1 |
11.1% |
0.024 |
10 |
3 |
30.0% |
0.068 |
9 |
3 |
33.3% |
0.069 |
6 |
1 |
16.7% |
0.029 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore3 |
28 |
13 |
46.4% |
0.207 |
8 |
12.5% |
0.017 |
18 |
4 |
22.2% |
0.065 |
19 |
8 |
42.1% |
0.120 |
14 |
4 |
28.6% |
0.091 |
|
|
Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle |
52 |
16 |
30.8% |
0.117 |
60 |
19 |
31.7% |
0.142 |
54 |
23 |
42.6% |
0.165 |
65 |
19 |
29.2% |
0.138 |
45 |
12 |
26.7% |
0.116 |
|
Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis |
10 |
3 |
30.0% |
0.095 |
7 |
2 |
28.6% |
0.068 |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
10 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
5 |
2 |
40.0% |
0.129 |
|
Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Nenagh |
12 |
9 |
75.0% |
0.336 |
4 |
1 |
25.0% |
0.043 |
7 |
2 |
28.6% |
0.101 |
4 |
1 |
25.0% |
0.056 |
4 |
1 |
25.0% |
0.080 |
|
Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Mid-Western Regional Orthopaedic Hospital, Croom |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Monaghan General Hospital4 |
10 |
3 |
30.0% |
0.143 |
3 |
1 |
33.3% |
0.052 |
2 |
1 |
50.0% |
0.099 |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
|
Mount Carmel Hospital, Churchtown |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Naas General Hospital |
21 |
11 |
52.4% |
0.151 |
18 |
6 |
33.3% |
0.076 |
26 |
14 |
53.8% |
0.177 |
20 |
8 |
40.0% |
0.109 |
8 |
1 |
12.5% |
0.018 |
|
National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street |
4 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
13 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
9 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
11 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
Other non-acute facilities |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
* |
12 |
7 |
58.3% |
* |
8 |
2 |
25.0% |
* |
8 |
2 |
25.0% |
* |
6 |
2 |
33.3% |
* |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda5 |
5 |
1 |
20.0% |
0.042 |
15 |
2 |
13.3% |
0.021 |
26 |
7 |
26.9% |
0.077 |
23 |
1 |
4.3% |
0.011 |
24 |
8 |
33.3% |
0.106 |
|
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin |
33 |
4 |
12.1% |
0.066 |
37 |
6 |
16.2% |
0.099 |
35 |
1 |
2.9% |
0.017 |
33 |
4 |
12.1% |
0.067 |
19 |
3 |
15.8% |
0.066 |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel6 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan |
9 |
6 |
66.7% |
0.143 |
6 |
1 |
16.7% |
0.025 |
11 |
3 |
27.3% |
0.083 |
6 |
1 |
16.7% |
0.028 |
5 |
1 |
20.0% |
0.041 |
|
Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe |
9 |
3 |
33.3% |
0.060 |
12 |
7 |
58.3% |
0.141 |
9 |
3 |
33.3% |
0.065 |
9 |
4 |
44.4% |
0.085 |
6 |
1 |
16.7% |
0.028 |
|
Roscommon County Hospital |
8 |
3 |
37.5% |
0.094 |
11 |
4 |
36.4% |
0.128 |
3 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
8 |
5 |
62.5% |
0.175 |
4 |
1 |
25.0% |
0.052 |
|
Rotunda Hospital |
12 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
14 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
15 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
10 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
4 |
2 |
50.0% |
0.049 |
|
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
1 |
1 |
100.0% |
0.140 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
1 |
1 |
100.0% |
0.200 |
|
Sligo General Hospital |
28 |
13 |
46.4% |
0.147 |
31 |
10 |
32.3% |
0.126 |
21 |
5 |
23.8% |
0.055 |
35 |
7 |
20.0% |
0.073 |
15 |
4 |
26.7% |
0.057 |
|
South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital, Cork |
6 |
4 |
66.7% |
0.072 |
13 |
4 |
30.8% |
0.078 |
13 |
5 |
38.5% |
0.098 |
17 |
7 |
41.2% |
0.147 |
8 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel |
8 |
1 |
12.5% |
0.013 |
17 |
5 |
29.4% |
0.064 |
16 |
6 |
37.5% |
0.082 |
10 |
4 |
40.0% |
0.056 |
13 |
4 |
30.8% |
0.080 |
|
St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown |
22 |
8 |
36.4% |
0.187 |
14 |
4 |
28.6% |
0.095 |
15 |
5 |
33.3% |
0.119 |
9 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
6 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork1 |
4 |
3 |
75.0% |
0.113 |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
** |
|
St James’s Hospital |
125 |
61 |
48.8% |
0.203 |
96 |
31 |
32.3% |
0.106 |
93 |
29 |
31.2% |
0.098 |
90 |
22 |
24.4% |
0.077 |
48 |
12 |
25.0% |
0.055 |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
St John’s Hospital, Limerick |
5 |
2 |
40.0% |
0.078 |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
6 |
2 |
33.3% |
0.099 |
8 |
2 |
25.0% |
0.093 |
3 |
2 |
66.7% |
0.128 |
|
St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny |
20 |
10 |
50.0% |
0.114 |
12 |
4 |
33.3% |
0.048 |
25 |
4 |
16.0% |
0.048 |
15 |
2 |
13.3% |
0.025 |
13 |
2 |
15.4% |
0.032 |
|
St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar |
3 |
2 |
66.7% |
0.045 |
7 |
2 |
