Written Answers Nos. 228-252
228. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll out of the national broadband plan at a location (details supplied); if the broadband will be connected in the context of the number of houses in the area that have already been connected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41437/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband – no matter where they are located – following the Government’s decision to approve the appointment of a preferred bidder to the National Broadband Plan. The premises referenced in the Question is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP.
The State intervention is the subject of the procurement process to engage a company to build, operate and maintain the NBP State intervention network. In May 2019 I brought a recommendation to Government to confer Preferred Bidder status on Granahan McCourt, the remaining bidder in the NBP procurement process and Government agreed to this.
The Government Decision of 7 May 2019 means that it is intended to award the State Intervention contract to the Bidder. This award is subject to contract close, including finalisation of financial and legal documents. Deployment of the NBP State Intervention network will commence shortly that.
The Bidder has indicated that the NBP State intervention will take an estimated 7 years from the beginning of deployment.
A deployment plan will be made available by the Bidder once the contract is signed. In the first year of roll out, the Bidder will deploy approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across all counties. It is anticipated that between 7 and 23 BCPs will be deployed in each county. BCPs will provide a community based high speed broadband service, enhancing online participation and allowing for the establishment of digital work hubs in these locations.
The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 premises at the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.
Work continues on finalising the contract and in parallel to this work, I am considering the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Communications Committee report which was published recently. I will bring my deliberations of the report to Government in due course.
229. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when an Eircode application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41470/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory issues a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, in accordance with their licence agreement. Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that 95,300 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015. An Post have informed my officials they are updating the individuals address data on their systems and this information should be included in the next release of data to be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this new property. Once the Eircode database is updated on a quarterly basis it is then a matter for individual Eircode database providers to provide updates to commercial businesses in accordance with the terms of their licence agreements. In recognition of the fact that earlier assignment of Eircodes to new builds is desirable, my officials are working with An Post, Ordnance Survey Ireland, An Post GeoDirectory and Capita to improve and expedite the existing process.
230. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding payment of certain taxes (details supplied) in An Post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41474/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its consideration of the financial position of An Post, the Government agreed that further opportunities for Government business through the Post Office Network should be explored. The first practical step that the Government took was the launch of the Digital Assist pilot initiative. Government funding of €80,000 was allocated to the scheme which has seen 10 post offices kitted out to assist citizens with online Government interactions. It has been noted that the motortax.ie website is one of the sites most accessed under this scheme.
In September 2018, the Government approved the establishment of an interdepartmental group to consider the provision of ‘offline’ Government services for those citizens who do not wish to use, or are unable to use, digital services. Services under the remit of various Department were considered including, motor tax. The report of the interdepartmental group will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks.
231. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the north-south interconnector. [41505/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. A resilient and well connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland’s economic wellbeing and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers. In December 2016, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the project in Ireland, while in January 2018 full planning permission was granted for the section of the line that lies in Northern Ireland. Both of the planning decisions have been subject to legal proceedings in each jurisdiction. In Ireland, a Supreme Court appeal of the planning permission was dismissed on 19 February 2019. In Northern Ireland, on 8 February 2019, the Department for Infrastructure asked the High Court to quash the planning permission given so the planning application can be re-determined under new legislation introduced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in November 2018. On 24 July, SONI/EirGrid submitted an addendum to the Environmental Statement to the Department for Infrastructure in Belfast. That Department subsequently carried out a consultation process in Northern Ireland to provide members of the public with the opportunity to review and comment on the addendum and is now reviewing the submissions received.
In June 2019, ESB Networks awarded a framework contract for the design, test and supply of steelwork in relation to the project. I am advised that the design and testing part of the contract will commence shortly. However under the framework there will be no supply of materials until the planning process in Northern Ireland is complete.
The earliest possible date for construction to commence is 2020.
232. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband availability and quality will increase in rural County Meath. [41506/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband – no matter where they are located – following the Government’s decision to approve the appointment of a preferred bidder to the National Broadband Plan. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment across the country, and a State intervention in those areas where commercial operators acting alone are unlikely to invest. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. In 2012, less than 700,000, or 30% of Irish premises had access to high speed broadband. Today, 76% of the 2.4 million premises in Ireland can access high speed broadband.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, 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 NBP. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode
The following table outlines the number of premises in Meath where access to a high speed broadband connection is, or will be, delivered by commercial operators (BLUE/LIGHT BLUE) and those where access to this vital service will be delivered under the State led intervention (AMBER).
|
AMBER |
BLUE |
LIGHT BLUE |
|
|
County Name |
Premises within the NBP State Intervention Area |
Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area |
Premises within eir's commercial rural deployment |
|
County Meath |
20,713 (24%) |
65,098 (75%) |
1,183 (1%) |
|
Meath East |
10,716 (27%) |
28,696 (71%) |
720 (2%) |
|
Nationally |
546,982 (23%) |
1,816,639 (76%) |
27,938 (1%) |
Information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county is available on my Department’s website at www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Broadband/Pages/County-and-Townland-Maps.aspx.
The State intervention is the subject of the procurement process to engage a company to build, operate and maintain the NBP State intervention network. In May I brought a recommendation to Government to confer Preferred Bidder status on Granahan McCourt, the remaining bidder in the NBP procurement process and Government agreed to this.
The Government Decision of 7 May 2019 means that it is intended to award the State Intervention contract to the Bidder. This award is subject to contract close, including finalisation of financial and legal documents. Deployment of the NBP State Intervention network will commence shortly after that.
The Bidder has indicated that the NBP State intervention will take an estimated 7 years from the beginning of deployment.
A deployment plan will be made available by the Bidder once the contract is signed. In the first year of roll out, the Bidder will deploy approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across all counties. It is anticipated that between 7 and 23 BCPs will be deployed in each county. BCPs will provide a community based high speed broadband service, enhancing online participation and allowing for the establishment of digital work hubs in these locations.
The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 premises at the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.
233. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by his Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41560/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of acts passed since March 2011 that his Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41576/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
The information requested relating to details of all legislation enacted since March 2011 relating to my Department can be accessed on the website of the Oireachtas at www.oireachtas.ie and also through the following link: www.irishstatutebook.ie.
There were four post enactment reports published by my Department since March 2011, the details of which are as follows:-
|
Post Enactment Reports Published |
Date of Publication |
|
Post Enactment Report on Energy Act 2016 |
24 July 2017 |
|
Post Enactment Scrutiny Report on Communications Regulation (Postal Services) (Amendment) Act 2017 |
17 May 2018 |
|
Post Enactment Report on Radiological Protection (Amendment) Act 2018 |
11 September 2019 |
|
Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2017 |
1st August 2019 |
235. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the arrangements being made between the UK and Irish Governments to facilitate persons that live here and work in the UK in regard to whether their Irish driver licence will cover them to drive in the UK. [41423/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the legal position in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, are matters for that jurisdiction and Irish authorities are not responsible for their decisions, I understand that the UK has indicated that it will continue to recognise EU driving licences after Brexit, which of course will include Irish licences.
Further information from the UK side is available on the government website www.gov.uk.
236. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that dedicated cycle paths and bus drop off zones are mandatory in the vicinity of all schools. [41445/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2020 has provided for significantly enhanced funding to support delivery of improved active travel infrastructure across the country, with funding allocations under the two most relevant active travel (i.e. excluding greenways) funding programmes increasing to €91million next year, as compared to Budget 2019's approximate €48million allocation.
These allocations exclude the funding available under other programmes such as BusConnects, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and indeed the roads programme.
The specific matters to which the Deputy refers relate to planning issues which are more properly a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and relevant local authorities.
The broader policy context to the matter is something I think worthy of consideration in the review of sustainable mobility policy which I will be launching very shortly.
237. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will seek a reversal of the decision by Tourism Ireland and Bord Fáilte to exclude greyhound racing in their campaigns. [41467/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the matter of tourism marketing and promotions generally, Tourism Ireland is the all-island body responsible for overseas tourism marketing, whereas Fáilte Ireland is responsible for domestic tourism promotions. Accordingly, decisions regarding particular promotional channels or campaigns – such as those relating to greyhound racing – are operational matters for the tourism agencies.
