Written Answers Nos. 89-117
89. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the policy in relation to the frequency with which an actor is means-tested when in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. [8286/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker’s allowance is a means tested payment and a person must satisfy the scheme conditions which include a means test and being available for full-time work. All jobseeker allowance claims including an actor’s claim are subject to review. A person’s entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance is reviewed on a continuing basis to ensure that they continue to satisfy the conditions of the scheme. A person’s means may also be reviewed from time to time. A customer may also request a review of their means in the light of changed circumstances at any time.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
90. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to ensure the social welfare office will remain in place in Castlepollard, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8448/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department currently has 58 Social Welfare Branch Offices at various locations throughout the country. Each Branch Office is operated and managed, under a contract for services, by a Branch Manager who is required to act as an agent for the Department in the area served by the office. Branch Office managers operate on a contract for service and are independent contractors. The Contract for the delivery of Branch Office services in Castlepollard expired on the 9th of February 2018. However, I decided, on an exceptional basis, to offer to extend the term of the contract of the incumbent Branch Manager for a maximum period of 12 months from the date of expiration and he has accepted this extension.
The Department is currently engaging in a process to enhance services across the branch office network, which includes Castlepollard, in order to ensure that an efficient and quality public service which properly reflects customer needs is provided.
91. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the timeframe that persons that are 62 years of age and over can spend on community employment schemes in view of the fact that such persons will exit the scheme before pension age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8311/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there is a provision which allows Community Employment (CE) participants aged 62 or over to apply to extend their participation on CE beyond the standard participation time limits, providing the eligibility conditions of CE are met. Participants aged 62 or over are allowed to participate on a continuous basis up to the State Pension age, subject to satisfactory performance on the scheme and to annual approval by my Department. The places allocated for these participants within each individual CE scheme are limited to 7% of each scheme’s overall budgeted places. This provision is available nationwide. I am currently reviewing the rules governing this provision and I expect this review to be completed shortly.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
92. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she plans to launch the public consultation on pension reform further to her announcement in November 2017; the details and timeframe of the public consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8434/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPensions reform is a Government priority and I can confirm an intention to publish and commence the implementation of a pensions reform plan in the coming weeks. This reform plan will detail measures to reform both our State and supplementary pension systems. Perhaps the two most fundamental reform measures contained within this plan will relate to the introduction of the ‘Total Contributions Approach’ for the State pension contributory from 2020 and the development of a new automatic enrolment retirement savings system for employees without supplementary pensions coverage. It is proposed that the ‘Total Contributions Approach’ (TCA) will replace the current ‘yearly average’ system from 2020. This will make the level of pension more directly proportionate to the number of social insurance contributions made by a person over his or her working life, with significant pension credits granted to people who have taken time out of the workplace to perform caring duties.
The TCA will eliminate the anomalies inherent in the current averaging system whereby a person can qualify for a full pension based on a small number of years payments (currently as little as 10 years contributions) provided they have no gaps in their record, whereas a person with more than 10 years contributions but with a significant gap in their record might be paid a reduced rate.
Automatic enrolment would see a transition from the current and purely voluntary supplementary pension system to one which will, subject to certain parameters, automatically enrol employees into a quality assured retirement savings system. It is planned that this reform, where the saver will maintain the freedom of choice to opt-out, will include employer and State financial incentives to encourage long term saving and asset accumulation amongst those who may otherwise suffer a reduction in living standards at retirement. It will increase the wellbeing, financial security, and independence of future retirees.
It is intended that following publication of the reform plan, two separate public consultation processes will be launched on the ‘Total Contributions Approach’ and automatic enrolment. The purpose of both of these consultations will be to inform the design of both systems. The details and timeframe of them will be confirmed subsequent to the publication of the reform plan, although I can say it is my intention to begin them by Q2 of this year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
93. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to difficulties being faced in the horse racing and breeding industries due to a recent Labour Court ruling affecting the classification of persons in the industry and the need for flexibility to take account of the unique nature of these industries in rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8425/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra552. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if discussions are expected to reclassify stable staff as agricultural workers further to a recent determination (details supplied) issued by the Labour Court into the classification of stable staff working in horse racing. [8459/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra553. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the efforts she is making to protect stable staff involved in horse racing under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8460/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 552 and 553 together.
