Written Answers Nos. 80-88
80. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill for the calculation of rates on commercial businesses is expected to complete all Stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28473/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government published the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2012 on 3rd August, 2012 as part of its legislative programme. The Bill proceeded through its second stage in Seanad Éireann on 11th October 2012. I wish to advise the Deputy that officials in my Department are currently engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and other interested parties and I will be considering potential amendments which may be introduced at Committee Stage in the very near future. However, it is not possible for me to advise the Deputy as to the likely date for enactment of the Bill, as this depends on a number of factors, including the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas.
81. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will lift the embargo on front-line staff employed to deal with issues such as road maintenance in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28490/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no embargo on front-line public services. The Government has set out an ambitious public service reform plan that aims to transform the quality and cost effectiveness of public services in Ireland. As part of that plan we are undertaking a steady and managed reduction in public service numbers and there are sectoral targets to meet this. Within these targets sectoral and local management have discretion on exactly how staff resources are allocated.
82. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline his preparations for the ninth World Trade Organisation ministerial conference taking place in Bali in December 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28421/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe interests of the European Union and its member states are represented in the WTO by the European Commission. Ireland is fully participating in the formulation of the EU’s position with regard to WTO matters in the EU’s Trade Policy Committee and in the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council (Trade). Indeed the Council which meets on 14 June under Ireland’s EU Presidency, which I will chair, will discuss the EU’s preparations for the 9th Ministerial Council. While the agenda for the 9th Ministerial Council has yet to be finalised, it will draw on the outcome of the 8th Ministerial Council held in 2011, and is likely to include such matters as trade facilitation, a number of LDC/development-related issues and some limited aspects of agricultural negotiations. The revision of the Information Technology Agreement could also feature, as well as the signalling of the possible entry into force of the revised Government Procurement Agreement.
83. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if legislation will be introduced to regulate certain practices in the grocery goods sector by introducing a statutory code of practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28513/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to enact legislation to regulate certain practices in the grocery goods sector. I intend to give effect to this commitment by including an enabling provision in the Consumer and Competition Bill. This Bill will also, inter alia, merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, update and reform competition law on foot of a review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002 and give effect to the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Media Mergers. Work on drafting the Consumer and Competition Bill is ongoing and the Bill is included in the "A list" in the Government's current Legislative Programme.
The Government is strongly of the view that it is important to ensure there is balance in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector and that Ireland continues to have robust agrifood and retail sectors, particularly given the importance of these sectors to the national economy. The introduction of a Code of Practice is intended to achieve such a balance taking into account the interests of all stakeholders in the grocery goods sector including the interests of the consumer and the need to ensure that there is no impediment to the passing-on of lower prices to consumers.
84. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their appeal for disability. [28398/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th February 2013. 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 5th June 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
85. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the position on an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite the application. [28403/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19th March 2013. 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 case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made to date in respect of an appeal for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28418/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th April 2013. 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 case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an invalidity pension application will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28423/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contributions conditions. The person concerned was refused invalidity pension on the ground that they are not considered to be permanently incapable of work in accordance with the relevant statutory and regulatory provisions. They requested a review of this decision and furnished further medical evidence to the Department. This further medical evidence was examined by a different medical assessor who also expressed the opinion that the person concerned was not medically suitable for invalidity pension. The deciding officer has confirmed the original decision and notified the person in question of the outcome of the review and of their right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28433/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has requested further information in relation to the current medical condition of the person concerned. When that information has been provided, the entitlement to rent supplement can be assessed accordingly.
