Written Answers Nos. 335-359
335. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an overpayment of family income supplement, FIS, can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30780/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to be entitled to family income supplement (FIS) a person (inter-alia) must be working as an employee for at least 19 hours per week/38 hours per fortnight.
The person concerned applied to renew their FIS claim in March 2016. At that time a deciding officer became aware that the person concerned was absent from the State and his employment between 15th October 2015 to 15th November 2015 and 8th December 2015 to 2nd February 2016.
He was contacted by letter on 11th May 2016 and advised that his entitlement to FIS during these periods was being reviewed. He was invited to comment and/or provide further information but he did not do so.
Further correspondence issued to the person concerned on 20th June 2016 advising that a revised decision had been made covering the periods of absence resulting in an overpayment which must be repaid to the Department. He was notified of his right of appeal but he did not lodge an appeal within the time allowed.
Deductions from his weekly FIS payment commenced from 15th September 2016 in order to recoup the overpayment.
The revised decision may be reviewed by a deciding officer if the person in question submits new evidence or facts material to the case and requests a review.
336. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 4 October 2016, the way it is expected that the balance can be made in the case of a person (details supplied), pending an application for an exceptional needs payment in respect of funeral expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30783/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for financial assistance in respect of funeral expenses was received and a payment of €2000 was issued on 3rd October 2016. A review of this application was subsequently undertaken and following this review a further cheque payment of €500 issued on the 13th October 2016.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
337. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 5 October 2016, if a person (details supplied) qualifies for an invalidity pension following one year in receipt of disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30785/16]
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, claimants must have (inter-alia) 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 gentleman referred to has been in receipt of disability allowance (DA) since the 03 December 2014 at a reduced rate consequent on means.
According to the Department’s records, the person in question has no PRSI contributions paid or credited between 1998 and 2014. That gap in his PRSI record means that he is not entitled to the award of PRSI credits for the period that he is receiving DA. Therefore he does not satisfy the PRSI conditions for invalidity pension either now or at the time he originally qualified for DA.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
338. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal regarding the decision on a payment by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30794/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 October 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.
344. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase the weekly payment to JobBridge participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30939/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2017, I announced an increase of €5 in all maximum weekly payments for jobseekers, lone parents and people with disabilities, with proportionate increases for people in receipt of reduced rate payments. These increases will also be paid to JobBridge participants. The increases will be payable from March 2017.
I have already stated that I plan to replace JobBridge in response to criticisms of the scheme and the much improved economic and labour market conditions. It is important that the design of any new scheme be informed by the best available evidence. That is why I was waiting for the results of the independent evaluation of JobBridge by Indecon International Research in association with London Economics before finalising the design of any replacement scheme. I also asked the Labour Market Council for its views.
The Indecon report will be published today, along with the Labour Market Council’s observations, and I will then announce my own proposals for a new work placement programme.
346. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason a person (details supplied) is being denied an Irish passport, given that her siblings were granted Irish passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (the Act). The Act requires that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can issue to him or her.
The person in question has applied for a passport. However, her entitlement to Irish citizenship under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 (as amended), is the subject of a request for clarification to the Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for citizenship legislation. The application cannot be finalised to passport issue until the response is received.
It should be noted that the Passport Service has been in contact with the parents of the applicant and they have been advised of the situation.
347. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic contacts and-or bilateral he has arranged or meetings he has attended to highlight the plight of civilians in Aleppo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30368/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council yesterday, at which the crisis in Aleppo was discussed in depth. I also discussed the situation in Syria and Aleppo in my meetings with EU and other international partners at the UN last month, as well as with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
From the outset of the Syrian conflict, Ireland has been clear that we believe that this is a crisis of political legitimacy and that only a political solution will be viable and sustainable. We are clear that this must be “Syrian-owned and Syrian-led”. We have also been consistent in condemning the pattern of systematic violence against civilians, in which 100,000s have been killed and millions more wounded or forced to flee violence and terrorism. We have called for the protection of all civilians from military force and terrorism and the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance to populations in need and full accountability on behalf of the victims of crimes under international law.
