Tom Neville
Ceist:175. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44290/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFisheries Protection
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
I am aware of the Irish Wildlife Trust's request to ban the practice of pair trawling in coastal areas in order to maintain the sprat population to the benefit of seabirds and marine life. Sprat is a short-lived species and an important prey fish for many marine species thus vital to the ocean food chain as well as an important source of income for inshore fishermen.
The central objective of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities are environmentally sustainable in the long term through the conservation and sustainable exploitation of marine biological resources and the management of fisheries and fleets exploiting such resources. Ireland is committed to ensuring the conservation of the seabirds and marine life around our coast through the Birds and Habitats Directive, among other instruments.
Sprat in Irish waters is not a species subject to fishing quotas or Total Allowable Catches established under EU regulation. Scientifically, relatively little is known about the sprat species. The International Council of the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) considers sprat to be a data limited stock which means that more detailed data is required in order to form a full understanding of the state of the stock.
Available scientific information is that sprat in Ireland spawn from January to June with a fishery normally taking place from October to Christmas. This is a fortuitous situation, allowing some degree of reproductive output as the fishery takes place after the fish have been able to spawn. The Marine Institute advise that there is no evidence that spawning sprat are or ever have been targeted in Irish fisheries nor is there evidence that sprat actually spawn inshore. That of course is not to deny that they are easily targeted inshore when they occur there.
In order to address the lack of accurate information in respect of the sprat stocks in the waters around Ireland, a three year research project, partially funded by industry, commenced in October 2014 and is now in its final stage, under the auspices of the Marine Institute in cooperation with the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
This project aims to develop an accurate and detailed understanding of the stock structure of sprat around Ireland. It will determine whether the sprat in Irish coastal waters is one stock or several separate stocks and it aims to increase our understanding of their role in the broader marine ecosystem. This data will in turn contribute to the ICES assessment of the vulnerability or otherwise of sprat in the waters around Ireland.
In addition to this research project, the Marine Institute is committed to working closely with Industry to obtain increased observer coverage in the sprat fisheries. A number of such observer trips have already taken place this month with more planned. The purpose of the observer scheme is twofold:
- To obtain biological information on the resource itself and on any other fishery bycatch, ie herring, juvenile mackerel, etc.
- To obtain information on any bycatch this fishery might have of protected, endangered and threatened species, under the European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF) marine biodiversity scheme such as marine mammals, seabirds and listed fish species.
It is expected that these projects/observer schemes will allow for more intensive data collection and enhanced scientific knowledge on the sprat stock thus supporting any future management actions considered necessary including the issue of pair trawling.
Energy Schemes
Ceisteanna (176)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress of the Shannon LNG project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44240/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government makes clear that the Government remains supportive of the proposal to construct an LNG terminal near Ballylongford, County Kerry. The Government has and continues to support the project achieve the status of a Project of Common Interest (PCI) under European Regulation 347/2013 Trans European Energy Infrastructure.
It is important to note that the Shannon LNG project, to which the Deputy refers, is a commercial, private sector project, the implementation of which is ultimately the responsibility of the project promoters. Final investment decisions for the Shannon LNG project are a matter for the project promoters to take.
The Deputy may also wish to note that, in line with the Programme for Government, my Department, in conjunction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Gas Networks Ireland and EirGrid, is in the process of examining Ireland’s resilience to a long term gas disruption. The potential for LNG is part of this analysis. This study will inform the formulation of future policy measures to maintain the resilience of Ireland’s gas and electricity networks and supply.
Fisheries Protection
Ceisteanna (177)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:177. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for the implementation of a hardship scheme for eel fishermen; when it is likely to be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44146/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to the reply to Question No 519 of 10 October.
The possibility of implementing support measures for eel fishermen remains under consideration.
Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) under EU Regulation 1100/2007, which included a closure of commercial fishing, was approved by the European Commission in 2009. Ireland's EMP and its conservation measures were reviewed in 2012 and in 2015, in accordance with the EU Regulation. Both reviews involved an examination of the latest scientific data and the conservation measures, the results of which were the subject of public consultations.
In that context, I recognise fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen. However, there is no property right attaching to public eel licences. Notwithstanding, the possibility of implementing support measures for eel fishermen is a matter under consideration.
Both I and the Minister have also discussed the issue of eels with ESB Fisheries who are fishery owners in this context.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Ceisteanna (178)
Hildegarde Naughton
Ceist:178. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the upgrade of the broadband network in Shrule, County Mayo, will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44229/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The Map is searchable by eircode.
