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Tuesday, 13 Nov 2012

Written Answers Nos. 330-351

Job Losses

Ceisteanna (330)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

330. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the current proposal by the chief executive officer of Eircom to reduce the workforce by 2,000 employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49694/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am always very concerned about job losses and the anxiety that the proposed modernisation of work practices at the company concerned creates for the workers involved. Any decision by the company to reduce its workforce is a day-to-day operational issue for the company.

I understand that the company has confirmed that detailed discussions with staff and their trade union representatives on the programme of cost saving measures will take place. The services of the State’s industrial relations machinery are, of course, available to assist the parties in this regard, if requested.

Issues in relation to the continuity of telecommunication services are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Research and Development Funding

Ceisteanna (331)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

331. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of research and development grants and other funds that are available to the State and persons from the European Union, under the headings of research, innovation and science; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49778/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP7), with a budget of over €50 billion for the period 2007 to 2013, is the EU’s main instrument for funding research and development in Europe. The EU Framework Programmes have been an important element in the internationalisation of Irish research, offering Ireland's SMEs, multinationals, and research institutions valuable opportunities to participate in high-calibre research collaborations with our European counterparts. FP7 is built largely around collaborative research (Cooperation) and mobility of researchers (People). However, it also contains a number of innovative elements, the most important of which is “Ideas” which provides the funding for the European Research Council.

In order for Ireland to extract the maximum benefit from the opportunities available within FP7, a National Support Network has been put in place, headed by a National Director for FP7 based in Enterprise Ireland who leads a team of national contact points for various elements of the Programme. This support structure ensures that a coordinated and coherent approach is adopted towards FP7 across all of the Government Departments, agencies and other organisations involved. Through this support structure, a mix of guidance, advice and financial assistance is available to encourage researchers and companies, large and small, to avail of the opportunities within the Programme.

In the period from the beginning of 2007 when the Seventh Framework Programme began to June this year, the latest period for which data is available, almost 6,000 applicants from Irish based organisations took part in FP7 proposals requesting European funding. Of these, almost 1400 applicants have been successful, giving an overall Irish success rate of over 23%. Funding awards to Irish participants to date is €438 million, covering a period of five and a half years.

Five areas account for 65% of the funding: Information & Communication Technologies (€89.5 million); Health (€64 million); Marie Curie (Mobility Programme) (€62 million); Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Materials & Production Processes (€38 million); and European Research Council (€34 million).

Agrifood (€28m), Research for the Benefit of SMEs (€26m), Security (€18m), Transport (€17m), Energy (€16.5m), Research Infrastructures (€16.5m), Environment (€14m), Science in Society (€7.5m), Space (€2.7m) and Socio-Economic Sciences & Humanities (€2.4m) follow, while other areas have resulted in funding of less than €1 million per area to date.

Based on recent national investment in research, Ireland is participating in the Framework Programme from a far stronger position than ever before. A critical mass of research activity has developed in both the public and private sectors, and the design of FP7 suits the needs of Irish researchers in many ways. It has been adapted to encourage industry participation, the application process has been simplified, industry-specific targets have been set and higher funding rates have been agreed. The high level of activity of Irish researchers (academic and industry) and the Irish success rate ahead of the overall EU average are very positive indications of our strong participation in FP7.

Enterprise Support Services Provision

Ceisteanna (332)

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

332. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to support small rural shops and businesses in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49863/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ensuring that more micro and small businesses can start up, expand and export is a key pillar of the Government’s plans for jobs and growth. That is why the Government has decided to implement an ambitious reform in the delivery of service to small and micro business. This will include: Development of a new Small and Micro Business Division within Enterprise Ireland (EI) as a centre of excellence in the provision of supports to the small and micro enterprise sectors; Dissolution of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), and the transfer of their functions, assets and liabilities to Enterprise Ireland (EI); Establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to provide a high quality, innovative, “one-stop-shop” support service for small businesses within Local Authorities, and providing early access to the services of national bodies; and Integration of key local authority business services into the Local Enterprise Office and promotion of a local environment in which enterprise can thrive.

A high level Implementation Working Group (IWG) chaired by my Department is currently progressing the range of issues involved, including a focus on functions, structures and staffing, all of which will form the basis of a detailed and ambitious Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. A project plan is also in preparation which will set out clear milestones and timelines for implementation. I will shortly publish a Consultation Document seeking input from interested parties on the rollout of the new arrangements.

