Written Answers Nos. 717-743
717. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers who left and joined Tusla in 2018, respectively; the number of social workers employed by Tusla; and the number who have left Tusla to date in 2019. [29945/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
718. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which the guardian ad litem service is funded. [29946/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraGuardians ad litem are appointed by judges in child care proceedings under Section 26 of the Child Care Act, 1991. The role and function of a Guardian ad litem is to inform the court of the child’s views and to advise the court of what, in the Guardian ad litem's professional opinion, is in the best interests of the child.
The 1991 Act obliges Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to pay costs (fees, travel, and legal representation) incurred by Guardians ad litem in the performance of their functions and otherwise gives it no role.
During 2018, Guardians ad litem were paid €8.44m in fees by Tusla. Legal fees incurred by Guardians ad litem amounted to a further €6.21m in 2018.
Work on the reform of Guardian ad litem arrangements is underway. In December 2017, the Government approved the establishment of a new national Guardian ad litem service within an executive office of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs
The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019, which is close to publication, includes a presumption in favour of the appointment of a Guardian ad litem for all children in child care proceedings.
It will also provide for the establishment of an executive office within my Department, which will employ Guardians ad litem and also establish a panel of Guardians ad litem who will provide services as independent contractors.
719. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure that the programme support payment will ensure appropriate financial support to childcare providers in respect of the substantial costs in the administration of the TEC, CCSP and ECCE schemes as announced in May 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29951/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra720. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the programme support payment does not provide for the registration of children after 31 December 2018 to August 2019 in respect of TEC and CCSP and to June for ECCE; if the scheme will be amended to recognise the additional time required for childcare providers to complete the administrative work associated with the scheme as she announced on 10 May 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29953/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.
Over €19m of Programme Support Payments (PSPs) are currently being paid out to early learning and care and school age childcare providers in recognition of the additional time required to complete the administrative work associated with the various DCYA-funded schemes. The payment also recognises the time required to perform activities outside of contact time with children, such as preparing materials for early learning and care sessions and assisting parents in understanding how they might benefit from the various early learning and care and school age childcare schemes supported by the State.
The PSP was first introduced by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2017 with an initial budget of €14.5m and has been increased since then to amount to €19.4m in 2019. Prior to that it was intended that capitation payments for ECCE or subsidies under the targeted programmes, together with parental co-payments, would cover all costs associated with the schemes including administrative overheads. While the budget for PSP has increased since introduction, the PSP remains a budget limited programme that cannot be demand lead and must therefore be reconsidered on an annual basis as circumstances change; for example significantly increased child registrations. The distribution of the 2019 PSP has been designed to be fair, effective and in keeping with the general policy set in previous years, in so far as possible.
The 2019 PSP is calculated as equal to 7 days’ (1.4 weeks’) registrations for ECCE at standard capitation, and 14 days’ (2.8 weeks’) registrations for CCS(P) and TEC. The June 2019 payment is made in respect of the programme year 2018/2019. As in previous years, the payment is based on child registrations at a snapshot point in the year.
As we countdown towards the introduction of the National Childcare Scheme, it is important that providers continue to be supported. There will be an additional €2m (over and above the €19.4m described above) associated with the National Childcare Scheme which will be made available to service providers later in 2019 as “Transitional Support Payment”. This one-off payment is being provided to support providers to meet the administrative requirements associated with transitioning to a new Scheme. The size of the maximum payment available to each service will be based on the number of services applying and the number of children in those service who were actively registered on one of the Department’s childcare programmes on 13th May 2019. Finally, it should also be noted that the subsidies for the NCS have been calculated to reflect the full costs (contact with children and non-contact/ administrative ) of delivering early learning and care and school age childcare services.
721. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has ceased the purchase and use of single-use plastics; the public bodies and agencies under her remit to which she has issued an instruction to cease the purchase and use of single-use plastics; when the instruction issued; the bodies that have confirmed they no longer purchase and use single-use plastics, respectively; the bodies that have not provided such confirmation to date; when they will confirm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29979/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has ceased the purchase of single-use plastics in response to the Government decision in January 2019 that government departments, public bodies, and schools will lead the way in the response to cutting down on single use plastics, with a number of measures, including no longer purchasing single-use plastic cups, cutlery and straws for use within their offices.
My Department advised agencies under its remit of this decision in early February 2019 and the Adoption Authority and Oberstown Children's Detention Campus have confirmed to my officials they also no longer purchase single-use plastics. I have requested that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and the Ombudsman for Children respond directly to the Deputy.
722. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the 14 motions tabled by councils nationally on behalf of an organisation (details supplied) requesting that her Department acknowledge adoptee identity rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30051/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the Council motions referred to by the Deputy and that these motions request that my Department allows adoptees access their own information.
The Adoption (Information & Tracing) Bill is at Committee stage in Seanad Eireann. It has always been the policy intention of the Bill to provide for the greatest possible release of birth information to adopted persons, consistent with the legal and constitutional framework.