As regards Ireland’s greyhound industry, recent coverage and debate regarding alleged cruel practices has certainly damaged the reputation of the industry. I know that my colleague, Minister of State Doyle, who has responsibility for the greyhound sector, takes these allegations very seriously and has directed the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. I am confident that Minister Doyle and his Department, in cooperation with Bord na gCon, will ensure that any issues identified will be addressed appropriately.
As regards tourism marketing and promotions, I am very concerned about consequential damage to Ireland’s reputation as a tourist destination. While work is underway to right the wrongs and rehabilitate the industry and its reputation, we must be careful not to allow current negative publicity damage our tourism promotions. This is why the tourism agencies have decided to take a step back from active promotion of greyhound racing at this point in time and to keep the situation under review, pending implementation by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of several reforms underway and to come. I agree with that decision and trust the agencies to act in the best interests of Ireland and Irish tourism, guided by their insights and experience.
238. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the situation pertaining to boat trips to the Fastnet Rock lighthouse via Cape Clear in circumstances in which the fast ferry has been denied a licence which would allow it to travel all the way to the lighthouse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41469/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would refer the Deputy to an extensive reply I gave to the issue in the Dáil during a Topical debate on Thursday last 3 October 2019 (hyperlink provided below) in which I undertook to give the matter some further consideration. This is of course a matter of safety in the first instance and enforcement of the requirements is a matter for the Marine Survey Office. www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2019-10-03/25/#s28.
239. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 587 and 588 of 17 September 2019, if the exact reason will be itemised for the penalty applied that is for failure to operate due to driver unavailability, bus breakdown or curtailment of late running services; the amount by subcategory involved in each period 2014 to 2019. [41471/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
240. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the ownership of the M50 toll bridge and contractual relationships with third parties; if his attention has been drawn to the traffic congestion at the toll bridge side of County Dublin that is resulting from traffic avoiding the bridge and the impact this has on local villages; if he has conducted studies on this impact; if he has considered removing the toll or if measures will be introduced in relation to tolling has been considered into studies in relation to traffic management around Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41481/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into contractual agreements with third parties are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
241. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with or the submissions received from the Port of Waterford Company over the past 12 to 18 months with a view to accessing funding to advance future development plans at Belview. [41492/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Port of Waterford Company is recognised as a Port of National Significance (Tier 2) in National Ports Policy. The port is also recognised at a European level through its inclusion in the ‘comprehensive network’ under the Ten-T Regulation.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Port of Waterford, after much work, has recently completed its first Port’s Masterplan. This document, which went out for public consultation in June and July 2019, charts a vision for the port for the next 25 years. The plan identifies a number of development options for Belview and the estimated costing's for these.
National Ports Policy stipulates that there is no Exchequer funding for ports. All port developments must be financed from the Company’s own resources and/or commercial funding options. As a Ten-T Comprehensive Port, the Port of Waterford may be eligible to apply for EU Funding.
Projects applying for such funding must be in an advanced stage of preparation. Waterford Port have confirmed that they are actively investigating this possibility but at the time of the last call, April 2019, the Masterplan was yet to be completed and they did not have a project at the appropriate stage of maturity. Should an application be made for future calls, my Department will of course consider supporting such an application by Port of Waterford.
242. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to proposals received from a club (details supplied) for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund to redevelop facilities at a location; the engagement his Department has had with officials in his Department heading up the ERDF in this regard; and when a decision is expected. [41493/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund rests with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
My Department has responsibility for the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. The new scheme opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 17th April last.
72 applications were received in total including an application for the project referred to by the Deputy. Details of the scheme and all applications received have been published on the Department's website along with the evaluation procedures and guidelines.
Assessment of the applications received has commenced. In view of the detailed information contained in each application, I am advised that it will take a number of months to have all of them assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be towards the end of this year before any allocations are announced.
243. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of emergency medical missions not related to incidents at sea that have been carried out by each Irish Coast Guard helicopter unit in the past three years. [41494/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoast Guard helicopter emergency medical support missions are provided on a request basis to the HSE/National Ambulance Service. These services coordinated by the Coast Guard are flown under Commercial Aviation Transport rules and include inter hospital transfers. Coast Guard helicopters also provides day and night emergency aeromedical services to the island communities.