28.6% |
0.045 |
11 |
2 |
18.2% |
0.049 |
4 |
1 |
25.0% |
0.023 |
2 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
1 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
St Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire |
4 |
2 |
50.0% |
0.077 |
5 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
11 |
1 |
9.1% |
0.035 |
5 |
3 |
60.0% |
0.123 |
7 |
1 |
14.3% |
0.057 |
|
St Vincent’s Private Hospital |
9 |
3 |
33.3% |
0.065 |
11 |
4 |
36.4% |
0.089 |
9 |
1 |
11.1% |
0.023 |
8 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
7 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
|
St Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park |
69 |
28 |
40.6% |
0.158 |
70 |
28 |
40.0% |
0.165 |
79 |
22 |
27.8% |
0.134 |
74 |
13 |
17.6% |
0.079 |
58 |
19 |
32.8% |
0.155 |
|
University College Hospital, Galway2 |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011(Q1-3) † |
||||||||||||||||
|
Hospital Name |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
SAU number |
MRSA number |
% MRSA |
MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days used |
|
Waterford Regional Hospital |
54 |
26 |
48.1% |
0.182 |
48 |
19 |
39.6% |
0.129 |
49 |
12 |
24.5% |
0.087 |
48 |
14 |
29.2% |
0.101 |
35 |
14 |
40.0% |
0.135 |
|
Wexford General Hospital |
13 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.000 |
18 |
5 |
27.8% |
0.065 |
30 |
8 |
26.7% |
0.114 |
32 |
8 |
25.0% |
0.122 |
16 |
3 |
18.8% |
0.060 |
|
Total ROI |
1393 |
536 |
38.5% |
0.135 |
1303 |
439 |
33.7% |
0.110 |
1309 |
355 |
27.1% |
0.089 |
1251 |
305 |
24.4% |
0.078 |
840 |
206 |
24.5% |
0.070 |
† Data for 2011 provisional to the end of Q3.
*Denominator data (Activity/BLC numbers) not provided.
**No longer classified an acute hospital — see note below.
***See note below.
1In 2007, maternity services at Erinville Hospital and St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork transferred to Cork University Maternity Hospital, which together with Cork University Hospital (CUH) compose CUH group. All data for CUH group as of 2007 are presented under Cork UH.
2University College Hospital, Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital incorporated as Galway University Hospitals as of January 2008.
3No data from Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for 2006 or for the period Q3-4 2008: activity data (bed days used and inpatient admissions) adjusted accordingly.
4In Aug 200, acute services at Monaghan General Hospital ceased.
5No data from OLLH, Drogheda for 2006 or for the period Q1-3 2007: activity data (bed days used and inpatient admissions) adjusted accordingly.
6In Jan 2007, acute services at Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel transferred to South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.
Data in the shaded area represent updates from previous reports.
Note: National rates are calculated only where both numerator (e.g. numbers of isolates) and denominator (e.g. numbers of bed days used) data are available.
|
Confirmed norovirus outbreaks in acute hospital settings by region |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HSE Region |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
East |
22 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
10 |
6 |
|
Midland |
12 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
|
Mid-West |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
6 |
|
North East |
5 |
5 |
9 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
|
North West |
9 |
1 |
10 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
South East |
9 |
11 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
10 |
|
South |
14 |
6 |
8 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
|
West |
4 |
4 |
6 |
2 |
10 |
8 |
|
Total |
80 |
48 |
55 |
34 |
47 |
45 |
717 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the primary care centre in Ballyshannon, County Donegal; the date on which it will be sent to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8191/12]
Following the publication of the ‘Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework', the Health Service Executive commenced drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. A draft capital plan for the period 2012-2016 has been submitted to my Department. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of the plan will be published by the Executive following its approval.
718 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in county Tipperary; the average appeal time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8195/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
I have held detailed discussions with the HSE regarding the ongoing back-log in medical card appeals.
The HSE is moving additional staff to this area to help address the unsatisfactory waiting times.
