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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 5 Dec 2018

Written Answers Nos. 270-295

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (270)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

270. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be available in an area (details supplied). [51099/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In April 2017 my Department published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/Eircode:

- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process. 

- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. 

- The LIGHT BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

There are 17 premises in Ballymore. 15 (88%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention, while 2 (12%) are in a BLUE area and are or will be served by commercial providers.

Information on categories of specific premises can be accessed on the Department’s website, www.broadband.gov.ie, by entering the relevant Eircode into the High Speed Broadband Map. For those premises which fall within eir's commercial deployment to 300,000 premises further detail is provided on its website www.fibrerollout.ie.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage.  My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible.  My Department will now conclude its assessment of the final tender submission received from the bidder on 18 September 2018 and I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks on how to proceed.

For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen.  These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities.  The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (271)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

271. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51126/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Energy efficiency and climate action are inextricably linked.  Using less energy, and using it more efficiently, is the most cost effective and accessible way to take action on climate change.

My Department has already achieved the target of 33% energy efficient improvement to be achieved by all public bodies by 2020.  The most recently available data is provided in the Annual Report 2018 on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance produced by SEAI.  It shows that my Department had, by end 2017, achieved a 51.8% energy efficiency improvement (since the baseline year of 2009).

In 2017, my Department reduced its carbon emissions by 9.4% over 2016.  

This improved energy performance was achieved as a result of a number of targeted measures, including:- 

- participation in the OPW Optimising Power @ Work (OP@W) initiative

- introduction of a Building Management System to enable better energy monitoring and management  

- upgrading the heating system in the Department's HQ building to allow for zonal targeting and switch off during holiday periods

- rollout of energy efficient networked printers and photocopiers

- upgrading  to more efficient LED lights, where appropriate

- insulation works in parts of our HQ building

- energy awareness days and energy efficiency notices communicated to staff, and 

- incorporation of a more appropriate activity metric in terms of the Department’s energy use.

My Department, along with the 15 aegis bodies within its Departmental Group, will maintain the momentum and pursue additional energy efficiency opportunities to maximise the contribution to the overall national target of a 33% improvement by 2020.  

At the national level, Public Service bodies have achieved 24% improved efficiency, which has delivered 667,000 tonnes of carbon emission savings in 2017, and a cumulative saving of 3.56 million tonnes of carbon savings since the baseline year.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (272)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

272. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50997/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There is currently one member of staff from my Department who is working in the EU Commission as a Seconded National Expert (SNE).

SNEs are national or international civil servants who are working temporarily for the Commission. SNEs have a dual role: to bring to the Commission their experience of the issues they are used to dealing with where they normally work and to take back to their home administration the knowledge of Community issues which they acquire during their secondment.

Another available scheme is the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) programme. This programme is a bi-annual training scheme where serving civil and public servants can have an opportunity to work in the European Commission for a period of 3-5 months. The scheme provides officials with a first-hand experience of working in the European Commission.

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (273)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

273. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected date on the commencement of the Ardee bypass; the expected length of time before completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51062/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a detailed and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Coast Guard Services

Ceisteanna (274)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter relating to a lease (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51105/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Irish Coast Guard, a division of my Department, in consultation with the CSSO reviewed the draft lease of the property proposed by Mr Curtin. The IRCG having reviewed the matter made the decision not to pursue the lease. The CSSO advised Mr. Curtin's solicitors on the 17th July, 2018 and the file was closed. The Department is not liable for costs expended on a draft lease.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (275)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

275. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51139/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department and its agencies are actively engaged in the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy; indeed an increase in energy efficiency of 12.3% was recorded for my Department to the end of 2017. To achieve this energy saving a number of efficiency measures have been implemented including: consolidating from three buildings to one thus reducing maintenance energy costs; hosting of an “Energy Awareness Day” for all staff; and replacing of all of the lights in the Leeson Lane building with energy saving LED lights. Furthermore, in 2018 new waste management initiatives have also been introduced which take account of the segregation of all waste and the introduction of recyclable, food and glass waste bins and stations. It is also proposed to remove all non-recyclable cups by the end of January 2019. Significant energy saving measures within my Department’s IT systems have also been implemented such as automatic shutdown of PCs and introducing a range of print management solutions.