The following table sets out details, as requested.
|
Total HSE support flights |
Dublin |
Shannon |
Sligo |
Waterford |
|
|
2017 |
152 |
7 |
53 |
77 |
15 |
|
2018 |
118 |
8 |
32 |
68 |
10 |
|
2019 to date |
89 |
11 |
20 |
51 |
7 |
In addition, the Coast Guard helicopter service also provides Aeromedical Support to the islands. Table below sets out the yearly breakdown of these missions.
|
Year |
Island Aeromedical Support |
|
2017 |
72 |
|
2018 |
101 |
|
2019 to date |
79 |
244. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Commission for Aviation Regulation will make a decision on the issue of passenger fees at Dublin Airport; his input into the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41503/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Aviation Regulation Act 2001, as amended, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) has a fully independent statutory role as regulator overseeing airport charges at Dublin airport and I have no function in this matter.
I have forwarded your question to CAR for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
245. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by his Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41572/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are in the following table.
|
Name of Report |
Date of Publication |
Name of Enactment Report |
Date of Post Enactment Report |
|
Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 |
25 December 2014 |
Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 (No. 43 of 2014) Dáil Éireann – Post-Enactment Report Standing Order 141A |
21 January 2016 |
|
Post Enactment Report – State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 (No. 27 of 2014) |
Laid before Houses of the Oireachtas 22 April 2016 |
Post Enactment Report – State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 (No. 27 of 2014)See column 2 |
22 April 2016 |
|
Post enactment Report Sport Ireland Act 2015 (No. 15 of 2015) |
Laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 14 September 2016 |
Sport Ireland Act 2015 (No. 15 of 2015) |
June 2016 |
|
Harbours Act 2015 (No.61 of 2015) |
Laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 12 December 2016 |
Harbours Act 2015 (No. 61 of 2015) |
12 December 2016 |
|
Roads Act 2015 (06/05/2018) Post Enactment Report |
Laid before Houses of Oireachtas 13 March 2018 |
Roads Act 2015 Post Enactment Report |
13 March 2018 |
246. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of acts passed since March 2011 that his Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41588/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis information is available to be viewed at the website www.irishstatutebook.ie/.
Please see the following table.
|
No |
Name of Act |
Date Signed in to law |
|
No. 7 of 2011 |
Road Traffic Act 2011 |
27 April 2011 |
|
No. 28 of 2011 |
Road Traffic (No.2) Act 2011 |
20 October 2011 |
|
No 31 of 2011 |
Road Transport Act 2011 |
3/12/2011 |
|
No. 37 of 2011 |
National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Act 2011 |
7 Dec 2011 |
|
No. 16 of 2012 |
Road Safety Authority (commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 |
30th May 2012 |
|
No 49 of 2012 |
Transport (Corás Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Act 2012 |
26th December 2012. |
|
Act 49 of 2012 |
CIE Borrowings Act 2012 |
January 14, 2013 |
|
No. 37 of 2013 |
Taxi Regulation Act 2013 |
23 Oct 2013 |
|
No. 3 of 2014 |
Road traffic Act 2014 |
25 February 2014 |
|
No. 27 of 2014 |
State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 |
27 July 2014 |
|
No. 39 of 2014 |
Road traffic (No. 2) Act 2014 |
25 December 2014 |
|
No. 43 of 2014 |
Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 |
25 December 2014 |
|
No. 13 of 2015 |
Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 |
6th May 2015 |
|
No. 14 of 2015 |
Roads Act 2015 |
6th May 2015 |
|
No 15 of 2015 |
Sport Ireland Act 2015 |
13 May 2015 |
|
No. 61 of 2015 |
Harbours Act 2015 |
25 December 2015 |
|
No. 3 of 2016 |
Public Transport Act 2016 |
8 February 2016 |
|
No. 14 of 2016 |
National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Act 2016 |
16 Nov 2016 |
|
No. 21 of 2016 |
Road traffic Act 2016 |
27 December 2016 |
|
No. 17 of 2017 |
Rugby World Cup 2023 Act 2017 |
13 July 2017 |
|
No. 5 of 2018 |
Vehicle Registration Data (Automated Searching and Exchange) 2018 |
28 May 2018 |
|
No. 18 of 2018 |
Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 |
23 July 2018 |
|
No. 1 of 2019 |
Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Act 2019 |
22 May 2019 |
247. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by her Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41559/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPost-enactment reports relating to two pieces of primary legislation have been carried out by my Department (see table) since the passing of Standing Order 164A (Post-enactment report) in June 2016.
