Written Answers Nos. 317-341
317. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will pay a superannuation pension and gratuity to retiring supervisors of community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7405/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular issue in question includes community and employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme dating back to 2008. The Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) was convened in 2015 and 2016 to examine certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment sector having regard to the implications for costs and precedent.
In light of the recent appointment of a new Chair to the High Level Forum a meeting is accordingly being arranged between the parties concerned with a view to scheduling a date in the first quarter of 2017.
It does however continue to be the position that state organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme. The employees in question are or were employees of private companies notwithstanding the fact that the companies concerned are, or were, reliant on State funding. In considering the matter, regard must be had to costs and the precedent of such an arrangement were one to be created.
318. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood relief works which have been carried out on the River Clare in County Galway as part of the Clare river, Claregalway, drainage scheme; the works which remain to be carried out; if flood relief works are proposed for Lisheenavallagh in Claregalway; when they will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFlood relief works are being carried out on the Clare River (Claregalway) Drainage Scheme (FRS) over a 3-year period with substantial completion expected to be achieved by the end of 2018. Works are currently being progressed by the Office of Public Works' (OPW') direct labour force which has a lot of experience in undertaking such works in environmentally sensitive areas.
In recognition of the significant flooding problems in the area it was agreed to proceed with interim measures to reduce flood risk and by 2012, the following remedial works were successfully completed in advance of the main scheme works:
- Construction of flood eye at Claregalway Bridge
- Construction of new bridge at Crusheeney.
Works on the main scheme commenced in June 2016 with the construction of a drainage pipeline in the Lakeview area and with deepening of the channel bed upstream, under and downstream of the Claregalway Bridge and Flood Eye.
The following works have also been carried out:
- Selective channel maintenance along the Clare River from Lough Corrib towards Cregmore Bridge, has been substantially completed. Some localised rock removal to be undertaken at select locations at a later stage as required.
- In Miontach South all archaeological trenching has been completed along the footprint of the works area and suitable road build up material has been accumulated at Claregalway to facilitate road raising works.
- A contractor has completed works to remove the tree-line along the edge of the Miontach South road.
- The consulting engineers are currently finalising some key elements of the detailed design for road raising works at Miontach South. While these works are weather dependent, it is expected that they will commence in early March 2017.
- OPW in consultation with Galway Co. Council have given an undertaking that they will carry out temporary emergency road raising for local access should it be required due to extreme flood events.
- The gap in the wall at “An Mhainistir” housing estate has been addressed and a local embankment at nine arches bridge together with infilling in part of the old river channel has been completed.
- Works on re-grading the channel upstream, under and downstream of Claregalway Bridge, together with re-grading the new flood eye were substantially completed in 2016. Some outstanding rock removal from the channel bed downstream, under the footprint of the cofferdam will be removed this Summer in conjunction with agreed Environmental River Enhancement Works and necessary realignment of the southern bank for a short distance immediately downstream of the Flood Eye.
- Works on the Kiniska (Cin Uisce) tributary which includes channel maintenance, bank protection and bridge upgrading works are presently in progress and are expected to be completed in early March 2017.
Works in the Caherlea/Lisheenavalla area commenced with the replacement of the existing bridge at Crusheeny by OPW as part of the advance works associated with the flood relief scheme in 2012. Further works to be carried out in this area include:
- Channel widening from 1.3 km upstream of Crusheeny Bridge to immediately downstream of Crusheeny Bridge to form a two stage channel is due to commence in late April 2017.
- Cleaning and regrading of the Islandmore Drain, also due for completion this year.
- Construction of an embankment along the southern bank of the Clare River from 1.3 km upstream of Crusheeny Bridge to the Islandmore Drain to include the installation of a non-return valve on the discharge from the Islandmore drain will also commence this year in conjunction with the two stage channel works.
- The remaining works which will include, road raising in Miontach North and construction of the Carnmore/Cashla flood alleviation pipeline will be carried out in 2018.
- Raising the road locally in Caherlea/Lisheenavalla may also be undertaken as a future measure if considered necessary.
319. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the actions his Department is taking to strengthen security against cyber attacks after the NTMA website was temporarily down for several hours after a suspected hacking attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6886/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department implements a multi-layered approach to cyber security and to protecting ICT systems, infrastructures, and services. The threat landscape is constantly evolving and significant effort is expended to continually enhance and strengthen ICT security to mitigate against emerging threats, risks, vulnerabilities and cybersecurity issues. In addition to deploying intrusion protection systems, my Department manages software vulnerabilities by maintaining up-to-date versions.
My Department also continues to work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC is a division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and encompasses the State's national/governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE).
320. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has formally approved funding for the lower Morrell river flood relief scheme in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6969/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Lower Morrell River flood relief scheme is being progressed by Kildare County Council (KCC) as the Contracting Authority for the scheme with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
I am advised that KCC and its consultants are currently finalising the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and detailed design of the scheme which includes liaising with the various landowners/stakeholders who will be impacted by the proposed works, in advance of the scheme being submitted for planning approval. Once the final details of the scheme have been designed and before the scheme is submitted for planning approval the Council will request formal approval of the scheme and funding arrangements from the OPW. It is envisaged that the scheme will be submitted for planning approval in the first half of 2017.
It is not possible to indicate when exactly works can be commenced until the scheme has been advanced through the planning process by the Council as outlined above but it is hoped that works could commence before the end of 2017. I can confirm that the Lower Morrell Scheme remains a priority and the OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2020.
321. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will update the Civil Service pension scheme for new entrants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7257/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no specific provision in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 which established the Single Pension Scheme, to provide for the purchase or transfer of additional pension benefits by Single Scheme members. Notwithstanding this, a commitment has been given that a purchase and transfer facility would be provided by way of Regulations under the Single Scheme Act.
Appropriate Regulations are being drafted and these will set out the rules of the new scheme. Consistent with the structure of the Single Scheme, it is intended that the Regulations will allow Single Scheme members to purchase additional pension and lump sum referable amounts to augment pension benefits accrued under the Scheme. The Regulations are also expected to provide for the transfer of pension entitlements accrued in certain other Revenue approved pension schemes to the Single Scheme. The pricing of purchased benefits will be based on the actuarially calculated cost of paying out those benefits at retirement and will operate on a cost neutral basis to the Exchequer. The draft scheme is currently subject to detailed legal and other considerations and the intention is to bring forward Regulations on the new scheme as soon as these considerations are complete.
322. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of Office of Public Works buildings in Dublin that are not currently in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7308/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works own the following three properties in Dublin that are currently not in use.
1. 91a Lower Georges St, Dun Laoghaire.
The property is retained for strategic purposes.
2. 10/11 Castle St, Dublin 2.
The property is adjacent to Dublin Castle and retained for strategic purposes.
3. The Debtors’ Prison, Halston Street, Dublin 7.
The future use of this historic property is currently under active consideration with alternative State usage being explored.
323. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of Office of Public Works buildings in County Kildare that are not currently in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7309/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works own the following property in Co. Kildare that is currently not in use:
Former Garda Station, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.
The property is being prepared for disposal.
324. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is any update or indication of an advancement or movement in legal negotiations regarding the acquisition of a new site for Bailieborough Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7330/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW continues to progress the legal matters relating to the acquisition of the site as a matter of high priority. This process will be completed as soon as possible.
325. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review the capital programme with a view to increasing investment in infrastructure, such as the road network, in the Border region because of the particular challenges that will arise due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7367/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Plan "Building on Recovery", sets out a €42 billion framework to address our priority infrastructure needs up to 2021. This plan is being reviewed to ensure that capital spending is strictly aligned with national economic and social priorities, consistent with Programme for Partnership Government objectives. This includes examining how available capital funds can best be allocated to underpin sustainable medium-term economic growth and future growth potential.
The review of the Plan will be undertaken in two stages:
Phase 1 is a focused review of priorities aimed primarily at advising Government, in the context of Budget 2018, on how the additional capital funding committed by Government should be allocated over the remainder of the plan. This will examine priority areas for investment, consistent with the objectives of the existing Capital Plan and the specific investment priorities contained in the Programme for Government.
Phase 2 will assess and report on the framework required to underpin longer term analysis of Ireland's infrastructure planning needs.
