Written Answers Nos. 520-538
520. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average costs associated with processing and answering written and oral parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49132/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe work involved in answering Parliamentary Questions, be they Priority or Ordinary Oral Questions or Written Questions, is a key part of my and my officials' work. Given the range of questions asked by Deputies, the work required will vary greatly from question to question as therefore will the cost. To provide an estimate of average cost would need a detailed time and resource analysis over a significant time period. No such analysis has been carried out in my Department and I do not propose that such work be carried out.
521. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the ownership of the line and land surrounding the proposed western rail corridor is fully within one of the CIÉ holding companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49203/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
522. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure under the regional roads programme in 2016 and to date in 2017; the expenditure of each project in terms of actual expenditure on road, planning or design costs and administration or other costs; the specific nature of each of these costs by local authority, in tabular form; if an assessment of local authority costs on all road projects was completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49204/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each Local Authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants The initial selection, prioritisation and timeline for commencement and completion of construction of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Each year the Department prepares and lodges in the Dáil Library regional and local road grant allocation and end of year payment booklets. Details of the regional and local road payments for 2016 and allocations for 2017 are, therefore, available in the Dáil Library.
Details of expenditure relating to regional and local roads Grant Programmes claimed by the end October 2017 are outlined in the table.
|
Programme |
Expenditure to end October 2017 € |
|
Restoration Improvement |
102,506,127 |
|
Restoration Maintenance |
34,036,145 |
|
Discretionary Grant |
62,300,465 |
|
Bridge Rehabilitation |
2,555,876 |
|
Safety Improvement Works |
1,491,253 |
|
Speed Limits |
545,955 |
|
Specific Improvement Grants |
2,766,231 |
|
Strategic Regional Local Roads |
6,190,520 |
|
Severe Weather |
1,158,259 |
|
Training Grant |
1,319,409 |
|
Miscellaneous |
527,344 |
|
TOTAL |
215,397,584
|
The planning and implementation of individual projects within grant programmes is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. Grants are subject to the terms and conditions set by the Department, including, where applicable, competitive tendering for design consultants, advance works and construction contracts.
The Department conducts spot checks on whether grants have been claimed in accordance with its terms and conditions and is also strengthening its road engineering inspectorate.
523. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of theory test attendees who have been refused access to sit their booked theory test due to the detail of their middle name in the test booking not matching the newly issued PPS cards, by month and Road Safety Authority, RSA, test centre, in tabular form; the way in which these tests are charged for and re-booked in respect of fees and revenue transactions; the amount of lost revenue his Department has incurred in circumstances in which a refund was issued; the way in which this impacts on the delay for new theory test applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
524. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to reassess the need for a link (details supplied) to progress in view of Brexit and for the viability of the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49259/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 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 in relation to the national road section of the outline East-West link . Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
525. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the full details of the allocations under the 2017 round of the sports capital programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49276/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
526. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for improving Fintra bridge on the R263 in County Donegal; the timeframe for the delivery of the project; the estimated cost of the project; the completion date for the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49295/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for improving Tír Chonaill Street bridge in Donegal town; the timeframe for the delivery of the project; the estimated cost of the project; the completion date for the delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49296/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including bridges) is the statutory responsibility of Donegal County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection, prioritisation and timeline for commencement and completion of construction of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In May 2017, Donegal County Council applied to my Department for additional funding to progress work on two regional road bridges in County Donegal (Tirconnaill Bridge in Donegal town and Fintra Bridge on the R263). The funding request consisted of:
- A deck replacement and associated works for Tirconnaill Bridge and
- The construction of a new replacement Fintra bridge
I have given approval to Donegal County Council to proceed with the replacement of Tirconnail bridge at a maximum cost of €700,000. The timeline for completion of the works is a matter for the local authority.
In respect of the construction of a new replacement bridge at on the R263 at Fintra, Co. Donegal, my officials have been liaising with the Council in relation to options for this bridge. That process is continuing and no allocation can be confirmed in respect of that project until a conclusion is reached on the most appropriate option. However, it should be noted that I, and my department, are committed to the project.
528. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for improving the N56 between Inver bridge and Killybegs in County Donegal; the interim measures for improving the surface of that section of the N56 in view of the fact it is not fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49297/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 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. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
529. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the NTA and advise the number of additional buses that will be made available to Dublin Bus to meet increasing demand, in view of the fact that customer numbers on all services across the city have risen considerably in recent weeks; when these additional buses will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
530. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the insolvency of a semi-State company such as Bus Éireann might occur; if such declaration is a function of his, the management or another agency; and the precise circumstances that would trigger such a declaration. [49367/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Éireann is a company set up under the Companies Acts and is therefore subject, in principle, to legislative provisions applying to such companies in circumstances of insolvency. Section 7(10) of the Transport (Re-Organisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act, 1986, which established the three subsidiary companies of CIÉ, provides that a resolution for the voluntary winding up of a company shall not be adopted unless resolutions have been passed by each House of the Oireachtas consenting to such winding up.
I do not wish to speculate on the circumstances that would trigger such a declaration of insolvency. I believe Bus Éireann has a vital role to play in providing transport services and implementation of the April Labour Court Recommendation can provide for a successful and sustainable future for Bus Éireann. More generally, I have committed toward building upon the increased funding. I have already provided for both capital investment and PSO support for the public transport sector, in which the Company remains a key player.
531. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of proposed augmentation and investment in rail services over the next five years with particular reference to the extent that services can be tailored to meet the ongoing travel requirements of commuters, namely, identifying how best the rail services in general can meet the demands of medium to middle distance commuters from towns and villages outside of the greater Dublin area, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49452/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2018 provided for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion to 2021. This includes investment of over €1 billion in heavy rail infrastructure. The investment will be used to maintain safety and services levels on the rail network and will also fund projects such as the new rail Central Traffic Control Centre to improve national rail movements; the City Centre Re-signalling Project; fleet acquisition and the DART Capacity Enhancement Programme.
In Budget 2018 I also secured an 8% increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for PSO bus and rail services throughout the country. This means that in 2018 over €285 million will be allocated via the National Transport Authority (NTA) to support the continued delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services that have grown in recent years.
Noting the responsibilities of the NTA and Iarnród Éireann, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to both organisations for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
532. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the length of time children in Dublin south city LHO and the catchment areas of Rathmines, Terenure and Rathfarnham are waiting to be allocated a social worker, in respect of cases, including high priority cases, of child protection and children in care. [49225/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra533. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the length of time children in Cork south Lee LHO and the catchment area of Douglas are waiting to be allocated a social worker, in respect of cases, including high priority cases, of child protection and children in care. [49232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has informed me that, at the end of August 2017, there were 6,237 children in care. Of these, 323 (5%) did not have an allocated social worker. It is important to note that if a child has not been allocated a social worker, their needs are reviewed regularly by the Principal Social Worker.
Tusla does not collate data by county; however the the relevant information, correct to end of August 2017 is detailed in the following table. This information is published monthly as the “National Performance and Activity Dashboard” on www.tusla.ie/data-figures.
|
Administrative Area |
Dublin South Central |
Cork |
|
Number of children in care |
378 |
836 |
|
Number of children in care awaiting allocation of a social worker |
1 |
38 |
|
Number of open cases |
1,347 |
3,561 |
|
Number of open cases awaiting allocation of a social worker |
434 |
597 |
|
Number of high priority open cases |
120 |
146 |
I am informed by Tusla that a case awaiting allocation may be listed as 'active' on a 'duty ' system. This means that there are actions being undertaken by a dedicated duty team or rotating social workers on a duty roster to progress the protection and welfare of the child. Examples of actions being undertaken include telephone calls relating to the concern, visits to see the child, completing initial assessments and, where a child is in care, completing child in care reviews or care plans.