719 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8200/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
720 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to have a national ambulance service transfer policy set up; when he expects this to be implemented in view of the fact that the ambulance service is a regional service without a transfer policy between regions. [8203/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
721 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the circumstances under which a health insurer can demand the balance of the insurance premium when the contract is terminated between renewal dates; and if there are any restrictions on this, or a limit on how much can be charged. [8207/12]
While insurers provide a facility to consumers to pay premiums over the policy year, rather than at the start of the policy, this does not change the twelve month nature of contracts. Health insurance contracts are normally written for a term of one year. Like any contract, if a policyholder wishes to cancel their health insurance contract, the cancellation is subject to the relevant terms in the policy contract, provided the contract allows for mid term cancellation. If the policy contract does not allow cancellation during the term of the year, an insurer can seek to enforce the contract under contract law and demand the balance of the year's premium. All open market insurers give a 14 day cooling off period where they will cancel the contract and give a full premium refund. It is important to note that customers are free to cancel and change their policy at their renewal date without difficulty.
In respect of policies renewing or commencing in 2012, the current Scheme of Age-Related Tax Credits and Community Rating Levy provides for the payment by insurers of a levy of €285 per adult. It should be noted that, where customers leave before the twelve month insurance period expires, the insurer incurs a loss in relation to the levy paid as the levy may only be collected once. If a policy is cancelled mid policy year, insurers cannot reclaim a proportion of the levy. Where a policy holder switches to an alternative insurer, the second insurer does not have to pay the levy in respect of the replacement policy, if the two policies commence in the same accounting period. In this regard, accounting periods are normally the twelve month period starting on 1 August and finishing on 31 July.
722 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will address as a matter of urgency the medical card application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/12]
I have asked the Health Service Executive to provide a full account of the circumstances of this case to the Deputy.
723 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will address as a matter of urgency the medical card application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8231/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
724 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in processing the further information that was received on 6 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8232/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
725 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health when an application for a medical card will be processed in respect of persons (details supplied; and if he will expedite same. [8251/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. Under new procedures, a Medical Card will remain valid, irrespective of the expiry date shown on the card, once the Medical Card holder is genuinely engaging with the HSE review process. Eligibility can be confirmed by any Doctor or Pharmacist, or the Medical Card holder online at www.medicalcard.ie or through the GP practice systems.
726 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance drivers by region; the number expected to retire as part of the early retirement scheme; if there will be a reduction in ambulance services as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8253/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
727 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm when a paediatrics diabetes nurse specialist will be appointed to Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, in line with the Health Service Executive’s own agreed national diabetes strategy. [8255/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
728 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of retirements from each of the centres of excellence established under the national cancer strategy; the breakdown of retirement between doctors, nurses and the professionals in each unit; the impact of retirements on each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8258/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
729 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will qualify for inclusion under the treatment abroad scheme, in view of the lack of suitable treatment for their condition here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8260/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
730 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department or the Health Service Executive beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department or the Health Service Executive; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8280/12]
The table details payments made by my Department to retired employees of the Department of Health or the HSE for specific projects or tasks. No other such payments have been approved for staff due to retire from the Department in the near future.
With regard to the Health Service Executive, they have been asked to collate the data sought as soon as possible and it will be provided directly to the Deputy by them when available.
|
No. |
Date Paid |
Amount |
Description |
Total |
|
1 |
Pat Harvey |
Chair of Health Committee on Croke Park implementation |
||
|
Paid to Harwyn Ltd |
Fee only |
|||
|
22/12/2010 |
€6,050.00 |
Sep-Nov ’10 Quarterly Payment |
||
|
20/07/2011 |
€6,050.00 |
Mar-May 2011 Quarterly Payment |
||
|
20/07/2011 |
€6,050.00 |
Dec’10-Feb ’11 Quarterly Payment |
||
|
09/11/2011 |
€6,679.00 |
Jun-Aug ’11 Quarterly Payment |
||
|
21/12/2011 |
€6,207.30 |
Sept-Nov ’2011 Quarterly Payment |
||
|
€31,036.30 |
€31,036.30 |
|||
|
Paid to Pat Harvey |
Travel and Subsistence only |
|||
|
in 2011 |
€9,485.21 |
Travel and Subsistence to attend meetings around Ireland |
||
|
in 2010 |
€2,874.90 |
Travel and Subsistence to attend meetings around Ireland |
||
|
€12,360.11 |
€12,360.11 |
|||
|
2 |
Dermot Smyth |
Evaluation Committee PHI Tender |
||
|
23/11/2011 |
€1,200.00 |
Oct 11 — Evaluation Committee PHI Tender |
€1,200.00 |
|
|
3 |
Kieran Hickey |
Chair of Chiropody Committees |
||
|
09/05/2008 |
€18,232.00 |
Chair of Chiropody Committees: 53 days. |
€18,232.00 |
731 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of each outpatient department clinic which takes place in the Louth County Hospital, Dundalk and also in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and in relation to each clinic if he will provide details on the waiting time a patient will experience before receiving their first appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8417/12]
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
732 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when the national review of public health nursing will be published; his plans to appoint public health nurses in order to backfill PHN vacancies in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8418/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
733 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he supports plans to redesignate the unoccupied beds at St. Francis Community Nursing Home in Galway city to step down beds which would relieve pressure on University Hospital Galway by enabling the transfer of patients from its facilities to another local facility equipped to provide residential care. [8425/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
734 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8438/12]
The information sought by the Deputy on staff retired from my Department is not readily available. It is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The information in respect of other Agencies is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. With regard to the Health Service Executive, they have been asked to collate the data sought as soon as possible and it will be provided directly to the Deputy by them when available.
