Written Answers Nos. 386-403
386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when disability allowance will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19542/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for disability allowance was received from the person concerned on 20 March 2013. The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused by a deciding officer on medical grounds and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 24 May 2013.
The person submitted further medical evidence in June 2013 and his application was reviewed. However, following this review there was no change to the original decision and the person was notified in writing of this outcome on 8 July 2013 and he was also advised of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeal Office. The person did not appeal this decision.
It is open to the person in question to re-apply for disability allowance and he will be given a decision on his entitlement as soon as possible.
387. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that UK former employees of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta, who are members of the IASS will have their pension entitlements fully protected but their Irish counterparts presently face substantial reductions in their expected benefits, the action she proposes to take to ensure that this does not happen and that an equivalent protection is provided for Irish workers. [19559/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on matters relating to a particular pension scheme.
However, I can advise that the provision in the trust deed/scheme rules will determine the pension rights of scheme members. Where a pension scheme operates across EU Member States, the employees who are employed in a different Member State (i.e., the host Member State) may be subject to certain provisions (i.e., the social and labour law relevant to the field of occupational pensions) in that Member State which may provide for a different level of protection of pension rights.
The Deputy will be aware that I have introduced a range of measures in recent years to assist employers and trustees of pension schemes to ensure that pension provision is sustainable and that the rights of scheme members are secure into the future. These concerns have underpinned the recent amendments provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2013. In developing this legislation, serious consideration was given to imposing an obligation on employers to secure a minimum level of scheme funding. It was decided not to proceed with such a measure given the current economic circumstances, uncertainties as to the overall impact of such a measure and the potential for unintended consequences.
I should advise that the recent changes to the Pension Act are underpinned by additional measures which are being put in place by the Pensions Authority to assist pension schemes achieve a sustainable funding position.
The Funding Standard requirements as set out in the Pensions Act require the trustees of a pension scheme to have sufficient resources in the scheme to meet its liabilities in the event of it being wound up. In the medium term, all defined benefit schemes will maintain additional resources in the form of a risk reserve in order to protect the rights of scheme members against future volatility in financial markets.
390. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any implications on the Irish airlines superannuation scheme arising from the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2013; what these implications are; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19649/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment on matters relating to an individual pension scheme.
A number of changes have been made to the Pensions Act in recent years to assist employers and the trustees respond to the funding challenges facing many defined benefit pension scheme.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 broadened the options available to the trustees of a pension scheme in the event of the restructure of scheme benefits to include the benefits of deferred scheme members and post retirement increases in such benefits.
Prior to the 2009 Act, only the benefits of active scheme members could be considered in a restructure of scheme benefits. The Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill further extends the options available to trustees of a scheme to include a portion of benefits payable to pensioners. It essentially provides for the sharing of the risk of scheme underfunding across all scheme members. However, the legislation restricts the extent to which pensioner benefits can be restructured as it is considered that this category of beneficiary has less potential to respond to a restructure of scheme benefits.
Deferred and active scheme members are treated equally for the purposes of a scheme restructuring under section 50 of the Pensions Act. A deferred scheme member is a scheme member who has left employment to which the scheme relates and who is entitled to a pension payment at a future date. A deferred member may be close to retirement or may be many years from retirement age and may have the opportunity to accumulate pension entitlements in a number of pension schemes before reaching retirement age.
The issue of how these changes might be applied will be a matter for the trustees of a pension scheme who are required under trust law to act in the best interest of all scheme beneficiaries.
Any consideration of a restructure of pension scheme benefits must comply with the provisions in the Pensions Act and with guidance issued by the Pensions Authority. The Pensions Authority must be satisfied that these provisions are complied with before the Authority will consider issuing a notice to restructure scheme benefits.
392. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer's allowance appeal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19652/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 4 December 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 22 April 2014 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
395. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will communicate with the appeals office to ensure that a decision is arrived at at an early date in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19679/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 16th April 2014, 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
397. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19704/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 6th November 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 20th March and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 28th March 2014 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
399. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason he ordered a wide ranging review of the countries six national parks; if he is considering privatisation of these parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18554/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will ensure that the proposed review of services in National Parks will recognise that Killarney National Park is the most successful and longest visitor park attraction with over 250,000 people visitors per annum and it is imperative that this flourishing National Park is in the hub of tourism in this country; his views that it is retained in its present format where excellent staff, unique environment and traditional ancillary services and amenities of jaunting cars, bicycle and pedestrian routes and so on ensure that the visitor experience in the iconic park is unmatched; if he will acknowledge this and retain and maintain Killarney National Park as it is currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19310/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 410 together.
As I indicated in a statement on 14 April 2014, I have no plans whatsoever to sell national parks, which include Killarney National Park, or to privatise the management, preservation or conservation of these parks.
At the same time, my Department is always looking at ways to improve the tourism and education dimensions and visitor services at national parks, whilst making the best use of the resources available. In that context, my Department will continue to explore the potential of using alternative models to augment its visitor services and nature education services nationally.
For information, the statement to which I referred earlier is available on my Department’s website and may be accessed at the following web address: http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/PressReleases/2014/April2014PressReleases/htmltext,17802,en.html.
400. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht when he expects to appoint an expert committee drawn from the national cultural institutions and other city institutions to advise on a suitable programme of exhibitions and events at the new heritage and cultural centre at College Green; the number of persons who will be on this committee; when it is expected to report; the date he expects the centre to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18589/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra401. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of new positions expected will be needed to be filled to staff the new heritage and cultural centre at College Green; if officials in his Department have held any discussions with Bank of Ireland regarding the number of staff that will be needed; if there are any estimates available; the type of budget that has been proposed; if he will provide any documentation he has on these plans; when will positions be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18590/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 401 together.
As the Deputy is aware, following ongoing discussions between my Department and the Bank of Ireland, the facilitation of a Cultural and Heritage Centre at the Bank of Ireland Branch at College Green, Dublin 2 was recently announced. The Bank of Ireland at College Green is one of the most iconic buildings in Dublin City. It was the first purpose-built Parliament in Europe, completed in 1739, and served as Ireland’s Parliament until the Act of Union in 1801.
The space for the Centre will be made available to the State for a ten year period, to run alongside the Decade of Centenaries. It is envisaged that exhibitions at the Centre will include a significant focus on key events in Irish history – up to the centenary of the Civil War – which led to the creation of modern Ireland, whilst also including a strong cultural component.
Bank of Ireland will cover the costs of refurbishing the space and operating the Centre. My Department, in partnership with the Bank, will manage, operate and animate the Centre. I very much welcome Bank of Ireland's decision to make the space available and would like to thank the Bank for strongly supporting this initiative.
As the matter is at an early stage of development, it is not possible yet to offer specifics about the programme of events or the operation of the centre, including potential staffing arrangements. I am currently considering the precise composition of the expert committee. However, I believe the work to be carried out in the centre will have a significant impact on enriching the cultural programme during the Decade of Centenaries and over the next 10 years.
402. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the language, cultural organisations, cultural groups and individual artists that have received funding from Roinn na Gaeltachta in County Donegal and the individual amounts paid for 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18591/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides both capital and current funding for Gaeltacht areas in Co. Donegal under the various schemes and initiatives administered in the Gaeltacht. As is the case with all other Gaeltacht areas, the funding provided by my Department in Gaeltacht areas of Co. Donegal supports the Irish language as the principal community language of these areas. Details of the funding provided for Gaeltacht areas in Co. Donegal in 2012 and 2013 are listed in the tables below.