I can inform the Deputy that there were 25,775 open cases nationally at the end of August which includes children in care. Of these, 5,536 were awaiting allocation of a social worker. An open case is one which is assessed as needing a dedicated (allocated) social work service. Of these, 1,019 were designated as high priority, 3,441 as medium priority and 1,076 as low priority. A high priority case can include children needing further child protection assessment and intervention, children involved with child protection court proceedings, children in care for less than 6 months and children with high risk mental health and anti-social difficulties. Many children who are deemed medium and low priority have welfare rather than child protection needs and will engage with family support services.
The following table provides information on the length of time the 1,019 high priority open cases are awaiting allocation of a social worker.
High Priority Open Cases Awaiting Allocation, by time waiting August 2017
|
1 month |
425 |
|
1 - 3 months |
222 |
|
3 months |
372 |
|
Total |
1,019 |
Addressing the number of children who are awaiting the allocation of a social worker is a priority for me. I secured additional funding for the purpose of addressing this issue in 2017, and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is now in the second year of a 3-year plan to provide for the allocation of a dedicated social worker to all children who need one. The Deputy should note that all urgent and emergency cases notified to Tusla are dealt with immediately. Urgent and emergency cases could involve cases of abandonment, allegations of physical and sexual abuse, parental ill health leading to the need for an immediate placement, or threat to the safety or life of a child by a third party.
My Department will continue to closely monitor progress in this regard and I will continue to engage directly with the Tusla Board and senior management team to review progress.
534. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the preparations made in her Department in the event of no agreement being reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of the UK's exit from the EU; if such preparations involve the drawing up of detailed and specific contingency plans in the event of a hard Brexit and a trade regime based on WTO tariffs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48771/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, Minister Coveney has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with his colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government‘s contingency planning.
With regard to my own Department, the Deputy will be aware that in January of this year I hosted an all-Ireland sectoral dialogue with young people, members of the Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020, and other stakeholders in Croke Park to discuss the potential impact of Brexit on the lives of children and young people on the island of Ireland. The key findings of this important event have been published in a report which is available on my Department’s website. Since then, the Advisory Council has considered the report and work is ongoing in relation to the more detailed implications of Brexit.
Furthermore, matters in relation to Brexit were discussed by over 100 children and young people in April of this year as part of the annual regional Comhairle na nÓg Networking events. This has enabled my Department to identify those issues which may impact on children and young people, post-Brexit, and indeed identify other issues which resonate strongly with our youngest citizens.
The consultation and research undertaken to date by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has identified a number of issues of potential concern should negotiations between the EU and UK not conclude successfully. However, these matters are small subsets of much larger items which will be considered, in the main, in conjunction with colleagues in the Departments of Finance, Justice and Equality, Education and Health as part of the wider negotiating process.
535. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of providing external coaching and-or training services for staff development in her Department over the past five years and to date in 2017, by cost per year, in tabular form; the company that delivered the training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information required by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested. I have requested my Department to assemble the information as soon as possible and this will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
536. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the names of the companies renting a fixing and-or space on telecommunications and-or communications masts from her Department; the income received for each of the past five years for same, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48834/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not receive any income by renting a fixing and or space on telecoms and or communications masts.
537. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the income received by her Department from the renting to companies of space to use and-or take fixings from telecommunications and-or communications masts on site or on the roof of her Department, in each of the past five years, by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not receive any income from renting to companies of space to use and or take fixings from, telecoms and or communications masts on site or on the roof of my department.
538. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the report of the expert technical group dealing with the site of the former mother and baby home at Tuam, County Galway, will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48925/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June of this year I appointed a multi disciplinary team of technical experts to ensure that decisions on the future of the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co. Galway would be informed by international best practice. Their initial report was published on my Department's website at www.dcya.gov.ie.
I have received the Expert Technical Group's final report and have sought the advices of the Attorney General on its publication. My Department is consulting with relevant Departments and agencies and I propose to bring the report to Government shortly with a view to its publication. I can assure the Deputy that consultations will take place with stakeholders before any decisions are made on the future of the site.