735 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the cost of recruiting doctors from overseas, including re-accommodation and transport costs; the numbers of doctors recruited; the number who sat and failed the professional assessment; the cost of relocating those doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8445/12]
The HSE's recent NCHD recruitment drive in India and Pakistan and the introduction of the Supervised Division registration process has resulted in almost 290 doctors commencing work in the Irish health service for the first time. Following examinations in August 2011 and registration in September 2011, 236 doctors took up duty. A further 49 took up duty on 9th January 2012 and it is anticipated that five remaining doctors will commence work shortly.
The costs associated with this recruitment process, up to November 2011, were €1.95m. Of this figure, refund of flight costs amounted to approximately €169,000. It should be noted that the reduction in the need for locum/agency medical staff as a result of the appointment of these doctors will result in savings well in excess of the amounts spent on the recruitment process and associated issues.
A total of 116 doctors sat the examinations for the Medical Supervised Division in November/December 2011 and 54 (47%) passed. The HSE had previously advised doctors that, if they passed the exam, it would continue supports until they were registered. Given that the Medical Council appeals process for the Supervised Division examination is likely to take some time, the doctors were also advised that if they failed the examination they should return home and pursue any appeal to their results, or application to sit a further Supervised Division examination, from there. I understand that the great majority of doctors who did not pass the Medical Council examination have now left Ireland.
736 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied). [8474/12]
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.
737 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views regarding budget cuts in the Lusk Nursing Home, County Dublin, at which it is being proposed that rather than receiving freshly cooked meals the residents will instead receive reheated meal that are to be precooked in St. Ita’s Hospital in Portrane [8283/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
738 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the ICT projects the Health Service Executive intends to proceed with in 2012; if they will take account of new institutional arrangements for the organisation and if so, the way that this will occur; if it is expected that the investment of €40 million per year during the lifetime of this Government will reduce the administrative needs of the HSE; if so, the staff savings likely to accrue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7579/12]
The National ICT Directorate within the HSE is responsible for the delivery of ICT enabled projects and services. The ICT directorate is a support function that works in partnership with all directorates within the HSE to ensure that the services and projects pursued are directly aligned with service needs. At corporate level, the directorate is responsible for the development and implementation of the ICT Strategy.
The capital allocation for ICT spending in the HSE for 2012 is €40m. ICT capital spending is project based and is operated, by way multi-annual budgets due to the complexity and scale of most projects. The breakdown of the planned spending between the various business sectors is set out in the table below:
|
Project Type |
No. of Projects |
Investment |
|
Hospital Clinical |
36 |
€11,213,675 |
|
ICT Technical Infrastructure |
22 |
€8,431,869 |
|
CoreHospital-iSoft (PAS) |
6 |
€8,138,013 |
|
Pre Hospital Emergency Care |
6 |
€4,570,624 |
|
Corporate Systems |
12 |
€1,707,080 |
|
Community Clinical |
11 |
€1,259,130 |
|
New Building/Refurbishment — Fit Out |
1 |
€950,000 |
|
Core Hospital-iSoft (Order Comms) |
1 |
€550,000 |
|
Minor/Miscellaneous Capital Projects |
97 |
€3,121,963 |
|
Totals |
192 |
€39,942,355 |
From an initial inspection of the list of projects that constitute the planned areas for investment, many of the items listed are clinical systems, deployed in support of hospitals and primary care facilities, and should not be affected in terms of any new arrangements.
Other projects recently approved, such as the insurance claims system will support a ‘money follows the patient' environment and are already aligned with the Government's agenda. As the Deputy is aware, since the moratorium in March 2009, a reduction in numbers of over 7,000 has been sustainable, in part, due to process improvements including ICT supports.
As part of a review of the HSE ICT strategy, my Department will be examining all currently sanctioned projects to determine how they are affected by the administrative changes envisaged as part of the Government's reform agenda. Finally, it should be noted that approval for ICT expenditure within the HSE is subject to external approval by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in accordance with Department of Finance Circulars 02/09 and 02/11 and the Department of Health.
739 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Cork to Swansea ferry service; the dealings he has had with the company operating this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7552/12]
I am disappointed to learn that the Cork-Swansea Ferry Service, operated by the Fastnet Line, has ceased to operate. I met with the West Cork Tourism Co-op on 17 January last when they outlined their plans for the future of the service. As a first step, however, the Co-op advised me of the overriding requirement to secure further investment to bring the enterprise out of examinership.
