Written Answers Nos. 117 - 137
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the decision to decline an invalidity pension to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10791/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.
The department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on the 04 September 2015. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 29 September 2015 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. The person concerned requested a review of this decision and following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision. The person concerned was notified on 17 February 2016 of the outcome of the review and of her right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) within 21 days.
The person in question appealed the decision to the independent SWAO. An appeals officer (AO), having taken all available information into account, upheld the department’s decision and disallowed the appeal. The person in question was notified of the decision of the AO on the 03 May 2016. The decision of an AO is final and conclusive in the absence of additional relevant evidence not available at the time of the appeal. If the person in question considers that the department’s record of her contribution history is incomplete and has further evidence in this regard, she should submit this to the department for consideration.
Persons who have an insufficient employment/PRSI record to qualify for a social insurance benefit/pension may apply for the appropriate means-tested social assistance scheme. Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
The department received a claim for DA for the person concerned on the 19 April 2016. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of carer's allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10822/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
The person concerned is currently in receipt CA at the weekly rate of €263.60 which is the maximum rate of carer’s allowance for a person caring for one person who has two qualified children.
The person concerned was in receipt of one-parent family payment (OFP) up to 2 July 2014 which stopped when her youngest child reached the OFP age threshold.
119. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection how an alleged debt has arisen for a person (details supplied). [10851/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total debt of €495.10 contains three components. Jobseekers Allowance payments of €174.20 were overpaid to the person concerned from 11 November 2011 to 06 December 2011 as a result of a delay in administering a change in circumstances. A Jobseekers Allowance payment of €53.30 was overpaid from 09 January 2012 to 10 January 2012 due to the spouse of the person concerned commencing work and being paid beyond entitlement. Rent Allowance payments totalling €267.60 were overpaid from 25 March 2013 to 20 April 2013 as the Department was not notified on time that the means of the person concerned had changed due to their spouse’s employment. A number of repayments have been made by the person concerned and the outstanding debt balance is €167.50.
120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the proposals he has to establish an Intreo centre in County Monaghan; if so, if he will consider Ballybay town for such a facility as it is centrally situated in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10857/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncome support and welfare benefits to customers of the Department of Social Protection in the North Monaghan and Monaghan Town area are provided by Monaghan Branch Office. The Branch Office has been located in Rooskey, County Monaghan for many years. The Department also provides Activation and Community Welfare services from the Plantation Building in Monaghan Town. Social Welfare Inspectors are also based there.
The Department continues to strive to provide a high standard of services to all customers in North Monaghan and Monaghan Town, in particular to help them back into employment. This is in line with services throughout Ireland. The Department regularly reviews the provision of services nationally and ensures they are in line with customer requirements.
In relation to Ballybay, a decision was taken to move some staff from Ballybay to Monaghan Town to provide additional public, customer facing facilities to serve the people of Monaghan. From this week Teach O’Cleircin is the new location for the Public Services Card Centre and is an improved service for the Department’s customers in Monaghan.
121. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Social Protection when he will review the disability benefit scheme. [10864/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllness benefit is an income support payment for people of working age who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain social insurance conditions. The payment has its origins in the disability benefit scheme. The scheme is intended to provide income replacement for insured persons during short spells of incapacity or illness. Other payments, such as invalidity pension or disability allowance, are available to people who are unable to work long-term because of a disability or a medical condition. The illness benefit budget for 2016 is €595.9m.
The Department keeps all of its scheme under review and, where necessary, it updates the schemes to achieve the best outcomes for recipients. While recent changes to the payment include the introduction of a maximum time limit for new claimants and an increase in the number of waiting days for entitlement to illness benefit, there are currently no immediate plans to modify the conditions of the scheme.
122. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10873/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 27 April 2016. Unfortunately, there are some delay in processing new applications at this point. Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.
Frequently, delays are outside the control of the Department and are caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.
This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
124. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection to examine an appeal by a person (details supplied) under the rent allowance scheme. [10883/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 11 May 2016, 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
125. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision of the European Court of Justice in April 2013 has a wider implication beyond the case of the former Waterford Crystal workers; if the application of the finding relates to other pension schemes; to provide a list of such schemes; the period over which such schemes may be affected by the ruling; the details of the State's response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rulings of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Insolvency Directive (2008/94) was in response to a reference by the High Court seeking clarification of the interpretation of European law emanating from EU Directive 2008/94EC on the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer.