My Department has recently written to all Departments initiating the review process and has sought submissions, including proposals for any of the additional capital funding available, by end February 2017. A public consultation will also be undertaken to inform the Review.
It is a matter for each Department to take this opportunity to assess its sectoral capital plan in the light of any factors, such as Brexit, and propose any consequent reprioritisation of resources when making their submission.
326. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if State sponsored bodies can extend employment by one year for long-serving employees on reaching 65 years of age, who on retirement at 65 years of age would have to seek jobseeker's benefit for one year prior to being eligible for pension payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTerms and conditions of employees of commercial state bodies (other than the Chief Executive Officer) are generally a matter for the body concerned and I have no direct input in relation to those terms and conditions. However, in relation to public servants generally, including those in non-commercial state bodies, the Deputy may be aware that an Interdepartmental Working Group, chaired by my Department, was established in early 2016. This Group was to examine the issues arising from prevailing retirement ages for workers in both the public and private sectors, in the context of the increase in the State Pension age from 65 to 66 in 2014 and the scheduled further increases to the State Pension age in 2021 and 2028.
The Group, whose Report was agreed by Government last August, considered policy around retirement age in both the public and private sectors, examining implications arising from retirement ages now and in the future. The Group identified a set of framework principles to underpin policy in the area and made a number of recommendations assigned to Government Departments and Employer bodies for follow-up in that regard. A copy of the Report is available online at http://www.per.gov.ie/en/report-of-the-interdepartmental-group-on-fuller-working-lives/.
On foot of one of the recommendations of the Report, my Department, with Public Service employers, was tasked to review the current statutory and operational considerations giving rise to barriers to extended participation in the public service workforce up to and including the current age of entitlement to the Contributory State Pension. This review is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the Q2 2017.
327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total annual funding expended on each CEDRA programme initiative since being established, in tabular form; the 2017 budget allocations for such initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6813/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) was published in April 2014 and contained 34 recommendations to support the development of rural Ireland. Some of these recommendations had a direct associated programme cost, while others related to policy initiatives that could be taken without a direct cost to support rural economic development.
Programmes funded by my own Department which are directly related to the recommendations in the CEDRA report include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) initiative. Expenditure on these programmes in 2015 and 2016, along with the budgetary allocation for 2017, is set out on Table 1.
The priority recommendation made by CEDRA was the need for a co-ordinated approach to rural development across Government. The assignment of responsibility to my Department for regional and rural development, and the publication of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development address this key recommendation.
The Action Plan builds on and goes beyond the CEDRA report, by providing an overarching structure for the implementation of initiatives across Government which will address both the social and economic development of rural Ireland. The Plan also commits to progressing a number of issues which were referenced in the CEDRA report, including in areas such as social enterprise, the creative industries, rural transport, and the development of the tourism and recreation potential of rural Ireland.
In total, the Action Plan contains over 275 actions for delivery across a range of Government Departments, agencies and other bodies.
Table 1 – Funding of REDZ and Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2015-2017
|
Scheme |
2015 Expenditure |
2016 Expenditure |
2017 Allocation |
|
REDZ |
€3,813,667 |
€6,142, 842 |
TBC* |
|
Town & Village Renewal scheme |
-- |
€9,880,000 |
€12,000,000 |
*Funding for the REDZ scheme will be reviewed following an evaluation of the 2015 and 2016 programmes.
328. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the actions her Department is taking to strengthen security against cyber attacks after the NTMA website was temporarily down for several hours after a suspected hacking attack; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department gets regular updates from the National Cyber Security Centre, encompassing the national/governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE) that focuses on the protection of critical national information infrastructure in key sectors such as energy and telecommunications.
The updates include matters such as improving situational awareness and incident management along with facilitating education and training.
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to set out in any detail all of the security measures that are deployed to prevent cyber-attacks and other forms of malicious attacks against my Department's IT Network. The matter is kept under continuous review and any changes that are required or recommended to my Department, to enhance IT security, are implemented immediately.
329. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to purchase lands (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the importance of these lands to hikers and to tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7005/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has initiated contact with the owners of an estate (details supplied) regarding its forthcoming sale and the future status of the 5,000 acre site that is currently enjoyed as a public amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7255/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 336 together.
