Written Answers Nos. 2380-2399
2380. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the extension of the senior alerts scheme has been considered for persons under 65 years of age with a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33692/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community based-organisation of a personal alarm or pendant.
Following a review, a new version of the scheme came into effect on 1 November 2017. A number of changes were introduced under the new scheme including the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements. However, eligibility to the scheme remains confined to those aged 65 or older at present.
The Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2018, launched last week, includes funding provision for effective utilisation of technology to support older people to live in their communities. Funding will be used under this measure to trial innovative projects which will explore and assess the impact smart technology solutions can have for improving the health and well-being of older persons in rural and urban communities.
2381. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number and names of the groups he met each month to date in 2018 that fall under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33716/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 is designed to provide a range of information to the public about lobbying activities, including details of who is engaged in lobbying and the officials being lobbied.
The Act seeks to make the process of lobbying more transparent and establishes that it is a matter for the organisations concerned to determine if they fall under the Act and to submit returns on a regular basis as to who they met. Designated Public Officials are not subject to rules regarding the registration and reporting of lobbying.
The Act also established a publicly accessible register of lobbying that contains details of all submissions by registered lobbying groups, which is user-friendly and searchable and can be accessed at www.lobbying.ie.
In addition, my Ministerial Diary is available and updated quarterly on my Department's website at www.drcd.gov.ie.
2382. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the budget allocated to the Western Development Commission for 2016, 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33892/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2383. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of employees in the Western Development Commission in June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33893/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2384. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of money available through the Western Development Commission for the WIF fund 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33894/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2382 to 2384, inclusive, together.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) was established on a statutory footing in 1999 under the Western Development Commission Act, 1998. The main aim of the Commission is to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the Western Region, covering counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.
The Exchequer allocations for the Western Development Commission for each of the three years from 2016 to 2018 inclusive are detailed on Table 1. The figures reflect the published Revised Estimates Volume for the years in question.
While €1 million in capital funding was ring-fenced for the WDC for 2016 and 2017 only, this funding was not drawn down. The classification of this money as Capital provision presented limitations for the WDC in the context of its legislative remit. Sanction was sought to have the funding re-classified as Current expenditure, but it was not possible to make a re-adjustment. There is no Capital allocation to the WDC for 2018.
In June 2018 there were 18 staff members employed in the WDC (which is a whole time equivalence of 16.8).
The Western Development Commission operates the Western Investment Fund (WIF) which contributes to the development of the region by investing through equity or loans in business start-up, growth-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and in community-based measures to encourage enterprise development.
The WIF was established as an Evergreen Fund on a revolving basis so all investments are repayable and all receipts are reinvested back into Western enterprises. At the start of 2018 the WDC Investment Fund had €21.4m available for reinvestment in SMEs, micro and community and social enterprises in the Western Region.
Table 1 – REV allocations 2016-2018, Western Development Commission
|
Year |
Current €000 |
Capital €000 |
Total €000 |
|
2016 |
1,488 |
1,000* |
2,488 |
|
2017 |
1,495 |
1,000* |
2,495 |
|
2018 |
1,516 |
- |
1,516 |
*Capital funding not drawn down in 2016 or 2017.
2385. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the establishment of a fund to support towns and villages which have been economically devastated by the creation of major bypasses will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33967/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a suite of schemes to support rural towns and villages, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the CLÁR scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which I launched recently.
The central aim of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is to support the revitalisation of towns and villages in order to improve the living and working environment for their communities. The scheme is targeted at towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people, with a particular focus on those with a population of less than 5,000. Applications are submitted to my Department by Local Authorities, following their consultation with local communities. The scheme places an emphasis on measures that can generate an economic stimulus for towns and villages to be supported.
Over 450 projects across the country have been funded to the value of €31.6 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme since it was introduced in the second half of 2016. Applications under the 2018 scheme are currently being assessed and it is anticipated that a further 200 projects will be supported under this year's scheme, with indicative funding of €15 million available.
The Government’s commitment to supporting the rejuvenation of rural Ireland, including smaller towns and villages, is further underscored through Project Ireland 2040, which has seen the creation of a new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This new Fund, which will operate over a ten year period, will provide an opportunity to deliver more integrated and ambitious projects which will further support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages.
Full details of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available on my Department's website, www.drcd.gov.ie. I launched the first call for proposals under the Fund earlier this month and the closing date for receipt of applications from this call is 27th September 2018. I envisage that a further call for proposals will be announced in the first half of 2019.
As a result of the Government's investment in rural regeneration over the last two years, towns and villages, including those that have been affected by the creation of major bypasses, now have several funding avenues available to support them.
2386. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost of insurance under headings (details supplied) for his Department and each body under its aegis; the cost of the premium for 2018 or the premium paid in 2018 if the policy year straddles two calendar years; the comparable premium amount paid in 2017; the number of outstanding insurance claims against his Department or bodies under its aegis; the estimated cost of those claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34005/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is a self-insurer, hence there are no insurance premiums payable by my Department. Any claims made against the State are managed by the State Claims Agency which is a part of the NTMA. Any awards, including costs, made against the State come from the VOTE allotted to the Department(s) concerned. There are no claims outstanding in relation to my Department since its establishment on 19 July 2017, to date.