The ECJ ruling has implications for any defined benefit pension scheme where, on the date of the wind up, both the scheme and the employer are insolvent (double insolvency) and where the date of wind-up was after the date of the ECJ ruling in the UK Robins case of 25th January 2007.
The Social Welfare and Pensions (No.2) Act 2013 amended the Pensions Act 1990 to address double insolvencies occurring after the 25th December 2013. No application has been made in respect of any scheme under these provisions.
The Social Welfare and Pensions (No.2) Act 2014 amended the Pensions Act 1990 to address double insolvencies which arose between 25 January 2007 and 25th December 2013. The Department is currently implementing the mediated agreement in respect of the Waterford Crystal Pension Schemes for Factory Workers and Staff Employees under these provisions. The Department is also engaging with the representatives of a small number of other such schemes, but no formal application has yet been made in respect of these engagements.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 provided for the establishment by the Minister for Finance of a Pensions Insolvency Payments scheme (PIPS) to provide for the payment of pensions, in the event of the wind up of a pension scheme where both the employer and the scheme are insolvent, at less cost than through traditional annuities, thereby making more scheme assets available for the pensions of those yet to retire.
Application for pension payments under this scheme would give an indication of the number of double insolvencies arising in the period since the ECJ ruling in the Robins case and prior to the 2013 legislation. The following table lists the schemes which have applied to the Pensions Authority for certification as an eligible scheme for payment under PIPs.
Any of these schemes which considers that the State has a liability for a shortfall in the funding in the scheme will need to establish the extent of any liability arising.
|
Name of Scheme |
Number of Pensioners |
|
2012 |
|
|
Waterford Crystal Factory Scheme |
450 |
|
Waterford Crystal Staff Scheme |
160 |
|
2013 |
|
|
Glencullen Motors |
18 |
|
McConnell Group Limited and Associated Companies Superannuation Fund |
12 |
|
McConnell Group Limited and Associated Executive Companies Superannuation Fund |
3 |
|
Protim Abrasives - FAC 1990 Pension Scheme |
16 |
|
2014 |
|
|
Brooks Group |
50 |
|
Curragh Tintawn Carpets |
40 |
|
McCormick MacNaughton |
5 |
|
2015 |
|
|
Waterford Wedgwood Supplementary Benefits Scheme |
21 |
126. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the waiting period of six days under the illness benefit scheme whereby it is not paid for the first six days of sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10896/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe substantial deficit in the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in recent years has been tackled through structural changes in PRSI rates such as the abolition of ceilings and allowances, as well as changes to contribution conditions and duration of payments.
The increase in the number of “waiting days” from 3 to 6 was a relatively modest adjustment, required to ensure that the SIF is protected for current and future generations.
Despite the projected surplus in the SIF in 2016, the financing of the SIF in the medium and long-term remains problematical. As highlighted in the last actuarial review of the SIF, published in 2012, financing State pension entitlements, which are largely driven by demographic pressures, will, in particular, pose a major challenge over the medium to long-term.
In this context there are no current plans to change the number of “waiting days” for illness benefit. It should be noted that the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance is available in cases where a person is experiencing financial difficulties.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
127. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the terms and eligibility of the partial capacity benefit scheme and, in particular, to facilitate persons who wish to work some hours for therapeutic purposes when they are capable of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10899/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the importance of increasing participation in employment for persons with a disability and provides a wide range of income and employment-related supports.
The partial capacity benefit scheme (PCB), introduced in 2012, provides an opportunity for people, who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months, to take up employment and continue to receive an ongoing portion of their weekly social welfare payment, including any increase being paid in respect of a qualified adult or qualified children.
PCB replaced the previous exemption arrangements where people on illness benefit or invalidity pension, if they wished to continue to receive their social welfare payment, would have to seek permission from the Department to work part-time for rehabilitative or therapeutic purposes.
128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.
Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
129. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to immediately intervene in the case a person (details supplied) who has now been imprisoned for over 1,000 days in Egypt with no conviction, no fair trial, no adequate access to a lawyer and who has been moved without the family's knowledge. [10753/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I fully share her concerns about this case. The Government and my Department are continuing to pursue every constructive avenue to secure the release of this citizen and we will continue to bring all of our influence to bear on his behalf through all appropriate channels.
