Written Answers Nos. 203-227
203. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the Road Safety Authority to carry out nationwide road safety campaigns in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the costs involved in each campaign for television and radio advertising, social media and print media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50462/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 2014, the Road Safety Authority no longer receives Exchequer funding, other than a pension contribution for ex National Safety Council staff members. The Authority is now “self-funding” from the statutory charges and levies payable for services such as driver testing, licensing, and vehicle inspection.
I have referred the Deputy's Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
204. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce congestion charges in cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50472/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan commits to considering the potential roles of congestion pricing, low-emission zones and other demand management measures, which could result in restrictions to certain vehicles from entering built-up urban areas. My Department has lead responsibility for the implementation of this action. A study is being commissioned to understand what measures are available and suitable to address the impacts of growing transport levels in our major cities (Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford).
The study is to consider a range of factors in each of the cities, including congestion levels and air quality issues, and ultimately should recommend options on how we might better manage travel demand in each area. A tender process for this study is currently underway within my Department, with a view to awarding a contract before the end of 2019. I expect the findings of the study to be published by September 2020 in line with our Climate Action Plan commitment.
Traffic congestion is a growing issue in Ireland’s cities and some towns imposing economic and social costs on residents, commuters and businesses, as well as worsening emissions that impact on air quality and the environment. In 2017, my Department estimated that congestion could have a cost of over €2 billion per annum by 2033 in the absence of appropriate intervention. Such a cost would have a substantial impact on our competitiveness along with a social cost to our citizens.
It is, furthermore, estimated that, without intervention, by 2040 commuting trips nationally could rise by as much as 35% over current levels. As well as associated economic costs, I am aware that road transport is a source of air pollution emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). It is clear that we need to encourage a movement towards fewer and cleaner vehicles entering Irish cities. We are addressing some of these issues by:
- Encouraging a shift out of cars to public transport and active travel;
- Promoting zero-emission electric cars;
- Transitioning the urban bus fleet towards lower emitting alternatives; and
- Examining ways to green the freight sector.
As the Deputy will know, a significant investment of €8.6 billion has been earmarked under the National Development Plan to increase the capacity and attractiveness of sustainable mobility. This notwithstanding, transport is a derived demand and as both our population and economic performance are projected to grow, I expect that Ireland will see many more journeys on our transport networks. Over time, this rising travel demand coupled with a scarcity of space to expand road supply will exacerbate the issues that we see in our cities today and require that demand management measures be considered, including the potential role of urban congestion charging. The findings of the study we are undertaking will ultimately support the implementation of any measures necessary.
205. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timetable for the upgrading of junctions at Cootehall and Keadue on the N4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50474/19]
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 upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
206. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new buses on order by the NTA with a company (details supplied) that have passed the expected delivery data; the number of orders with the company expected for delivery in 2020 and 2021; the reason for the delay in delivering the new fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50513/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including bus fleet purchase.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
207. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the planned expenditure in each of the next five years for new projects in public transport (details supplied); and the definition of new roads used in the statement, for example, if it includes the widening of existing roads. [50525/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware Government is providing €8.6 billion funding under Project Ireland 2040 for investment in sustainable mobility. The Exchequer investment for new projects in public transport and active travel over the coming years not only equals, but well exceeds what we will be investing in new roads; this is a reversal of the balance of investment between these two areas in the past.
The majority of expenditure on our roads programme planned under Project Ireland 2040 relates to the steady state funding requirement of our comprehensive road network which, the Deputy will acknowledge, also has a fundamental importance in facilitating bus based public transport, particularly in rural areas.
Investment of approximately €1.6bn is planned for new road capacity in the period from 2018 to 2022. New roads comprise the construction of new road sections along a greenfield route and/or a major upgrade along an existing route (e.g. the M7 widening and new interchanges). Planned investment in public transport projects over the same timeframe will be almost €2.7bn, outstripping new roads spend considerably.
