Niall Collins
Ceist:92. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the total number of Irish SMEs that export, broken down between goods and services, by country, in tabular form. [16233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraExports Data
Ceisteanna (92)
Freagraí scríofa
The exact data requested by the Deputy is not available but some estimates can be made from the CSO’s Structural Business Statistics (SBS) surveys. The annual Census of Industrial Production, which is a component of SBS, is based on survey returns from a sample of about 2,000 industrial enterprises, combined with estimates for other enterprises based on Revenue data. Similarly, the Annual Services Inquiry is based on survey returns from a sample of about 8,000 service enterprises and combines this with Revenue data to give the overall estimates.
The sample returns from each of these two surveys give an indication of whether the enterprise is involved in exporting goods or services. The export estimates relate only to industrial enterprises employing 3 or more persons and to services enterprises employing 20 or more persons. The following two tables show the number of SMEs in Ireland above those size thresholds in 2014 and the estimated percentage engaged in exporting and the respective figures for Irish-owned SMEs.
Table 1: Numbers of SMEs in Industry and Services, 2014
|
Total |
Of which: Irish-owned |
|
|
Industrial SMEs with between 3 and 249 persons employed |
5,164 |
4,806 |
|
Service SMEs with between 20 and 249 persons employed |
6,368 |
5,317 |
Table 2: Estimated percentage of SMEs in Industry and Services engaged in exporting (based on respondent sample returns), 2014
|
Total |
Of which: Irish-owned |
|
|
Industrial SMEs with between 3 and 249 persons employed |
51.2% |
47.9% |
|
Service SMEs with between 20 and 249 persons employed |
27.4% |
23.0% |
Some information on the destination of exports is collected in the Census of Industrial Production, but not in the Annual Services Inquiry. This information indicates that an estimated 49% of exports by industrial SMEs as measured by the Census of Industrial Production (comprises predominantly goods data with some Industrial services data) are to the UK, 29% to the Eurozone, 7% to the rest of the EU, 7% to the USA and 8% to the rest of the world.
Cabinet Committee Meetings
Ceisteanna (93)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:93. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of Cabinet committee meetings he has attended since the start of 2017. [16403/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have chaired 15 Cabinet Committee meetings since the beginning of January. The Cabinet Committees on Housing and on Health have met three times each; the Committees on Economy, Trade and Jobs and on Brexit twice each; and the Committees on Social Policy and Public Service Reform, on Justice Reform, on European Affairs, on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action, and on Arts, Irish and the Gaeltacht have each met once.
Cabinet Committee Meetings
Ceisteanna (94)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:94. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Economy, Trade and Jobs last met and will next meet. [16404/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Jobs last met on 27 February 2017. The next Cabinet Committee on Economy, Trade and Jobs is scheduled to take place on 10 April 2017.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (95)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:95. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his audience with the Pope in Rome on 24 March 2017. [16730/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I attended an Audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican on the 24 March, along with other EU colleagues.
The Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni and European Parliament President Antonio Tajani spoke to Pope Francis on behalf of the EU. Pope Francis then addressed our group, recalling the core values of the EU and outlining his hopes for the future direction of Europe.
Departmental Information
Ceisteanna (96)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:96. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Taoiseach the number of requests his Department received for material to be made available in Braille format in each of the years from 2014 to 2016; the number of these requests which were accommodated by his Department; the cost implication; and the person or body which provided the translation service. [16375/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
No requests were received in my Department for material to be made available in braille format in the years 2014 to 2016.
Seanad Reform
Ceisteanna (97)
Noel Rock
Ceist:97. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Taoiseach the actions the Government has taken to reform Seanad Éireann; the results to date; and the timeline of when reform plans will be implemented. [16688/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Several steps were taken by the previous Government in relation to Seanad reform as follows:
- Government proposals on Seanad Reform were submitted in February 2014 to the Leader of the Seanad for presentation to the Seanad CPP
- In February 2014, the General Scheme of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Bill was published for consultation
- The Working Group on Seanad Reform was established in December 2014 and its Report was published in April 2015 (the Manning Report) and the associated draft Bill and explanatory memorandum prepared for the Group are available on my Department's website.
