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Chuaigh an Leas-Cheann Comhairle i gceannas ar 2 p.m. Paidir. Prayer.49. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the cost saving on a per barrack basis for his decision to close barracks at Mullingar, Clonmel, Cavan and Castlebar; the capital requirements on a per barrack basis for those barracks to which the affected soldiers will be reassigned; the projected costs of securing each of the four barracks when they are empty; the amount of travel allowances that are payable to those affected soldiers; if he will outline any other payments that are payable on foot of his decision to close these barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38808/11]
50. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence if he has conducted a cost analysis of the closure of Defence Force barracks across the State including the impact of the closure on local communities and additional costs of relocation of Defence Force members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38905/11]
51. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason a decision was made to close Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary, which is 83 kilometres from Sarsfield Barracks, County Limerick, with no motorway access as opposed to Stephen’s Barracks, County Kilkenny, which is 81 kilometres from the Curragh, County Kildare, with 67 kilometres of that journey being motorway, when both barracks were deemed to be of equal strategic importance; in the event of the closure of Kickham Barracks, the arrangements that are in place to ensure that the existing army reserve units will maintain a training base in Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39829/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I apologise on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter, who is unable to take questions today. He is attending a European Council meeting on behalf of the Department of Justice and Equality.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 to 51, inclusive, together.
The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports in recent years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength.
The savings that will arise in respect of utilities, security duty allowance and maintenance will be approximately €0.4 million in respect of Mullingar, €0.4 million in respect of Clonmel, €0.35 million in respect of Cavan and €0.1 million in respect of Castlebar. In addition to the cost of utilities each barracks requires a security detail and additional further personnel are tied up on purely administrative duties connected to the management of the particular barracks. In addition, because maintaining barrack security can require around the clock cover a much larger pool of personnel is required. Consequently, several hundred additional man years will become available for operational duties. At a minimum, the value of this efficiency gain across the four locations will exceed €5 million per year.
Expenditure at the receiving barracks is an estimated €1 million to provide immediate accommodation, including some temporary measures. A further €3 million to €4 million will be required for permanent works in the next two to three years. In Custume Barracks in Athlone there is sufficient accommodation to provide for personnel relocating from the barracks in Cavan and Mullingar who choose to live in barracks on a single living-in basis. Mess, dining and other welfare facilities will also be available to these personnel from existing facilities at Custume Barracks. Work-related accommodation will also be put in place before personnel relocate. There are no plans for providing extra accommodation in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick. However, it is expected there will be a requirement for the provision of additional locker facilities at an estimated cost of €50,000. There will be no requirement for expenditure in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny, as personnel relocating there will be filling existing vacancies. Alternative arrangements for Reserve Defence Force units located at the closing barracks has not yet been finalised but will be put in place before 30 March 2012.
Defence Forces regulations provide for the payment of certain allowances to qualifying personnel on change of station. The allowances payable depend on the individual circumstances of each applicant. In general, prescribed travel allowances may be paid for up to nine months. There is also provision in the regulations to cover certain costs, such as auctioneer and legal fees incurred by qualifying personnel who purchase a house at their new station. As the allowances payable will be based on individual circumstances it is not possible to say what the final costs will be. However, based on the 2009 barracks closures 326 qualifying personnel in the four locations that closed received some €677,000 in total in change of station allowances, an average of €2,077 per person. It is likely that the average change of station allowance payment per qualifying person will be of the same order on this occasion.
The Department of Defence is arranging for the briefing of personnel in respect of change of station allowance in the coming weeks. The purpose of these briefings is to give an outline of the change of station allowance scheme to the relevant personnel and to address, in so far as possible, any issues of concern that may arise.
Once they become vacant the four barracks being closed will be administered by the Department which will be responsible for security pending disposal. An assessment of the security requirement will be carried out in advance of the closures and appropriate measures put in place. The Deputy will appreciate that I should not go into details at this stage.
Based on the experience of previous closures, it is anticipated the impact on local communities will be negligible. This is based on the experience that most of the personnel serving in these installations live in the areas and will continue to do so in the future.
Deputy Dara Calleary: These closures will have potential savings of just over €1 million in direct costs and what the Minister of State defined as an efficiency gain, for which there is no way of quantifying, of €5 million. The costs of moving the barracks and personnel, on the other hand, will involve €4 million in capital costs required in the other barracks. An allowance for soldiers to move will come to €700,000. This does not include the security costs which I appreciate the Minister of State cannot give in his reply. In the long term, this will come to more than the so-called anticipated efficiencies.
Have any other potential uses for the properties in Cavan, Mullingar, Clonmel and Castlebar been identified? Has the Department been in touch with local authorities in identifying the sites for, say, community uses or as enterprise centres?
What is the timeline for the closure of the barracks in question? Dún Uí Néill in Cavan, Columb in Mullingar and Kickham in Clonmel were worth €22 million combined to their three towns. Of this amount, how much does the Department estimate will be lost to the three towns in question?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The potential savings are €5 million per year. This is not just about money savings but making the Defence Forces more professional. The number of full-time personnel in the Defence Forces has dropped considerably over the past several years. The Government made a commitment in the programme for Government and in last week’s budget that personnel levels will be maintained at 9,500. The closure of these barracks will release some personnel from other duties.
As I stated in my reply, if one wants 24-7 barrack security, it can tie up quite a number of soldiers to perform it in rotation. The redeployment to other barracks will release more man hours and allow for these duties to be performed more efficiently. When personnel levels were at 14,000, it was easy to keep these barracks open. The Government had to make a decision on this and did so.
The Minister for Defence met several delegations prior to the closures, often for up to two hours, on future potential uses of the barrack sites in question. The Minister’s priority is not to have these sites left idle. As I said in my reply, most personnel stayed in their existing accommodation when barracks were closed by the Deputy’s party in government. I do not believe the closures will result in a huge revenue loss to any town.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: The Minister of State referred to the potential loss to local communities and I take on board his comment that the previous closure of barracks did not result in significant numbers of personnel moving. Regardless of that, the closures will result in additional costs to them and that will have a knock-on effect on local communities. I asked in my question whether a cost benefit analysis had been conducted on the impact of the closures rather than the Government presuming there would not be an impact. Was such an analysis done on the potential losses, for example, to local businesses that supply barracks or to local authorities through lost commercial rates, etc., when local businesses close or following an increase in social welfare claims? Was a document produced that outlined step by step the potential losses to local economies?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: There will be no direct job losses in any barracks; everyone will be relocated.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: I asked about the local economies.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: No Defence Forces personnel will lose jobs because of the barracks closures. I presume people who deliver to a barracks supply other barracks and I presume, for example, food companies do business with other barracks. A barracks cannot be kept open just because there might be a few euro less in the community. I empathise with the business people in each of the towns where barracks closures will happen but none of the barracks closures in recent years led to the closure of local businesses. I do not believe that any business will go to the wall because of a barracks closure.
I stated clearly in my reply that compensation is available for Defence Forces personnel who have to move house and so on. During previous closures, a minimal number of people moved out of the towns in which they lived when they were reassigned to another barracks. They were able to commute on a daily basis to their new posting and they remained where they were. The new postings are within daily commuting distance.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I did not get a satisfactory reply to my questions. The Minister of State is being disingenuous when he says there will be no job losses because many people in Clonmel have chosen to pull out and give up their chosen career, which is valuable to them and to the State. Why was a decision taken to close Clonmel barracks? It is 83 km from Sarsfield Barracks, with no motorway access, whereas St. Stephen’s Barracks in Kilkenny is 81 km from the Curragh and 67 km of the journey can be covered by motorway. The Minister of State contradicted himself by saying personnel can travel easily to their new barracks. There is a motorway between Kilkenny and the Curragh but there is 81 km of bad road, the N24, between Clonmel and Limerick.
My question also referred to the Defence Forces Reserve, which has a proud tradition of service all over the country, including in Clonmel and the surrounding district. Members of the reserve want reassurance that if they give up their time to serve the State, they will retain an operational area in Clonmel barracks where they can continue to train. The Minister of State might say it will not affect business. Of course it will affect business. This is a huge body blow to the spirit of the town of Clonmel. The barracks is part of the fabric of the town and has been there since the time Cromwell failed to close it down. It has resisted at all times. It is very involved in the community and throws its doors open to many community services, not to mention all the good work that is done during floods, snow storms, search and rescue operations and everything else. It is a huge psychological blow to the town and it is being resisted.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The Deputy can be assured that the Minister met PDFORRA as recently as yesterday. He stated that if there are personnel in Clonmel barracks who, for personal reasons or otherwise, want to move to Kilkenny or elsewhere, there are negotiations which can be availed of. The Minister, the Department and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces are very open to ensuring, in so far as possible, that all personnel will be accommodated in every way.
With regard to the loss of revenue, I did not say businesses would not be affected.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: He said they would not be closed.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I said they would not go to the wall because of the barracks closing. The Deputy was part of the Government when other barracks closed. I do not believe any business in any of those towns went to the wall because a particular barracks closed.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Different times.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The Deputy referred to the reserve forces, which is an issue we are taking into account. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, is very much aware of this matter and of the importance of the work the reserve forces carry out. They will be accommodated when planning is being carried out on the future of the barracks.
The Deputy said it is a huge psychological blow to Clonmel, and there is no doubt that it is, as it is for Cavan and Mullingar and in the case of the other barracks that closed in recent years. However, just because the barracks in Clonmel has closed does not mean the Defence Forces will not be available in emergency cases, such as the flooding Clonmel has been prone to over many years. I assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces are still there to serve on behalf of the community and for the community, and that will continue, not alone in Clonmel but right across the country. During the recent inclement weather in December and January last, although there is only a very small barracks in County Wexford with just ten or 15 personnel, we still got the very same support from the Defence Forces as towns like Clonmel, Mullingar or Cavan, where there were full-time barracks.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: With regard to the compensation the Minister of State said may be available, will this be on an individual basis and depend on each individual’s circumstances or will there be a set rate per person? What are the timelines for the closures?
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I asked why the decision was taken to close Clonmel rather than Kilkenny given that they have the same significance, as is acknowledged by the Army itself, and the distances involved were not huge. Why was Clonmel picked out?
Deputy Dara Calleary: First, I want to repeat my question on the timelines. Second, will the Minister of State provide me with the figure in regard to the family income supplement that may be payable because of reductions in pay and the extra burden being put on people travelling?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: While I do not have the figure to hand on income supplement, I can have my officials come back to Deputy Calleary on that. I believe the timeline will be the first half of next year, although I do not have a specific date. In response to Deputy O’Brien, cases will be dealt with on an individual basis because everyone’s needs will be different.
Deputy McGrath asked why Clonmel barracks was chosen. Different Defence Forces barracks have totally different operational duties, for example, the Curragh camp is more of a training camp than a barracks. Within the Defence Forces, there were specific reasons different barracks were closed.
I want to highlight a particular point. Everybody will be accommodated in so far as possible. If a person from Clonmel wants to go to the barracks in Kilkenny because of his or her personal circumstances, or if he or she wants to go to Limerick or Athlone, he or she will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. I can assure the House that no one will be left out in the cold.
I understand this can be a sensitive time for members of the Defence Forces and, more importantly, for their families. It puts an extra strain on the families. We are in a space here where we must look after the professionalism of the Defence Forces which we want to keep to a maximum. It is important to us that we do this on a professional basis, and I think that we have.
52. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the process of consultation he engaged in before his decision to reduce the number of brigades from three to two; the persons or groups with whom he met and when; the input the armed forces had in this decision; the estimated savings associated with this reduction; if he envisages any further barrack closures as a result of the reduction; if he envisages any troop or staff transfers from their current location as a result of this reduction; if so, the number of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39994/11]
53. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the consultation process he undertook with representatives of PDFORRA and RACO on the proposed changes to Army brigades. [39953/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
The Government’s comprehensive review of expenditure formed the basis for the budgetary decisions necessary to achieve the targets for fiscal consolidation over the period to the end of 2014.
A detailed submission by the Department of Defence formed part of the review process. The submission highlighted the significant reform that has been undertaken in recent years in Defence. It also set out options for Government consideration and highlighted the consequences of alternative courses of action.
I am pleased to say that the Government decided to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. This recognises the significant modernisation that has been achieved to date and reflects the Government’s intention that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all of the assigned roles within the restricted financial allocation.
In response to this revised strength ceiling of 9,500, there will be a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces encompassing a reduction in the number of Army brigades from three to two. The Chief of Staff was consulted in this regard. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for the Minister’s consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. Further barrack closures are not envisaged as part of this process. The Deputies will appreciate that in advance of receipt of these proposals I will not be in a position to answer detailed questions.
The reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel will deliver sustainable savings. The re-organisation is a response to this reduction and is not intended as a cost saving measure in its own right. The primary focus is to free up the maximum number of military personnel from administrative and support tasks. In short, the re-organisation is about maintaining operational outputs and capabilities to best effect, within a reduced strength.
In accordance with the Croke Park agreement, the representative associations will be fully consulted on all aspects of implementation that fall within the scope of representation. Across Departments, a similar approach is generally taken to implementing high level policy decisions as a result of the CRE.
The Defence organisation has an enviable track record of modernisation and reform. This remains a work in progress. I look forward to working closely with the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General in furthering the reform agenda.
Deputy Dara Calleary: It is unfortunate that the Minister, Deputy Shatter, is not here because my question goes to the very heart of his style of ministry. The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, spoke of consultation in terms of the Croke Park agreement, but this was announced before anybody in PDFORRA or RACO was told about it and before any Members were told about it.
There are no savings to be made, as Deputy Kehoe stated in his response. I struggle to see where reducing from three brigades to two will result in efficiencies or a better and more efficiently managed Army. It is not as if we had a huge force that would be managed better in two rather than in three brigades.
It would have been far better to have gone into detail with PDFORRA and RACO and, I suspect, with Army management in terms of the ramifications of this decision before announcing it in such a manner.
I will proudly speak in favour of retaining the Western Brigade. It has performed a significant service, at home and abroad, for many years and many of its members are serving as we speak in the Lebanon. Deputy Kehoe saw them off a few weeks ago.
There is no efficiency immediately apparent in this decision. Deputy Kehoe stated it is not a cost decision. It is a bad day’s work on the part of the Minister to undermine the morale of the Army and of the brigades in question by making this decision in the manner in which it was made.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I am aware that the Minister met representatives of both PDFORRA and RACO yesterday on this issue. In response to the previous question, I stated the number of personnel in the Defence Forces is 9,500. In recent years, the number was as high as 12,000 to 14,000. Unfortunately, we do not have enough personnel in the Defence Forces at present to maintain and sustain three brigades.
The Minister consulted the Chief of Staff on this issue. There will be full consultation between the Department and the Defence Forces. Thereafter, a proposal will be made to the Minister. It is a question of consultation, and full consultation will take place over the next while on where the brigades will be placed. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, will make his decision in the not-too-distant future.
I assure the Deputy that it is because of the personnel number in the Defence Forces that we have had to make this decision. From having examined the funding available and the personnel figures, I note the previous Minister for Defence believed the budget would be sufficient to sustain a force of over 9,500, but if he had remained in office there would be a personnel number of 8,000 because there would not be sufficient finances to pay any more. This does not reflect on Deputy Calleary but on the previous Minister.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: The Minister of State referred to consultation and he just confirmed that PDFORRA and RACO were not consulted prior to the decision being announced. Is it putting the cart before the horse to announce reorganisation involving a reduction from three brigades to two before asking the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to bring forward fitting proposals? Surely a consultation process should be about whether a decision is feasible. Will the Minister of State clarify the position on this?
Who actually made the decision? Was it a recommendation that came to the Minister or did the Minister himself decide, based on the figures, budgets and efficiencies, whether it was best to have three or two brigades?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: This is a ministerial decision for the Minister for Defence, Deputy Shatter. He will ask the Department to come up with a proposal. Both the defence and departmental sides would work together and return to the Minister with a proposal for him to make a decision.
There was very little consultation on the decentralisation of the Department of Defence. This is a decision the Minister must make himself. He will consult the Department and Defence Forces before he makes his decision. As the Deputy will understand, the Defence Forces have the knowledge on the ground. The Minister will be open to hearing the views of all parties and none if they have proposals to make.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: The Minister of State is saying the Minister decided to reduce the number from three to two. Having made that decision, did he then consult the Chief of Staff and Secretary General? Alternatively, did the consultation take place prior to the announcement? That is what I am trying to ascertain.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: This is a ministerial decision. The Minister has asked the Department and Chief of Staff to make proposals in this regard. They were consulted on this by the Minister.
54. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the moneys outstanding from the UN to Ireland in respect of our peacekeeping duties; his views that the appropriate procedures are in place for the efficient collection of that money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38706/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The only UN-led mission in which the Defence Forces are currently participating is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL.
The total amount owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations as of 30 November 2011 in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UN missions is approximately €11.66 million, including deployment, rotation, troop and equipment costs. The amount owed in respect of the current UNIFIL mission is €4.68 million. Repatriation costs of personnel and equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad amount to approximately €6.7 million, subject to ongoing negotiations with the UN. Costs associated with the participation in the UNIFIL mission in 2006-07 amounts to €280,000 and payment from the UN is still awaited.
I am satisfied with the arrangements in place for reimbursement of moneys owed to Ireland by the United Nations. The recovery from the UN of the moneys owed is pursued on an ongoing basis by the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade in conjunction with the permanent mission of Ireland to the UN in New York. To date in 2011 the UN has reimbursed Ireland €1.12 million, mainly in respect of the UNIFIL mission. Following last week’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with the UN for Ireland’s contribution of Defence Forces personnel and equipment to UNIFIL it is anticipated that an additional €1.8 million will be received from the UN by the end of this month.
Deputy Dara Calleary: I wish our Defence Forces personnel, and particularly those who are serving overseas in UN missions, best wishes for the season and a safe and happy 2012. In the context of our financial circumstances and the need to make every penny count, is there a way of avoiding the situation whereby debts incurred in 2006 are still outstanding so that the moneys owed to us by the UN are paid to us in a timely manner? The Minister of State noted that part of the money owned on one mission is subject to an ongoing dispute. Are these payment issues not agreed prior to the deployment of personnel?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: In any case where money is owed, there will always be negotiations. That is what is happening at present in respect of the mission to Chad. I assure the Deputy that all debts will be collected and the Department is working vigorously to this end.
55. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence, further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 21 September 2011, the further progress that has been made with the value for money review of the Defence Forces; when he expects this review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38673/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: A value for money review, VFM, of the Reserve Defence Force commenced in February 2010. In the interim period the EU-IMF deal was signed. The requisite fiscal consolidation which was a part of this deal has a direct bearing on the level of resourcing available for the Defence Forces. This in turn is linked to the framing of future plans for the organisation of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force. In response to the economic difficulties, the level of resourcing available for the Defence Forces has decreased, which has impacted the broader organisation, including the resources available for the Reserve Defence Force. There have been significant reductions in paid training and recruitment has been curtailed in line with these reductions.
The Government’s comprehensive review of expenditure, CRE, was the mechanism for determining the resource envelope for the Defence Forces over the coming years. The CRE process has presented two challenges to the progression of the VFM review of the Reserve Defence Force. First, members of the team undertaking the VFM review were asked to prioritise the CRE. Second, it was not feasible to isolate proposals for the Reserve Defence Force until the resource envelope for the Defence Forces for the coming years was made known in budget 2012 following the completion of the CRE. Accordingly, while work has been ongoing, it was not feasible to identify options for the future development of the Reserve pending clarity on the broader resource envelope.
Significant challenges lie ahead within the reduced resource envelope. As part of the response to the downsizing of the PDF to 9,500 personnel, a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces, encompassing a reduction from three to two Army brigades, will be undertaken. This will also affect the Reserve Defence Force. The Chief of Staff and Secretary General are to provide detailed proposals in this regard for consideration. In effect, the work on the VFM review of the RDF has been overtaken by broader events. The VFM steering committee will now consider the way ahead in light of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces and the budgetary provision. Clearly, the future plans for the Reserve must dovetail with those for the overall defence organisation.
Deputy David Stanton: I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response and note his statement that the value for money review has been overtaken by budgetary and economic constraints. Could he give any indication of when the Green Paper on defence might be published? This is linked to the future of the Reserve Defence Force. In addition, can he tell us when the new role of the value for money review might be made available?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I will find out when the Green Paper will be available and pass the information on to the Deputy. As the Deputy understands, when the funding envelope of the Permanent Defence Force is reduced, this must be mirrored in the Reserve Defence Force. The Deputy asked about the funding available. The envelope available to the Defence Forces for 2012 was reported in last week’s budget. There will be changes; I am not able to say what they will be, but they will involve consultation with the Reserve Defence Force.
Deputy David Stanton: I am glad there will be consultation with the Reserve Defence Force. Can the Minister of State assure the House that the future of the Reserve Defence Force will be guaranteed in some form? There were reports that it might be abolished or done away with completely. Can he assure the House this is not the case?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I can assure the Deputy there are no plans to abolish the Reserve Defence Force. The proposals regarding the future development of the Reserve Defence Force arising from the value for money review and the wider reorganisation proposals for the Defence Forces as a whole will be introduced in due course. I assure the Deputy there will be consultation with everybody involved, but there are no plans to abolish the Reserve Defence Force. As the Deputy knows, the Reserve plays an important role within our community and within the Defence Forces, as many of the new recruits go on to be full-time Defence Forces personnel.
Deputy James Bannon: With regard to the value for money review, we must consider the whole portfolio of buildings, including the barracks that have been closed, and their value to communities, especially when they are in prime locations in the middle of towns. I see them as having a multi-functional purpose for the benefit of communities. When Longford barracks closed back in 2008, I made a commitment to the people of Longford that I would do everything in my power to ensure that an alternative use was found for the building. The town council and the county council asked the Midland Regional Authority to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study and an action group was set up.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: The Deputy should table a separate question on that.
Deputy James Bannon: We came up with a multi-functional purpose for the building. I am glad the Minister has agreed to sell it to both local authorities. We cannot lose sight of the value of these structures to the community. They are mainly located in the centre of towns. I am anxious to ensure that any of the barracks that have been closed will not be sold to a developer who will sit on it for 20 years and allow the site in the centre of the town to become derelict. There should be time constraints for the development of sites.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: It is a separate issue and the Deputy should put down a separate question.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: With regard to the Reserve Defence Forces, will the proposed reorganisation of the Defence Forces from three to two brigades include recommendations relating to a similar reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Forces?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: To reply to Deputy O’Brien first, when there are changes in the Permanent Defence Force, there are generally changes within the Reserve Defence Force. No proposals have been brought forward and the Minister has not made a formal proposal on that. Realistically, however, if there are changes to the Permanent Defence Force, there will be other changes. I am not saying what the changes will be and I hope the Deputy will not say outside the Chamber that the Minister said X, Y and Z, but one must mirror the changes. I am not aware of what the changes will be but perhaps the Minister, Deputy Alan Shatter——
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: Will it form part of the Chief of Staff’s report?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I presume the Minister will take that into consideration when he is making a decision.
On Deputy Bannon’s point about the value for money review, I can assure him that the Minister is very aware of the important role the buildings and structures play in the community. Every alternative use will be examined and the Minister will take account of any proposal when considering the future of the closed barracks. Deputy Bannon was affected by the barracks closure in Mullingar. If there are any proposals for the Longford barracks which the Deputy might wish to bring to the Minister’s attention, I am sure he will be open to considering them. All security arrangements will be fulfilled, and the barracks in Cavan, Mullingar and Clonmel will be secured by the Department and the Defence Forces in a very professional way.
56. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his views regarding the threat that the Defence Forces would be used to carry out the work of firefighters in County Roscommon who are in dispute with management regarding changes to their working conditions; and if he will ensure that the army is not used in any industrial dispute. [38610/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: Last month, in the context of an ongoing dispute between the local authority fire service and a number of its retained fire fighters, a request was received by my Department, in accordance with procedures in place, from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government for the Defence Forces to provide assistance to Roscommon County Council in the maintenance of essential fire services. While Defence Forces personnel were made available for deployment, they were not called upon as the Roscommon County Council fire service was able to deal with all call-outs from within its own available resources. The Defence Forces operation was stood down following settlement of the dispute on 2 December last.
The White Paper on Defence provides for a role for the Defence Forces in assisting the civil authorities in the maintenance of essential services. As the local authority concerned was in dispute with personnel who provide what is clearly an essential service, I can confirm absolutely that the Defence Forces, if called upon, would have responded to all requests for assistance from the local authority fire service.
Deputy Clare Daly: This question should have arisen last week; the dispute has been resolved since then. There is no doubt that the Defence Forces were used, actively and consciously, in an effort to undermine the fire fighters in the course of their legitimate dispute with the local authority. Does the Minister think it appropriate that the Defence Forces should be used in this manner? What are the criteria for such intervention and in what other circumstances have they been called on to intervene in this way? The issue centred on retraining and the staff involved are very professional. They had an arrangement with their employer and they were engaged in a legitimate dispute. Undoubtedly, using the State forces gave the local authority an advantage. It is akin to bully boy tactics and I am not happy that my tax revenue is being used to undermine a group of workers.
I would imagine that Defence Forces staff have also been at the receiving end of a lot of bad Government decisions and would not like to be used in that way against other workers. I ask the Minister of State to address whether he thinks it is appropriate and what specific criteria are involved when the Defence Forces are called in to act in that regard. In how many other similar instances have they been called upon?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I can assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces undermined nobody’s authority. They were called upon on an emergency basis, which I very much welcome. That is their role. I have no doubt that if firefighters in the Deputy’s constituency were on strike and her house went on fire she would very much welcome, in the event of the county council not being available to put out the fire, the Defence Forces being able to do so.
The Defence Forces are there to be called upon in such circumstances. It has happened on other occasions. The most recent instances in which they have provided assistance or have been on standby to assist in maintaining essential services during industrial disputes was in 2002 when assistance was provided to Dublin City Council during the Ballymun lifts dispute. In 2003 assistance was provided to Donegal County Council during threatened industrial action by the Northern Ireland fire services. In 2002 they were on standby for a threatened national strike involving retained firefighters. In 2002 and 2003 assistance was provided to the midlands and south-eastern health boards during ambulance disputes. In 2004 defence forces medical doctors provided assistance to the Irish Prison Service during a medical doctors strike. In 2005 it was on standby to provide assistance to the Irish Prison Service in the event of a strike by prison officers. In 2007 it was on standby for a threatened strike by retained firefighters in Ennis, County Clare. In 2010 assistance was provided to Dublin City Council during the Ballymun lift dispute.
It is a civic duty of the Defence Forces that if such disputes arise they come into play. They will respond to all requests for assistance from any local authority, fire service or health service. They carry out their training in a very professional manner to be ready and able to assist.
Deputy Clare Daly: We are all aware of how capable the Defence Forces are, but so is the fire service. The fact that the Minister of State could recount seven incidents in the course of almost ten years demonstrates that this is an unusual situation. Firefighters were in dispute in my constituency last year, and I would support them as I do the people in Roscommon. The workers made arrangements.
The fact that the armed forces were not called upon to intervene in the dispute is confirmation of the fact that workers had sorted out the situation. They were being treated unfairly vis-à-vis other groups of workers by the State being actively used in order to undermine their legitimate dispute. I take it, based on the comments of the Minister of State, that he intends to carry on in that regard. Can any other agencies, apart from local authorities, invoke this procedure or is it only at their behest?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: That is the Deputy’s stance on the issue. It is about saving lives if they are requested to do so, as well as safety and emergencies. The Deputy is entitled to her opinion but it would not be the opinion of many outside the House. They want emergency services available to them, whether it is the Defence Forces or others.
I can assure the Deputy that nobody’s authority was undermined. The Defence Forces were asked to provide cover for firefighters in Roscommon. They do not get involved in the technical end of any dispute. They simply carry out duties. I mentioned a number of areas where the Defences Forces were used since 2002. I can assure the Deputy that they will continue to be available if the circumstances arise.
Deputy Clare Daly: Is it only local authorities who have the power?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: No, the health services can also call on them.
57. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Defence the total cost for the provision of two new offshore patrol vessels for the Naval Service. [38662/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The contract price for the provision of two new offshore patrol vessels for the Naval Service is €99 million, exclusive of VAT, and subject to contract terms and final agreed costs. In addition, the cost of providing a weapons system for the ships, similar to the systems on LE Roisin and LE Niamh, will be €7.8 million, exclusive of VAT. The contract for the two ships was placed with Babcock Marine UK in October 2010. Payments on the contract are scheduled over a period of eight years, 2010-17, and are being funded from within the annual defence budget.
A total of €38.7 million has been paid over to date on the contract, including VAT payments to the Revenue Commissioners. The next stage payment of €12 million is scheduled before the end of March 2012 with an accompanying VAT liability of €2.7 million falling payable.
