Written Answers Nos. 62-84
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which his Department monitors house property prices, with particular reference to the need to ensure that such prices do not become a major governing economic influence as in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5171/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs is the case with other economic indicators, my Department monitors trends in house prices on an ongoing basis. According to the Central Statistics Office, national residential property prices increased by 16.3% in the 12 months to December. Prices in Dublin rose by 22.3% while price growth nationally excluding Dublin stood at 10.2% over the same period.
Under Construction 2020, the Government has set out a strategy for addressing issues in the property and construction sectors. The strategy involves addressing any critical bottlenecks that might impede the sector in meeting residential and non-residential demand. It incorporates 75 time-bound actions encompassing the development of an overall strategic approach to housing supply, identifying and implementing further improvements in the planning process to facilitate appropriate development, and seeking to improve financing options for development and mortgage provision.
To further underpin a whole-of-government approach to these issues, in July last the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Minister of State Paudie Coffey TD, was given responsibility for driving construction work forward.
In summary, I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor price developments in both the purchase and rental property markets. As set out in the Construction 2020 Strategy, the Government will continue to work on addressing remaining challenges in the property and construction sectors.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have evaluated the economic benefit of a drop in oil prices, with particular reference to the extent to which this may positively affect the economic cost base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5172/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI regularly discuss the evolving economic situation with my counterparts at the monthly ECOFIN meetings, taking into account important developments such as oil price movements. In this regard, it is worth noting that the European Commission will release its Winter Forecasts later this week in which it is expected that it will address the impact of falling oil prices.
From an Irish perspective, the price of Brent crude oil has fallen by about 45% in euro terms (nearly 50% in US dollar terms) since the end of last September, when the macroeconomic projections that underpin Budget 2015 were finalised. For the most part, this is a positive development which is likely to have a favourable impact on real economic activity in Ireland.
Ireland is a net energy importer and, as such, falls in oil prices have a positive impact in the short term. Lower energy prices reduce firms' input costs, thereby improving profitability and competitiveness. At the household level, lower energy prices are likely to lead to an increase in real disposable incomes (i.e. through lower inflation), which can be used to reduce indebtedness or increase consumption on other goods and services.
In terms of quantifying the impact, a reasonable rule of thumb is that, everything else being equal, each sustained €10 per barrel reduction in the price of oil boosts the level of real GDP by somewhere in the region of 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points.
64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent of any further relief in respect of legacy debt through the aegis of the EU-IMF or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5173/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Euro-area Heads of State or Government (HoSG) agreed in June 2012 that "it is imperative to break the vicious circle between banks and sovereigns" and that when a Single Supervisory Mechanism, involving the ECB, is in place and operational, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) could recapitalize banks directly.
On 8 December 2014, the ESM's Board of Governors approved the creation of the Direct Recapitalisation Instrument (DRI) in accordance with Article 19 of the ESM Treaty. The operational framework for the DRI, approved on the same date, includes a specific provision in relation to the retroactive application of the instrument. The guideline states that the potential application of the instrument for this purpose should be decided on a case-by-case basis and by mutual agreement.
However, unlike back in 2012, the ESM is no longer the only option open to us to recover the money provided to recapitalise our banks. Investors are now willing to support Irish banks again and the market value of our investments has improved accordingly.
My overall objective in relation to the State's investment in the banks is to maximise the return to the Irish taxpayer over time. In line with this objective my Department is working with AIB, the institution where €20.8 billion has been invested, on reconfiguring the capital structure. I have also appointed Goldman Sachs International to provide financial advice. The focus will be on ensuring that the best decisions are made regarding potential capital restructuring options and sequencing in order to maximise the return of cash to the State from our AIB investments over time. While this is just the start of the process, it is an essential first step on the road to recovering value for the taxpayer.
I can assure you that all realistic options remain on the table and I must emphasise that it is too early to specify what steps will be taken next or indeed to put a timeline on decisions.