- Two debates were held in the Seanad on the Report, in May and July 2015
- I held a meeting with Party Leaders in July 2015
We continue to progress this matter. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to pursuing the implementation of the Manning Report as a priority.
In response to a suggestion by Deputy Micheál Martin last year, I have indicated that, provided there is all-party support for the Manning Report, the Interim Implementation Body proposed in the Report should be set up comprising members of all parties/groups in both the Dáil and the Seanad. On foot of this, I wrote to party leaders, Dáil Groups and Seanad Groups seeking agreement to the setting up of the Implementation Group and seeking nominees for same. This process is ongoing with a small number of nominees awaited.
Commercial Rates Valuation Process
Ceisteanna (98, 134)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:98. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a breakdown of the business categories covered under the revaluation 2017 programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16185/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Barry Cowen
Ceist:134. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of businesses that are being revalued for the purposes of commercial rates in each of the nine local authorities currently undergoing systematic revaluation by the Valuation Office; and if she will provide a statistical breakdown showing the length of time in years that each business was last revalued, for example, the number of businesses that have not been revalued for three years, five years, ten years and so on. [16325/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 134 together.
The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Acts and the making of valuations for rating is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no role in decisions in this regard. Having a modern valuation base is very important for the levying of commercial rates on a fair and equitable basis across all economic sectors. This has been the policy of successive Governments for many years and is the express purpose of the National Revaluation Programme now being rolled out by the Valuation Office. The current phase of the national revaluation programme, known as "REVAL 2017" covers the revaluation of all rateable properties in counties Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, Sligo, Carlow and Kilkenny, where a revaluation is being undertaken for the first time in over 150 years. The revaluation in these counties will be completed in September 2017 and will become effective for rating purposes from 2018 onwards and the programme will then be extended to other counties. The revaluation provisions in the Valuation Acts 2001-2015 provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in values due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as infrastructural changes in the vicinity of a property and changes in the local business environment.
Revaluation is an important instrument in redressing historical anomalies in relation to commercial rates for both urban and rural properties and between particular classes of property within a local authority area. Following revaluation there is a much closer and more uniform relationship between contemporary rental values of property and their commercial rates liability. In essence, the exercise aims to ensure that each ratepayer bears a fair share of the rates burden relative to the modern rental value of the property that they occupy. In fact, the general outcome of the revaluations conducted to date by the Valuation Office has been that about 60% of ratepayers have had their liability for rates reduced following a revaluation and about 40% had an increase, a pattern which is most welcome and is expected to be replicated elsewhere as the programme advances.
The Valuation Act 2001 provides that all buildings and lands used or developed for any purpose are rateable. The basic premise under the Act is that all properties (including buildings) and all developed land are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 to the Act. Included in the business category would be all commercial properties across the entire economic spectrum and would typically include such entities as retail outlets; industrial units; office premises and property in the hospitality sector such as hotels and licensed premises which when taken together form the vast majority of commercial property liable for rates. On the other hand, Schedule 4 contains a list of property types which are exempt from rates such as domestic residential premises; places of public religious worship; non-profit making educational institutions; public healthcare property; agricultural land and farm buildings; and property occupied by charitable organisations.
It is important to bear in mind that pending the revaluation of all commercial properties in a local authority area, revisions of the valuation of individual properties will continue to be carried out by the Valuation Office for which there is express provision in Part 6 of the Valuation Act 2001 (as amended). The revision process, which is quite separate from the revaluation programme, provides for the updating of valuations on the existing valuation list between revaluations so that new properties can be valued and added to the list, improved and extended properties can have their valuations updated, and properties that have demolished in whole or in part can have their valuations amended or struck out as appropriate.