An initial debate took place in the Seanad on Wednesday, 12 June and on June 19 the House took the decision to 'pause' the legislation and instead allow for statements on adoption. My legal advice is that some protection of birth parents' constitutional right to privacy must be reflected in the legislation. There are two rights at play, the right to identity and the right to privacy, and the Bill must seek to harmonise these rights. In my recent amendments, I sought to provide for the release of identifying information with the minimum restrictions possible.
I recognise that there are strong views on and opposition to the privacy provisions in the Bill, and to the revised scheme set out in my proposed amendments for Committee Stage. Accordingly I have formed the view that further consultation is required to seek to identify a more acceptable mechanism for the release of information.
I have therefore embarked on further consultations with Members of the Oireachtas and with stakeholder groups, to seek to reach a consensus which will allow the legislation to progress.
Pending the outcome of these engagements, I hope to be in a position to bring the Bill back to Seanad Éireann in the autumn.
723. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of allegations of child sex abuse investigated by Tusla involving an organisation (details supplied); the number of such cases referred to An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30052/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy has asked about an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that they respond directly to the Deputy.
724. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a process to reintroduce and integrate a RAPID type programme to support the most disadvantaged communities will be established further to his recent comments in Dáil Éireann. [29816/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community Enhancement Programme provides funding to community groups to enhance facilities in their areas. The programme does not ring-fence funding for specific locations, as was the case with RAPID. Instead funding is allocated to each local authority area, taking into account the relative deprivation levels. Local community development committees, LCDCs, administer the programme locally to ensure that funding is provided to groups and areas that need it most in order to address disadvantage.
The LCDCs monitor the programme closely using local knowledge to ensure that funding is benefitting communities in the fairest way possible. The programme has been widely welcomed with over 3,000 projects approved for funding across the country in 2018. There are currently no plans to reintroduce a RAPID type programme.
725. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the introduction of more stringent legislation to ensure that licences are not granted for the establishment of puppy farms in urban and residential areas in the interests of noise pollution affecting local communities situated in close proximity to same will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29817/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Under the Act local authorities are responsible for operational activities such as the registration, inspection and regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments, including enforcement activities.
Last year, following a public consultation process my Department published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments. These were put in place under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, and came into effect on 1 January of this year.
Sections 2.1.2. and 2.5.1. of the Guidelines refer to noise pollution in particular and outline that buildings which house dogs must not be a source of nuisance such as excessive noise from barking dogs and must be managed to ensure that the premises is not a source of noise nuisance.
It is a matter for each local authority, as the licensing authority under the DBE Act, to ensure that all premises comply with the standards set out in the Guidelines.
726. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects funded by his Department that have been most successful in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in areas of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29133/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's mission is to support viable, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. While the Department's role is not specifically related to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, its Community Development programmes have a role in tackling social exclusion and addressing deprivation in all communities, both urban and rural.
SICAP 2018 to 2022 has a funding allocation nationally of €38 million in 2019 and will provide some €190 million over the five year period of the Programme. SICAP supports disadvantaged communities and individuals including unemployed people, people living in deprived areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on a low income, members of the Traveller and Roma community and other disadvantaged groups.
There is also €4.5m in funding for the Community Enhancement Programme this year, providing funding towards grants for Community Groups across Ireland. The allocation of funding is weighted towards those communities in most need.
I have also provided ring-fenced supports for particular areas of urban deprivation including, for example, €6.5m for initiatives in Dublin's North East Inner City, an area suffering extreme deprivation.
All of these measures play a role in making our communities better places to live in.
727. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding from the CLÁR programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29143/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Since I relaunched the programme in 2016, more than 1,200 projects have been approved funding of over €25 million.
I launched the 2019 CLÁR programme on 28 February last. Applications were invited under three separate measures:
Measure 1: Support for "School and Community Safety Measures",
Measure 2: Support for "Play Areas and Multi-Use Games Areas", and
Measure 3: Funding for "Community Wellbeing Support".
Community Wellbeing Support covers the provision of equipment and vehicles for voluntary first-response organisations, as well as the provision of specialist vehicles to bring people to cancer care centres and other community care services. The measure will also provide funding for sensory gardens.
The closing date for the 2019 CLÁR programme was the 30th April, and almost 500 applications were received by my Department.
My officials are currently finalising the assessment of the applications received and decisions on the successful projects will be made shortly.
728. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on projects in County Carlow under the LEADER programme; the number of projects allocated funding; the number still pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29270/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is administered in County Carlow by the Carlow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), which acts as the Local Action Group in partnership with Carlow County Council and Carlow County Development Partnership.
The total amount of funding allocated to the county for the duration of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme is in excess of €6.4 million, which includes administration and project funding.