Preparations for the construction of the ships have commenced in Appledore, UK, and the first cutting of steel took place in November. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow one year later. I am advised that the production schedule is on time and in accordance with the contract and that to date there are no difficulties foreseen.
The acquisition of these modern new vessels is a priority for the Defence Forces. The Deputy should note that Naval Service vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. These acquisitions, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level in the coming years.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: The two new ships are set to replace the LE Roisin and the LE Niamh. The first one is due in early 2014. Are there any other outstanding requests from the navy for equipment which we are unable to meet because of the new economic situation in which we find ourselves?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I am not aware of any outstanding equipment for which the Naval Service is waiting. I am not sure if the Minister, Deputy Shatter, has been made aware of any such request. I can assure the Deputy that the two new ships will be put to very good use. They are needed within the Naval Service. We are all aware of the excellent work it carries out on a daily basis in very difficult and dangerous circumstances, for which it has to be commended. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014 and the second will follow in early 2015. I can assure the Deputy that any moneys spent have been spent very wisely by the Naval Service.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: Can I confirm that €12 million is due in 2012?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: Yes, the next staged payment is €12 million and is scheduled for the end of March 2012, with an accompanying VAT liability of €2.7 million falling payable.
Deputy David Stanton: The LE Eithne and LE Deirdre are being replaced, not the LE Roisin and LE Niamh. They are the new ships. Conditions in the Atlantic have become harsher and more difficult over the past number of years. The Naval Service provides a very important function in terms of fishery protection, drug detection, rescue and combatting human trafficking, among other functions. Its work often takes place over the horizon and is not seen.
Its work is essential and must be supported 100%. Will the Minister of State indicate when the next two ships are planned to be replaced?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I am not certain when the next two ships are planned for replacement. However, as a person from a coastal county myself, I assure the Deputy that I am mindful of the very important job carried out by the Naval Service. The Taoiseach recently travelled on one of the naval vessels and was greatly impressed by the extensive work carried out and the important nature of that work, whether in fisheries, drug interceptions or otherwise. The general public is probably not aware of the extent of the work carried out by the Naval Service. On a recent visit to Haulbowline, at which Deputy Stanton was in attendance, I was very impressed by the duty and dedication to their work of the staff, who conduct themselves in a very professional manner in sometimes difficult and dangerous circumstances at sea.
Deputy Dara Calleary: I endorse everything the Minister of State and Deputy Stanton said in regard to the Naval Service. I commend Commander Mark Mellet and everybody involved. Given the role the Naval Service plays in fisheries protection and in drug seizures on an EU basis, is any contribution being made from the EU to the cost of these ships?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: A sum of €900,000 was recently approved for that purpose and paid by the Commission. It is unlikely that further funding will be available from the EU, but this will not deter the Department or the Naval Service from seeking further moneys. I assure the Deputy that we will seek to maximise any funding possibilities that arise. When buying ships or other equipment, we will always investigate any financial assistance that might be available. I join Deputy Calleary in commending his fellow countyman, Commander Mellet, on his work at Haulbowline.
58. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Defence the capital projects he intends to undertake during 2012. [38691/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The gross capital provision for my Department and the Defence Forces for the coming year, as set out in the recently published Estimates for Public Services 2012, is €9 million. The Estimates also provide for a carryover from 2011 of €500,000. Some €2.8 million of the capital budget has been allocated to provide for the upgrade and replacement of existing information technology hardware and associated licensing support costs. The balance of the provision, amounting to some €6.7 million, has been allocated to the building programme for the Defence Forces. One of the key objectives of the building programme is the modernisation and enhancement of the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces.
Approximately €2.1 million of the allocation for 2012 will be expended on building projects already under way, with the balance available for new building projects in 2012, including any works that may be necessary arising from the recent decision to close a number of barracks. Projects already under way include the provision of an automated firing range at Kilworth Camp, County Cork, and of additional facilities for Defence Forces personnel at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk.
Proposed construction projects under the building programme for 2012 are currently being assessed. My Department maintains a master list of projects for development. This is reviewed periodically based on current needs and priority projects are identified. Projects to be undertaken are approved based on the outcome of a capital appraisal exercise in each case.
It is envisaged that in 2012 new-start construction projects will include a new aircraft hangar in Casement Aerodrome, phase one of the replacement of buildings at the ammunition depot in the Defence Forces training centre and the provision of a further automated firing range.
Deputy Dara Calleary: What projects were deleted from the capital investment list as part of the cutbacks in the capital budget? Investment will be required in several barracks in order to cater for the intake of personnel from the barracks which are to be closed. Has the scope of that work been identified and is there a target date for its completion?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: There will be a minimum amount spent in upgrading the consolidated barracks. We are not yet certain exactly what investment will be required as the process of consolidation is still in the very early stages. I do not have detailed information on capital projects cancelled or postponed. There has been significant capital investment in different areas in recent years.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: Did the Minister of State refer to an investment of €2.8 million in the upgrade of information technology hardware?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: Yes, €2.8 million from the capital budget has been allocated to provide for the upgrade and replacement of existing hardware and associated licensing support costs.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: Does the Minister of State have a breakdown of the licensing costs as distinct from the hardware costs?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I will send that information to the Deputy.
59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent he and his EU colleagues bilaterally or in conjunction with the UN have had discussions in the matter of peacekeeping or peace-enforcement deployment throughout Europe or elsewhere; if any particular models have been examined or reviewed with the objective of ensuring sufficient troop deployment with a view to emergency response in adequate numbers in the event of the necessity arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38671/11]
345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has discussed with his EU colleagues in the matter of any ongoing requirements arising from a rapid response force for any particular locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39484/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 345 together.
During each EU Presidency both formal and informal meetings of Defence Ministers are held. Last month the Minister, Deputy Alan Shatter, attended the formal Defence Ministers’ meeting under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Council. The operation commanders from the current EU-led missions were also in attendance. Discussions were focused on these current operations and future proposed developments. Ministers also received an update on ongoing work regarding the EU’s relationship with other organisations, including the United Nations and NATO. Regarding the relationship with the UN, Ministers discussed how to enhance EU support to UN peacekeeping operations.
In this regard, Ireland last year produced a food for thought paper on enhancing EU-UN co-operation in crisis management, which was circulated to EU member states and discussed in various fora. The paper highlights several options as to how the EU, as part of its ongoing Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP, capability development process, might identify niche or modular capabilities developed for CSDP crisis management operations, which could be made available and fully integrated into UN-led “blue hat” crisis management operations. The EU’s Crisis Management and Planning Directorate, CMPD, has further elaborated on Ireland’s initiative. Consultations have been ongoing between the EU and the UN regarding possibilities for enhancing EU CSDP support to UN peacekeeping.
Following on from this consultation process, the EU has set out in a paper several possible actions which could enhance EU-UN cooperation. These include the EU facilitating co-ordinated member state contributions to the UN; the EU providing a component to a UN operation, civilian or military; an EU autonomous civilian deployment in support of UN operations; and an EU autonomous military deployment in support of UN operations. Further analysis of these concepts will be undertaken by the various committees in the EU early next year.
In regard to rapid response, the EU has the capability to deploy forces at high readiness, broadly based on the battle groups concept. The purpose of these battle groups is to provide a rapid level of response to developing international crises, allowing the EU to intervene during the critical early stages. To date, no particular location has been identified as suitable for the deployment of a battle group.
Participation in battle groups is just one of a number of ways in which Ireland contributes to the EU’s CSDP. We have participated in the Nordic battle group, which was on standby until 30 June 2011. In 2010 the Government approved Ireland’s participation in the Austro-German battle group, which will be on standby for the second six months of 2012. The other members of the Austro-German battle group are Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Within the EU itself, several committees, including the Political and Security Committee and the EU Military Committee, keep the issue of troop deployments, including rapid response, under constant review, in consultation with all member states.
60. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the number of permanent members of the Defence Forces to 9,500. [38656/11]
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I think we have dealt with this question earlier.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: Yes, I agree.
61. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the outstanding matters in the Defence Forces medical services review to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38655/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: PA Consultants recommended a programme of major change in relation to Defence Forces medical services. As recommended by the consultants, a number of working groups were set up to progress the various change projects identified. The working groups were tasked with identifying the practical steps which needed to be taken to achieve implementation of the PA vision for the future medical service. The work of these working groups has been completed and a time-bound implementation plan has been drawn up by the officer commanding the new central medical unit to implement the recommendations of the working groups.
A number of the recommendations of the working groups which the plan will implement include a training and development programme for medical personnel, information technology developments, clinical care developments and financial re-organisation.
The central medical unit will be formally established in early 2012. Its establishment will enable the detailed structures, processes and personnel to be put in place within the central medical unit to provide for the support, management and delivery of modern medical services. This new central medical unit will bring all medical personnel under one central command. It will have responsibility for the management and delivery of medical services, including the allocation of medical resources across the system based on operational requirements and demands.
The central medical unit implementation plan has four high level goals. These are to maximise the medical readiness, health and fitness of Defence Forces personnel; to manage and deliver high quality, efficient, effective health care; to maintain a medical capability that can be deployed with flexibility and inter-operability; and to provide expert advice on the provision of medical care and support in a military setting to the general staff.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
While it is at the very early stages of implementation, progress has been made on a number of recommendations, such as the provision of a single annual medical to cover all home and overseas requirements, a recruitment campaign for the appointment of medical doctors to deliver the recommended doctor centred medical service, scoping in relation to the development of the patient medical information system, the appointment of the officer commanding the central medical unit, a study into the potential for external medical services provision, the review of conventional military medical requirement, the establishment of a high level implementation group and the preparation of an implementation plan.
While I have already stated implementation is at an early stage, the detailed implementation plan provides a road map for further progress to be made with many of the other recommendations, such as those relating to the delivery of clinical services, the organisation and establishment of the future medical service, the separation of administration and clinical functions, financial and outsourcing arrangements and training and development.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: I am happy with that answer. We were waiting for one working group to complete its recommendations and now that this is completed I welcome the establishment of the central medical unit in early 2012. It will be of great benefit to the Defence Forces.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: I agree with Deputy O’Brien as to the benefits for the Defence Forces.
Deputy Dara Calleary: The Minister, Deputy Shatter, recently highlighted the difficulties in recruiting doctors for the Army. I note an advertisement was placed in the national newspapers a few weeks ago. What has been the response to that advertisement?
Deputy Paul Kehoe: The Deputy will be aware there has been a difficulty in recruiting doctors not only for the Defence Forces but also for the health service. I will revert to the Deputy with updated information on the recruitment of doctors for the Army.
62. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that capacity is available at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath to cater for additional personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38439/11]
Deputy Paul Kehoe: There is sufficient accommodation in Custume Barracks, Athlone, to provide for personnel relocating from the barracks in Cavan and Mullingar who choose to live in barracks. These personnel will be accommodated in the separate male and female billet blocks currently situated within Custume Barracks. Mess, dining and other welfare facilities will also be available to these personnel from existing facilities at Custume Barracks. Work-related accommodation will also be put in place before personnel relocate.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The devil was truly in the detail of the budget last week. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, boasted that there would be no cuts to primary weekly social welfare payments. However, the deeper one examines this budget, the more devastating and sinister the cuts become. Despite stating that payments to families at risk of poverty will remain unchanged, it is clear that as a result of changes to the main means testing arrangements, families in receipt of carer’s allowance now find that their family income supplement will be cut savagely. Before this callous budget, vulnerable citizens never regarded the carer’s allowance as income when applying for family income supplement. Like many Members, I have been contacted by many low-income families who find themselves far worse-off now than before the budget. One woman has four children all under the age of eleven. One of her children has autism and another is being assessed for autism. Her husband is the sole income earner in the family. They depended on family income supplement but as a result of this budget their income will be cut by an incredible €139. This represents a savage cut for a family of six on one income. We have received other similar e-mails. A gentleman with three children aged three, seven and a ten week old baby contacted me. One of the children has Down’s syndrome and is cared for at home by his mother while the father holds down a low-income job. This family is facing a cut of €140 to their income. This money is not spent on luxuries but rather on the bare necessities of life. There were no headlines on budget day about these cuts or the impact of these cuts but instead they were sneaked in with the approach of wait and see. Changing eligibility criteria like this is having a devastating impact on low-income families. Despite what the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, said when he described the cuts to social welfare as unpalatable but necessary, there can be no justification for cuts of this scale. Will the Taoiseach agree to reverse these savagely unfair cuts to the income of people on family income supplement who care for loved ones with special needs within the family?
The Taoiseach: The decisions taken by Government in drafting the budget are all unpalatable. As Deputy Martin is well aware, there were adjustments of €3.8 billion in the budget for 2012, comprising of €2.2 billion current spending and €1.6 billion in taxation. No matter what way one looks at it, in order to comply with conditions this country has signed up to, it is never an easy choice to decide what is in the best interests of everybody. I made it perfectly clear in speaking before the budget that no single citizen would be left untouched by this.
Deputy Robert Troy: The well-off are not touched.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: The Fine Gael supporters.
The Taoiseach: However, we reversed the situation concerning the minimum wage by changing the universal social charge threshold from €4,004 to €10,036. This brought 330,000 people out of the universal social charge. In the case of carers and others who are vulnerable, individual circumstances vary from family to family. I come across many individual and personal cases.
The fact of the matter is that we must deal with this issue ourselves because nobody will deal with it for us. From that perspective, starting at the top, the situation was changed in respect of residency and citizenship for those who are exceptionally wealthy, with increased charges and payments to be made through capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax, DIRT and so on. All of these things, right down the line, impact in one way or another on everybody.
As I stated, the choices are never easy and all of them are unpalatable. We warned about this and in so far as the protection of the vulnerable and those who are under pressure is concerned, be it from mortgage distress or the ravages of unemployment, one tries to balance it out in as fair a way as possible. Any individual circumstance, such as the one the Deputy raised in respect of a family of four, needs to be looked at from an individual perspective and what can be done to help this family in their difficulty. Obviously, until we get to a point where our finances are under control and we can focus on jobs, growth and getting people off the live register and back into the world of work, people will never be fully satisfied. They cannot be fully satisfied in circumstances in which one has to make changes that impact on people’s lives in this way.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I am trying to maintain the anonymity of the people who wrote to us. The Taoiseach’s answer does not give any sense of understanding the enormity of the impact of this premeditated budgetary change to means test those on family income supplement who are in receipt of the carer’s allowance. People are saying they know we have a great deal on our plates but please stand up for them and their families. The writer of the e-mail states the family currently receives €190 in family income supplement — I am skipping paragraphs — but if the carer’s allowance is included as income and means tested, this figure will be reduced to only €50 per week. This is not a misprint. The decline in income, from €190 to €50 per week, is unacceptable and cannot be justified.
I received a telephone call from a constituent who indicated that staff in the same company who are earning €90,000 — this did not include the caller — had said the budget is all right because it does not affect them. How in the name of God can anyone in this House claim that this is a fair budget if those who, by definition, are on the lowest tier of the income ladder given that they receive family income supplement are hit to the tune of €140, €100 or €50 per week? While the amounts vary, these are not isolated cases. The common denominator is that people on family income supplement are caring for somebody who needs care. They would not receive the carer’s allowance otherwise.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy’s time has expired. He should ask a question.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The Government has been aware of this since September yet it took a decision which is having an enormous, devastating and incredibly damaging impact. The e-mails we are receiving on the budget describe it in language such as being “driven to despair” and “over the brink” or being “unable to deal with it”. Some of those affected have mortgages while others do not. I cannot get over that any budget would impose income reductions of this size on families on very low incomes. I highlight this cut because it demonstrates the fundamental dishonesty and unfairness of the budget. The decisions and choices the Government made were wrong and it pursued the wrong strategy to fulfil certain election commitments.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Martin understands well that the Government had to introduce a budget of this nature because of the circumstances in which the country finds itself.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It had choices.
The Taoiseach: The common denominator in every contribution made by the Deputy is that he calls on the Government to reverse the cuts. He said we should reverse the cuts he has just described, those introduced last week, the reduction in the allocation for the A5 to the North and the increase in VAT.
Deputy Micheál Martin: There are alternatives.
The Taoiseach: It is neither possible nor credible to do as he asks. His party did not put forward an alternative solution.
Deputy Micheál Martin: We proposed alternative taxes but the Government did not agree with them.
Deputy Barry Cowen: The Government asked for alternatives and we complied with its request.
The Taoiseach: The Government did not cut carer’s allowance simply because of the job carers do.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach is digging a bigger hole.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Martin understands that every one of us meets carers who look after their loved ones in the family context. Everybody knows the pressure they are under, the commitment they give and the value they give to the State through the care, consideration——
Deputy Mattie McGrath: We have the Taoiseach speaking on tape during the election campaign.
The Taoiseach: I thank Deputy McGrath for his intervention.
Carers create a saving for the State through their love of kith and kin. This is why carer’s allowance was not cut in the budget. I do not know the circumstances of the entire family to whom Deputy Martin refers.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The problem I raise relates to more than one family.
The Taoiseach: I ask the Deputy to kindly send me the letter in his possession and I will have the individual circumstances of the family investigated.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The e-mails I received were general and will have been received by the Taoiseach also.
The Taoiseach: As I do not know all the facts of the case to which the Deputy refers, I ask him to give me the letter. Asking me to reverse this cut because it is unfair or unjust is not the answer. The Government has to make choices, none of which is easy or palatable.
Deputy Micheál Martin: This particular cut is affecting a small number of people in a disproportionate manner.
The Taoiseach: In so far as one can in the circumstances, one tries to protect those who are vulnerable, isolated and caught in a trap. That is why, for instance, we did not touch carers and the universal social charge was changed to reduce the pressure it placed on 330,000 people.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: The change to the universal social charge benefited people by €4.
The Taoiseach: The entire focus of the Government will be on creating jobs and opportunities for people. I ask Deputy Martin to give me a copy of the letter in his possession and I will have the case assessed.
Deputy Gerry Adams: In his state of the nation speech — his address on the state of this part of the nation — the Taoiseach stated: “I want to be the Taoiseach who retrieves Ireland’s economic sovereignty”.
The Taoiseach: I am glad Deputy Adams watched it.
Deputy Gerry Adams: Yes, it was amazing. At the weekend, the Taoiseach agreed a new fiscal compact. I mo bharúil, tá an Rialtas tar éis glacadh le coinníollacha an troika agus an fiscal compact seo fosta. Tabharfaidh sé cosaint dos na baincéirí agus an éilít. Cuirfidh sé leis an mbochtanas agus ghearrfaidh sé tuilleadh cruatain ar oibritheoirí. This new effort to regain our sovereignty contains a clear commitment, in clause 4, to introduce what is referred to as a “golden rule” on austerity at constitutional or equivalent level in the Irish legal system. Does the Government intend to place the proposed 0.5% deficit ceiling into the Constitution as required by the agreement? Will the Taoiseach state clearly that such a move will require a referendum? Does he accept that adopting such a policy will have a devastating effect on an already distressed economy? The Government has given a commitment to introduce austerity budgets until 2015. The new proposal would result in austerity budgets in perpetuity. How many more years of austerity will be required after 2015 to bring the deficit to 0.5% of GDP?
The Taoiseach: Deputy Adams is aware that the country’s participation in a programme supersedes the figures mentioned in the political agreement reached in the early hours of last Saturday morning. As he is aware, this political agreement does not yet have legal standing. A great deal of technical work must be done before a text can be presented which will be ratified in various ways by individual countries. The fact that Ireland is in a programme supersedes all of this.
Deputy Adams’s statement that I want to be the Taoiseach to retrieve Ireland’s sovereignty is true. We do not have our economic sovereignty in the way the Deputy and I would wish because we cannot propose programmes at Government level without securing approval from the paymaster general, if one likes, the troika. From that point of view, I have announced that the Government will introduce a fiscal Bill next spring in respect of most of what is contained in the agreement and the ongoing work in the country.
There is nothing new here. It is in everybody’s interests that fiscal discipline and control are exercised by countries in drafting their budgets. Deputy Adams should not have the impression that our philosophy is that a generation of austerity is before us. If we do not fix the engine of our economy, we will not have a country. The fact of the matter is that the rate of borrowing on a daily basis needs to change and it will change. When we make the changes that are needed, they will have an impact on growth, development, investment in jobs and job creation. Until that happens, we will not have the kind of country where we can stand with our own sovereignty, which is what I and — I assume — the Deputy would like. The political agreement that was reached last Friday will be the subject of detailed analysis and consideration by officials in all the countries before a text is presented. That text will have to be assessed to ascertain whether it conforms with the Constitution. If it conforms with the Constitution, the advice of the Attorney General obviously will be clear. If it does not and a referendum must be held, then a referendum will be held. Let us be quite clear on that. I want the Deputy to understand that we cannot have the necessary growth, development, job creation and career opportunities for the young people in the Gallery, and their peers around Ireland, until the engine of our economy is fixed. Our economy is in a poor state at the moment because of the state of our public finances. In such circumstances, we have to move forward and rectify these problems.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I do not believe the Taoiseach does not see the huge contradiction between his assertion about restoring our economic sovereignty and his decision to sign up to giving away even more of our economic sovereignty as part of the fiscal compact. This morning, he shared with us a fine letter he wrote to President van Rompuy. The letter states, among other things, that the Taoiseach intended to raise the question of reducing Ireland’s debt during the European Council meeting. It is set out in some detail in the letter. The Taoiseach planned to raise the matter and to explain to his colleagues the cost to Ireland of capitalising the banks in a manner that protected European and Irish citizens. The Taoiseach told us at this morning’s briefing that he did not raise the matter. I wonder if he forgot to do so. Did he leave the letter behind? Was he tired? Why did he not raise the matter? He has failed to put it on the agenda at any of the umpteen summits that have taken place since he took office. Can he explain to the Dáil the rationale for not raising the most pressing issue that faces the people? It seems we will keep paying huge amounts of money to Anglo Irish Bank and other criminal banks. The Taoiseach did not raise that at the weekend, which is bad enough, even though he had written to them to tell them he would raise it.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: He was trying to frighten them.
The Taoiseach: There was a music outfit one time called Mike and the Mechanics. They used to sing a song called “Isn’t it Amazing?”.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: That is true.
The Taoiseach: This morning, Deputy Adams attended a private briefing for the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group. What he is now saying is not what he was told. It is not a case of me forgetting, or a case of me not wanting to say something.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I did not say the Taoiseach forgot. I asked what happened.
The Taoiseach: It is a case of Deputy Adams deliberately misinterpreting what I said this morning. I said I raised it at the Council meeting. I presented our case on the basis of the challenge that now faces the Irish people. Before the bailout, this country borrowed €63 billion at excessive interest rates in order to recapitalise the banks. It was the equivalent of 50% of our GDP. I made the point, as an example to other countries of what we face here, that we should be able to use the current facilities that are available under the EFSF and will be available under the ESM to get into a position where we can pay that off at lower interest rates over a longer period, with a very substantial saving for the Irish taxpayer.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: Hear, hear.
The Taoiseach: If Deputy Adams did not hear that this morning, either he or his adviser does not understand plain English. I thought I made it very clear.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: He must not be paying his adviser enough. He needs a more expensive one.
The Taoiseach: It is amazing that Deputy Adams has shown the audacity to come in here and say what he has said. As one of his peers in Northern Ireland from a different party used to say, “don’t put words in my mouth”.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: Someone should put words in the Taoiseach’s mouth.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I took note of what the Taoiseach said. He said he did not raise it at the Council meeting. What did they say to him? Did they send him a “Dear John” letter?
The Taoiseach: I did raise it.
Deputy Pearse Doherty: For the record, the Taoiseach’s figures are wrong. We did not borrow €63 billion at that time. If that is what the Taoiseach is telling them, they are probably laughing at him behind the tables or the doors. He needs to get his figures right if he wants to engage in serious negotiations.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Doherty will have his time in leadership in a few years’ time.
Deputy Finian McGrath: A number of cuts in disability and mental health services were outlined during the speeches in the Dáil on last week’s budget. There was a lot of talk about protecting the vulnerable. A figure of 2% was mentioned on page 13 of the address that was made by the Minister, Deputy Howlin. I was aware that the service providers were in the middle of talks at the time. They said they were prepared to meet the Government half way by accepting a cut of 1.8% and making a small reduction in their services. The Taoiseach can imagine my shock and horror yesterday when I was told the Government and the HSE are demanding cuts of between 5.5% and 7% in disability services. Is the Taoiseach aware of this information? Is it correct? Can he use his authority to bring this to an end? Is the Government demanding cuts of up to 7% in day care, respite and residential services? Does it not know that disability services are already in crisis? They are suffering enough without sticking the knife in further and cutting more. Did the Taoiseach not learn from last week’s row about the disability allowance that it is wrong to cut and damage our disability services? Of course he will mention the economic crisis, but I remind him that a 1% wealth tax would raise more than €800 million. I ask the Taoiseach to end the cuts to disability services. How does he justify taking 250 teachers from the most disadvantaged communities in the State and increasing class ratios from 15:1 to 22:1? I ask the Taoiseach not to wreck our disability services, which are already in crisis and in need our support.
The Taoiseach: The Deputy has covered a range of subjects. Money has been ring-fenced for the provision of mental health services. The Government made it perfectly clear that rather than mental health services being sidelined as they were for years, they are being brought to the centre of the delivery of normal health services. That is the way it should be and that is the way it will be. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is dealing with that area competently. The disability allowance issue, which was dealt with last week, is under review by the chairperson of the advisory group on the integration of taxation and social welfare. She will report to the Minister for Social Protection in due course. The Deputy also asked about teachers in disadvantaged schools. The DEIS schools have been protected.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: No, they have not.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The DEIS schools have not been protected.
The Taoiseach: There is a legacy in respect of schools that might be termed as semi-DEIS schools.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Has the Taoiseach any idea of what is going on? The DEIS schools have been savaged.
The Taoiseach: I remind Deputy Martin that legacy issues have been there for quite a long time.
Deputy Dara Calleary: The Taoiseach should speak to Deputy Ó Ríordáin.
Deputy Simon Coveney: Existing DEIS schools are protected.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Nine teachers are gone from three DEIS schools in Deputy Coveney’s constituency on the south side of Cork.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should not be so rowdy.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The Government does not even know what it has done.
The Taoiseach: The situation is that changes in numbers will have a certain impact on teachers in some schools with legacy DEIS issues.
Deputy Micheál Martin: If something has the word “disadvantage”, the Government goes for it.
The Taoiseach: It will not happen to the extent that has been suggested.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It will happen to a savage extent. I have mentioned the loss of nine teachers.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Finian McGrath will be quite aware of the significance of the protection of the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools. If that had been altered, obviously it would have given rise to a very different kind of argument.
Deputy Dara Calleary: What about one-teacher, two-teacher, three-teacher and four-teacher schools?
An Ceann Comhairle: I remind Deputy Finian McGrath that the relevant Standing Order allows for a brief question on one topic. I ask him to confine his supplementary questions to a single topic.
Deputy Finian McGrath: I would like to give the Taoiseach some facts on the disability issue. Is he aware that St. Michael’s House disability services have been told to accept a cut of 5.5%, increasing to 7%? Services for the blind have been told to take a cut of 5.5%. As a result, St. Joseph’s Centre for the Visually Impaired on Grace Park Road on the north side of Dublin will lose €350,000. Jobs will be lost even though the staff of the centre took a voluntary 10% pay cut last year. The Disability Federation of Ireland has been contacted by its members who have been told to take a cut of 4.7%. This is the real frontline world for the families of children and adults with disabilities. I was told by people from one of the services yesterday that they had not seen the like of such cuts for more than 30 years. They want to know what the hell is going on here.
Does the Taoiseach realise that if residential places and services for adults with intellectual disabilities are closed down, in cases where parents die or there is a family crisis, in addition to the consequent humiliation, sadness, grief and trauma involved, the service provider will be forced to outsource to a private service which will cost taxpayers more money? From a humane perspective this is madness but even the economics are crazy.
In regard to mental health, does the Taoiseach find it acceptable in this day and age that five mentally ill women should be locked up over Christmas in St. Brendan’s centre in Grangegorman because of lack of funding? I ask the Taoiseach to use the so-called €35 million promised in the budget so that these women can be respected and there be a compatible solution.
An Ceann Comhairle: That is a subject matter for a Topical Issue debate, to be discussed later.
The Taoiseach: I do not have the information Deputy McGrath has in regard to the person who spoke to him about a situation applying at Christmas. That time has not yet arrived but if the Deputy wishes to supply details to the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, I am sure she will be prepared to look at the situation.
I take the Deputy’s point about having to revert to private services. One of the great problems experienced by many families in both urban and rural Ireland is getting people to call to houses or to stay overnight to provide assistance and support where necessary. As Deputy McGrath is aware, there is a whole range of such cases. Yesterday I met a group from Roscommon who provide a not-for-profit service which costs approximately €15 per hour. This complements the HSE home help service although most private agencies charge a minimum of €20 per hour for similar services. The group already has some 200 people involved who, in many cases, will stay overnight in a household where that is necessary and appropriate. They are all vetted and their PRSI is paid. The savings to the Department of Health would be considerable if that model were to be adopted on a much broader scale.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: They do not have an accident and emergency department.
