Written Answers Nos. 243-262
243. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the results of the public consultation on the rail review will be published; if a decision has been made in respect of the potential closure of railway lines in particular the Limerick to Ballybrophy line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41016/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 Report, which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future, together with a consultation document "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery". The report provided an analysis of Iarnród Éireann's financial situation, some funding solutions and proposals to grow passenger numbers.
Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions, which I expect to receive shortly.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. No decisions have been made on future changes to the rail network, including any decisions relating to the closure of railway lines.
244. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital application by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41039/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on 24 February and I can confirm that an application has been submitted on behalf of the school. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
245. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will put in place a financial package that can adequately compensate a club (details supplied) for the devastation caused to their grounds adjoining the Crana River following the recent floods; and if he or the Minister of State for Sport will urgently meet the club committee to discuss options. [41109/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe TD, has already announced a scheme to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to organisations (including sporting bodies) unable to secure flood insurance and affected by the recent flooding in Donegal.
Accordingly, in the first instance I would urge any sporting organisation affected by the floods to contact the Irish Red Cross who are administering the scheme.
In relation to sports clubs impacted by the flooding but whose damage is deemed to be outside the terms of the Irish Red Cross Scheme, I have previously advised that any such clubs should contact the Sports Capital Programme Division of my Department. In this regard, a request for assistance has already been received from the club referred to by the Deputy and I have personally visited the site in the company of Minister Joe McHugh. I am aware of the challenges the club faces and am eager to assist in any way I can. In this regard, officials in my Department are liaising with the club to assess their needs and make recommendations on what assistance can be provided.
246. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has sought the inclusion of the N56 Letterkenny relief road in the amended capital plan 2016 to 2021; and if he will allocate funding to this project in County Donegal. [41110/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the N56) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
247. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of munition of war permits issued between 1 June and 31 August 2017 under Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; the details of the date, the aircraft operator, the location from which they were flying to and from and the cargo they were carrying that required the permit; the instances in which he has refused permit requests for the same period; the name of the aircraft operator; and the basis on which the permit request was refused. [41158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the drop in the number of exemption applications to carry munitions processed in May and June 2017; and the reason for the increase again in July 2017. [41159/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the detail of the eight flights which landed here with munitions classified as dangerous goods on board in August 2017; the reason for the high number of flights; the countries they were from; the destination in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41160/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 to 249, inclusive, together.
My Department publishes on its website a Monthly Statistical Report on Munitions of War Exemptions issued under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, (SI No. 224 of 1973). This can be accessed by the Deputy via the following link www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/aviation/english/statistics-munitions-war/1-20170906-munitions-war-statistics-end-august-2017.pdf (latest figures available are up to the end of August 2017). The remainder of the information sought by the Deputy for the period 1 June 2017 to 31 August 2017 (inclusive) will be forwarded to the Deputy.
The number of applications processed in any month traditionally fluctuates depending on the number of applications my Department receives at any given time from the various airlines. The flights with dangerous goods on board that landed in Ireland were in respect of the unloaded weapons including ammunition carried by members of an Garda Síochána flying to/from Italy and the remainder is in respect of a consignment of munitions being sent to Switzerland on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces.
In relation to the 6 refusals detailed in the tabular statement found at the following link, these were all refused on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to allow parents that are students and in receipt of the SUSI higher education grant avail of full access to the affordable childcare scheme under band A; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently SUSI grants do not give rise to eligibility for subsidised childcare, although some recipients of SUSI grants may be eligible for subsidised childcare on other grounds. For example, if a SUSI grant-recipient also has a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card, then the SUSI grant-recipient may be eligible for childcare subsidised through the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) scheme. In addition, the ECCE free pre-school programme is a universal programme that provides 15 hours of free early care and education for 38 weeks per year for children aged between 3 and school entry, regardless of parental income.
A new universal subsidy for childcare was introduced by my Department in September for children aged between 6 months and 36 months, or until qualification for the ECCE free pre-school programme if that is later than 36 months. As this new subsidy is universal, it is available to SUSI grant recipients who are not already in receipt of a CCS childcare subsidy. Provided the child is within the specified age-range, a subsidy of up €20 per week is available in any Tusla-registered childcare provider, for up to 52 weeks per year.