The Labour Court determination in question involves a case where the Court, in exercising its independent and quasi-judicial functions, found against an employer in the horse racing industry in relation to breaches of the working time legislation.
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (the 1997 Act) sets out statutory rights for employees in relation to working time including work breaks and rest periods, maximum working time, night work and holidays. The 1997 Act transposed the EU Working Time Directive – Directive 2003/88/EC. The purpose of the Directive is to establish minimum health and safety requirements for the organisation of working time for employees.
While the Directive sets down limits on the time that workers can work without rests, it does allow some flexibility in relation to the application of some of its provisions. In this regard, it provides for derogations and exemptions under certain circumstances from some of its provisions. These derogations, which are provided for under the 1997 Act, are conditional on workers being granted ‘equivalent compensatory rest’. So, while employers may operate a more flexible system of working, employees must not lose out on rest periods. In all of this, I am very conscious that the purpose of the Working Time Directive is to protect the health and safety of employees. I understand that the Labour Court, in its determination of this particular case, found that the derogations available in the legislation did not apply to the employees in question. The Court is independent in the performance of its statutory functions in this regard. As Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, I have no role in relation to the adjudicatory functions of the Labour Court.
Representations have been made to me from the horse racing and breeding industry and from my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine about the concerns that exist in the industry arising from the Labour Court ruling. In light of the representations made to me, I have written to the Attorney General seeking his advice on this matter.
I understand that the employer involved has appealed the Labour Court determination to the Circuit Court and the case is returnable for a date in April 2018. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
94. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures she has taken to address the above average unemployment levels which persist in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8444/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first publication of the Labour Force Survey which replaces the Quarterly National Household Survey (QHNS) was released on 16, January 2018 and is the official measure of unemployment. The most recent data shows that unemployment has fallen from a peak of 15% in 2012 to 6.7% by Q.3 2017. Within the South East region, which includes Wexford, unemployment has fallen from a peak of 19.0% in Quarter 2, 2012 to 8.1% in Quarter 2, 2017 with numbers in employment increasing by 29,000 to 214,900 over the same period. While data from the Labour Force Survey is not available at the county level, trends in the Live Register can give an indication of underlying trends in local unemployment.
Overall, the Live Register in Wexford has fallen by almost 42% in the 5 years to December 2017, close to the reduction of 44% nationally. In the year to December 2017, the Live Register in Wexford has fallen by 1,707 people, or almost 14%, again closely in line with national trends.
The Government’s primary strategy to tackle unemployment since 2012 is twofold:
- Firstly, through policies set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, to create an environment in which business can succeed and create jobs. This policy now includes a specific regional Action Plan for the South East Region that has seen over 8,000 jobs created in the region in the last two years.
- Secondly, through Pathways to Work, my Department ensures that as many new jobs and vacancies as possible are filled by people taken from the Live Register. Under this policy, employment services and activation supports are heavily concentrated on the areas of highest unemployment, including those in Wexford.
Currently, there are 11 Activation Case Officers in the Intreo service in Wexford. This is an increase of one in comparison to January 2017, when there were 10. Prior to the roll-out of Intreo, there were 8 Activation Case Officers in Wexford, including former FAS personnel and DSP Jobs Facilitators.
The Case Officer capacity is supplemented by referrals to Turas Nua under the Job Path programme and to Wexford Local Development which operates the Local Employment Service (LES) on behalf of the Department. Wexford Local Development is contracted to provide intensive supports to 960 customers and employs 8 mediators to support LES operations.