In relation to reducing the carbon footprint of the transport sector, as the Deputy is aware, reducing carbon emissions is a national challenge and requires concerted action across all sectors. The transport sector has a vital role to play in the national mitigation effort. To address this challenge, we are strongly pursuing emission reductions and energy efficiencies in transport across four key strands.

Firstly, we are increasing investment in public and sustainable transport to support modal shift and accommodate growing travel demand. An efficient public transport sector is a key priority in meeting our climate change goals. The National Development Plan has committed €8.6 billion to public transport over the 10 year period from 2018 to 2027.

Secondly, we are encouraging a transition away from fossil fuels. In the 'National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland' Ireland’s ambition that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold would be zero-emission capable was clearly outlined. To support this ambition, as well as a Programme for Partnership Government commitment, an interdepartmental Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce was jointly convened by my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to consider a range of measures and options to accelerate the deployment of low carbon technologies. In addition, under the National Development Plan Ireland has committed to stop buying diesel-only buses for the urban bus fleet from July 2019. To better inform future bus purchasing decisions, my Department is currently undertaking trials on alternatively fuelled buses.

Thirdly, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme plays a major role in decarbonising the road transport sector in Ireland. The penetration of biofuels as a share of road transport energy has increased significantly over recent years from a share of 4% in 2010 to 8% (by volume) from 2017. It is intended that the Biofuel Obligation Scheme will be incrementally increased on a sustainable basis to help meet the renewable transport target of 10% by 2020 as set under the Renewable Energy Directive.

Finally, an important role will be played by the introduction of more efficient standards for vehicles. Ireland continues to push strongly for better EU vehicle standards, seeking greater ambition in regulations that ensure vehicles registered in Europe, including cars, vans and heavy duty vehicles, are increasingly more efficient and less emitting. It is through better technology and improved efficiency that vehicle emissions can be decoupled from increased economic activity and population growth.

My Department will continue to actively work with other Departments and Agencies to research and develop new measures on a whole of Government and least-cost basis to advance Ireland's decarbonisation and energy efficiency policy pathways.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Ceisteanna (276)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

276. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding an application by a club (details supplied) for floodlights and ancillary equipment under the sports capital grant scheme. [51149/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closed on Friday 19th October. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications had been submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.

186 of these applications were from the 2017 round of the programme which were deemed to be invalid. These applicants were invited to correct their original application and have them considered as part of the 2018 round of the programme. I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy submitted one of these applications and that these applications are being assessed first. I hope to announce grants to this category of applications later this year or early in 2019.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (277)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

277. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of public sector staff from her Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50983/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are no schemes available to my Department to allow for the secondment of Department staff to work in other EU member states' public sector.

In accordance with Circular 33 of 1991, special leave without pay to take up an appointment with an institution of the EU is available and currently there is one staff member from my Department availing of this leave.

Ombudsman for Children Reports

Ceisteanna (278)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

278. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to have the Ombudsman for Children report published with regard to incidents at Oberstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51004/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Ombudsman for Children has undertaken an investigation in relation to Oberstown under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. My Department has not received a copy of this report. Publication of this report is a matter for the Ombudsman for Children.