All of the sustained and focused actions that have been taken by the Taoiseach, myself and other Ministers, and by my Department and our Embassy in Cairo, are in pursuit of the Government’s clear strategy in this case, which is focused on two key objectives. First, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland as soon as possible, and, second, to provide every possible consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
The Egyptian Government is fully aware of the priority the Irish Government attaches to the welfare and interests of our citizen. There has been sustained engagement at all levels with the Egyptian authorities. I have been in regular contact with my Egyptian counterpart, Minister Shoukry, and the Taoiseach has twice met with President el-Sisi, making clear the Irish Government’s concerns and objectives in this case.
In addition to this dialogue with the Egyptian authorities, the Government has also been engaging on an ongoing basis with European and international partners and with the European Union.
Irish Government representatives have worked with this citizen’s legal team in Egypt and supported petitions to the court when asked to do so, including providing formal Government support for an application under Decree 140 and an application for release on bail. Representatives of the Embassy have attended each of the court hearings to date and will be present at the next scheduled hearing on 29 June. Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin also remain in regular contact with his family and Irish-based lawyers.
Significant resources continue to be deployed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, both in Cairo and in Dublin, in the provision of comprehensive consular assistance to both the detained citizen and his family. The Department has arranged numerous consular visits to this individual in prison since his arrest, the most recent undertaken by Ambassador Damien Cole on 17 April.
Another visit will be arranged in the coming weeks. Such visits provide significant practical benefit for the citizen. These visits also allow regular contact with the prison authorities who are aware of the Irish Government’s strong and sustained interest in this Irish citizen’s welfare.
Given that the trial is ongoing, the Government must remain measured and responsible in its public comment. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases, with our clear objectives in this case and with what we firmly believe to offer the best prospect for a positive outcome for this young man.
130. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the running cost of each Irish embassy in 2015. [10824/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).
The work of our Embassies around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic recovery and the restoration of our international reputation. Our Embassies’ work in support of Ireland’s interests includes:
- Promoting Ireland as a source of high-quality exports, a destination for investment, research, study and tourism to targeted audiences and contacts.
- Supporting trade missions and other trade-focussed high-level visits, record numbers of which have taken place in the last five years.
- Directly assisting Irish companies with advice, introductions and working to resolve regulatory or market access issues, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland.
- Providing frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas.
- Influencing and negotiating for Ireland on issues that could impact our interests and priorities.
The cost of each Embassy includes staff costs, office costs, building rental and/or maintenance and other overheads.
Details of running costs of each Irish Embassy is provided in the following table. These figures are provisional and are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
|
ABU DHABI |
1,065,297 |
|
ABUJA |
1,033,737 |
|
ADDIS ABABA |
1,276,807 |
|
ANKARA |
778,864 |
|
ATHENS |
826,762 |
|
BANGKOK |
879,184 |
|
BEIJING |
1,396,086 |
|
BERLIN |
1,714,816 |
|
BERNE |
923,235 |
|
BRASILIA |
747,241 |
|
BRATISLAVA |
376,418 |
|
BRUSSELS |
898,976 |
|
BUCHAREST |
669,135 |
|
BUDAPEST |
550,779 |
|
BUENOS AIRES |
783,883 |
|
CAIRO |
865,156 |
|
CANBERRA |
1,120,883 |
|
COPENHAGEN |
844,062 |
|
DAR ES SALAAM |
