Written Answers Nos. 54-60
54. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his Department or the Central Bank of Ireland sets down guidelines for financial institutions in respect of the level of home mortgage which is regarded as sustainable, relative to the applicant's income, as was the practice prior to the housing boom. [5859/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has advised me that Chapter 5 of its Consumer Protection Code contains provisions relating to assessing suitability and affordability of credit, including for example, Provision 5.9 which provides that lenders must carry out an assessment of affordability to ascertain the personal consumer's likely ability to repay the debt over the duration of the agreement. The affordability assessment must include, inter alia, a test on the basis of a 2% interest rate increase, at a minimum, above the interest rate offered to the personal consumer. The CBI has also published internal sustainability guidelines in June 2013 (updated in Sept 2013) which sets out important factors to consider when assessing if modifications proposed by a lender are sustainable solutions for mortgages arrears cases. Included with the guidelines the CBI has set out its expectations in relation to the assessment of borrower affordability of sustainable solutions. Affordability needs to be based on both their current and prospective future servicing capacity for all borrowings. According to the guidance, assumed prospective future increases in the debt servicing ability of the borrower must be credible and conservative.
55. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the reason for his recent statement that he feared that persons involved in the legal tobacco trade were also involved in the illegal trade; if he has any evidence that this is a fact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5874/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI made this statement in the context of a debate on illegal trade in tobacco in this House last November. I am aware that some years back there was a problem where it appeared that the tobacco industry was involved in the oversupply of certain markets. As a result of this the European Community and the Member States concluded co-operation agreements with the four main tobacco companies with the stated aim of reinforcing the fight against cigarette smuggling and counterfeiting. These agreements provide for payments by the tobacco companies in circumstances where smuggled product of the companies is detected. Ireland has received approximately €6.5m in payments since 2005.
In addition, I am aware that the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is conducting an investigation into the business affairs of one of the major tobacco manufacturers. As far as I am aware this investigation is ongoing. I believe that there is a need to monitor all potential sources of illicit cigarettes into the Irish market.
56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if and when a place on the Naas technology project SOLAS course will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5740/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for SOLAS. SOLAS have been requested to provide the information directly to the Deputy.
57. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update regarding the location and development of a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of clarity is causing huge concern for parents and students; if he will meet with the board of the school to discuss this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5724/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in ongoing communication with the Patron of the school in question in relation to its start-up accommodation for September 2014. This is the appropriate channel of communication. It is a matter for the Patron to keep the Board of Management informed. Negotiations are ongoing in relation to accommodation for the school and these are at a sensitive stage. However, my Department expects to be in a position to be able to provide the Patron with details shortly.
58. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5745/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers recently submitted an application for funding for additional accommodation. The application will be assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities when this process has been finalised.
59. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding assistance from the major capital funding scheme in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5746/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding to provide an extension/refurbishment and conversion works. In view of the financial constraints imposed by the need, as outlined in the Five Year Plan, to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential additional school places to meet demographic demand, the Department is not in a position to provide an indicative timeframe for progression of a major capital project at this time. However, my Department is currently considering the schools immediate accommodation requirements and will be in contact with the school authorities shortly in that regard.
60. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 3 October 2013, the further progress that has been made regarding the acquisition of a site required for the development of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork included on his Department's five year school building programme and due to go to construction in 2014-15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5766/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra
