Written Answers Nos. 340-365
340. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures in place for An Garda Síochána to assist private security during evictions; if private security must display identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities on the matters raised by the Deputy and I will contact him directly when the report is to hand.
341. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda mountain bikes allocated to each Garda station in the Dublin region in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37824/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no role in that matter.
In that regard, I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, so as to ensure their optimum use. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles, including mountain bikes, in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate mountain bikes between districts and stations in line with operational requirements.
The following table outlines the number of mountain bikes allocated and the total number of mountain bikes in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to date in 2018. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that, for operational reasons, this information is provided at Division and District level only.
|
DIVISION |
DISTRICT |
MOUNTAIN BIKES ALLOCATED IN 2018 |
TOTAL NUMBER OF MOUNTAIN BIKES |
|
DMR NORTH |
Coolock |
0 |
13 |
|
|
Balbriggan |
5 |
5 |
|
|
Ballymun |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Raheny |
2 |
14 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
Crumlin |
0 |
4 |
|
|
Sundrive Road |
0 |
5 |
|
|
Tallaght |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Rathfarnham |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Terenure |
0 |
5 |
|
|
Rathmines |
0 |
6 |
|
DMR EAST |
Dun Laoghaire |
0 |
8 |
|
|
Cabinteely |
0 |
2 |
|
|
Shankill |
0 |
2 |
|
|
Blackrock |
0 |
4 |
|
|
Dundrum |
0 |
6 |
|
DMR WEST |
Blanchardstown |
0 |
13 |
|
|
Finglas |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Cabra |
0 |
4 |
|
|
Clondalkin |
0 |
5 |
|
|
Ballyfermot |
0 |
5 |
|
|
Rathcoole |
0 |
2 |
|
|
Lucan |
0 |
6 |
|
|
Ronanstown |
0 |
7 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
Store Street |
0 |
12 |
|
|
Bridewell |
0 |
6 |
|
|
Mountjoy |
0 |
6 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
Kevin Street |
0 |
6 |
|
|
Kilmainham |
0 |
6 |
|
|
Pearse Street |
2 |
16 |
|
|
Donnybrook |
0 |
6 |
|
|
Irishtown |
0 |
3 |
342. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be provided to purchase replacement Garda prison trucks; the number of Garda prison trucks withdrawn in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37825/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. Indeed from 2013 to 2017 almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no role in that matter.
I am however informed that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations in light of operational requirements.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that €4.7m was made available for the purchase of vehicles in 2018 and that this budget is fully committed.
The following tables set out the current number of vehicles assigned to Prisoner/Courts duty, as well as the vehicles withdrawn in the time period identified by the Deputy.
Garda Fleet on Prisoner/Courts Duty as at 14 September 2018:
|
Vans |
Other* |
Total |
|
|
Total |
3 |
11 |
14 |
Vehicles withdrawn for the period in question is outlined as follows:
|
Vans |
Other* |
Total |
|
|
2016 |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
2017 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
2018 (to date) |
0 |
1 |
1 |
*The category "Other" in the tables above refers to vehicle types including trucks, minibuses and multi-purpose vehicles.
343. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding for the replacement of aircraft in the Garda air support unit will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37826/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement and provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
€1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017.
In terms of capital investment, €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the Capital Plan 2016-2021, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community. This investment will allow delivery of a broad range of projects associated with the Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme.
The Capital Plan 2016-2021 also provides €46 million for investment in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is additional to the investment of almost €30 million in the fleet in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, some 2,000 new vehicles have been added to the Garda fleet in the period 2013 to end of 2017.
Significant investment is also being made in addressing deficiencies in the Garda estate. The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, involving over €60 million exchequer funding and benefitting over thirty locations around the country. The cell refurbishment programme has already completed works at 80 locations nationwide. And this is in addition to the provision of over €100 million for the development of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Wexford, Galway and Dublin (Kevin Street) each of which has now been completed and entered into operational use.
I understand that the Garda Air Support Unit was established in September 1997 with the delivery of a Pilatus Britten-Norman BN 2T-4S Defender 4000 fixed wing aircraft and a Eurocopter AS355N Eceuriel helicopter. In 2001 the Unit acquired a second helicopter - a Eurocopter EC 135 T2. In 2007 the Eceuriel helicopter was replaced by a second EC135 T2+.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the question of prioritising the upgrading or replacement of these craft is in the first instance for the Commissioner, in the context of the above investment and his operational priorities. My Department will of course continue to engage with Garda management in relation to current and capital resource needs.
344. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding for the replacement of the entrance to the public office of a Garda station (details supplied) with automatic doors for increased accessibility will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37834/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, including upgrades where required to ensure universal accessibility. I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
I requested information in relation to the Garda station referred to by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they will consult with the OPW in relation to the question of replacement of the entrance to the public office with automatic doors for increased accessibility and that the matter will be considered having regard to the costs involved and the available budget.
345. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new marked and unmarked Garda cars and vans allocated to the Garda dog unit in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of vehicles withdrawn from the dog unit during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37835/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. Indeed in the period 2013 to the end of 2017 almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions, including Garda Dog Units are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.
I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table outlines the number of Garda vehicles assigned to the Garda Dog Unit as at 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017 and to date in 2018.
|
|
Cars |
|
Vans |
|
4 x 4 |
|
Total |
|||
|
|
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
|
2016 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
11 |
|
2017 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
12 |
|
2018 (to date) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
9 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
12 |
I understand these total vehicle numbers reflect the position after any relevant withdrawals of vehicles from the Unit. In that regard, Garda authorities indicate that 1 vehicle was withdrawn in 2016, 2 were withdrawn in 2017 and 1 has been withdrawn to date in 2018.
346. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána will take a zero tolerance approach as requested by local residents to anti-social behaviour at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37836/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities on the matters referred to by the Deputy and I will contact him directly when the report is to hand.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of all Garda resources, including personnel, is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I have no direct role in this regard. However, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continue to take all forms of anti-social and drug-related behaviour very seriously. An Garda Síochána continue to monitor all new and emerging crime trends in our communities and deploy Garda resources accordingly to address any problems that arise.
Working with communities to tackle public disorder and reduce anti-social behaviour remains a key priority for An Garda Síochána. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour. I might add that there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. There are also the incremental provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which provide, in Part 11, for warnings and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults and, in Part 13 of the Act, for warnings, good behaviour contracts and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by children.
Anti-social behaviour has no place in a civilised society. For its part, the Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have all the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in our communities. In this context, the Deputy will be aware that a very substantial budget of €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018 and close to €100 million has been provided for Garda overtime for 2018, which inter alia supports Garda activity to tackle these types of problems.
While An Garda Síochána will continue to tackle these problems head-on, they cannot eradicate the problem of anti-social behaviour alone. Specifically in relation to young offenders, it is also up to us as adults, particularly the parents and guardians of our young, to ensure that children are raised to be respectful and law-abiding. These lessons begin in the home, are further reinforced in our schools and then by wider society in general. We must all work together to ensure that such behaviour is never normalised and is tackled immediately.
Clearly, Garda visibility is very important and this Government remains committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. An Garda Síochána is currently undertaking a programme of accelerated recruitment, as part of the Government’s commitment to a strengthened service through the Five Year High Level Reform and Workforce Plan, which will see an overall workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members. Since 2014, approximately 2,200 new members have attested and been assigned to duties in communities throughout the country. By the end of this year it is expected Garda numbers will have increased to approximately 14,000 for the first time since 2011.
347. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the political advisers being used by senior and junior Ministers in her Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36692/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am providing in tabular form, the names of the Special Advisers appointed to Ministers in this Department since the commencement of this Government, the commencement dates of the employment of each and their cessation date where applicable.
|
Minister |
Date |
Special Adviser |
Commencement Date |
Cessation Date |
|
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation |
6/5/2016 to 13/6/2017 |
Alan Cantwell Jim McGrath Ellen Lynch Roy Dooney |
13/5/2016 13/6/2016 9/1/2017 23/1/2017 |
5/11/2016 21/1/2017 13/6/2017 13/6/2017 |
|
Frances Fitzgerald, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation |
14/6/2017 to 28/11/2017 |
Marion Mannion Matthew Lynch Aoife Sweeney Stephen O’Shea |
14/6/2017 14/6/2017 4/9/2017 14/6/2017 |
29/11/2017 29/11/2017 29/11/2017 29/7/2017 |
|
Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation |
30/11/2017 to date |
Lucy Moylan Pauric McPhillips |
30/11/2017 30/11/2017 |
N/A N/A |
|
Minister Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection. |
19/5/2016 to date |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Minister John Halligan, Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development |
19/5/2016 |
Michelle Clancy* |
14/11/2016 |
N/A |
*Due to the fact that Minister Halligan’s responsibilities span two Departments (my Department and the Department of Education and Skills), the Special Adviser to John Halligan is appointed by the Department of Education and Skills.
348. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a request (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37076/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State’s general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the State and other EEA states. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and EEA, an employment permit may be sought by an employer to hire a non-EEA national.
The employment permits system is managed in part through the operation of the highly skilled and ineligible occupation lists for the purpose of grant of employment permits. Changes to access to the Irish labour market for specific occupations via the employment permits system are made on the basis of research compiled in the annual National Skills Bulletin and the annual Vacancy Overview Report, undertaken by the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs and coordinated by the National Skills Council. This data, in tandem with a public consultation process which will involve the submission of evidence based cases for inclusion on, or removal from the HSEOL and ICEL, will form the basis of the bi-annual review process.
Care workers are currently on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). In order to have an occupation considered for removal from this list, there would need to be a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties are solely due to shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Organisations in the sector would need to provide the necessary data to substantiate their claims. A detailed evidence-based case for removal of care workers from the ineligible list, would then need to be put forward by the Department of Health, as the lead Department for the sector, to my Department for review and consideration.
In recognition of the changed economy and labour market of today as we move clearly and strongly out of the downturn, my Department recently completed a review of the economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system at my request. The report of the review will be published shortly providing recommendations on a framework for the future operation of the employment permits regime. Following that publication, the next review of the lists of occupations for employment permits is scheduled to be conducted in the Autumn.
Employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term, but it is not intended over the longer term to act as a substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling the State’s resident workforce, with an emphasis on the process of lifelong learning, and on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.
Planning, in relation to the health care workforce, is led by the Department of Health and it has agreed a framework for healthcare manpower planning; the guidance of that Department is key to developments in relation to the supply of health care assistants including the establishment of national standards and a register for home care workers.
349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the financial supports available to assist the setting-up of an equestrian centre in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37099/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubject to certain criteria, the LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for those starting or growing their business.
The LEOs provide a signposting service in relation to other relevant State supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office etc. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates, Public Procurement and other regulations affecting business.
The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. The LEOs do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, equestrian centres as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.
For anyone interested in starting or growing a business, the LEOs may be able to offer ‘soft’ support in the form of training (e.g. a Start Your Own Business course); a mentor to work with the business proposer; or targeted programmes such as Lean for Micro (to help boost business productivity and competitiveness).
Micro-enterprises may also avail of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) from the LEOs. The Scheme offers the opportunity for businesses to develop their website or digital marketing strategy by availing of vouchers of up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure.
Anyone with a viable business proposal can also use the LEO to make an application to MicroFinance Ireland, which offers support in the form of loans of up to €25,000 to start-ups with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks. Successful applicants can avail of a more favourable interest rate from MFI if they make their application through the LEO.
I should also draw your attention to the ‘Supporting SMEs’ Online Tool, which is a cross-governmental initiative to help start-ups navigate the range of Government business supports for which they could be eligible. The tool is available at www.supportingsmes.ie. By answering the eight questions in the Online Tool, a small business will, in one location, be able to:
- find out which of the over 170 Government business supports from 27 different Government Departments, Agencies and Initiatives are available to them;
- obtain information on the range of Government supports for accessing credit;
- identify their nearest Local Enterprise Office where they can discuss the outcomes of the guide further;
- download all these filtered results into a document for their further use.
The Deputy should be aware that the centre may be eligible for capital funding by my colleague Minister Ring through the LEADER programme, depending on the type of operation being funded.
350. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital expenditure for Enterprise Ireland under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan sets out a high-level financial and budgetary framework, which includes indicative Exchequer allocations, for each Ministerial Vote Group, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocations provided for my Department in the Plan are set out in the following table:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€555m |
€620m |
€630m |
€640m |
€715m |
The precise budgetary Ministerial capital ceilings for the years 2019 to 2022 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
As regards Enterprise Ireland the Revised Estimates Volume 2018 as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform allocated a total of €185 million in capital funding to Enterprise Ireland for 2018. As advised the capital allocations for Enterprise Ireland for 2019 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
351. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital expenditure for IDA Ireland under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37223/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan sets out a high-level financial and budgetary framework, which includes indicative Exchequer allocations, for each Ministerial Vote Group, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocations provided for my Department in the Plan are set out in the following table:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€555m |
€620m |
€630m |
€640m |
€715m |
The precise budgetary Ministerial capital ceilings for the years 2019 to 2022 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
As regards IDA Ireland the Revised Estimates Volume 2018 as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform allocated a total of €132 million in capital funding to IDA Ireland for 2018. As advised the capital allocations for IDA Ireland for 2019 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
352. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital expenditure for Science Foundation Ireland under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37224/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan sets out a high-level financial and budgetary framework, which includes indicative Exchequer allocations, for each Ministerial Vote Group, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocations provided for my Department in the Plan are set out in the following table:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€555m |
€620m |
€630m |
€640m |
€715m |
The precise budgetary Ministerial capital ceilings for the years 2019 to 2022 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
As regards Science Foundation Ireland the Revised Estimates Volume 2018 as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform allocated a total of €166.75 million in capital funding to Science Foundation Ireland for 2018. As advised the capital allocations for Science Foundation Ireland for 2019 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
353. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital expenditure for local enterprise offices under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan sets out a high-level financial and budgetary framework, which includes indicative Exchequer allocations, for each Ministerial Vote Group, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocations provided for my Department in the Plan are set out in the following table:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€555m |
€620m |
€630m |
€640m |
€715m |
The precise budgetary Ministerial capital ceilings for the years 2019 to 2022 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
As regards the Local Enterprise Offices the Revised Estimates Volume 2018 as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform allocated a total of €22.5 million in capital funding to the Local Enterprise Offices for 2018. As advised the capital allocations for the Local Enterprise Offices for 2019 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
354. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital expenditure for the Health and Safety Authority under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37226/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Safety Authority does not have an annual capital expenditure budget nor is there a capital expenditure provision for the Health and Safety Authority under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027.
In the 2018 to 2021 period, under the NDP, a Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMSII) is expected to make up to €350 million available to Irish farmers for investing in infrastructure, facilities and equipment to enhance growth and competitiveness, address climate and environmental issues, improve animal welfare and farm safety and target young farmers to address the age profile of the sector.
355. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital expenditure for InterTradeIreland under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37227/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that InterTradeIreland is one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement and is jointly funded on an agreed basis by my Department and the National Ireland administration.
The National Development Plan sets out a high-level financial and budgetary framework, which includes indicative Exchequer allocations, for each Ministerial Vote Group, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocations provided for my Department in the Plan are set out in the following table:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€555m |
€620m |
€630m |
€640m |
€715m |
The precise budgetary Ministerial capital ceilings for the years 2019 to 2022 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
As regards InterTradeIreland the Revised Estimates Volume 2018 as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform allocated a total of €5.695 million in capital funding to InterTradeIreland for 2018. As advised the capital allocations for InterTradeIreland for 2019 and beyond will be determined as part of the relevant annual estimates processes.
356. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if all permits (details supplied) have been allocated for 2018; her plans to increase the number available to the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37306/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 3 April 2017, I approved changes to the Employment Permit Regulations to remove the occupation of Heavy Good Vehicle Driver from the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). This change gives provision for the grant of an employment permit to those who meet the criteria and who are in possession of a valid CE or C1E driving license (or equivalent CE or C1E driving license identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction). A quota of 120 employment permits is provided for in this occupational category. This quota is currently open and will continue to be open to grant an employment permit to eligible applicants until it is exhausted.
Currently, 34 General Employment Permits have issued to eligible HGV drivers, leaving 86 in the quota. I have no plans to extend the quota at this time as permits are available.
357. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to legislate in order that company executives must hold bonus shares for periods of at least five years further to recent recommendations by the Financial Reporting Council in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCompanies listed on the Main Securities Market of the Irish Stock Exchange plc, trading as Euronext Dublin, are required to comply with both the UK Corporate Governance Code and the Irish Corporate Governance Annex.
The Listing Rules of the Stock Exchange require every company listed on the Main Securities Market to state in its annual report how the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code have been applied. They must also confirm that they have complied with the Code's provisions or – where they have not – provide an explanation. This is referred to as the ‘comply or explain’ approach.
The Code is not a rigid set of rules and the ‘comply or explain’ approach provides flexibility to companies, recognising that an alternative to following a provision may be justified in particular circumstances if good governance can be achieved by other means.
The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code was published on the 16th of July 2018 by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). The revised UK Code takes effect from 1 January 2019 in the UK. One of the provisions in the Code provides that "remuneration schemes should promote long-term shareholdings by executive directors that support alignment with long-term shareholder interests". The revised Code extends the minimum vesting and holding period from three to five years or more for shares awarded to executive directors under a company's long-term incentive plan.
The enforcement of the existing Corporate Governance Code and the application of revised UK Code is a matter for Euronext Dublin.
358. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to increase the number of staff in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement by 20%; the necessary resources required to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing his appointment in 2012, the current Director undertook a review of the structure of the ODCE, together with the staffing and skills mix available to him.
The Director subsequently sought, and was granted, sanction to recruit a cohort of new accountants. From 2016 to date, a total of eight forensic accountants, a digital forensics specialist, 2 Enforcement Portfolio Managers and 1 Enforcement Lawyer have been appointed. My Department is working with the Public Appointments Service towards the filling of a further Enforcement Lawyer post.
A key action in the Government's package of measures to strengthen Ireland's response to white-collar crime centres around the establishment of the ODCE as an agency.
Work on the development of the legislative framework for the establishment of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement as an agency is well advanced. It is expected that the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to this decision will be published shortly.
Changing the structure of the ODCE from an office to a statutory agency will provide greater autonomy to the agency and ensure it is better equipped to investigate increasingly complex breaches of company law. Sourcing of expertise and specialist staff will be enhanced under the agency model. The resourcing requirements of the Agency will be considered in the context of the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) process.
359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a work permit will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37730/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it has no record of any current applications for an employment permit for the above named people (details supplied).
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. The Employment Permits Section of my Department administers the Employment Permits system. All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.
To be eligible to apply for an employment permit a non-EEA national must have a valid job offer from an Irish registered employer.
Details on how to apply for an employment permit are available on our website at the following link - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/
My officials have produced a comprehensive Frequently Asked Question document covering all aspects of the Employment Permits regime which is available here - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/FAQs/Employment-Permits-FAQs-2018.pdf
Finally, it should be noted that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has responsibility for issuing immigration permissions and visas.
360. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a person (details supplied) can qualify for a work permit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37736/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it has no record of any current application for an employment permit for the above named people (details supplied).
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. The Employment Permits Section of my Department administers the Employment Permits system. All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.
To be eligible to apply for an employment permit a non-EEA national must have a valid job offer from an Irish registered employer.