I advised the Co-op at the time that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the State Agencies under its remit had no function in the subsidisation or provision of ferry services for this or other routes or indeed the finance to do so.
That said and within the strict confines of EU State Aid rules, the State Tourism agencies have been supportive of the ferry service since its inception. In particular, they have provided co-operative marketing support, offered a range of business supports and Fáilte Ireland certified the venture for Business Expansion Scheme funding. I know that in recent months the State tourism agencies had more discussions with the operators and were assisting them in putting together a marketing plan. Further general business supports were also offered to the company which were intended to assist the service in securing sales and improving yields had it been able to exit the examinership process.
Regrettably the company was not able to reach a position where it could have availed of those supports.
740 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the National Roads Authority has failed to honour commitments given to residents to engage in tree planting along the M50 motorway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
741 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total annual subvention to Córas Iompair Éireann for each year from 2008 to 2011, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7591/12]
The annual subvention for the provision of public service obligation (PSO) services by the CIÉ operating companies is subject to contract between the companies and the National Transport Authority (NTA) since 2009.
The amounts paid in respect of PSO services since 2008 are as follows:
|
Year |
Iarnród Éireann |
Bus Átha Cliath |
Bus Éireann |
Total |
|
2008 |
€181.15m |
€85.63m |
€41.85m |
€308.63m |
|
2009 |
€170.62m |
€83.20m |
€49.36m |
€303.18m |
|
2010 |
€155.14m |
€75.68m |
€45.04m |
€275.86m |
|
2011 |
€148.69m |
€73.04m |
€43.41m |
€265.14m |
742 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of inspectors there are to regulate taxis; and if he will outline the work of inspectors. [7725/12]
The regulation of the taxi industry, including coordination of enforcement activities, is a matter in the first instance for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for a direct response. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please notify my private office.
The position in regard to enforcement in the small public service vehicles (SPSV) sector was examined during the recent review of the taxi industry — see section 3.5 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report which is available on my Department's website.
743 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7747/12]
The Department's Organisation chart giving details of senior management of my Department and their responsibilities is available for printing from the Departments website at the link http://www.dttas.ie/about/OrgChartPrintable.htm.
Further detail on the functions, records, rules, practices and contact personnel for the Department are detailed in the Department's Freedom of Information Section 15 and 16 Reference Book, which is also available on the website at http://www.dttas.ie/contactus-FOI-reference.aspx .
744 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 9 November 2011, if he will ensure that Fáilte Ireland provides the information requested regarding the efforts he has made to ensure a viable and sustainable bed and breakfast sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7752/12]
I understand that the initial e-mail with the relevant information was sent to an incorrect e-mail address and I apologise for this error. I understand that the requested information has since been provided to the Deputy. If in future the Deputy does not receive the information referred to in an answer to a Parliamentary Question within ten working days, he may contact my office directly.
745 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power; the persons appointed; to which boards and agencies; the remuneration details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7830/12]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding appointments to State Boards is available on my Department's website and is updated regularly. Full details of the remuneration paid to directors is set out in the Annual Report of the relevant Agency. I am also arranging for my Department to publish on its website a document which sets out the currently approved levels of Board fees for the agencies under my aegis.
746 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants available for handball clubs to carry out renovation and upgrade works on their facilities for the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7883/12]
I recently announced that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will be advertising two new rounds of the Sports Capital Programme between now and 2016. I am currently making the necessary arrangements to launch a new programme. It will be open to any organisation to submit an application under the terms and conditions that will apply at the launch of the new programme.
747 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that was spent by the National Roads Authority and local authorities on road markings and road resurfacing contracts here each year since 2008; the percentage of the total costs of the contracts that were paid to non-Irish companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7935/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred this part of the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority within its area, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads, including road markings and signage, are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources which may be supplemented by State road grants.
On the basis outlined, each County Council has individual responsibility for contracting out any work it has in the area of interest to the Deputy. This Department has no records of individual spends in these areas.
748 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport with reference to the green field agreement between Aer Lingus and SIPTU of 15 February 2010 regarding proposed outsourcing of administrative staff from Aer Lingus, if he will confirm if he will use the State’s 25% shareholding leverage to ensure that employment rights of existing Aer Lingus staff will be upheld, that outsourcing to foreign based companies will be prevented, that redeployment opportunities for existing workers will be maximised, that he will engage with the company and the union to ensure that a mutually agreeable transition can be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7938/12]
It should be noted that the purpose of the 25% shareholding by the State in Aer Lingus is to support the general public interest, for example, boosting tourist numbers or securing a dividend for the taxpayers rather than to support any sectoral interest whether it be staff or management.
The terms of the Greenfield plan for Aer Lingus were agreed by Aer Lingus management and the Unions in 2010 following an intensive negotiation process and with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission. The implementation of that agreement is entirely a matter for the Board, management and staff of the company and it is not one in which I have any role.