1,156,543 |
|
FREETOWN |
710,332 |
|
HANOI |
1,343,291 |
|
HELSINKI |
810,998 |
|
HOLY SEE |
286,955 |
|
HONG KONG |
1,439,612 |
|
JAKARTA |
1,235,833 |
|
KAMPALA |
1,354,131 |
|
KUALA LUMPUR |
478,023 |
|
LILONGWE |
913,868 |
|
LISBON |
616,833 |
|
LJUBLJANA |
598,735 |
|
LONDON |
6,349,458 |
|
LUSAKA |
737,790 |
|
LUXEMBOURG |
427,138 |
|
MADRID |
1,475,246 |
|
MAPUTO |
1,915,782 |
|
MEXICO |
980,515 |
|
MOSCOW |
965,164 |
|
NAIROBI |
1,017,581 |
|
NEW DELHI |
1,362,661 |
|
NICOSIA |
393,509 |
|
OSLO |
906,783 |
|
OTTAWA |
1,106,421 |
|
PARIS |
3,039,245 |
|
PRAGUE |
759,401 |
|
PRETORIA |
1,457,738 |
|
RIGA |
298,665 |
|
RIYADH |
777,685 |
|
ROME |
1,425,647 |
|
SEOUL |
818,009 |
|
SINGAPORE |
1,001,099 |
|
SOFIA |
550,743 |
|
STOCKHOLM |
813,007 |
|
TALLINN |
535,888 |
|
TEL AVIV |
883,352 |
|
THE HAGUE |
1,138,040 |
|
TOKYO |
1,783,833 |
|
VALLETTA |
451,907 |
|
VIENNA |
1,261,405 |
|
VILNIUS |
411,120 |
|
WARSAW |
1,103,264 |
|
WASHINGTON DC |
2,247,713 |
|
ZAGREB |
456,506 |
131. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish embassies that are based in properties that his Department owns; and the current value of each of these properties. [10825/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. However, I would caution that the valuation figures provided are subject to the price volatility of the current global property market. The Embassies listed have been acquired in capitals where the Government considers that the State should be represented and where there is clear advantage to owning, rather than renting, accommodation. These premises provide platforms for the promotion of Ireland’s trade and economic interests and cultural heritage, while also serving as showcases for Irish arts, crafts and products.
This does not include Multi-lateral missions or Consulates.
|
Embassy |
€ |
|
Australia |
4,071,432 |
|
Denmark |
932,628 |
|
Ethiopia |
2,365,886 |
|
France |
45,000,000 |
|
Italy |
18,455,260 |
|
Mozambique |
2,815,000 |
|
Netherlands |
6,153,522 |
|
Saudi Arabia |
3,065,959 |
|
Tanzania |
1,404,959 |
|
USA |
2,794,160 |
|
Zambia |
476,605 |
132. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish embassies that are based in properties that his Department rents; and how much each of these properties cost to rent in 2013, 2014 and 2015. [10826/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is listed in the following table. Figures relate to rental payments from 2013 - 2015. My Department proactively manages our lease portfolio and engages actively with our Missions on an ongoing basis to ensure value for money and that, where possible, savings are made. This does not include Multi-lateral Missions or Consulates.
|
LOCATION |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
ABUJA |
(See i below) |
(See i below) |
€105,111 |
|
ABU DHABI |
€110,833 |
€118,330 |
€128,388 |
|
ANKARA |
€99,481 |
€83,977 |
€83,977 |
|
ATHENS |
€104,354 |
€106,800 |
€106,800 |
|
BEIJING |
€362,519 |
€404,765 |
€489,765 |
|
BERLIN |
€257,661 |
€253,899 |
€252,590 |
|
BERNE |
€60,980 |
€61,700 |
€70,734 |
|
BRASILIA |
€81,592 |
€79,384 |
€69,749 |
|
BRATISLAVA |
€102,493 |
€103,758 |
€104,151 |
|
BRUSSELS |
€147,451 |
€148,784 |
€143,177 |
|
BRUSSELS (REPRESENTATION TO EU) |
€764,205 |
€1,024,730 |
€1,024,986 |
|
BUCHAREST |
€165,128 |
€140,582 |
€152,245 |
|
BUDAPEST |
€135,136 |
€164,217 |
€164,752 |
|
BUENOS AIRES |
€105,686 |
€98,600 |
€116,006 |
|
CAIRO |
€44,154 |
€88,308 |
€66,231 |
|
FREETOWN |
€32,924 |
€33,161 |
€40,000 |
|
HANOI |
€155,109 |
€163,416 |
€207,516 |
|
HELSINKI |
€111,184 |
€113,594 |
€115,811 |
|
Holy See |
0 |
0 |
€27,168 |
|
JAKARTA |
0 |
€17,121 |
€133,570 |
|
KAMPALA |
€163,017 |
€279,316 |
€212,578 |
|
KUALA LUMPUR |
€72,666 |
€59,364 |
€73,453 |
|
LILONGWE |
€38,152 |
€79,712 |
€63,283 |
|
LISBON |
€88,747 |
€90,460 |
€90,821 |
|
LJUBLJANA |
€109,991 |
€111,640 |
€111,640 |
|
LONDON |
€706,846 |
€692,375 |
€678,072 |
|
LUXEMBOURG |
€45,687 |
€45,871 |
€45,976 |
|
MADRID |
€253,471 |
€225,589 |
€207,242 |
|
MEXICO |
€123,110 |
€123,333 |
€147,687 |
|
MOSCOW |
€298,354 |
€275,848 |
€194,018 |
|
NAIROBI |
€29,709 |
€126,375 |
|
|
NEW DELHI |
€242,779 |
€229,767 |
€269,184 |
|
NICOSIA |
€53,772 |
€42,000 |
€42,000 |
|
OSLO |
€225,892 |
€175,950 |
€165,996 |
|
OTTAWA |
€114,046 |
€96,678 |
€110,775 |
|
