Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:2360. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount her Department has spent on guardian ad litem services in 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [35405/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGuardians Ad Litem
Ceisteanna (2360)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Child Care Act, 1991, as amended, the Child and Family Agency has responsibility for payment of any costs incurred by a person who has been appointed by a court to act as a guardian ad litem in proceedings under the Act. The Child and Family Agency has advised that, pursuant to this responsibility, the total amount paid in 2017 to guardians ad litem was €13,861,368. The total amount paid up to the end of May 2018 is €5,788,937. The following table provides a breakdown of the expenditure for 2017 and 2018.
|
2017 (Year to Date December 2017) € |
2018 (Year to Date May 2018) € |
|
|
GAL Costs Total |
7,699,428.00 |
3,301,791.81 |
|
GAL Legal Fees - Council |
993,637.00 |
339,813.00 |
|
GAL Legal Fees - Solicitors |
5,344,028.00 |
2,147,332.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total € |
€14,037,093.00 |
€5,788,937.00 |
Rape Crisis Network Funding
Ceisteanna (2361)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:2361. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount provided by her Department to rape crisis centres each year for the past ten years; and the services and supports provided from this funding by each centre or project. [35407/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, was established in 2014, and holds statutory responsibility for the provision of care and protection to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Tusla provides funding to some 58 organisations as part of its statutory remit, including 16 rape crisis centres around the country.
Details of Tusla funding to these centres are outlined in Table 1.
Table 1: Funding by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to rape crisis centres 2014-17
|
Name of organisation |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
1. Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre |
€131,827.00 |
€142,050.81 |
€142,000.00 |
€168,500.00 |
|
2. Rape Crisis Midwest |
€346,369.00 |
€346,400.01 |
€346,400.00 |
€361,400.00 |
|
3. Mayo Rape Crisis Centre |
€168,344.00 |
€168,400.01 |
€168,400.00 |
€188,400.00 |
|
4. Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre |
€207,942.00 |
€208,000.01 |
€208,000.00 |
€214,000.00 |
|
5. Wexford Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Service |
€210,750.00 |
€210,800.03 |
€210,800.00 |
€216,900.00 |
|
6. Galway Rape Crisis Centre |
€332,964.00 |
€333,000.00 |
€363,000.00 |
€400,805.21 |
|
7. Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre, Sligo, Leitrim, and West Cavan |
€160,222.00 |
€168,300.00 |
€168,300.00 |
€184,300.00 |
|
8. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
€1,042,458.00 |
€1,043,257.25 |
€1,087,892.00 |
€1,141,627.25 |
|
9. Rape Crisis North East |
€129,107.15 |
€138,109.53 |
€159,110.00 |
€169,110.15 |
|
10. Carlow and South Leinster Rape Crisis Centre |
€163,508.00 |
€164,298.73 |
€163,500.00 |
€165,500.00 |
|
11. Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre |
€240,116.00 |
€240,200.01 |
€240,200.00 |
€240,200.00 |
|
12. Tipperary Rape Crisis and Counselling Centre |
€165,368.00 |
€166,100.01 |
€166,100.00 |
€170,100.00 |
|
13. Athlone (Midland) Rape Crisis Centre |
€106,246.00 |
€106,300.21 |
€106,300.00 |
€113,100.00 |
|
14. Regional Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, Tullamore |
€77,253.00 |
€81,953.95 |
€84,300.00 |
€116,900.00 |
|
15. Sexual Violence Centre Cork |
€290,488.00 |
€290,500.01 |
€290,500.00 |
€290,500.00 |
|
16. Kilkenny Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre |
€174,828.00 |
€175,397.40 |
€174,900.00 |
€179,500.00 |
Funding cited for 2014-2017 represents the total funding provided, which includes core funding for the year and any additional resources that may be required due to service demands.
As detailed in the table, local rape crisis centres, in the seven locations where Sexual Assault and Treatment Units are based, provide services directly to clients at these units. Sexual Assault and Treatment Units are funded by the Health Service Executive.
A number of rape crisis centres are also involved in the Manuela Project, which focuses on the development and delivery of an educational programme for young people aged approximately 16 years. The programme was developed by Tusla and the Manuela Riedo Foundation (MRFI), and emphasises healthy relationships and the understanding of consent in sexual relationships.
In 2018, Tusla is providing €23.8 million in funding to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services, an increase of €1.7m over 2017 funding.