It is clear from a wide range of reports that the Assad regime has been overwhelmingly responsible for the deaths of Syrians since the beginning of the uprising in March 2011. The Commission of Inquiry established by UN Human Rights Council has reported findings of evidence that the Assad regime may have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of military force against the besieged population of Aleppo is a clear violation of international law.
Ireland’s concerns have been directly conveyed in the clearest terms to the Russian authorities at my direction. On behalf of the Irish people, I urge Russia to use all its influence in Syria to end these inhumane actions against a defenceless civilian population.
Ireland has repeatedly called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. The suffering of the besieged population in Aleppo underlines both the urgency and importance of ensuring accountability for those responsible for these actions.
The attacks have rightly appalled people across Ireland and around the world.
As a Government we have placed huge emphasis on doing what we can to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, through provision of humanitarian aid. Earlier this month I approved €1.5 million for the ICRC for their work inside Syria and €1 million to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees affected by the Syria crisis which, combined with our recent disbursement of €5M to the Turkey Refugee Facility, brings our total contribution to the Syrian crisis to €62M since 2012.
348. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the voting majority required within the European Council or Parliament to agree any negotiated conclusions following the invoking of Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. [30447/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra349. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expected role of the European Parliament negotiations following the invoking of Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. [30448/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.
Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets the framework for a Member State leaving the EU.
The article provides that when the terms have been negotiated between the EU and the departing State, the Council concludes the agreement, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament. Ratification by national parliaments is not required.
A qualified majority for the purposes of Article 50 is defined with reference to Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: at least 72% of the members of the Council representing the participating Member States (not to include the departing State), comprising at least 65% of the population of these States. These thresholds are somewhat higher than those which apply to QMV in the normal legislative process.
I would also note that any agreement on future relations between the EU and the UK would very probably, depending on the matters covered, require unanimous agreement among the Member States and ratification by national parliaments.
Under the consent procedure, the European Parliament may accept or reject a proposed act by the majority of votes cast.
While, beyond the consent procedure, Article 50 provides no formal role for the European Parliament in the negotiations, on 8 September the Parliament’s Conference of Presidents appointed Guy Verhofstadt as its representative on Brexit matters. I am confident that both the Council and the Commission appreciate the political importance of keeping the Parliament well briefed.
350. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of accommodation for all Irish diplomats worldwide, following on from recent news reports on the high cost of the Irish ambassador's residence in Japan, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30541/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total figure for 2015 for accommodation for approximately 350 public servants posted overseas with their dependents to Ireland’s diplomatic missions is €12,761,000. The figure spent to date in 2016 is €9,556,000. These figures include the rental costs of official accommodation for Heads of Mission and the rent reimbursements provided to other officers where necessary. These figures also include certain costs which will be charged back to other Departments, as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade oversees the posting of officers seconded in from other Departments to serve at our missions overseas, e.g. at the Permanent Representation in Brussels.
There is currently a total of forty-eight properties rented by the State for Heads of Mission abroad - seven under Vote 27 and forty-one under Vote 28. These normally serve as both homes and as locations for Irish community, business and cultural promotional events to advance Ireland’s strategic interests. In this the Embassies frequently partner with State Agency partners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also provides officers who serve the State abroad with rent reimbursements to enable them to rent suitable accommodation at post if required. Rent reimbursement is only provided to officers who are not eligible to reside in State-provided accommodation.
Officers receiving rent reimbursement remain personally responsible for all payments in respect of beneficial services such as heating, electricity, telephone, internet, etc. in the same manner as would apply when they are based in Ireland.
Rent reimbursements are fixed for the duration of an officer’s assignment abroad, apart from provisions provided for in leases for mandatory cost of living index increases. Fluctuations occur due to currency changes and some rents may be paid over a 2 year period instead of monthly, based on local requirement.
The Department uses an independent advisory service to provide advice on appropriate rent levels in the locations in which it is based around the world. The primary criterion in assessing rent reimbursement level is the size of an officer’s family. Other possible considerations would be to ensure safe and secure locations, proximity to schools and the Mission, as well as general health and safety concerns. Assessments are also made as to the representational/promotional work associated with particular posts and if the property is likely to be frequently used for promotional work.