A total of 9,114 customer engagements were scheduled by Activation Case Officers in 2017 in addition to their work with employers. Local records indicate that approximately 5,300 referrals to Turas Nua took place over the course of the year.
Later this year I will be introducing a new work experience programme targeted specifically at young jobseekers who are long-term unemployed or who face significant barriers to gaining employment – people who even during the Celtic Tiger years would have found it difficult to get a foothold on the career ladder. The new Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) will provide young jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. Host organisations will be encouraged to hire participants who performed well, and will qualify for a financial subsidy under JobsPlus Youth. YESS will complement other opportunities developed by the Department of Education and Skills, such as the new Career Traineeships and Apprenticeships, and will broaden the choice available to young people. Operational details are currently being finalised and I hope to launch the scheme in Quarter 2, 2018.
To date, the policies being pursued under the Action Plan for Jobs and under Pathways to Work have been effective in reducing unemployment, both nationally and in Wexford and I am confident that they will continue to do so.
96. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the uptake of paid paternity leave since it was announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8400/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaternity benefit was introduced from 1st September 2016 and provides a payment in respect of two weeks paternity leave to be taken within 26 weeks of the birth of the baby. In the period from the commencement of the scheme up to the end of 2017 a total of 31,071 people have availed of this leave and have been awarded and paid paternity benefit. The table below shows a breakdown by county of paternity benefit claimants for the period 1st September 2016 up to end November 2017, the latest period for which detailed statistics are available.
PATERNITY BENEFIT Claimants by County Breakdown
|
County |
Awarded Sept - Dec 2016 |
Awarded Jan-Nov 2017 |
Total Awarded |
|
Carlow |
64 |
286 |
350 |
|
Cavan |
75 |
411 |
486 |
|
Clare |
107 |
571 |
678 |
|
Cork |
634 |
3150 |
3783 |
|
Donegal |
155 |
651 |
806 |
|
Dublin |
1345 |
7085 |
8430 |
|
Galway |
284 |
1444 |
1728 |
|
Kerry |
127 |
668 |
795 |
|
Kildare |
234 |
1308 |
1542 |
|
Kilkenny |
115 |
481 |
596 |
|
Laois |
65 |
384 |
449 |
|
Leitrim |
43 |
174 |
217 |
|
Limerick |
195 |
949 |
1144 |
|
Longford |
40 |
187 |
227 |
|
Louth |
141 |
610 |
751 |
|
Mayo |
144 |
626 |
770 |
|
Meath |
209 |
1054 |
1263 |
|
Monaghan |
69 |
324 |
393 |
|
Offaly |
73 |
378 |
451 |
|
Roscommon |
56 |
316 |
372 |
|
Sligo |
71 |
320 |
391 |
|
Tipperary |
151 |
791 |
942 |
|
Waterford |
129 |
557 |
686 |
|
Westmeath |
101 |
466 |
567 |
|
Wexford |
140 |
715 |
855 |
|
Wicklow |
145 |
737 |
882 |
|
Others |
20 |
128 |
148 |
|
TOTAL |
4932 |
24770 |
29702 |
97. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the review of seasonal and part-time workers entitlements; her plans to improve the rights and entitlements of this group of persons; if she has examined the proposals within the commissioned review in its entirety; her views on whether outstanding issues affecting seasonal workers will be solved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two main social welfare schemes in my Department for individuals who are unemployed or unable to find full-time work are jobseeker’s benefit and jobseekers allowance. The 2018 Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseeker’s schemes of €2.17 billion. An Taoiseach, in his previous role as Minister for Social Protection, gave a commitment at Dáil report stage of the Social Welfare Bill 2016 that he would ask officials to examine the issue of jobseeker’s benefit and the treatment of part-time and seasonal workers, including those categorised as having a subsidiary employment. My Department has recently completed a report on the issues of this group which I am currently examining. I want to ensure that any approach taken is fair and sustainable in the long term.