The Taoiseach: Regarding the dearer private services which the Deputy mentioned, I have only just been made aware of the capacity of this model to provide a first-class, additional or complementary service on a non-profit basis, at a big saving to the taxpayer. I will bring this to the attention of the Minister of Health for his consideration. If the model were to be applied and if it worked credibly and effectively in people’s interest, it would be preferable to paying huge moneys to other organisation which charge far more.
Deputy Finian McGrath: There will be a considerable crisis over the Christmas period.
1. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the amount of times the Economic Management Council meets. [34293/11]
2. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the amount of times the Economic Management Council has met since the summer recess. [34294/11]
3. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the Economic Management Council met with representatives of the banks in relation to mortgage interest rates. [34295/11]
4. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the staffing and operations of the Economic Management Council. [34387/11]
5. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the meeting between the banks and the Economic Management Council. [35753/11]
6. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the operation of the Economic Management Council. [35841/11]
7. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the Economic Management Council has any plans to meet again with representatives of the banks. [37292/11]
8. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the Economic Management Council has met or will meet with the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland or the Financial Regulator in relation to the issue of mortgage interest rates. [37293/11]
9. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the Economic Management Council has met with or will meet with the Governor of the Central Bank or the Financial Regulator. [37294/11]
10. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will detail all meetings of the Economic Management Council which involved persons from outside of Government or the public service; and the persons involved. [37375/11]
11. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Economic Management Council met in 2011 and prior to budget 2012. [39753/11]
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, together.
The Government Economic Managment Council has been established with the status of a Cabinet committee. It has four members: myself, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. A second Secretary General has been appointed in my Department whose responsibilites included managing support for the council and reporting to the Tánaiste on matters relating to the council. Additional support for the council is provided from within the existing resources of my Department, working in close conjunction with staff from the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It is a Cabinet committee and therefore confidentiality of discussions at the Economic Management Council is protected by the Constitution. In line with longstanding practice, it is not appropriate to answer questions about proceedings at the council and the agendas of future meetings.
The council normally meets every week and has met 14 times since the summer recess. In addition, on 9 November, the members of the council met with representatives of the three largest banks to discuss the issue of lending to small and medium enterprises. We also took the opportunity to make the banks aware of the Government’s view on the passing on of ECB interest rate reductions to their customers.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I tabled seven of the questions so perhaps I might be allowed some extra time.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I refer to the cut in the ECB interest rates which last week showed a reduction of 0.25%. The Bank of Ireland has passed on the cut only partially and Allied Irish Banks has refused to do so. Although the Taoiseach called in the banks to meet with the economic management council they still continue to defy the Government. Given they are supposed to be owned by the taxpayers and that billions of euro of the people’s money has been ploughed into them, what will the Taoiseach do about this? Will he act in the interests of the people and introduce legislation?
I am particularly vexed by the public interest directors who are paid enormous salaries and are also paid €3,000 for attending a meeting. Has the Taoiseach confidence in them?
The Taoiseach: We called in the banks and had a discussion with them about lending policy in general and whether AIB and Bank of Ireland would be in a position to meet the 2011 target of lending €3 billion apiece, €3.5 billion next year and €4 billion in 2013. We also called in Ulster Bank so there were three banks together at the end of that meeting for a discussion on the passing on of the interest rate reduction as confirmed by the ECB. The ECB passed on reductions in interest rate to help people who are under pressure, to prevent banks making a profit on such cases and because it is in the interest of stimulating investment and growth.
Allied Irish Banks passed on the interest rate reduction; the other two did not. Since then there has been a further reduction. The point made at the meeting was that the Government was in full agreement with the regulator that we do not want to see unfair increases put upon mortgage holders who are under pressure. Obviously, this is in everybody’s interest. One does not want a situation whereby mortgage holders are severely put upon by the very banks that made serious mistakes in the past.
Following that meeting we contacted the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator to request their opinion on recent developments in regard to mortgage interest rates and the possible policy of the Central Bank in the matter. The Financial Regulator responded to me and indicated it would step up an intensive engagement with the banks on the issue of setting variable interest rates disproportionate to the cost of their funds. This is in addition to the Central Bank ensuring the banks treat their customers fairly.
I also made it clear to the banks that we would call them back in January to discuss an agenda of items in regard to access to credit, lending policy and difficulties being experienced by a whole range of would-be borrowers in business and in SMEs throughout the country. I had indicated that if the Financial Regulator sought change in his powers of authority the Government would respond to that. The regulator replied by way of clarification, stating that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interests is not being sought by the Central Bank at this time.
In regard to further ECB interest rate cuts announced on 8 December, the same applies. I welcome the decision of EBS, Permanent TSB and the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation to pass on a further reduction to variable rate customers and would encourage the other banks to follow suit. I reiterate, the reason the ECB announced interest rate reductions was to relieve pressure on hard-pressed mortgage payers, to stimulate growth and investment and that banks would not make a financial killing as a consequence of bad decisions they made.
Deputy Gerry Adams: That is all fair enough. The Taoiseach is appealing to the banks’ better feelings. However, that has not worked, certainly not with some of the banks in question. Will he introduce legislation to ensure cuts in interest rates by the European Central Bank are passed on to customers in Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks and so on?
With the Ceann Comhairle’s indulgence, I wish to raise another issue. I have my notes from this morning’s meeting with the Taoiseach. He has accused me of misrepresenting what he said which I believe is a serious charge. I did not misrepresent what the Taoiseach said. I actually noted what he said.
Deputy Simon Harris: Did Deputy Adams write it down?
An Ceann Comhairle: Will Deputy Adams stick to the question, please?
Deputy Gerry Adams: With respect, a Cheann Comhairle——
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy is not making any statements here now. He is out of order as we are on Question Time. On any other issues, he can come to my office and we will see what arrangements can be made to correct records. In the meantime, we are on Question Time and the Deputy should stick to the subject matter.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I will do that, a Cheann Comhairle.
I will restate my questions. Will the Taoiseach introduce legislation to ensure cuts in interest rates by the European Central Bank are passed on to customers here? The banks, into which we have put billions of the people’s money are under the taxpayers’ control.
Those directors appointed to the banks to look after the public interest are paid enormous amounts of money for doing so. They include former leaders of all the other political parties and are paid €3,000 just to go to a meeting. Does the Taoiseach still have confidence in them?
The Taoiseach: Deputy Adams can check his notes again. I am not responsible for what he writes down. I am responsible for what I say.
Deputy Simon Harris: Hear, hear.
The Taoiseach: I would like to see what he wrote down. The next time we have a private meeting, I will record it officially if he is going to broadcast it like this afterwards.
Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: On a point of order, how is the Taoiseach allowed to respond to that matter when it was already ruled out of order? Can there be a bit of consistency in the application of the rules? It is an outrage.
The Taoiseach: The passing on of the ECB interest rate reduction is a matter for the Financial Regulator. I wrote to him on behalf of the Government stating if he required further assistance or a change in his regulatory powers, the Government would respond favourably to such a request. I have already read out his reply in which he clarified that at this time he did not seek any change in his regulatory authority. This is not just a case of the Government introducing legislation. It is important it is regulated by the Financial Regulator.
Deputy Adams will be aware that tracker mortgages receive the reduction automatically. The Government introduced a 30% mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers who bought between 2004 and 2008, a commitment in the programme for Government. The Minister for Finance will make further changes arising from the recommendations contained in the Keane report and other matters raised with the Department of Finance since then. It is in everyone’s interest that, in so far as the Government can assist, the serious pressure some have with their mortgages is reduced.
Deputy Gerry Adams: For the record, my notes from this morning’s meeting say the Taoiseach said this is the wrong meeting to put the Irish case as the focus is on the euro.
An Ceann Comhairle: I will allow Deputy Adams in after Deputy Martin.
Deputy Micheál Martin: There are questions down about the European issue for later.
The Taoiseach said he would insist on the passing on of ECB interest rate reductions. It was, in fact, the programme for Government that made that commitment.
An Ceann Comhairle: Sorry, we are on questions on the Economic Management Council.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Yes, we have been on these questions for the past 15 minutes. A recent ISME report on credit made it clear the banks are not doing their job in lending to business. Regarding mortgage holders, it is high time the banks were told they have an obligation to the taxpayer, not just to their shareholders alone. The Bank of Ireland stance is arrogant and thumbing its nose at the Government and the taxpayer.
When the Economic Management Council was established, every journalist in town was told it would be a new and radical way of managing economic decision-making in Cabinet. Last month, we were told it was the driving core of the budget process. Given the number of meetings it has had and that it cleared the budget line by line, does the Taoiseach agree it has failed its first major test? It produced a budget in which all the tough cuts in tax, welfare, education and health were targeted to fall on the poorest sections of society.
Departmental documents on the comprehensive spending review show the Taoiseach and other members of the council were aware of the details of cuts to disadvantaged schools, career guidance and language teaching from 9 September.
An Ceann Comhairle: Can we stick to Question Time?
Deputy Micheál Martin: It is extraordinary that in that time no member of the Economic Management Council shouted, “Stop”.
An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Martin, this is Question Time.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It suggests the workings of the Economic Management Council are seriously flawed if it allowed budget decisions through, one of which had to be immediately reversed because of its impact on people with disabilities.
The Taoiseach: We all agree ECB interest rate reductions should be passed on by the banks. We made that crystal clear to the banks when they attended a meeting in November on this issue. It must be borne in mind the Government has just a 15% stake in Bank of Ireland. Ulster Bank made its position clear in so far as the number of mortgages it has here are concerned. Nonetheless, there was a full and a frank discussion about passing on the interest rate reduction. I intend to call the banks back in again in mid-January. This time there will be a specific list of agenda items to which they will respond in writing before the meeting to ensure a more comprehensive discussion later.
The Economic Management Council is not the Cabinet and was never intended to be. It is, however, a Cabinet sub-committee that is able to deal with a range of issues which can then be presented to the Cabinet for its perusal and decision, if required. If one has to take €3.8 billion out of the economy in 2012 —€2.2 billion in current spending and €1.6 billion in taxation measures — the larger Departments of Health and Social Protection will be the two front-runners in cuts. How many times has Deputy Martin been told of a scandalous waste of money in a section or scheme in a Department which should be abolished or made more effective?
A revolution is happening in the social protection area. For years immemorial, one was paid one’s allowance and told to go away. All social protection moneys come from the taxpayer or, as is the case now, borrowed to keep services running. To ensure best value, people’s work experience and competencies, along with the job they are seeking, are discussed with them. Jobseekers are encouraged to state what job they want and what contribution they can make instead of simply being given their payment.
Were we not able to deal with the major spending Departments, one would not be able to achieve the savings target I referred to earlier. If one abolished all the smaller Departments, such as Defence, one would not even make up the €3.8 billion required. Savings of up to €600 million in the Department of Social Protection, along with serious reductions in the expenditure by the Department of Health will bring about leaner, more efficient and effective Departments and benefit those availing of their services, be they health service users or jobseekers.
The unemployment rate in this country is entirely unsatisfactory at 14.4% and that is the big challenge for Government in the time ahead. That is where the focus of Government will be with labour activation measures and the Government jobs agenda being announced in January.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach would need to be careful with language and restrain himself. There has been no revolution in social protection.
The Taoiseach: In its culture.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Counterculture.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The only revolution is that people are being savaged——
An Ceann Comhairle: I am sorry. This is Question Time.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Labour activation measures have been a feature of the social welfare system for the past two decades. It has never been the case that people just sign on. That has not been the case for many years. What has happened in this budget highlights the flaw in the economic management council. We were told it went through things line by line. The Taoiseach said it had 14 meetings. We know from the comprehensive spending review and the departmental documents behind it——
An Ceann Comhairle: A question please.
Deputy Micheál Martin: ——that the Taoiseach and the members of the council were aware of all these cuts as far back as 9 September, yet no one seemed to see the unfairness of them——
An Ceann Comhairle: A question please.
Deputy Micheál Martin: ——and the impact they would have. Given that the Ministers for Finance, Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and others——
An Ceann Comhairle: A question please.
Deputy Micheál Martin: A Cheann Comhairle, I am trying to ask a question. I have never come across this interference——
An Ceann Comhairle: It is Question Time and I am going to insist that the Deputy asks a question.
Deputy Micheál Martin: ——and I have been in this House a long time.
An Ceann Comhairle: So have I.
Deputy Micheál Martin: But the Ceann Comhairle tends to have an awful tendency to interrupt people when they are legitimately asking a question.
An Ceann Comhairle: No, I am just reminding the Deputy that it is Question Time.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It is not on, with the greatest of respect.
An Ceann Comhairle: It is Question Time. If the Deputy wants to make statements, he cannot make them at Question Time.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I am not making a statement. I am trying to come to a question——
An Ceann Comhairle: Please stick to the agenda.
Deputy Micheál Martin: ——but the Ceann Comhairle has a habit of interfering when he does not like maybe some of what has been said.
An Ceann Comhairle: Excuse me, please withdraw that remark.
Deputy Micheál Martin: That is the way I interpret it now.
An Ceann Comhairle: Please withdraw that remark.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I am sorry, a Cheann Comhairle, which remark?
An Ceann Comhairle: That I do not like what is being said.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I withdraw that remark but I am very unhappy with the manner of the interventions.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy may be unhappy but I am also unhappy with the manner in which the Deputy is trying to conduct Question Time——
Deputy Micheál Martin: I am trying to say that now. I am being very fair and reasonable.
An Ceann Comhairle: ——by continually making ongoing statements. The Deputy should ask a question. He has three questions tabled. Please ask the question.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I am going to ask a question.
An Ceann Comhairle: If we are having statements, the Deputy can make all the statements he wants.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I witnessed the previous ten to 15 minutes and there was not that kind of intervention.
An Ceann Comhairle: Yes, there was.
Deputy Micheál Martin: No, there was not.
An Ceann Comhairle: I asked Deputy Adams and I asked everybody else to please ask a question.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I respectfully suggest that if the Ceann Comhairle let people get on with asking the question, there would not be any of this. I have been here a long time——
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy is not asking questions; he is making statements. That is what I am pointing out.
Deputy Micheál Martin: That is the Ceann Comhairle’s comment.
An Ceann Comhairle: Other Deputies want to come in. Deputy Higgins has a question.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I will allow other Members in. I have tabled questions as the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party.
An Ceann Comhairle: We are 20 minutes on these questions.
Deputy Micheál Martin: We have 400,000 people who elected us and I am entitled to ask the questions.
Deputy Simon Harris: The party has only 19 seats though.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I am entitled to ask the questions.
An Ceann Comhairle: Please ask a question.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It is the Dáil and there should be no need for this undermining of the attempt to ask the questions.
An Ceann Comhairle: As long as I am in the Chair, I will continue to apply the rules——
Deputy Micheál Martin: Of course, the Ceann Comhairle will. I have no doubt about that.
An Ceann Comhairle: ——and I expect the Deputy to abide by the rules the same as everybody else.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I have, and I have been extremely fair and reasonable in so doing.
Does the Taoiseach agree the economic management council has undermined the ability of the Cabinet to work together on the budget? The statements of the Ministers for Finance, Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources basically sent shots across the bow of other Cabinet colleagues. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said Labour Party Ministers decided the welfare cuts. Does the Taoiseach not agree that this is a direct breach of collective Cabinet responsibility? What, if anything, will he do about that?
The Taoiseach: I agree with the Deputy that the decisions taken in the budget are the collective responsibility of the Cabinet. The economic management council is not the Cabinet. The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced a comprehensive expenditure review across all Departments very early on in the summer with Ministers to respond to him by the end of September. The submissions were further analysed and dealt with. The decisions taken are Cabinet decisions taken collectively and they affect every single Department right down the line. No section of any Department, with very few exceptions, has been left untouched in respect of the expenditure review assessment.
The economic management council is not the Cabinet. It can deal with issues and bring them before Cabinet for it to decide to accept or whatever but the decisions taken are the collective responsibility of all the members around the table. That has not changed and will not change.
Deputy Micheál Martin: What about the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport’s comments?
The Taoiseach: People may read into anybody’s comments what they like.
Deputy Micheál Martin: But he said the Labour Party did the welfare cuts.
The Taoiseach: The position is that the reductions in any individual Department are all collectively accepted by the Government and there is no Department that did not have reductions applied to them in some area.
Deputy Joe Higgins: Could I ask the Taoiseach to be forthcoming on the real agenda and purpose of the economic management council? The membership is the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who are the leaders of the Fine Gael and Labour parties, respectively, the Minister for Finance from the Fine Gael Party and the alternate Minister for Finance from the Labour Party. Is this not really a kind of Stalinist politburo inside the Cabinet——
The Taoiseach: The Deputy has moved to the right hand wing of the Chamber instead of the left hand wing.
Deputy Joe Higgins: ——to dictate to the Cabinet the diktats from the IMF-EU, particularly in regard to austerity, to maintain the bondholders and bankers of Europe, which, in turn, are dictated to the hapless backbenchers of both parties?
An Ceann Comhairle: Is the Deputy asking a question?
Deputy Joe Higgins: I have asked two questions.
An Ceann Comhairle: I am sorry.
Deputy Joe Higgins: Perhaps this is an Irish version of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse doling out not so much war and pestilence, but savage austerity for our people.
I refer to Cabinet confidentiality as it applies to the economic management council. The original four horsemen of mythology came out of a book of scrolls sealed with seven seals, perhaps in anticipation of Cabinet confidentiality. How can there be Cabinet confidentiality when the Taoiseach meets a group of bankers? Does that not cease to be a Government meeting bound by confidentiality, especially when the Taoiseach is meeting agents of the organisations that were up to their necks in bringing about the collapse of this economy along with others? Is it not, therefore, a nonsense to insist on Cabinet confidentiality to deny the Dáil a full account of what happens at the economic management council in regard to strategy for the economy going into the future?
The Taoiseach: The answer to the Deputy’s first question is that the economic management council is not a Stalinist politburo.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: It is acting like one though.
The Taoiseach: I am glad to see the Deputy on that side of the Chamber than over here for whatever reason he has changed. I do not know whether he cannot stick the heat over there.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: It is to keep the Taoiseach on his toes.
The Taoiseach: The horsemen Deputy Higgins spoke of are as mythical as the battle of Moytura.
Deputy Joe Higgins: The Government is riding roughshod over the Irish people. That is why the reference is appropriate.
The Taoiseach: The economic management council, as I said in reply to Deputy Martin, is not the Cabinet but it is entitled, as a committee, to meet the chief executive officers of the banks, either collectively or individually, because it is in the interest of the consumer that the council should make Government policy clearly and plainly known to people in those positions and it has done so. For instance, the council might meet the Financial Regulator or the Governor of the Central Bank in regard to issues that are clearly of national importance.
Deputy Joe Higgins: Why the secrecy?
The Taoiseach: It is not any kind of Stalinist organisation. It is a case of being able to streamline a range of issues before they get to Cabinet.
Deputy Joe Higgins: What is the secrecy about?
The Taoiseach: We are not sitting around for hours on end doing nothing. One puts one’s agenda there and issues that can be dealt with and that can be, at least, focused on can then come to Cabinet for decision in a professional and competent way.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Does the Taoiseach intend via the council to take action against EBS, which is a State owned bank, to deal with the appalling situation where 300 of its workforce have had a month’s pay, worth €2,500, taken off them while managers and executives of that bank are, scandalously, not having a penny taken off their high salaries or incomes? This is an absolute scandal. This was effectively——
An Ceann Comhairle: Thank you, Deputy.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: ——part of their annual salary and these workers have lost, at two days notice and just before Christmas, €2,500 each on average.
An Ceann Comhairle: That is an entirely separate question.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Will the Taoiseach, via the economic management council, tell the EBS to give those workers their money back and take the money off the top earners in the EBS instead?
The Taoiseach: I do not have the details of that. I am sure the representatives of the workers in the EBS will be taking up their case with the management. It is an issue the Deputy could raise as an item of topical interest in the House if the Ceann Comhairle were to allow it.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: I have done.
12. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has reviewed the policy implications of decisions by him on freedom of information requests since the matter was last discussed in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34388/11]
13. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update of decisions he has made on freedom of information requests since the issue was last discussed in Dáil Éireann. [35963/11]
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
The functions relating to the Freedom of Information Act are carried out in my Department by statutorily designated officials, as envisaged in the Act. These officials follow the guidelines set out in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s decision makers manual and there are no plans to change this process. As I have stated previously in the House, the statutory framework relating to freedom of information is constructed in such a way as to keep the decision making process at arm’s length from the political head of the Department. Accordingly, I have no role in regard to the processing of freedom of information requests.
My Department received a total of 19 freedom of information requests since the matter was last discussed in the Dáil in September. Twelve requests were granted or part-granted, in three cases the Department held no records and four requests are being processed.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The reason I asked this question is that the Taoiseach came to office promising a more open freedom of information system but, from my experience, he has done the opposite. Last March the Taoiseach said after a meeting in Brussels that he had fought hard to counter a proposal to destroy our corporation tax and he talked about how tough he had been defending the nation. At the time, we asked to see the proposal he was speaking of and he refused to publish it. He may recall that President Van Rompuy produced a compromise.
The Taoiseach admitted in the House that there was documentation about this but he said his account of it was all we could get. We then made the freedom of information request. The Taoiseach invoked a series of extreme defences to withhold it, and he has done the same on appeal. One of the major issues arising is the absurd situation that the Taoiseach has now claimed that European rules prevent him from releasing the documentation and that its release would damage the Government’s international relations. We checked this with the European Council——
An Ceann Comhairle: A question, please.
Deputy Micheál Martin: ——and it said it was up to the national Government to release the document and that it would encourage the national Government to do so.
I put it to the Taoiseach that this is a ridiculous situation. His position seems to be that he describes the document as okay but that having people see it would destroy our relations with other states. That is the response we got and it is why I tabled the question, “To ask the Taoiseach if he has reviewed the policy implications of decisions by him on freedom of information requests since the matter was last discussed in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter.” It should be changed and I ask the Taoiseach whether he will change it.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Martin submitted an FOI request relating to briefing material prepared in advance of the European Council meeting in March. That request was part-granted, as I understand it, by the freedom of information officer. On appeal by Deputy Martin, the request was considered by somebody of high rank in the Department, as provided for in the Freedom of Information Act. I understand that two further documents were released, with minor redactions. The Deputy has since appealed that request to the Information Commissioner, again as is provided for in the Freedom of Information Act, in respect of which I have no connection whatsoever. That appeal is currently being processed by her.
Two other requests were received from the Fianna Fáil research office. The first, some time ago, related to the pensions levy. The second, in July, related to contacts with the Ceann Comhairle’s office regarding the disallowance or transfer of parliamentary questions. Both were part-granted and were answered within the freedom of information timeframe, as set out.
I am aware a number of Departments have released the replies to freedom of information requests on their websites, although it is also clear that most complaints in regard to freedom of information relate not to the process of obtaining information but to the restrictions which apply to the information that can be released. This is why it is a commitment in the programme for Government to restore the Freedom of Information Acts to what they were prior to 2003 and to extend their remit to additional public bodies. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is working on that.
Deputy Micheál Martin: On a supplementary question, this relates to the offer that President Van Rompuy made at that March meeting. The situation is that the European Council has said it would encourage the Government, as a national Government, to release that document. The Taoiseach has admitted the document is in existence yet he is refusing to release it. Any claim to transform freedom of information and make it better lacks credibility if the Taoiseach is not prepared, nine months on, to release that document and give the truth of what happened. All I am asking for is the document, the existence of which the Taoiseach has admitted. We have gone all over the houses to try to get a copy of it and many journalists have tried to get a copy of it. The Taoiseach has been very reticent and has been, if one likes, protecting the document from publication.
It is a ridiculous situation. The Taoiseach has not answered the question I have tabled. In the light of our experience, does the Taoiseach not agree that a document like that should be released to the public?
The Taoiseach: As I said, Deputy Martin has appealed this to Information Commissioner and that office has completely independent authority in this regard. I have no function at all in regard to interfering in any way with the Freedom of Information Acts, as they are set down. There is a Government commitment to change the Act back to what it was prior to 2003, which would make it far more flexible and open, and also to extend its remit to other public bodies. We will do that and the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, is working on it. It is for the Information Commissioner to make her decision. I have no hand, act or part in influencing that in any way.
Deputy Gerry Adams: The Government is committed, or at least it stated a commitment, to restore the Act to its status before 2003 and to extend its remit to other public bodies, and the Taoiseach has just repeated that commitment. Will he update us on the progress that has been made thus far in introducing legislation to broaden the remit of the Act? Will he tell us the bodies to which the remit of the Act will apply? When does he expect legislation to come forward? Is the progress of this legislation being delayed because of the relationship with the demands and requirements of the EU-IMF?
The Taoiseach: It is a commitment of Government to restore the Act to what it was prior to 2003 and to extend its remit further than it is at present. I understand from the Minister, Deputy Howlin, that he would expect to be able to bring a legislative measure to the House in the new year. Clearly, we have had discussions about the legislative programme from September until the end of this year, which was very packed because of the timeline requirements on a number of pieces of legislation, as demanded under the troika agreement.
The programme for Government provides that the Government will legislate to restore the Act to what it was before 2003 and to extend its remit to other public bodies, including the administrative side of the Garda Síochána, subject to security exceptions. It also proposes to extend freedom of information and the Ombudsman Act to ensure that all statutory bodies, and all bodies significantly funded from the public purse, are covered. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has embarked on preparatory work to implement the commitments contained in the programme. When this is completed, the Minister will bring his proposals before Government. These proposals will include consideration of the position in regard to the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority, NAMA and the NTMA. There are no proposals at present to bring the nationalised or partly nationalised banking sector within the Freedom of Information Act.
14. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the staffing and costs of the unit in his Department charged with overseeing the implementation of the programme for Government. [35997/11]
15. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will detail any publications regarding the implementation of the programme for Government which will be produced in the coming year. [35998/11]
16. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the publications he plans to produce regarding the progress that the Government has made in the implementation of the programme for Government. [38609/11]
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 to 16, inclusive, together.
As Deputies will be aware, a new programme for Government office has been established in my Department. Two whole-time staff have been assigned to the office from within existing Department resources. This staff, comprising an assistant principal officer and a higher executive officer, has a total annual salary cost of €144,266.27, including employers’ PRSI. The office is currently in the process of developing structures which will allow it to monitor programme implementation and to report to me and to the Cabinet on progress across all Departments.
As part of that structure, my Department will ensure that departmental strategy statements for the period 2011-14 fully reflect commitments in the programme for Government, together with the EU-IMF programme and the comprehensive expenditure review. Departments will, as part of the strategy statement process, publish annual output statements, which will quantify and report on progress in implementing the programme and outline the commitments for the Department for the year ahead. I also envisage that the Government’s first annual progress report on the programme for Government will be made available on my Department’s website in March of next year.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I thank the Taoiseach for his reply.
The Taoiseach is saying that publication of the first report on the programme for Government that will be compiled by the staff will be in March next. Given that there have been fairly substantial breaches of commitments made in the programme for Government, on disability, health, education, lone parents and schools with disadvantage, is it only fair and reasonable to have an earlier reiteration of the programme for Government and perhaps a report card before the close of this year?
The Taoiseach stated in an appearance earlier in the year on “The Late Late Show” that there would be a report card for every Minister which he would publish. He kind of resiled from that subsequently. The Taoiseach is smiling now but I actually went back over it.
The Taoiseach: I did not say I would publish them.
Deputy Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach did. I went over the interview. The Taoiseach was very serious in his interview on “The Late Late Show”. He stated there would be a report card on every Minister and given his commitment to transparency, that would seem to suggest that he would publish it. Anything short of that would be——
Deputy Simon Coveney: Maybe Deputy Martin could FOI it.
Deputy Micheál Martin: ——not in keeping with the Taoiseach’s commitment to transparency.
In terms of the programme for Government, there have been many decisions taken in the budget and prior to the budget, both on economic issues and on education, welfare and health, where there have been clear breaches. Of course, the most immediate one is that on upward-only rent reviews, which is a clear commitment in the programme for Government and which the Minister for Finance has buried in the budget and stated will not happen, much to the disgust and anger of many retailers across the country. There is a need to review and update the programme for Government in the light of the commitments that cannot and will not be delivered.
The Taoiseach: I have here a list of issues that have been dealt with under the programme for Government. It is too long to read out to Deputy Martin. I will send Deputy Martin a copy.
There are 26 elements of the programme for Government covered under the most recent budget. They range from the highest transparency in respect of NAMA with the Minister for Finance to establish the advisory group to advise him on NAMA strategy and his capacity to deliver on that strategy, to the commitment to allow a rebate in respect of farm diesel in regard to carbon tax, with a double income tax deduction for that. There are 26 elements of the programme for Government dealt with in the most recent budget.