To date, 33 projects with a combined value of €2,069,280 have been approved by the Local Action Group. This amounts to 43% of its project budget. In addition, a further 4 applications seeking total funding in excess of €700,000 are at various stages of the approvals process.
Project payments are drawn down as approved works are completed and claims for payment are submitted by the project promoters. To date, €1,146,666 has been spent on these LEADER projects in County Carlow.
729. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on digital marketing in each of the past eight years; the items on which funds were spent; the criteria by which target audiences were selected; the amount of the digital spend targeted here; the amount targeted abroad; the amount that related to private companies; the amount that related to policy initiatives; and the purpose of the digital advertisements. [29398/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established on 19 July 2017. Since then the following has been expended on digital marketing :
Earlier this year, my Department hosted a series of regional ‘Rural Opportunity' information sessions to raise awareness of the wide variety of funding supports available to rural communities from across Government Departments. Staff from my Department and a number of other Departments and agencies were also on hand at the events to provide further information to attendees on the range of supports available. As part of the Rural Opportunity campaign, a video was produced by a company, procured through the tendering process, which featured recipients, and demonstrated the range of supports available, detailing how the funding received made a difference to:
- job creation/enterprise in rural communities, enabling people to work in rural Ireland;
- improving the quality of life for those living and working in rural communities – reducing social isolation and improving social cohesion;
- attracting more visitors and tourism to rural communities;
- harnessing a vibrant cultural scene within rural communities; and - assisting a Gaeltacht community and promoting the Irish language.
The cost of producing the campaign video was €19,557. In addition to the production cost, €4,078 was spent on promoting the video on social media to users in Ireland (not internationally) who had displayed an online interest in Irish rural life.
My Department also placed an online advertisement for the public consultation on our Department's Irish language Scheme which cost €615. This is the Department's first Language Scheme, and runs from 2019-2022. This Scheme has been formulated with the intention of ensuring that all relevant obligations under the Official Languages Act relating to the Department of Rural and Community Development are being fully addressed on an incremental basis, through this and future schemes. It sets out the Department’s commitments to customer service in Irish and advises of the availability of services through Irish.
730. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the costs paid to companies (details supplied) for projects for which they were engaged by his Department in each of the years from 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the reason each was engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29449/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not engaged the companies in question since the Department's establishment in July 2017.
731. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of projects approved under CLÁR measures 1, 2, 3 and 4 since the programme was re-established, on an annual basis by county; the number of projects not approved by county; the main reasons for refusal; if there is an appeal mechanism in place to appeal refusal decisions; the funding allocated for approved projects in each county under the CLÁR programme annually; and the amount expended on approved projects annually and to date in 2019, in each county under CLÁR, in tabular form. [29535/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible, within the timeframe available, to compile the detailed level of information sought by the Deputy. However, I have asked my officials to collate the information requested and I will forward it to the Deputy in the coming days.
732. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local action group, LAG, under the 2014 to 2020 LEADER programme; the amount expended to date under the programme in each LAG to 30 June 2019; the percentage of the spend to date of the amount allocated to each LAG for the programme period to 30 June 2019; the amount expended to date by administration and project costs by each LAG to 30 June 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29536/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual programme with a total budget of €250 million over the period 2014-2020. €220 million of this funding has been allocated to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country who deliver the LEADER programme. This funding is allocated to the LAGs for the full period of the programme.
The remaining €30 million is available for schemes to be delivered at a national level.
Table 1 provides details as at 30 June 2019 of:
- The budget allocations to the LAGs under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme.
- The total spend by the LAGs broken down by:
- the cost of developing their strategies (preparatory support);
- the expenditure incurred on LEADER administration and supporting the development of projects (administration & animation);
- the funding provided to LEADER projects.
-The total spend expressed as a percentage of the LAG's budget allocation.
While the overall spend to date is 24% of the total allocation available to the LAGs, there has been a significant increase in project approvals since the start of 2018, with over 2,100 projects approved to a value of €75.8 million. Project payments, in particular, under the programme will increase significantly as these projects are completed and submit payment claims.