PRAGUE |
€146,537 |
€164,917 |
€153,066 |
|
PRETORIA |
€89,585 |
€54,810 |
€108,289 |
|
RAMALLAH REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE |
€47,026 |
€45,393 |
€55,721 |
|
RIGA |
€36,551 |
€34,655 |
€34,134 |
|
SEOUL |
€132,142 |
€137,528 |
€154,256 |
|
SINGAPORE |
€200,835 |
€200,114 |
€154,631 |
|
SOFIA |
€103,478 |
€104,478 |
€99,944 |
|
STOCKHOLM |
€244,374 |
€229,732 |
€199,320 |
|
TALLINN |
€98,537 |
€98,537 |
€91,240 |
|
TEL AVIV |
€107,777 |
€109,047 |
€107,205 |
|
TOKYO |
€245,214 |
€126,931 (see ii below) |
€273,017 |
|
VALLETTA |
€92,019 |
€95,709 |
€81,775 |
|
VIENNA |
€118,999 |
€121,778 |
€123,017 |
|
VILNIUS |
€67,467 |
€53,382 |
€67,455 |
|
WARSAW |
€197,038 |
€206,890 |
€195,584 |
|
ZAGREB |
0 |
0 |
€43,503 |
(i)Abuja - Rent was paid in 2012 to cover 3 years from July 2012 to June 2015.
(ii)Tokyo– this represents 3 months’ rent as 9 months was paid in advance in 2013.
133. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his progress in drawing up plans to alleviate flooding in Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10744/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that a flood relief scheme for Midleton, Co Cork is being progressed by Cork County Council which will act as the Contracting Authority for the works. The Council is currently preparing tender documents for the procurement of consultants to design the scheme and to take it through the planning process and onto, subject to a viable scheme emerging, construction. The OPW has made an allowance for the cost of the project in its multi-annual financial profiles.
134. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Limerick City and County Council has applied for funding under the minor works scheme to carry out urgent repairs in an area (details supplied); if he is aware of the considerable flooding damage already caused in this area, and that the residents whose property has been damaged are contemplating legal action due to the losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that Limerick City and County Council has written to the Office of Public Works (OPW) seeking approval and funding to proceed with the appointment of consultants to design and procure works to upgrade flood defences in the area in question.
The flood risk in Limerick city and environs, including the area in question, is being examined and assessed under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) project which is one of the six CFRAM projects assessing flood risk nationally. The draft Flood Risk Management Plan, to be completed under the Shannon CFRAM study will consider all the viable options to address flood risk in Limerick city and, along with the other CFRAM Plans and recommended measures therein, will allow the OPW, in consultation with the Local Authorities, to identify the priority flood relief measures on a national basis to be taken forward.
135. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his time frame to end pay inequality for teachers, given that these measures have been in place for five years. [10739/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the time frame for a review of pay inequality for teachers, given the proposed establishment of a public service pay commission. [10740/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the continued inequality in teachers' pay and for the delay in reviewing pay for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10741/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 to 137, inclusive, together.
The issue of addressing the difference in incremental salary scales between those public servants, including Teachers, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date was addressed with the relevant union interests under the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA). Any further consideration of remuneration for any group of public servants, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined within the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 -2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement). It will also of course have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest Acts 2009 - 2013 (FEMPI), as well as its affordability being underpinned through delivering enhanced work place practices and productivity.