Details of services provided by rape crisis centres are outlined in the table provided at:
Closed-Circuit Television Systems
Ceisteanna (2362)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:2362. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the pilot motorway CCTV scheme in County Laois that was announced in 2015; the number of cameras involved; the set-up cost; the annual running cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33171/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A rural CCTV initiative was announced by the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in September 2015. This was, however, a small pilot scheme only, with a limited overall budget which was delivered through local community organisations. This scheme came to an end in 2016 with no provision for further funding. The funding came from the Local Government Fund. €50,000 was approved for the pilot scheme, and I understand it involved 20 cameras in seven locations around Dunmore, County Laois. The ongoing running and maintenance costs of the scheme are met by Dunmore Community Alert, a community group carrying out excellent work in the locality.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems. I understand that the Department of Justice and Equality launched a Community-based CCTV Grant-aid Scheme in April 2017, to assist community groups in the establishment of CCTV systems in their local areas. The Scheme is intended to support local communities who wish to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their area, with the aim of increasing public safety and to deter illegal or anti-social behaviour.
Dog Breeding Industry
Ceisteanna (2363)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:2363. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of convictions obtained to date in respect of offences under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Operational matters such as enforcement under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 are statutory functions of local authorities. Details on the number of convictions under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 are not available within this Department at this time. However, some statistics relating to operational matters including the number of improvement notices and closure notices issued are available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/dog-control/view-our-dog-control-statistics/.
On 8 July last, I published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments (DBEs). These are available on the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-for-DBEs-.pdf.
My Department developed these Guidelines through consultation with both industry experts and the public. The overall aim of the revised guidelines is to improve the welfare of animals in DBEs. However, some of the issues raised during the consultation process related to matters beyond the scope of the guidelines, such as the enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010. These will be considered as part of a wider review of the legislation which is due to take place later this year.
Dog Breeding Industry
Ceisteanna (2364)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:2364. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost and estimated cost to double inspections of dog breeding establishments to investigate animal cruelty allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out its functions, including any inspection of dog breeding establishments. Details on the cost of increasing the inspection levels in each Local Authority area are not available within this Department at this time.
On 8 July last, I published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments (DBEs). These form part of the framework within which local authorities carry out inspections and issue improvement notices, where required. They are available on the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-for-DBEs-.pdf.
My Department developed these Guidelines through consultation with both industry experts and the public. The focus of the revised guidelines is on the welfare of animals in DBEs. However, some of the issues raised during the consultation process related to matters beyond the scope of the guidelines, such as enforcement and inspections. These will be considered as part of a wider review of the legislation which is due to take place later this year.
The enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. It is important that members of the public continue to report suspected cases of cruelty to dogs, and indeed of suspected cruelty to any animal, to the appropriate authorities.
RAPID Programme
Ceisteanna (2365)
John Lahart
Ceist:2365. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the various RAPID programmes operating in the Dublin area; the funding that each has received in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the other funding that has been allocated for the RAPID programmes in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33580/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The original RAPID programme was closed to applications from 2011. Spend from 2011 to 2016 reflects my Department’s contractual commitments under unfinished RAPID projects, mainly under the Sports Capital Scheme. Total expenditure was €317,000 in 2015 and €32,000 in 2016.
In 2017, a new programme was put in place. Rather than having designated RAPID areas and Area Implementation Teams, each Local Authority area received €64,500 and the Local Community Development Committees decided how that funding was allocated. Information on the projects funded during 2017 is available on the following link:
https://drcd.gov.ie/revitalising-areas-by-planning-investment-and-development-rapid /.
In May 2018, I launched the new Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The CEP replaces and builds on the RAPID programme and the Community Facilities Scheme (CFS) making for a more flexible, streamlined and targeted approach to providing funding to those communities most in need, while reducing the level of administration involved.
The decision to replace RAPID and CFS with the new programme was made on foot of a review carried out by my Department. Details of the review are available on the Department's website at the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Review-of-Communities-Facilities-Scheme-and-RAPID.pdf.
Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are currently advertising for applications for the CEP and final decisions regarding funding allocations within each local authority area will be made by the relevant LCDCs.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
Ceisteanna (2366, 2367, 2368, 2369, 2416)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:2366. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the delivery of each action under pillar 2: supporting enterprise and employment in the Action Plan for Rural Development by the targeted date as set out in the second progress report published in April 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35362/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharlie McConalogue
Ceist:2367. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the delivery of each action under pillar 3: maximising our rural tourism and recreation potential in the Action Plan for Rural Development by the targeted date as set out in the second progress report published in April 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35363/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharlie McConalogue
Ceist:2368. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the delivery of each action under pillar 4: fostering culture and creativity in rural communities in the Action Plan for Rural Development by the targeted date as set out in the second progress report published in April 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35364/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharlie McConalogue
Ceist:2369. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the delivery of each action under pillar 5: improving rural infrastructure and connectivity by the targeted date as set out in the second progress report published in April 2018 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharlie McConalogue
Ceist:2416. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the delivery of each action under pillar 1: supporting sustainable communities in the Action Plan for Rural Development by the targeted date as set out in the second progress report published in April 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35361/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2366 to 2369, inclusive, and 2416 together.