It is not open to the Government to intervene in the day to day operations of Aer Lingus. While the State's 25% shareholding in the company entitles the Minister to nominate three directors for appointment to the Board, the duties of these directors derive from the Companies Acts so the directors are obliged to pursue the best interests of the company. Subject to that duty, the three directors are mandated to seek to ensure that all decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies are considered at Board level. In any such decisions they are directed to seek to reconcile commercial and public policy objectives.
Where necessary, the established industrial relations mechanisms in the State are available to assist. I understand that the LRC assisted in the negotiation of the greenfield plan.
749 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the licences required for a registered charity to provide a school bus service in respect of children with special needs. [7968/12]
The legislation governing bus passenger route licensing is the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 which excludes bus services solely for carrying children to or from school from its definition of a public bus passenger service. Therefore such school services do not require a bus passenger route licence.
The carriage of passengers otherwise than for profit in vehicles owned by voluntary organisations, is exempt from the requirement to hold a road passenger transport operator's licence by my Department, under the recently enacted Road Transport Act, 2011. Any such organisation can make contact with the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit of my Department to confirm that the particulars of its operation falls within that exemption.
I should add that any such school bus service would need to consult with the Garda Síochána concerning compliance with vehicle and safety standard requirements.
750 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered a proposal (details supplied) to request local authorities to turn off specific public lighting at night time in rural locations as a cost saving measure which he estimates could save the State somewhere in the region of €10 million to €11 million annually, and as is the current practice in some European cities. [7977/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads projects are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority within its area, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads including the installation, maintenance and operation of traffic lights are a matter for the relevant local authority. The safe operation of traffic lights and the potential for energy savings are also a matter for each local authority.
Regarding the potential for energy savings on national roads, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
751 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the national lottery funding disbursed to local sporting organisations for each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will provide a breakdown on a county and club basis for the same years. [8158/12]
Under the Sports Capital Programme the Department provides funding at local, regional and national level to sporting clubs and organisations, voluntary and community organisations, local authorities and, in certain circumstances, schools/colleges towards the provision of sporting facilities and the purchase of sporting equipment.
The amounts disbursed in 2009, 2010 and 2011 will be available on the Department's website www.dttas.ie by the end of the week. The figures for payments this year, up to Friday 10 February, are included in the table:
|
Table |
|
|
Carlow |
€53,210 |
|
Palatine GFC |
€3,250 |
|
St Laurence O’Toole Athletic Club |
€49,960 |
|
Cork |
€42,046 |
|
Fermoy Rowing Club |
€1,776 |
|
Freemount Development Association |
€750 |
|
Rathpeacon GAA Club |
€10,408 |
|
Wilton United FC |
€16,542 |
|
Youghal Lawn Tennis Club |
€12,570 |
|
Donegal |
€112,186 |
|
Donegal VEC and St John Bosco AC |
€13,500 |
|
Killea FC |
€20,688 |
|
Letterkenny RFC |
€77,998 |
|
Dublin |
€468,042 |
|
Cherry Orchard |
€49,280 |
|
Co Dublin VEC Collinstown Park |
€50,447 |
|
Cycling Ireland |
€6,110 |
|
DCC Ballymun Leisure Centre |
€1,592 |
|
DCC Finglas Leisure Centre |
€1,075 |
|
DCC Finglas Leisure Centre |
€319 |
|
DCC Finglas Leisure Centre |
€1,648 |
|
DCC Finglas Leisure Centre |
€1,018 |
|
DCC Irishtown Stadium |
€905 |
|
DCC Irishtown Stadium |
€903 |
|
DCC Phibsborough ABC |
€5,718 |
|
McKelvey Celtic AFC |
€98,454 |
|
Round Towers — Clondalkin |
€64,000 |
|
Ski Club of Ireland |
€83,642 |
|
Spinal Injuries Ireland |
€50,446 |
|
Sport Against Racism Ireland |
€2,431 |
|
St Francis FC |
€25,698 |
|
St Helena’s Rivermount Boys |
€3,120 |
|
St Paul’s Youth Club (Artane) Ltd |
€200 |
|
Templeogue Synge St |
€7,454 |
|
Trackside LTC |
€13,582 |
|
Galway |
€3,342 |
|
Sylane Hurling Club |
€3,342 |
|
Kerry |
€6,242 |
|
Killarney Legion GAA Club |
€6,242 |
|
Kildare |
€67,250 |
|
Clonmullion FC |
€8,000 |
|
Kilcock GAA Club |
€16,800 |
|
Prosperous United AFC |
€9,450 |
|
Raheen GAA Club |
€8,500 |
|
Round Towers GFC |
€7,000 |
|
St Kevins GFC |
€17,500 |
|
Laois |
€6,110 |
|
Portarlington GAA Club |
€6,110 |
|
Leitrim |
€13,280 |
|
Leitrim Gaels Community Development |
€13,280 |
|
Limerick |
€69,262 |
|
Ballybrown Youth Field Project |
€4,900 |
|
Garryowen RFC |
€27,500 |
|
Moyross Development Company |
€3,551 |
|
Old Crescent RFC |
€24,687 |
|
Prospect Priory FC |
€8,624 |
|
Longford |
€50,198 |
|
Grattan OG GAA |
€6,198 |
|
Longford Town Co — The Mall |
€40,000 |
|
Rathcline GAA |
€4,000 |
|
Mayo |
€38,630 |
|
Ballinrobe Rugby Football Club |
€36,630 |
|
Swinford Amenities Development |