On 7th December 2017, I published the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 which passed through the second stage of the Dáil last week. The Bill delivers on the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to tackle the problems caused by the increased casualisation of work and strengthen the regulation of precarious work.
This very important piece of legislation will improve the security and predictability of working hours for employees on insecure contracts and those working variable hours in all sectors of employment.
My Department is currently collating data on jobseekers benefit recipients in subsidiary employment. We will have 12 months of data gathered by May 2018 at which point I will be in a better position to make an informed decision on this issue.
98. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of plans for the introduction of the youth employment support scheme to be introduced in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to introduce the new Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) in June of this year. The scheme will be targeted at young people aged 18 to 24 who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. It aims to provide them with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement.
It will be open to people getting a variety of payments including Jobseeker Benefit and Allowance, One Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker Transition Payment, Disability Allowance, Blind Person’s Pension or Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
Young people, like other groups, vary in terms of skills, aptitudes, and background, so the scheme will aim to offer them a wide variety of work experience options to meet their particular needs. The scheme will be open to employers across the private, community and voluntary sectors who meet the eligibility criteria. Public sector organisations will be excluded.
The aim is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. The scheme will complement and sit alongside other opportunities developed by the Department of Education and Skills, such as the new Career Traineeships and Apprenticeships, and will broaden the choice available to young people.
Employers will be encouraged to hire participants who have performed well, and those who do will qualify for a financial subsidy under JobsPlus Youth.
99. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the concerns raised by her Department as referenced in the recently published cost benefit analysis undertaken on behalf of the Citizens' Information Board regarding the structure of the MABS service prior to the restructuring plans now underway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8341/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the decision by the Board of the Citizens information Board (CIB) to restructure local Citizens Information Services (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) company boards is to improve the governance arrangements with its downstream service delivery partners. It must be remembered that citizen centric CIS and MABS services are 100% funded by the Exchequer. It is essential that each company operates to modern and evolving standards of corporate governance, including compliance with necessary financial and audit requirements. Under the current unwieldy arrangements, each of the 93 services operates as independent entities and considerable administrative effort is required in the maintenance of each individual company. Many common services are delivered to citizens across the country, so opportunities exist to improve service standards and consistency nationwide.
Reducing the administrative burden on local service managers and re-direction of valuable resources to front line services will improve services for those who rely on them.
In parallel, improved monitoring of service delivery will assist CIB in identifying weaknesses and assist regional services in getting appropriate and suitable supports in place.
A reduction in the number of individual, yet similar, CIS and MABS companies from 93 to 16 will better facilitate adherence to required governance standards, assist CIB in meeting its legislative responsibilities as direct funder and bring CIS and MABS organisations more into line with modern public service governance guidelines and requirements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
100. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures she has taken to address concerns outlined at a meeting (details supplied) regarding security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8300/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the person or body that is the data controller for the public services card and attendant database; the way in which this information affects her Department in relation to the public services card and single customer view; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8445/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together.
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to security of the data relating to the Public Services Card.
The purpose of the Public Services Card (PSC) is to enable individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible. A PSC is issued once a person successfully completes a SAFE2 identity verification, i.e., has their identity verified to a substantial level of assurance.
Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation, Act (as amended) provides that:
(a) the following information is inscribed on the Public Services Card (PSC): forename, surname, Personal Public Service (PPS) Number, photograph, signature, card issue number and expiry date; and
(b) the following information is encoded on the chip of the PSC: forename, surname, date of birth, place of birth, sex, nationality, former surnames (if any), mother’s former surnames (if any), photograph, signature, issue number of the PSC, and expiry date of the PSC.
The above data (apart from the issue number and expiry date of the PSC) is part of the Public Service Identity (PSI) dataset as set out in section 262 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). Section 262 also sets out how the sharing and use of the PSI data is restricted to public service bodies specified in law or their agents. Designation as a specified body requires primary legislation and as such can only be done by an Act of the Oireachtas. I am not aware of any plans to specify any additional bodies.