Many of our officers posted abroad are accompanied by their family, an important requirement which must be taken into account when determining an officer’s rent ceiling. Staff numbers posted abroad fluctuate during the year, as staffing requirements can change.
Cost of Accommodation Officers at Irish Missions Overseas
|
Year |
Vote 27 |
Vote 28 |
Total |
|
2015 |
€1,528,000 |
€11,233,000 |
€12,761,000 |
|
2016 (to date) |
€1,274,000 |
€8,282,000 |
€9,556,000 |
Ireland’s approach to these issues is broadly consistent to that taken by comparable EU foreign ministries.
351. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total cost of Ireland's diplomatic service in 2016, in tabular form; the levels of salary of ambassadors, first secretaries, consuls and other key ranks in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30542/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s diplomatic service abroad consists of a network of 80 diplomatic and consular offices, often called "missions”. The network consists of 61 Embassies, 7 multilateral Missions, 11 Consulates General and one Representative Office. The size and scale of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis having regard to clear national priorities and available resources, and must be on the basis of an anticipated and ongoing significant return for the State. In addition to the country of primary accreditation, many Embassies also cover additional countries which enhances the cost-effectiveness of external representation.
As a small open economy, heavily dependent on exports, a strong diplomatic network overseas is critically important. The Department of Foreign Affairs was given additional trade responsibilities in 2011 and its title was changed to the ‘Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’ to reflect this. Ambassadors and their teams play an active role in trade, assisting businesses, working with State agencies, and building important networks for Ireland. The value of Irish goods exports alone in 2015 was €111,038m, a 20% increase on 2014. Ambassadors chair Local Market Teams in the 27 priority markets.
My Department, through the Mission network, performs a wide range of functions in support of Ireland’s foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other states and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic, trade and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to our citizens overseas; engaging with and supporting Irish communities abroad, and managing Ireland’s overseas development programmes in Ireland’s key partner countries. The Department and Missions work in close coordination with the State Agencies towards the advancement of Irish business and economic interests.
While the total cost of Ireland's diplomatic service for 2016 is not available yet, the total cost of running our Missions abroad in 2015, the most recent year for which full year figures are available, was €95,334,563. This total includes the costs incurred in the Mission network and costs incurred at HQ which are directly attributed to Missions, such as salaries of officers posted abroad.
All our diplomats are civil servants; they are paid by the State and, as PAYE workers, are subject to the normal tax and social security obligations of civil servants. The salary scales for all civil servants are determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The grades of officers serving as Ambassador abroad range from First Secretary upwards and the salary scales for the relevant grades are set out in the following table:
Pay scales with effect from 1 July 2013
|
Grade |
Scale |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL I |
€185,350 |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL II |
€176,350 |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL III |
€167,300 |
|
DEPUTY SECRETARY |
€156,380 |
|
ASSISTANT SECRETARY |
€119,572; €124,917; €130,706; €136,496 |
|
COUNSELLOR/PRINCIPAL (HIGHER) |
€81,080; €84,247; €87,425; €90,591; €93,297; €96,148A; €98,995B |
|
PRINCIPAL |
€75,647; €78,670; €81,676; €84,706; €87,258; €89,906A; €92,550B |
|
FIRST SECRETARY/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (HIGHER) |
€65,000; €66,531; €68,893; €71,244; €73,600; €74,973; €77,275A; €79,552B |
|
FIRST SECRETARY/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL |
€61,966; €64,257; €65,000; €65,000; €67,074; €68,293; €70,416A; €72,546B |
|
Pay scales for established officers appointed on or after the 6th April 1995 |
|
|
SECRETARY GENERAL I |
€185,350 |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL II |
€185,350 |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL III |
€175,877 |
|
DEPUTY SECRETARY |
€161,5521 |
|
ASSISTANT SECRETARY |
€125,761; €131,385; €137,481; €143,535 |
|
COUNSELLOR/PRINCIPAL (HIGHER) |
€85,127; €88,454; €91,798; €95,135; €97,981; €100,977A; €103,976B |
|
COUNSELLOR/PRINCIPAL |
€79,401; €82,587; €85,750; €88,936; €91,624; €94,410A; €97,194B |
|
FIRST SECRETARY/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (HIGHER) |
€67,434; €69,910; €72,391; €74,870; €77,304; €78,714; €81,109A; €83,510B |
|
FIRST SECRETARY/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL |
€65,000; €65,000; €66,040; €68,262; €70,479; €71,758; €73,995A; €76,224B |
A. After 3 years' satisfactory service at the maximum
B. After 6 years' satisfactory service at the maximum
352. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the increase there will be in Ireland's overseas development assistance, ODA, in 2017; and the percentage of gross national income, GNI, which will be spent on ODA in 2017. [30582/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has allocated a total of €651 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2017, an increase of €10 million on the 2016 allocation.
