Written Answers Nos. 2265-2285
2265. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the average cost of one, two, three and four bed local authority new build units on the basis of costings submitted to his Department by local authorities over the past 12 months; if he will provide a breakdown of all in costs and construction only costs; and the itemised costed list of the individual non construction costs for each unit size. [28994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following are the average costs for the range of differently sized social housing units as sought by the Deputy, in terms of both construction costs and ‘all-in’ costs. These are based on the analysis of returned data from tendered social housing schemes over an extended period. Construction cost is reflective of building costs (including VAT) and also includes normal site works and site development. All-in cost includes cost of construction, land cost, professional fees, utility connections, site investigations/surveys, archaeology where appropriate, VAT and contribution to public art. Abnormal costs are excluded from these figures.
|
- |
1 bed |
2 bed (1 storey) |
2 bed (2 storey) |
3 bed |
4 bed |
|
Construction |
€137,709 |
€143,371 |
€151,376 |
€160,521 |
€169,682 |
|
All-in |
€175,271 |
€181,771 |
€190,456 |
€200,726 |
€211,062 |
My Department will continue to maintain a clear focus on delivering overall value for money on both the construction and all-in costs of social housing projects.
2266. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of staff under the remit of his Department that have applied to be transferred to Department or State agency offices located outside the Dublin region in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the estimated average cost incurred for each staff member that relocated outside the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29037/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested in respect of requests for transfers to offices outside the Dublin region is set out in the table below. No costs were incurred in any such moves.
|
Year |
Number of applications for transfers outside Dublin region. |
|
2014 |
3 |
|
2015 |
1 |
|
2016 |
3 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
Total |
7 |
2267. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure sufficient resources are provided to local authorities to enable them to conduct the requisite levels of inspections of private rental properties to enforce current minimum standards for rental properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29119/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen a property is let, or available to let, it must comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations. The Regulations specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, fire safety and safety of gas and electrical supply. Responsibility for enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the relevant local authority.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
The Government’s Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, sets out a number of actions in relation to standards, with the combined aim of improving the quality and management of rental accommodation. On 27 January 2017, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 were made and will come into operation on 1 July 2017.
The Strategy for the Rental Sector also prioritises strengthening the inspection capacity of local authorities to increase the number and frequency of inspections of rental properties. In addition to the updated Regulations, procedures for a more efficient, standardised and transparent inspection and enforcement approach across all local authority areas will be introduced. Specific ring-fenced funding for inspection and compliance activity will be identified from 2018 onwards and annual targets for both inspection and compliance will be agreed with local authorities. The objective set out in the Strategy is to increase inspection numbers incrementally each year so that, by 2021, 25% of all rental properties are inspected annually.
2268. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will take steps to increase rent supplement and housing assistance payment limits to realistic levels in order that they are in line with market rents as a homelessness prevention measure and to protect tenants from having to make unsustainable top ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29120/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State. There are currently 23,000 households in receipt of HAP, including more than 7,000 households that were previously supported by Rent Supplement. There are currently more than 18,000 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the HAP scheme. On average in 2017, 330 new households are being supported by HAP each week.
The Government increased the maximum rent limits available under the HAP and Rent Supplement schemes across the country with effect from 1 July 2016. Furthermore, additional flexibility above the existing HAP rent limits was made available to all HAP local authorities from the same date. Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it. It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis.
The Homeless Pilot of the HAP scheme has been operational since February 2015 across the four housing authorities in the Dublin Region, i.e. Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council, and is being implemented through the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). The focus of this pilot scheme is to transition qualified households from emergency accommodation, including hotels, into private rented tenancies. Additional discretion of up to 50% above rent limits is available to the Dublin local authorities to assist in housing homeless households in the Dublin.
While eligible homeless households may source accommodation for themselves, a dedicated placement team, the Dublin Place-Finder Service, has also been established to engage directly with property-owners and support qualified households to find suitable tenancies and to ensure that any additional supports that may be needed are put in place. This is a particularly important service for households currently residing in emergency accommodation in the Dublin region. A similar Place Finder service, known as the Cork City Homeless Place-finder Service, is now available to homeless households in the Cork City Council area.