65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which his Department monitors credit needs throughout all aspects of the business sector without exception; if he is satisfied that these needs are being met fully in line with economic requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5174/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, on a monthly basis, the extent to which the borrowing needs of small and medium sized enterprises continue to be met in full by the financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5176/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 67 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department commissions biannual surveys to ascertain the demand for credit by SMEs. This survey series, currently being conducted by Red C on behalf of my Department, is the most comprehensive survey of SME credit demand in Ireland, covering 1,500 respondents and involving over 6,000 direct telephone calls to SMEs. SMEs of all sizes trading in all sectors, excluding property development and speculative activities, are included. The survey covers demand for credit from both bank and non-bank sources.
The most recent survey, covering the period April-September 2014, shows that 86% of SMEs had their credit applications approved by the banks. This is an increase of 16% on the same period in 2011. The survey also showed positive trends in terms of trading performance, profitability and employment. The results of this survey feed into the deliberations of the SME State Bodies Group and consequently assist in shaping the commitments contained in the "Finance for Growth" chapter of Action Plan for Jobs 2015.
As I have stated previously, since the beginning of 2014 the policy focus has shifted towards the collation and examination, on a monthly basis, of more granular data on the funding of the activities of SMEs from both AIB and Bank of Ireland, the wider banking sector and increasingly the non-bank funding sector. Having completed a process of deleveraging, both AIB and Bank of Ireland are now concentrating on growing their balance sheets. In this context, both banks recognise the need to increase business lending in the period up to 2016, particularly lending to the domestic market, and have put on record their commitment to the SME sector. Both banks have recently reported increased year on year sanctioning activity for lending to the SME sector.
My Department and the Credit Review Office monitor the data received monthly from AIB and Bank of Ireland on a regional and sectoral basis but this is commercially sensitive information and I am not in a position to release it.
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied regarding the extent to which lending agencies are meeting the borrowing requirements of home owners; the extent to which such loan applicants are capable of competing with the investment sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which the various lending institutions are currently meeting or intend to meet the mortgage requirements of first-time home buyers; the way the requirement in this regard has been met in the course of the past 12 months in comparison with lending to the investment sector for house property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5177/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 68 together.
The latest data on new mortgage lending issued by the Banking and Payments Federation shows that, albeit coming off a low base, mortgage lending continues to increase. In the third quarter of 2014 (the latest quarter for which information is available) new mortgage lending surpassed the €1bn mark in a quarter for the first time since 2010. In the year to end September 2014, some €2.5bn in residential mortgage loans was drawn down which compared to circa €1.6bn in the same period in 2013. Furthermore almost 93% of all new mortgage lending in the third quarter of 2014 was to first time buyers or to those moving property in respect of an owner occupied property.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Bank of Ireland has recently announced new macro prudential regulations for residential mortgage lending. First time buyers will be subject to a maximum mortgage LTV of 90% for a property valued up to €220,000, and subject to an 80% LTV on any excess value above that amount. For non first time buyers, a mortgage will be limited to 80% of the value of a principal dwelling house.
However, investors who wish to purchase a buy to let property will have to meet a higher deposit threshold when borrowing from a bank to fund the purchase. Such borrowers will be subject to a loan to value ratio of 70% meaning that they will have to have 30% deposit in order to obtain a mortgage on a buy to let property.
69. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in relation to the deadline of 30 June 2015 for the provision under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 relating to what is known as the grace period for retirement for those affected by the pay reductions under the Act, this deadline is fixed; or if there are plans or flexibility on extending it. [5179/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013, the current 'grace period' is due to expire at the end of June 2015. This remains the position.
As the deputy will be aware, the effect of the 'grace period' is that persons who retire during it have their gross superannuation benefits calculated on the basis of the pre-pay cut pay rates, which were reduced on July 2013 by 5.5% or more. Pensions are then subject to a reduction under the same legislation of between 2 and 5%, reducing the immediate benefit to the individual.
Section 9(1)(b)(ii) of the legislation empowers me to extend the 'grace period' provided for under the Act, taking into account such legal, superannuation and personnel management issues affecting public service bodies as I consider appropriate. I am currently considering making a further order under this provision and will make a decision in the coming weeks.
70. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 27 January 2015, if there is a section in his Department that retains data relating to all capital expenditure by the State. [5042/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to its responsibility in relation to the allocation and overall management of voted expenditure, including the Exchequer capital programme, my Department has data in relation to all voted capital allocations for, and capital expenditure by each Vote within Central Government. The data is available at Vote, programme and subhead level. This data is regularly published by my Department throughout the year, and is readily available in the annual Budget Estimates, the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services, and the monthly Exchequer returns which show year-to-date spending against profile and budget for each Vote Group. All of these publications are available on my Department's website (http://www.per.gov.ie). Detailed data in relation to allocations and spending by each Vote over several years is available on our detailed databank website (http://databank.per.gov.ie/). Performance information in relation to particular areas of Government - showing both resources used and outcomes achieved - is also contained on the Ireland stat website (http://www.irelandstat.gov.ie/).
My Department also hold some data in relation to certain non-voted capital spending - e.g. investment by State agencies and commercial semi-State bodies funded from own resources or borrowings - and this is published as part of the Public Capital Programme data in the annual Revised Estimates.
As outlined, my Department's data principally relates to Vote and sub-Vote level information. The Department does not hold data in relation to each capital project or contract awarded by all contracting authorities under the State. As explained in my reply to the Deputy last week, each contracting authority is responsible for maintaining such data in relation to its own projects. This is consistent with delegated sanction arrangements as set out in the Public Spending Code. Information about individual projects or contracts can be obtained from the relevant line Departments.
The Deputy will recollect from my previous answer that it is the responsibility of individual contracting authorities to publish contract award notices following the signing of a contract. This process is facilitated through the national eProcurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie, which is managed by the Office of Government Procurement. The information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be issued directly to the Deputy.
71. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of action plans for jobs launched by this Government since taking office; if he will provide details of their locations and a breakdown of cost by location; if he will provide a list, by location, of the Ministers who attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5027/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Jobs launch events have all been hosted in business or corporate locations which has removed any costs associated with venue hire or hospitality. In addition, the OPW have facilitated the launch of each of the four APJ launches since 2012. This has included elements such as staging, technical support, support staff and so on. It has not been possible in the time required, to disaggregate the costs borne by the OPW and any residual third party costs covered by DJEI. I will be happy to forward this breakdown when it is available.
72. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures he has implemented since March 2011 to date in 2015 to assist in the creation of jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5028/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, which is co-ordinated and developed by my Department since 2012, has set out a comprehensive set of measures to assist in the creation of jobs in all parts of the country. The 2015 Action Plan for Jobs was launched on January 29 in ICON Plc. The Action Plan process is working. Almost 80,000 more people are at work since the launch of the first Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. Indigenous exports and foreign direct investment are at all-time record levels. Our competitiveness ranking internationally has climbed to 15th according to the IMD. The rate of unemployment has declined from a peak of 15.1 per cent at the start of 2012 to below 10.6 per cent at end 2014. Each of the Ireland’s regions have recorded some increase in employment since the start of 2012 with the largest increases recorded in Dublin (+35,000); South-East (+21,300) and Border region (+16,200).
In 2014, client companies of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland created 8,476 and 7,131 net new jobs respectively; this represents the highest levels of net new job creation by agency client companies in over a decade. Total employment at IDA client companies now stands at 174,488 people and total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies stands at 180,072; this is the highest level of employment recorded in the history of both agencies.
In 2012, 2013 and 2014, on a quarterly basis we have reported in detail on the implementation of measures in the Action Plan for Jobs to support the transformation of the economy, with a success rate of over 90 per cent. Over 1,000 action have been implemented to date and a further 380 actions are set out in the 2015 Action Plan and the details of progress are available in the quarterly reports.
The many areas where my Department has delivered reform include:
- in the areas of entrepreneurship, the launch of the Local Enterprise Offices and launch of “Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur” competition;
- making Ireland the most attractive location in the world for ICT talent through the ICT Skills Action Plan which aims to increase the level of highly skilled professionals domestically, ensuring that three quarters of job openings can be filled from the Irish education system by 2018.