The following Table sets out the number of properties currently undergoing revaluation in each of the nine rating authority areas. This is an estimated number as new properties are coming on-stream throughout the process and non-rateable properties are being removed from the valuation lists. As already indicated, this is the first general revaluation of all properties in each of the nine counties since the mid-nineteenth century. However, the valuation of some individual properties in each county would have been revised under Part 6 of the Act, as new properties were added to the valuation lists, existing properties extended or properties no longer rateable removed from the lists. I am advised by the Commissioner of Valuation that there is no requirement in the legislation for the categorisation of rateable properties by business sector and accordingly that information of the number of properties being revalued by business category is not available.
|
County Council Rating Authority Area |
Estimated Number of Properties Undergoing Revaluation |
|
Carlow |
2,000 |
|
Kildare |
5,100 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,000 |
|
Leitrim |
970 |
|
Longford |
1,450 |
|
Offaly |
2,400 |
|
Roscommon |
2,100 |
|
Sligo |
2,200 |
|
Westmeath |
2,970 |
|
Total |
22,190 |
Commercial Rates Valuation Process
Ceisteanna (99, 100, 105)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the method associated with the revaluation 2017 programme or the way in which it is being carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16186/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Murphy
Ceist:100. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration was given to the impact of upward only rent reviews when proceeding with the revaluation 2017 programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Willie Penrose
Ceist:105. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has proposed plans to replace the current system of spend revaluation of properties across Ireland (details supplied); when a graded system rates calculation will be brought forward to deal with these results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16761/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 100 and 105 together.
The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Acts and the making of valuations for rating is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no role in decisions in this regard. Under Irish law there is a distinct separation of function between the valuation of rateable property and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable by a ratepayer in any year is a product of the rateable valuation set by the Commissioner of Valuation, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority.
Having a modern valuation base is very important for the levying of commercial rates on a fair and equitable basis across all economic sectors. This has been the policy of successive Governments for many years and is the express purpose of the National Revaluation Programme now being rolled out by the Valuation Office. The current phase of the national revaluation programme, known as "REVAL 2017" covers the revaluation of all rateable properties in counties Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, Sligo, Carlow and Kilkenny, where a revaluation is being undertaken for the first time in over 150 years. The revaluation in these counties will be completed in September 2017 and will become effective for rating purposes from 2018 onwards and the programme will then be extended to other counties. The revaluation provisions in the Valuation Acts 2001-2015 provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in values due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as infrastructural changes in the vicinity of a property and changes in the local business environment.
Revaluation is an important instrument in redressing historical anomalies in relation to commercial rates for both urban and rural properties and between particular classes of property within a local authority area. Following revaluation there is a much closer and more uniform relationship between contemporary rental values of property and their commercial rates liability. In essence, the exercise aims to ensure that each ratepayer bears a fair share of the rates burden relative to the modern rental value of the property that they occupy. In fact, the general outcome of the revaluations conducted to date by the Valuation Office has been that about 60% of ratepayers have had their liability for rates reduced following a revaluation and about 40% had an increase, a pattern which is most welcome and is expected to be replicated elsewhere as the programme advances.
The basis of rateable valuation for all property currently being revalued as part of the National Revaluation Programme is set out in Part 11 of the Valuation Act 2001. Section 48 provides that the method of determining a property's value generally for revaluation purposes is "net annual value". Net annual value is specifically defined as the rental value for which one year with another, the building might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant of the property.
I am advised by the Commissioner of Valuation that in accordance with the above provisions in the legislation, and in keeping with best practice internationally and well-established valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher courts, various methodologies may be used in estimating the net annual value of a rateable property. The most common valuation methodology used during a revaluation is the "comparative" method which employs direct comparison with other similar properties in the same rating area based on the rental evidence provided by occupiers to the Valuation Office or otherwise available to the Valuation Office. This method is used in relation to the valuation of retail properties, offices and industrial units. However, in some sectors of the business community, such as the hospitality sector, there may be few rental transactions and a paucity of direct comparative evidence of rental values. In these instances, what is known as the "receipts and expenditure" method of valuation is used where trading accounts are analysed to arrive at the rent which a hypothetical tenant might be reasonably expected to expend on leasing the property. Another method of valuation used from time to time in relation to specialist or unique properties, depending on the particular circumstances and type of property involved, is the "contractor's method" where the notional cost of construction, allowing for depreciation as appropriate, and the value of the site are used to arrive at the net annual value. There are no plans at this time to depart from the use of these standard valuation methodologies.