Table 1: LEADER Expenditure data as of 30 June, 2019
|
Local Action Group |
Total Allocation |
Prep Support Spend |
Admin & Animation Spend |
Project Spend |
Total Spend |
% Spent |
|
Carlow |
€6,416,803 |
€20,000 |
€570,502 |
€1,146,666 |
€1,737,168 |
27% |
|
Cavan |
€8,522,286 |
€50,000 |
€737,081 |
€1,047,813 |
€1,834,895 |
22% |
|
Clare |
€8,920,225 |
€83,336 |
€1,335,000 |
€816,240 |
€2,234,576 |
25% |
|
Cork North |
€5,091,846 |
€15,000 |
€942,141 |
€712,143 |
€1,669,283 |
33% |
|
Cork South |
€3,831,303 |
€65,000 |
€623,243 |
€305,996 |
€994,239 |
26% |
|
Cork West |
€5,015,674 |
€135,240 |
€832,922 |
€207,971 |
€1,176,133 |
23% |
|
Donegal |
€12,913,878 |
€57,594 |
€1,702,128 |
€2,900,157 |
€4,659,880 |
36% |
|
Dublin Rural |
€6,370,438 |
€55,000 |
€785,045 |
€471,303 |
€1,311,348 |
21% |
|
Galway East |
€7,655,851 |
€155,356 |
€986,700 |
€160,677 |
€1,302,733 |
17% |
|
Galway West |
€4,540,033 |
€75,000 |
€415,000 |
€227,665 |
€717,665 |
16% |
|
Kerry |
€10,219,868 |
€16,344 |
€1,788,522 |
€1,677,653 |
€3,482,519 |
34% |
|
Kildare |
€5,261,600 |
€50,000 |
€560,699 |
€211,422 |
€822,120 |
16% |
|
Kilkenny |
€7,791,573 |
€57,295 |
€1,250,000 |
€788,707 |
€2,096,002 |
27% |
|
Laois |
€7,124,587 |
€35,191 |
€760,446 |
€767,771 |
€1,563,408 |
22% |
|
Leitrim |
€5,998,475 |
€25,000 |
€721,134 |
€461,622 |
€1,207,756 |
20% |
|
Limerick |
€9,276,594 |
€22,187 |
€1,531,620 |
€1,408,285 |
€2,962,092 |
32% |
|
Longford |
€7,597,623 |
€30,000 |
€807,276 |
€448,966 |
€1,286,242 |
17% |
|
Louth |
€6,101,862 |
€28,000 |
€792,558 |
€570,498 |
€1,391,057 |
23% |
|
Mayo |
€11,121,432 |
€119,238 |
€1,679,598 |
€1,108,103 |
€2,906,939 |
26% |
|
Meath |
€6,903,124 |
€40,000 |
€996,343 |
€288,898 |
€1,325,240 |
19% |
|
Monaghan |
€7,592,720 |
€58,296 |
€744,456 |
€728,217 |
€1,530,969 |
20% |
|
Offaly |
€8,036,764 |
€30,000 |
€1,026,781 |
€1,377,419 |
€2,434,200 |
30% |
|
Roscommon |
€8,852,659 |
€58,213 |
€942,029 |
€546,829 |
€1,547,071 |
17% |
|
Sligo |
€7,655,648 |
€15,000 |
€688,174 |
€967,757 |
€1,670,931 |
22% |
|
Tipperary |
€10,103,443 |
€20,000 |
€1,222,600 |
€955,709 |
€2,198,309 |
22% |
|
Waterford |
€7,522,796 |
€75,427 |
€951,636 |
€1,735,656 |
€2,762,720 |
37% |
|
Westmeath |
€7,384,206 |
€25,602 |
€876,475 |
€402,401 |
€1,304,479 |
18% |
|
Wexford |
€9,840,141 |
€15,000 |
€950,872 |
€1,100,344 |
€2,066,216 |
21% |
|
Wicklow |
€6,336,549 |
€35,794 |
€784,206 |
€439,607 |
€1,259,607 |
20% |
|
Total |
€220,000,000 |
€1,468,112 |
€28,005,188 |
€23,982,497 |
€53,455,797 |
24% |
733. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority under the CLÁR programme in 2017 and 2018; the amount paid to each local authority up to 30 June 2019 for each allocation, in tabular form; the percentage of the amount paid out to date of the figure allocated to each local authority in each year, based on the latest data to 30 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29537/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, CLÁR is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and focuses on areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
The table outlines the amount allocated under the CLÁR programme to each Local Authority in 2017 and 2018, the amount paid to each Local Authority up to 30 June 2019 in respect of each year's allocation, and the percentage of the allocation paid at that date.
All Local Authorities were requested to submit their final outturn in respect of 2017 allocations by the end of June this year and my officials are currently working on closing out the 2017 programme. My officials will also be asking Local Authorities to complete their 2018 CLÁR projects with a view to closing this programme round as soon as possible.