Pending the introduction of these proposed new arrangements, micro-enterprises employing fewer than ten persons, in County Meath can, as their first port of call, continue to contact the Meath County Enterprise Board (CEB) on: http://www.meath.com/

Enterprise Ireland (EI) continues to work with companies in County Meath to help them grow their business. In 2011, approximately 4,300 people were employed on a full time basis in Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Meath and some €2.3m was paid to companies in the County for job creation and retention and business development purposes. EI has to date, approved funding of over €1m in support of Community Enterprise Centres (CECs) in Navan, Kells and Trim. In addition, EI Programmes such as the EnterpriseSTART Workshops, the ‘New Frontiers’ Entrepreneur Development Programme and the ‘Get Export Ready’ Programme are all available to businesses in Co. Meath. Details of these Programmes can be found at Enterprise Ireland’s website www.enterprise-ireland.com.

To improve access to credit for entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises, and to facilitate the growth and expansion of viable businesses from all industry sectors which have been refused access to credit by banks, the Government recently established the Microfinance Loan Fund. The Fund is open to entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages, across the country.

Microfinance Ireland, (MFI), the company set up to operate the Fund, is working closely with the CEBs and Enterprise Ireland and are very conscious of the particular difficulties entrepreneurs face with regard to credit history, previous business experience etc. and where they can assist entrepreneurs, they will do so. However, the potential viability of the business proposal is the dominant factor in any credit decision made by Microfinance Ireland.

The Action Plan for Jobs 2012 also includes a number of specific measures aimed at supporting employment in the retail sector including: a renewed focus on prompt payments to business; an assessment of the potential for future development of the retail sector; the introduction of a Statutory Code of Practice for Grocery Goods; and the acceleration of the programme of revaluation of commercial premises which will provide a basis for the adjustment in commercial rates. My officials and I meet with representatives of the retail sector to hear the challenges they face. These engagements will assist us in implementing the above commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs and in identifying any further actions that can be taken to support the sector.

Business Parks

Ceisteanna (333)

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

333. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Ballymote Business Park, County Sligo, is still owned by Ballymote Enterprise Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50087/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed that Ballymote Enterprise Company does not own Ballymote Business Park but owns one unit in the Park which is occupied by TopChem. The remainder of the units were built by a private development company.

Public Sector Staff Issues

Ceisteanna (334)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

334. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline the opportunities that persons in lower grades of the public service have been afforded in contributing to the reforms of the public service as sought in the public service agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50645/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Departmental Council provides an opportunity for consultation and discussion on the reform process arising out of the Public Service Agreement. This is the forum in which overarching industrial relations matters are discussed in the Department. It is composed of representatives of management and staff in the Department. The Staff Side includes local representatives and trade union officials for all recognised staff representative bodies in the Department. The Departmental Council is the internal monitoring body for the implementation of this Department’s commitments under the Public Service Agreement.

In addition, updates on progress under the Public Service Agreement are periodically provided to the Department’s Partnership Committee. The Partnership Committee is composed of management, trade union and staff representatives.

Staff and union representatives can also put forward proposals for reform within the Departmental Council and the Partnership Committee.

In addition the reform of the State’s Workplace Relations structures, announced by me in July 2011, provides significant opportunities for consultation, dialogue and input from staff. The Reform Programme will deliver a two tier Workplace Relations structure by merging the activities of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), the Equality Tribunal and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) and the Labour Court into a new Body of First Instance, to be known as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The appellate functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal will be incorporated into an expanded Labour Court.

The Workplace Relations Reform Programme Office was established in September 2011 in order to progress the Reform Programme and to date substantial progress has already been made with a number of important priority actions that were identified by the Minister having been successfully delivered within the target timescale.

The Programme Office is conscious of the importance of effective communications with staff under what is a major change management initiative. In this regard, the Programme Office has engaged extensively with all staff that has been affected by the Reform Programme including staff members that are serving in the lower grades of the public service. A number of specific measures have been introduced in this regard, including:

Project Teams, comprising representation from all Workplace Relations Bodies, have been employed to progress all reform initiatives (Single Contact Portal, Website, Complaint Form and ERS). Membership of these Teams is open to all grades. EAT, LRC, NERA, Labour Court and Equality Tribunal representatives on Project Teams are required to keep their respective staff (at all levels) apprised of developments under the Reform Programme.