- The BLUE areas on the Map represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering, or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services
- The AMBER areas on the Map represent the areas that will require State Intervention and are the subject of a procurement process.
Individuals can access the High Speed Broadband Map www.broadband.gov.ie using their eircode to ascertain the colour code (BLUE for commercial or AMBER for the State Led Intervention) status for their premises.
The map shows that the townland of Shrule, Co Mayo comprises 101 premises and broadband coverage will be realised through a mix of predominantly commercial investment and the State led Intervention under the NBP. Of the 101 premises, 99 premises fall within areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering, or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The remaining 2 premises will be part of the State led Intervention under the NBP.
With regard to the State led Intervention, my Department is engaged in an on-going procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network. A significant milestone in that procurement process was reached last month with the submission of "Detailed Solutions" by two bidders. This is the last stage of the procurement process before receipt of final tenders and ultimate progression to the appointment of a preferred bidder(s). My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy for the network build on conclusion of this process.
To improve both mobile and broadband services in rural Ireland in advance of the roll out of the high speed broadband network to be built in the State intervention area, I established, in July 2016, a Taskforce to identify solutions which can be implemented in the short, medium and long term to alleviate mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits, to identify priority areas for rollout and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and rollout of the network planned under the NBP State led intervention.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
Dublin Bus Fleet
Ceisteanna (179)
John Curran
Ceist:179. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional buses that will be provided in Dublin in 2018 resulting from budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44288/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, my Department provides annual funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the Dublin Bus PSO fleet. The extent to which this funding is used to replace older vehicles or to expand the PSO fleet is determined by the NTA taking account of demand.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Air Services Provision
Ceisteanna (180, 181)
Clare Daly
Ceist:180. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are obligations in terms of regulatory oversight and enforcement in regard to the issue of crew numbers in airlines under the jurisdiction of the IAA. [44090/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:181. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the dominant employment model of multiple subcontractors for the provision of crew to Irish registered airlines has no hazard or safety implications. [44091/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, as provided for under the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993.
The Deputy's questions have been referred to the IAA for direct reply. If a reply does not issue within 10 days please contact my Office.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Airlines Regulations
Ceisteanna (182)
Clare Daly
Ceist:182. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the performance of Irish aviation regulatory authorities in view of the approach taken by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. [44092/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is the independent regulator for the enforcement of air passenger rights in Ireland under EU Regulation 261 of 2004. It functions as part of a close network of national enforcement bodies across the EU, including the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK.
As regards the role played by CAR in enforcing passenger rights in Ireland following the recent announcement by Ryanair of the cancellation of a number flights, I am aware that the CAR has been working directly with the airline since the announcements were made to ensure that the provisions of the Regulation were correctly applied in respect of the passengers affected.
On Friday 29 September, CAR announced that it had secured a commitment from Ryanair that it will fully comply with the regulations and directly provide affected customers with the necessary information on refunds, rerouting, care and assistance and compensation. It is understood that Ryanair has also committed to provide weekly updates to CAR on the number of passengers entitled to compensation and expenses, the number of claims submitted and the number of claims closed-out. I am satisfied with the approach adopted by CAR in dealing with this matter.
It is noted that Ryanair recently replied to correspondence received from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and has agreed to meet its requirements for clarification on Ryanair’s obligations under Regulation 261/2004, which are in line with those requested by the CAR.
With regard to the regulation of aviation safety, the Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for safety regulation, oversight and inspection and ensures that all Irish airlines continue to be fully compliant with European aviation safety regulations. In that context, it is important to acknowledge that the IAA is a high performing regulator, whose safety oversight and inspection regime is subject to rigorous international, independent audit, which consistently confirms it amongst the very best aviation regulatory bodies.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (183)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:183. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the funding for a project (details supplied) will be allocated; when construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44100/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (184)
Mary Butler
Ceist:184. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to announce the beneficiaries under the sports capital grants scheme for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44129/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that €30m would be available which would have made the allocation of grants particularly challenging. Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, I am pleased that significant extra resources have been secured to allocate under this round. The assessment of all the 2,320 applications is now nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of the allocations in the coming weeks.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (185)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for the Ardee bypass will be allocated in view of the recent €1.2 billion in extra capital spend, following budget 2018, available to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44131/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
We are currently working to finalise detailed allocations with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Light Rail Projects Status
Ceisteanna (186)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:186. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the detailed design work on metro north; his plans for consultation with residents living close to its route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44231/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the new Metro North project.
