Written Answers Nos. 177 - 185
177. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012, as per draft available on his Department's website, will allow one person to design, construct and certify a building and his views on whether this is reasonable to ensure public safety. [10856/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe document referred to was released for public consultation in 2012. Over 500 submissions were received which have now been fully reviewed by my Department and a definitive set of Building Control Amendment Regulations 2013 is currently being finalised for signature into law.
The proposed Building Control Amendment Regulations 2013 will strengthen the current arrangements in place for the control of building activity by requiring the following in relation to all significant building works:
(a) drawings and particulars used for the purposes of construction to be submitted to the local building control authority;
(b) design to be undertaken and certified by competent professionals prior to works commencing;
(c) owners to formally assign a competent builder to undertake and certify the works;
(d) owners to formally assign a registered professional (to be known as the ‘Assigned Certifier’) who will be tasked with (i) preparing an appropriate inspection plan for the building or works during construction (ii) carrying out inspections and overseeing inspection works by other parties in accordance with the inspection plan, and (iii) certifying the works for compliance with the building regulations on completion;
(e) statutory certificates of compliance from designers, builders and assigned certifiers to confirm compliance with the Building Regulations and accepting legal responsibility for their work.
I am satisfied that the reforms proposed including the lodgement of drawings, inspection by registered professionals and statutory certification will result in the necessary improvement in the quality of buildings and ensure that homeowners in particular are delivered the quality of homes they expect and deserve.
It is not clear what useful purpose would be served by imposing a requirement for independent design, construction and certification along the lines suggested. The merits of a designer overseeing the implementation of their design cannot be overlooked. Neither is there any intention to constrain the capacity of all-in service delivery models in key sectors of the industry. Enforcement powers under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007 continue to be vested in the local building control authorities and it is here that independence is called for and in place.
178. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when Kerry County Council will be notified of its block grant to the housing section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10865/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to announce the details of the 2013 capital allocations to local authorities under my Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme, including the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, in the coming days.
179. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of the members or former members of the Judiciary who, during the past five years, have acted as chairperson or member of any body in or under his Department, or as chairperson or member of any inquiry, or have performed functions including arbitration, mediation, conciliation, patronage, advisory or law reform functions or any other role in or in any body under his Department or in any body wholly or partly funded by him, specifying in each case the name of the judge; if he or she is serving or retired; the court of which he or she is or was a member; the role or function performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10879/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 105(2) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012, the President of the High Court sits on a committee which recommends candidates for possible appointment by Government as Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála. The last appointment of a Chair took place in 2011 and the President (Mr. Justice Nicholas J. Kearns) was involved in that selection committee.
The Tribunal regarding Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments comprised of Judges of the Circuit Court, Judge Alan Mahon, Judge Mary Faherty and Judge Gerald Keys. Judge Mahon continues to act in respect of cost awards arising from the work of the Tribunal.
In relation to Franchise matters the following appointments were made in the period 2008-12:
|
Year |
Judiciary Member |
Court at appointment |
Date of Appointment |
Serving / Retired at appointment |
Function |
|
2008 |
Hon. Mr. Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill |
High Court |
6 March 2008 |
Serving |
Chairperson of the Referendum Commission on the Lisbon Treaty |
|
2009 |
Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Clarke |
High Court |
7 July 2009 |
Serving |
Chairperson of the Referendum Commission the Treaty of Lisbon |
|
2011 |
Hon. Mr Justice John D Cooke |
High Court |
27 July 2011 |
Serving |
Chairperson of the Constituency Commission to report on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies. |
|
2011 |
Hon. Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon |
High Court |
5 September 2011 |
Retired |
Chairperson of the Referendum Commission on Judges’ Remuneration |
|
2011 |
Hon. Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon |
High Court |
13 September 2011 |
Retired |
Chairperson of the Referendum Commission on Houses of the Oireachtas Inquiries |
|
2011 |
Hon. Mr. Justice Nicholas Kearns |
President of the High Court |
28 September 2011 |
Serving |
Judicial Assessor to the Presidential Returning Officer at the ruling on Presidential election nominations |
|
2012 |
Hon. Mr. Justice Kevin Feeney |
High Court |
30 March 2012 |
Serving |
Chairperson of the Referendum Commission on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and governance in the Economic and Monetary Union |
|
2012 |
Hon. Ms. Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan |
High Court |
19 September 2012 |
Serving |
Chairperson of the Referendum Commission on the Children’s Referendum |
In respect of the local authorities and the agencies under the aegis of my Department day to day operational matters, including appointments of the kind outlined in the question, are a matter for the local authority or agencies concerned.
180. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way negotiations on pay talks with gardaí differ to that of other public servants; if it is possible to redress any perceived imbalance in representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt a sectoral level, the Garda Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme provides a framework for discussions between Garda management, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the one hand and representatives of the Garda associations on the other hand. The scheme covers such issues as pay, allowances, terms and conditions and other matters. The scheme, which is similar to schemes operating elsewhere in the public service, provides for a Conciliation Council, an Arbitration Board and an Adjudicator and covers all ranks of the Garda Síochána up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent.
At the national level, talks between public service employers and staff representatives on a revision to the Croke Park Agreement were recently concluded. All staff representatives were invited to attend these talks which were facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission. The Deputy will also be aware that the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Garda Representative Association chose not to participate in those talks.
181. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of patrol cars currently available to each of the Garda districts in Longford-Roscommon division; the Garda station in which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10793/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the provision and deployment of Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances.
The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet. As a consequence, it is not practicable to provide a breakdown of Garda vehicles by individual station.
However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda Districts in the Roscommon/Longford Division is as detailed in the following table:
|
District |
Vehicles |
|
Boyle District |
6 |
|
Castlerea District |
8 |
|
Granard District |
5 |
|
Longford District |
8 |
|
Roscommon District |
13 |
Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all policing resources and operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure that the optimum use is made of available resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In addition, the Garda authorities have informed me that the current policing arrangements for the Roscommon/Longford Division make the best use of available resources. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the needs of the Division will continue to be examined as additional resources become available.
In that context, the Deputy will be aware that I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year which enabled the Force to procure an additional 171 vehicles, bringing the total number of vehicles procured in 2012 to 213. The roll out of these vehicles to Garda Divisions throughout the country is ongoing and, in that context, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that 30 of the vehicles are being allocated to the Garda Western Region which includes the Roscommon/Longford Division. These vehicles are being deployed in line with operational requirements.
A further allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013. This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.
182. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of patrol cars currently available to each of the Garda districts in the Galway division; the Garda station in which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10794/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the deployment of both Garda personnel and Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational requirements.
Responsibility for the efficient deployment of official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet. As a consequence, it is not practicable to provide a breakdown of Garda vehicles by individual station.
However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda Districts in the Galway Division is as detailed in the following table:
|
District |
Vehicles |
|
Ballinasloe District |
6 |
|
Clifden District |
3 |
|
Galway District |
39 |
|
Gort District |
4 |
|
Loughrea District |
5 |
|
Salthill District |
10 |
|
Tuam District |
10 |
Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all policing resources and operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure that the optimum use is made of available resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In addition, the Garda authorities have informed me that the current policing arrangements for the Galway Division make the best use of available resources. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the needs of the Division will continue to be examined as additional resources become available.
In that context, the Deputy will be aware that I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year which enabled the Force to procure an additional 171 vehicles, bringing the total number of vehicles procured in 2012 to 213. The roll out of these vehicles to Garda Divisions throughout the country is ongoing and, in that context, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that 30 of the vehicles are being allocated to the Garda Western Region which includes the Galway Division. These vehicles are being deployed in line with operational requirements.
A further allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013. This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.
183. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to provide a Garda vehicle to stations (details supplied); when each station last had a vehicle without having to rely on a district car; the number of personnel appointed to each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10795/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the deployment of both Garda personnel and Garda transport are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational requirements.
Responsibility for the efficient deployment of official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.
I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the fact that at this stage one of the stations he has referred to has been closed. In addition, I am advised by the Garda authorities that an official vehicle has not been allocated to the two other stations since 2012. However, I also understand that the personnel attached to those stations have access to and utilise transport based at other stations. Moreover, the Garda authorities have confirmed that a comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the relevant communities.
Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all policing resources and operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure that the optimum use is made of available resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In addition, the Garda authorities have informed me that the current policing arrangements for the Galway Division make the best use of available resources. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the needs of the Division will continue to be examined as additional resources become available.
In that context, the Deputy will be aware that I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year which enabled the Force to procure an additional 171 vehicles, bringing the total number of vehicles procured in 2012 to 213. The roll out of these vehicles to Garda Divisions throughout the country is ongoing and, in that context, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that 30 of the vehicles are being allocated to the Garda Western Region which includes the Galway Division. These vehicles are being deployed in line with operational requirements.
A further allocation of €5 million has been provided for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013. This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.
184. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ensure that the online CT68 form that is filled in through the Garda PULSE system is amended so that in the case of an injury or fatality crash that there is no field available to a member of An Garda Síochána attending the scene of the crash to state that no testing took place because they formed an opinion test not required given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10807/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
185. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the number of gardaí who were driving under chief's permission in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10813/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
