Written Answers Nos. 1092-1107
1092. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the compliance rates with the second home tax; the number of dwellings to which the tax is applicable; the number of dwellings that have paid the tax in 2011; and the amount that this raised for the Exchequer. [38300/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. On its introduction in 2009 the charge was estimated to apply to some 200,000 properties and was expected to raise approximately €40 million annually. As of 11 September 2012, the charge had been paid for 2011 in respect of 333,044 properties, raising €70,663,340 for that year.
1093. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will explain cuts in local authorities' funding at a rate in accordance with the compliance or non-compliance with regard to the paying of the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter [38314/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the replies to Question Nos. 37, 41 and 46 on today’s order paper, which set out the position in this matter.
1094. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his views on the abolition of town councils (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38317/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s broad policy approach in this area was set out in the Programme for Government. In line with this, I propose to publish [very shortly] a comprehensive action programme setting out a clear vision for the future of local government with particular focus on strengthening structures at regional, county and sub-county levels, expanding the role of local government, maximising operational and organisational efficiency and improving governance, oversight, local political and executive leadership and citizen engagement. The reform programme will also reflect other work under way in relation to various aspects of local government, including local authority mergers, efficiency implementation, funding and alignment of local and community development with local government.
1095. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will approve an application for the employment of a person in a local authority (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38357/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County 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 City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.
My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services, and economic issues are given precedence. In relation to the specific post referenced in the question my Department has not received a sanction request from Laois County Council.
1096. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if the threshold of €25,000 which needs to be earned by a person to obtain an annuity loan for a house purchase through a local authority can be reviewed; if income of more than €20,000 can be deemed satisfactory in view of falling house prices; if any payment from the Department of Social Protection can be taken into the calculation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to supporting access to home ownership for lower income households and a range of paths to such ownership will remain in place in that regard. These include the incremental purchase scheme, the availability of loan finance from local authorities for house purchase, including open market purchase, and the tenant purchase scheme. Two types of house purchase loan are available from local authorities: standard annuity loans targeted at lower income first time buyers and those under the Home Choice Loan scheme which are available to qualifying middle income first time buyers affected by the “credit crunch”. The terms and conditions governing the operation, including eligibility terms, of annuity mortgages and the Home Choice Loan are set out under the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009-2012 and the Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2009 respectively. These are available on my Department’s website: www.environ.ie.
While there is no reference in the Regulations to a lower income limit threshold for mortgage applicants, the associated credit policy provides a procedure for calculating the maximum amount of mortgage repayments permissible as a percentage of the household income. Local authorities are advised to examine each application on its own merits in determining whether an applicant is eligible for a house purchase loan. It is the case that the rate of refusal of applications has increased since the credit policy was introduced. However, it is also clear that the loans issued under that credit policy are more likely to be fully performing. I consider the current arrangements are fair and adequately meet the needs of prospective home owners in a prudent manner.
1097. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if any review is taking place in relation to the Supreme Court judgment in the Donegan case and the use of section 62 of the Housing Act to evict local authority tenants; the implications of this decision on local authorities; and if it means that no evictions can now take place under section 62 of the Housing Act; if new legislation is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38434/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supreme Court issued a judgment in February 2012 in two cases relating to section 62 of the Housing Act 1966. In one case, the court ruled that there was a dispute as to the facts and made a declaration that section 62(3) of the 1966 Act is incompatible with the State’s obligations under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In the other case, the court ruled that there was no dispute as to the facts and did not make a declaration of incompatibility. Section 5(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 provides that a declaration of incompatibility in respect of an enactment does not affect its validity, continuing operation or enforcement. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, has examined the court judgment. In consultation with key local authorities, a course of action is being prepared which will involve changes in the way in which eviction procedures are carried out but which will require changes to legislation. I will make a statement on the matter in due course.
1099. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38484/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s expenditure on the full training programmes in 2011 and in the period up to the end of August 2012 is as follows:
|
Costs |
2011 € |
August 2012 € |
|
Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (excluding Met Eireann) |
258,810 |
99,338 |
|
Met Eireann |
53,400 |
31,749 |
|
Total |
312,210 |
131,087 |
My Department places considerable emphasis on relevant skills development by staff at all levels. It offers on-going training programmes for staff, based on business requirements identified through the business planning mechanism and the performance management development system (PMDS). The training programmes vary and include areas such as ICT, Language, Law, Economics, in particular Environment Economics, Policy Analysis, Accountancy and Finance, Office Skills, Management and Personal and Professional Development.