In 2019 alone, the increased funding now available to support new sustainable mobility measures has supported Government’s approval of a new National Train Control Centre and the expansion of the Greater Dublin Area commuter rail fleet, while the National Transport Authority is overseeing the continued expansion of our PSO bus fleets, the arrival of tram extensions for the Luas Green Line and increased investment in active travel projects across the major cities.
208. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sports clubs supported and the amount allocated under the sports capital programme since it was re-established in 2011; the average grant per organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50535/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sports clubs supported under the sports capital programme since it was re-established in 2011, by county in tabular form; the amount each club received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50536/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
Details of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme since 2000 are published on a county basis on the Department's website at
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/
210. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Bills in his Department awaiting Committee Stage. [50556/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no Bills published by my Department that are before the Oireachtas and awaiting Committee Stage.
211. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a successful sports capital application (details supplied) has been incorrectly announced as being allocated to County Sligo; his plans to substitute an application from County Sligo in view of the error; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50557/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme are published on the Department's website at
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/ .
I understand that while the organisation referred to by the Deputy has its headquarters outside of Sligo, the specific grant in question was for a playing pitch at Scoil Mhuire Agus Iosaf in Collooney, Co Sligo.
212. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulations for errors recorded on odometer readings during national car tests (details supplied); if arrangements can be made to have the reading photographed as part of the NCT in order to prevent disputes over odometer readings. [50563/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017) require an NCT test report to contain a vehicle’s odometer reading upon completion of the test. The recorded odometer reading is highlighted in a yellow box on the test report and a corresponding message alongside the reading requests the vehicle presenter to notify a member of staff if the vehicle’s odometer reading is incorrect before leaving the test centre.
While there are no plans to introduce photographic records of odometer readings for NCT purposes, the process by which a vehicle’s odometer reading is confirmed with the vehicle presenter is currently being reviewed.
213. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the photography costs for his Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy in his Department regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50580/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPhotography costs incurred by my Department are on its website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/29002e-photography-costs/
It is the policy of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that photography costs are kept to a minimum and services are provided in-house by staff. Where services are contracted, best value is sought and a number of quotes are obtained. Services are contracted out on an exceptional basis only. No such costs have been incurred from use of the ministerial allowance.
214. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of freedom of information requests made to his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of requests fully denied by reason; the number of requests partially denied; the number of appeals made against denials; the number of such appeals upheld; the number of such appeals rejected; the number of requests that required a fee; the amount received for freedom of information requests in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50605/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is contained in the following table.
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019* |
|
|
Total no. of FOI requests received |
302 |
344 |
391 |
407 |
|
FOI Refused |
85 |
93 |
96 |
96 |
|
FOI Part-granted |
97 |
121 |
135 |
119 |
|
Total no. of Internal Reviews Received |
7 |
11 |
10 |
15 |
|
Internal Review Decisions Upheld |
5 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
|
Internal Review Decisions Varied |
1 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
|
Internal Review Decisions Pending |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Internal Review Decisions Annulled |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Internal Reviews Applications Rejected/Not Valid |
0 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
Total of S & R Fees charged |
€120 |
€140 |
€240 |
€295 |
* end November
The Department does not have ready access to the information relating to the number of individual FOI requests where fees were requested. However the total amount of search and retrieval fees received for each year is set out in the table above and the total for the period 2016- 2019 to date is €795.
Similarly we do not have data readily available on the reasons each of the FOIs in the period were refused or part-granted. The Department has a list or disclosure log of all non-personal FOIs asked and the decisions taken on each on its website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/c67965-foi-disclosure-logs-2016/ . My officials will be happy to provide further information relating to particular FOI requests identified by the Deputy.
215. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the public consultations held by her Department in 2018 and to date in 2019; the date on which such consultations were held by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50442/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are currently compiling the information as requested by the Deputy. This information will be supplied to the Deputy in no later than 10 working days.
216. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of educational welfare officer positions nationwide that need to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50477/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has provided the table attached below identifying a number of Educational Welfare Officer Posts that are open. Tusla has advised that it continues to work towards its target of having all 98 EWO posts filled and I have secured an additional €500,000 in Budget 2019 and €400,000 in Budget 2020 to assist with TESS's work towards this goal.
Region 1 / South
|
Area |
Vacancy Description |
Current Status |
|
Tralee |
Currently vacant on maternity leave |
EWO due back to work in late January |
|
Limerick |
Currently vacant on maternity leave |
EWO due back to work in April |
|
Ennis |
Post accepted |
Post accepted EWO in recruitment – no start date |
|
Region 2 - Dublin / South Leinster |
|
No vacancies |
Region 3 – Dublin City
|
Area |
Vacancy Description |
Current Status |
|
Dublin 12 |
Currently vacant on maternity leave |
Post accepted EWO in recruitment – no start date |
|
Whitehall/Coolock |
Vacant post |
Post accepted – EWO due to start 13/01/2020 |
|
Finglas |
Vacant post |
Post accepted – EWO due to start 03/01/2020 |
|
Finglas/Glasnevin |
Vacant post |
Post accepted – EWO due to start 03/01/2020 |
|
Dublin North City |
New post |
Post accepted EWO in recruitment – no start date |
Region 4 - West
|
Area |
Vacancy Description |
Current Status |
|
Tuam |
Vacant post |
Post accepted – EWO due to start 06/01/2020 |
|
Roscommon |
Vacant post |
Post accepted EWO in recruitment – no start date |
|
Sligo |
Vacant post – 6 month contract |
Post has not been accepted by anyone on the EWO panel |
Region 5 – Dublin / North Leinster
|
Area |
Vacancy Description |
Current Status |
|
Balbriggan |
Vacant post – 2 year contract |
Post accepted EWO in recruitment – no start date |
|
Blanchardstown |
Vacant post |
Post accepted EWO in recruitment – no start date |
|
Drogheda |
Vacant post |
EWO on long-term sick leave |
217. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason Dublin 12 has been without an educational welfare officer for the past six months; and the actions being taken to rectify the matter. [50478/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tusla Education Support Service has advised that this post is vacant due the Educational Welfare Officer being on maternity leave. The delay in replacing her arose because two other candidates accepted the post initially but then declined it some way into the recruitment process. Another candidate has now accepted the post and is in the recruitment process to fill the vacancy.
All the referrals for the Dublin 12 area were screened by the Senior Educational Welfare Officer for the area and priority cases were distributed between the SEWO and the EWOs in that team with capacity to deal with them.
218. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of emergency refuge accommodation spaces for victims of domestic violence provided in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form. [50515/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This includes the provision of emergency refuge accommodation for individuals and families that experience domestic violence.
I have requested that Tusla respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
219. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of Bills in her Department awaiting Committee Stage. [50542/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two Bills from my Department which are currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Child Care (Amendment) Bill completed Committee Stage in the Dáil in October of this year, and the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill has commenced Committee Stage in the Seanad.
220. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the photography costs for her Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy in her Department regarding the booking of photographers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50566/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the costs incurred on photography by my Department since its establishment are set out in tabular form below.