Child Detention Centres

Ceisteanna (279)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

279. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff recruited to Oberstown, by administration and care work in each of the past four years; the number of staff departing in the same period; the average length of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51005/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by Oberstown that:

- the number of staff recruited by administration and care;

- the number of staff departing;

- the average length of employment;

for the period 2014-2018 is as follows:

Staff recruited

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Care

26

8

37

11

13

Admin

1

1

4

7

3

Total

27

9

41

18

16

Staff departing

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Care

8

6

24

19

14

Admin

0

0

2

4

5

Total

8

6

26

23

19

Average length of service of staff departing

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Care

22.3 years

6.2 years

12.7 years

14 years

12.2 years

Admin

-

-

24.7 years

1.2 years

4.8 years

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (280)

John Lahart

Ceist:

280. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the spending by her Department in Dublin by local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51016/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not readily available as it spans a number of programme, scheme and administrative areas of my Department. The information is currently being collated and will then be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

A deferred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Child Abuse

Ceisteanna (281)

John Lahart

Ceist:

281. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the ongoing investigations into an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51025/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My officials and I met with representatives of Scouting Ireland on Wednesday, 28 November to discuss concerns about the recent revelations of 71 alleged abusers and 108 alleged victims having been identified. My officials and I discussed with the Scouting Ireland representatives the steps they are taking to ensure that all alleged abuse victims who have already come forward are being properly supported and counselled and that the same level of support will be made available to any further victims that may come forward.

Scouting Ireland confirmed that there have been 80 calls to the confidential helpline from people identifying as victims. I have been reassured by the representatives that the historic review is continuing and that all allegations found within the historic files or subsequently brought to the attention of Scouting Ireland will be immediately referred to Tusla and to the Gardaí (or any other relevant police authority). I expect to receive a verified update on the number of alleged victims and alleged perpetrators in mid-December.

A confidential Freephone helpline has been put in place for any other victims to make contact. That number is 1800 221199. The number is manned 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Tusla has also put a confidential helpline in place, 1800 805665 and this is manned 9am to 4pm.

Family Resource Centres

Ceisteanna (282)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

282. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will direct Pobal to provide an extension of time for works to be completed at a family resource centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51032/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The results of the 2018 Early Years and School Age Capital programmes appraisal process were announced in June 2018, with all successful applicants receiving an offer of funding at the time.

A total of €6.87m was allocated under the programmes, with a view to creating 697 new 0-3 places, 1,253 new ECCE places and 807 new school age places. Funding was also granted for the essential maintenance and repair of community early years and school age services, and for the creation of new natural outdoor play areas in early years services.

All capital funding under the capital programmes is bound by the programme rules which state that, in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform rules governing exchequer funding, all funds must be spent in full and reported on within the calendar year they are allocated. Childcare services were advised of this in the programme guidelines, in advance of their making an application for funding.

Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons, it has not been possible for all services that were approved for funding this year to achieve the reporting deadline. In such cases, Pobal, who administer the capital grants on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, are instructed to seek de-commitment of contract.

The rules regarding the spending of exchequer funds and the rules of the capital programmes must apply to all services equally and without exception, and therefore it is not possible for an extension into 2019 to be granted to the service in question, or indeed for any other service.

I regret that this outcome is unsatisfactory in this case. However, an announcement on the shape and priorities of the 2019 Capital programmes is due to issue in the coming weeks. I would like to invite all childcare providers, including the service you mention, to consider submitting an application for funding, should they be in a position to meet the programme criteria.

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Ceisteanna (283)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

283. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of beds provided in the 155 units of Tusla funded domestic violence refuge and step-down accommodation. [51040/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic sexual and gender based violence.

I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (284)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

284. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if Tusla will address a matter (details supplied) as a priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51054/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under Regulation 8 of The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, a registered provider of a pre-school service is required to notify the Early Years Inspectorate in Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), in writing, of any proposed change in details in relation to their service contained on the National Register of Early Years Services. This application must be made at least 60 days before it is proposed that the change will take effect. The full list of changes to be notified to the Early Years Inspectorate is outlined in Schedule 4 of the 2016 Regulations, together with a copy of the prescribed application form, which must be completed and returned to the Inspectorate for processing. In certain cases, where a Registered Provider has been unable for good and proper reason to notify the Inspectorate within the required 60 day timeframe, then the Registered Provider must notify the Inspectorate in writing as soon as possible thereafter.

The Early Years Inspectorate endeavours to facilitate the processing of all completed applications for changes in circumstances as expeditiously as possible, provided such applications are complete and accompanied by all of the required supporting documentation.