Training Courses arranged for 2011 and 2012 are listed in the following tables:
|
Year |
Course Detail |
Total Cost € |
No. of Participants |
Cost per person € |
|
2011 |
HR Line Management |
20,708 |
92 |
225 |
|
2011 |
Personal Development (Communications, Quality Customer Service etc) |
8,137 |
76 |
107 |
|
2011 |
Staff Development |
4,200 |
23 |
183 |
|
2011 |
Advanced Diploma in Legislative Drafting |
9,000 |
2 |
4,500 |
|
2011 |
Language Courses |
4,345 |
26 |
167 |
|
2011 |
Health and Safety |
1,298 |
56 |
23 |
|
2011 |
General IT Training |
3,188 |
97 |
33 |
|
2011 |
Professional Tax training |
1,653 |
5 |
331 |
|
2011 |
Water Services IT Training |
2,200 |
23 |
96 |
|
2011 |
Sharepoint Administrator |
1,900 |
10 |
190 |
|
2011 |
IT Training Specialist (Microsoft Exchange& Configuring |
4,900 |
4 |
1,225 |
|
2011 |
Professional Development- International Study (incl. Accommodation Costs) |
4,455 |
1 |
4,455 |
|
|
Total 2011 |
65,985 |
415 |
|
Met Éireann Training
|
Year |
Course Detail |
Total Cost € |
No of Participants |
Cost per person € |
|
2011 |
HR Training |
2,504 |
6 |
417 |
|
2011 |
Health & Safety Legislation |
1,650 |
7 |
236 |
|
2011 |
Health & Safety Laboratory Training |
1,650 |
4 |
413 |
|
2011 |
Voice & Presentation Training |
1,210 |
4 |
303 |
|
2011 |
Quarkxpress |
678 |
3 |
226 |
|
2011 |
Adobe Photoshop |
475 |
3 |
158 |
|
2011 |
IT Training -VBA Development |
3,140 |
3 |
1,047 |
|
2011 |
Excel Training - Introductory Course |
298 |
1 |
298 |
|
2011 |
VDU & Workstation Assessment Training |
4,050 |
100 |
41 |
|
2011 |
Winter Forecasting |
6,427 |
5 |
1,285 |
|
2011 |
Forecaster Refresher Course |
3,525 |
1 |
3,525 |
|
2011 |
Climate Change |
400 |
2 |
200 |
|
2011 |
Meteorologist Training |
115 |
1 |
115 |
|
2011 |
Safe Pass |
665 |
7 |
95 |
|
2011 |
Basic Security Awareness Training |
1,250 |
23 |
54 |
|
2011 |
Airfield Training |
78 |
3 |
26 |
|
2011 |
Health and Safety |
1,813 |
22 |
82 |
|
2011 |
Advanced Forecasting Course |
5,017 |
1 |
5,017 |
|
2011 |
Irish Classes |
190 |
1 |
190 |
|
2011 |
Procurement |
1,300 |
2 |
650 |
|
2011 |
Meteorologists -Courtroom Skills & Cross-Examination Skills |
895 |
1 |
895 |
|
2011 |
Project Management |
2,385 |
2 |
1,193 |
|
2011 |
Windows Server 2008 |
5,185 |
4 |
1,296 |
|
2011 |
Internal QMS Auditor Course |
525 |
1 |
525 |
|
2011 |
Management Workshop |
50 |
1 |
50 |
|
2011 |
Online Proof Reading Course |
119 |
1 |
119 |
|
2011 |
Meteorology Specialist ECAM training |
420 |
1 |
420 |
|
2011 |
GIS server training |
1,232 |
1 |
1,232 |
|
Total 2011 |
47,246 |
211 |
January-August 2012
|
Year |
Course Detail |
Total Cost € |
No of Participants |
Cost per person € |
|
2012 |
Business Analysts Training ICT |
5,050 |
8 |
631 |
|
2012 |
Chair Training for EU Presidency |
0 |
25 |
0 |
|
2012 |
CO/SO/EO Office Mgt. Development |
25,708 |
197 |
130 |
|
2012 |
Council Secretariat EU Presidency |
165 |
27 |
6 |
|
2012 |
HR Line Management |
4,502 |
20 |
225 |
|
2012 |
IT Data Analysis Software Course |
1,520 |
2 |
760 |
|
2012 |
Language Courses |
1,272 |
18 |
71 |
|
2012 |
IT Audit Training |
450 |
2 |
225 |
|
2012 |
FOI/Ombudsman Course |
938 |
5 |
188 |
|
2012 |
Public Financial Mgt. - IPA |
1,849 |