|
Local Authority |
Amount Allocated CLÁR 2017 |
Total Paid to 30.06.19 |
% of Allocation Paid |
Amount Allocated CLÁR 2018 |
Total paid to 30.06.19 |
% of Allocation Paid |
|
Carlow |
€178,760 |
€156,445 |
87.52% |
€337,707 |
€132,490 |
39.23% |
|
Cavan |
€288,731 |
€288,469 |
99.91% |
€551,489 |
€508,653 |
92.23% |
|
Clare |
€323,132 |
€323,132 |
100.00% |
€371,598 |
€370,865 |
99.80% |
|
Cork |
€195,600 |
€175,000 |
89.47% |
€611,191 |
€493,815 |
80.80% |
|
Donegal |
€70,590 |
€70,590 |
100.00% |
€461,841 |
€441,064 |
95.50% |
|
Galway |
€519,792 |
€519,492 |
99.94% |
€603,615 |
€465,987 |
77.20% |
|
Kerry |
€134,188 |
€134,188 |
100.00% |
€431,677 |
€48,000 |
11.12% |
|
Kilkenny |
€161,932 |
€161,932 |
100.00% |
€303,464 |
€281,900 |
92.89% |
|
Laois |
€51,395 |
€51,395 |
100.00% |
€508,313 |
€453,359 |
89.19% |
|
Leitrim |
€457,552 |
€457,552 |
100.00% |
€380,236 |
€225,430 |
59.29% |
|
Limerick |
€161,730 |
€160,925 |
99.50% |
€343,840 |
€343,540 |
99.91% |
|
Longford |
€238,417 |
€237,067 |
99.43% |
€414,181 |
€95,120 |
22.97% |
|
Louth |
€245,869 |
€155,370 |
63.19% |
€266,207 |
€215,552 |
80.97% |
|
Mayo |
€628,230 |
€596,637 |
94.97% |
€624,166 |
€393,763 |
63.09% |
|
Meath |
€104,000 |
€104,000 |
100.00% |
€226,440 |
€209,804 |
92.65% |
|
Monaghan |
€536,784 |
€528,987 |
98.55% |
€503,164 |
€337,771 |
67.13% |
|
Offaly |
€186,954 |
€185,665 |
99.31% |
€259,639 |
€259,638 |
100.00% |
|
Roscommon |
€320,555 |
€311,516 |
97.18% |
€312,465 |
€292,447 |
93.59% |
|
Sligo |
€274,650 |
€271,746 |
98.94% |
€376,895 |
€353,820 |
93.88% |
|
Tipperary |
€191,258 |
€187,978 |
98.29% |
€361,355 |
€229,884 |
63.62% |
|
Waterford |
€313,365 |
€313,365 |
100.00% |
€528,840 |
€491,641 |
92.97% |
|
Westmeath |
€77,096 |
€77,096 |
100.00% |
€324,867 |
€251,825 |
77.52% |
|
Wicklow |
€33,300 |
€6,300 |
18.92% |
€130,590 |
€42,795 |
32.77% |
734. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority under the local improvement scheme in 2018; the amount paid to each local authority up to 30 June 2019, in tabular form; the percentage of the amount paid out to date of the figure allocated to each local authority in each year based up to 30 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29538/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, I allocated over €20.8 million for Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) roads in two phases. To date, over €18.4 million has been paid out under the 2018 scheme; this equates to over 88% of the total allocated. The figures requested by the Deputy are provided on the table, by Local Authority:
|
Local Authority |
Total Allocation 2018 |
Amount of 2018 Allocation Paid to Date |
Percentage of Allocation Paid to date |
|
Carlow |
€528,279 |
€521,812 |
98.78% |
|
Cavan |
€636,680 |
€500,008 |
78.53% |
|
Clare |
€1,038,844 |
€1,023,900 |
98.56% |
|
Cork |
€1,700,000 |
€1,344,107 |
79.07% |
|
Donegal |
€1,792,516 |
€1,360,232 |
75.88% |
|
Galway |
€1,942,000 |
€1,942,000 |
100% |
|
Kerry |
€1,209,990 |
€1,011,739 |
83.62% |
|
Kildare |
€329,590 |
€329,590 |
100% |
|
Kilkenny |
€679,683 |
€533,810 |
78.54% |
|
Laois |
€568,255 |
€440,352 |
77.49% |
|
Leitrim |
€550,120 |
€550,120 |
100% |
|
Limerick |
€684,349 |
€575,009 |
84.02% |
|
Longford |
€472,217 |
€382,350 |
80.97% |
|
Louth |
€250,000 |
€249,984 |
99.99% |
|
Mayo |
€1,843,235 |
€1,447,941 |
78.55% |
|
Meath |
€773,404 |
€765,001 |
98.91% |
|
Monaghan |
€540,841 |
€540,841 |
100.00% |
|
Offaly |
€644,654 |
€644,486 |
99.97% |
|
Roscommon |
€820,968 |
€639,662 |
77.92% |
|
Sligo |
€606,870 |
€606,870 |
100% |
|
Tipperary |
€794,400 |
€713,368 |
89.80% |
|
Waterford |
€607,047 |
€607,047 |
100% |
|
Westmeath |
€607,224 |
€607,224 |
100% |
|
Wexford |
€511,410 |
€477,768 |
93.42% |
|
Wicklow |
€668,135 |
€668,135 |
100.00% |
|
TOTAL |
€20,800,711 |
€18,483,356 |
88.86% |
735. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of rural roads that have received funding under the local improvement scheme, LIS, in each of the years from 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by local authority, in tabular form; the projected number of road projects to be completed in 2019; the number of projects approved under the LIS since it was re-established on an annual basis, by county; and the number of projects that were not approved, by county. [29539/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince I reintroduced the Local Improvement Scheme in 2016, I have allocated over €48 million to the scheme, which has resulted in the approval of over 2,000 roads projects.