In addition, at the earliest possible date the existing targeted childcare schemes will be replaced by the Affordable Childcare Scheme. When it is introduced, the Affordable Childcare Scheme will change the basis of eligibility for subsidised childcare. Rather than eligibility being based on possession of a Medical Card (or GP Visit Card) or receipt of a relevant social welfare payment or participation in a designated training course, eligibility will then be based on family income.
251. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she has taken to address the potential shortcomings highlighted by the Special Rapporteur for Children in respect of the legal basis for children that are the subject of a section 12 order to be handed into the care of a private foster provider. [41157/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May I welcomed the publication of Dr Geoffrey Shannon’s audit into the use of section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 by An Garda Síochána. The report was undertaken by Dr Shannon on behalf of An Garda Síochána and correspondingly most of the recommendations made by Dr Shannon relate to Garda practice and procedures.
A number of recommendations were made by Dr Shannon which merit further consideration by my Department. Accordingly, my officials are currently examining the relevant issues raised by Dr Shannon. Clarification has also been sought from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, regarding the Agency’s procedures in relation to the use of private providers of emergency foster care placements. When this clarification has been received, my Department, in conjunction with the Child and Family Agency, will consider what further action on this matter is required.
252. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost in 2017 of all community-based early intervention programmes; the cost of the ABC programmes in 2017; and the extent to which these costs have been factored into the expenditure base for 2018. [41199/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is a prevention and early intervention initiative led by my Department. The Programme commenced in 2013 and was designed as a time-bound co-funding arrangement for the period 2013 to 2016 in conjunction with The Atlantic Philanthropies.
A key purpose of the ABC Programme is to identify the learning across the programme and transfer this learning into existing and established services. In budget 2016, my department secured additional funding to extend all of the existing ABC Programme to the end of December 2017.
The projected full year costs of the ABC Programme for the calendar year 2017 are approximately €8.6 million.
Based on past costs and projections submitted by areas to the Programme managers for 2018, the total estimated cost of extending the entire ABC Programme from January 1 to August 31 2018, is approximately €6.5 million. My Department has also taken account of full programme costs for 2017 and for previous years, in the budget estimates for 2018.
DCYA does not directly fund, or hold information on funding for, any other community based early intervention programmes outside of the ABC Programme.
My Department is working to ensure that we take full account of the learning from all the interventions across the 13 ABC sites, and the national evaluation, in order to inform the delivery of prevention and early intervention initiatives and to achieve our shared goal of improving the lives of children and families throughout Ireland.
253. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 452 of 13 July 2017, the position regarding the introduction of a renovation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
An enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched on 13 April last, with a focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages. It is envisaged that this scheme will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 12 months.
My officials have separately been examining the potential for developing a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. The pilot will consider ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town and village centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. This will further help to rejuvenate town centres while also contributing to the housing needs of individuals.
The initiative is being developed in consultation with relevant Departments and details of the scheme will be announced when they are finalised.
254. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of projects that have been approved for funding under the town and village renewal scheme that are still awaiting receipt of the funding allocated; the amount that has been paid out to groups; the amount that remains outstanding to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41014/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched on 13 April last, with a focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages. The closing date for applications was 30 June 2017 and there was a high level of interest in the programme.
The assessment process in respect of the scheme is nearing completion and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly. The scheme will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 12 to 15 months.
255. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications for Leader funding since the new programme commenced; the amount of funding sought; the number of applications each year under the previous LEADER programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLeader is a multi-annual programme which has a budget of €250 million over the period to 2014-2020. The programme is delivered in 28 sub-regional areas by Local Action Groups (LAGs). Funding Agreements with the LAGs for the current programme were, for the most part, signed with the LAGs in the second half of 2016 and the programme effectively became operational from that date.