The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development was published in January 2017 and includes more than 270 measures for delivery across a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies over the three year lifetime of the Plan. The measures are broken down into the five thematic pillars referenced by the Deputy.
Progress Reports on the implementation of the Action Plan are published twice-yearly. The first Progress Report was published in August 2017 and the second Progress Report was published at the start of May 2018.
The second Progress Report outlines the status of each of the actions under the five Pillars of the Action Plan which were due for delivery in 2017, or which had ongoing activity taking place in 2017. Of the 271 actions to be reported on, 254 were either completed on schedule or substantially advanced, representing an implementation rate of 93%.
The Progress Reports on the Action Plan are available on my Department's website at https://drcd.gov.ie/publications/.
Departmental Legal Costs
Ceisteanna (2370)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:2370. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expenditure incurred by his Department in respect of legal fees in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department was established on 19 July 2017. Since that date it has incurred expenditure totalling €2,655 in respect of legal fees.
We have recently been assigned a designated point of contact for the provision of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General and expect this to cover our ongoing requirements in this regard.
Departmental Legal Services
Ceisteanna (2371)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:2371. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has contracted the legal services of a company (details supplied) at any point over each of the past six years; if so, the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32647/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department was established on 19 July 2017 and since that date has not contracted the legal services of company in question.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Ceisteanna (2372)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:2372. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 847 of 10 July 2018, the number of expressions of interest received by Galway City and County Councils; the number selected and submitted to his Department for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32873/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The previous question referred to by the Deputy related to the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched on 27th April, with an indicative allocation of €15 million. Local Authorities were invited to seek expressions of interest from communities under the scheme and to submit up to 12 proposals to my Department for consideration by the closing date of 30th June 2018.
I understand that 37 expressions of interest were received by Galway County Council and, of those, 12 were selected and developed into full applications and submitted to my Department in line with the scheme outline.
Eligible towns and villages under the scheme are those that have a population of less than 10,000 people; therefore no applications were received from Galway City Council.
All applications are currently being assessed and it is anticipated that successful projects will be announced in early September. Projects will be expected to commence before the end of the year and be completed over a period of 18 months.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key component in the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. Over €31.6 million has been approved for more than 450 projects across the country since the scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016. It is anticipated that up to 200 additional projects will be supported under the 2018 scheme.
RAPID Programme
Ceisteanna (2373, 2374)
John Curran
Ceist:2373. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of his Department's review of the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32907/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Curran
Ceist:2374. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details and timeframe for proposals to replace the RAPID scheme with a new programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32908/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2373 and 2374 together.
My Department completed a review of the RAPID programme and the Community Facilities Scheme (CFS) earlier this year.
A report which provides information on that review, including a summary of key decisions, is available on the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Review-of-Communities-Facilities-Scheme-and-RAPID.pdf.
On foot of this review, I launched the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) in May which replaces and builds on RAPID and the CFS. Combining these schemes will make for a more flexible, streamlined and targeted approach to providing funding to those communities most in need, while reducing the level of administration involved.
Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are currently advertising for applications for the CEP and final decisions regarding funding allocations in each local authority area will be made by the relevant LCDCs.
Dog Breeding Industry
Ceisteanna (2375)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:2375. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount collected by local authorities on an annual basis to license puppy farms; the number of inspections that take place; the measures taken to ensure regulation of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33094/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010, I published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments (DBEs) on 8 July last. These form part of the framework within which local authorities carry out inspections of DBEs and issue improvement notices, where required. The Guidelines are available on the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-for-DBEs-.pdf.
My Department developed these Guidelines through consultation with both industry experts and the public. Some of the issues raised during the consultation process related to matters beyond the scope of the guidelines. These will be considered as part of a wider review of the legislation which is due to take place later this year.
Information on the fees collected by Local Authorities from DBEs and the number of inspections completed each year is available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/dog-control/view-our-dog-control-statistics/.
CLÁR Programme
Ceisteanna (2376)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:2376. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available for safety measures for schools that are not entitled to apply for CLÁR funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33184/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas which provides funding for small infrastructural projects in designated areas that have experienced significant depopulation in the past. The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of the designated CLÁR areas with a view to encouraging people to continue to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities.
The CLÁR programme has funded a range of measures since it was re-launched in 2016, including supports for safety measures in and around schools and other community facilities.