Given the scarce resources available for capital investment in our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the existing Parks and Reserves lands. It is for that reason, my Department could only consider the matter referred by the Deputies if the price fell within a certain range or in the context of a donation or bequest. In this context my Department has initiated contact with the owners.
330. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of hectares in each county that are designated special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7092/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the percentage of total land designated as special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7093/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.
Ireland is committed to the implementation of the EU Nature Directives. It has identified and protected 439 sites for designation or designated as special areas of conservation and 154 sites as special protection areas. In addition, 148 natural heritage areas have been designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
COUNTY |
Total Terrestrial Area (ha) |
Terrestrial SAC Area (ha) |
Percent Terrestrial SAC Area |
Terrestrial SPA Area (ha) |
Percent Terrestrial SPA Area |
Terrestrial NHA Area (ha) |
Percent Terrestrial NHA Area |
Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area (ha) |
Percent Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area |
|
Carlow |
89,601.72 |
4,418.62 |
4.93% |
0.00 |
0.00% |
0.00 |
0.00% |
4,418.62 |
4.93% |
|
Cavan |
193,133.53 |
11,825.05 |
6.12% |
3,149.68 |
1.63% |
729.48 |
0.38% |
13,771.56 |
7.13% |
|
Clare |
319,736.63 |
38,308.04 |
11.98% |
30,526.55 |
9.55% |
3,003.72 |
0.94% |
68,519.00 |
21.43% |
|
Cork |
746,600.61 |
23,875.53 |
3.20% |
26,383.69 |
3.53% |
1,564.30 |
0.21% |
49,102.05 |
6.58% |
|
Donegal |
484,559.33 |
84,982.74 |
17.54% |
47,179.26 |
9.74% |
5,293.24 |
1.09% |
94,800.80 |
19.56% |
|
Dublin |
92,566.98 |
3,862.00 |
4.17% |
2,262.34 |
2.44% |
16.56 |
0.02% |
4,138.38 |
4.47% |
|
Galway |
612,204.63 |
129,527.72 |
21.16% |
75,872.08 |
12.39% |
15,958.62 |
2.61% |
172,931.25 |
28.25% |
|
Kerry |
474,870.45 |
119,222.89 |
25.11% |
46,123.98 |
9.71% |
1,660.26 |
0.35% |
151,292.31 |
31.86% |
|
Kildare |
169,408.69 |
1,722.45 |
1.02% |
30.41 |
0.02% |
260.10 |
0.15% |
2,012.89 |
1.19% |
|
Kilkenny |
206,138.29 |
4,281.71 |
2.08% |
262.09 |
0.13% |
34.82 |
0.02% |
4,315.20 |
2.09% |
|
Laois |
171,917.93 |
6,433.51 |
3.74% |
15,225.27 |
8.86% |
277.70 |
0.16% |
18,541.45 |
10.79% |
|
Leitrim |
158,871.88 |
17,833.85 |
11.23% |
632.21 |
0.40% |
4,396.69 |
2.77% |
22,206.98 |
13.98% |
|
Limerick |
268,522.06 |
6,001.94 |
2.24% |
23,286.96 |
8.67% |
172.44 |
0.06% |
28,485.99 |
10.61% |
|
Longford |
108,476.68 |
5,986.10 |
5.52% |
5,369.42 |
4.95% |
1,037.99 |
0.96% |
7,075.31 |
6.52% |
|
Louth |
82,626.59 |
3,873.49 |
4.69% |
755.30 |
0.91% |
0.00 |
0.00% |
4,256.53 |
5.15% |
|
Mayo |
558,678.44 |
124,326.28 |
22.25% |
46,866.10 |
8.39% |
7,873.36 |
1.41% |
133,939.51 |
23.97% |
|
Meath |
234,249.99 |
2,425.75 |
1.04% |
1,094.27 |
0.47% |
436.01 |
0.19% |
3,424.78 |
1.46% |
|
Monaghan |
129,444.74 |
56.81 |
0.04% |
3,448.74 |
2.66% |
1,130.80 |
0.87% |
3,511.70 |
2.71% |
|
Offaly |
199,644.77 |
6,452.77 |
3.23% |
9,622.80 |
4.82% |
1,414.72 |
0.71% |
13,033.46 |
6.53% |
|
Roscommon |
253,753.32 |
13,599.66 |
5.36% |
9,817.81 |
3.87% |
4,132.91 |
1.63% |
18,131.51 |
7.15% |
|
Sligo |
181,235.05 |
25,144.27 |
13.87% |
4,488.40 |
2.48% |
1,591.87 |
0.88% |
28,341.13 |
15.64% |
|
Tipperary |
425,286.93 |
14,514.25 |
3.41% |
18,138.43 |
4.26% |
4,507.42 |
1.06% |
33,574.46 |
7.89% |
|
Waterford |
183,942.10 |
10,314.74 |
5.61% |
2,492.39 |
1.35% |
0.00 |
0.00% |
11,948.07 |
6.50% |
|
Westmeath |
183,763.43 |
9,483.43 |
5.16% |
9,281.51 |
5.05% |
2,789.87 |
1.52% |
13,621.48 |
7.41% |
|
Wexford |
235,795.72 |
6,599.73 |
2.80% |
4,140.61 |
1.76% |
2.39 |
0.00% |
8,723.55 |
3.70% |
|
Wicklow |
202,485.43 |