At the end of Q1 2017, 14.4% of the total number of households being supported by HAP were benefiting from the additional flexibility that was provided to local authorities to exceed the maximum rent limits. Excluding homeless households, 9.6% of all households being supported were benefiting from the additional flexibility and in those cases the average rate of discretionary payment being used was 14.3% above rent limits provided. My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. I am satisfied with how the HAP scheme is operating and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under Rebuilding Ireland.
Rent Supplement is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
2269. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number, location and classification of all fire stations in Galway city and county; the required complement of staff for each station; the number actually employed; the number of vacancies; the reason such vacancies exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFire services are provided by local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003. Under section 10 of the 1981 Act, a fire authority is required to make provision for the delivery of fire services in its functional area, including the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises.
In relation to the staffing requirements in each local authority, under the Local Government Act 2001, it is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to employ such staff and to make such staffing, funding, recruitment and organisational arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of their local authority.
Any further queries on the matter should be addressed to the Chief Executive of the relevant local authority, in this instance Galway County Council.
2270. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that persons are having in sourcing private rented accommodation through the HAP scheme in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28613/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Board Rent Index for Quarter 1 2017 published on 15 June 2017 indicates that while annual private sector rents continue to trend upwards, growing by 7.37% annually when compared with the same period in 2016, quarter on quarter growth appears to be moderating with an increase of less than 0.1%, down from 2.8% in the previous quarter. This is an early indication that the Rent Predictability Measures introduced under the Government's Strategy for the Rental Sector are having the desired effect.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State. The increased rent limits introduced by the Government in the last year, together with the additional discretion available to local authorities to exceed the maximum rent limit where necessary, are allowing HAP households to find suitable accommodation and willing landlords. On average in 2017, 330 additional tenancies are being supported by HAP each week, with just over 23,000 households currently having their housing needs met via HAP and some 18,000 separate landlords and agents currently in receipt of monthly HAP payments. Particular additional targeted supports are available to homeless households in the Dublin and Cork City regions to assist them in finding accommodation in the private rental market, with the support of HAP.
Wicklow is an area regularly highlighted as a county where there is pressure in the private rented market, particularly in the Dublin commuter parts of the county. HAP became available in the administrative area of Wicklow County Council on 1 December 2016 and 157 households are currently being supported by the scheme, 43 of which are Rent Supplement transfers. A breakdown of the number of households supported by HAP in each local authority area at the end of March 2017 is available on my Department’s website at the following link: -
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
I am satisfied that the HAP scheme is generally working well, despite the challenging rental market, but I will keep its operation under on-going review.
2271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the details of the proposed number of different lots that will be involved in each county as part of the retendering of the SICAP programme for the next tranche of the programme; the reason for the different number of lots in each county; the objective basis on which the number of lots for each county was decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28801/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is the largest social inclusion programme in the State and is a key priority for Government. The current SICAP programme will come to an end on 31 December 2017, and the successor programme (SICAP 2) is due to roll out in January 2018.
Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are the SICAP contracting authorities in each Local Authority area. The current SICAP contracts were established on the basis of a total of 51 lots within the LCDC areas. The Lot configuration for each area was decided by each LCDC on a democratic basis, based on their knowledge of the local areas and their demographics.
The next iteration of SICAP will be tendered for on the basis of the existing Lot numbers and configuration. This is underpinned by my Department's legal advice in the matter.
2272. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will provide the data regarding the social housing stock as a ratio of total population by county for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28813/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPopulation estimates at the level of County are produced by the Central Statistics Office every five years as part of the Census. Between Census years, annual population estimates are only produced at the level of Regional Authority. My Department produces estimates of the numbers of social housing units which are occupied on the last day of each year at the level of Local Authority. This data is available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-rented-sector-activity.
A table showing the population at end April 2011 and April 2016 from Census outputs, the numbers of social housing units occupied at the end of the prior year and the ratio between the two variables has been added to my Department's website at the same address.