|
Date |
Photographer Used |
Event/Occasion Photographer was booked for |
Cost (€) |
|
Date |
Photographer Used |
Event/Occasion Photographer was booked for |
Cost (€) |
|
2011 |
Report Ltd |
Report on consultations with young people on Reform of the Junior Cycle in 2nd level schools |
590.20 |
|
2011 |
Report Ltd |
Report of consultations with children living in the care of the State. |
590.20 |
|
2011 |
Moya Nolan Photography |
Dáil na nÓg Event |
820.00 |
|
2012 |
Report Ltd |
How we see it: Report of a survey on Teenagers Body Image |
436.97 |
|
2012 |
Report Ltd |
Life as a Child and Young Person in Ireland |
493.72 |
|
2012 |
Report Ltd |
Comhairle na Óg National Showcase |
828.55 |
|
2012 |
MKC Communications |
Children’s Referendum Information |
1,094.70 |
|
2012 |
Unavailable (sourced via D/Foreign Affairs) |
Photography associated with visit of Vietnamese Delegation |
1,409.22 |
|
2013 |
Report Ltd |
Standards for Local Youth Groups |
436.97 |
|
2013 |
Moya Nolan Photography |
EU Presidency International Conference |
675.00 |
|
2013 |
Moya Nolan Photography |
Dublin Castle Networking of Four Youth Organisations |
500.00 |
|
2013 |
Moya Nolan Photography |
Launch of Board of Child and Family Agency |
300.00 |
|
2013 |
Fennel Photography |
Dáil na nÓg Event |
1,094.70 |
|
2014 |
Lafayette Photography |
Launch of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures |
189.80 |
|
2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
CNN Showcase |
522.75 |
|
2016 |
Maxwells Photography |
Comhairle na nÓg Showcase |
528.90 |
|
2017 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of the Affordable Childcare Scheme |
430.50 |
|
2017 |
Maxwell Photography |
International Women’s Day Visit to Rape Crisis Centre |
482.16 |
|
2017 |
Maxwell Photography |
Childcare Billboard Launch |
361.62 |
|
2017 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch at Kilnamanagh FRC |
578.10 |
|
2017 |
Maxwells Photography |
Dáil na nÓg Event |
528.90 |
|
2018 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of First 5 |
867.15 |
|
2018 |
Maxwell Photography |
AIM Launch |
430.50 |
|
2018 |
Maxwell Photography |
Appointment of Gaisce Chairman |
375.15 |
|
2018 |
Maxwell Photography |
National Parents Council |
116.85 |
|
2018 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of LGBTI+ Strategy |
430.50 |
|
2018 |
Maxwell Photography |
Scouting Ireland Statement |
430.50 |
|
2018 |
Lafayette Photography |
First meeting of Mother and Baby Homes Collaborative Forum |
120.88 |
|
2018 |
SON Photography |
CNN Showcase |
430.50 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Mother & Baby Homes Collaborative Forum |
430.50 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Announcement of new Tusla chairperson |
467.40 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Dublin Port |
301.35 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
LGBTI+ Welcome Sticker Awards Show |
264.45 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of the National Childcare Scheme |
492.50 |
|
2019 |
W1 Design Ltd |
Launch of What Works |
500.00 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Photo at Children’s Commemorative Playgarden |
590.4 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Collaborative forum |
338.25 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of “First 5” strategy |
867.15 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of Childminding Action Plan |
424.35 |
|
2019 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of AIM Universal Design Guidelines |
412.05 |
The Deputy might note that the Office of Government Procurement has a Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the Provision of Professional Photography and Videography Services in place and my Department acquires photography services from this. The overall objective is to keep costs of this nature to a minimum and these services are only used when deemed necessary in the course of Departmental activity.
221. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of freedom of information requests made to her Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of requests fully denied by reason; the number of requests partially denied; the number of appeals made against denials; the number of such appeals upheld; the number of such appeals rejected; the number of requests that required a fee; the amount received for freedom of information requests in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50591/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are currently compiling the information as requested by the Deputy. This information will be supplied to the Deputy in no later than 10 working days.
222. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the public consultations held by his Department in 2018 and to date in 2019; the date on which such consultations were held by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50454/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have provided the information requested by the Deputy in the following table.
|
Name of consultation |
Date in 2018 |
Date in 2019 |
County |
|
Public Consultation on a review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland |
N/A |
1 July 2019 to 6 September 2019 |
National |
|
National Volunteering Strategy Call For Input (CFI) |
Open for submissions on 7 December 2018 |
Closing date for submissions was 14 February 2019 |
National |
|
PPN User Guide CFI |
Open for submission on 11 March 2019. Closing date 30 April 2019. |
National |
|
|
Consultation on the Scope of the Review of the Community Services Programme |
30 October – 14 November 2018 |
National |
|
|
Review of the Community Services Programme |
13 March – December 2019 |
National |
|
|
Draft National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland |
N/A |
23 April – 14 May 2019 |
National |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
9 May |
Cavan |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
10 May |
Donegal |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
16 May |
Carlow |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
17 May |
Tipperary |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
28 May |
Galway (Aran Island) |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
30 May |
Sligo |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
20 June |
Clare |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
21 June |
Kerry |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
16 July |
Dublin |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
30 September |
Cork |
|
Rural Policy 2020 |
N/A |
1 October |
Laois |
|
Rural Policy 2020 Online Consultation Survey |
N/A |
4 September – 11 October |
Nationwide |
223. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons working and participating in social enterprises nationally; the number of social enterprises in existence from latest data; and the data on the economic and social value of these enterprises in tabular form. [50526/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial enterprises are businesses which trade on an ongoing basis for a social, societal or environmental purpose. They provide vital goods and services in communities throughout the country and contribute to the delivery of many Government policy objectives in areas such as employment activation, affordable childcare, and the green economy.
However, there is limited evidence and data about the scope, prevalence and contribution of social enterprises in Ireland. A 2013 Forfás report estimated that, in 2009, social enterprises employed between 25,000 and 33,000 people with an annual income of around €1.4 billion. However, the report also noted that it was difficult to differentiate social enterprises from the wider non-profit sector at that time.
Nonetheless, there is no doubt that social enterprise is a growing part of the enterprise base in Ireland and has the potential to deliver social impact, support job creation and contribute to the national economy.
I published Ireland's first National Social Enterprise Policy last July. This Policy was developed on the basis of extensive consultation with stakeholders and background research.
The Policy includes 26 Measures to support the development of social enterprise over the four year period of the Policy, 2019-2022. These Measures include a commitment to improve data collection on the extent of social enterprises in Ireland and the areas in which they operate. The Policy also includes a commitment to develop mechanisms to measure the social and economic impact of social enterprises.
My Department is already taking steps to deliver on these commitments. In October, I announced a Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Research Fellowship on Social Enterprise delivered in collaboration with the Irish Research Council. The main purpose of the Fellowship is to develop a methodology to measure the impact of social enterprise in Ireland in the context of the new Policy and international best practice. This research will enable a greater understanding of social enterprise in all of its forms in an Irish context.
224. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of Bills in his Department awaiting Committee Stage. [50554/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no Bills awaiting committee stage at this time.
225. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the photography costs for his Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy in his Department regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50578/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are set out in the tables below. As my Department was established on 19th July 2017, the information provided includes expenditure by my Department from the remainder of 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019.
All photography services are secured in accordance with Office of Government Procurement procedures.