Section 262 also provides that PSI data can only be used by a specified body for authenticating the identity of an individual with whom it has a transaction and in performing its public functions insofar as those functions relate to the person concerned. In addition, where a specified body collects any element of PSI data from a person, that information shall also be collected for the purpose of maintaining the person’s public service identity. Additional cover is provided by the Data Protection Acts as amended, Subsection 1 c iii of Section 2A, where personal data may be processed providing “the processing is necessary for the performance of a function of the Government or a Minister of the Government”.
The PSI data set is stored in enterprise class databases maintained in the Department’s secure data centres. The Department is committed to ensuring that customers’ personal data is securely held and used only for business purposes. Access to the dataset is restricted to those members of staff who have a business need to reference the data and all accesses to the data are logged. All members of staff must, on an annual basis, sign undertakings that they have read, and will act in accordance with, data protection policies and guidelines. Failure to comply with these simple rules could leave them exposed to potentially serious allegations. Where such allegations are substantiated, staff could face disciplinary action (including possible dismissal) and potential legal action including possible claim for compensation for distress/damage caused to the customer. The Department ensures oversight in relation to data protection by keeping records of data accesses which are then subject to audit. Twenty eight security audits have been undertaken within the last five years, twenty two of these are completed, and six are in progress. Three Penetration tests, two Privacy Impact Assessments, and a Risk Assessment of the IS environment were also carried out during this timeframe. The PSI data set is also stored by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Single Customer View. This system brings identity data together from a number of public bodies. The Single Customer View database is stored in a secure government data centre. Access to the data is tightly controlled and restricted to the government network. All data access is logged and regularly audited. The Secretary General of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Aras Mhic Diarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1 is the Data Controller for the PSI dataset held by the Department including the Single Customer View. As required under Section 16 of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 these details are listed on the Register maintained by the Data Protection Commissioner.
Separately each specified body that collects or holds PSI data elements is the data controller in respect of their holding of the data on their own systems or databases.
The PSC is produced in Ireland by an Irish-registered company called BCS. It was a condition of the award of contract that all data and related services provision and operation be provided on-site in Ireland and subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish courts. Once PSCs are personalised (i.e., the data is put on the card), the data used to personalise them is not retained by BCS but is destroyed as an automatic part of the personalisation process in accordance with advice provided by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. In addition the systems used in the card production have been subjected to audit by external experts.
The PSC itself has multiple protection mechanisms, all of the highest current international standards, to prevent and detect tampering with the physical card and its contents. As well as some hidden security features, there are visual measures such as the overall graphical design, branding, microprinting, the use of optical variable ink and a kinegram.
In addition, a PSC and a card reader communicate with each other by cryptographic means. Only card readers specifically programmed to accept PSCs can undertake this functionality.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputies.
102. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to raise the ceiling on annual reckonable earnings to be taken into account in the calculation of statutory redundancy lump sum payments in view of the fact that there has been no increase since 1 January 2005. [8433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy and other wage related entitlements to all eligible employees. An eligible employee is entitled to two weeks statutory redundancy payment for every year of service, plus a bonus week. Compensation is based on the worker’s length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a ceiling of €600 per week. In the event that an employer is unable to pay these entitlements due to financial difficulties, the Department can step in to make a payment from the Social Insurance Fund, as part of the redundancy and insolvency payments schemes. The ceiling limit has been reviewed and changed on a number of occasions and the limit was last increased in January 2005 from €507.90 to €600 per week following agreement between the social partners in the ‘Sustaining Progress’ talks during 2004.
An increase in the ceiling limit would result in an additional cost to employers and also to the Social Insurance Fund. Any consideration of an adjustment to the limit involves consultation with a number of Government Departments, the social partners and other relevant stakeholders and is subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance.
I have no plans to increase the ceiling limit at this time.
103. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the allocation of the additional 250 rural social scheme places will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputies on all sides of the House are fully aware of the positive benefits derived from schemes like the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). In recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the scheme, and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2018, I announced an increase in the weekly rate of payment for participants from March together with an additional 250 places to be rolled out this year. Taking into account the 500 additional places already allocated as part of the social welfare Budget 2017, this brings the total number of RSS places to 3,350, nearly 30% of an increase in the last two years. The distribution of the 250 additional places to be allocated to the Implementing Bodies (IBs), who deliver the scheme at a local level on behalf of the Department, will be known within the next 2 weeks. The places will be allocated taking a number of factors into consideration including the number of places already allocated, the demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available within communities and the numbers of farmers and fishermen in receipt of income support.
While the IBs have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme, including recruitment, my Department will work closely with them to ensure that all places are filled along with the additional 250 places to be allocated.
As the Deputy knows, the scheme has played an important role in sustaining rural communities. Participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities. In tandem, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and community groups have benefitted from the many projects undertaken through the scheme with minimal cost to the Exchequer.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
104. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the schools that will benefit from the budget 2018 measure to increase school meals funding to include newly designated DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8401/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding towards school meals is being provided in over 1,550 schools and other organisations, supporting up to 247,000 children at a cost of some €54 million in 2018, representing an increase of €6.5 million over the previous year. The Department was a member of the Inter-Departmental Advisory Group for the Review of the DEIS Programme undertaken by the Department of Education and Skills, following which DEIS Plan 2017 was published in February 2017. The Plan sets out targets and actions aimed at improving the educational outcome for pupils at greatest risk of not reaching their full potential by virtue of their socio-economic circumstances. Some 240 additional schools, including DEIS and non-DEIS schools, were identified to receive support under the school meals scheme from September 2017 in consultation with the Department of Education and Skills, which has developed a more robust and responsive framework for assessing individual schools levels of concentrated disadvantage as part of this process.
This ensures that the scheme continues to target those children most in need of this support.
In terms of selecting additional schools from September 2018, these schools will be identified by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills and will be contacted over the coming weeks.
105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if the gov.ie website is co-ordinated by his Department; if it is the Government Information Service or the Strategic Communications Unit that is responsible for same; the cost of same; the maintenance costs; his plans to maintain the taoiseach.gov.ie and merrionstreet.ie websites in addition to this site; and the way in which each of these sites are being managed. [8119/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gov.ie website is not coordinated by my Department. The gov.ie website is managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). It is planned that later in the year Government Department websites will begin migration to gov.ie. Once my Department has been migrated to gov.ie, taoiseach.gov.ie will no longer be maintained. Merrionstreet.ie will continue in its role as the Irish Government news service. The Strategic Communications Unit is working with OGCIO on the gov.ie migration project, as part of its broader remit to streamline Government communications.
106. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the number of vacant habitable dwelling units and vacant derelict residential dwelling units in the ownership of, part ownership of, or under the control of both his Department and agencies under his remit; the county in which each unit is located; and the length of time each unit has been vacant, in tabular form. [8672/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe properties occupied by my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) - the only body under the aegis of my Department - are provided and managed by the Office of Public Works. No property is owned, part-owned or under the control of either my Department or NESDO.
107. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 26 October 2017, the estimated cost of the proposed additional multi-role vessel (MRV) for the Naval Service in view of the fact members of the Defence Forces travelled to New Zealand recently to examine similar vessels; if the estimate includes purchase of helicopters for use on the flight deck of the MRV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper provides for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV). It is the Government’s intent that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks, both at home and overseas.
The acquisition of a modern vessel will ensure that the operational capabilities of the Naval Service, as the State’s principal seagoing agency, are maintained to the greatest extent and takes account of the overall policy approach in the White Paper on Defence.
Planning has commenced on this project and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course to cover the supply of the MRV. The design and configuration of the vessel, including the approach to helicopter flight operations, will be considered as part of the planning process. This procurement is, of course, subject to the availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope. The cost of the MRV will only be known once the tender competition is concluded.
108. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of expanding the strength of the Defence Forces to 10,500 personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out Government policy on Defence for the next decade. It commits to retaining flexible and adaptable defence capabilities for a broad range of scenarios and sets out capability requirements including personnel and equipment in this regard. In this context, it is important that an appropriate balance is maintained between personnel costs and equipment investment.
In December 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. The Defence Budget for 2018 provides for the full strength of 9,500 personnel and every effort is being made to reach this strength.
With regard to equipment and infrastructure, in late 2017 I secured additional capital funding of €98 million over the balance of the time frame for the Capital Investment Programme 2016–2021 which will contribute to meeting equipment and infrastructure requirements.
Apart from the White Paper targets, the Department does not maintain costings for increasing the strength of the PDF to those outlined by the Deputy. This would require detailed consideration of the capability requirements underpinning such an increase and consideration of associated personnel issues, including organisational structures as well as equipment, infrastructure and other additional requirements and associated costs.
109. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funding allocated to recruitment in the Defence Forces over each of the past five years; the annual number of recruits over the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8266/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that their recruitment funding allocation amounted to approximately €95,000 each year over the past 5 years. This forms part of the broader recruitment and Public Relations (PR) efforts. PR for the Defence Forces, by its nature, whilst geared towards communicating the roles of the Defence Forces and activities undertaken, also highlights the attractiveness of the Permanent Defence Force as a career and opportunities for service in the Reserve Defence Force.
The military authorities have also provided the following information on the number of General Service inductions to the Permanent Defence Force (not including Cadets or Apprentices) from 2013 to 2017:
General Service Inductions
|
Year |
Recruitment Allocation ONLY |
Recruitment & PR expenditure |
General Service Inductions |
|
2017 |
€95,000.00 |
€457,809.83 |
615 |
|
2016 |
€95,000.00 |
€175,330.00 |
590 |
|
2015 |
€95,000.00 |
€134,350.84 |
307 |
|
2014 |
€95,000.00 |
€74,586.64 |
444 |
|
2013 |
€95,000.00 |
€77,348.32 |
394 |
Please note that the expenditure figure for each year includes recruitment costs as well as associated PR costs.
I can confirm that further recruitment will take place in 2018 and plans for this are currently under discussion between civil and military management.
I remain committed to maximising the recruitment of required personnel to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.
110. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of reversing the 2012 decision to reduce the wage of new recruits in the Defence Forces by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8267/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are various factors which would impact on calculating the estimated costings in the manner sought by the Deputy. These include the level of recruitment which varies over time and the numbers of recruits remaining in the Permanent Defence Force once recruited. As both of these are variable, I am not in a position to provide an estimate of the costing given the changes in rates, the movement of personnel along scales and improvements in payscales for certain ranks that has taken place in the intervening period.
The Deputy may wish to note that Paragraph 2.31 of that Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) provides that in order to address the imbalance between those who entered the Public Service since 2011 and those who entered before that date, revised incremental salary scales shall be prepared for same grade entrants to each public service sector as necessary to incorporate the revision of salary scales introduced by Government Decision in January 2011.
Following discussions with the Public Sector Unions the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform issued guidelines dated 30 January 2014, on merging the 01 January 2011 and 01 January 2010 (10% reduction) public service recruitment pay scales. The new scales were effective from 1 November 2013 and applied to both existing staff on the 2010 pay scale and those who were on the 2011 pay scale.
In addition, improved payscales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were agreed in separate negotiations with PDFORRA. The revised payscales were backdated to 1 July 2016 and paid in August 2017.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for further increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the agreement. The agreement was accepted by the members of the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations in December 2017. The first increase of 1% in annualised salaries due under the agreement from 1 January 2018 was incorporated in the weekly pay of 7 February 2018 for enlisted personnel. Increases and arrears due for officers are scheduled for inclusion in the February monthly salary payment.
111. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost associated with initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in the Defence Forces; the funding allocated to initiatives aimed at improving the female participation rate in the Defence Forces. [8268/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin the Defence Forces, the budget allocated for recruitment does not ring fence funding for initiatives aimed exclusively at women. The general recruitment campaigns target both men and women and they succeed in portraying the DF as a career for women by showing existing female members of the Defence Forces in their everyday roles.
However special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment. Within the general recruitment framework, there are specific initiatives which focus on potential female recruits such as female-focused advertising, creation of female-specific recruitment videos, visits to all-female schools and targeted social media advertising.
Since 2016, some €180,000 has been spent on such female focused recruitment. In each of the two general service recruitment campaigns conducted in 2017, approximately 13% of the applicants were female.
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
112. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the impact on recruitment if Defence Forces personnel were granted the option of doing an extra four years service upon completion of their 21 year contract as was the case prior to 1997; if quotas were required to give effect to this option prior to 1997; the number of persons that chose to avail of this option; if savings accrued as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8269/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the 1990s, there was concern as to the unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force. Current contract arrangements for enlisted personnel are designed to prevent a recurrence of that scenario.
A claim from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to the 21-year contract was adjudicated on in December 2015. The adjudicator made specific findings on the matter. Officials in my Department are currently analysing the issues arising in relation to these findings. They will subsequently make recommendations to me on the options available.
The other data requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, my focus is on ensuring that the Defence Forces are staffed in a manner that will enable them to continue to deliver the services required of them by Government.
113. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of replacing outstanding stocks of lariam with malarone or doxcycline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8274/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that to replace current stocks of Lariam it would cost €380.24 to replace it with Doxycycline and €1,789.06 to replace it with Malarone.
As I have previously indicated, the choice of medication for overseas deployment 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 Defence Forces. The cost of the anti-malarial medication prescribed is not a factor in this decision making process.
Given that proceedings have been served in a number of cases, you will appreciate that I am constrained in my discussions on the matter and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on these matters.
114. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the units stationed in Cathal Brugha barracks, in tabular form. [8619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCathal Brugha Barracks is the headquarters of 2 Brigade and the following is a list of units that are based there.
2 Brigade Headquarters
7th Infantry Battalion
2nd Cavalry Squadron
2 Brigade Transport Company
2 Brigade Ordnance Company
2 Brigade Training Centre
2 Brigade Military Police Company
2 Brigade Communications Information Services (CIS) Company
2 Brigade Engineer Group
In addition, the Defence Forces School of Music, the Military Archives and the Dublin Unit of the Naval Service Reserve are based at Cathal Brugha Barracks.
115. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the ownership structure of the land attached to Cathal Brugha barracks and McKee barracks; if there are leasing arrangements in regard to either facility; if so, the existing parties; and the key conditions attached to such leases. [8620/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTitle of both Cathal Brugha Barracks and McKee Barracks is vested in the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under various longstanding Leasehold, Freehold and Fee Farm Grant agreements and both are administered by the Minister for Defence. There are no leasing arrangements in place in relation to either facility.
116. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there are barracks duties in the Dublin area that soldiers from other units outside of the Dublin area must travel to in order to carry them out. [8621/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the military authorities that, for the most part, personnel are only deployed within their own brigade area.
Occasionally, personnel from outside Dublin, are deployed for security operations to other locations, including Dublin which is a key centre for large scale operations and ceremonial activity for the Defence Forces. It is important that military personnel have experience of the full range of duties and of being part of a military force in a situation where they may be called upon to reinforce operations in different parts of the country. From time to time, this requires their deployment to locations where that experience can be gained.
117. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the size of the Baldonnel site in west County Dublin; and if it is possible for the Defence Forces to be relocated there from Cathal Brugha barracks. [8622/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current size of Casement Aerodrome is 227.21 hectares.
The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. There are currently no plans to close or amalgamate any permanently occupied military installations including Cathal Brugha Barracks.