In calculating the net annual value of property being revalued under "REVAL 2017", the Valuation Office uses rental information pertaining to the period around 30 October 2015, which is date by reference to which the value of every relevant property is determined in accordance with the Valuation Orders for the nine counties concerned. In this regard, I am advised that upward-only rent reviews were not a consideration in the analysis of rental transactions by the Valuation Office as upward-only rent review provisions in commercial leases were prohibited in leases entered into after 28 February 2010 which is the date that the provisions of Section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 came into force. Accordingly, it was no longer possible to use upward-only rents following enactment of that rent review legislation.
The general outcome of the revaluations conducted to date by the Valuation Office has been that about 60% of ratepayers have had their liability for rates reduced following a revaluation and about 40% had an increase and which is expected to be replicated elsewhere as the National Revaluation Programme advances. Regarding the suggestion that increases of up to 400% in the rates burden have occurred, while such a level of increase may have occurred in some very isolated cases, I am advised by the Valuation Office that increases of this magnitude would be a rarity with only a small number of properties having their valuations increased to such a level. Possible reasons for significant increase where they occur would be that the valuation of some of these properties had not been revised to take account of improvements, extensions, etc. for some considerable time or where the valuations were historically low in comparison with the general level of valuations on that valuation list. Additionally, some properties may have undergone extensive refurbishment that was not reflected in the valuation immediately before the revaluation that is now in train.
There is an extensive process to cater for ratepayers who are dissatisfied with the proposed valuations they receive from the Valuation Office. In this regard, a dissatisfied person can make representations to the Valuation Office within 40 days of the date of issue to them of the certificate of proposed valuation. The Valuation Office will consider the representations and may or may not change the proposed valuation depending on the circumstances of each individual property. If any ratepayer is still dissatisfied with the final valuation to be placed on their property, they have a right to lodge a formal appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, which is an independent statutory body established for the purpose of hearing appeals against decisions of the Commissioner of Valuation.
Drugs Crime
Ceisteanna (101, 136)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:101. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the provisions in place to tackle drug dealing in the midlands area generally and specifically in Counties Westmeath and Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16342/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:136. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the detail of the increase in drug-related crime in the midlands area in the past five years generally and specifically in Counties Westmeath and Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 136 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the data sought in the time available for reply.
However, I have requested the Garda authorities to provide the requested information and I will write to the Deputy again when the report is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 101 and 136 of Tuesday, 4th April 2017 with regard to drug-related crime in the midlands area generally and specifically in counties Westmeath and Longford.
As you will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter.
Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of resources.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the assignment of Garda personnel and overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each Garda Division.
With regard to the Westmeath and Roscommon/Longford Divisions, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the District Detective Units and Divisional Drug Units in the Westmeath and Roscommon/Longford Divisions are engaged in the proactive investigation of crime in their respective Divisions, including drug-related crime. Local Gardaí are supported and supplemented when necessary by Regional and National Units such as Regional Support Units, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Bureau, as well as the Criminal Assets Bureau. Of course, all Garda personnel have responsibility for dealing with drug-related crime and the enforcement of Misuse of Drugs legislation which will be reflected in related detections made.
As you will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. In relation to the matters referred to, I have requested the CSO to provide the available statistics directly to you.
Finally, with regard to the available resources I am also informed that following the recommencement of recruitment to the Garda Síochána it is envisaged that additional resources will be made available to policing within both the Westmeath and Roscommon/Longford Divisions.
Road Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (102)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:102. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take to reduce the incidence of learner drivers driving unaccompanied; if she is satisfied with the current capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce this requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16345/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that road traffic legislation is the responsibility of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, T.D. Under this legislation, it is an offence for a learner permit holder to drive unaccompanied by a qualified person, for which the learner permit holder will be issued with a Fixed Charge Notice, which, on payment, will result in a minimum of 2 penalty points increasing to 4 penalty points on conviction.
There is a continuing problem with learner drivers who persist in driving unaccompanied despite this practice being illegal. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 2016 amends the Road Traffic Act 1961, making it an offence for the owner of a vehicle to allow their vehicle be driven by a learner driver driving unaccompanied. The section has yet to be commenced. The question of responsibility regarding owners who knowingly allow learners to drive their cars unaccompanied was highlighted during the passage of the 2016 Act through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Minister Ross accepted an amendment proposed to the Bill by Deputy Munster with regard to unaccompanied learner drivers so that people who knowingly facilitate this offence can be prosecuted. Section 39 has yet to be commenced.