This measure has helped make many rural schools safer by funding projects such as the installation of footpaths and traffic calming measures close to schools. These simple measures make a huge difference to the quality of life of parents and children in rural communities which might not otherwise be prioritised for funding.
With regard to safety measures for schools which are not in designated CLÁR areas, it is open to the Local Authorities and the schools themselves in conjunction with the National Roads Authority (NRA) and/or the Department of Education and Skills to implement similar measures, subject to any standard considerations that may be required from the point of view of budgets, etc.
I intend carrying out a full review of qualifying CLÁR areas later this year on the basis of the 2016 Census data. The level of depopulation will continue to be a primary factor in the designation of any area as a CLÁR area. This review will involve a detailed examination of all areas of the country, as well as stakeholder consultation. The findings of the review will inform future launches of the CLÁR programme in 2019 and beyond.
CLÁR Programme
Ceisteanna (2377)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2377. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an application by a school (details supplied) for CLÁR funding was not granted; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for the work highlighted in the application to be carried out; and if the application will be reviewed in view of this necessity. [33433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CLÁR is a targeted capital investment programme for rural areas which have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
I launched the 2018 CLÁR programme on the 15th March last, with an indicative allocation of €5 million for qualifying projects under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas/Multi-Use Games Areas
Measure 3: First Response Support Measure
I can confirm that an application in respect of the school in question was received under Measure 1. Applications under this Measure were submitted by Local Authorities following consultation with communities in their CLÁR areas.
In general, applications were assessed on the basis of their eligibility under the scheme criteria and on the quality of the documentation supporting their proposals, as required in the scheme guidelines.
The application in question was not successful as it did not comply with the eligibility criteria indicated in the scheme guidelines. In particular, the application did not demonstrate that planning approval was in place for the proposed project, as required.
CLÁR Programme
Ceisteanna (2378)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2378. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason County Westmeath only received €218,000 in CLÁR funding for 2018 (details supplied); the reason the total received is less in comparative terms than 2017 when the county received over €300,000 from a total budget of €5 million; and the reason no project in County Westmeath was awarded funding under measure 2 of CLÁR in 2018. [33441/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CLÁR is a targeted capital investment programme for rural areas which have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
I launched the 2018 CLÁR programme on the 15th March last, with an indicative allocation of €5 million for qualifying projects under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas/Multi-Use Games Areas
Measure 3: First Response Support Measure
Applications under Measures 1 and 2 were submitted by Local Authorities following the receipt of expressions of interest and in consultation with communities in their CLÁR areas.
Applications under Measure 3 were invited from established organisations or groups that operate entirely on a voluntary basis and are involved in emergency rescue or first response efforts.
Funding under the CLÁR programme is not allocated on a county basis, nor by reference to previous funding. The final allocations are based on the level of qualifying applications received.
In recent weeks, I approved 310 successful projects for total funding of €8.7 million across the three Measures under the 2018 CLÁR programme. It should be noted that all applications which met the eligibility and qualifying criteria under each of the Measures were approved for funding.
Westmeath County Council submitted 12 applications under Measure 1 of the programme, seeking a total of €210,300 in funding. Of these, 11 applications were approved, to a total value of €180,300. Evidence of planning approval for remaining project was not provided, as required under the programme guidelines.
The Council also submitted three applications totaling €144,567 under Measure 2. However, all of these were unsuccessful, as evidence of planning approval was not provided for the proposed projects.
Under Measure 3, five applications were received from organisations or groups based in County Westmeath, requesting total funding of €57,661. One of these applications was successful and was awarded funding of €38,250. Unsuccessful applicants under this Measure did not satisfy the requirement of being established first responders as set out under the terms of the programme.
CLÁR Programme
Ceisteanna (2379)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2379. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason funding was not awarded through CLÁR to a group (details supplied). [33443/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CLÁR is a targeted capital investment programme for rural areas which have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
I launched the 2018 CLÁR programme on 15th March last, with an indicative allocation of €5 million for qualifying projects under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas/Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs)
Measure 3: First Response Support Measure
In recent weeks, 310 successful projects were approved for funding, with a total of €8.7 million allocated across the three CLÁR measures.
In general, applications were assessed on the basis of their eligibility under the scheme criteria and on the quality of the documentation supporting their proposals, as outlined in the scheme guidelines.
I can confirm that an application in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy was received from the relevant Local Authority under Measure 2. However, this application was not successful as it did not comply with the eligibility criteria. In particular, applicants were advised that Play Areas/MUGAs funded under the Measure must be available for use by the wider community after normal school hours and during school holidays, etc. In this way, the facilities in question will offer the maximum benefit to the community and to visitors to the area.