In the particular case referred to here, the Inspectorate received an application from the service on 21 November 2018 for a change to the service-type to full day care. Some of the required supporting documentation for this application is still outstanding, however. The Early Years Inspectorate is currently engaged with the Registered Provider to obtain the required documentation so that this application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (285)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

285. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016. [51085/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, I am committed to the enactment of this legislation. The intention is to bring the Bill back to the Seanad for Committee Stage in January 2019.

This important legislation will give adopted people, people who have been the subject of an illegal birth registration, birth parents and relevant guardians a statutory right to an information and tracing service. It will also provide for the transfer of relevant records into the custody of the State.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (286)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

286. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress her Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51125/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is fully engaged in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme. I am happy to report that my Department had improved its energy efficiency performance at the end of 2017 by 47%. This is above the target set at 33% by the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy 2020.

During 2017, my Department reduced its energy consumption by putting procedures in place such as enabling automatic computer shut down in the evenings, reducing lighting in areas of the building with reduced footfall, the removal of personal heaters and desk fans, the central heating system set on a timer for 'exception periods' for dates when the building was closed on weekends and Bank Holidays. My Department also provided energy awareness information sessions to staff.

I fully expect my Department's energy efficiency performance to further improve as a result of the move in early 2018 to Miesian Plaza. Miesian Plaza is designed for high energy efficiency and is expected to achieve LEED Platinum accreditation. LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

Early Childhood Care and Education Funding

Ceisteanna (287)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

287. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the playschool application by a school (details supplied) will be reviewed for support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51175/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The results of the Early Years and School Age Capital programmes were announced in June 2018. Following this, unsuccessful applicants were invited to seek feedback on their applications from Pobal, who administer the Capital grants on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and, if they remained unsatisfied, to seek a review of their application.

The review process concluded in October 2018, at which time applicants were notified of the outcome of their application(s) in writing. Unfortunately, the outcome of the review process for the service you mention was to uphold the original appraisal decision and, therefore, no offer of funding was made.

The 2018 Early Years and School Age Capital programmes have now concluded and their budget has been allocated in full.

However, an announcement is due to be made on the shape and priorities of the 2019 programmes in the coming weeks. I would invite all childcare providers, including the service you mention, to consider submitting an application for funding in the new year, should they be in a position to meet the programme criteria.

If the service in question is experiencing sustainability issues, I would further recommend that they make contact with both their local CCC and Pobal, to outline their situation. Pobal have a dedicated team that assess services facing crisis situations and, depending on the nature of the case in question, they may be in a position to provide or recommend appropriate non-financial assistance.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (288)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

288. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50995/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.

I can confirm that my Department has no staff seconded to work in other EU member states' public sector. There is no specific scheme available in the Department for such secondments.

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (289)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the adjudication process regarding applications for the rural regeneration development fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51101/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The first call for applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed at the end of September. €1 billion is committed to the Fund over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and help build strong communities.

There was an excellent response to the first call, with nearly 300 applications received. Applications for the Fund are currently being examined by the Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives from key Government Departments and external experts, which was established to oversee the assessment process. Category 1 "shovel ready" projects have been prioritised in the assessment process and Category 2 projects - those which need development funding to become potential Category 1 applications in future calls for applications - will be considered at a later date.

I announced the first set of successful Category 1 projects for funding on the 23rd November 2018.

The announcement on the 23rd November was just the beginning of the process and further announcements of successful Category 1 and Category 2 projects will take place early in 2019 with a further call for the Fund taking place in mid-2019.

Community Services Programme

Ceisteanna (290)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of the community services programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51102/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions (FTEs). Some €44m will be provided under the programme in 2018.

My Department recently carried out an early consultation on the scope of the CSP review with key stakeholders and CSP supported organisations . The scope is currently being finalised and we expect to be in a position to tender for a third party review body very shortly, with the formal review set to commence in February 2019.