Funding of over €700 million has been allocated under the Government's Capital Plan for planning, design and to begin construction of new Metro North. Funding in the initial years of the Capital Plan is for planning and design work with construction to commence in 2021 with passenger services starting in 2027.
The NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have commenced preparatory work on the planning and design of new Metro North and a dedicated project Steering Group has been established which is meeting on a regular basis. The NTA, in collaboration with TII, is undertaking an option analysis and selection study of possible metro alignments and station locations. Arising from this work a final route and station configuration will be established. It is my understanding that the NTA and TII expect that this process will be complete by the end of 2017, after which a public consultation process will be undertaken in 2018.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (187)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:187. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the distribution of funds in a scheme (details supplied); if he will request the Pensions Authority to adjudicate on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The winding up of Aer Lingus’ Supplementary B Pension Scheme is a matter for the company, the scheme's trustees and the members of the scheme. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has no function in relation to the scheme.
Public Transport Initiatives
Ceisteanna (188)
John Curran
Ceist:188. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects and programmes that will be funded in 2018; the cost resulting from the announcement in budget 2018 of the €770 million multi-annual capital envelope supporting the BusConnects programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44289/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have secured funding of over €400 million for investment in public transport in 2018. This increased funding will allow rollout of a number of key programmes to address congestion and emerging capacity constraints on our public transport system across our cities. This includes:
- Commencing rollout of the BusConnects programme;
- Planning and design work for new urban cycling and walking routes in our main cities. This will pave the way for an intensive construction programme commencing substantially in 2019;
- Additional Luas capacity, with additional trams and longer trams on the Luas network;
- Maintaining the heavy rail network to protect investment already made in our national railway system;
- Progressing the City Centre Re-signalling Project to improve speeds on mainline rail and the new rail Central Traffic Control Centre.
- Continuing the programme of retro-fitting older, existing public transport facilities to improve their accessibility features;
- Traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects in our cities.
- Piloting of emerging low emission technologies, particularly for buses, and also measures to encourage the transition of the national taxi fleet towards alternative fuels and technologies;
- Planning and design work for new Metro North.
Budget 2018 provided a four-year capital envelope for public transport of over €2.7 billion to 2021. As I have previously outlined to the Deputy, this includes a multi-annual capital envelope of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme. This significant funding will enable us to put in place the kind of bus system that is needed to cater for Ireland’s future economic growth and growing transport needs, with high quality infrastructure and services, coupled with major improvements in ticketing and information, all providing a modern, faster, reliable, convenient and attractive public transport solution.
Youth Work Projects Funding
Ceisteanna (189)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:189. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which the €1.5 million in additional funding for youth work services announced in budget 2018 will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. The funding schemes support national and local youth work involving approximately 1,400 youth work staff working in youth services and communities throughout the country.
As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2018 has provided an additional €1.5m in current funding to my Department to support the provision of youth services. This additional funding will be used for programmes that target disadvantaged young people. Following the Budget 2018 announcement, my Department will soon commence a process with national organisations and local services to identify service development needs for 2018 and to finalise the 2018 allocations. Every effort will be made to complete this process as soon as possible.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (190)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:190. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1455 of 26 July 2017, if this report has been published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44151/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I announced the Youth Employability Initiative in 2016. 28 youth projects have received grants under this Initiative to support programmes that target disadvantaged young people who are most at risk of unemployment and who are not in education, employment or training. The programmes, which are funded under the Dormant Accounts scheme, assisted over 1,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years build skills that will enhance their employability.
Following a Forum hosted by my Department with the successful projects, sharing knowledge, experience and the lessons learned from this Initiative, three further events were held and were both well attended and received. The Initiative was evaluated by the Centre for Effective Services and a draft report is currently being considered by my Department pending publication in the near future.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Youth Strategy
Ceisteanna (191)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:191. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the LGBTI+ youth strategy; when she expects to receive the final report on the strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44152/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government (2016) gives a commitment to develop a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Youth Strategy.
I established an Oversight Committee with an Independent Chair, Ms Una Mullally, to oversee the development of the Strategy on 19 December 2016. The group includes cross-sectoral representation from relevant organisations, bodies and Government Departments/Agencies. A Youth Advisory Group also supports the development of the Strategy and has representatives on the Oversight Committee.
Consultations have taken place on a very wide scale, particularly with young people. To date, approximately 4,000 young people have participated in the consultation process either online or through attendance at the events which my Department has hosted across the country. A stakeholder consultation event was held in Farmleigh House on 28 June 2017 at which almost 100 organisations were represented. In addition an open call for submissions was launched in early September and closed on 27 September 2017.