€2,000 |
|
Meath |
€142,854 |
|
Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA |
€60,000 |
|
St Peters GAA Club Dunboyne |
€82,854 |
|
Sligo |
€52,093 |
|
Ballisodare Comm Sports |
€22,500 |
|
Cloonacool Community Park Ltd |
€8,055 |
|
Curry Moylough GAA and Community Centre |
€15,538 |
|
St Michael GAA Sligo |
€6,000 |
|
Tipperary |
€25,000 |
|
Durlas Og GAA Club |
€25,000 |
|
Westmeath |
€13,250 |
|
Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA Club |
€13,250 |
|
Wexford |
€110,518 |
|
St Fintans GAA Comm Grounds |
€5,303 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
€105,215 |
|
Wicklow |
€58,800 |
|
Bray Emmetts GAA |
€54,700 |
|
Cobra Gymnastics Club |
€2,000 |
|
St Anthony’s Football Club |
€2,100 |
752 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the reintroduction of the scheme that offered reduced public transport fares for senior overseas citizens as part of an effort to boost visitor numbers. [8196/12]
The matter is primarily an operational one for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance working conjunction with the tourism agencies. I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
753 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe he expects the nationwide audit of speed limits to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8197/12]
My Department will shortly engage with the National Roads Authority and local authorities throughout the country with a view to ensuring a nationwide audit of speed limits takes place. The aim of this audit is to examine and improve, where appropriate, the application by local authorities of speed limits and speed limit signage throughout the country, in accordance with my Department's "Guidelines for the Application of Special Speed Limits", which were issued last year. As this work will involve extensive input from and engagement with the NRA and road authorities to reduce inconsistencies and the potential for driver confusion, it will take some time but it is intended to complete this project during the course of 2012. I am determined that the necessary improvements should be implemented as soon as possible to further enhance road safety, save lives and reduce serious injuries.
754 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the introduction of an accreditation system or information briefing for front line tourism industry workers based on knowledge of local heritage, attractions and general tourist information as part of an effort to enhance the experience for visitors to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/12]
It is the responsibility of every front-line tourism business to ensure its employees provide a first-class customer service to our visitors. This extends to engaging with visitors and sharing knowledge and information with them to ensure they enjoy their holiday to the fullest extent possible. The most recent Visitor Attitude Survey published by Fáilte Ireland for 2010 shows that 95% of visitors to Ireland expressed satisfaction with the friendliness of the people they met on their visit. This suggests that we are, generally speaking, getting things right in this area. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for promoting and supporting the training and education of people for employment in the tourism industry. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland has many programmes that provide training aimed at ensuring an excellent customer service for visitors. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland to enable the agency to inform the Deputy of its activity in this area. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
755 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of revenue generated through the fees of driving tests and the national car testing services for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the reasons the fee for an NCT was increased from €50 to €55; the reason vehicles aged over ten years will now be required to undergo a NCT each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8209/12]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the operation of the driver testing and national car testing (NCT) services are matters for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred this part of the Deputy's question to the authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. The €5 increase in the NCT fee from €50 to €55 was sanctioned to take account of the VAT increase on services, the increase in the consumer price index for 2011 to help make the RSA self-financing over the coming years, thereby removing its reliance on Exchequer funding. I have indicated that there will be no further increase in NCT fees for the next three years. The effects of wear and tear on a vehicle become more evident as it ages and a corresponding increase of failure rates is seen at NCT. When NCT testing was first introduced, less than 4% of vehicles passed the test at the first attempt. Since then, the pass rate has risen steadily to almost 70% for cars which are four years old, while the pass rate on the first attempt for cars over ten years old had deteriorated to just 33%. With effect from 1 June 2011, cars older than ten years must undergo annual roadworthiness testing. Road traffic collision statistics for 2009 show that 41.5% of fatal collisions and 46% of serious injuries arose from collisions that involved vehicles that were ten years old or more, and older vehicles are also more likely to be involved in a collision. As at the end of 2011, 28% of all taxed private motor vehicles were ten years or older. For those reasons, I believe the annual testing of vehicles of ten years and older is a valuable safety measure.