32,662.12 |
16.13% |
31,263.07 |
15.44% |
0.00 |
0.00% |
37,411.45 |
18.48% |
|
Totals: |
6,967,515.91 |
707,735.45 |
10.16% |
417,713.36 |
6.00% |
58,285.27 |
0.84% |
951,529.41 |
13.66% |
Land may be within more than one designated area category – this has been taken in to account in the Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area and Percent Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area columns. SAC/SPA/NHA Area figures represent the total area nominated for designation/designated within each county.
332. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will provide a list of all public grant and bursary schemes for arts, culture and heritage from her Department and bodies of her Department, in tabular form. [7122/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth my Department and the bodies under its aegis operate a wide range of funding schemes in the areas of arts, culture and heritage. Details of these schemes are made available on my Department's website and the individual website of the bodies concerned.
For the Deputy's convenience a summary of the various funding areas and the links to detailed information in respect of funding is set out in the following tables.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Funding Schemes available from the Department
|
Programme Area |
Details available at: |
|
Arts Film and Investment |
www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/arts-unit/#grantfunding |
|
Cultural Policy and Institutions |
www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/ freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services- provided-by-the-department/cultural-policy-and-institutions-unit/#grantfunding |
|
Culture Ireland |
www.cultureireland.ie/funding |
|
Built Heritage & Architectural Policy |
www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/ freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/ services-provided-by-the-department/built-heritage- and-architectural-policy-unit/#grantfunding |
|
National Monuments Service |
www.ahrrga.gov.ie/about/information-requests/freedom-of-information/foi-publications-scheme/services-provided-by-the-department/national-monuments-service/#grantfunding |
|
Leader Programme |
www.pobal.ie/FundingProgrammes/LEADER/Pages/LEADER.aspx |
Funding available from bodies under the aegis of the Department
|
Body |
Details available at: |
|
Arts Council |
www.artscouncil.ie/funding/ |
|
Irish Film Board |
www.irishfilmboard.ie/funding_programmes/ |
|
Heritage Council |
www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
www.udaras.ie/en/forbairt-pobail/tionscnaimh-ealaion-chulturtha |
|
Waterways Ireland |
www.waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Corporate/Waterways-Ireland-Heritage-Plan.aspx |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
www.forasnagaeilge.ie/sceimeanna-maoinithe/ |
333. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the approved local action groups delivering Leader will be requested to take a role in delivering some of the actions outlined in the action plan for rural development that complement Leader to ensure efficiency and avoid wasteful duplication, in view of the fact that the plan includes explicit references to the EU co-funded Leader programme 2014-2020 and the plan mirrors much of the national framework for the current Leader programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched on 23 January will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. The Plan has a much broader remit than the LEADER programme and contains over 270 actions to be delivered by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural areas.
The LEADER programme 2014-2020 is currently being delivered by 28 Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country. The Action Plan for Rural Development acknowledges that these LAGs have a vital role to play in the development and revitalisation of rural Ireland through the delivery of the LEADER programme.