It is not only about having a budget to implement issues in the programme for Government. The programme for Government is something on which we will deliver to the maximum extent possible.
I must state quite openly that we genuinely believed it would be possible to legislate in respect of upward-only rent reviews but the clear evidence in respect of this being constitutionally impossible was there from the legal advice of the former Attorney General and other senior counsel opinion besides, to the effect one would end up having to compensate landlords if one was to introduce such legislation. Following discussions with the Minister for Finance, NAMA has responded by indicating it will deal with the properties in its portfolio in respect of upward-only rent reviews.
This is an issue of considerable concern to retailers. I spoke to somebody yesterday who is paying three times the rent of the next-door tenant — this is always difficult. The de facto position on the ground in many cases is that rents have been reviewed downward by virtue of circumstance. Clearly, with retailers under pressure from rates and a flat indigenous economy, the position has become very much more difficult. From that point of view, quite a sizeable number of rents have been renegotiated downwards where the other situation applied.
I say to Deputy Martin quite openly that it has been impossible to deliver on the commitment that we thought genuinely we could do by putting it into the programme for Government. There is a constitutional barrier we could not cross but we are making other arrangements in respect of some retail outlets — those in NAMA — and the Minister is considering what else can be done. However, there are 26 elements in the recent budget.
Deputy Micheál Martin: That is a clear commitment that the Taoiseach is now saying cannot be fulfilled because of the constitutional barrier. He would have been told that in advance of the formation of the Government. He was told there was a constitutional barrier. Everybody in the House was told there was a constitutional barrier as per the legal advice of the former Attorney General, and yet the Taoiseach decided to go ahead and put it into the programme for Government and make all sorts of election commitments promising people this would happen. There were Bills brought to the House etc.
There is no excuse for putting something in when the Taoiseach knew full well what the answer would be ultimately. He really raised the hopes of people and paralysed the situation for a good nine months, and then was forced in the budget to admit the position.
What are the implications of that in terms of other commitments in the programme for Government? That is what I am getting at. We need an honest review of the programme for Government in terms of what is possible and when.
The Taoiseach: The situation is not exactly as Deputy Martin describes it. Obviously, my party was not in government before the election and therefore did not have at its disposal the formal legal advice from the Attorney General. Deputy Martin did though, if he requested it.
Deputy Micheál Martin: We did.
The Taoiseach: Obviously, he could have said what was the legal advice available.
March next will be an appropriate time to have an annual review of the performance of Government in so far as the commitments in the programme for Government being fulfilled are concerned. It is quite sizeable, more sizeable than I had considered.
As I stated, there are 26 clear commitments in the programme that are now delivered on in this budget. This programme is for a full Government term. Deputy Martin can take it from me that one of my clear priorities is that Ministers deliver in so far as politically and constitutionally possible on the commitments that are in the programme for Government. I hope to drive Ministers on to that. We have set the ceilings for Departments for the times ahead. Clearly, there has been a great deal of work done in respect of MOUs and troika legislation for this session. Next year we must focus, obviously, on the question of Europe, but also on the clear challenge to the country in the context of employment, job creation, labour activation measures, investment opportunities etc. Those will be our clear priorities to provide work.
All of these matters have a bearing on the commitments in the programme for Government. I look forward to saying to Ministers that they have a big challenge between now and March, I want to see X, X and X delivered in their Departments and to get on with it, and if there is a reason they cannot deliver it, then to tell me why.
Deputy Gerry Adams: On a number of occasions the Taoiseach has spoken about the need for open government. Years before he became leader of his party, I remember him speaking and writing about the reform of this institution and I listened and read intently what he was saying.
On this issue of the programme for Government, the two parties in government stood on separate manifestos which made clear commitments and they were elected on those very clear commitments. They then put forward the programme for Government. I think the Taoiseach should consider, well in advance of March, publishing how he sees the implementation of that programme.
Our job is to scrutinise the Government. I do not believe in opposition for the sake of opposition. We should be constructive in how we go about it. We are able to read the programme for Government and then to state the Government promised this but it did that, and it gets into that sort of ping-pong across this Chamber.
Maybe there are reasons the Taoiseach did that. Maybe there are reasons the Taoiseach could not do some of the things he committed to doing. It would be useful and constructive if the Taoiseach said that. On welfare, health and education, he did not do what he promised to do. On his 100th day in government, he said the Government would not raise taxes or cut welfare, but it did so. The political choices of the Government, as opposed to those that might not be possible, are what are marking it out. The poorest, most vulnerable and disadvantaged are bearing the brunt of the austerity measures.
I listened to what the Taoiseach said about bringing this measure forward in March. I appeal to him to do so. A good way to mark the new year may be to come forward with some sort of review of how the programme for Government has been implemented.
The Taoiseach: No doubt the Deputy will keep me focused on this. This morning I gave a briefing on the meeting at the weekend, yet the Deputy tells me I did not raise something I did.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I reported to the Dáil what the Taoiseach spoke about this morning.
Deputy Joe Higgins: This is the third time the Taoiseach has raised this argument.
The Taoiseach: He writes down his own notes, which he is perfectly entitled to do and for which I am not responsible. I said to Deputy Martin that the budget dealt with 26 issues, ranging from NAMA to carbon taxation on diesel for the agricultural sector. In the labour market policy in regard to access to higher education for the unemployed and the 30,000 additional training places across education and training systems, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, has announced that, as a consequence of the budget, places, including in the education and training sector and especially for those on the live register for 12 months or more, will be prioritised in 2012. He also announced an allocation of €20 million for a new labour market activation fund, which we will deal with in January.
In preparation for 2013, we said we would review progress on deficit reduction and draw up a plan that would achieve the objective of reaching the 3% of GDP target by 2015. As part of its fiscal strategy, the Government will keep the corporate tax rate at 12.5%. That has been set out clearly again in the budget. We said we would maintain the rates of income tax, together with bands and credits. That has been delivered on. There is no increase in the standard rate of 10.75% in respect of employer’s PRSI. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, made that perfectly clear in his speech.
We said we would reduce, cap or abolish property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners. Reliefs in section 23-type investments will not be terminated or otherwise restricted for investors with an annual gross income under €100,000. I refer to the teachers, gardaí or public servants who invested in bits and pieces of property, collectively or individually. They are at the greatest risk of insolvency. We dealt with that.
We said we would implement a minimum effective tax rate of 30% for very high earners. The Minister for Finance dealt with that. We said we would limit the top rate of VAT to 23%. We said we would review the universal social charge, exempting 330,000 people, thereby assisting more people to move into the labour market. We said we would ensure tax exiles would make a fair contribution to the Exchequer. As Deputy Adams is aware, the Minister announced the abolition of the citizenship element of the condition for payment of the domicile levy to ensure tax exiles cannot avoid the levy by renouncing their citizenship.
There was a range of other measures. We announced that access to primary care without fees would be extended in the second year to claimants of free drugs under the high-tech drugs scheme, at a cost of €15 million. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, announced that €15 million will fund access to primary care without fees to claimants of free drugs under the long-term illness scheme.
We ring-fenced €35 million annually from the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services with a view to implementing A Vision for Change. We also said we would increase mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers who bought between 2004 and 2008 to 30% from the current sliding scale of 20% to 25%. The Minister for Finance announced that in the budget.
These are commitments entered into in the programme for Government and reflected in Government decisions. They are all in the interest of balance and fairness in protecting those who are vulnerable and making those on higher incomes pay more. In all other areas, they are to improve the efficiency of governance so people can focus on job opportunities, careers and getting back to work.
17. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to meet with the new Spanish Prime Minister. [37289/11]
18. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will detail the nature and content of all documents regarding the reform of the EU and the eurozone which he has circulated to other Heads of State or Government since March. [37366/11]
19. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on his discussions with President Van Rompuy. [37367/11]
20. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if it is his intention to publish his proposals for reform of the EU and eurozone in advance of 9 December. [37368/11]
21. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on preparations for the next EU Council meeting. [37369/11]
22. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if there has been further progress in his attempts to meet President Sarkozy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37393/11]
23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the agenda for the meeting of EU leaders on 9 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37394/11]
24. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he raised the question of protecting democracy in Europe in the context of proposed treaty changes at the meeting of EU leaders on 9 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37395/11]
25. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he raised the contrasting approaches and outcomes of Iceland’s methods of dealing with the economic crisis as against those being pursued in the eurozone at the meeting of EU leaders on 9 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37396/11]
26. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if tax harmonisation was part of the treaty changes envisaged for the EU at the meeting of EU leaders on 9 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37397/11]
27. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he raised the issue of the mandate and role of the ECB within the eurozone at the meeting of EU leaders on 9 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37398/11]
28. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach his priorities at the next EU Council meeting on 9 December. [38440/11]
29. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he has been in contact with the President of France or the German Chancellor in relation to the propositions they have agreed for the modification of the EU treaties. [38441/11]
30. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the issues that he prioritised at the EU summit meeting on 9 December 2011. [38564/11]
31. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the issue of changes to the operation of the EFSF was discussed at the EU summit meeting on 9 December 2011; and his approach to this issue. [38565/11]
32. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if proposals for treaty change were discussed at the EU summit on 9 December 2011. [38566/11]
33. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the approach that he took to proposals for treaty change at the EU summit meeting on 9 December 2011. [38567/11]
34. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the issue of fiscal discipline was discussed at the EU summit on 9 December 2011; and the approach he will take on that issue. [38568/11]
35. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if the role of the ECB within the eurozone was discussed at the EU summit on 9 December 2011; and the approach that he adopted on that issue. [38569/11]
36. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the contacts he had with Chancellor Merkel or President Sarkozy in advance of the EU summit meeting on 9 December 2011. [38570/11]
37. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the contacts the Government has had with the President of the EU Council, Mr. Hermann Van Rompuy, on the issue of treaty change in advance of the EU summit on 9 December 2011. [38571/11]
38. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the visits abroad he has planned in the time ahead. [38572/11]
39. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the bilateral meetings with other leaders he has planned in the time ahead. [38573/11]
40. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he attended any bilaterals at the Council meeting of 9 December; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39755/11]
41. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has discussed the Irish budget 2012 with his counterparts at the European summit meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39782/11]
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 41, inclusive, together.
I attended the European Council in Brussels on 8 and 9 December. As I will be making a statement to the House tomorrow, I will confine myself to some brief remarks about the meetings.
Discussions at the Council were dominated by the overall economic circumstances in Europe with a particular view to overcoming the crisis currently facing the euro area, including President Van Rompuy’s interim report on strengthened economic governance in the euro area, including the possibility of limited treaty change. We made important progress, both on firewalls and budget discipline, two key elements of the package for Ireland that I had highlighted ahead of the meeting. We agreed to bring forward the entry into force of the European Stability Mechanism, ESM, to July 2012 and to reassess the overall ceiling of the EFSF and ESM of €500 billion in March 2012.
The Council agreed that the requirement for private sector involvement, PSI, be removed from the draft ESM treaty. This was one of the specific issues I raised with President Van Rompuy and Chancellor Merkel in advance of last week’s meeting, and I am pleased that it has now been agreed. This is very good news for countries such as Ireland, which are trying to get back to the financial markets at as early a stage as possible.
To further increase the economic firepower available, euro area member states are to consider, and confirm within ten days, that they will provide up to €200 billion in bilateral loans to the IMF. We are also looking forward to contributions from the international community.
While the question of the ECB’s mandate did not arise, I very much welcome its recent decision to make unlimited three-year loans to Europe’s banks at low interest rates. This should have a real impact in moving us beyond the current crisis phase.
On economic governance, we reached a political agreement to strengthen our rules to ensure greater stability in the eurozone, building on the Stability and Growth Pact. Euro area member states are now committed, as a rule, not to run structural deficits above 0.5% of GDP, and will write such a provision into their national laws. A member state in breach, in partnership with the Commission, will have to engage in a process to get back on track within a given timeframe. The significant progress being made by Ireland through implementation of its programme was again recognised by partners.
In my contribution, I set out for colleagues the uniquely onerous burden the Irish people are carrying as a result of the steps we have taken to recapitalise our banks. Specifically, I asked at the Council meeting that facilities that now exist — for example, through the EFSF — be made available to assist in making this burden more manageable. Colleagues gave me a receptive hearing and, together with the Minister for Finance, I will be pursuing the issue in the period ahead. I am confident we will be able to make positive progress in a way that makes a real difference for Ireland.
What we achieved last week was a political agreement. Work will now be taken forward on how to give it legal effect. I am, of course, disappointed that it did not prove possible to reach agreement on a way forward for all 27 parties. I regret that certain member states will be outside the new arrangements and that we must now proceed by way of an intergovernmental treaty outside the EU treaties.
There is a great deal of complex legal and technical detail to be filled out by March, when we will return to the matter. We will study the legal implications of what has been agreed very carefully, including whether a referendum will be necessary in Ireland. For now, it is simply too soon to say. However, the House can be assured we will do whatever is required to ensure that Ireland can ratify the new agreement.
For the reassurance of the House, I can confirm that last week’s political agreement does not include any provision on corporation tax. The position in that regard and the Government’s firm position remain unchanged.
The European Council tracked progress under the Euro Plus Pact in which 23 member states, including Ireland, participate. The meeting also followed-up on the issue of energy, last discussed by the European Council in February of this year. In addition, enlargement issues featured, and the signature of the Croatian accession treaty took place in the margins of the meeting. The European Council also agreed conclusions on Iran, Syria and Afghanistan.
I have on several occasions outlined for the House how these meetings are prepared. President Van Rompuy circulates the proposed agenda and draft conclusions are prepared. These are generally discussed in several fora, both political and official, ahead of the meeting proper, and Ireland engages very actively as part of the process, sometimes orally at meetings and sometimes by way of written comments circulated to all member states. Ireland is well represented at these preparatory meetings and our views are known and understood.
In addition, ahead of last week’s meeting I wrote to President Van Rompuy to outline a number of concerns for this country. I developed those points during my interventions at the European Council meeting. I also spoke to him and to the UK Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, prior to leaving for Brussels. As the House will be aware, I also met Chancellor Merkel on 16 November, ahead of last week’s meeting. I also ensured that the President of the Commission, Mr. Barroso, was fully briefed.
With regard to my future travel plans, I will attend the European Council meetings in March, June, October and December of next year and any other meetings arranged in the interim. Work is ongoing between my officials and those of French President Sarkozy to arrange a mutually convenient date on which to meet in the new year.
I had an opportunity to meet the Prime Minister-elect of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, at the EPP meeting which took place last week in Marseilles ahead of the European Council. I congratulated him on his election and indicated that I look forward to working with him in the future. On the basis of substantive business interests, I will also evaluate carefully the need for any further travel plans as we begin our work in 2012.
Finally, Iceland is not a member of the euro or the European Union and, therefore, its economic situation did not arise at the recent meeting.
An Ceann Comhairle: As just over 90 seconds remain, I ask Deputies to put short supplementary questions to the Taoiseach and we will try to get a reply.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I have tabled 13 questions and I do not consider this to be an adequate response to them. My first question pertained to the peace process in the Basque country and the majority of the remaining questions concerned the summit. We develop working relationships as we come to know the people with whom we work. I took note of what I understood the Taoiseach to say this morning in response to my questions about the letter——
An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy, please.
Deputy Gerry Adams: ——he received from Mr. Van Rompuy. The note that I——
An Ceann Comhairle: Sorry Deputy, that does not relate to your original questions.
Deputy Gerry Adams: The Taoiseach has revisited this issue three or four times.
An Ceann Comhairle: I am going to have to call time. The other Deputies will not get a chance to ask their supplementary questions.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I tabled 13 questions.
An Ceann Comhairle: I know that but I cannot do anything about it.
Deputy Gerry Adams: Can we revert to them?
Deputy Gerry Adams: How do we straighten out this issue when the Taoiseach accuses me of misrepresenting——
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy has to ask a supplementary question relating to his original question on foot of the reply given by the Taoiseach. This is Question Time and the rules apply to everybody.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I am allowed to set out the context and I tabled 13 questions. Why on earth would I bother to put down 13 questions if I am not going to be allowed the opportunity to——
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy did not table questions in relation to this morning’s meeting.
Deputy Gerry Adams: With respect, I asked specifically about the letter to Mr. Van Rompuy.
An Ceann Comhairle: That is not about this morning’s meeting.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I know but we discussed it this morning.
An Ceann Comhairle: I cannot deal with this morning’s meeting.
Deputy Gerry Adams: The Taoiseach stated that I misrepresented what he said but I did not misrepresent him.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy can deal with that matter in a separate way but other Deputies also want to ask supplementary questions.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I am under duress.
An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Martin tabled five parliamentary questions and Deputy Boyd Barrett tabled seven.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I ask the Taoiseach, in any upcoming meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister, to raise the issue of the fledgling peace process in the Basque country and request that he follow the example of dialogue set here in order to bring a resolution to the issues inherent in that conflict.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It is unfortunate that as a result of the way Question Time has panned out we have no opportunity to follow up on the 25 parliamentary questions we asked.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Perhaps we should change Standing Orders to allow a mechanism for resubmitting them for next week.
Deputy Micheál Martin: We will have some chance tomorrow. I ask the Taoiseach to explain clearly to the House why he signed up for a deal, the full implications of which he had not studied. Did he raise the issue of Irish bank debt? I understand he sought a commitment from European Heads of State to the effect that there would be no private sector restructuring of sovereign debt but the proposal appears to involve all debt, including Irish bank debt. The letter he sent to Mr. Van Rompuy asks that Irish debt be re-engineered, with the objective of reducing interest rates and lengthening the timeframe for repayment. Has the Taoiseach given any consideration to having elements of that debt waived or put to one side given the extraordinary steps the ECB and EU institutions have asked Ireland to take to protect the eurozone in advance of the establishment of the European facilities?
The Taoiseach: It is sovereign debt.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Why did he agree to push ahead without the British Government on board? Did he not see an opportunity to support the British in terms of not needing another treaty? That was our position before the summit. He stated in the Dáil on numerous occasions that he did not think a new treaty was needed because we could do a lot within existing treaties. The fiscal rules do not go to the core of solving the eurozone crisis. Re-financing sovereign debt is the real question and the summit has failed to deal with that.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: The Taoiseach rightly condemned Fianna Fáil for crashing our economy and forcing us into the hands of the EU-IMF troika but does he not agree that the proposed deal will institutionalise what he rightly describes as the loss of our economic sovereignty? We will lose democratic control over our economic affairs for perpetuity. There will be centralised, Stalinist control by the European Commission and the ECB over national economies and ordinary people will be disenfranchised.
Was there any discussion about the summit being the umpteenth attempt to come up with some sort of crisis resolution mechanism? Days, if not hours, after the conclusion of every previous summit the solutions began to unravel because the beloved markets decided they would not work. The bottom line problem underlying this pattern is that the austerity programme is crippling growth and even the markets realise a solution will not be found while the European economy is contracting. This proposal will set in stone an economic austerity agenda which will have the same effect.
Was any mention made of the contrasting fate of Iceland? I do not suggest that Iceland is perfect but it took a different response to the crisis and even the IMF praised its decision to allow its banks to fail. It did not reduce expenditure on the welfare state——
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: It did.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: ——and it imposed capital controls to prevent money from fleeing the country. As a result, its economy is now recovering. It is on the path to recovery after doing the exact opposite of what Europe is demanding from Ireland. Was there any discussion on the need to find a radically different way of dealing with this crisis?
The Taoiseach: At the meeting in Marseilles, the person sitting next to me was——
Deputy Billy Kelleher: The janitor.
The Taoiseach: ——the new Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, who is to take up office on 20 December. As I do not speak Spanish and he does not speak English we did not get an opportunity to discuss the fledgling peace process in the Basque country but I will be happy to raise the issue with him. When I next have an opportunity to meet him he will have been duly appointed as Spanish Prime Minister.
In respect of PSI, the issue is to remove PSI from the draft ESM facility. We take the view that such a provision would be counterproductive for a country such as Ireland, which will emerge from a programme, as it would display a lack of confidence by would-be investors in the country. What I was talking about here was not a write-down of sovereign debt but a reconstruction of the bank situation with regard to the recapitalisation, which had taken place at very high interest rates, and an attempt to get that level of bank debt into the facilities that now exist with lower interest rates and longer repayment periods, which would be of great benefit to the Irish taxpayer.
I did suggest at the meeting, if the truth be known, when Prime Minister Cameron made his comments about a specific protocol for the protection of financial services in London, that perhaps the politicians should pause and discuss whether a compromise could be reached in that political impasse. Essentially, what the British Prime Minister seemed to be saying was that he would give consent to changes in the eurozone in exchange for a return to unanimity in respect of certain matters to do with financial services in London. Obviously, that was not achieved, and the 26 countries will move on.
I am due to speak to the Prime Minister this evening. As I said before, after and during the meeting, it is important from the point of view of this country that our nearest neighbour and largest trading partner, which came to our assistance with regard to bailout moneys——
A Deputy: It bailed out its own banks.
The Taoiseach: ——will continue to be central to the European Union and the Single Market, of which the Prime Minister is such an advocate.
With regard to the question asked by Deputy Boyd Barrett, there was no discussion about Iceland, which is not in the European Union nor in the eurozone.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Neither are the 26 now.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: That is not true.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Not according to Nicolas Sarkozy.
The Taoiseach: There was no discussion about it. It was not the treaty that caused the problem here. It was caused by reckless government and reckless banks, and until we achieve a situation in which that can never happen again and order is restored to our public finances, we are not going to have the engine of growth and development that we all want, whereby jobs can be created. It was a number of summits ago that decisions were taken, in respect of Greece in particular, about bailout funds and increased leveraging of the EFSF, which did not actually happen. The Deputy is right in stating that markets have no confidence in that. That is why, in this case, the focus was entirely on the crisis within the eurozone. I am glad, at least, that the decisions taken by the heads of Government are reflected in the introduction of the ESM, minus the private sector involvement, the firewalls in respect of the ESF, the ESM and bilateral loans to the IMF, and the extra unlimited facilities available to banks from the ECB at a low interest rate. When I rang the former president of the ECB, Mr. Trichet, about this in March or April, his view was that the ECB would not extend loans to banks or countries at low interest rates but that they would continue at an emergency level only. That has now changed. The signals from Mr. Draghi are that if the political process achieves clarity and decisiveness about what it wants to do about the eurozone and the euro, the ECB, in respect of its independence and its integrity, will consider that from the point of view of whatever decision it wants to make.
Until we get to a point at which the engine of our own economy is revamped, we will not be able to provide the growth in our economy — and therefore the job opportunities — that we want to.
Deputy Joe Higgins: The Government is killing it with austerity.
The Taoiseach: I would like to see pension funds and others invest here. We are told there are walls of money for investment, under proper conditions, in infrastructure and job opportunities in Ireland. That is why we have renegotiated with the troika elements of what we can do for investment. For example, in respect of the sale of State assets, the troika wanted all of that money to be used for debt reduction only, but they are now prepared to talk on a case-by-case basis about investment in jobs, growth and job opportunities in the event that the Government decides to sell a State asset or a portion of one, or takes equity in a State asset. I am living in the land of reality and considering practical outcomes. I am focusing on sorting out our own problems, which will not go away and which will only get worse if we leave them alone.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: They are getting worse.
The Taoiseach: The central focus is on our people and on the ultimate challenge of this Government, which is to deal effectively with unemployment.
Deputy Joe Higgins: The only thing the Taoiseach got was that the bondholders would not be burned.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: It is a burden.
Written Answers follow Adjournment.
The Taoiseach: It is proposed to take No. 1, Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad] — Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. and shall adjourn not later than 10.30 p.m.; and that Private Members’ business, which shall be No. 43, motion re policies affecting rural areas, shall be taken at 8 p.m. and shall adjourn after 90 minutes.
An Ceann Comhairle: There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members’ business agreed to? Agreed.
Deputy Micheál Martin: One thing we all agreed this morning was that the Taoiseach would take questions after tomorrow’s statements on the European Council. I ask him to confirm to the House that he will take questions afterwards, because this is a momentous summit with far-reaching implications for the country and for Europe. I take it that the format will be statements followed by questions to the Taoiseach from leaders.
With regard to forthcoming legislation, in the context of the Education Act 1998 and circulars emanating from this Act, my question is about the decision to devastate the guidance counselling service by bringing it within quota in terms of the pupil-teacher ratio at second level. Up to 800 posts will be suppressed in second-level schools as a result. Even more worryingly, however, an entire edifice that provides counselling and career guidance to thousands and thousands of students across the country will be damaged. Given the obligation in the Education Act that such a service must be provided, when will secondary legislation giving guidance to second-level principals be issued by the Department of Education and Skills to ensure this recent decision is implemented while maintaining the primary obligation in the Education Act? New circulars will have to issue because of the budgetary decision about career guidance and counselling.
The Taoiseach: Yes, I would be happy to answer questions after the debate tomorrow. If the Deputy wants extra time to discuss that and have a longer debate, I am quite amenable to that. This is a matter of consideration for every person in the country and I do not want to be constrained by a format that specifies four 15-minute speeches followed by 20 minutes of questions. If the Opposition looks for extra time, we will change the rules. We will come back here next week anyway, and we can have a longer period for discussion. I would be happy to answer——
Deputy Micheál Martin: Does the Taoiseach mean tomorrow?
The Taoiseach: Yes; I will extend the debate tomorrow if the Deputy wishes, and move tomorrow’s business on to next week, because we are busy people.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I ask the Taoiseach to stop messing.
The Taoiseach: I am not messing.
The Taoiseach: I am quite serious. If the clamour starts — I am giving the Deputies warning in advance — for a sitting next week, we will be happy to do that. Tomorrow we will extend the debate for as long as Deputies want. The Tánaiste and I will be happy to answer questions and participate fully.
Deputy Emmet Stagg: The Deputies should be careful what they wish for.
Deputy Niall Collins: If they keep pausing, we will keep coming.
Deputy Micheál Martin: I know what the Taoiseach is wishing for.
The Taoiseach: With regard to the Deputy’s other question, the Minister for Education and Skills set out clearly in his response to the budget with regard to guidance counselling that what is involved is a transfer of responsibility to principals in secondary schools. I do not agree with the numbers the Deputy mentioned. I spoke to a guidance counsellor yesterday who was happy——
The Taoiseach: ——to be part of the continuous stream of providing guidance. It is a matter for the principal of each school to decide whether to have a guidance counsellor who also teaches something else or one who is solely devoted to guidance counselling. It is the devolution of responsibility to those who have to make the decisions.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Is the Taoiseach serious?
The Taoiseach: Leadership in secondary schools is of particular importance for the young generation growing up. It is part of the programme for Government.
Deputy Micheál Martin: That is a very misleading statement to the House. The Taoiseach should correct it.
An Ceann Comhairle: I call Deputy Adams.
Deputy Micheál Martin: People will be aghast at what he has said. Guidance counsellors throughout the country will be aghast.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should resume his seat. I have called Deputy Adams.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It is beyond belief the Taoiseach could say that. It is incredible stuff, and the Minister for Education and Skills is silent.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy can put down a question for the Minister for Education and Skills.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Circulars will have to be issued on this.
An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Martin, please resume your seat.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It is disgraceful.
Deputy Paul Kehoe: It is all your fault.
Deputy Barry Cowen: It is your budget.
Deputy Gerry Adams: I wish to raise a couple of matters under Riar na hOibre and a question under reachtaíocht atá geallta. We wondered whether the Taoiseach would be available to take questions and I am pleased he has committed himself to doing that. I will be even more pleased if he answers the questions. Second, a total of 24 parliamentary questions were taken together by the Taoiseach; 13 of the questions were from me. They were taken at the end of Question Time so we did not get time to deal with them. Sometimes one cannot govern what happens but this issue arises all the time. It is not within your authority, a Cheann Comhairle, but is a matter for the Taoiseach. It is ridiculous. We spend time putting down what we consider to be thoughtful questions in an effort to scrutinise, get information and have debate and discussion, but we are not given an opportunity to deal with them.
Under promised legislation, when will the Government publish the fiscal responsibility Bill? Is it intended to include in the Bill elements of the agreement reached at the EU summit last week and when will it be debated in the Dáil?
The Taoiseach: The time in which we answer questions runs out; I used to encounter this problem too. Two minutes are left and there is a series of questions to be answered so what does one do?
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Talk down the clock.
The Taoiseach: I am prepared to give the House extra time tomorrow because these questions were not dealt with today as we did not have time. I accept that. It is not the Ceann Comhairle’s fault as the Standing Order sets down the time. There will be a longer period for discussion tomorrow and there will be questions and answers, when the Deputy can deal with his questions.
The questions that were put down are all linked. Deputy Adams had one about the Basque peace process. That is an issue of European importance but most of the questions are about the EU summit and its implications. The Deputy also asked if I met the incoming Prime Minister of Spain. I did, and if one talks to him, through an interpreter, about how things are in Spain, does one go on from there to the linked issue of the part of his country where the Basque peace process is now under way? One could deal with each of the questions individually but one would find that, for example, question No. 5 is already answered in question No. 9 and so forth.