Details on how to apply for an employment permit are available on our website at the following link - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/
My officials have produced a comprehensive Frequently Asked Question document covering all aspects of the Employment Permits regime which is available here - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/FAQs/Employment-Permits-FAQs-2018.pdf
Finally, it should be noted that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has responsibility for issuing immigration permissions and visas.
361. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a work permit is appropriate in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37744/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. The Employment Permits Section of my Department administers the Employment Permits system. All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it has no record of any current application for an employment permit for the above named person (details supplied).
It should be noted that "Care workers" are currently on the Ineligible Categories of Employment. However, Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits or Reactivation Employment Permits may be granted for ineligible occupations such as care workers. The eligibility criteria in respect of these permit types are available here - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/
To be eligible to apply for an employment permit a non-EEA national must have a valid job offer from an Irish registered employer.
Details on how to apply for an employment permit are available on our website at the following link - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/
My officials have produced a comprehensive Frequently Asked Question document covering all aspects of the Employment Permits regime which is available here - https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/FAQs/Employment-Permits-FAQs-2018.pdf
Finally, my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has responsibility for issuing immigration permissions and visas.
362. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the IDA will be meeting with the new owners of a new site (details supplied) in County Kildare to discuss its commitment to immediate investment in the site and the creation of a world-class high-tech business campus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37811/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the former Hewlett Packard campus in Leixlip has been recently acquired by a consortium of BlackRock Real Estate Assets and the O'Flynn Group. IDA Ireland intends to meet with the new owners and their agents to understand their plans for the property. Should the new owners agree, IDA Ireland will continue to market the facility to both existing and potential clients in order to help attract new investment to the area.
363. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the post of director of industry programmes in Science Foundation Ireland has been filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37838/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position of Science Foundation Ireland Director of Industry Programmes was advertised within SFI and externally on Friday, 8 June 2018 with a closing date of 28 June 2018. After an extensive recruitment process an internal applicant was appointed to the role on 3rd September 2018.
364. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if concerns regarding the link between Pandemrix and narcolepsy were ever brought to his attention; if so, the details of same; and the measures he took to have the matter addressed. [35867/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI cannot comment on individual cases or matters that are the subject of litigation but I can provide background information on this litigation and clarify matters that are already in the public domain.
The Final Report of National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee, “Investigation of an increase in the incidence of narcolepsy in children and adolescents in 2009 and 2010”, published on 19 April 2012, set out the facts concerning when knowledge of possible side effects from the pandemic influenza vaccine came to the attention of health authorities. The first reported case of narcolepsy as a possible consequence of the Pandemrix vaccination was identified by the Swedish pharmacovigilance authority in August 2010. The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), being the relevant regulatory authority for Pandemrix, continually monitored the reported adverse reactions of Pandemrix and advised member states accordingly.
It is important to remember the context in which vaccination against influenza type A (H1N1) was introduced. On 11 June 2009, following consideration by its Emergency Committee, the WHO raised the Influenza type A (H1N1) alert to Pandemic level 6 which officially declares a pandemic. In Ireland, children and young adults were the most affected groups. Eighty percent of cases were less than 35 years of age. More than 1,000 cases of confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza were hospitalised and 100 people were admitted to Intensive Care Units. There were 29 deaths, all but two of which were in ‘at risk’ groups and most had other significant underlying medical conditions.
The Department of Health activated the National Plan for Pandemic Influenza and, based on the advices of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee; ‘at risk’ groups were prioritised for vaccination. Vaccination of children was prioritised as the rates of influenza were highest in those groups at that time. The public pandemic vaccination campaign ended on 31 March 2010. Over 1.1 million pandemic vaccinations were recorded giving a 25% uptake for the total population. Since the 2010/2011 influenza season H1N1 has been incorporated in the seasonal flu vaccine used in Ireland.
A copy of the report can be found on my Department’s website: health.gov.ie/blog/publications/final-report-of-the-national-narcolepsy-study-steering-committee-2/.
365. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to reinstate the motorised transport grant for new applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36995/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme towards the end of the last Dáil session. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. A new Transport Support Payment Scheme remains a priority and we intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between ourselves, in due course.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