There are also a number of other actions in the Plan which will be implemented by organisations that deliver LEADER as part of the LAGs. These include, for example, actions relating to the Rural Recreational Scheme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the CLÁR programme.
One of the Government’s key objectives is to ensure a more coordinated approach to the economic and social development of rural Ireland. The Action Plan for Rural Development provides the framework for this improved coordination. My Department will be working closely with the relevant Departments, agencies and other providers over the coming months to achieve improved coordination and cooperation through the delivery of the Plan.
334. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the process that will be followed to examine the potential to promote rural areas of Ireland as the destination of choice for US colleges that wish to avail of a rural-based learning or study-abroad experience, as promised in the action plan for rural development; the lead Department in progressing this proposal; the examination that has taken place to date of possible sources of State funding for such projects; the timeframe envisaged to bring this examination to a conclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7171/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 165 of Realising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development, sets out a commitment to examine the potential to promote rural Ireland as the destination of choice for US colleges wishing to avail of a rural based learning or study abroad experience.
The action in question was initiated by Connemara West plc, a community development company based in Letterfrack. It will be a matter for that organisation, rather than a Government Department, to examine the potential of the proposal, including any funding implications. In providing their input to the Action Plan for Rural Development, Connemara West plc indicated that this particular initiative will be progressed on an ongoing basis.
In accordance with the monitoring mechanisms set out in the Action Plan, my Department will be requesting regular reports from Connemara West plc in relation to progress on the implementation of this action.
335. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to run a programme under the CLÁR scheme to provide bus shelters in CLÁR areas with co-funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland or the National Transport Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7174/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
I have secured a budget of €5 million for CLÁR in 2017 and the measures to be implemented under the programme will be announced shortly. While I currently have no specific plans to introduce a funding scheme for bus shelters in CLÁR areas, I will keep the matter under consideration in the context of the development of new measures that can support rural communities.
337. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the register for protected cultural items was most recently reviewed; the criteria by which additional items can be added to the register; the means by which an application can be made to add to the register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7256/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 48 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 provides for the establishment of a Register of cultural objects and the registration of objects thereto.
Section 49 of that Act details the legislative criteria by which items can be added to the Register. The Register was most recently considered by my Department when I made the decision to include a surrender letter written by Padraig Pearse in the aftermath of the Easter Rising to the Register in December last year.
338. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the profile of expenditure of her Department, provided in euro and broken down by subhead, for the month of January 2017; the actual expenditure broken down in euro the same way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7331/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of provisional expenditure in respect of my Department and all Government Departments are published at Vote level by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis. Provisional current and capital expenditure figures in respect of my Department at Vote level as of 31 January 2017 are due to be published shortly at www.finance.gov.ie and these figures indicate that expenditure for January 2017 is on profile.
All expenditure within my Department's Vote is subject to an ongoing internal verification and monitoring process to ensure the best use of available financial resources. Adjustments may fall to be made between subheads as part of this process and all figures are subject to audit by the Office of the Auditor and Comptroller General. Definitive outturn figures on a subhead by subhead basis are therefore only made available in the Annual Appropriation Accounts which are published and made available on the website of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
339. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil feighlí fostaithe ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar ionad (sonraí tugtha); cén chaoi ar fógraíodh an post agus ar ceapadh an duine; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [7450/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta nach bhfuil aon duine fostaithe acu mar fheighlí ar an ionad atá luaite ag an Teachta.
340. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide financial assistance to a body (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6656/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation obtained from the HSE indicated that it provided Section 39 (Health Act 2004) funding of €38,000 in 2016 to the Irish Mens Sheds Association for a specific programme of work (Sheds for Life) over a six month period. Full-year costs are being funded in 2017 (€76,000).
In addition to this, €150,000 is being funded in 2017 (€75,000 each from the Health & Wellbeing Division and Mental Health Division) for core funding costs.
The total funding being provided in 2017 is €226,000.
The 2017 work will focus on positive approaches to men’s physical and mental health that celebrates men’s strengths and value in the shed, the community and the family such as:
- To support sheds to build on and sustain the health enhancing environment;
- To engage men’ shed members in process of the evolving the ‘Sheds for Life’ initiative;
- To evaluate the impact of the ‘Sheds for Life’ initiative.