2273. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of staff employed in his Department and in each State agency under the aegis of his Department, by county, in tabular form. [29251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of staff serving in my Department by county is set out in table 1 below.
Table 1- Staff Serving at 31 May 2017
|
County |
Headcount |
|
Clare |
20 |
|
Cork |
16 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Dublin |
441 |
|
Galway |
1 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
2 |
|
Limerick |
2 |
|
Mayo |
94 |
|
Meath |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
|
Wexford |
103 |
|
Total |
700 |
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is as below:
|
Agency |
Contact Details |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
Ervia, Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Housing Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Irish Water Safety |
oireachtas@iws.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Pobal |
oireachtasqueries@pobal.ie |
2274. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if contingency planning is completed to mitigate for the loss of information sharing as a result of a no deal scenario in Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegardless of the outcome of the EU-UK Brexit negotiations, no loss of information sharing between Ireland and the UK is envisaged in the Defence sphere. As the Deputy may be aware, on 19th January, 2015 Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Defence, Ireland and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence on enhancement on certain aspects of Security and Defence Cooperation. This provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding placed already existing cooperation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, while fully respecting the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both States. The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing on reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations and the sharing of information.
Following the signing of the MoU, an Action Plan containing a detailed programme of bilateral co-operation activities for the forthcoming years has been agreed, which will support the development of a greater mutual understanding of the policy considerations underlying our respective actions and engagement in multilateral arrangements including with the EU and the UN. It will also support training exchanges and staff exchanges involving both civil and military personnel and will provide opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security including possible contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
2275. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Army Reserve promotions from second lieutenant to lieutenant due to be actioned on 5 November 2016 have not yet been processed despite being forwarded to his office to be finalised several months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26586/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces Regulations CS4 set out the establishment for the Reserve Defence Force and provides for a total of 110 personnel at the rank of Lieutenant. Promotions from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant take place within this establishment figure.
The Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) recommended that thirteen (13) Reserve personnel be promoted to Lieutenant in accordance with Defence Forces Administrative Instruction R5 and my Department received these recommendations at the end of February/beginning of March 2017. Subsequently, some clarifications were required at official level.
I am happy to inform the Deputy that I have already approved these promotions and I wish the newly promoted personnel every success in their new roles.
2276. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will examine the conditions for the detachment of Defence Forces members stationed at Portlaoise prison; his plans to ensure the living conditions are of a satisfactory and comfortable standard for the Defence Forces members based there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26854/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces continue to provide a 365 day armed guard at Portlaoise Prison by Government direction. The accommodation occupied by them is provided and maintained by the Irish Prison Service. Officials from my Department have on a number of occasions recently met with officials from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) regarding the military accommodation in Portlaoise. In May, a formal agreement was signed by both the Department of Defence and the IPS which sets out formally the provisions and arrangements to manage the accommodation occupied by the Defence Forces within the Prison. On foot of this agreement the IPS have advised my officials that they will be shortly going to tender for a major refurbishment of the military compound and would hope to have the works completed by the end of the year.
2277. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the supply of Lariam to members of the Defence Forces; if he will consider using alternative drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26855/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMalaria is a serious disease and is a threat to any military force operating in area s where the disease is prevalent. There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Irish Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces. Significant precautions are taken by Irish Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Irish Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. The objective is to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by malaria.
The health and welfare of the Defence Forces are a priority for me. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by Malaria.
2278. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will instruct an independent third party to carry out an investigation into the reason Forbairt inspection reports dating from the 1990s cannot be found in view of his Department's failure to locate the Forbairt files and in further view of the possible significance of these missing documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated to the Deputy in my letter of 17 May 2017, I was advised by the Military Authorities that there was a report on measuring CO fumes from aircraft complied by Forbairt in 1995 and a further report on monitoring air contaminants in workshops in 1997, which was also complied by Forbairt.
Unfortunately, following an extensive search and the Military Authorities having consulted with Enterprise Ireland (which superseded Forbairt) and having also conducted a search within the Department it has not been possible to locate these reports.