The LIS is funded by my Department and administered through the Local Authorities. The number and location of roads to benefit from improvement works is a matter for the relevant Local Authority, and my Department does not hold records of projects not approved at Local Authority level.
The table outlines the number of LIS projects approved, and the number that have been confirmed as completed to date since 2017. In a small number of cases, the number completed is greater than the number originally approved, due to necessary substitutions agreed with the Department. A number of Local Authorities have yet to submit their final account confirming the funding spent and the number of roads projects completed, particularly in respect of 2018. My Department is addressing this with the Local Authorities.
|
Local Authority |
Number of Roads Approved in 2017 |
Number of Roads Confirmed Complete under the 2017 Scheme |
Number of Roads Approved in 2018 |
Number of Roads Confirmed Complete under the 2018 Scheme to Date |
Number of Roads Approved in 2019 |
|
Carlow |
20 |
20 |
28 |
28 |
14 |
|
Cavan |
10 |
10 |
11 |
6 |
4 |
|
Clare |
28 |
28 |
30 |
30 |
12 |
|
Cork |
21 |
TBC |
61 |
42 |
20 |
|
Donegal |
164 |
164 |
106 |
56 |
34 |
|
Galway |
57 |
57 |
66 |
69 |
37 |
|
Kerry |
41 |
41 |
58 |
36 |
26 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
12 |
12 |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
16 |
16 |
15 |
9 |
12 |
|
Laois |
21 |
20 |
19 |
21 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
18 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
10 |
|
Limerick |
18 |
17 |
21 |
22 |
13 |
|
Longford |
18 |
17 |
25 |
13 |
15 |
|
Louth |
8 |
8 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
|
Mayo |
89 |
86 |
139 |
79 |
73 |
|
Meath |
22 |
22 |
21 |
21 |
12 |
|
Monaghan |
21 |
21 |
31 |
28 |
10 |
|
Offaly |
20 |
20 |
31 |
31 |
11 |
|
Roscommon |
41 |
41 |
92 |
55 |
21 |
|
Sligo |
16 |
16 |
22 |
22 |
7 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
9 |
25 |
24 |
21 |
|
Waterford |
17 |
17 |
19 |
20 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
12 |
|
Wexford |
18 |
18 |
17 |
17 |
11 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
7 |
15 |
15 |
11 |
|
TOTAL |
723 |
696 |
912 |
685 |
411 |
736. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority under the town and village renewal scheme in 2017 and 2018; the amount paid to each local authority up to 30 June 2019 for each allocation, in tabular form; the percentage of the amount paid out to date of the figure allocated to each local authority in each year up to 30 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29540/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tables detail the funding allocated to each Local Authority under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2017 and 2018 and the amount paid to date to each Local Authority by my Department.
It should be noted that projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme can typically take 12 to 18 months to complete. Interim payments are only made when Local Authorities reach a certain threshold of expenditure on projects, and final payments are made on full completion of the project.
All Local Authorities were requested to submit their final outturn in respect of their 2017 allocations by the end of June this year and my officials are currently working on closing out the 2017 programme.
The allocations under the 2018 scheme were announced on 5th October 2018 and final funding drawdowns can therefore be expected to run into the first half of 2020.