15 |
123 |
|
2012 |
*Health and Safety |
0 |
54 |
0 |
|
2012 |
Professional Development- International Study (incl. Accommodation Costs) |
21,534 |
1 |
21,534 |
|
2012 |
Staff Development |
14,042 |
78 |
180 |
|
2012 |
IT Training Specialist |
1,761 |
1 |
1,761 |
|
2012 |
**Legislative Drafting Lectures |
5,105 |
13 |
393 |
|
- |
Total at end of August 2012 |
83,896 |
466 |
*This training was delivered by OPW free of charge
**Two open sessions made available to over 70 staff
Met Éireann - Training from January to August 2012
|
Year |
Course Detail |
Cost per person € |
Total Cost € |
No of Participants |
|
2012 |
Script Writing |
375 |
750 |
2 |
|
2012 |
Managing People |
695 |
1,390 |
2 |
|
2012 |
Computer Networking |
670 |
670 |
1 |
|
2012 |
Meteorological Broadcaster Training |
762 |
3,047 |
4 |
|
2012 |
Basic Security Awareness |
62 |
554 |
9 |
|
2012 |
DIAS 005 Computational Statistics |
125 |
250 |
2 |
|
2012 |
Airside Safety Training |
76 |
1,662 |
22 |
|
2012 |
Safety Committee |
125 |
750 |
6 |
|
2012 |
HEO Line Manager Training |
183 |
4,200 |
23 |
|
2012 |
Fire Warden Training |
73 |
948 |
13 |
|
2012 |
Configuring and Administering Microsoft SharePoint 2010 |
1,350 |
1,350 |
1 |
|
2012 |
Safe Pass training |
95 |
190 |
2 |
|
2012 |
Aeronautical Met Forecaster Course |
2,287 |
2,287 |
1 |
|
2012 |
Project Management Course |
695 |
1,390 |
2 |
|
2012 |
Office Management CO Course |
177 |
1,950 |
11 |
|
2012 |
Flexitime Management |
100 |
400 |
4 |
|
2012 |
Understanding the European Public Sector Procurement Rules |
650 |
1,300 |
2 |
|
2012 |
Mast Climbing Refresher Course |
188 |
2,250 |
12 |
|
2012 |
Finance for non Financial Managers |
1,440 |
2,880 |
2 |
|
2012 |
High Impact Leadership |
2,880 |
2,880 |
1 |
|
2012 |
ICS Skills |
350 |
350 |
1 |
|
2012 |
HR Training |
301 |
301 |
1 |
|
Total at end August 2012 |
31,749 |
124 |
Refund of Educational Fees Scheme
Training is also provided under a Refund of Educational Fees Scheme, which operates on an annual basis and where staff members can develop specific critical skills through a number of formal education programmes offered by 3rd level institutions. The number of participants for the 2011/2012 academic year was 52 at a cost of €192,825. In the period to the end of August 2012, 39 participants have been approved at an estimated cost of €126,452. The range of courses are outlined in the following tables:
|
No |
Course Title for 2011/2012 |
|
1 |
Diploma in Computer Studies |
|
1 |
ACCA (Professional Accountant) |
|
1 |
Applied Environmental Economics |
|
1 |
BA (hons) Applied Social Studies |
|
1 |
BA (hons) Business Management |
|
1 |
BA (hons) Humanities |
|
3 |
BA (hons) Law |
|
1 |
BA Economics |
|
1 |
BA Personal & Professional Development |
|
4 |
BA Public Management |
|
2 |
Bachelor of Business (hons) |
|
1 |
Bachelor of Commerce |
|
1 |
Certificate in Audit Skills |
|
6 |
Certificate in Civil Service & State Agency Studies |
|
1 |
Certificate in Housing Studies |
|
1 |
Diploma in Applied Building Repair & Conservation |
|
1 |
Diploma in Civil Service & State Agency Studies |
|
1 |
Diploma in French |
|
|
Diploma in HRM Practice |
|
1 |
Diploma/BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy |
|
1 |
Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach |
|
1 |
Irish Course - Cruinneas 1 |
|
2 |
MA Public Management |
|
1 |
Master in Public Administration |
|
1 |
Masters of Business |
|
1 |
MSc Communications |
|
1 |
MSc Computer Science |
|
2 |
MSc Economic Policy Studies |
|
3 |
MSc Economic Science in Policy Analysis |
|
1 |
MSc Innovation Management in the Public Service |
|
1 |
MSc Project & Programme Management |
|
1 |
MSc Sustainable Development |
|
4 |
Phd in Governance |
|
1 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Fire Safety Practice |
|
1 |
Professional Certificate in Governance |
|
No |
Course Title for 2012/2013 |
|
1 |
ACCA (Professional Accountant) |
|
1 |
Administration Law |
|
1 |
BA Degree (Hons) in Humanities |
|
3 |
BA in Public Management |
|
1 |
BA in Community Involvement |
|
1 |
BA Personal & Professional Development |
|
1 |
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Law |
|
2 |
Bachelor of Business (hons) |
|
1 |
Barrister at Law Degree |
|
3 |
Certificate in Civil Service & State Agencies |
|
1 |
Certificate in Tax policy making |
|
1 |
Diploma in Civil Service & State Agencies |
|
1 |
Diploma in Computer Studies accredited by UCD |
|
1 |
Diploma in Financial Management BS7 |
|
1 |
Diploma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach |
|
1 |
Doctorate in Governance |
|
1 |
Evening Gaeilge Classes |
|
1 |
German Course |
|
1 |
Higher Certificate Business |
|
1 |
MA in Public Management |
|
1 |
Master of Arts Leadership & Strategy |
|
1 |
Master of Science in Mgt. for Sustainable Development |
|
1 |
Masters in Computer Science - Cloud Computing |
|
1 |
Masters of Business |
|
1 |
MSc in Economic Policy Analysis |
|
1 |
MSc Applied Social Research |
|
1 |
MSc in Computer Science |
|
2 |
MSc in Economic Science and Policy Analysis |
|
1 |
MSc in Project and Programme Mgt. |
|
2 |
Phd in Governance |
|
1 |
Pre-Degree computing programme Fetac |
|
1 |
Professional certificate in Governance |
Met Éireann
In 2011/2012 academic year there were 3 applicants at a cost of €6,154.
|
No |
Course Title for 2011/2012 |
|
1 |
M.Sc Meteorology |
|
1 |
Certificate in Human Resource Practice |
|
1 |
Certificate in Oral Heritage |
1100. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the annual cost of producing the average house price series by his Department; the justification for this expenditure in view of the Central Statistics Office monthly Residential Property Price Index. [38534/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy, and those data are available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie. The average house price series dates back to the 1970s and is the longest extant Irish house price data series. The series provides a simple average of prices with a breakdown between the main urban areas. Unlike the Central Statistics Office’s Residential Property Price Index the series is not mix-adjusted to take account of the different types of property sold. While there is a minor marginal cost to the Department in producing this series it is considered that, taking into account the historical continuity that it represents, it is worthwhile to maintain the series.