Of this total, €486 million will be managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Irish Aid Programme. A further estimated €165 million will come from other Government Departments and Ireland’s share of the EU Development Co-operation Budget.
This allocation represents a very substantial investment of public funds in Ireland’s aid programme and is a clear indication of our commitment to increase allocations in a sustainable manner as resources permit. As a result, over the seven years from 2011 to 2017, the Government will have provided a total of just under €4.5 billion in development assistance, for the fight against poverty and hunger in the world.
Based on the current Department of Finance forecast for Gross National Product (GNP) in 2017, this level of allocation for ODA is expected to deliver an ODA/ GNP percentage of approximately 0.29%.
353. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to LAW-TRAIN, which is a project to build a technological platform to unify the interrogation methodology between EU and Israeli police forces, and the fact that it is part of the Horizon 2020 EU funding cycle; his views on this grave case of the EU's co-operation with Israel's colonial military, police and security sectors; if his attention has been drawn to any plans for State institutions here to participate in the LAW-TRAIN advisory board; and if he will seek the cessation of EU funding to the Israeli military and homeland security companies, as well as Israeli military and security institutions, within the Horizon 2020 framework, as a necessary step towards an EU policy that effectively promotes human rights and international law in the Palestine-Israel region. [30742/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolice cooperation with Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries, is very important in view of shared threats, including both terrorism and cyber crime. This is a key priority, especially for those partners who have suffered such attacks in recent years.
Ireland and our EU partners have human rights concerns with many such countries in the region, not just with Israel, including on such matters as how information was obtained, and how it is used. These are sensitive issues, and EU principles are maintained in negotiating these agreements.
The Europol agreement with Israel has been under discussion for some years now as a result, and remains a work in progress. The details would be a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.
I am not aware of the specific ‘Law Train’ project mentioned by the Deputy, and I have asked for further information. The material recently received by a number of Deputies did not give any suggestion that any Irish agency was taking part.
354. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on an issue (details supplied). [30803/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. The Human Resources Unit in my Department will follow-up directly with the Deputy to resolve the individual's queries.
355. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to help support Syrian refugees. [30958/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently called for an approach to the Migration crisis which addresses the root causes as well as the humanitarian challenges at the European level. Last September, the Government agreed to accept 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees. We have now resettled 486 refugees under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme established by the Government last year (target is 520 by end 2016). On relocation, progress has been slow, as is has been for all EU partners. To date, a total of 69 Syrians have come to Ireland from Greece, but it is hoped to increase this to 60-80 people per month soon.
Ireland has provided €62 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region since 2012. Our contribution to the EU Turkey Refugee Facility over the period 2016 – 2019 will be almost €23 million. This fund aims to support Syrians and other refugees in Turkey by providing them with access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare. We will also contribute €3 million to the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa established last year.
356. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an bhfuil beartas earcaíochta faoi leith i bhfeidhm chun aon chuóta maidir le líon daoine a bhfuil cumas feidhmeach acu sa Ghaeilge, má tá a leithéid ann, a bhaint amach. [30064/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta Dála, sa bhliain 2014, cheadaigh an Rialtas cur chuige nua chun tacú le cumas Gaeilge sa státseirbhís.