In respect of today’s business, which was also raised by Deputy Martin, I am prepared to extend the time allocated for the debate tomorrow and to extend the time for questions at the end of it. We will have to return to this issue, and probably on a number of occasions. Everybody will have an opportunity to have their say about what is of interest to all of us, that is, getting our country out of this mess while at the same time playing our part as a member of the European Union, which will be central to the growth and development of our economy and job opportunities for our people.
The fiscal responsibility Bill will be published in the spring. The Minister has done a great deal of work on it, and it will include a range of matters which we had already signalled even before the European Council meeting on Friday last.
Deputy Gerry Adams: Can I ask a brief supplementary question?
An Ceann Comhairle: I am sorry, I cannot allow it. A number of Deputies wish to ask questions. There are no supplementary questions on the Order of Business.
Deputy Gerry Adams: The Taoiseach said this Bill will contain parts of the agreement that we have not yet discussed.
The Taoiseach: We have already signalled what will be in the fiscal responsibility Bill. Much of what is in the Council political agreement of last Friday has already been worked on; there is not a great deal that is new in it. The fiscal responsibility Bill will be debated in the House in the spring and will contain much of what the Government has already set out in its programme for Government for dealing with proper budgeting procedures and proper fiscal competence, as one would expect in any country that wishes to run its affairs properly.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: The Taoiseach might be aware that five women in St. Brendan’s Hospital have had their liberty withdrawn. They will be transferred——
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy has been granted a Topical Issue debate on this.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: No, that is on education cuts. This is a different issue. This is about promised legislation.
An Ceann Comhairle: Is it about Grangegorman?
Deputy Billy Kelleher: No, this is about Grangegorman in the context of the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill and the mental capacity Bill. Is the Taoiseach aware that five people’s liberty has been withdrawn because of a lack of recruitment and intransigence on the part of the HSE and the Government?
An Ceann Comhairle: To which Bill is the Deputy referring?
Deputy Billy Kelleher: I am talking about the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill and the mental capacity Bill. Will legislation be required to withdraw their liberty or is the Taoiseach going to bulldoze this appalling measure through?
An Ceann Comhairle: Sorry, Deputy. We are dealing with that in Topical Issues.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: I cannot, a Cheann Comhairle, because my Topical Issue is about education cuts.
An Ceann Comhairle: Yes, but we are dealing with it in the Topical Issue debate.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: I want to hear the Taoiseach’s response on the issue of five women whose liberty has been withdrawn.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Taoiseach cannot——
Deputy Billy Kelleher: We only have hours or days to resolve this issue.
An Ceann Comhairle: I told the Deputy I have granted a Topical Issue debate on it.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: Not to this Deputy.
An Ceann Comhairle: If you were in the group——
Deputy Billy Kelleher: You granted me a Topical Issue debate on education cuts, but there are so many cuts we are losing track of them.
An Ceann Comhairle: Will the Taoiseach reply on the legislation?
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: On other legislation——
An Ceann Comhairle: Wait, Deputy. I will deal with one Deputy at a time.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: A Cheann Comhairle, there are no mobile telephones——
An Ceann Comhairle: Please allow the Taoiseach to answer the question about promised legislation.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: And the appalling attack on five women as well.
An Ceann Comhairle: Not on the Order of Business.
The Taoiseach: I do not have the details of what Deputy Kelleher is speaking about but the mental health capacity Bill will be published early in the new year. I cannot give the Deputy a date for the mental health Bill. On the question the Deputy raises about people’s liberty being withdrawn, the Minister will be happy to respond to it.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Against the backdrop of the position articulated by Deputy Kelleher, I am a member of the all-party group on mental health, and the representatives of all parties and groups in this Chamber met this afternoon. There is unanimous concern, which I wish to reflect to the Taoiseach in asking my question on promised legislation, about the five women being placed in lock-up to facilitate staff scheduling difficulties——
An Ceann Comhairle: That matter will be dealt with in the next item on the agenda.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: ——over the Christmas period. I am simply reflecting that, as I will not get the chance to participate in that debate. I must attend another meeting on mental health so I ask the Taoiseach to take this issue on board and to intervene.
Deputy Kelleher mentioned other Bills but it comes down to the eligibility for health and personal social services legislation. That key legislative measure has been repeatedly deferred. The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill will only correct drafting errors and create clarity. It will not make any substantive changes in mental health legislation but the eligibility Bill is hugely important. Hopefully, it would ensure that women or men in a comparable situation would never be placed in a lock-up area for several weeks, other than for their personal protection and for their care regime.
An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy, we are discussing promised legislation.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I ask the Taoiseach to take that appeal on board and to reply on the legislation.
The Taoiseach: I know Deputy Ó Caoláin does not raise this purely from a political perspective. He has an interest in the issue, and I respect that. The Minister of State dealing with this area will respond on the Topical Issue in the House.
I was asked about the mental capacity Bill and the mental health Bill. The first Bill will be published early in the new year but I do not have a time for the second one. Neither of them deals with the immediate crisis Deputy Ó Caoláin and Deputy Kelleher raised. The Minister of State will respond on it.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: What about the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill?
The Taoiseach: I will have to revert to the Deputy on that. It was part of the previous Government’s programme for Government.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has engaged an international group of consultants to carry out a review of the ownership and management of Cork and Shannon Airports. I understand the report has been presented to the Minister and there have been leaks from it. In the interest of providing everybody with the information——
An Ceann Comhairle: To what legislation is the Deputy referring?
Deputy Timmy Dooley: Under the State Airports Act 2004, will that report be published so the broader group of people who have an interest in this issue will have an opportunity to review it in tandem with the review by the Government?
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should put down a parliamentary question. It is not promised legislation.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: In that context, is it the Government’s intention to amend the State Airports Act 2004 to give effect to any of the proposals from the report by the international consultants?
The Taoiseach: The Minister commissioned a report in respect of the separation of airports and he has recieved it. He intends to brief Deputies in the constituencies where airports are concerned. I understand he intends to bring a memorandum to Government next week and we will deal with the issue from there.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: The Taoiseach should ensure that briefing include all Deputies in the region.
Deputy Micheál Martin: It should be more substantial than previous briefings.
The Taoiseach: This is a very inclusive Government.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: I accept that.
The Taoiseach: We could not and would not leave out anyone.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Talk to the Labour Party backbenchers.
An Ceann Comhairle: You got your answer.
The Taoiseach: The far-flung regions of Tipperary will be included.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: I welcome that. The Minister for Health has been holding briefings with Fine Gael and Labour backbenchers in regard to matters in our constituencies and unlike previous Ministers he has not included Opposition Deputies.
An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy, please resume your seat.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: I welcome the proposal.
The Taoiseach: Your crowd did not tell your own people anything.
Deputy Timmy Dooley: We never had a problem. We were very open. We provided everybody with information, usually through the media.
Deputy Arthur Spring: We now find ourselves in the festive season where most families in the country are in a position to cherish children. We are now looking at having a children’s rights referendum. When will proposed legislation be brought before the House and when will the referendum be held?
The Taoiseach: Wording is being considered by the Office of the Attorney General. It will be the new year before we have a comprehensive response. We will keep the House updated on progress being made.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Is there any promised legislation to deal with the Competition Authority? It is 21 years of age this year and is a toothless and inept organisation, especially when it comes to dealing with cartels.
An Ceann Comhairle: Is there promised legislation?
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I am asking the Taoiseach about promised legislation.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should table a parliamentary question.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Will there be a merger?
An Ceann Comhairle: No, the Deputy should table a parliamentary question. We only deal with promised legislation.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: A merger is promised. A cartel operates in the cement industry. The merger is in the programme for Government; I would not raise it otherwise.
I wish our colleague, Deputy Healy-Rae, a speedy recovery and hope he will be back to keep me company as soon as possible.
The Taoiseach: I can assure Deputy McGrath the Consumer Agency and Competition Authority will be dealt with in the spring. I wish Deputy Healy-Rae a full and speedy recovery. We need that articulate voice from County Kerry here to add to the Deputy’s choral interventions. They are very important at this time of year. Ta súil agam go mbeidh sé thar n-ais arís go luath.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Will the fiscal Bill to which the Taoiseach referred deal with——
An Ceann Comhairle: We do not ask what it will deal with, we ask when it will be introduced.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: ——the rogue behaviour of the banks, particularly what are effectively State-owned banks shafting their workers before Christmas——
An Ceann Comhairle: We do not deal with the content of legislation.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: ——to the tune of €2,500 each? Meanwhile the CEOs and executives of the bank concerned——
An Ceann Comhairle: We are dealing with promised legislation.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: This is the result of a directive from the Minister for Finance. The CEOs and executives who are on massive salaries have walked away without any cut.
Deputy Barry Cowen: On Friday the Minister for Social Protection spoke of the review following the budget of the proposal for a 66% cut in materials grants to community employment schemes. Will this delay the legislation to give effect to the cut?
The Taoiseach: The Minister has said that given the reduction in the training grants, concerns have been expressed about the demise of community employment schemes. They are important in urban and rural settings, as the Deputy is well aware. The Minister has said that on a case-by-case basis, if there are requests for further funding once accounts have been submitted and assessed they will be considered in that context.
Deputy Barry Cowen: It will not delay legislation to give effect to the 66% cut in grant aid.
The Taoiseach: I do not expect it would.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: What is the current state of progress on the preparation of the Bill to provide for the exchange of criminal records and other information with other EU member states and other designated states, the criminal records information systems Bill? Have the heads been agreed? Has it been discussed at Cabinet? When is it likely to come before the House?
The Bill to strengthen the powers of the CAB and the forfeiting of the proceeds of crime could be interesting. It is entitled the Criminal Justice (Proceeds of Crime) Bill. What is the situation regarding promised legislation — the data sharing Bill — to underpin better risk-based enforcement, efficiency and co-operation for business regulation by allowing specific public bodies to share specified data relating to businesses?
The Taoiseach: I do not have a date for the Deputy in respect of the first and last Bills. The Deputy has a record of inquiring about legislation. Discussions are ongoing between the CAB and the Department. The heads of the Bill have not come to Government but consultation is well advanced.
Deputy Joe Higgins: When will Report Stage of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill come before the Dáil? Why was it withdrawn this week? Does it indicate that the Government is rethinking the injustice of putting a new stealth tax on people in rural Ireland who were not able to be part of urban drainage schemes which were set up with public funds? It is placing an extra burden on people.
The Taoiseach: The reason for that is that people were not happy with the guillotine and were looking for more time. Committee Stage will be taken tomorrow and Report Stage will be dealt with in the new year.
Deputy Joe Higgins: We are not happy with the guillotine on the Local Government (Household Charge) Bill. Will the Taoiseach——
The Taoiseach: The question concerned when Report Stage would be taken. The reason it has been delayed is because the Deputy was unhappy with the guillotine.
Deputy Joe Higgins: We are unhappy with the other guillotine——
The Taoiseach: The Deputy is unhappy all the time. I have not seen him smile since his old adversary was here before me and he was playing handball against a haystack. Does he remember that? He went out of here minus his socialist jacket one day.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: He is playing against a silage bale now.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan: He went, he saw but he did not conquer.
An Ceann Comhairle: Words of wisdom in the background always.
Deputy Niall Collins: A loophole exists in the system for taxing motor vehicles online. People can enter incorrect or invalid insurance details, which is causing An Garda Síochána a number of problems. Does the Taoiseach have any idea when the motor vehicles (duties and licensing) Bill which is promised will be published? Will it address that anomaly?
The Taoiseach: I thank the Deputy for that observation. I am sure the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government would be happy to hear the details of the loophole. I can confirm that the heads of the Bill have not yet gone before Government but that does not mean the issue should not be dealt with. It will be the first half of next year before the Bill is published.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Thomas P. Broughan): I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 21 and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Robert Troy — the reductions in the hours of My Doc services in Mullingar, County Westmeath; (2) Deputy Patrick O’Donovan — the need for legislation to address the problem of the theft of certain expensive metals such as copper; (3) Deputy Michael Healy-Rae — the way in which public contracts are tendered; (4) Deputy Emmet Stagg — the funding of the Pipers Hill Educational Campus, Naas, County Kildare; (5) Deputy Thomas P. Broughan — the need to reverse the reduction in funding from €1,500 to €500 in respect of the training and materials grant for community employment schemes; (6) Deputy Dessie Ellis — the closure of Garda stations and, in particular, the future of Whitehall station, Dublin 9; (7) Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív — the need for an urgent reassessment of permitted stocking levels of sheep and cattle in the Maam Turk and Twelve Bens areas of County Galway; (8) Deputy Timmy Dooley — future relations with Britain following the Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron’s, decision not to agree to the terms of the compact agreed at the Brussels summit; (9) Deputy Brendan Griffin — the scrapping of the modern European languages initiative in primary schools; (10) Deputies Jonathan O’Brien, Mary Lou McDonald, Billy Kelleher and Charlie McConalogue — the impact of the withdrawal of supports to schools under the delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, scheme; (11) Deputy John O’Mahony — the waiting times for medical card applications; (12) Deputies Joe Costello, Derek Keating, Maureen O’Sullivan and Alex White — the need to ensure adequate funding and staffing levels for the women’s open unit at St. Brendan’s Hospital, Grangegorman, to allow it to remain in operation over the Christmas period; (13) Deputy Thomas Pringle — the need to restore the modern languages initiative in primary schools; (14) Deputy Eoghan Murphy — the need for the Adoption Authority to commence negotiations with the authorities in Ethiopia in order to allow inter-country adoptions between the two countries; (15) Deputy Mattie McGrath — funding for the independent commercial radio sector and the need to review the distribution of the licence fee for independent broadcasters; (16) Deputy Clare Daly — the payment of pensions to former employees of De Beers — Element Six; (17) Deputy Barry Cowen — the need to clarify the criteria to be used to assess the viability of community employment schemes, and the future of those schemes; and (18) Deputies Richard Boyd Barrett and Joan Collins — the loss of pay for EBS workers.
The matters raised by Deputies John O’ Mahony, Joe Costello, Derek Keating, Maureen O’Sullivan and Alex White, Emmet Stagg, and Jonathan O’Brien, Mary Lou McDonald, Billy Kelleher and Charlie McConalogue have been selected for discussion.
Deputy John O’Mahony: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for permitting me to raise this matter. There has been a great deal of talk in recent weeks, both in this House and outside it, regarding changes in social welfare provision and how they affect older and vulnerable people. The issue I wish to raise is related to that debate but not directly relevant to the budgetary provisions, namely, the delays being experienced by applicants throughout the State regarding the granting and renewal of medical cards.
The Minister referred in the Chamber last week to the huge increase in the number of medical cards issued in recent years as a consequence of the changed economic climate. I do not mean it as a criticism of anybody working in the medical card processing system in observing that the service seems to be overwhelmed. This is causing additional trauma for applicants, particularly elderly people and those with ongoing medical issues. The application and processing system was centralised during the summer, which we were told would offer enhanced efficiency and quicker processing times. That does not seem to be happening. Instead we seem to be facing a situation similar to that which arose at the Passport Office.
I ask the Minister to address this issue as quickly as possible. Members on all sides of the House are being contacted by constituents experiencing delays in the granting and renewal of medical cards. People come to us because they find it difficult to get information directly in regard to their applications. We are often the first port of call for distressed constituents. We would all like to see a system that works well and would not require our intervention. I have spoken to people who, having sent in information that was requested following an application, are told when they contact the central processing centre some weeks later that there is no record of the information being received. Other constituents who have appealed a decision to the appeals office in Donegal are told by staff there that the relevant file is in Dublin, only then to be told by staff in Dublin that it has been sent to Donegal.
I was prompted to raise this issue by a case of which I became aware five or six weeks ago which serves as an example of how the system is failing to respond in a timely manner. The person who contacted me had a family member who had been diagnosed with cancer and was deteriorating rapidly. Under the previous system, local knowledge would have ensured that a medical card was granted quickly. Under the new system, however, that did not happen, and the card was only finally issued a week after the person was buried. In another case I spoke to a couple who had been granted a medical card at the beginning of 2011. However, when they tried to fill a prescription some weeks ago, the pharmacist told them the card was invalid, a development of which they were not informed. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will address these issues in her response.
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I am responding to this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly. I thank the Deputy for raising it as it provides me with an opportunity to set out the progress made by the Health Service Executive’s initiative to standardise the processing of medical cards throughout the country. Medical cards are provided to persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. While income guidelines are the principal benchmark used for deciding medical card eligibility, the HSE also has regard to other matters considered appropriate in assessing a person for a medical card.
The HSE implemented its decision to centralise the processing of all new applications and renewals of medical cards at the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, in Finglas, Dublin, on 1 July 2011. Following the centralisation of the service, the PCRS reported that it was receiving approximately 20,000 applications per week. The PCRS estimates that in excess of 80% of complete applications are processed within 15 working days. Delays can occur where applications are submitted without the correct supporting documentation necessary to complete the processing of the application.
All applications are given a unique application number by the PCRS, which is immediately notified to applicants. Applicants are advised of the importance of quoting this unique application number on all correspondence with the PCRS because it is used to track all correspondence as well as the current status of the application. In cases where an application is not complete, the PCRS writes to the applicant requesting the missing documentation.
In cases where a decision is made not to grant a medical card, the applicant is informed of the decision, notified of his or her right to appeal this decision and contact details for the appeals office are provided. Where appellants submit an appeal within 21 days of a decision, they retain their medical card or GP visit card until the appeal is decided. The appeals officer notifies the appellant of the final decision in the case.
In 2010, as part of the centralisation project, the HSE introduced a new website, www.medicalcard.ie, which enables people anywhere in the country to apply for or renew a medical card through a simple and efficient application process. Thousands of applications are now submitted online every month. Applying online also gives applicants access to up-to-date information on the progress of their medical card renewal or application.
Following centralisation, staff in local health offices continue to provide information and assistance to individuals in regard to their applications for medical cards. They also provide information on the current status of a person’s application or review by tracking the application on the PCRS system. The centralisation project is part of the HSE’s effort to deliver efficiencies and reduce overhead costs in a manner that minimises the impact on front line services. The administration costs of the PCRS represent less than 1% of the value of the payments processed by it.
The progress of the centralisation project is being continuously monitored and, if required, modifications will be made to address any issues arising. Centralisation delivers consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision. It also facilitates clearer governance and accountability, as well as improved management information. Nevertheless, I very much take on board the Deputy’s point that for people who are not computer literate, particularly elderly people, it can be a daunting process.
Deputy John O’Mahony: I thank the Minister of State for her reply. However, what she described is how the process should work; my contention is that it is not working as it should. The Minister of State mentioned the extra thousands of applications being submitted. Have additional staff been allocated to the centralised processing service to meet this demand? Some applicants are giving up in despair when they cannot get through to the call centre. Others are told to contact their local office only to find the latter knows nothing about the matter and must then contact the central office on the applicant’s behalf. Has that part of the service been outsourced? As the Minister of State observed, the online facility is of little use to older people who may not be computer literate.
Deputy Kathleen Lynch: The problem is often that people do not apply for a medical card as soon as they experience a reduction in income. Instead, they wait until they must attend a doctor before applying, at which stage a delay is inevitable because the process must take its course. The positive aspect of the scheme is its equitability. On the other hand, it was great for us, under the old process, to be able to contact the local health manager and explain a constituent’s case in detail. The downside of the process is that we and the individual applicant can no longer do so. The GP card or the medical card may be retained until the appeal process is completed and this gives wriggle-room or time to collect additional information as sometimes this may be the difficulty. I acknowledge there are kinks in the system which need to be ironed out and one of the significant kinks in the system is that the local offices do not have sufficient staff to process the files at local level. This will need to be dealt with.
The medical card system works well in the case of the over-70s and this is because it has been in place for longer, but the kinks in the system remain in terms of the overall country-wide application.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Thomas P. Broughan): Deputies Joe Costello, Derek Keating, Maureen O’Sullivan and Alex White, have four minutes between them.
Deputy Joe Costello: I hope the Acting Chairman will be flexible as regards the time.
The concerns of relatives and staff in Grangegorman are now public as a result of media attention such as on “Liveline”. Five women are being transferred from an open unit in Grangegorman to a closed, secure unit. Voluntary patients are moving to a ward for involuntary patients. This is contrary to all best medical practice. These are low risk patients who are being moved into what would have been regarded as a medium to high risk unit. A number of these patients have been in the unit for a considerable period of time. They are familiar with their surroundings and have formed friendships and have decorated the unit for Christmas.
The reason for this significant change in their situation is because of a shortage of staff. This is a peak holiday time and there is an embargo on recruitment in the public sector. The staff are very committed and are to be commended, and a new, state-of-the-art unit will be built next year. However, a current significant bottleneck needs to be addressed. The solution is to provide the staff cover through the use of overtime or agency staff. Another seven patients in the unit were transferred to hostel accommodation on the North Circular Road and in Fairview or to other units. This could be an alternative for the remaining five patients or else the embargo on staff should be lifted to allow for the provision of ten extra staff required over that period. I ask the Minister of State to address the situation.
Deputy Derek Keating: I am absolutely furious at the way this matter is being handled by the HSE and its treatment of these patients. I am of the view that this is possibly illegal and it is certainly immoral. It is completely unprofessional to lump five women into a unit which already caters for six patients. During the period of their incarceration they will have the use of a single toilet. Part of the difficulty is that Unit O, where these patients are being incarcerated, is a locked unit and the Mental Health Commission previously deemed this unit to be unsuitable and not fit for purpose. These five patients are being told they cannot use their mobile telephones during the Christmas period. I wonder who made this decision. Are these women five patients or five prisoners? From my voluntary work over the years I know how important matters such as a routine, consistency and familiarity are for patients undergoing treatment and in particular for those undergoing mental health treatment.
The Mental Health Act 2001 has two main features, the promotion and maintenance of quality standards of care and treatment which are regularly inspected and properly regulated. The primary function of the Mental Health Tribunals established under the Act is to ensure the protection of the rights of patients detained involuntarily. These five patients, in my view, are being detained involuntarily. If a person is detained and treated in a hospital against his or her will, this is not complying with human rights. If this is the case, the Mental Health Act must be urgently updated and amended. The information that patients are being moved from their home, Unit 3B, to a locked unit is completely unacceptable. I ask whether this action contravenes the Mental Health Act.
In advance of any Dáil question I will table, I ask who made the decision and on what basis. Was a consultant involved in the decision? Could this action result in a complaint to the Medical Council if this decision was endorsed by a consultant? For the sake of a paltry few bob, I ask the Minister of State to direct the HSE to provide staff for the welfare and comfort of these patients in their own unit during the Christmas festivities. I am very conscious that we have a caring a Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and disability who has inherited the restricted circumstances from a previous Administration. I ask her in the few days leading up to Christmas to ask the HSE to exercise some flexibility.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I too am appalled at the situation in Grangegorman for very vulnerable people and their loved ones. Eleven long-term patients from Unit 3B have been moved. The most focus has been on those who have been moved into Unit O but others have been moved to hostels and other accommodation. The bottom line is the moving of these patients. They are used to their familiar environment and the move is very distressing and disturbing for them. They have mental health issues and I am aware of the Minister of State’s interest in that area.
There are issues for those already in Unit O whose space is being taken over by the new residents and also issues for the residents of Unit 3B. A health and safety issue arises in both areas for both patients and staff and it is also a human rights issue.
Deputy Alex White: This is a very disquieting situation. As well as having been contacted by concerned family members, I have also had an opportunity to speak to some of the professional staff involved. Deputy Keating has raised this issue briefly but from my knowledge of their views they are just as appalled and dissatisfied at this decision and its implications. As Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan has said, it runs the risk of seriously compounding the anxiety suffered by these five women at the best of times.
I appreciate the Minister of State’s commitment to this area and I do not doubt it for one minute. This is clearly an issue of resources and if the decision is to be reversed on 16 January 2012, it means a solution will exist on 16 January. It may be naive of me to ask the Minister of State but I ask if it is possible to bring forward what will be done on 16 January to 13 December, considering the status quo will be reversed in the middle of January. Surely there is some possibility of this being addressed in a way that can solve it for this short period of four weeks. I ask the Minister of State, knowing her commitment to this entire area, to consider this option. The decision to use a locked or a semi-locked ward is completely the opposite direction we should go. It is completely unacceptable that we should have to take that step at this stage of our development. We should be going in the opposite direction and I know this is the long-term commitment of the Minister of State. This is a bad and a retrograde step and I hope the Minister of State can do something to have it reversed.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Thomas P. Broughan): I have allowed some flexibility on time because of the importance of this matter and I will allow similar flexibility to the Minister of State.
Deputy Kathleen Lynch: I thank the Acting Chairman. The extra time is much appreciated as this is a very difficult issue to deal with in a short timeframe for a reply. To respond to Deputy White’s final question on why a solution could not be found immediately if one will be found by 16 January of next year, the difficulty is that the staff needed will not return from annual leave until 16 January. There is little we can do in the circumstances. At present, 37 staff are absent in the units in question as a result of maternity leave and sick leave and because a number of those who will retire in February will avail of the accumulated leave to which they are entitled. We must accept this is the case, especially given the extraordinary job performed by the staff in question. I am not sure any of us would do their job.
I am pleased the House is discussing locked units, an issue that was well ventilated recently when we discussed a Private Members’ motion tabled by Technical Group. Locked units are from a bygone era, although in some cases people who have emotional episodes need to be protected from themselves and, in rare cases, members of the public need to be protected from individuals. Specific units are in place to deal with such cases. The use of locked units, especially dormitory style units, flies in the face of our mental health strategy, A Vision for Change, and everything that most Members believe in.
It is highly regrettable that the action being taken has become necessary, particularly at this time of year, and I completely understand the distress the decision has caused patients — if that is the correct term — their families and the general community. The Health Service Executive informs me that the measures are necessary given the shortage of nursing staff in Dublin north west mental health services. Dublin will not be the only area that will experience shortages in future. There was a large number of retirements this year among nursing staff in St. Brendan’s Hospital and vacant posts were not filled due to the recruitment pause in place in the HSE. Unfortunately, therefore, the executive has been left with no option but to devise a contingency arrangement to ensure both patient safety and continuity of services over the Christmas period. It is not the case that I have only recently become involved in this matter. I have been making inquiries about since before last weekend and the issue must be dealt with in future.
To address Deputy Keating’s concerns, the Mental Health Commission has responsibility under the Mental Act 2001 to take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of detained patients. I understand the Health Service Executive has notified the commission of the measures proposed. The Mental Health Commission has responsibility for ensuring the units in question have sufficient staff to provide a safe environment for those who are detained at St. Brendan’s Hospital and its staff. Despite our efforts to have people receive mental health services in the community, an approach that keeps them well and prevents them from being admitted to hospital, some of them are being called into acute units. It is perverse that people in the community are becoming unwell and require readmission to hospital. This issue will form part of the review of the Mental Health Act.
The position is that, following clinical assessment, it has been decided to transfer the 12 long-stay patients from Unit 3B. Five have been transferred to Unit O, four to community hostels and the remaining three to other facilities. However, I have been assured that this is purely a temporary measure and Unit 3B will reopen on 16 January next, if not earlier. Concerns in the media largely centre on the transfer of five women to Unit O, which is a low secure ward that has a locked door policy in place. I have received an assurance from the Health Service Executive that patients from Unit 3B who previously could move in and out freely will still be able to do so. This is fully in line with our national mental health policy which seeks to ensure patients are held in the least restrictive environment possible.
Concerns have also been expressed that patients in Unit O have access to only one shower. Again, I am assured that there are two showers available to patients. While I know this is far from ideal and I am acutely aware of the infrastructural deficits at St. Brendan’s Hospital, the closure of the hospital is foreseen in the context of the implementation of A Vision for Change. Those who are familiar with the facility will be aware that the reduction in its patient population is proceeding at a steady pace. Acute admissions have ceased and the hospital now provides only continuing care to long-stay patients who are the women affected by the recent decision.
I am pleased to inform the House that construction is under way on a 54 bed replacement long-stay facility as part of the Grangegorman redevelopment project. Building is expected to be completed in 2012 and the new facility will provide patients with their own single bedrooms, en suite facilities, therapy and rehabilitation spaces, in other words, the types of facilities we should have been providing years ago. I am confident patients will have moved into the new facility before next Christmas, although I accept this will be cold comfort to patients in Unit O. Again, I express my regret that these measures were necessary.