For the agencies under the aegis of my Department, details are as follows:
Irish Water Safety:
Cost of premiums paid in 2018: €49,973
Comparable amount in 2017: €48,182
Outstanding claims: NIL
Western Development Commission:
Cost of premiums paid in 2018: Directors and Officers/Professional Indemnity: Awaiting renewal premiums, Office Insurance: €1,295.30
Comparable amount in 2017: Directors and Officers €8,825.75, Professional Indemnity €892.50, Office Insurance €913.75.
Outstanding claims: NIL
Charities Regulatory Authority:
Cost of premiums paid in 2018: €1,229.30
Comparable amount in 2017: €1,150.43
Outstanding claims: NIL
Pobal:
Cost of premiums paid in 2018: Nil as yet, premium due to be paid in August 2018.
Comparable amount in 2017: Premium paid in August 2017 €41,432.25
Outstanding claims: Two public liability claims
The estimated cost of those claims: Total reserve of €46,000. This is a reserve placed by the company’s insurer and is not indicative that payments will be made.
2387. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of progress as provided under the programme for a partnership Government on the development of a new Atlantic economic corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to create sufficient scale in the West, through an Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC), to match other areas in developing infrastructure, attracting Irish and multinational investment, and growing jobs and wealth in local communities. The initiative supports the regional growth objectives set out in the Government's National Planning Framework to 2040.
An AEC Taskforce was established in March 2017 to progress the initiative. Minister of State Seán Kyne chairs the Taskforce, which includes senior representatives from the business sector, key Government Departments, other public bodies, and Third Level institutions. The Taskforce has met six times since it was established, and will continue to meet on a regular basis.
A number of sub-groups of the Taskforce are also working to progress specific aspects of the overall proposal, such as examining infrastructure needs and enterprise property assets, and developing a communications strategy.
On 29 June, I launched the new online hub www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie. This website is the first step in a communications strategy for the AEC. The website offers information on advice and supports available to people thinking of setting up a business in the region, or for those interested in relocating and creating an Atlantic-coast lifestyle for themselves or their families.
Local Authorities are playing a key role in the development of the AEC, and in particular are helping to ensure a cohesive approach is taken across the Corridor. My Department is providing funding of €30,000 to each of the 10 Local Authorities along the Corridor to support the appointment of an AEC Officer who will help to promote the AEC initiative and support the work of the Taskforce and its sub groups.
2388. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding to be allocated to each county under the rural regeneration and development fund in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34187/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan has provided for a new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to enable towns, villages and outlying rural areas to grow sustainably and support delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Planning Framework.
Funding of €315 million has been provided over the period 2019 to 2022, which will allow both further activity under existing initiatives as well as the introduction of new investment initiatives under the Fund to be supported during this period.
Details on the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available online at https://drcd.gov.ie/about/rural/rural-regeneration-development-fund/.
Specific allocations are not being assigned on a county by county basis; instead the Plan makes clear that allocations from the Fund will be made on a competitive bid based approach.
On July 4th, I announced a first call for proposals under the Fund and invited submissions under two categories:
Category 1: “Ready-to-Go” proposals, or initial phases of projects which can be commenced in 2019, which have the necessary consents (e.g. planning) in place, are at an advanced stage of design, are in a position to satisfy value-for-money requirements in accordance with the Public Spending Code, and are procurement-ready.
Category 2: Proposals that have clear potential and quantifiable objectives but require further development to enable them to be potentially submitted as Category 1 proposals in subsequent funding calls.
The deadline for the receipt of applications under the first call for proposals is 27 September 2018.
It is envisaged that an initial announcement of approved projects will be made in late October/early November 2018 following the assessment process, and that projects (or project development in the case of Category 2 proposals) will commence in early 2019. It is expected a further call for proposals will be announced in mid-2019 and that subsequent calls will be announced on an annual basis thereafter.
2389. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on the local and community development programme in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and the allocated spend for 2018, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34188/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpenditure on the Local Community Development Programme (LCDP) in the years 2015 to 2017 is provided in the following table.
The LCDP was superseded by the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) from 1 April 2015 in most parts of the country. However, due to a deliberative process in County Meath and County Galway, LCDP funding continued to be issued in those areas on an interim basis to ensure business continuity. The payment in Dublin during 2016 relates to LCDP wind-up costs claimed during 2016.
The table also outlines LCDP funding that was provided at a national level to the National Collective of Community Based Women’s Network and the National Traveller Partnership. Responsibility for these organisations transferred to the Department of Justice and Equality in 2015.
As the LCDP was superseded by the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) from 2015, there is no allocation/spend for the LCDP for 2018.