The Director of the Workplace Relations Reform and Liaison has held a number of briefing sessions directly with staff of the Bodies. He also gave briefings to the Departmental Council and Partnership Committees of DJEI and the Partnership Committee of the Equality Tribunal.

The Programme Office is working directly with the relevant staff of the Workplace Relations Bodies as part of a major review of business processes. Workshops have been held with staff to map existing processes and design future business processes.

Progress under the Reform Programme is posted to a dedicated content area on the DJEI Intranet and on NERAnet.

Public Consultation documents have been made available to staff in advance of publication.

Internal communication and collaboration tools and technology is employed to support the establishment of the new structures, keep staff of the Bodies up to date on progress under the Project and encourage and facilitate discussion on the reforms.

A Newsletter charting progress and developments generally is published by the Programme Office on www.workplacerelations.ie.

Staffing Requirements for the new WRC and Labour Court: It is important to put in place the right staffing levels and skills to support the operations and activities of the WRC and the Labour Court. It will be 2014 before the reform is fully complete and the long-term staffing requirements of the WRC and the Labour Court are in place.

The Department has recognised that it is very important to consult and work with staff and their representatives to provide as smooth a transition as possible through the process. In this regard, a Consultation Paper entitled the Proposed Staffing of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court was circulated to all staff in August, 2012. Feedback on this document was facilitated by, among other means, a series of meetings during September and October with all the staff of the Workplace Relations Bodies. The Consultation Paper was also circulated to the unions representing staff. Taking into account any feedback received it is intended to produce a Structures and Staffing Plan for the new WRC and Labour Court in November, 2012. The plan will be made available to the Workplace Relations Implementation Group and various stakeholders when finalised.

As can be seen from the foregoing there has been extensive consultation with staff within the existing Workplace Relations Bodies in relation to the all aspects of the Reform programme. The objective is to ensure maximum engagement with all staff as the reforms progress and to ensure that all staff, including those serving in the lower grades, have had the opportunity to make a meaningful and valuable input into the Reform Project.

Social Insurance Fund Deficit

Ceisteanna (335)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

335. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing a third higher band of employer PRSI contributions on salaries of €100,000 or more; if she will outline the net effect that she believes such a policy would have on both revenue generated and employment; her views on the unusually small contribution which social security taxes make to Irish Government revenues when compared to other European countries; her views on whether there is scope to increase rates on higher incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50032/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am most concerned about the deficit in the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) and one of my key goals is to reform the system of social protection and to put it on a sounder financial footing for the future. In the context of the SIF, Budget 2011 introduced a number of changes to the PRSI system and, in Budget 2012, my colleague the Minister for Finance announced a further widening of the PRSI base from 2013 to cover rental, investment and other forms of income from 2013. Any other proposals to address the sustainability of the Fund will be considered in a budgetary context.

Dental Services Provision

Ceisteanna (336)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

336. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the full details of the free dental services currently available for persons based on PRSI contributions; the services available in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in tabular form; if he proposes to make any changes to the scheme in budget 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50044/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The dental benefit scheme was limited to a free annual examination in budget 2010, so from 1st January 2010 to date, one free annual examination is available to qualifying customers. Detail on the treatments covered under the dental benefit scheme (either partially or fully) in 2007, 2008, and 2009, are listed in the following table.

Any decision on changes to the dental benefit scheme will be made as part of the overall budget programme, having considered available resources and competing priorities.

Table 1 - Dental benefits available under treatment benefit scheme

Treatment

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Oral Exam

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Prophylaxis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Protracted periodontal treatment

Yes

Yes

Yes

Simple/Compound Amalgam Filling

Yes

Yes

Yes

Composite Filling

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pin-retained Filling

Yes

Yes

Yes

Restoration of Incisal Angle/Tip

Yes

Yes

Yes

Extraction under Local Anaesthetic

Yes

Yes

Yes

Surgical Extraction

Yes

Yes

Yes

Root Canal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Apicectomy/Amputation Of Roots

Yes

Yes

Yes

Extra-Oral X Ray

Yes

Yes

Yes

Panoramic X Ray

Yes

Yes

Yes

Biopsy – Excision of Soft Tissue

Yes

Yes

Yes

Haemorrhage - Secondary

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pulpotomy

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dry Socket

Yes

Yes

Yes

Abscess Treatment

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dressings

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pericoronitis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Partial Denture

Yes

Yes

Yes

Full Upper Denture

Yes

Yes

Yes

Full Lower Denture

Yes

Yes

Yes

Full Upper And Lower Denture

Yes

Yes

Yes

Upper Denture Reline

Yes

Yes

Yes

Lower Denture Reline

Yes

Yes

Yes

Upper And Lower Denture Reline

Yes

Yes

Yes

Denture Repairs

Yes

Yes

Yes

Crown

Yes

Yes

Yes

Question No. 337 answered with question No. 115.
Question No. 338 answered with Question No. 110.