Budget 2012 provided an additional €35 million for mental health services which will be used to provide additional posts in the community. I hope people will never again be locked up for 20, 30, 40 or 50 years. I visited a locked unit in which one person who clearly did not present a danger to anyone had resided for 60 years. The additional funding will enable the HSE to enhance the multidisciplinary composition of community mental health teams and focus on key priorities in mental health. There is, however, a need to explore more fully how mental health services, owing to the age profile of staff within the service, have been impacted disproportionately by the staff moratorium. This issue is already the subject of discussions between officials of my Department and the HSE and I intend to pursue it further to achieve an appropriate result which ensures the quality and safety of our mental health services in the future. The blunt instrument of the moratorium will not serve us well in mental health. For this reason, we must closely examine the areas in which we most need staff and how they can best be provided. Discussions will have to take place on this issue because staff will be lost in areas in which they are needed and retained in areas where we could do without them. I appreciate that the Acting Chairman, Deputy Broughan, has allowed me considerable latitude.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Thomas P. Broughan): I allowed an additional five minutes for discussion of this important topic. However, as other Deputies have been waiting to speak on other topics, I ask Deputies Costello, Keating, O’Sullivan and White to confine their contributions to putting a single question to the Minister of State.
Deputy Joe Costello: While I appreciate the Minister of State’s remarks on the additional €35 million in the budget and new proposals regarding the facility in question, we face a real and immediate crisis which is completely unacceptable. We may find, as a result of the recruitment embargo and forthcoming retirements in February, that we still have staffing shortages on 16 January. While this matter is being addressed, will the Minister of State make arrangements to allow the Deputies who have raised this issue to visit the unit in order that we can see where the women in question are being placed? I know such a facility resides with the inspector and ask the Minister of State to make the appropriate arrangements.
Deputy Derek Keating: I acknowledge that the Minister of State’s heart is in the right place and I have no doubt she will make a significant contribution to mental health services in the lifetime of the Government. Does she not have the power to direct the HSE to resolve this single sensitive and critical issue for five human beings at Christmas time?
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I presume additional staff went into the other unit because additional patients were there. Given that this is Christmas time, and in light of the stressful nature of this issue, can the Minister of State not use some of the €35 million to resolve this difficulty? I understand some of the families are also willing to contribute.
Deputy Alex White: I was about to ask the same question. Is it not possible for the HSE to secure the services of temporary staff for this short four-week period? I understand what the Minister of State has said. I would not for a moment wish to trespass on anybody’s right to take annual leave. If we accept that the response we have been given — the posts lie vacant and cannot be replaced — is accurate, does the HSE not have some flexibility to hire staff for four weeks?
Acting Chairman (Deputy Thomas P. Broughan): I ask the Minister of State to conclude.
Deputy Kathleen Lynch: I appreciate the Chair’s patience. I can inform Deputy Costello that I have already made a request to be allowed to visit the unit. I have been told it is not a difficulty. I did not make a similar request on behalf of other Deputies. I will make such a request and revert to all the Deputies in question. I assure Deputies O’Sullivan and Keating that people on overtime and agency staff are already working in the unit. I have been informed by the HSE that the difficulty is that it is better to have staff with whom the residents of the unit are familiar, rather than people who are not known to them. It is very easy to understand that point. The HSE has assured me that it has asked people to do a little extra work over Christmas. It is natural and understandable that people are reluctant to work during the Christmas holidays. I am in regular contact with the HSE. If it agrees to a visit by the Deputies when I contact it again, I will contact them.
Deputy Emmet Stagg: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue. I thank the Minister, Deputy Quinn, for coming to the House to deal with it. Piper’s Hill is a new all-embracing educational campus just outside Naas in County Kildare. It is organised and operated by Kildare VEC, or more accurately by the chief executive of the VEC, Mr. Seán Ashe. There are many opinions among educationalists and sociologists about the desirability of shoe-horning the wide spectrum of educational provision onto one site. Time will tell if this experiment works well or otherwise. However, I do not want to raise that aspect of the Piper’s Hill campus today. Instead, I wish to focus on the extraordinary and unorthodox methods used to raise the funding for the campus.
In his response, perhaps the Minister will give the House details of the sequence of events that led to him being forced last summer to meet a shortfall of over €20 million for this project from funds that had been earmarked for the school summer projects and other schemes. It seems that the chief executive of the VEC, Mr. Ashe, who was the driving force behind the project and the novel model for funding it, decided to sell the old second level VEC school in Naas to Superquinn for €23 million. Superquinn paid a deposit of €2.3 million and was supposed to pay the balance of €21.7 million in February 2010. The chief executive then made the extraordinary and dangerous decision to raise a loan of €21.7 million with Bank of Ireland on the back of the Superquinn deal, which was ultimately not concluded. He did that with the sanction of the Fianna Fáil Minister for Education and Skills, with whom he was closely associated.
When Superquinn failed to come up with the balance of €21.7 million in February 2010, it sought additional time and agreed to pay the interest on the VEC loan. The wheels were now seriously coming off the wagon. The deal was falling asunder. The VEC, the Department and the taxpayer were exposed. The chickens were coming home to roost on an extraordinarily risky venture that was pursued at the end of the madness that was the building boom. By mid-2010, Superquinn was in receivership and the VEC was stuck with a loan which it could not pay and should never have raised in the circumstances.
I understand that the Department of Education and Skills and the taxpayer were obliged to pick up the tab for the total of €21.7 million that was due. It appears that this year’s school summer projects and other schemes were jeopardised as a result. Can the Minister give the House an assurance that the type of risk-taking and venture activity that was at the core of this case will no longer be sanctioned by him? Will he introduce the necessary checks and balances on how VECs raise funds for school buildings to ensure the type of fiasco that occurred at Piper’s Hill does not happen again?
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and giving me an opportunity to outline to the House the current position in regard to the funding of the Piper’s Hill Educational Campus in Naas, County Kildare. As the Deputy is aware, there has been a significant increase in the number of schoolgoing children in the country in recent years. My Department is forecasting that this will increase further in the coming years. Naas is one of the areas identified by the Department as experiencing a rapid growth in demand for new school accommodation. In this context, Kildare VEC took the initiative and developed a new educational campus at Piper’s Hill, including a new 1,000-pupil post-primary school building, a physical education hall, a building for Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh and a headquarters building for the Irish Vocational Education Association. In time, it will be the site of permanent buildings for Naas community national school and St. David’s Church of Ireland national school. As the Deputy will be aware, the development of the campus has been highly successful to date. The development of the campus and the provision of additional post-primary school places ensured there was no accommodation crisis in Naas in recent years and all children in the catchment area had a place to go to school.
The development of the Piper’s Hill educational campus did not follow the usual model of upfront Exchequer funding from the Department. Instead, the VEC funded the development of the post-primary school, the sports hall and the site infrastructure such as roads, etc. The Department funded the construction of the gaelscoil and the Irish Vocational Education Association headquarters. Kildare VEC funded its element of the project by entering into a contract for the disposal of an existing asset to the Superquinn group. This was done with the approval of the Department and my predecessors as Minister. Under the terms of the arrangement, Superquinn was supposed to acquire the site of the old vocational school on the Limerick Road in Naas, which was not large enough to accommodate a 1,000 pupil school. The VEC borrowed the funds to develop the new school, sports hall and site infrastructure on the strength of this contract for sale.
When the Superquinn group went into receivership last year, it became clear that the contract with the VEC would not be honoured. The VEC was left without the means to pay off its debt with the bank. Rather than allowing the VEC to continue to incur interest on this debt, I decided to make funds available to the VEC to settle the debt with the bank.
The VEC continues to retain the freehold on the old vocational school in Naas that was the subject of the contract for sale. It is being used as a permanent location for Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara, which has been able to vacate its previous rented premises to relocate in Naas, thus eliminating the previous rental bill on that premises and avoiding the need to acquire a greenfield site and develop a new school building for the gaelcholáiste. The VEC also retained the original deposit of 10% that was paid by Superquinn when the contract was signed. This was used as part of the Piper’s Hill campus development. While it is regrettable that the original transaction was not completed, the fact remains that two post-primary schools are now located in permanent accommodation, while the Piper’s Hill campus is an asset to the town of Naas and a key part of the educational infrastructure of the area.
Deputy Emmet Stagg: I thank the Minister for his reply. We already had much of the information he has given us. He did not deal with the essential question I raised. Will he put systems in place to ensure this sort of capitalist venture, whereby money is raised in this way for public schools, is ended? Certain programmes in the Department of Education and Skills were put at serious risk as a result of the collapse of this venture.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: There are lessons to be learned from what has happened in this case. I thank the Deputy for giving me an opportunity to outline to the House the current position regarding the payment of funds. It would have been preferable if the original sale had gone ahead. In the circumstances in which we now find ourselves, we have to learn from the experience of this case and make sure similar situations do not recur in the future.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: I appreciate the flexibility offered by the Chair because this is a serious issue.
I do not know when the Minister, Deputy Quinn, last visited a DEIS school, or whether he did so recently. The work DEIS schools do in disadvantaged communities is very obvious. I know this at first hand because I have two children who attend schools within DEIS areas. I know the kind of work the schools do, the time teachers spend with students, the ability of teachers to build up students’ confidence and ability, how they teach them to read and write, and all the other practical measures involved. The schools play a vital role not only in children’s education, but in the greater scheme of things in the community. They help hold together the social fabric and they have been very successful.
I spent the weekend speaking to a number of school principals who were really angry and bewildered by the decision of the Minister in respect of pupil-teacher ratios in DEIS schools. This will have a significant impact not only on the educational needs of the children. Many of the children in question come from very disadvantaged backgrounds. Many have behavioural issues. There is a scheme in place in DEIS schools in regard to school attendance records concerning which I spoke to one principal. In the past five years an additional 1,500 days have been supplied to pupils as a result of the work and extra support put in by the schools. Withdrawing staff will have an enormous effect.
I am trying to get a grip on how many teacher posts will be lost in Cork North-Central. The figures are coming in bit by bit as we talk to the schools. In the 12 schools I spoke with so far, 41 staff will be lost. That is a huge number not only for the staff, but for the children within the schools and in regard to the additional supports the schools provide to the communities.
I heard the budget announcements and looked at the front page of the Minister’s website. It is my habit to look at all departmental websites. They say a lot about the Departments.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: This is a limited debate.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: I know it is limited but it is an important issue and the Chair stated there would be flexibility. I shall finish.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I agree it is important.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: The Minister’s website states he prioritised front line services in the recent budget. I do not believe that. This measure does not prioritise those services — rather it decimates them and does so in our most disadvantaged communities. This must be reversed.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: In the course of the budget debate the Government claimed no changes had been made to the pupil-teacher ratio at primary or secondary school levels. Of course, that is not true. My colleague has set out in very real terms the kind of devastation which will be caused by the withdrawal of what I calculate to be approximately 400 posts. Perhaps the Minister will give the exact figure today. That will be a devastating blow to schools, children and communities and will damage not only children’s education, but their social and life opportunities.
I note when the Minister deals with this matter it is referred to as a “legacy” issue. He knows as well as I do that in the communities where DEIS schools are located there are legacies of poverty, need and underachievement in education. Previously, a Labour Party Government vowed to break the cycle and give every child the chance he or she deserves. These actions will undo very much of that work. It is ironic that one Labour Party Minister would sabotage the good work of a previous Labour Party Minister.
At some stage today the Minister met with a group of teachers from the north inner city of Dublin. I am sure they set out for him in concrete terms what it means in a school to lose three, four, five or, in some cases, as many as eight teachers, and how damaging this will be for the children concerned. I am very sure they told the Minister he must stop these cuts. I take this opportunity again to ask the Minister to stop these cuts which will do untold damage. If his Administration claims to have a commitment to education, early childhood intervention, equality of opportunity and the protection not only of children’s education, but of their life chances, the Minister has no option other than to stop these cuts.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: I wish to reinforce what the other Deputies stated. This is an attack on disadvantaged areas. For many years we made enormous strides in trying to provide education and give people hope and opportunity in areas of disadvantage. The DEIS programme, Breaking the Cycle and Even Breaks were put in place by successive Governments and supported with the necessary resources.
I sat on the Minister’s side of the House and defended unpopular decisions but this cut will have devastating impacts in areas of disadvantage not only for the individuals concerned, but collectively within those communities. I urge the Minister to reconsider. As Deputy O’ Brien pointed out, more than 40 teachers will be lost on the north side of Cork city, an already disadvantaged area. That is the equivalent of closing three schools in the area.
I ask the Minister to step back and look at the areas supported by the DEIS programme, Breaking the Cycle and Even Breaks and see if he can come up with any imaginative solutions. If we look at the budget we can see that some schools are getting extra allocations without being in areas of disadvantage. They are increasing their teacher numbers while elsewhere there are areas that have had legacy issues for many years. These are unemployment, neglect by the State, local authorities and society at large. There is one opportunity to give people a break.
I offer an interesting figure. Seven per cent of the people who attend these schools on the north side of Cork go on to third level education. That is a move in the right direction but it is only 7%. This is not about third level fees and does not involve any grand debate in the broader sense. This is about the nuts and bolts of people being able to read or write. I urge the Minister to look at the area of disadvantage, Breaking the Cycle and the DEIS programmes.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue: I concur with my fellow Deputies in asking the Minister to reconsider this very cruel cut to rural and urban disadvantaged schools. If we look at the recent budget a clear trend was that families who are lower paid or on social welfare got hit and hurt more badly and in a more blatant way than people on high pay. It is the same with the education cuts. The headline that emerged from the budget was that there would be no change to teacher-pupil ratios. However, when we delve down into this issue we see there are changes to those ratios and they are taking place in the most disadvantaged schools which most need support.
I offer the Minister two examples of the many schools that will be affected in County Donegal when this cut takes place after next September. Glengad national school currently has five teachers but this measure will bring the number down to three. In Carndonagh girls’ national school there are currently nine teachers but this cut will bring the number down to seven and probably to six the following year. These types of cuts are unsustainable but in one fell swoop this is what will be experienced.
Last week, the Government wisely rowed back on the cut to disability benefit, recognising it was the wrong thing to do. Likewise this cut is the wrong thing to do. It is totally unfair for those families, in particular the children, to be hit by reductions in teacher numbers next September. I urge the Minister to withdraw this decision and change his mind.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: A key priority for my Department is to continue to prioritise and target funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage. However, in order to ensure fairness in the distribution of resources available under the DEIS plan, it is no longer possible to allow some schools to retain legacy posts on a concessionary basis that pre-date the introduction of the DEIS scheme. Accordingly, a decision has been taken to withdraw 428 posts from earlier disadvantage programmes in 270 primary schools and 163 post-primary schools that exceed what equivalent schools are entitled to under DEIS or to which non-DEIS schools are not entitled.
The following are some important elements to this measure which should address some of the concerns raised about the schools in question. My Department will hold several teaching posts in reserve to reduce the impact of changes to schools most acutely affected. All schools will be notified in January 2012 of their staffing entitlements under the new arrangement, including any alleviation measures that may apply.
The majority of DEIS band 1 schools will benefit from the new dedicated pupil teacher ratio of 22:1. The new staffing schedule for DEIS band 1 primary schools now gives greater autonomy to schools and simplifies the existing system whereby schools are given a top-up allocation to support lower class sizes of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes.
DEIS post-primary schools will be targeted for additional support through an improved staffing schedule of 18.25:1, which is a 0.75 point improvement compared to the existing standard, 19:1, that applies in post-primary schools that do not charge fees or compared to the 21:1 ratio that will apply in fee-charging schools.
Phasing out of the legacy posts will commence in the 2012-13 school year. The phasing of this measure will allow schools time to prepare for this gradual change. In the meantime, the new pupil teacher ratio of 22:1 will take effect from September 2012 for all DEIS band 1 schools.
In addition, the changes announced to the general allocation model and the way in which resource teachers are allocated to all 3,200 primary schools will take effect from next September. My Department will, by necessity, carefully examine each DEIS school’s staffing arrangements on a case-by-case basis to ensure the impact of changes will be minimised as much as possible.
The Government’s protection of schools serving disadvantaged areas is further underlined by the maintenance of €13 million in enhanced funding for DEIS schools, €2 million in school book funding for DEIS schools, as well as a €26 million investment in the home school community liaison scheme. All these areas have been protected from reductions in expenditure for 2012. The school completion programme, which transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs earlier this year, remains a major component of DEIS and has seen only a marginal deduction of €2 million in its overall budget equating to approximately 6.5%.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: How can the Minister claim the change in pupil-teacher ratios will benefit some schools? It beggars belief. I asked him when was the last time he visited one of these schools. Deputy Kelleher pointed out how currently 7% of school leavers in the north side of Cork city go on to third level education. Before these schemes were introduced 20 years ago, that figure was only 1%. We will be heading back to that 1% if these cuts go ahead. These cuts cannot proceed. This is not about money but about people’s opportunity to further their education, better themselves and get a real job. These schemes are vital to that. If these are withdrawn, it is those children who could benefit who will be worse off.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: I take it from the Minister’s response that he is not going to change his mind on these cuts. To suggest that withdrawing 420 posts would enhance a child’s educational opportunity is utterly perverse. The Minister described this as a legacy issue. What will the Minister’s legacy be? It will be that he dismantled the invaluable work done in communities with DEIS schools.
The Minister may not be for changing his mind now but he should be on notice that in the communities and constituencies in which these schools will be hammered by him, he will face a battle not just from the teachers but from the parents and community at large.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Thank you, Deputy.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: It baffles me that he will persist with these cuts. He does not need anyone on this side of the House to tell him just how damaging this decision will prove.
Deputy Billy Kelleher: In the foreword to the national literacy and numeracy strategy, the Minister stated his aspiration is to achieve world-class literacy and numeracy skills among our children and young people. If the Minister does not reverse these cuts in disadvantaged areas, he will consign that aspiration to the bin and might as well tear up the strategy.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue: One teacher in a school in my area told me that since DEIS was introduced the school’s standardised test results in numeracy and literacy have improved. Her students have flourished emotionally, socially and academically, attendance has vastly improved and parents are very much involved in their children’s education. The Minister, through these cuts, will remove 428 teachers from the system. It is a crude cut attacking the most vulnerable students. The Minister should row back on this. The Minister will know what is coming to him when these cuts feed through to the different schools. Parents and children will be hurt by these cuts. It is crucial the Minister goes back to the drawing board, looks again at this and changes his mind.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: I thank the Deputies for their contributions. I have visited DEIS band 1 and band 2 schools. There are some in my constituency which is an inner city one and not just all Dublin 4. There have been inequalities between various DEIS schools with some getting fewer resources than others that were previously identified as having a disadvantage and subsequently re-branded as DEIS schools. The question is about the equal treatment of pupils in those categories.
I accept there are areas of compounded social disadvantage where conditions outside the school affect the classroom. I think of some of the schools in my inner city constituency. These measures will be introduced over time and their impact reviewed. An equalisation will be in place as to how they will be implemented. The schools affected will be negotiated with on these measures much earlier than was previously the case.
At the end of the day, we must realise we are not in control of our economic destiny.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: Please, Minister.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: I know Deputy McDonald does not like it.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: It really does not apply to this issue.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue: The Minister is hitting the most vulnerable.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: No, we are not. We are trying to be as fair as possible on this.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: This is not fair and the Minister knows that.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: It is. The fairest way to start is to ensure disadvantage is treated equally.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: To wreck Dublin inner city more like.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: More like making sure they are all disadvantaged equally.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Order, please.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: It has not been the case that disadvantage was treated equally. Former Ministers attempted to equalise the allocation of scarce resources but it was not done because of the sorts of arguments made now.
I will examine carefully how these measures are implemented. I will discuss with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, how we can combine the home school liaison and school completion programmes. Teachers have informed me that many of the problems they face originate outside the classroom. The solution is not necessarily more teachers but much more home support——
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald: The solution is not taking teachers away.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Deputy, please.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: ——of the kind to which I have referred. That is how we will deal with this.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I move: “That the Bill be now read a Second Time.”
The Local Government (Household Charge) Bill’s purpose is to give effect to the EU-IMF programme of financial support commitment to introduce a property tax for 2012. The programme reflects the need, in the context of the State’s overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services.
However, in light of the complex issues involved, a property tax requiring a comprehensive property valuation system would take time to introduce and, accordingly, to meet the requirements in the EU-IMF programme, the Government decided to introduce a household charge in 2012. The household charge is an interim measure and proposals for a full property tax will be a matter for consideration by the Government in due course.
The Bill is a relatively short and straightforward legislative instrument. Essentially, the majority of residential property owners in the State will be liable to pay an annual charge of €100. Liability arises each year on a point in time basis. It is expected to raise some €160 million on full collection and the revenues from the charge will support the provision of vital services provided by local authorities in our communities. Internationally, local services are administered by local authorities and financed by local service charges. In Ireland, local authorities are responsible for, among other services, fire and emergency services, maintenance and cleaning of streets, street lighting, planning and development services, public parks, libraries, open spaces and leisure facilities, etc. These essential local services benefit all members of the public, including business.
In common with all levels of government, the financial position of local authorities remains under significant pressure. At the same time, as part of the efforts to close the gap between income and expenditure in the public finances, Exchequer funding of the day-to-day activities of local authorities cannot be immune and, accordingly, the 2012 Exchequer allocation to local government has been reduced by €164 million compared to 2011. The introduction of the household charge in 2012 is, therefore, critical to ensuring that local authorities have the necessary resources to deliver services to their communities at close to existing levels in the coming year.
We had a helpful and constructive debate in the Seanad on the Bill last week and it is fair to say that most of the discussion revolved around the exemptions and waivers from the household charge. In the main, Senators advocated additional provisions to exempt more owners and properties from its scope. I am satisfied that the current provisions in the Bill for exemptions and waivers are sufficiently broad and will exclude those households in particular difficulties from the ambit of the charge. The provision of additional exemptions from taxation measures could give rise to a domino effect. Providing an additional exemption from the charge may seem entirely reasonable in itself but it could give rise to pressure for more exemptions catering for circumstances different, but not wholly dissimilar, from the original one. There could be a tendency for calls to be made for an incremental extension of exemptions to a point where the revenue stream from the charge starts to be eroded significantly. The broad applicability of the household charge has allowed us to set it at the lowest possible level for 2012 at €100. The inclusion of further exemptions or waivers would require a corresponding increase in the level of the charge and would disadvantage those households remaining liable for the charge.
Deputy Joe Higgins: The Minister is fooling nobody.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Senators also pointed to the provisions in the Bill which enable the level of the charge to be increased in line with changes in the consumer price index, CPI, in the future. I stress that this provision would only allow for minimal changes in the level of the charge and it is also included in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009. Any significant change in the quantum of the charge will require primary legislation and cannot be increased without further reference to the Oireachtas. I would also point out again that the household charge is an interim measure and will be replaced by a full valuation-based property tax in due course.
The charge will be administered on a self-assessment basis and is to a significant extent based on those arrangements applying to the non-principal private residence, NPPR, charge introduced under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009. It will be a matter for owners of residential property concerned to register and pay the charge. It is intended that the liability date will be 1 January, with payment due by the end of March for those not opting to pay by instalments. This liability date was chosen due to its fit with the overall annual financial cycle of local authorities and will allow moneys collected to be expended by authorities in the year collected. It also provides clarity as to ownership on the liability date as there are likely to be very few, if any, property transactions on New Year’s Day.
I wish to make clear that the liability date of 1 January is the date upon which persons will have to assess whether, as an owner of a residential property, they are in fact liable to pay the household charge. The payment of the household charge can be made from this liability date up to and including 31 March 2012.
Deputy Joe Higgins: That is a nice New Year’s Day present for them.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Persons will have a full three months from the liability date to pay the household charge.
Significant efforts will be made to ensure that property owners are aware of the household charge and the liability and payment dates. My Department and local authorities will undertake a national information campaign to advise people of the charge and their responsibilities in regard to payment. A similar and successful advertising and information campaign was undertaken in the context of the NPPR charge in 2009. I am confident that those liable to the charge will be aware of their obligation to discharge their liability for the charge by 31 March 2012 and, thereby, avoid late payment fees or late payment interest.
Deputy Joe Higgins: There will be a major boycott of it.
Deputy Phil Hogan: That is up to the Deputy if he wants to break the law.
Deputy Joe Higgins: No, it is not up to me; it is up to the people. The Minister is imposing a draconian fine of €2,500 to try to coerce them. He has not gone into that at all.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: The Minister has the floor.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputy is getting a little excited about the charge and he is working hard on it.
Deputy Joe Higgins: It has not even started yet.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Late payment fees and late payment interest will only apply if the household charge is not paid in respect of a liable property by or on the due date of 31 March. These are similar provisions to those that apply under Revenue legislation in respect of the late filing and payment of certain taxes and will act as an incentive for persons to pay the self-assessment household charge on time. Any household charges, late payment fees and late payment penalties will remain as a charge against the property concerned.
The Government recognises that the charge represents an additional cost for home owners and it is proposed to facilitate them by allowing it to be paid by direct debit in four equal instalments of €25. I will set out in regulations the dates by which each instalment will fall due and the arrangements for the payment of the instalments.
Similar to the €200 charge on NPPRs, an online system is being developed by the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, to enable home owners pay the household charge over the internet by credit or debit card. In addition, home owners will be able to make payments by cheque and postal order through the post to the LGMA. A bureau will be put in place in the agency to administer the charge on a shared service-agency basis for all local authorities.
It is recognised that the existing revenue base of local authorities is narrow by international standards. This was a consideration in the introduction of the NPPR charge in 2009. While the charge represents a dedicated source of funding for local authorities, which is relatively stable, it does not go far enough in addressing the imbalance in the sector’s financing. A proper broadening of the revenue base for local government will come about as a result of the introduction of the household charge. This measure is significant because it recognises that local authorities should not be disproportionately dependent on central government funding.
The proceeds of the household charge will be paid directly into the local government fund. As Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with responsibility for the management of the fund, I will disburse moneys back to local authorities in general-purpose grants. It is considered that this approach is preferable to allowing local authorities to directly retain moneys collected from the household charge in their areas. It will make it possible to introduce equalisation into its distribution, ensuring local authorities with higher populations than others do not benefit unduly as a result.
The Government proposes that a small number of exemptions to the household charge will apply. The proposed exemptions are properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold, occupied or been the source of any income since their construction; properties vested in local authorities or voluntary and co-operative housing bodies for social housing, as making such properties liable would lead to a circular flow of income and be unnecessarily bureaucratic; properties owned by a Government or the HSE and used or let in the performance of their functions, as making such properties liable would lead to unnecessary circular administrative structures; properties to which commercial rates apply — as with the second house charge, it is intended that this charge would operate as an alternative to commercial rates, that is, a property will be liable for either commercial rates or the household charge if it is domestic property, but not both; where a person is forced to vacate a property because of long-term mental or physical infirmity — this exemption was included in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 as a compassionate measure intended to provide for elderly people who have no choice but to move out of their sole or main residence into a residential nursing home; and where a charity owns a property.
In addition to these exemptions, two important waivers will apply to the charge. The programme for Government commits to giving consideration, in the context of introducing a property tax, to the impact that such a tax would have on the number of households in mortgage distress. The Government, therefore, proposes to exclude from the charge households in receipt of mortgage interest supplement from the Department of Social Protection. Mortgage interest supplement provides short-term support to help eligible households pay mortgage interest payments. In excess of 18,000 households will benefit from this waiver. The Government also intends providing a waiver for households in certain categories of unfinished housing estates. The report of the advisory group on unfinished estates identified two categories of households in particular difficulty: category 3, comprising 1,112 estates, where a developer is in place but there is no on-site activity and where there are significant planning, building control compliance and public safety issues to be addressed; and category 4, comprising 188 estates, where the developer or site owner is not contactable and-or where no receiver has been appointed and serious public safety problems similar to category 3 exist.
I will set out the estates to which the waiver will apply in regulations. These regulations will be informed by local authority returns to the Department from the 2011 national survey of unfinished housing estates. The Government’s priority is to address the needs of these estates as quickly as possible but, in the interim, this waiver will benefit such residents as they work with other stakeholders in developing resolutions for these problematic developments. The costs of this waiver will abate over time as the issues in these estates are resolved and property owners become liable for the charge.
During the Bill’s passage through the other House, a number of amendments were put forward, proposing to exempt various additional categories of properties and persons from the charge, including affordable housing, those who had paid stamp duty in the housing boom period and persons in receipt of the numerous welfare payments from the Department of Social Protection. These proposals would have the potential to severely reduce the amount collectable from the charge, would significantly increase the administrative burden and costs associated with the charge and would be inconsistent with the need to introduce a new broadly based revenue stream of funding, which is vital for local government services.
While I accept the introduction of the charge is an additional cost to households, the exemptions and waivers provided in the Bill, added to the provisions for instalment arrangements, in my view, provide a comprehensive response to those in particular need. I would also point out to Deputies that expanding the number of exemptions would leave no option but to increase the charge for others in order to raise the revenue necessary to adequately resource local government.