The Childcare Support Act 2018 was enacted on 2 July 2018. While all of the provisions of the Act have been commenced, the Affordable Childcare Scheme (known as the National Childcare Scheme) is not yet operational. A review of the functioning of the Act has not yet been undertaken. In accordance with the section 26 of the Act, the Minister will conduct a review of the operation of the Scheme 12 months after the first payment under the Scheme.
|
Act |
Post enactment report laid before Houses on |
|
|
1. |
Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017(No.19) |
18th July 2018 |
|
2. |
Children First Act 2015 (No. 36) |
25th April 2018 |
248. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of acts passed since March 2011 that her Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41575/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children and Youth Affairs has responsibility for 10 Acts that have been enacted since March 2011. Details are provided in the following table.
|
Number |
Act Name |
Enacted on |
|
No. 11 of 2018 |
Childcare Support Act 2018 |
02-Jul-18 |
|
No. 19 of 2017 |
Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 |
19-Jul-17 |
|
No. 45 of 2015 |
Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015 |
10-Dec-15 |
|
No. 36 of 2015 |
Children First Act 2015 |
19-Nov-15 |
|
No. 30 of 2015 |
Children (Amendment) Act 2015 |
27-Jul-15 |
|
No. 44 of 2013 |
Adoption (Amendment) Act 2013 |
20-Dec-13 |
|
No. 40 of 2013 |
Child and Family Agency Act 2013 |
15-Dec-13 |
|
No. 5 of 2013 |
Child Care (Amendment) Act 2013 |
13-Mar-13 |
|
No. C31 of 2012 |
Thirty-first Amendment of the Constitution Act 2012 |
28-Apr-15 |
|
No. 19 of 2011 |
Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 |
31-Jul-11 |
249. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by his Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41571/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, which was established in July 2017, has not published any post enactment reports.
250. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of acts passed since March 2011 that his Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41587/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established on 19 July 2017 on foot of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2017.
The Department also has responsibility for the Dormant Accounts Amendment Act, 2012, which was passed by the then Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, and signed into law on 11 July 2012.
251. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 519 of 24 September 2019 and 616 of 1 October 2019, if the winter fuel payment will continue to be paid to persons living here in the case of a deal being reached between Britain and the EU27 and in a no-deal Brexit scenario. [41375/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy key area of concern is the impact of Brexit on those current reciprocal arrangements for social insurance payments (which include contributory pensions); social assistance payments (means tested schemes linked to residency rights) and child benefit between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The Convention on Social Security which the Government entered into with the UK Government earlier this year maintains the status quo with respect to these payments for Irish and British citizens moving within the Common Travel Area. The Convention will be brought into effect immediately in the event of there being no Brexit deal or at the end of the transition period in the event of a deal.
The UK’s Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) is a Department of Work & Pensions payment which is not currently paid on a reciprocal basis. Furthermore, I am advised that there has been no indication that the UK has any plans to make changes with regard to WFP recipients in Ireland, whether or not there is a Brexit deal.
With regard to our own fuel allowance, just this week, in Budget 2020, I increased the rate of payment by €2 per week to €24.50 per week from January. Some 370,000 households are set to benefit from this measure which sees the total fuel season payment increase from €630 to €686 per year at a cost of €21 million.
252. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41439/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
A claim for IP was received from the gentleman in question on 18 July 2019. My department is currently processing his application and his claim will be finalized as quickly as possible and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
In the meantime, the gentleman concerned is in receipt of a weekly disability allowance payment ata reduced rate based on his weekly means.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