2019 Photography Costs (to date)
|
Photographer used |
Occasion |
Cost |
|
CLIVE WASSON PHOTOGRAPHY |
Project Ireland 2040 event in Donegal |
€393.60 |
|
MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN STUDIOS LTD |
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme launch in Turlough |
€340.50 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce event |
€319.80 |
|
RAFAL WEPA PHOTOGRAPHY |
Departmental event and visit to GIY Garden in Ballina |
€280.00 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Ministerial visit to Smart Docklands |
€590.40 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Water Safety Ireland Award |
€246.00 |
|
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY |
Social Enterprise Policy launch |
€345.08 |
|
LAFAYETTE PHOTOGRAPHY |
Photography At Ploughing |
€1,539.44 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
TidyTowns Awards Events |
€590.40 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Rural Regeneration Development *23/11/18 |
€221.40 |
|
Total Photography costs for 2019 (to date) |
€4,866.62 |
*Invoice paid in 2019
2018 Photography Costs
|
Photographer used |
Occasion |
Cost |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
LEADER Food Initiative launch |
€522.75 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Southill Area Centre event |
€885.60 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Greenway/Local Improvement Scheme event |
€836.40 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Rural Broadband event |
€559.65 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Lourdes day-care centre event |
€393.60 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Public Participation Networks event |
€190.65 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Men's Shed funding event |
€528.90 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan event |
€356.70 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
Project Ireland 2040 event |
€1,180.80 |
|
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD |
National Library Strategy launch at Tallaght Library |
€492.00 |
|
PICSELL8 LTD |
Project Ireland 2040 Sligo event |
€283.88 |
|
OLLY GALLAGHER VIDEOS |
2018 PPN Conference |
€1,200.00 |
|
AOIFE HERRIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY |
Ministerial event in Tullycross and Letterfrack |
€250.00 |
|
Total photography costs for 2018 |
€7,680.93 |
2017 Photography Costs
|
Photographer used |
Occasion |
Cost |
|
Maxwell Photography LTD |
Tidy Towns Competition |
€602.70 |
|
Maxwell Photography LTD |
National Ploughing Championships |
€512 |
|
Julien Behal Photography |
Seniors Alert System Launch |
€676.50 |
|
Total photography costs for 2017 |
€1,791.20 |
226. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of freedom of information requests made to his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of requests fully denied by reason; the number of requests partially denied; the number of appeals made against denials; the number of such appeals upheld; the number of such appeals rejected; the number of requests that required a fee; the amount received for freedom of information requests in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50603/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established on 19 July 2017 and has received the following FOI requests since that date:
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 (at 02/12/2019) |
|
Total received |
14 |
58 |
76 |
|
Granted |
4 |
14 |
24 |
|
Part-Granted |
3 |
12 |
6 |
|
Refused |
2 |
14 |
8 |
|
Withdrawn |
3 |
6 |
9 |
|
Handled outside FOI |
2 |
12 |
18 |
|
Transferred |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Open requests |
12 |
||
|
Internal Reviews |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
Decision Upheld |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Decision Varied |
1 |
1 |
A total of €240 was collected in fees, in respect of one request, during the period in question. Where requesters may be subject to fees, the Department is active in assisting requesters refine their requests where possible to ensure that information can be provided without a fee requirement.
Requests are refused where records are withheld under the various exemptions as set out under the Freedom of Information Act. In respect of the 24 requests where no records were released, 16 were refused under Section 15 (1)(a) of the Act, where records did not exist or could not be found. Other reasons for refusal included Section 29 (Deliberations of FOI Bodies), Section 30 (Functions and Negotiations of FOI Bodies) and Section 36 (Commercially Sensitive Information).
227. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of co-funding required for each project under the 2019 local improvement scheme; the projected source of co-funding as outlined in the application for project funding; and the projects that were not approved for funding that applied to the 2019 scheme by county in tabular form [50652/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince I reintroduced the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) in 2017, I have allocated over €48 million to improvement works on more than 2,000 non-public roads throughout rural Ireland.
The LIS is funded by my Department and administered through the Local Authorities.
Co-funding is required for each project in the form of a local contribution from householders/landowners. The contribution is set at 10% of the total cost of works for roads with up to 5 householders/landowners, and 15% for roads with 6 or more householders/landowners. The maximum amount that any individual household/landowner can be asked to contribute has been capped at €1,200 under the 2019 scheme.
Local Authorities may also include a number of amenity roads in the LIS which lead to public places such as beaches and graveyards. These roads may not exceed 25% of the total value of the overall LIS allocation to a Local Authority. The co-funding for these projects is paid by the Local Authority.
The number and location of roads to benefit from improvement works is a matter for the relevant Local Authority. My Department does not hold records of projects that have not been approved at Local Authority level.