I consider it important to reiterate that those households that have no liability for the charge include: tenants in private rented accommodation for any lease or tenancy under a term of 20 years; tenants in local authority housing; tenants in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance rent supplement from the Department of Social Protection; households that are purchasing their homes under the shared ownership scheme, where the local authority still retains an ownership stake; tenants and-or those living in housing provided by voluntary and co-operative bodies and charities; those living in housing vested in the HSE or a Minister of the Government; those home owners who have been forced to vacate their property by reason of long-term mental or physical infirmity and who are now living in a property which they do not themselves own; those households in receipt of mortgage interest supplement; home owners residing in certain unfinished housing estates; and those residing in property owned by charities or discretionary trusts. I am confident, therefore, the Bill provides a reasonable level of protection for those in greatest need in our communities.
Concerns were also raised in the Seanad on the issue of bedsits and liability to the household charge. While the charge does apply to such properties, I must stress again that it is the owners of bedsits who will be liable, not the tenants.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Is there with a problem with socialism that the Deputy——
Deputy Joe Higgins: Does the Minister think the landlords will not pass it on to the tenants?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: The debate is going very well. Let us continue.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Bill contains 20 sections and is a relatively straightforward piece of legislation, which will be easy for Deputy Higgins to understand. Essentially, owners of liable residential property will be required to pay to the Local Government Management Agency an annual charge of €100. I consider it important to minimise the costs associated with its collection. Accordingly, county and city councils will delegate their functions in administering the charge to one body, the Local Government Management Agency, which will be paid the costs of administering the charge from the proceeds of the household charge.
As there is no existing database of residential property ownership in the State, the Local Government Management Agency cannot issue bills or invoices. In this regard, the charge is a self-assessment measure and it is for the owners of residential property, in the first instance, to assess whether they are liable to pay the charge. Nonetheless, the charge is relatively simple and straightforward and is easy to understand. In addition to the normal sanctions involving a fine on conviction of an offence, the Bill incorporates late payment fees and late payment interest provisions which should act as a real incentive to pay the household charge when it is due.
From a drafting perspective, the Bill starts from a position where all residential property is liable for the household charge. It goes on to exempt certain buildings and owners from this liability. To put it another way, it identifies what is not liable within the totality of residential buildings, rather than taking as a starting point buildings and owners that are liable. These include, in section 2, properties which are owned by a Minister of the Government or the HSE, or are vested in local authorities or voluntary and co-operative housing bodies for social housing purposes. Other exemptions to the charge are provided for in section 4, including properties owned by charities and certain discretionary trusts, and where a person has to leave their home due to long-term mental or physical infirmity. Waivers are provided for persons in receipt of mortgage interest supplement or residing in certain unfinished housing estates on the liability date. The household charge will apply to immovable property and, as such, mobile homes and vessels are exempted from the household charge.
The Bill provides that the charge shall be paid to the county and city councils under section 3. However, local authorities will delegate their collection functions to the Local Government Management Agency under section 13. In the event of non-payment of a household charge for which a person is liable by a certain date, section 7 sets out that late payment fees and late payment interest of 1% per month, or part thereof, will apply to unpaid amounts. The late payment fee to apply in the case of a household charge paid not later than six months after the due date is 10% of the amount outstanding; in the case of a household charge paid later than six months and not later than 12 months after the due date, it is 20% of the amount outstanding; or in the case of a household charge paid later than 12 months after the due date, it is 30% of the amount outstanding. These penalty provisions are proportionate to the level of the household charge and are similar to the provisions that apply under Revenue legislation in respect of the late filing and payment of certain taxes. They will act as an incentive to pay the self-assessment household charge on time.
The rolled-up amount of a late payment fee should not be underestimated and non-payment of a charge for a period of two years will result in a liability of some €280 when account is taken both of the charges, the late payment fees and late payment interest. I want the message to go out clearly to those who are liable to pay this necessary household charge on time, rather than incur late payment fees. Local authorities will also have power to take prosecutions against owners who fail to discharge their liability to pay the charge. Prosecution will be by way of summary proceedings and a court may impose a class C fine, under the Fines Act 2010, which ranges from €1,000 to €2,500.
Deputy Joe Higgins: That is shameful. It is the intimidation of decent taxpayers.
Deputy Phil Hogan: There is no problem if they pay it.
Deputy Joe Higgins: He will not go after the bondholders but he will go after decent taxpayers. It is shameful.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: There will be an opportunity later for other Deputies to contribute.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The provisions of section 7(3) to (7) came in for some comment on Committee Stage in the Upper House. These provisions deal with circumstances where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies and, at the time of his or her death, household charges and late payment fees and interest were due and unpaid. It was suggested that upon an owner’s death, such unpaid charges and late payment penalties should cease to exist. I want to take this opportunity to outline to this House why these provisions are included in the Bill.
In the interest of equity, it would be grossly unfair to those households who discharge their liability for the household charge to allow for unpaid charges to be waived upon death for those who did not fulfil their obligations under the law while alive.
Deputy Joe Higgins: By Jesus, the Minister will follow them to the grave.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Such a provision could potentially create an incentive for persons to avoid or attempt to evade payment of the household charge. I believe the provisions of section 7 provide for a reasonable solution to the matter. Penalties and interest which had been accruing up to the point of death cease and no further penalties are applied, provided the personal representative of the deceased discharges the full amount of the household charge——
Deputy Joe Higgins: That is a new construction on grave robbing.
Deputy Phil Hogan: ——late payment fees and interest due up to the date of death within three months of the date of the grant of representation to the estate of the deceased.
Where a property liable for the charge is being sold, the Bill provides in section 10(3) that the vendor will be required to discharge all outstanding household charges, late payment fees and late payment interest on or before the date of transfer. This should prove a strong incentive for a purchaser and their solicitor to ensure that all outstanding charges are paid before a contract to sell the property is executed.
In section 14 provision is made for data exchange between local authorities and the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the Electricity Supply Board and the Revenue Commissioners. This data should assist local authorities to identify properties liable for the charge. The Private Residential Tenancies Board holds data on rental properties and the ESB’s systems can generate data on residential properties where electricity is used. The Revenue Commissioners hold data on certain property transactions, such as stamp duty, VAT and capital gains taxes. In addition, some other amendments and insertions are being made to the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which provides for the €200 charge on non-principal private residences. These include definitions and other provisions contained in the Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 in order to mirror, in the Act, the provisions contained in the Bill.
The 2009 Act exempted properties leased to a local authority under the Rental Accommodation Scheme, RAS. The RAS exemption was included in order to encourage take-up of the then relatively new scheme. As the scheme has been in existence for a number of years, an incentive is no longer required. Indeed, similar long-term leasing arrangements with private property owners are now being entered into in respect of meeting social housing needs. As leases under RAS, now a mainstream social housing option, are subject to the same legal framework applying to private leases under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, it is not justifiable that a landlord group should continue to receive added incentives simply from inclusion of their properties in social housing arrangements. Is Deputy Higgins happy with that?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: The Minister should continue.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Government has decided that the household charge will apply to properties in this group and has, furthermore, decided to remove the non-principal private residence exemption with effect from 2012. Linked to this is the exemption for properties leased to the HSE, which will fall to be treated in the same way as RAS.
The Bill also amends the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 to provide for a €10 charge on over-the-counter transactions in respect of the NPPR. Initial take-up of the online payment option was encouraging, with 85% of users choosing to pay online in October 2009. By December 2010, this figure had fallen to 59%. Over-the-counter payments are resource-heavy for local authorities and it is considered that this should be reflected in an additional charge if somebody chooses to use an administratively expensive payment option when others are available.
Deputy Joe Higgins: Another tax on the poor.
Deputy Joan Collins: The elderly do not use laptops.
Deputy Phil Hogan: A €10 transaction charge was also recommended by the local government efficiency review group to apply to all payments other than those made electronically. However, at this stage it is only proposed to apply the additional administrative charge to over-the-counter payments for the NPPR — the Deputies did not wait for the second or third sentence. Given the fact that some people may still not have access to electronic means of payment and the fact that broadband is not universally available, an electronic option may not be a realistic alternative to a postal payment for many people, particularly the elderly in rural areas. It is thus not proposed to apply the charge to payments made by post.
Deputies will be aware of the significant role which the Local Government Fund has played in the financing of local government since it was established in 1999. The fund has been financed from a combination of an Exchequer contribution and the full proceeds of motor taxation. Total funding for 2011 amounts to some €1.16 billion. The 2011 fund comprises an Exchequer contribution of €164 million and the proceeds of motor tax, projected at €998 million. Local authorities were allocated general purpose grants of €790 million in 2011, which represents approximately 29% of local authority current funding. Some €398 million was also provided from the Local Government Fund to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for the provision of roads and public transport infrastructure. As announced last week by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, the Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund will cease this year and will be replaced by the proceeds of the household charge in 2012.
Deputy Joe Higgins: What about when property does not go up and people boycott it? What will happen to the local authorities?
Deputy Phil Hogan: Deputy Higgins will have to answer that, not me.
The Government is not solely focused on local government funding issues. We are also seeking to ensure that local government delivers the services that our communities expect as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. I will ensure that the proceeds of the household charge will be put to the optimum use in delivering local services on the ground. I am determined that local authority cost bases will continue to be rigorously examined and reduced to maximise efficiencies which, in turn, impact positively on business. The realisation of the savings and other efficiencies identified in the local government efficiency review group report will involve implementation over a focused timescale. In this context I established, earlier this year, an implementation group with an independent chair and business expertise to drive and oversee implementation of relevant prioritised recommendations of the report of the local government efficiency review group.
The implementation group is focusing on key recommendations in areas such as shared services, procurement, ICT and human resources that will remove costs and yield early financial savings for the local government sector. I am due to receive the implementation group’s first report this month and this will include an assessment of progress made to date. We must also be cognisant of the reduction of over 6,500 staff posts in local authorities over the last few years — well ahead of any other area of the public service. This is one of the biggest contributors to efficiency and productivity in local authorities.
The Government’s commitment to align the community development sector with local government will also see an expanded role for local authorities in local enterprise and community development. This, in turn, will maximise the impact of investment to produce jobs at a local level. My Department will continue to work with the County and City Managers Association to identify best practices in the local government sector, in building stronger sectoral approaches and in eliminating variances between local authorities.
I take this opportunity to refer briefly to another issue that is equally important to the well-being of the local government sector. A range of work relevant to the reform and development of local government is also under way, in accordance with the programme for Government, and significant progress has being made. On structural reform, the Government announced, on 28 June 2011, its decision to create a single local authority to replace Limerick city and county councils with effect from the local elections in mid-2014. In addition, the Government decided to establish a unified county council in Tipperary, also with effect from the next local elections. Implementation groups have been appointed to oversee planning, preparatory work and initial implementation of the reorganisation process in both Limerick and Tipperary and their work is proceeding. I have also established a local government committee to consider whether the creation of a unified authority in Waterford would be desirable and that committee is also in operation and is due to report to me by the end of February 2012.
These measures are being progressed ahead of more comprehensive policy proposals which will be brought to Government on local government structures at regional, county and sub-county levels. The local government sector is a willing and able partner in this agenda and recognises that public sector transformation is an integral part of the solution to Ireland’s current economic problems. In this context, greater coherence and synergy between different levels of Government and the public service are fundamental to more efficient and effective operation. My Department and the local government sector are working closely together to advance broad public service initiatives for a more integrated public service which can achieve better value for money and enhanced customer service.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 is a short and straightforward legislative instrument. The Bill establishes a new funding source for local authorities. The revenue stream to which it will potentially give rise is significant, at €160 million annually. It builds on the experience of the charge on non-principal private residences and further broadens the revenue base of local authorities. Household charges raised nationally will be put to good use locally in providing the wide range of local authority services that the public needs and expects. The household charge is an interim measure and it will be replaced by a full property tax in due course. The Government has decided that an expert interdepartmental group will be established in the new year to consider the approach to the full property tax and report back to me by the middle of 2012.
No Government wants to be in the position of having to introduce new taxes or charges on a public that has been subject to austerity measures over recent budgets. We are in a difficult financial situation and we have to take the necessary action. The household charge is one of the steps along the path to economic recovery. It is also required under the EU-IMF programme of financial support, a programme entered into by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. The legislative measures in the Bill give effect to one of the major requirements of the EU-IMF programme.
I thank Deputies for their co-operation in facilitating early consideration of the Bill and I commend it to the House.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I call Deputy Niall Collins.
Deputy Joe Higgins: The Minister should not worry as we had no choice. It is €160 million from households while the Government gives €3 billion to the Anglo Irish Bank bondholders and banks. That is to put it in context.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Deputy Higgins will have his chance later.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Is Deputy Niall Collins sharing with Deputy McGuinness?
Deputy Niall Collins: I am sharing with Deputies McGuinness and Michael McGrath.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: How is the time being shared?
Deputy Niall Collins: Fifteen minutes, ten and five, however we are going.
I would say at the outset that there is a problem with statements and announcements coming out of the Minister’s Department and I will give him two examples. The publication of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill providing for a registration charge and monitoring of septic tanks was not accompanied by any public announcement until the Department was contacted about it. Second, this legislation, the Local Government (Household Charges) Bill, was published in the middle of the budget speech of either the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, or the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The day before.
Deputy Niall Collins: I am not saying that the Minister, Deputy Hogan, is responsible for that but he is at the top of the food chain within the Department. There seems to be something of a trend starting here, that highly contentious and unpopular taxing measures on the public are being announced at inconvenient times with the result that we are not allowed an opportunity to respond adequately in the correct forum. The Minister might acknowledge that and take it on board for some of the other measures that are coming down the tracks.
The Minister mentioned the EU-IMF agreement, the memorandum of understanding and the four year plan entered into by the previous Government. It is worthwhile reminding him that when in opposition, both he and the Government parties opposed the four year plan tooth and nail. With might and mane, they voted against it and they articulated against it at every opportunity. Now the Minister finds himself in the opposite position where he is cheerleading it.
It is worth reminding the Minister that the four year plan was based on a deficit reduction to 2014, and that is now stretched out to 2015. It could be argued with a degree of legitimacy that many of the measures which were included in the four year plan are no longer relevant and do not have to be met within the timeframe indicated because the Government dragged them out to 2015.
It is also noteworthy that my party, and I am sure the Minister, and all of the other political parties within the Oireachtas, have met the troika. The troika is at pains on every occasion we meet to tell us that once the bottom line adjustments are made over the intervening years to bring the deficit down to 3% of GDP by 2015, it does not mind how they are made. It is my party’s contention that the household charge is not the correct way to proceed at this point in time.
My party is opposing this legislation on the basis upon which it is presented unless it is significantly amended to provide for additional waivers and exemptions to the many hard-pressed citizens and communities across Ireland. The Bill, as presented, does not provide for enough exemptions.
As a party, Fianna Fáil recognises the principles of property tax and of broadening the tax base, but the household tax, in its current form, with the limited number of exemptions and waivers, is highly regressive and a blunt instrument. There is no logic in levying the same amount of property tax on a person living in Ailesbury Road as on a person locked into an apartment in Adamstown or a person living on an island off the west coast. We need a fundamentally different approach and to take a step back. We need to consider the charge in a constructive manner along the lines mooted in respect of a site valuation tax.
The Minister said he hopes to raise €160 million. Last week, he was representing us at a completely different forum, namely, the climate change conference in Durban. When the budget was presented last week, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, said the household charge would raise €100 million. It has been mooted consistently that the charge will raise €160 million, which is to be ring-fenced for local authorities. When the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government gets a chance, he might consult the Minister for Finance and clarify the matter. Late last week, the environment correspondent of the Irish Independent, Treacy Hogan, a fairly reputable and up-to-date environment journalist, rightly pointed out the discrepancy because €60 million is not insignificant. The Minister for Finance has one take on the matter and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is flagging a different sum of money.
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government referred to the NPPR charge. His last point, that somebody paying the NPPR charge will be subject to a charge of €10 if paying over the counter, is completely ridiculous. That a person who presents himself at a local authority to conduct a face-to-face transaction, rather than posting a money order or cheque, will be subject to a surcharge of €10 is completely ridiculous. I cannot see the logic. The Minister is effectively saying he does not want over-the-counter transactions or human interaction.
With regard to the principle of applying the household charge to properties that are already subject to the NPPR charge, there is a fundamental injustice. The same person is being taxed twice on the same property. That is inherently unfair and will have to be teased out a little further on Committee Stage.
The Minister is well aware of the debate on pre-1963 units at the time of the introduction of the NPPR charge. I refer to the properties divided into multiple bedsits, all of which are liable to the charge. It is likely they will also be liable to the €100 household tax although the entire property will be held under a single Land Registry folio number. The Minister’s party took this up during the debate on the NPPR charge and was against it. Now that it is in government, it is not against it although it is in a position to do something about it. This represents an inherent contradiction.
At the time of the NPPR charge debate, the then Minister, Mr. John Gormley, informed the House that the NPPR charge would be allowable against rental income as a business expense. People took him at face value. The Revenue Commissioners, which have taken a decision on the matter, are now disallowing it. What is the position on the household charge? Will it be allowable as a business expense? We want clarity on it.
The Minister stated he has created a number of categories of exemptions and waivers. They are pretty limited and we have an issue with this. Will the Minister expand on the waivers as opposed to exemptions? He mentioned that people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement will be entitled to a waiver and also those who live in a unit listed in a published schedule of unfinished housing estates. Will a waiver be partial or in the order of 100%? Will there be various categories in that some people will get a waiver of 50%, 60% or 70%? Will the Minister enlighten us on that when he can?
We will be tabling a number of amendments along the lines of those introduced in the Seanad. We have an issue with increasing the charge to reflect increases in the consumer price index. We feel any increase should require legislation in the Oireachtas.
The categories of persons in respect of whom exemptions and waivers should be expanded further include persons who hold a medical card. We tangled with the people who held medical cards and paid the price for it. There are those who rightly qualify for medical cards and my party believes a person who holds a full medical card should not be paying the household charge. People on social welfare, jobseeker’s allowance, jobseeker’s benefit, supplementary welfare allowance, the family income supplement and farm assist payments should also be entitled to an exemption from the payment of the household charge. Old age pensioners, many of whom are medical card holders, are being made pay the charge. They are in their twilight years, in retirement, and have made their contribution to the State. Many of them retired with no private pensions whatsoever and live only on the State pension. They should, therefore, also be exempted, as should those on the disability allowance, disability benefit and the blind pension.
The Minister created an exemption for people on mortgage interest supplement. The budget last week tightened up on this so the category of people affected is being squeezed. We feel the Government, which has not acted yet on the Keane report, should exempt people who are in mortgage arrears and those in negative equity. I refer also to those who can show, through independent certification, that they have not been able to make 75% of their mortgage repayments, or who can show, again through independent certification, that their property is worth less than 75% of its market value at the time of purchase — in other words, that they are in negative equity. These people should also be exempted.
I want clarity on shared ownership. I do not know whether the Minister mentioned it in his speech.
We want to see an exemption for households suffering on foot of the pyrite issue. This is a very topical issue. It is not one that affects my constituency, thankfully, but it affects many houses in the greater Dublin area. There was a commitment made by the Government parties, namely, the Labour Party and the Fine Gael Party, to deal with that issue comprehensively. An exemption would recognise the problems faced by the affected householders.
It was rightly stated that the budget was distinctly anti-rural.
The Minister should consider giving rural dwellers who will have to pay €50 registration charge for septic tanks an annualised offset of €10 against the household charge to redress the imbalance we are creating for rural dwellers. This will allow him to answer the charge that he is anti-rural.
This budget has been exceptionally anti-rural. The Government is discriminating against rural communities with its cuts for small schools, school transport, rural Garda stations and the changes to the family income supplement, disadvantaged area payments and farm assist. The household charge will impact further on rural society.
The Minister is a practical politician——
Deputy Mattie McGrath: He used to be.
Deputy Niall Collins: ——but this legislation is very contentious. It will be badly received outside this House.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: He is losing touch.
Deputy Phil Hogan: How is the Deputy’s website going?
Deputy Niall Collins: He should consider the exemptions my party proposes because they are reasonable. Medical card holders, old age pensioners and those who are in negative equity need to be exempted. I look forward to debating our proposals further with the Minister.
Deputy John McGuinness: The Minister described this Bill as short and straightforward. He is correct in so far as he is putting his hands straight into the pocket of the people he took money from last week. I expected that the legislation would be parked. He referred to the fact that the previous Fianna Fáil Government signed up to the EU-IMF deal but much has changed in the interim. Given that the Government has renegotiated the deal, last week’s budget is its own work.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputy should read what he said about it in his book.
Deputy John McGuinness: The Minister should read the book because I never saw anyone getting into bed with bureaucracy with such speed. That is what this Bill and the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 are about. As he is doing exactly what it says in the book, the bureaucrats should be happy with him for abandoning his practical approach to politics and taking to the comfort zone of doing what they say.
He mentioned 6,500 staff posts in local authorities. Similarly, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regularly equates reform to the loss of 37,000 people in the public service when he should be changing the entire ethos of government. That is where the efficiencies will be achieved.
Deputy Phil Hogan: We are doing that after 14 years.
Deputy John McGuinness: The Government is not showing much signs of life on the matter.
Deputy Phil Hogan: This is a financial measure.
Deputy John McGuinness: The McCarthy reported identified €500 million in savings. The Minister hopes to collect €160 million. Why not reform the structures of local government to put a more efficient system in place so that he does not have to take more money from the same people? The Members opposite — the same could be said about the previous Government — are afraid to touch the structures and vested interests in local and national government in order to achieve greater value for money.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Stop being hypocritical. The Deputy was in power for 14 years.
Deputy John McGuinness: The Members opposite gave us that mantra during the election. They told us they would be a reforming Government. This Government is, however, falling neatly into the same trap and pathways as its predecessor.
Deputy Niall Collins: Same old, same old.
Deputy John McGuinness: It is the same old story and the Minister has abandoned every promise he made to the electorate. This Bill is another example of abandoned election promises. I expected more. Local government needs to be reformed.
Deputy Phil Hogan: We are implementing the Deputy’s policies.
Deputy John McGuinness: I recognise it needs money but not this way. There are alternative means of finding the necessary resources. The Minister let go of €500 million because he is afraid to touch the structures of local government.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputy will be disappointed again.
Deputy John McGuinness: He is taking this €160 million from the same people who were hit by the last budget. In regard to the amendments being made to the Bill, the tax on second houses is not the best example. That tax was not fully understood, with the result that some were caught with penalties. A lady from my constituency who had a second house but had to move for work purposes was hit with a fine of €1,500. It is impossible to get relief or compassion from the system. If this Bill follows the same route, it will exclude a significant number of people who, out of hardship, cannot explain their case. It is ridiculous to impose a charge of €10 on those who want to pay their bills. Any enterprise in this country would be happy to take cash from a customer but the local authorities, which are top heavy, inefficient and targeted for reform by the McCarthy report, will be allowed to impose a further €10 on those who are trying to make ends meet.
Given the hardship that householders are experiencing, €100 is a significant amount of money. Deputy Collins and the Minister have tabled amendments to exclude certain categories. By excluding so many, the Minister will be taking more from already hard-pressed mortgage holders who are probably in negative equity. They could be landlords with second houses. Does he think landlords will pay this tax without attempting to pass it on to their tenants? They are probably in negative equity and are failing to meet their monthly mortgage repayments. We are imposing another tax without considering the potential impact of what appears to us a small amount of money for people who cannot manage it.
Given the Government’s majority, this Bill will undoubtedly pass but I ask the Minister to put reforming local government at the top of his agenda and this imposition on householders last. He should consider whether the exemptions that have been suggested will work and determine who is being penalised and by how much. He has introduced various changes to the tax on second houses under section 19 of the Bill. The application of the tax in respect of the rental accommodation scheme is being reversed.
I ask him to allow people to argue their case with local authorities. If he serious about collecting and disbursing this money, he should strike a balance between local authorities with different population sizes by giving them a lump sum they can spend at their own discretion. Let us take at least a small step towards reforming local government with this Bill by allowing them to make decisions for themselves.
In terms of paying the tax online, something has to be done so that people who are too poor to own the necessary technology or do not understand how to do their business that way are not penalised.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to be able to speak on this Bill and I thank my colleagues in the Fianna Fáil Party for allowing me some time.
Deputy John McGuinness: Old friends are best.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Old friends are best, always.
Deputy Phil Hogan: He never left.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: The Minister and Deputy McGuinness were good friends for a while, but I hear they are going to fall out on this one. We could use many different words and moods to describe the Minister, but he said this would be a short and straightforward Bill. There is nothing short about it, although it is straightforward and direct. It is penalising ordinary householders — the people who went out and built their houses, maintained them and did not go knocking on the Minister’s door or other doors looking for houses. They are the doers and the achievers, those who went out and did all they could. They are the people who are being penalised again here. The Minister blames the EU-IMF and the troika, but that has gone out the window. This is the Minister’s budget, not that of John Gormley or any of the old Ministers. It is this Government that has introduced these cruel charges. I am glad his backbenchers, some of the Labour Party backbenchers and, moreover, the Government’s county councillors around the country have allowed him the silly season to take the Water Services (Amendment) Bill off the agenda and regroup. They want to rethink and try to bring the Minister into line. It was a septic Bill, becoming more septic by the hour, and the Minister was not able to handle it. That is the real reason. It is not a shortage of time. The Taoiseach was telling us we could have extra time tomorrow and the day after to discuss what we are discussing today.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputies do not want to.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: The Minister brought it back because he got frightened. The Minister is a big man — I described him before as Big Phil — but he was a coward when it came to that, because it was a cowardly act. This Bill is also a cowardly act. It is hitting people below the belt, and it is unfair, mean and lousy. We are going down in a minute to launch a book by the Minister’s colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, about his time in sport and his sporting prowess. I wonder what kind of a book we will be writing about you, and what kind of book will we have to launch when your time is ended here.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Dominic Hannigan): Through the Chair, please, Deputy.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I am talking through the Chair.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Dominic Hannigan): I ask the Deputy to address the Chair and not the Minister.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: The seating arrangements are difficult where I am sitting, but I will address the Chair. Anyway, I wish the Minister well in politics. He has been in it a lot longer than I have. He is a practical man from a neighbouring constituency to mine. He used to be practical and he used to listen to the people, empathise with them and work for them, but that has all changed. When Fine Gael Party Deputies were here on this side for the past 14 years, it seemed there was nothing they would not have done for the people if it were not for the chastity belt that the Fianna Fáil Party and the others were putting them into. Now they are in Government and they think they have carte blanche to do what they like. The officials are running the show, not Minister Big Phil, as I call him. He is not running it. I know he was out in Zambia or somewhere last week. I do not know what he was looking at, but I hope he was looking at holes in the ground out there to see what kind of septic systems they have.
Deputy Phil Hogan: They have none.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: None the less, he was out there. Then he came back today and withdrew the Water Services (Amendment) Bill, and rightly so. He should also withdraw the Bill we are discussing, because it is a disgraceful attack on law-abiding citizens with threats of law. What is it all for? Is it to keep a bureaucratic system of local government in place? When I joined the county council in the 1990s, there was a county manager, a county engineer, a county secretary and a few other engineers; now there is a plethora of officials. It was the previous Government that did this, not the current Minister, but the Fine Gael Party did not object to it.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: It is a huge system, top-heavy with officials — not the ordinary people who are doing the work on the ground. There are no men with shovels on the ground. We will pay these charges, but roads and sewer systems are being neglected — everything is being neglected. The briars are meeting you up the boreens. They have done away with the local improvement schemes and everything that was in any way good to prop up a system that is an abject failure and that is top-heavy with officialdom. They have lost out on the fees and charges they were getting from planning permissions. Last week in Tipperary there were seven planning permissions in seven days. That gravy train is gone, and now the Minister wants to give the local councils this system. He wants to screw the ordinary people to keep the fat cats in jobs. These are the people who are avoiding the pension levy — the directors and senior management, not the ordinary people earning less than €100,000, the ordinary workers on the ground, or the clerical officers who do a decent day’s work for a decent day’s pay. I am talking about the top people who have credit cards. I will table a parliamentary question to ask the Minister how many credit cards each county council has given to its managers and directors of services. It is a gravy train at the expense of the ordinary people.
The ordinary people are tired of this. I thought the Minister would know that because he lives among the ordinary people. What is it they say? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. As I said before to the Minister, it took the Government members only a number of months to become arrogant and start attacks on the people, while it took the last Government ten or 12 years. They are good learners and they are fast runners, but they will not be fast enough to run from the people’s wrath on this, because they will not accept it.
To return to the septic tank charges, people will not register. I do not advocate disobedience, but they will not register, and I doubt they will pay this charge either. The Minister has added a punishment to the Bill — he will charge people extra if they do not pay. I am in business and so are many others in this House. Most business people throw out a carrot at this time of year to persuade people to buy their products — two for the price of one, or whatever. Even when buying an Aero bar, one gets two for a euro now. What is the Minister doing? If people do not pay on time, he wants €10 extra. This is because it is planned by bureaucrats who do not have a clue about how people have to live. They think they can add on more, and add interest on top of interest, instead of offering a carrot to people to come with them along the road and support these so-called reforms.