Social Welfare Code Issues

Ceisteanna (339)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

339. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection the legislation in place for persons who pay contributions while in the workforce and are in receipt of a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49415/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand that the Deputy’s question relates to the issue of the payment of concurrent social insurance benefits to a person who is in receipt of a widow/er’s contributory pension.

The social welfare system is designed to respond to a range of contingencies such as illness, unemployment, old age or widowhood. Within this wide-ranging system, a general principle is applied that only one social welfare benefit should be payable at any one time. This approach serves to maintain the equity of the social welfare system and, indeed, is common to social security systems across the world. It is against that background that the payment of half-rate illness benefit and half-rate jobseeker’s benefit in addition to a widow/er’s contributory pension was abolished for new applicants from the end of January 2012.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (340)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

340. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for carer's allowance has not been processed and decided on in respect of a person (details supplied) and when a decision will issue. [49420/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 3rd February 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Questions Nos. 341 and 342 withdrawn.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (343)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

343. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer's allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49438/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 16th August 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department’s medical assessors who found that the caree in question was not medically eligible for carer’s allowance. The deciding officer accepted the opinion of the medical assessor and further decided that the requirement for full time care and attention was not fulfilled. A letter issued on the 6th November 2012 refusing the allowance and giving the reasons for it.

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Ceisteanna (344)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

344. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a review and appeal for invalidly pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49449/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 13 September 2012. 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. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Offices

Ceisteanna (345)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

345. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to close an office (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49451/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are no plans to close the Department’s offices at Castle Buildings, Tara St, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The offices at Castle Buildings are scheduled to become fully integrated INTREO offices in 2013 and plans are well advanced in this regard.

Social Welfare Appeals Status

Ceisteanna (346)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

346. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has received an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this appeal will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49452/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 2nd October 2012. 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. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Community Employment Schemes Places

Ceisteanna (347)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

347. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 can have their community employment scheme extended for another year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49523/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The maximum term for participants in the community employment scheme has been set by my Department at three years for those under 55 years of age. As the person concerned has completed three years on the scheme and is under 55 years of age, he has reached the maximum duration entitlement. It is not possible in the current economic climate to grant a further extension.

During his term on the scheme the person concerned has undertaken training. This was funded by the scheme without incurring any costs to the person concerned. This training is carried out on an independent and external basis, and as such his continuance on training is not dependent on his continuance on the scheme. Indeed it is common practice that participants who may be midway through external training programmes on their finish date for the scheme would be expected to continue with them as part of their commitment to their overall progression.

If the person concerned wishes to engage in additional training opportunities and requires guidance, he should meet with an Employment Services Officer who can explore the options open to him.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (348)

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

348. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49525/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 31st May 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Benefits Applications

Ceisteanna (349)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

349. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures she will take to resolve the issue where taxi drivers who are unable to work due to an injury for an extended period are asked to give up their car insurance, and so lose their licence, to meet the requirements to be considered unable to work, even if they present their meter printouts which prove they are not operating the taxi on which they depend for their livelihood. [49544/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residency condition and a means test, has applied for any other benefit or allowances s/he may be entitled to, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment may qualify for a weekly payment of Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA).

In order to qualify for the payment the Department must be satisfied as to the person’s income or potential income. All facts and evidence are taken into consideration and every case is fully investigated and a decision taken on the individual circumstances of the case. In the case of taxi drivers applying for SWA, this may involve the claimant being requested to change the category of vehicle insurance from Small Public Service Vehicle to private insurance for the period that the person qualifies for SWA.

The Department is advised that changing insurance from public to private for the purpose of receiving a payment does not result in the loss of the taxi licence. If the Deputy is aware of any instances where this request has resulted in the loss of a person’s taxi licence, they should refer the details to the Department and the matter will be reviewed.

Question No. 350 withdrawn.

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Ceisteanna (351)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

351. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a jobseeker's allowance appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49575/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th September 2012. 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 18th October 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

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