1101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the position regarding alleged atmospheric contamination by chem trails from jet airliners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38613/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no knowledge of the alleged activities referred to in the Question. The monitoring, assessment and management of ambient air quality in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air for Europe (CAFÉ) Directive 2008/50/EC, which has been transposed into Irish law through the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011. Under these Regulations, specific ambient air quality standards have been prescribed for a range of pollutants.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for the monitoring of air quality in the State. The EPA continually monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants via a network of air quality monitoring stations located around the country. The EPA publishes the results of the air quality monitoring on its website at: http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/monitoring/air/data/. My Department keeps these data under ongoing review to identify any significant trends which might emerge and also meets periodically with the EPA to discuss air quality issues. Overall, air quality in Ireland continues to be of good quality and is amongst the best in Europe. In 2011, measured values for prescribed pollutants were all below limit and target values set out in national and EU legislation.
1102. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the position regarding a Leader grant in respect of an event (details supplied). [38647/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for ensuring that funding provided through the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) is delivered in an efficient and effective way. Systems within the Department involve the checking of projects to ensure that the claimed expenditure is verifiably correct. The claim for reimbursement for the project detailed in the question was selected for inspection by the Inspection Services Division (ISD) of my Department. There were several findings arising from the inspection and it has taken some time to address these findings. However, I can confirm that as soon as all of the findings outlined in the inspection report are addressed the claim for reimbursement will be processed for payment.
1103. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the funding, if any, available for the capital assistance scheme; the position of a project (details supplied) in County Cork on the list. [38726/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year, some €50 million is being made available under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to support the provision, by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies, of accommodation for persons with specific categories of housing need. Following a request to local authorities in June 2012 to submit a prioritised list of projects for funding under the CAS programme over the period 2012 to 2014, I announced the approval of 55 projects which involve the provision of over 370 new voluntary housing units. Approvals were based on the prioritisation afforded to individual proposals by local authorities. The project in question was not prioritised for progression at this time.
1106. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38856/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra1126. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39152/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1106 and 1126 together.
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
- |
Total Board Membership |
Vacancies* |
Men* |
Women |
% Women |
|
2002 |
215 |
NA |
NA |
84 |
39 |
|
2003 |
213 |
NA |
NA |
78 |
37 |
|
2004 |
203 |
NA |
NA |
76 |
37 |
|
2005 |
213 |
NA |
NA |
86 |
40 |
|
2006 |
211 |
NA |
NA |
80 |
38 |
|
2007 |
272 |
9 |
167 |
96 |
37 |
|
2008 |
281 |
6 |
174 |
101 |
37 |
|
2009 |
241 |
8 |
149 |
84 |
36 |
|
2010 |
259 |
17 |
152 |
90 |
37 |
|
2011 |
278 |
15 |
172 |
91 |
35 |
*Until 2007 only information concerning the number of women on state boards was gathered.
Statistics in relation to gender balance on State boards under the aegis of my Department are collated annually. The public advertisement on the Department’s website inviting applications for appointment to State boards states that in considering applications, due regard will be given to Government policy on gender balance on State boards.
1107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government following the publication of the Pyrite Panel report, his views on whether a close reading of the report suggests that the purpose of the report is to absolve the Building Regulations Advisory Board and his Department of any responsibility for the systematic failures to ensure adequate testing by quarry owners for the presence of sulphur/sulphide/sulphate in hardcore for use as fill under ground floor slabs in housing units which failures have facilitated pyrite induced heave and serious structural damage to tens of thousands of houses in north Dublin, east Meath, north Kildare and Offaly. [38881/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not believe that an objective reading of the pyrite report would support the view expressed. The Pyrite Panel was set up on an independent basis to explore options for an agreed resolution to the problem of pyrite in private dwellings. While I have always stated that the State is not responsible for the pyrite problem, I believe it has a duty to assist homeowners in finding a resolution to what is a very difficult situation for them and this was one of my key objectives in setting up the Panel. The Panel operated independently of me and I believe that it undertook its work in a fair and impartial manner producing a well- researched and balanced report.
As can be seen from Appendix 1 of the report, which lists the groups and individuals the Panel met with, it consulted widely, including with: homeowners, industry, academia, professional bodies, banks, insurance providers and local authorities. While not everyone will agree with all of the recommendations they are supported by the broadly based consultation undertaken, and I understand that the report has been well received generally. It is very clear about where responsibility for the pyrite problem lies and who should pay the costs associated with the remediation of pyrite damaged dwellings. The report provides a comprehensive framework to move forward towards achieving a solution for homeowners and I have already begun this process.