Table 1 - 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme
|
County |
Funding allocated |
2017 allocation paid to date |
Amount paid as % of allocation |
|
Carlow |
€884,488 |
€884,488 |
100% |
|
Cavan |
€929,688 |
€929,681 |
100% |
|
Clare |
€944,000 |
€630,000 |
67% |
|
Cork |
€1,347,827 |
€1,060,466 |
79% |
|
Donegal |
€1,159,000 |
€399,796 |
34% |
|
Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown |
€80,000 |
€80,000 |
100% |
|
Fingal |
€252,000 |
€224,212 |
89% |
|
Galway |
€1,004,231 |
€948,231 |
94% |
|
Kerry |
€868,472 |
€466,386 |
54% |
|
Kildare |
€416,403 |
€328,202 |
79% |
|
Kilkenny |
€873,364 |
€546,363 |
63% |
|
Laois |
€983,407 |
€895,785 |
91% |
|
Leitrim |
€1,098,538 |
€863,538 |
79% |
|
Limerick |
€1,087,943 |
€910,873 |
84% |
|
Longford |
€637,400 |
€447,400 |
70% |
|
Louth |
€775,726 |
€707,729 |
91% |
|
Mayo |
€1,348,178 |
€1,144,089 |
85% |
|
Meath |
€901,724 |
€803,081 |
89% |
|
Monaghan |
€580,000 |
€530,000 |
91% |
|
Offaly |
€300,000 |
€300,000 |
100% |
|
Roscommon |
€575,508 |
€420,300 |
73% |
|
Sligo |
€1,063,968 |
€1,017,216 |
96% |
|
South Dublin |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
100% |
|
Tipperary |
€857,384 |
€699,622 |
82% |
|
Waterford |
€625,800 |
€625,800 |
100% |
|
Westmeath |
€596,000 |
€356,214 |
60% |
|
Wexford |
€1,157,525 |
€724,078 |
63% |
|
Wicklow |
€262,828 |
€118,828 |
45% |
|
Total |
€21,631,402 |
€17,082,376 |
79% |
Table 2 - 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme
|
County |
Funding allocated |
2018 allocation paid to date |
Amount paid as % of allocation |
|
Carlow |
€786,118 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Cavan |
€530,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Clare |
€581,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Cork |
€1,001,800 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Donegal |
€1,100,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€100,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Fingal |
€597,960 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Galway |
€900,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Kerry |
€476,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Kildare |
€520,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Kilkenny |
€652,280 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Laois |
€872,094 |
€60,000.00 |
7% |
|
Leitrim |
€737,520 |
€50,000.00 |
7% |
|
Limerick |
€963,918 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Longford |
€593,856 |
€196,928.00 |
33% |
|
Louth |
€892,157 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Mayo |
€1,183,615 |
€257,486.00 |
22% |
|
Meath |
€670,834 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Monaghan |
€868,500 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Offaly |
€1,300,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Roscommon |
€880,000 |
€50,000.00 |
6% |
|
Sligo |
€1,138,400 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Tipperary |
€913,266 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Waterford |
€756,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Westmeath |
€452,000 |
€0.00 |
0% |
|
Wexford |
€1,334,798 |
€37,215.00 |
3% |
|
Wicklow |
€518,004 |
€11,880.00 |
2% |
|
Total |
€21,320,120 |
€663,509.00 |
3% |
737. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications permissible per county for schemes (details supplied) in 2019, in tabular form. [29541/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have provided the number of applications permissible per county for schemes (details supplied) in 2019, in the following table.
|
Scheme/Programme |
Number of applications permissible by county and local authority for schemes |
|
Community Enhancement Programme The RAPID and Communities Facilities Schemes are no longer available; the Community Enhancement Programme replaced these two earlier schemes. |
No limit to number of applications per county or local authority. |
|
Town and Village Renewal Scheme |
A maximum of 12 applications can be submitted under this scheme per county. |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme |
A maximum of 14 applications can be submitted under this scheme per county. |
|
Walks Scheme |
The Walks Scheme currently covers 39 trails in 15 counties |
|
CLÁR Programme |
A maximum of 15 applications can be submitted under Measures* 1 & 2. There is no limit to the number of applications which can be submitted for Measure* 3 a, b and c. |
|
Local Improvement Scheme |
No particular number of roads as long as the Local Authorities work within their funding allocation and within the scheme criteria. |
* The Measures funded under the 2019 CLÁR programme are: Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety measures, Measure 2: Play Areas (including Multi-Use Games Areas). And,
* Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports (new in 2019), comprising of: (a) First Response Support,(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport and (c) Sensory Gardens.
738. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications to the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme by measure 1, 2 and 3 in each of the years from 2016 to 2018, by county; the number of successful project applicants in each year, by county and measure; the number of unsuccessful project applicants, by county and measure; and the value of funding approved for projects, by county and measure in each year, in tabular from. [29542/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible, within the timeframe available, to compile the detailed level of information sought by the Deputy. However, I have asked my officials to collate the information requested and I will forward it to the Deputy in the coming days.
739. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority and LDC under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in each of the years from 2016 to 2018; the amount paid to each local authority and LDC up to 30 June 2019 for each allocation; the percentage of the amount paid out to date of the figure allocated to each local authority and LDC in each year up to 30 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29543/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible, within the timeframe available, to compile the detailed level of information sought by the Deputy. However, I have asked my officials to collate the information requested and I will forward it to the Deputy in the coming days.
740. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the costs paid to a company (details supplied) for projects for which it was engaged by his Department in each of the years from 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the reason it was engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29558/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not engaged the company in question since the Department's establishment in July 2017.
741. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority and local development committee, LDC, for the RAPID programme, community facilities scheme and the community enhancement programme in each of the years from 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the amount paid to each local authority and LDC up to 30 June 2019 for each allocation; the percentage of the amount paid out to date of the amount allocated to each local authority and LDC in each year up to 30 June 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29622/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought is set out in the table.
The original RAPID programme was closed to applications from 2011 onwards. Spend in the year 2016 of €0.032m reflects my Department’s contractual commitments under existing RAPID projects, mainly under the Sports Capital Scheme.