The military authorities have indicated that the Defence Forces have neither a hard copy record nor an electronic copy of the Forbairt Reports. The Military Authorities have indicated that there are a range of potential causes for the loss of the reports such as the changeover of electronic recording systems in 2004 or that the reports were misplaced over time. However this is purely speculative.
It is not proposed to have an independent third party carry out an investigation into the reasons the Forbairt reports cannot be found.
2279. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the threats identified by his Department with regard to the responsibilities of his Department as a result of no deal being reached in Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26900/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outcome of the vote of 23 June 2016 in the UK leading to the triggering of Article 50 by the UK in March 2017 does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operation or for Ireland’s continuing engagement in the EUs Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). That said, given the significant role the UK has played in relation to the evolution of CSDP, it is likely that Brexit will have some impact on future developments in the Defence sphere at EU level. Until however the UK has indicated what kind of relationship it will seek with the EU and negotiations have been finalised, it is impossible to predict future possible outcomes in this regard. As the Deputy is aware formal negotiations commenced yesterday, and all potential consequences in the defence sphere, arising during the course of these negotiations will remain the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department. The Government has adopted a contingency framework to deal with all issues arising in respect of the UK vote to leave the EU. Accordingly, any issues arising, including those within the Defence area, whether bilateral, or in respect of developments in CSDP, or regarding our wider international multilateral defence engagements, will be also addressed within that framework. On 2nd May, the Government published a comprehensive document on Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This document sets out the approach of the Government to the forthcoming negotiations, following the successful campaign to have key Irish issues recognised in the EU negotiation position. In respect of the border, the potential implications in this regard will emerge during the course of the negotiations. It is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible. Responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners on request. The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review and there will continue to be ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including through regular coordination and liaison meetings.
Similarly, in respect of fisheries protection and monitoring of Irish waters, the potential implications will emerge during the course of the negotiations. Accordingly, it is difficult at this stage to anticipate the implications including the impact on fishery protection requirements. The Naval Service and the Air Corps are working closely with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in relation to Brexit. Ongoing liaison with the European Fisheries Control Agency and with other Member States, will continue as appropriate. The Government is under no illusions about the complexity of these negotiations. In that regard, I wish to reassure the Deputy that my Department is monitoring the ongoing situation to ensure that it is well prepared to address any potential issues arising in the defence area on foot of Brexit.
2280. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the anti malaria drugs prescribed to the Defence Forces operating in sub-Saharan Africa in 2016; and the number of troops prescribed each drug, respectively, in tabular form. [26946/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table gives a breakdown of the number of Defence Forces personnel operating in sub-Saharan Africa who were prescribed a Malaria chemoprophylaxis during 2016.
|
Malaria chemoprophylaxis prescribed. |
Total 2016 |
|
Doxycycline |
6 |
|
Lariam |
42 |
|
Malarone |
2 |
2281. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 23 May 2017, if he will provide the figures for all pension contributions made by public sector workers in each body under the aegis of his Department, excluding those in the civil service, including the pension levy, in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [26969/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has overall responsibility for the administration of civil service pension schemes, which cover personnel in established and un-established civil service and State Industrial posts. Accordingly, the information in relation to civil servants working in the Department of Defence and civilian personnel employed with the Permanent Defence Force is included in the reply from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to Parliamentary Question 378 of 23 May, 2017. The requested information in relation to pensions contributions by members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) is shown below in tabular form.