- new staff in EI and IDA Ireland overseas offices in high growth and emerging markets;
- establishing a Health Innovation Hub, with the Department of Health, to position Ireland as a leading location for medtech and healthcare companies;
- implementation of major strategic initiatives in key sectors to grow jobs and exports in the food and beverage sector through Enterprise Ireland as part of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy; and
- the establishment of a Retail Forum and other sectors.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2015 will be a further step along the way in meeting this medium-term goal for Ireland. The themes in this year’s Action Plan for Jobs build on the reforms of previous years in the areas of competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship and in fostering new sources of growth for the economy, the conditions to achieve the target of 100,000 extra people at work by 2016 and contribute to our longer-term goal of restoring the country to have 2.1 million at work in 2018.
73. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the options open to a person to ensure that a decision of the Rights Commissioner under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commissioner is enforced in respect of an award made by the Commissioner and which is not being honoured by the respondent in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5164/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rights Commissioner Service which is operated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in the day to day exercise of its functions. When a decision or recommendation issues, it is accompanied by an "Appeal Information sheet" which sets out the relevant information regarding appeal/implementation, having regard to the specific piece of legislation under which the claim was submitted. Either party may appeal a decision or recommendation from the Rights Commissioner Service. This should be done in writing and submitted within the appropriate time period, which is dependent on the legislation under which the claim was made.
Where an employer has not implemented the decision, and no appeal has been lodged within the specified time, the claimant or their representative, may then bring the decision to the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Labour Court, District Court or Circuit Court, or where appropriate, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for implementation or enforcement, having regard to the particular requirements of the legislation, under which the claim was made.
As a general rule the party to whom an award is made may pursue the matter of enforcement of an unpaid award directly with the courts service. However, in cases other than those covered by the Payment of Wages Act, where an award made by a body remains outstanding, and where an employee is not in a position to go to the Circuit Court, the matter can be referred to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Enforcement Services Unit, which may, in certain circumstances make an application to the Courts for an order on his/her behalf.
In deciding whether or not to intervene in the Minister’s name, NERA has regard to the amount of the award, the potential for achieving a favourable outcome for the claimant and the scale of the costs likely to be incurred in doing so. The NERA enforcement unit can be contacted directly on 059 9178890.
The collection of any money outstanding in respect of a Circuit Court order is the responsibility of the relevant County Sheriff.
Where a person’ former employer was a limited company, the company must be in liquidation or receivership in order for the person to be eligible to claim for payment of an award under the insolvency payments scheme. The purpose of the insolvency payments scheme, which operates under the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act, 1984, is to protect certain outstanding pay-related entitlements due to employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. These entitlements include wages, holiday pay, sick pay, payment in lieu of minimum notice due under the Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Acts, 1973-2001, and certain pension contributions. Various other statutory awards made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Rights Commissioners, etc., are also covered by the scheme. There are statutory limitations on the amount payable. An Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, has responsibility for the administration of the payments from the insolvency payments scheme.
As the Deputy will be aware, the programme to reform the State’s employment rights and industrial relations structures is at an advanced stage. This reform programme will result in the establishment of a new two-tier Workplace Relations structure comprising two statutorily independent bodies replacing the current five.
Provision has been made in the Workplace Relations Bill 2014 for a range of enhanced compliance measures, including the use of Compliance Notices and Fixed Payment Notices. The Bill also makes provision for the introduction of a more effective and streamlined system for the enforcement of awards from WRC Adjudicators and/or the Labour Court under employment rights legislation via the District Court. These new compliance and enforcement measures will provide for more proportionate, efficient and effective enforcement of employment law.
74. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a beef data scheme 2014 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5034/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person registered thirteen animals under the 2014 Beef Data Programme/Beef Genomics Scheme. Payments under the 2014 Beef Data Programme will commence in June 2015 subject to verification of compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Programme. The application under the 2014 Beef Genomics Scheme has been finalised and payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account of the person named.
75. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their agri-environment options scheme payments; the reason for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011 and full entitlements have issued in respect of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Scheme years. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System (L.P.I.S.), must be completed before any payment can issue. The LPIS review identified an over claim on the Natura action which resulted in penalties being incurred.
Officials are now processing the application on this basis with the intention of issuing payment in respect of 2014, less penalties, at the earliest opportunity.
76. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on the eligibility of agricultural qualifications for green low-carbon environment scheme planners, following the BSc in management and in agriculture and environmental management; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a review is essential before the GLAS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5066/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes requires my Department to operate a Farm Advisory System (FAS) to provide advice to farmers on a range of issues relating to land and farm management. The regulations require that advisors are suitably qualified and regularly trained. In addition, in order to be approved as a GLAS Advisor, an advisor must also be an approved FAS advisor. In determining the level of educational qualifications required to be a FAS/GLAS advisor, my Department must ensure that such qualifications are of an appropriate standard to meet the objectives and the requirements of the various schemes, and the associated governing legislation, on which advice is being provided. Advisors must be qualified to interpret soil tests, understand the requirements of all schemes and understand constraints of land management imposed by various land designations. Furthermore, advisors must be in a position to translate this knowledge into detailed management plans and also advice for farmers not only on the schemes requirements but also on their farm operations.
In order to ensure that advisors meet the requirements outlined above, my Department requires that all advisors must have attained a HETAC Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science/Land Management in Agriculture and must have taken soil science and an animal or crop production subject to a level 8 (NFQ) degree standard.
My Department recently carried out a review of the educational qualification requirements for FAS/GLAS advisors following the receipt of appeal from Mountbellew Agricultural College/GMIT in relation to the BSc in Agriculture and Environment Management with the add-on BSc in Rural Enterprise and Environment, which had been deemed as not meeting the required standard. This review was undertaken by an officer independent of the original decision making process.
This review, which incorporated a detailed examination of all documentation submitted as part of the appeal, identified that the course did not meet the standard of educational qualifications required as some of core subjects of soil science and animal and crop production were assessed only as part of the level 7 degree. The required standard to be approved as an FAS/GLAS advisor is that these core subjects must be taken/assessed as part of a level 8 degree programme.
I am currently considering these issues further.
77. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a rural environment protection scheme payment. [5087/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced REPS 4 in July 2009 and received payments for the first five years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. This process has now been completed and the 2014 75% payment amounting to €7,240.58 issued for payment on 29 January 2015. The remaining 25% balancing payment will issue shortly.
78. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not been paid their single payment scheme moneys for 2012, 2013 and 2014; the basis it is stated overpayment have been made; the way these overpayments occurred; if the overpayment is now cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5122/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 25 April 2012. One of the conditions of the above Scheme requires that any lands declared ‘be used and managed by the applicant’. As the person named confirmed to my Department , by phone call, on 25 October 2012 that he was not farming any of the land parcels declared, no payment was due to him under the 2012 Scheme. A review of this decision will be undertaken and an official from my Department will contact the person named directly to discuss the matter. An application under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2013. A review of the land parcels declared revealed that a number of the land parcels declared contained ineligible features resulting in an over-declaration of greater than 20% meaning no payment was due in respect of 2013.
Following an appeal from the person named, a visit by a Department official to verify the position was necessary to progress the matter. This check resulted in the application of a significantly lower penalty of 15.94% which will result in a double the difference penalty being applied to the 2013 payment of the person named. The person named was notified of the outcome of the inspection in a letter dated 18 December 2014 and advised of the right of a further appeal to the independently-chaired LPIS Appeals Committee. No such appeal has been received and the results of the verification visit have now been processed and payment due for 2013 Single Payment will issue to the person named as soon as possible.
An application under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 8 May 2014. Full advance and balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 16 October and 1 December respectively to the nominated bank account .
79. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the relevant file in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be sent by his Department to the agricultural appeals office to allow that office proceed with the person's appeal; and the reason there has been a delay in sending this file. [5123/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011 and payment has issued in respect of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Scheme years. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 8 August 2014. During this inspection an issue arose in respect of the non-declaration of Natura on the AEOS 2 application form. The person named appealed the Inspector’s decision to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO). The appeal could not be processed by that Office until an internal Department review of the initial decision had first taken place. This review is now complete and the file will be sent to the AAO directly.
80. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a Spanish soldier on UN peacekeeping duty was killed during Israeli shelling of southern Lebanon; if Irish soldiers on UN peacekeeping duty in the region have been affected by the recent attacks in southern Lebanon and the Golan Heights; and if new security measures are being put in place to ensure their safety. [5127/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the events of 28th January 2015, where a member of the Spanish Armed Forces who was serving in Sector East with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed near Ghajar on the border with Israel. I understand that the precise cause of the peacekeeper’s death remains undetermined. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident. Irish personnel deployed with UNIFIL serve in Sector West and were not involved in the incident. Following news of the fatality, I extended my condolences to the Spanish Government, the Spanish Armed Forces, and the family of the UN peacekeeper on the tragic loss of life.
In addition to the incident in Lebanon, there were violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria on 27 January, with the launch of rockets from the area of limitation on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights across the ceasefire line. The Israeli Defence Forces responded to this assault with artillery fire and an airstrike. Fortunately, no Irish personnel were involved in this incident.
I have been assured that all necessary Force Protection Measures are being implemented by the Defence Forces contingent in the UNIFIL and UNDOF missions in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. While I am fully aware that peacekeeping operations are not without risk, the safety of our troops is my priority. The Defence Forces continue to actively monitor developments in the region.
81. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to have a recruitment drive for the Army. [5152/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service.Targeted recruitment has taken place so as to maintain the level of 9,500 personnel and to ensure the operational capacity of the Defence Forces. As the Permanent Defence Force is currently below the agreed stabilised strength of 9,500, it is intended that targeted recruitment will continue within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
It is too early to say when a new Army Recruitment campaign will take place. When a new recruitment campaign is launched, details will be made available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
82. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Garda vetting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5041/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 21 January 2015.
In my reply I outlined the position that the primary consideration in any vetting process is to ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
There is no arrangement in place whereby vetting reports are valid for fixed periods of time. Full vetting checks are conducted by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) for each new vetting application received to ensure that the most recent data available is taken into account.
I would again repeat the point that there are also data protection issues arising from vetting subjects, where any sensitive personal information which employers use in regard to their employees must be current, accurate and up to date in order to avoid being exposed to public liability if they knowingly recruited staff based on out of date information.
Last year the Garda Central Vetting Unit processed over 318,000 applications and this year to date it has processed in excess of 8,000. The majority of these applications were dealt in a four week processing time.
Given the necessity to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable people in society, the current vetting systems and processing times offer an effective and efficient service to registered organisations and their employees.
83. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposed commission of inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) in 1976 as recommended by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5055/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 300 of 27 January 2015 on this matter. The position is unchanged.
I met with family members of the victim in the case to which the Deputy refers and their legal representative to hear directly from them of their concerns surrounding the case and their call for an inquiry. The Deputy will be aware that this tragic case of murder was one which was inquired into previously by the late Judge Henry Barron. I am currently finalising a review of material which was provided to me subsequently by the family's legal representative and related material to do with this case. I anticipate that process will be concluded shortly and when it is concluded I will communicate directly with the family.
84. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of women who have received the maximum amount of compensation afforded under the restorative justice scheme for the survivors of the Magdalen laundries. [5096/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Scheme the women are eligible for a lump sum payment of between €11,500 and €100,000 depending on length of stay in a relevant institution.
Of the 498 applicants who have received their lump sums paid so far, 72 will receive the maximum amount of €100,000. As recommended by Judge Quirke, these women receive a maximum initial lump sum payment of €50,000 and the balance of their lump sum in excess of €50,000 is paid by weekly instalments in order to provide an income spread over a longer period.