|
Capital Funding – 2012 |
- |
|
Organisation |
Amount sanctioned |
|
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaoth Dobhair |
€16,000.00 |
|
Coiste Cultúrtha Phobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair |
€1,000.00 |
|
Coiste Sheagháin Bháin |
€8,000.00 |
|
Ciorcal Scríbhneoireachta Ghaoth Dobhair |
€5,978.00 |
|
Scoil Cheoil Shliabh Liag |
€4,475.00 |
|
Coiste Banna Sóisearaigh |
€750.00 |
|
Coiste Céim Aniar Teo. |
€655.00 |
|
Capital Funding – 2013 Organisation |
Amount sanctioned |
|
Tionscnamh Lugh Gaoth Dobhair |
€500.00 |
|
Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair |
€780.00 |
|
Coiste Choláiste Chú Chulainn |
€10,796.00 |
|
Coiste Teacht le Chéile SN an Ghlaisigh |
€600.00 |
|
Mná Chois Fharraige |
€1,059.00 |
|
Coiste Halla na Paróiste Cill Chartha |
€9,072.00 |
|
Coiste Scoil Teicniúil Loch an Iúir |
€500.00 |
|
Áisleann Chill Chártha |
€5,000.00 |
|
Coiste Ceiliúradh Saothar Kenneth King Oideas Gael |
€3,000.00 |
|
Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair |
€8,395.00 |
|
Current Funding – 2012 Organisation |
Amount sanctioned |
|
An Crannóg |
€8,000.00 |
|
Comhlacht Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir, Baile na Finne |
€50,000.00 |
|
Campa Cosan Glas |
€2,000.00 |
|
Campa Samhraidh Gaeilge Céim Aniar |
€3,910.00 |
|
Campa Tír Boghaine Teo |
€1,200.00 |
|
Club Óige Chill Chartha |
€1,500.00 |
|
Club Óige Rann na Feirste |
€5,100.00 |
|
Coiste Forbartha an Choimín |
€4,350.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair |
€31,350.00 |
|
Ionad An Mhachaire |
€1,300.00 |
|
Ionad Naomh Pádraig |
€21,200.00 |
|
Muintearas |
€12,340.00 |
|
Óige na Gaeltachta |
€3,050.00 |
|
Pobal Eascarrach |
€6,400.00 |
|
Tír na nÓg |
€400.00 |
|
Current Funding – 2013 Organisation |
Amount sanctioned |
|
An Crannóg |
€8,000 |
|
CLG Ghaoth Dobhair |
€5,000.00 |
|
Pobal Eascarrach |
€7,515.00 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair |
€22,005.00 |
|
Tír Boghaine Teo |
€720.00 |
|
Muintearas |
€15,879.00 |
|
Club Óige Chill Chartha |
€2,790.00 |
|
Campa Damhsa Dhoirí Beaga |
€1,566.00 |
|
Campa na nÓg |
€4,010.00 |
|
Campa na nÓg Gaeil Fhánada |
€1,260.00 |
|
An Cosán Glas |
€1,728.00 |
|
Campa Samhraidh Ionad Pobail Charraig Uí Bhaoill |
€10,350.00 |
|
Campa an Choimín |
€3,825.00 |
|
Lámha Beaga Montessori |
€3,285.00 |
|
Club Óige Rann na Feirste |
€2,970.00 |
|
Óige na Gaeltachta |
€1,845.00 |
|
Céim Aniar |
€3,195.00 |
|
Ionad an Mhachaire |
€1,440.00 |
|
Ionad Naomh Pádraig |
€17,415.00 |
403. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reasons for delays in ensuring that repairs are carried out to a protected structure which was damaged by floods (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18777/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the site referred to by the Deputy is protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, it is not in my ownership or guardianship as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Therefore, neither my Department nor the Office of Public Works is responsible for its conservation, repair or maintenance. However, as it is a recorded monument, any proposals for works at the site would need to be submitted to me, as Minister, in advance. My Department has been in contact with Cork County Council in relation to the works required on the site. I understand that the Council carried out an examination last year of the effects of flood damage at that time and prepared an archaeological assessment and specification for remedial works. However, it appears that further damage may have been sustained in the meantime, the extent of which has yet to be finally determined due to ground conditions. Accordingly, a revised and updated assessment needs to be produced by the Council.
My Department will provide the Council with any advice or guidance that may be required in relation to archaeological issues or the procedures under the National Monuments Acts.