The nationwide re-cast RAPID programme and the Communities Facilities Scheme were launched for the first time in 2017. €65,000 was provided to each local authority area under each scheme, a total of €130,000 for each area and €4m across the country.
In 2018, the re-cast RAPID programme and the Communities Facilities Scheme were replaced by the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP), which received total funding of €13m.
In March this year I allocated €4.5m to the CEP and in May I allocated a further €500,000 ring-fenced for Men's Sheds (& Women's Sheds). Applications are being processed by LCDCs at present and as of 30th June no payments had been issued to the Local Authorities.
|
Local Authority |
2016 No Rapid/CFS/CEP Scheme open |
2017 Rapid Allocation |
2017 CFS Allocation |
2017 No CEP Scheme |
2017 Drawdown |
2018 CEP replaced Rapid & CFS Scheme |
2018 CEP Allocation |
2018 Drawdown |
2019 CEP Allocation (inc Mens Sheds (& Womens Sheds) |
|
Carlow |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€259,285 |
€259,285 |
€139,442 |
|||
|
Cavan |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€274,141 |
€274,141 |
€153,082 |
|||
|
Clare |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€336,239 |
€336,239 |
€151,037 |
|||
|
Cork City |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€472,567 |
€472,567 |
€168,875 |
|||
|
Cork |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€650,400 |
€650,400 |
€189,558 |
|||
|
Donegal |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€632,449 |
€632,449 |
€188,257 |
|||
|
Dublin City |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€1,364,607 |
€1,364,607 |
€251,573 |
|||
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€369,788 |
€369,788 |
€153,888 |
|||
|
Fingal |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€493,131 |
€493,131 |
€163,610 |
|||
|
Galway City |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€233,676 |
€233,676 |
€139,000 |
|||
|
Galway County |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€397,778 |
€397,778 |
€165,652 |
|||
|
Kerry |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€382,630 |
€382,630 |
€162,043 |
|||
|
Kildare |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€468,672 |
€468,672 |
€172,882 |
|||
|
Kilkenny |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€289,901 |
€289,901 |
€148,099 |
|||
|
Laois |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€294,177 |
€294,177 |
€145,686 |
|||
|
Leitrim |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€189,068 |
€189,068 |
€134,459 |
|||
|
Limerick |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€542,485 |
€542,485 |
€180,429 |
|||
|
Longford |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€234,155 |
€234,155 |
€140,238 |
|||
|
Louth |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€418,627 |
€418,627 |
€154,704 |
|||
|
Mayo |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€425,542 |
€425,542 |
€166,145 |
|||
|
Meath |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€393,662 |
€393,662 |
€163,835 |
|||
|
Monaghan |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€238,172 |
€238,172 |
€139,116 |
|||
|
Offaly |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€322,142 |
€322,142 |
€150,330 |
|||
|
Roscommon |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€248,252 |
€248,252 |
€142,463 |
|||
|
Sligo |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€263,402 |
€263,402 |
€144,555 |
|||
|
South Dublin |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€750,743 |
€750,743 |
€185,106 |
|||
|
Tipperary |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€486,017 |
€486,017 |
€169,324 |
|||
|
Waterford |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€402,777 |
€402,777 |
€153,661 |
|||
|
Westmeath |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€303,516 |
€303,516 |
€154,896 |
|||
|
Wexford |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€494,079 |
€494,079 |
€169,699 |
|||
|
Wicklow |
€64,500 |
€64,500 |
€129,000 |
€367,921 |
€367,921 |
€158,359 |
|||
|
Total |
€1,999,500 |
€1,999,500 |
€3,999,000 |
€13,000,000 |
€13,000,000 |
€5,000,000 |
742. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on tribunals, commissions of investigation and statutory inquiries in each of the years from 2009 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by inquiry, tribunal or commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29839/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not incurred any expenditure in respect of tribunals, commissions of investigation or statutory inquiries since its establishment on 19 July 2017.
743. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has ceased the purchase and use of single-use plastics; the public bodies and agencies under his remit to which he has issued an instruction to cease the purchase and use of single-use plastics; when the instruction issued; the bodies which have confirmed that they no longer purchase and use single-use plastics, respectively; the bodies that have not provided such confirmation to date; when they will confirm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29991/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is implementing the Government decision on the 3rd January 2019 to eliminate the purchase of single-use plastic cups, cutlery and straws in Public Bodies.
My Department began to eliminate the use of single-use plastics in 2018. All staff were provided with re-usable aluminium drinking bottles and biodegradeable or compostable drinking cups were made available for use by visitors. No single-use plastic cups, cutlery or straws have been purchased by my Department since 2018.
I can also confirm that the agencies under the remit of my Department - the Western Development Commission, Water Safety Ireland, the Charities Regulator and Pobal - no longer purchase any single-use plastics. There is a small stock of plastic cups remaining in the Charities Regulator, though supply arrangements for compostable cups for the Regulator's office are already in place.