Faoin gcur chuige nua seo tá bearta curtha i bhfeidhm chun deireadh a chuir leis an bpolasaí maidir le marcanna bónais a bhronnadh as inniúlacht Ghaeilge in earcaíocht agus i gcomórtais d'arduithe céime sa státseirbhís nach raibh dírithe ar na spriocanna teanga atá leagtha amach ag an rialtas.
Faoin gcur chuige nua, tá bearta á dtabhairt isteach chun an cohórt de dhaoine dátheangacha feidhmiúla sa státseirbhís a mhéadú a fhéachann le líon na ndaoine dátheangacha atá feidhmiúil sa Ghaeilge i leith earcaíochta agus, nuair is cuí, i leith comórtais d'arduithe céime, atá bunaithe ar inniúlacht.
Ó thaobh Pleanála Fórsa Oibre do na Ranna go léir, beidh sé riachtanach go sonrófar i bpleananna fórsa oibre gach Roinn amach anseo na poist/réimsí oibre ina mbeidh daoine dátheangacha feidhmiúla ag teastáil. I gcomhréir le beartas an Rialtais, aithneofar i scéimeanna teanga de chuid na Roinne amach anseo faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 na poist atá lonnaithe i gceantair Ghaeltachta nó ag freastal ar na ceantair sin.
Beidh an próiseas sin lárnach i gcinntiú go ndéanfar foráil dóthanach i gcomórtais earcaíochta agus arduithe céime idir-Rannacha a bheidh á reáchtáil ag an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí do cheapacháin i bpoist ina dteastaíonn daoine dátheangacha feidhmiúla. I gcás comórtais earcaíochta agus arduithe céime Rannacha, déanfar measúnú ar an riachtanas do dhaoine dátheangacha feidhmiúla agus, nuair is gá agus is cuí, cuirfear fo-phainéal de dhaoine dátheangacha feidhmiúla ar bun.
Chuireadh na socrúcháin nua i bhfeidhm in áit an scéim maidir le marcanna bónais a bhronnadh as inniúlacht Ghaeilge, a chuireadh i bhfeidhm daichead bliain ó shin nuair a chuireadh deireadh le Ghaeilge éigeantach do phost sa Stáit Seirbhís.
Faoi na socraithe seo, nuair atá Gaeilge riachtanach don bpost, líonfar é le daoine dátheangacha feidhmiúla.
357. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his understanding of the current status of INTERREG and PEACE IV funding under the umbrella of the Special EU Programmes Body, SEUPB, in view of the UK decision to leave the EU; if the total funding allocated for INTERREG and PEACE IV cross-Border projects will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30232/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the decision of the UK to leave the EU will have significant implications for EU-funded cross-border programmes where one Member State is leaving the EU and the other is remaining. Nevertheless, the Irish Government remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the two programmes.
A key issue is the basis on which Letters of Offer can issue to programme beneficiaries in circumstances where the UK's allocation under the European Regional Development Fund may not be available for the full period of the two programmes and for individual projects. My officials are working with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body to ensure that Letters of Offer are Brexit-proofed so that project beneficiaries can have confidence as to the basis of the financial and legal commitments they are being asked to enter into.
358. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, pursuant to his announcement following the 2013 budget, his Department has any continuing arrangement in place for oversight of health spending. [30720/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, managing the delivery of public services within Budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department, and measures are in place to help ensure that these budgetary targets continue to be met.
My Department is in regular communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles.
There is regular reporting to Government on these matters, and information is published monthly, as part of the Exchequer Statement. This includes regular consideration of expenditure by the Cabinet Committee on Health and the Senior Officials Group on Health.
359. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the cleaning of a bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30200/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has maintenance responsibility only for those Catchment Drainage Schemes and Flood Relief Schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.
The bridge on the Portmagee to Caherciveen Road does not form part of an arterial drainage scheme under the auspices of this Office and as such we have no responsibility for its maintenance.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
The Office of Public Works operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website at www.opw.ie. It is open to Kerry County Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the overall availability of resources for flood risk management and the scheme's eligibility criteria, available on the OPW website.