The ‘Sheds for Life’ initiative will work to promote men’s health by working in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community organisations to strengthen men’s health, knowledge, awareness and behaviours towards health. It aims to engage with the sheds in its development process so as to build capacity and to instil ownership of the initiative and to foster sustainability for a health promoting ethos in the shed.
The main areas include:
Focus Area 1:
Fostering a health promoting and supportive environment for ‘Sheds for Life’ by empowering men’s sheds members to take ownership of the initiative to ensure sustainability. This is facilitated by:
- Continual engagement with men’s sheds members in the development of ‘Sheds for Life’ via Cluster Meetings;
- ‘Sheds for Life’ biannual newsletter to be keep members informed and case studies highlighted regarding the roll out of the initiative;
- Capacity building with IMSA Advocates and key players within the sheds via ENGAGE training, peer led training programmes and resources to ensure sustainability of the initiative as per continued support to Action 2.2 of the Healthy Ireland – Men 2017 – 2021 report regarding the Quality Assessment and Outcomes Framework for Men’s Sheds in Ireland.
Focus Area 2:
‘Sheds for Life’ will seek to address positive attitudes and behaviours towards key lifestyle issues for 2017 including:
- physical activity;
- healthy eating;
- alcohol; and
- smoking.
This is facilitated by:
1. Men’s Sheds ‘Spanner in the Works’ dedicated male health website. (Adapted to Irish context from the Australian Men’s Shed Association version which receives on average 50,000 views a month);
2. Dissemination of male tailored health information booklets from partner organisations for health information stand in Men’s Sheds nationwide;
3. Signposting and promotion of existing partner programmes and awareness campaigns and services available to men such as: ‘Quit’ line, Cook It!, Healthy Eating Active Living, Drink Aware, Get Ireland Active;
4. Delivery of partner organisation programmes delivered in Men Shed setting or community, such as Diabetes Ireland, Get Ireland Walking, ‘Go for Life’ Games, Siel Bleu;
5. Delivery of tailored talks via Men’s Shed Cluster Meetings;
6. Promoting positive mental health awareness and workshops via ‘ Mental Health Ireland ’ and ‘Little things’ campaign;
7. Promotion of National Men’s Health Week;
8. Featured articles on the key lifestyle topics effecting men linking with HSE Communication campaigns e.g. Little things, Quit, Dementia Understand Together etc. via the Farmers Journal in the Men’s Shed section throughout 2017.
341. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6702/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe voluntary health insurance system in Ireland operates on the basis of community rating whereby everyone pays the same price for the same product (adjusted to reflect any loadings applicable under Lifetime Community Rating). Our community rated market is supported by a Risk Equalisation Scheme funded by a community rating levy payable by insurers on all written policies. The levy is collected by the Revenue Commissioners from insurers and all of the monies collected are paid over to the Risk Equalisation Fund administered by the independent regulator - the Health Insurance Authority. The Authority redistributes the monies back to the health insurance companies by way of credits in respect of older and sicker people. The scheme is designed to protect community rating by spreading the cost of insuring older and sicker people across the market and allows all people to continue to pay the same net amount for a given health insurance product.
It is important to note that increasing the stamp duty levies does not increase costs across the market. The Scheme is exchequer neutral, neither a cost nor a benefit to the State. Insurance companies operate as commercial providers and as Minister for Health, I have no legal power to intervene in relation to any insurer’s prices. The cost of private health insurance is influenced by a number of factors such as the number of persons in the market, the age profile of those holding private health insurance and ongoing medical innovations. Each of these are contributors to the cost of care, the cost of claims and therefore the cost of premiums payable.
We have a highly competitive private health insurance market. Many consumers can make savings on their health insurance premiums by reviewing their level of cover to ensure that their needs are being met, without being over-insured. The Health Insurance Authority website offers a clear price comparison and can be accessed at www.hia.ie. All of the health insurers provide a number of lower cost plans, affording consumers the opportunity to find value in the market and to access the level of cover appropriate to their individual or family needs.