The Deputy will appreciate that road traffic enforcement is an operational matter and, as such, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. I am advised that An Garda Síochána's Roads Policing Operations Plan 2017 incorporates a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. The focus of the Roads Policing Operations Plan for 2017 is on the most vulnerable road user categories, including learner permit holders.
Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including speeding. Road traffic legislation is also enforced as part of the day to day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. Both targeted and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána's enforcement programme, which targets locations with a view to preventing the commission of offences, detecting errant motorists, changing their behaviour and ultimately reducing death and injuries on our roads.
An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 also sets out key strategic objectives for Roads Policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána’s Road Policing plans over the 5 years. The Deputy is no doubt aware of the significant investment in Garda resources currently underway. This investment is closely associated with delivery on the Modernisation and Renewal Programme.
Commercial Rates
Ceisteanna (103)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:103. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to extend commercial rates to all bed and breakfasts and guest houses, including a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16472/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions and I am advised by him that, as a general principle, it is the nature of the property (whether domestic premises, apartment, hotel, apart-hotel, etc.) that determines its rateability rather than the medium or manner through which it is let, e.g. it is immaterial whether a property is rented by way of a short-term letting through a facilitation company such as that referred to by the Deputy or rented annually or through a longer-term letting arrangement. The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 to the Act. However, such exemptions specifically include any "domestic premises" except for apartments which may be rateable in certain limited circumstances specified in the Act.
Arising from Schedule 4 to the Act, domestic premises which provide Bed and Breakfast type accommodation and/or lodgings are not rateable. Similarly, apartments that are used as domestic premises are not rateable. However, apartments which are used for the purposes of the trade of hotel-keeping (referred to as "apart-hotels" in the Act) are rateable. I have no plans at this time to make any changes to Schedule 4 to extend commercial rates to bed and breakfast establishments or to short-term lettings facilitated by the company referred to by the Deputy.
Under Section 27 of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, an occupier of a property, a rating authority, an interest holder in a property or the occupier of any other property in that rating authority area may apply in writing to the Commissioner of Valuation for a revision of valuation. Similarly, those parties can also apply to have a property entered on a valuation list. Any party dissatisfied with the outcome of such an application may appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is also a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
Once a property has been valued and entered on a valuation list, the calculation, collection and payment of rates is entirely a matter for the rating authority concerned.
Sex Offenders Treatment Programme
Ceisteanna (104)
Clare Daly
Ceist:104. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount it costs the State annually since an institute (details supplied) closed down to treat or to offer treatment to adult child sex offenders; the number being treated abroad; the cost of same; and her views on whether it would be more effective to treat them at home or examine other alternatives. [16538/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is assumed that this question refers to the treatment of convicted sex offenders under supervision by the Probation Service in the community. In that case, the Probation Service had funded the institute cited in the Deputy's question in respect of sex offender treatment services up to 2010. In 2012 the “Safer Lives” treatment programme commenced and this national programme is based in Dublin and Cork. As explained below, the programme is facilitated through PACE, a Community Based Organisation which also operates the Foothold Floating Support Service and Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA).
"Safer Lives" is a group-work treatment programme for sex offenders delivered on an inter-disciplinary, co-facilitated model. The "Foothold Floating Support Service" provides intensive one-to-one support for men convicted of a sexual offence following release from custody. It provides practical and emotional support and helps re-integration process. CoSA consists of an inner circle made up of volunteers in the community offering support to a "core member" (sex offender) on a weekly basis for a specific period. It is targeted at sex offenders within their community and provides them with assistance while holding them to account for future behaviour.
€1.721m in funding is committed to the PACE organisation in 2017 which includes the services being provided under the three programmes i.e. "Safer Lives", Foothold and CoSA. There is no information available to the Probation Service to the effect that any of these three programmes involve treatment abroad.
I should also mention that the Probation Service, in co-operation with An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, Tusla and local housing authorities work closely using the Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management model (SORAM ). Through SORAM, sex offenders are jointly supervised and managed in the community. This work is overseen nationally by a strategic co-located interagency team based in Harcourt Square.