Five sub-groups have been established this month and they are currently working to identify strategic priorities and actions. The sub-groups will report back to the Oversight Committee on the results of their work by the end of November 2017.
A report of the consultation process with young people and details on their views has been prepared and is in the final stages of drafting with a view to publication in December. The Youth Advisory Group for the Strategy will work on a youth version of the report.
My officials will undertake bilateral consultations with Departments in early 2018 to discuss the actions identified and approved by the Oversight Committee. I anticipate publication of the final Strategy in Spring 2018.
This is a key commitment for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in the Programme for Government and also makes a contribution towards the Government’s broader commitment to continue to strive for full inclusion of LGBTI+ people in Ireland.
Better Outcomes Brighter Futures, The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 – 2020 and The National Youth Strategy 2015 – 2020 is providing the framework within which the Strategy is being framed with a focus on ensuring measures are in place to enable young people identifying as LGBTI+ to achieve their full potential.
Youth Services Funding
Ceisteanna (192)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:192. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 621 and 625 of 10 October 2017, when a decision will be made in respect of the funding of a programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44199/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017, funding of €57.4m has been provided to my Department for various youth schemes, an increase of €5.5m over 2016. The additional funding is being used for programmes that target disadvantaged young people and to assist national youth organisations in their work to support local voluntary youth services. My Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. These schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, amounting to €10.65m in 2017, under which funding is made available on an annual basis to thirty national and major regional youth organisations. This funding is intended to ensure the emergence, promotion, growth and development of youth organisations with distinctive philosophies and programmes aimed at the social education of young people.
Scouting Ireland receives grant aid on an annual basis under the Youth Service Grant Scheme. Details of the funding allocated to Scouting Ireland by my Department since its establishment in 2011 are outlined as follows.
|
Youth Service Grant Scheme |
Year |
Grant € |
|
2017 |
876,337 |
|
|
2016 |
834,607 |
|
|
2015 |
814,250 |
|
|
2014 |
814,250 |
|
|
2013 |
845,974 |
|
|
2012 |
939,971 |
|
|
2011 |
1,005,317 |
In addition to the above, Scouting Ireland was allocated €150,000 in current funding in 2015 and a further €200,000 in Dormant Accounts funding in 2016 to support the Operation Lelievlet youth employment initiative.
Scouting Ireland also received €49,630 under the capital funding scheme for youth projects and services in 2016 to fund the improvement of disability access and security at Scouting Ireland.
In 2015 €30,000 was also allocated to Scouting Ireland to assist it with its budget sustainability to the year end.
In addition to the grant funding provided to Scouting Ireland in 2017 an additional application for funding has been received for funding for its AcadaMoot Programme and a decision on this application will be made as soon as it practicable, and Scouting Ireland will be notified in due course.
Dog Breeding Industry
Ceisteanna (193)
Tom Neville
Ceist:193. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding dog breeding guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments (DBE) is a matter for each local authority in whose functional area the establishment is located. The local authority is required to maintain a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area, which must include details of applicants for inclusion on the register and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the relevant establishment.
The Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 provides a robust regulatory framework for, inter alia, the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by LAs and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
The then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government agreed to begin a process of review of the current Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines in late 2015. In 2016, the review was broadened to a more formal public consultation, both for quality assurance and to address the need for openness and inclusiveness. A wide-scale formal public consultative process commenced on 1 December 2016 and closed on 28 February 2017.
Responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act transferred to my Department in July 2017. My Department has completed its review of the feedback and data received through the consultation process and the findings will be submitted shortly to the Minister with delegated responsibility for the matter, Minister of State, Sean Kyne, T.D.
Community Banking
Ceisteanna (194)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:194. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when he will publish the report on public banking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44102/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would be asked to investigate and propose a new model of community banking, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand, which could be delivered through the post office network. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions.
My officials have been working actively with the Department of Finance over the last number of months to progress these commitments. In addition, a public consultation process, seeking views on the community banking model, was launched in early March and ran for four weeks. A total of 16 replies were received from a range of stakeholders and all submissions have been reviewed and considered. My officials, along with officials from the Department of Finance, also met with the Sparkassen Foundation for International Co-operation in relation to the German Sparkassen model and obtained detailed information from that organisation.
The Departmental officials are currently finalising a report on the merits of establishing a local public banking model in Ireland. This work is nearing completion and a report will be submitted to me and to the Minister for Finance shortly. I envisage that the report will be submitted to Government for consideration prior to any decision regarding publication.