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Carlow |
125,384.33 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
147,194.44 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
199,933.16 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork |
548,120.76 |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
422,057.55 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
2,850,665.72 |
29,677.09 |
0 |
|
Galway |
1,889,866.74 |
1,420,104.88 |
88,375.34 |
|
Kerry |
417,287.22 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
199,615.06 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
160,511.31 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
122,458.76 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
93,467.86 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
527,968.52 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford |
135,284.83 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
269,235.56 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
167,425.68 |
0 |
0 |
|
Meath |
117,444.98 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
91,853.70 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
131,132.39 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
115,551.49 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
144,385.18 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
203,081.20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
262,504.49 |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
234,236.25 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
451,160.83 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
250,900.72 |
0 |
0 |
|
National Collective of Community Based Women’s Network (NCCWN) |
324,357 |
0 |
0 |
|
National Traveller Partnership (NTP) |
287,091 |
0 |
0 |
2390. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his Department's spending on travel and subsistence expenses in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34220/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2391. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his Department's expenditure on photography and other promotional services including the creation of social media content in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34237/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2392. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his Department's expenditure on public relations in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34254/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2393. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his Department's expenditure on external consultancy in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34271/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2395. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his Department's expenditure on the purchase of newspapers and other media content, such as print, digital and other forms in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34305/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2390 to 2393, inclusive, and 2395 together.
The following table details information on certain requested expenditure since the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development on 19 July 2017 to date.
|
- |
Expenditure |
|
External Consultancy |
€81,391 |
|
Photography and other promotional services including the creation of social media content |
€5,645 |
|
Public Relations |
€0 |
|
Newspapers and other media content such as print digital and other forms |
€6,166 |
|
Travel and subsistence expenses |
€257,296 |
2394. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the detail of each non-Civil Service appointment that has been made in his Department; the pay grade of each appointment; and the relevant qualifications that each appointee has for their position. [34288/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are four positions in my Department to which non-civil service appointments apply.
Two Special Advisers have been appointed by me as Minister, both are on the Principal Officer Standard salary scale.
My Press Adviser has previously worked in communications roles in the charity sector, in politics, and in the public sector.
My Special Adviser has extensive experience working in the public sector at a senior level, having held the position of County Secretary of Mayo County Council for 12 years and Manager of Westport Urban Council.
Two civilian drivers have been appointed to date on the Civilian Driver salary rate, currently €691.01 per week.
All of these appointments were made in line with “Instructions to Personnel Officers - Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil” which included “Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial Offices” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In addition I also avail of the advisory services of a further adviser, who provides me with support and advice in an unpaid capacity.
2396. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of full-time equivalent press officers employed by his Department and him personally. [34322/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department employs one full-time Press Officer and one full-time Special Adviser who has responsibility for media and press related issues.
The Press Officer is a Civil Servant at the grade of Executive Officer and was recruited through the Public Appointments Service process.
The Special Adviser (with responsibility for media and press related issues) was recruited as a personal appointment, following the procedures outlined in the Instructions to Personnel Officers in relation to Ministerial Appointments to the 32nd Dáil, issued be the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
2397. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the contracts awarded by his Department to a company (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the value of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established on 19 July 2017 and I can confirm that it has not awarded any contracts to the company in question to date.
2398. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the progress of Comhairle na Tuaithe's mountain access project; the key indicators used to measure implementation; the status of these indicators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2399. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide a report on the two mountain access pilot schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34383/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2398 and 2399 together.
Comhairle Na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) was established in February 2004 as a non-statutory body with a primary focus on the priority areas of:
- access to the countryside,
- developing a countryside code, and
- developing a countryside recreation strategy.
I understand that under a Comhairle na Tuaithe initiative, in 2011, a Mountain Access Scheme to facilitate access to the uplands for hill walking and similar activities was developed in two pilot areas; one at Mount Gable in Connemara and the other in the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Co. Kerry.
In order to help progress the Mountain Access Scheme, SLR Consultants with the support of the former Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, South Kerry Development Partnership and Fáilte Ireland, were tasked with assessing the potential for structured permissive access to the MacGillycuddy Reeks uplands and to identify the most appropriate management structure to ensure the sustainable management of the integral environmental and cultural heritage of the Reeks, while providing long term clarity on permissive recreational access to the mountains. I understand that the SLR report also suggested a set of Key Performance Indicators covering issues such as management, revenue, training & education, enterprise and communication.
On foot of the recommendations in the SLR report, a Management Forum, whose job it was to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the report, was established in the Kerry pilot area in 2014.
I understand that SLR Consultants are currently in the process of finalising a review with regard to the progress of the Forum and I understand that the results of that review will be available in the coming weeks.
Comhairle na Tuaithe also established a Mountain Access Project Steering Group in 2014, which was tasked with reviewing progress in respect of the Mountain Access Pilots, developing signage for Mountain Access Pilot areas, and issues around a National Indemnity Scheme. During this time, tendering took place for the design of a mountain access logo, and mountain access signage and information panels for the two pilot areas, which are now in place.