Over 5,000 expressions of interest have been received by the LAGs from potential project promoters. The LAGs are currently working with project promoters to develop and finalise project applications.
To date, 335 projects with a value of over €8.25 million have been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs. The number and value of projects at final approval stage in each Local Action Group is provided on Table 1. I understand that a further 316 projects, requesting funding of over €10 million, is progressing through the approvals process.
The 2007-2013 LEADER Programme had a budget of approximately €400 million over its lifetime. The number of approved applications each year under the previous LEADER programme is provided on Table 2.
Table 1 – Projects at Final Approved stage in each LAG, 2017
|
LAG Area |
Number of Projects |
Leader Grant Amount (€) |
|
Carlow |
9 |
608,336.16 |
|
Cavan |
6 |
139,719.27 |
|
Clare |
30 |
534,795.46 |
|
Cork North |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Cork South |
1 |
15,496.70 |
|
Cork West |
1 |
10,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
32 |
1,025,173.46 |
|
Dublin |
5 |
60,509.61 |
|
Galway East |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Galway West |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Kerry |
90 |
1,514,135.32 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
21 |
477,620.98 |
|
Laois |
5 |
63,319.50 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Limerick |
3 |
14,794.29 |
|
Longford |
5 |
20,476.57 |
|
Louth |
6 |
43,561.54 |
|
Mayo |
12 |
210,963.29 |
|
Meath |
5 |
44,206.66 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
145,292.11 |
|
Offaly |
29 |
451,774.03 |
|
Roscommon |
7 |
162,602.61 |
|
Sligo |
21 |
503,081.26 |
|
Tipperary |
10 |
275,959.88 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
1,409,419.65 |
|
Westmeath |
11 |
142,030.13 |
|
Wexford |
11 |
377,738.10 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0.00 |
|
TOTAL |
335 |
8,251,006.58 |
Table 2 – Number of Projects approved
|
Year |
Number of Projects approved by LAGs |
|
2009 |
1,048 |
|
2010 |
1,838 |
|
2011 |
1,989 |
|
2012 |
2,539 |
|
2013 |
2,726 |
|
2014 |
548 |
|
2015 |
79 |
|
TOTAL |
10,767 |
256. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide funding to an organisation (details supplied) that is overseeing the regeneration of an area as a cultural and social hub in County Donegal to employ a full-time administrator to oversee the ongoing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the organisation referred to by the Deputy has contacted the Leader Local Action Group in the area regarding potential Leader funding for a project. However, no formal application for funding has yet been submitted to the Local Action Group.
I am advised that Leader funding would not cover the costs of providing a full time administrator for a project, although other elements of the project may be eligible for funding. The question of approving Leader funding for the project would ultimately be a matter for the Leader Local Action Group. The Leader programme is delivered through Local Action Groups which manage the programme in 28 sub-regional areas and make decisions on project applications in their respective areas.
257. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the budget for the Western Development Commission for 2017; the projected budget for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Western Development Commission (WDC) was established on a statutory footing in 1999 under the Western Development Commission Act, 1998. The main aim of the Commission is to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the Western Region, covering counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.
The Exchequer allocation for the WDC in the Revised Estimates Volume for 2017 is €2.495 million. This figure comprises €1.495 million in Current expenditure funding and €1 million in Capital funding.
The allocation to the WDC for 2018 will be agreed as part of the forthcoming Budget and Estimates process.
258. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the changing of contracts for the installation of personal monitored alarms; the rationale behind expected changes regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Seniors Alert Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department and Pobal. The scheme encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase of equipment i.e. personal alarm and/or pendant by a registered organisation.
In 2016, with my Department’s agreement, Pobal commissioned a general review of the scheme to identify potential improvements, including technological advances. Following the review, a new scheme was designed and tenders were invited from potential suppliers. I understand this process has almost concluded and I intend to be in a position to announce a new and improved iteration of the scheme shortly.
259. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will liaise with Donegal County Council to ensure funding is provided to rebuild the key community and tourism amenities of Swan Park, Buncrana and Glenevin waterfall that were devastated by the recent floods in the area. [41218/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to acknowledge the devastation caused by the recent floods in Donegal and the damage caused to the two areas mentioned, Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall. My Department previously supported the development of Swan Park through the REDZ 2015 Pilot Scheme.
Unfortunately, funding schemes within my Department which might have been of assistance for the reconstruction of facilities at Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall have closed for 2017. Successful projects under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme were announced earlier this year and successful applicants under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme will be announced shortly, following an appraisal process.
I understand, however, that the Leader Local Action Group (LAG) in Donegal, through its Implementing Partner, will engage with the local community with a view to identifying where Leader support may be of assistance in relation to these projects, as appropriate.
Leader is a multi-annual programme administered by my Department which will provide €250 million in support for rural development up to 2020. The programme is delivered in 28 Leader areas around the country by Local Action Groups, in collaboration with implementing partners. Decisions on project funding are made by the Local Action Groups.
260. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will establish a humanitarian assistance scheme to support and assist the owners of private roads and lanes in north and east County Donegal that were devastated by the recent floods. [41219/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has provided financial support through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to meet the immediate needs of those directly impacted by the recent flooding in Co. Donegal. The scheme provides assistance to affected householders in order to return their homes to a habitable condition.
Separately, I announced the provision of €10 million for a Local Improvement Scheme on 21 September. This is a nation-wide scheme which supports improvement works on private and non-public roads.
My Department wrote to Local Authorities in August to establish the level of demand for an LIS scheme this year. The Local Authorities were advised that any requests for funds would be subject to their capacity to complete any proposed works in 2017, and funding availability.
It was not possible to fully support the level of demand which the Local Authorities stated they could deliver in 2017, but all eligible Local Authorities received a minimum of €250,000, with the exception of three Authorities who requested less than that amount. Co. Donegal was allocated €884,000, which was the third largest allocation under the LIS scheme for 2017.
It is a matter for the Local Authorities to determine which roads they wish to prioritise from the funding allocated to them.
261. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Donegal County Council recently made a submission to his Department seeking more than €20 million in funding under the local improvement scheme following receipt of 1,300 applications from across the county; the level of funding which will be available for allocation to local authorities in 2018; and when these funds will be made available to local authorities. [41220/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 September I announced the provision of €10 million for a Local Improvement Scheme. This is a nation-wide scheme which supports improvement works on private and non-public roads.
My Department wrote to Local Authorities in August to establish the level of demand for an LIS scheme this year. The Local Authorities were advised that any requests for funds would be subject to their capacity to complete any proposed works in 2017, and funding availability.
I am aware that Donegal County Council submitted a list of potential works with a value of more than €20 million under the LIS. However, not all of these works were deliverable in 2017. The Council indicated that it could complete up to €1 million in works in 2017, or up to €2.5 million if other works in the county were reprioritised.
Within the budget available for 2017, it was not possible to fully support the level of demand which the Local Authorities stated they could deliver in 2017. However, all eligible Local Authorities received a minimum of €250,000, with the exception of three Authorities who requested less than that amount. Co. Donegal was allocated €884,000, which was the third largest allocation under the LIS scheme for 2017.
It is a matter for the Local Authorities to determine which roads they wish to prioritise from the funding allocated to them.
The level of funding available for the LIS scheme in 2018 will be considered in the context of the 2018 Budget and Estimates process.
262. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the annualised cost of the average monthly rent currently paid to rent supplement recipients under the scheme; the number of families availing of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41140/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of rent supplement tenancies in place; and the annual cost of these tenancies. [41059/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 266 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 38,600 tenants for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017.
The full annualised costs for 38,600 tenants at current blended rent supplement tenancy rates of €480 per month, is approximately €223 million.
The Deputies will be aware that the Department’s strategic policy is to return rent supplement to its original purpose, that of a short-term income support, facilitated by the introduction of the HAP scheme. There are currently over 27,240 tenants in receipt of HAP support. The strategic goal as set out in Rebuilding Ireland is to transfer all long-term tenancies from rent supplement to HAP by 2020.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputies.