Contributions made by PDF members in the years 2010-2017 in respect of Defence Forces Pension Schemes (excluding Single Public Service Scheme) are as follows:
|
Year |
Defence Forces Pension Schemes: Employee Contributions (excludes Single Public Service Pension Scheme) |
|
2010 |
€ 6,141,000 |
|
2011 |
€ 5,968,000 |
|
2012 |
€ 5,853,000 |
|
2013 |
€ 5,598,000 |
|
2014 |
€ 5,466,000 |
|
2015 |
€ 5,322,000 |
|
2016 |
€ 5,339,000 |
|
2017 (end-April) |
€ 1,357,000 |
The Single Public Service Pension Scheme was introduced on 01 January, 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. All PDF personnel who join the public service after that date are members of the Single Scheme. The pension contributions made by PDF members of this scheme for the years 2013 to 2017 are as outlined in the table below. (It should be noted that these figures are included in the relevant table in the reply to Parliamentary Question 378 of 23 May, 2017).
|
Year |
Single Public Service Pension Scheme: Employee Contributions |
|
2013 |
€50,000 |
|
2014 |
€379,000 |
|
2015 |
€662,000 |
|
2016 |
€1,105,000 |
|
2017 (end-April) |
€489,000 |
The public service Pension-Related Deduction (PRD), which is not a pension contribution, is applied to the pay of pensionable public servants, under terms set out in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, as amended. The total PRD paid by members of the PDF for the years 2010 to 2017 is shown in the table below. (It should be noted that these figures are also included in the relevant table in the reply to Parliamentary Question 378 of 23 May, 2017.)
|
Year |
Pension Related Deduction |
|
2010 |
€24,822,000 |
|
2011 |
€24,128,000 |
|
2012 |
€22,459,000 |
|
2013 |
€23,124,000 |
|
2014 |
€20,611,000 |
|
2015 |
€19,558,000 |
|
2016 |
€13,481,000 |
|
2017 (end-April) |
€3,707,000 |
2282. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in his Department and in each State and semi State body under the aegis of his Department; if there is a responsibility to employ persons with disabilities to a quota of 3% of its workforce; if this quota has now been exceeded; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to this quota; if not, the reason therefor; the dates and details of such competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27134/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 5 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out the legal obligations of public service bodies
- to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities
- to comply with any statutory Code of Practice
- to meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities
- to report every year on achievement of these obligations.
The NDA reports on compliance with this 3% target. In its latest published report for the calendar year 2015, the NDA noted that in the Department of Defence, 3.1% of civil servants and 4.6% of civilian employees had disabilities. The equivalent returns for 2016 were 5.39% and 4.3% respectively.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES) was launched by the Government on 2 October 2015.
The Government has already taken a number of key decisions as recommended in the Strategy:
- the public service employment target for people with disabilities will be increased on a phased basis as set out in the Strategy from 3% to 6%.
- special public service competitions for people with disabilities will be arranged and we will open up alternative recruitment channels for people with disabilities.
These and other recommendations of the Strategy are being considered by a cross-party group chaired by Mr Fergus Finlay.
2283. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will have a decision on their application for a disability pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27440/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the individual in question was discharged from the Defence Forces on 1 May 2015 and that his application for a disability pension was received by my Department in June 2015. The nature of disability pension applications means that the procedure for investigating them takes some time to complete. Once an application is received in my Department the details provided must be checked and verified with the Defence Forces. Once all the details have been verified, the applicant is referred to the Army Pensions Board for examination. The Army Pensions Board is a statutory independent Board appointed to investigate disability applications under the Army Pensions Acts and to report to the Minister thereon. The convening of the Board is subject to the availability of the members and t he Board deals with all disability pension applications in chronological order.
The individual in this case h as been seen by the Army Pensions Board, which has provided a report to the Department. A number of issues were subsequently referred to the Board for clarification. Following consideration of the Board’s response it is expected that a decision will be reached shortly and the Department will be in touch with the applicant.
2284. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) per annum since March 2011, in tabular form by his Department or agency or body under the aegis of his Department; the cost per contract; the basis for each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27449/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were no contracts awarded to the company referred to by the Deputy by my Department or agency or body under aegis of my Department during the period covered by the question.
2285. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if all records pertaining to the siege of Jadotville in 1961 remain within the military archives. [27509/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that any archival material relating to the Siege of Jadotville, as part of the Defence Forces deployment on Peacekeeping duties with the United Nations, deposited with Military Archives remains under the custody and control of the Officer in Charge of Military Archives. The Military Archives can only certify that which has been deposited with the Military Archives and is in its possession.