The review will consider, among other things, how the programme fits with overall Government priorities as well as my Department’s other community programmes and policy objectives. The review will take approximately six months and will inform decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (291)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

291. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51137/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's staff are based in two locations in Dublin and Ballina Co Mayo, aside from a small number of regional inspectors based in a number of locations around the country.

In Ballina, my Department shares accommodation with the Department of Employment and Social Protection and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, which is the anchor tenant for the building.

In Dublin, OPW secured accommodation for this Department on two floors in the Trinity Point building in Dublin 2, which we have occupied since August 2018. This is a modern office building and is currently shared with a mix of other public bodies and private companies and is managed under a pre-existing contract with a managing agent.

The Department is fully committed to, and engaged with, the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy published by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in January 2017 and has participated in a workshop that provided guidance on how to improve our energy efficiency. There are training sessions scheduled for January 2019 which will be attended by Departmental staff responsible for energy efficiency.

The Department is also actively participating in the OPW’s “Optimising Power @ Work” initiative which resulted in the Ballina office securing a Regional Award in 2018, which followed on from High Commendations in 2013 and 2014.

Trinity Point’s central Dublin location ensures accessibility by a range of public transport methods and there is provision of secure facilities for bicycles – these factors, in addition to limited availability of parking spaces, help encourage minimal use of cars by employees. When travelling on Departmental business, staff are directed to use public transport where possible.

My Department is also actively involved in promoting the Cycle to Work scheme, a Government initiative offering tax free bikes to staff for cycling to work. As well as this, my Department promotes the Travel Pass scheme, which encourages our employees to avail of public transport.

Additionally, the Department is proactive in encouraging environmental and energy awareness amongst staff, such as the provision of recycling bins in all common areas.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Ceisteanna (292)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

292. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recent funding announcement for a walk (details supplied) will include an extension or development of the wheelchair walk; the way in which the funds will be used; when works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51199/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The project in question was funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Ireland.

On 28 May last, I launched the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2018, under three separate measures:

- Measure 1: Small maintenance/promotion of existing infrastructure (maximum grant €20,000)

- Measure 2: Medium scale repair/upgrade and development of new small/medium infrastructure (maximum grant €200,000), and

- Measure 3: Repair/upgrade and development of larger more strategic projects (grant of between €200,001 and €500,000).

I recently announced the allocation of €1.8 million in respect of 128 projects under Measure 1 and over €8 million in respect of 18 projects under Measure 3.

Funding of €421,130 has been allocated to the project referred to by the Deputy under Measure 3 of the scheme.   The application was made for the following works, many of which will assist wheelchair users and well as families with young children: 

1. A segregated footpath along the park access road.   

2. The refurbishment of 2 new pedestrian footbridges across the stream that runs alongside the main car park. 

3. Improvements to the main Arrival Point. 

4. The introduction of public art features and a new wildflower garden in the vicinity of the arrival point.  

5. The positioning of name plaques and heritage panels across the paths network and digitising the trails for an app download. 

6. The investment in materials for 3 giant sculptures. 

7. Improvements to the Main Entrance to the park.

The specific question of extending the wheelchair walk in the park now or in the future is a matter for the Local Authority, but was not a feature of their application.

Project supported under Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme can commence immediately and are expected to be completed during 2019.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (293)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

293. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of public sector staff from her Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50988/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are no officials from my Department on secondment to any other EU member states' public sector.

Disability Allowance Payments

Ceisteanna (294)

John Brassil

Ceist:

294. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting times from when an appeal of disability allowance is granted by the appeals office to when payment issues from the disability allowance section; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51009/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.

Where a customer’s appeal is successful, every effort is made to implement the decision of the Appeals Officer (AO) within 3 weeks of notice of the decision being received from the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Currently, AO decisions are taking on average 4 weeks to implement. Staff are being assigned to this work to ensure that AO decisions are implemented within 3 weeks.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (295)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

295. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited in view of the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51067/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this gentleman on 4 October 2018. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.

The person in question can apply to the Community Welfare Officer for the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) if he is in need of financial assistance.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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