756 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Dublin Bus to have buses regularly going to Dublin Airport from a location (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8210/12]
The provision of services is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
757 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a national review of driver test centres involving him, the Road Safety Authority and the Office of Public Works will be completed; the aim of the review; the criteria that will be considered in terms of assessing the feasibility of each centre; the number of centres that he envisages will close as a result of the review; if an appeals mechanism will be provided for centres that may face closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8238/12]
758 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the value and contribution of the Skibbereen driving test centre to the community of west Cork; if he will take into consideration in the context of the ongoing national review of test centres by him, the Road Safety Authority and the Office of Public Works; the way the centre compares to its counterparts around the country in terms of waiting times and applicant numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8239/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 757 and 758 together.
A review of the estate requirements for the driver testing services, conducted by consultants on behalf of the Road Safety Authority, was completed in 2010. This review was commissioned to analyse the current position, and to examine the future needs of the driver testing service and make recommendations if appropriate for the rationalisation of the driver testing estate. It was agreed that any decisions on matters addressed in the review should wait on the completion of the option appraisal for the future delivery of driver testing services, which was then being planned. The option appraisal was completed last year. Following from it, I asked the RSA to expedite the implementation of efficiencies identified in the appraisal. I subsequently asked the RSA to submit specific proposals to me in relation to the driver testing estate. I expect to receive these proposals in the near future.
759 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas that won the competition for the smarter travel project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8247/12]
The result of the National Competition for Smarter Travel Areas was announced on 1 February. Limerick city, Dungarvan and Westport will share in funding of €23 million over a five-year period to transform into Smarter Travel areas, promote cycling and walking, increase the use of public transport and reduce car travel. The three successful areas put forward excellent proposals for transforming people's travel behaviour, with support from local businesses and communities. My Department's investment in Smarter Travel areas will reshape and transform these areas, reduce congestion and pollution, improve road safety, create local employment opportunities and improve people's health and fitness, as well as enhancing town and streetscapes locally.
760 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any remuneration, stipend, expense facility, financial facility or similar payment is being made from the Exchequer to any senior public servant who has retired from his Department beyond any accrued pension entitlements; if any such payment has been sanctioned for current senior public servants who are about to retire from his Department; if he will list the name, positions and details of any relevant moneys paid or scheduled to be paid of any person in receipt of or sanctioned to receive such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8279/12]
Five retired civil servants from my Department who were rehired during 2011 are still working in the Department. Four are Radio Officer grade III and one is an Aeronautical Officer Grade 1. They are working on an ad hoc basis and are paid according to the salary scale applicable to the grade they retired on subject to the standard abatement rules (i.e. the pension is reduced so that when added to the remuneration of any new position to which a pensioner is appointed, the sum is no greater than the remuneration of the position from which the pensioner retired). These staff are required for essential front-line functions until such time as replacements can be appointed. With regard to current senior staff who are about to retire from my Department, no remuneration, stipends, expense facility, financial facilities or similar payments have been sanctioned or are scheduled to be made beyond their accrued pension entitlements.
761 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grants are available for the renovation of listed buildings such as old hotels and guest houses in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8402/12]
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.
762 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of road projects in the country, if any, granted funding by him under the specific improvement road grants programme for 2012 to a value of less than €250,000 and the reason for the funding of any project granted funding below this threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8403/12]
I take it that the Deputy is asking about grant assistance from my Department for Regional and Local Roads across the Country. Details of the funding provided to each Local Authority are available in the Oireachtas Library. Allocations of less than €250,000 can be made in the case of forestry roads, some urban schemes, completion payments, advance design or land acquisition together with bridge rehabilitation and improvement works.
763 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline on a yearly basis from 2008 to 2015 in respect of staff leaving the public service in his Department; the cost of lump sums; the cost of severance payments; the cost of pensions of those leaving the service through retirement or other means; the loss of the pension levy from employees who have left; the loss of superannuation payments from retired or departed employees, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8444/12]
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport was established on 9 March 2011. The information requested by the Deputy on the cost of lump sums, pensions and severance payments for the years between 2008 and the end of February 2012 is set out in Table 1, which follows this reply. The information provided is available with respect to the former Department of Transport only prior to March 2011. As the Department does not know at present how many staff will retire from 1 March 2012 to the end of 2015, it is not possible to provide information in respect of this period. With regard to the loss of the pension levy and superannuation payments, the collation of this information would involve considerable expenditure of time as it would have to be compiled manually for each individual concerned. The severance payments were as a result of cessation of employment contracts which either reached the end of the contract terms or were as a result of a change in Government.
|
Year |
Department |
Lump sum cost |
Gross annual Pension cost |
Cost of Severance Payment |
|
2008 |
Transport |
€665,275 |
€219,120 |
Nil |
|
2009 |
Transport |
€4,775,230 |
€1,622,743 |
€164,467 |
|
2010 |
Transport |
€2,050,145 |
€784,128 |
Nil |
|
2011 |
Transport, Tourism and Sport |
€1,550,960 |
€494,500 |
€33,543 |
|
1/1/12-29/2/12 (anticipated) |
Transport, Tourism and Sport |
€1,688,020 |
€530,472 |
Nil |