The people were promised reforms, but they got nothing but deforms. It is an abuse of the people, of the electorate and of the system of government we have. It will not last. The honeymoon is over. It is the Government’s budget and the Government’s choices, and its members will have to stand up and face the music now. The Minister will have to go back to Kilkenny and face the people at the weekend and the following weekend. Kilkenny might beat us in the All-Ireland final, but the Minister will not beat the people with this kind of regressive, penal legislation.
Deputy Brian Stanley: I wish to share my time with Deputies Ferris and Doherty. I have to follow that Tipperary performance.
The first thing about this Bill is that it is coming hot on the heels of the budget, which was described to me by constituents last week as being the worst kind of Christmas present they could have received. People are facing into difficult circumstances, with a plethora of costs and budget cuts. The liability date for this new charge is 1 January — the new year. If the budget was a bad Christmas present, this will really be a disappointing new year for people.
To introduce a Bill of this nature and force it through by tomorrow is clearly undemocratic. The Bill would more appropriately be entitled the bank bailout Bill, as it has little to do with raising finance for local authorities and more to do with bailing out banks and unguaranteed bondholders, as I will explain in a minute.
To put it in perspective, the Government has slashed the Local Government Fund by a massive 84% and expects the public to come up with €160 million to fund services at local government level. This makes no economic sense. It is both political and economic piracy. This cut will bankrupt local authorities. Councils are struggling to fund services. In recent years, councils, under pressure from the commercial sector, have had to reduce commercial rates, and this has naturally had a negative effect on the funds raised. Here in Dublin, the largest local authority in the country has been forced to sell off its waste collection services. This is despite the lack of proper national legislation to regulate the industry and protect the public from unscrupulous waste collection companies. The sale was carried out by Dublin City Council to raise funds to allow it to keep functioning. This unilateral decision was made by the management despite the democratic wishes of the elected councillors. In fact, on three separate occasions, a majority of Dublin city councillors supported a Sinn Féin motion opposing the sell-off of this essential service. It is ironic that although this motion received support from Labour Party councillors at Dublin City Council, here in the House, the Labour Party in Government is involved in an unprecedented attack on local government.
We in Sinn Féin believe in local government despite its many shortcomings. We believe it should be improved and that it should be strong, democratic and accountable. Local government is strengthened when it has sufficient funds and its councillors can make real decisions and are held accountable by the public for the decisions they make. This Bill achieves none of that. In fact, it fails to deal with the democratic deficit in local government. If it is passed, it will make local government financially weaker and undermine our overstretched public services.
We also believe that cutbacks need to be made. We know savings must be made, but this Bill takes the age-old lazy option of introducing a regressive flat tax on households. Thatcher called it the poll tax. If we are to address the waste, let us start at the top and make those who can afford it pay the costs. A quick look at the pay scales of city and county managers would clearly highlight where the real cuts should be made to local government. Top of the league is the Dublin city manager on €189,000, followed by the Cork county manager, Fingal county manager and south Dublin county manager on €162,000 each. Not far behind are the managers of Cork city and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown on €154,000 and the Limerick city manager on €142,000, while the Waterford and Galway managers can expect to earn €132,000. All of these managers will be paying the same household charge as somebody on the new disability allowance following the cut last week.
The Bill is a desperate attempt by the Government to shift money from local government into the banks. Local government must be financed by a progressive taxation and rates system. We have argued for changes in the rates system to provide for an income based clause for businesses. The Bill exposes the myth that we live in a low tax economy, which has been promoted for years by consecutive Governments. This mantra is used every time charges are introduced for health care, education and public services, including water and bin charges. Various Government Ministers and their allies have told us over the years that to keep taxes down, it is necessary to pay more. That is a contradiction. Again, in the recent budget the Fine Gael Party and Labour Party Government said it must keep taxes down so it was necessary to get the public to pay for services that have already been paid for in those taxes.
The public that is being asked to pay €100 to local government will be paying the same amount of income tax next month as it paid this month. There is no reduction in taxes, just more hard earned money being spent on essential services. Of course, the rank hypocrisy does not stop there. When one studies the detail of the Bill, it is clear from section 2 that a person who has a bedsit behind their house, for example, a granny flat, will pay the same rate as somebody living in a €5 million mansion. Where is the sense or the justice in that, unless one is sitting on the Government benches and wants somebody who owns a bedsit to pay the same for local government services? Sinn Féin proposed a wealth tax in its budget proposals. In regard to residential properties, this would only apply to houses worth more than €1.2 million. That is fairer.
The Minister has claimed this is a temporary measure until the Government can introduce a more progressive property tax. We would welcome a real debate about funding for local government based on progressive politics. However, there is no provision in the Bill for a temporary charge or a commitment that it is being introduced on a temporary basis. That will be our first proposed amendment to the Bill. We want a commitment in black and white that this Bill will be temporary. The sooner the Bill is history, the better.
There is no attempt to conceal the Government’s contempt for ordinary people. Nowhere in the Bill is there a waiver for people on social welfare. A list of waivers was quoted by the Minister in his speech but it did not address any of the issues. Last Tuesday, this heartless Government cut €88 from the disability allowance for young people and reduced the fuel allowance for everybody, including the elderly. This week the Government is asking people to pay up another €100 for local services. The Bill will criminalise people for not being able to pay. It states that where a person is convicted of an offence under the Bill, the court shall order the person to pay the relevant costs and expenses, measured by the court, incurred by the relevant local authority. In other words, the person who cannot afford the household charge will be brought to court and if found guilty will have to pay the court costs of the local council that brought them to court. There is also provision for fines of up to €2,500.
Normally in this country, a person’s debts die when they die. They do not bring their debts with them in the coffin. Under this Bill, people will be followed to the grave and after that their estate will be pursued for this. It is outrageous that the Minister is chasing people to the graveyards for it.
Every provision in the Bill attempts to punish ordinary people for mistakes that were not of their making. The charge is being introduced in the same week the Government tried to force through the water services Bill. I only heard two hours ago the Minister’s announcement that he will hold back on the septic tank Bill until after Christmas. Under that Bill, householders are being asked yet again to bail out the Government for the sins of consecutive Governments. Town halls throughout the country have been filled with ordinary people voicing their objections to the septic tank Bill, including last Friday night in Kerry. Now these people are being hit with a household charge as well.
Deputy Phil Hogan: A private well is okay so Deputy Ferris need not worry.
Deputy Brian Stanley: The anger at these charges is palpable. People are being hit daily with extra charges but no extra services. People who worked hard and paid their taxes, including the people who paid taxes of 60% and more in previous bad times to ensure services would be provided, are being asked to dig deeper and pay more for the same services they have been receiving. This does not add up. People know when they are being taken for a ride and being punished for others. Sinn Féin will campaign at every step against this regressive charge and ensure it is overturned. We will use every opportunity during the debates this week and next year to ensure it is consigned to the dustbin of history.
How dare the Government suck the oxygen of funding from local government and expect ordinary people to breathe it back in? I believe people will simply not pay. The household charge will not be paid because people cannot afford it. It is unjust and they see it as such. It should be withdrawn before it brings the Government into conflict with its communities. Regardless of what is said in this debate, people have made up their minds. There is a line in the sand they will not cross. Households will not pay this charge and the Government can make every threat it wishes to in the Bill. It can threaten courts, fines and escalating costs, but I believe people will simply withhold payment.
The Government is depending on 100% payment of this charge to compensate for the 84% cut in its contribution to the local government fund. The cut is €165 million and the Minister has earmarked €160 million from this charge to make up the shortfall. I do not believe it will happen. It is an exercise in self-delusion. From where will the balance come? If there is a 90% non-payment rate, we will have the ridiculous situation of the Minister trying to divide €16 million between all the local authorities in the State. Even if 50% of the population does not pay, it will reduce the amount to be divided among the local authorities by €80 million. Local authorities need the local government fund in 2012. Even with the best will in the world, the household charge will not compensate for the cut made by the Government.
We opposed the bin charges when they were introduced. We said at the time that the charges were the first step towards the privatisation of domestic waste collection. We were right. I predict that if this Bill is passed, it will be the thin end of a very thick wedge. Households will first be forced to pay the €100, and the cost will increase over time to perhaps €500, €600 or €700.
In conclusion, the Bill is, at best, ill thought through. It is a blunt instrument to punish households. It is another measure to force householders to make up the shortfall in the State’s funding, as a result of money being sucked out to pay the interest on bank debts. At worst, it is an attempt to use the current economic crisis as a smokescreen to bury local democracy further. Either way, we will lead the opposition to it.
Deputy Martin Ferris: The most insidious aspect of the household charge is that it is being imposed as part of the IMF-EU deal which underlies the welding of the bank debt to the sovereign debt. When people find themselves in difficulty with this — for some it will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back — they can at least have the satisfaction of knowing that somewhere a major bondholder will sleep easier in their bed at night.
Indeed, if we want to know what else is coming down the track all we need do is read the IMF-EU memorandum of understanding rather than bother with the programme for Government. The programme for Government means nothing. The memorandum of understanding determines what will happen. The memorandum of understanding with the EU and IMF commits Ireland to the introduction of a property tax for 2012 and to an increase in the property tax for 2013. At least we cannot be fooled into believing that these are temporary measures or that they will not be increased. The household charge is only a holding device prior to the introduction of a full scale property tax which the Government has committed to introducing this time next year at the latest.
I referred to reading the original memorandum of understanding because there was an attempted sleight of hand when the updated and ironically named stability programme was published last April. It refers several times to the alleged independence of the Irish Government in deciding what to do in order to ensure the debt is repaid. Many believe it cannot be repaid but we can happily destroy the country in the process of trying.
It is a bit like when one owes Tony Soprano money and he gives one the choice of burning down one’s house and claiming the insurance money or stopping feeding the children. Like the IMF and Goldman Sachs, the Sopranos are not fussy as long as one pays them back.
Page 21 of the updated stability programme states: “Of course policy is a matter for Government.” That is total and absolute nonsense. The only matter which the Irish State currently decides is where exactly to implement the massive cuts that we witnessed last week. The overall strategy is decided by the IMF and the EU and, as I said, the programme for that is laid down in the original memorandum of understanding.
The Minister admitted the household charge was necessitated by the IMF-EU programme of austerity, yet the Government would also claim that it is still a free agent. At least the Tánaiste had the good grace to abandon quickly his bravado of stating that it was either Frankfurt’s way or Labour’s way. He had his chest out and shouted that prior to the election. Frankfurt’s way is Labour’s way, as we have seen.
There is also the claim that the charge is needed to pay for local services. It is, but only because the State has stopped funding those services out of overall revenue. People’s taxes will not be reduced and this charge and the coming property tax constitute an extra tax with no extra or improved services. Services are actually declining. The overall impact of the austerity programme and other measures will ensure that the level of public provision, through local services and the overall public service, will continue to decline.
People are being hit both ways. They are paying more for less. The assault on people’s pockets and quality of life is being justified on the basis that the austerity programme is required to ensure there are teachers, nurses and gardaí. Of course we all know that is nonsense. We may have to borrow to pay for services but we always have, at least since 1932 with the first Fine Gael Government, which had a similar attachment to looking after banks and not providing public services.
This is not about paying for public services. It is about paying the bank debt. That is why we have the IMF and this new double form of taxation, one my party will strongly oppose.
Deputy Stanley mentioned public meetings taking place all over the country in opposition to the septic tanks charge. I attended a meeting in Listowel last Friday night where over 400 ordinary citizens who will be directly affected by the tax turned up. It was obvious that despite the invitation neither Government Deputy turned up. That is an indication of how fearful they are about facing the public because their constant U-turns on their pre-election promises are being exposed.
Septic tanks will have to be upgraded to complement the terms of the regulation. People who got planning permission between 1975 and now have done nothing whatsoever to undermine it and have complied with it, but will now be expected to put a lot of money into septic tanks to update them to comply with the requirements. The regulation was in place in 1975 but was not implemented. The ordinary public will have to pay for it. It is an absolute disgrace.
People right across the country will refuse to pay. Deputy Mattie McGrath has said he will lead a campaign to refuse to pay the charge. Genuine political leaders of political parties who are concerned about the poor and the rights and entitlements of ordinary decent citizens will be with people opposing the terrible austerity measures that have been brought about by the Government.
Deputy Pearse Doherty: Tá sé dochreidte go bhfuil a leithéid de Bhille os comhair na Dála inniu. Tá sé dochreidte go bhfuil Rialtas atá déanta suas de Fhine Gael agus Páirtí an Lucht Oibre ag gearradh cánach ar dhaoine nach bhfuil an t-airgead acu leis an cháin seo a íoc.
Chuala mé go leor daoine atá ag tabhairt tacaíochta don Rialtas ag rá, taobh istigh den Teach agus taobh amuigh, nach bhfuil ann ach €100 agus gurb ionann sin agus €2 sa tseachtain. Deirim leis na daoine sin nach dtuigeann siad a bhfuil go leor des na gnáth daoine ag dul tríd lá i ndiaidh lae. Níl a fhios acu na deacrachtaí atá ag daoine éadaí a chur ar a gcuid páistí nó bia a chur ar an tábla. Nach bhfeiceann siad na fíricí atá ag tarlú i ngach baile, i ngach sráidbhaile agus i ngach paróiste ar fud an Stáit seo?
Feicfimid an Bille seo ag gearradh cánach ar thithe, gan aird ar bith ar an ioncam atá ag teacht isteach go dtí an teach sin. Tá an Bille seo ag teacht isteach ag an am chéanna agus atá Billí eile ag teacht isteach. Luaigh an Teachta Martin Ferris an Bille a ghearrfaidh cánach ar thithe i gceantair tuaithe ina bhfuil scéimeanna séarachais acu. Gearrfar €50 agus fíneál suas go €500, agus b’fhéidir suas go dtí€17,000 má tá ar dhaoine bail a chur ar an scéim séarachais sin.
Tiocfaidh na Billí seo isteach agus tá a fhios againn go bhfuil Billí eile le teacht anuas an bealach mór. Sa bhliain 2013, táimid ag dul a fheiceáil Bille uisce a chuirfidh níos mó fiacha ar ghnáth dhaoine. Tá seo ag tarlú ag an am chéanna is atá an Rialtas ag gearradh seirbhísí agus ag gearradh na tacaíochtaí a tugtar do dhaoine atá i dtrioblóid, ó thaobh laghdú ins na híocaíochtaí leasú shoisialta agus a leithéid.
Tá go leor daoine sa Rialtas, idir Airí agus Airí Stáit, a bhfuil léann acu agus a chuaigh chun na scoile. Tá cuid acu a fuair oideachas ar an tríú leibhéal agus a bhain céimeanna agus árd-chéimeanna amach, ach nach dtuigeann nach féidir airgead a bhaint as daoine nuair nach bhfuil an t-airgead sin acu. Ní misde dintiúr nó PhD a chrochadh ar an bhalla. Caithfidh go bhfuil a fhios seo ag na daoine sin. Buaileann siad leis na daoine céanna agus a bhuaileann mise leo. Faigheann siad na ríomhphoist, na scairt ghutháin agus na scarbhileoga céanna agus a fhaighimse agus feiceann siad go bhfuil sé indéanta níos mó airgid a bhaint de dhaoine.
Níl mise in éadan níos mó cánach a bhaint as daoine gur feidir leo an cháin sin a íoc. Tá sin curtha chun tosaigh ag Páirtí Shinn Féin ins an cháipéis a chuireamar chuig an Rialtas roimh an cháinaisnéis. Seo an fhadhb atá ann. Iarraim ar an Aire insint dúinn go soléir cén dóigh ina bhfuil an cháin seo féaráilte. Is é an rud atá Sinn Féin ag iarradh a bhaint amach ná go ngearrfar cáin ar na daoine atá in ann breis cánach a íoc sa dóigh is gur féidir linn an difir idir an teacht isteach agus an chaiteachas a laghdú, ach táimid ag iarraidh sin a dhéanamh i ndóigh atá féaráilte agus a chuidíonn leis an eacnamaíocht áitiúil agus leis an bpobal.
Ní seo ceann des na bealaí seo. Ní dhéanann an cháin seo idirdhealú ar bith idir an bodach mór a bhfuil pá mór aige agus atá ina shuí i dteach breá agus tréan ioncam aige, agus an duine a bheidh ag siúl isteach chuig doras Chumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól ag an deireadh seachtaine seo ag cuartú airgid fá choinne bia nó fá choinne breosla sa dóigh is go mbeidh teach tirim agus te aige.
It is absolutely amazing — that may be too strong a word given what we have seen the Government is capable of — that the Government is introducing such a Bill. It is calling the charge property tax but it is more like a poverty tax. It is a tax that impacts on 1.6 million households throughout the State without taking into account that many of those households are living in poverty. It ignores the fact that many families have in recent days, as the cold weather set in, had to go to supermarkets and petrol stations to purchase home heating oil in gallon or five-gallon drums. It does not acknowledge that more people than ever are seeking assistance from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or visiting charity shops in search of a small bargain to provide for their children at this special time of year. It ignores the fact that many people will go without because they cannot afford to pay the charge.
I do not claim any monopoly on wisdom or compassion, but people have come to me — as I am sure they have come to other Members — and produced, in table format, a statement of their income and expenditure. There is nothing more to give. It is simply a matter of feeding themselves, keeping their home warm and paying the mortgage. For many, it is about staying above the parapet or threshold below which they will begin to suffocate. Yet this Bill proposes that regardless of how difficult one’s personal circumstances, one must give more. The wealthiest person in the State, living in a mansion without a care in the world, will pay the same €100 as the person in deep economic distress. We have all read the letter in the national newspapers from the person who had nothing to feed his children but cereal. People like that will face the same obligation as the wealthiest people in the land. There is nothing fair about it.
As Sinn Féin’s spokesman on finance, I have presented the Government with a range of options which would secure the deficit reduction target the Government has set for itself under the EU-IMF programme. We are not opposed to asking those who can afford to pay more tax to do so. However, we are opposed to an entirely unfair flat-rate tax which impacts most strongly on those who are most needy. All of the other Ministers and Government Deputies who, excepting the Minister of State, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, did not bother to attend the Chamber for this debate should hang their heads in shame. Have they no understanding of what people are enduring? I am sure it is not just in Donegal South-West that one sees houses where Corn Flakes packages are stuffed in door jambs or cardboard boxes placed under the window sills in children’s bedrooms in an effort to keep out the draught. Such measures are necessary because of the cuts in supports imposed by the previous Government. Grants are no longer available from local authorities to assist people in replacing their windows and doors.
This Government is continuing along the same line. In this instance, it is asking large numbers of people to pay a charge they simply cannot afford. There is a moral question as to whether they should be asked to pay it in the first instance given that this money will not be used to assist the most disadvantaged people in the State but rather to assist people with no disadvantage in other states. On 25 January 2012, unguaranteed, unsecured bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank will be paid €1.25 billion. That one cheque, on that one day, would pay the household charge for 1.6 million households for the next ten years.
It is all about choices. The Government cannot blame the EU-IMF for having to introduce this legislation. I have listened to Fianna Fáil Party Members jumping up and down and getting hot under the collar about the household charge. We all know that if they were still on the other side of the House they would introduce the exact same legislation, because there is no difference between the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties. Nor it seems is there any difference between either of them and the Labour Party. The reality is that there is no requirement from the EU and IMF to introduce this charge. My party has met with representatives of the troika and what they are interested in is the headline figure. They want to see the deficit reduced by the specified amount. It matters nothing to them whether the Government takes €160 million in the form of a household charge or from some other area.
If the Government wishes to tax property, it should look to the legacy property reliefs still in existence. These are the allowances which fuelled the Celtic tiger, made many people millionaires and lumped the ensuing debts on our shoulders. The abolition of these reliefs would bring in twice as much as will be brought in through the proposed household charge.
I was listening to a programme on my local radio station, Highland Radio, in the car earlier today in which callers stated their intent not to pay the charge. I applaud anybody who cannot afford to pay it who refuses to do so. People should not have to make a choice between meeting this regressive charge and feeding their children, putting clothes on their backs or heating their homes. They are doing the right thing in refusing to pay if they cannot afford to do so.
I was particularly struck by one caller, a man of 87 years of age with a fantastic voice that was full of compassion. This individual is disabled and confined full-time to a chair, and he is genuinely worried about this charge and about his ability to pay it. The presenter, Shaun Doherty, who is also a very compassionate person, sought to reassure the man that he would surely be exempt on the basis that he is in receipt of disability allowance and so on. The reality, however, is that this person is not exempt. That 87 year old should not be worrying about what the Government is proposing in this Chamber tonight. I do not know what this man’s life was like, but it is not right that the Government should impose this burden and worry on him. People like him are being levied under this unfair tax despite the many options available to the Government to do otherwise. Shame on it for its unwillingness to take any of those options.
Deputy Mick Wallace: I propose to share time with Deputies Catherine Murphy, Tom Fleming, Thomas Pringle, Clare Daly and Joan Collins.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Dominic Hannigan): That is agreed.
Deputy Mick Wallace: This Bill is similar in nature to the budget in that it lacks fairness. The Minister said this evening that those who are in a vulnerable position in society will be protected under its provisions. I attended a meeting in Wexford last night at which this measure was discussed and where I met many people who are not confident this will be the case. The Minister was also keen to emphasise the implications of a refusal to pay. People in this country are already frightened enough; there is no need to frighten them any further. It will look strange if judges are penalising ordinary people who cannot afford this charge when there is no record of any banker being fined. I recall being in court one day and seeing a woman who had stolen a pair of shoes from a large store, for which she was sentenced to three months in jail. However, if one manages to steal millions, it is called big business.
The household charge is a form of indirect taxation. Such taxes are unfair because they take no account of a person’s capacity to pay. Unfortunately, this State has one of the lowest levels of direct taxation in Europe but one of the highest levels of indirect taxation. A recent report by TASC showed that the increase in the VAT rate to 21% absorbed 16% of the income of the less well-off, while the corresponding figure for those who are better off was 6%. Yet the budget increased the higher rate of VAT by two percentage points to 23%, thus increasing the disproportionate burden on those who are least well off.
The Taoiseach told us in his address to the nation that the Government would give people certainty by imposing no increases in income taxes. If one is making €600 per week and an increase in income tax leaves one with €540 or €550, there is a certainty in that. It might not be fair, but it is certain. When indirect taxation, such as VAT increases, there is more uncertainty because one cannot measure one’s costs. The household charge is another unfair measure. In 2008, this country collected more money in indirect taxation than in direct taxation. It was screaming out to any fair-minded person that introducing a tax band of 55% for those earning over €100,000 would have brought in €750 million. This is almost equal to the figure of the social welfare cuts. I do not think those earning over €100,000 would be screaming if they had to pay a bit more tax on what they earn above €100,000. However, our Government has chosen to do things differently.
The ability to pay is a significant aspect of this household charge. The unemployment rate is 14.5% and the rate of long-term unemployment is 56%. People have to deal with household and credit card debt. There is no protection for pensioners and their fuel allowance has been cut. I am flabbergasted at the Government. I do not normally quote what has been said by the Government. One year ago, the Fine Gael Party recognised the need to raise more revenue from property “if we are to minimise the more economically damaging tax increases on jobs, enterprise and consumption”. It further stated: “The Fianna Fáil-led Government proposal to introduce a steadily rising annual recurring residential property tax on people’s homes is unfair for three reasons. The initial flat rate charge means that houses in standard neighbourhoods worth a fraction of some mansions would pay the same rate of tax. It would be difficult for asset-rich but income-poor households to pay, particularly the elderly and the unemployed. It would be deeply unfair in the case of a young generation that paid exorbitant amounts of stamp duty and VAT on the purchase of over-valued houses, many of whom now find themselves in negative equity.” I ask if this is the same party.
Deputy Catherine Murphy: This is called a household charge but it is a tax which is unfair and which will be quickly seen to be so. The county council system, established in 1898, has again been placed at the centre of this provision. The local authority system has suffered through a lack of reform. It was put in this same position in the early 1980s and irreparable damage was done at that time. The current funding of local government is provided by the Exchequer and the motor tax fund, which was ring-fenced in recent years. The quality of the local authority services is diminishing in recent years because funding has been reduced. The failure of this Government to even articulate the need for radical local government reform will contribute to the questions being asked by people as to what services will be provided by the payment of this tax.
I presume the equalisation fund will apply to the Local Government Fund in this case. The household charge will be collected centrally and the Local Government Management Agency will collect it. A certain element of confusion exists as to how this will operate and which body will send out the bills, but I will not deal with that matter now. The Local Government Fund included an equalisation grant and while I am not opposed to an aspect of solidarity, in areas of population growth such as the greater Dublin area, including the three surrounding counties, there has not been a fair allocation of services. For example, County Kerry has twice as many local authority staff as County Meath although its population is smaller. The same level of service cannot be delivered if the local authority is short-staffed. This measure will do nothing to address that issue.
People will ask why they should pay and what they will get in return for payment of the charge. This is a new property tax; it is a poll tax. It is fundamentally unfair because it does not differentiate between the ability to pay of a person living in a two-bedroomed apartment who is struggling to pay a mortgage and a person living in a very large home which is mortgage-free.
The EU-IMF programme did not commit to a household charge but it committed to a property tax. We need to define what is property. The view of many people is that they have no choice but to provide themselves with a home as there are few other housing options available. Many people do not regard their home as being a property. Stamp duty is a form of property tax which was paid on inflated property prices and this is not being accommodated in the exemptions. These people do not own property; they own debt and they are being asked to pay a property tax on debt. The charge of €100 may not seem a lot of money to some people but 15% of the population is at risk of poverty and the charge of €100 will cause serious problems for some families. The exemptions only apply to those living in local authority or voluntary housing or those who qualify for mortgage interest supplement — for which only part-time workers qualify — or living in a defined ghost estate, which might not include NAMA estates. Everyone else must pay.
I remember the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1983 because I was in the forefront in the campaign of civil disobedience. In that period the Offences Against the State Act was invoked and water and refuse collections were denied. There will come a snapping point and this tax will be it. There is a big difference between having to make a conscious decision to pay a charge rather than a deduction from pay or from welfare payments. People will make an active decision which will be to resist.
Deputy Tom Fleming: The introduction of the local government household charge will only compound the plight of many householders who are already stretched to the limit to exist in any kind of reasonable comfort. Until the intended property tax levy on households and water tax in 2014, it seems this €100 household charge is only an interim measure. This charge and its implementation will set the standard for all future charges. We will certainly face a property tax and a water tax.
The Bill proposes an inequitable tax. Those living in the very basic and modest homes with low incomes will be forced to pay the same amount as the very wealthy with large homes. The old adage of the last straw breaking the camel’s back comes to mind regarding this charge as the majority of householders can ill afford this further burden on their finances already strained to the very last. The past four budgets have dealt ordinary people several hammer blows and upwards of €30 billion has been taken out of the economy. In this deflated and depressed economy, householders are once more being targeted for the crimes of the bankers and speculators and the general mismanagement in governance in this country.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: I move:
I will share time with Deputies Brendan Smith and John Browne.
Fianna Fáil Deputies did not take lightly the decision to move this motion on services in rural areas. In recent years services provided in rural areas at little cost to the State have been steadily eroded. The budget announced last week contained a large amount of hidden detail on policies and measures that will chip away at the fabric of rural areas and generate considerable long-term costs to the State if they are not reversed.
The honeymoon for the Government has come to an abrupt end. The recent budget containing its choices has laid bare the reality of its incompetence and arrogance. In the course of the budget debate Ministers and other Government Members patted themselves on the back and spoke repeatedly about how the budget announced last year had succeeded in showing the world that Ireland was on the right track in consolidating its budget. They also pointed out how economic growth had returned while last year’s budget was in operation. It takes a hard neck to make such statements, given that, having voted and campaigned against the budget introduced last year by the former Minister for Finance, the late Brian Lenihan, the coalition parties are now trying to take credit for this work. In some ways, this is a backhanded compliment to the achievements of the previous Government. At all times in the past nine months the Government had sufficient numbers to alter or reverse the previous budget introduced by the Fianna Fáil-led Government. Having played to the gallery, it chose not to do so because it knew our policies were bearing long-term fruit. In the past nine months it has taken few significant decisions and has instead coasted on the back of plans already in place or ready to go because Fianna Fáil did the heavy lifting in last year’s budget.
Never before has a Government spent so much time praising itself while doing so little. In the past week its hypocrisy began to catch up with it, although in fairness it has proved itself adept at leaks, spin and distortion, as it sought to manage expectations, even if this meant scaring the living daylights out of hard pressed families across urban and rural Ireland. At the end of a long month of leaks and press conferences, we have finally seen how Fine Gael and the Labour Party intend to govern. They have moved from speaking in vague generalities to taking real decisions. We must no longer take them at their word and can see in the cold, hard facts what their priorities are. The Government has made its own choices, for which it is accountable. Through the mountain of detail and hours of announcements, what has emerged is a deeply unfair and damaging budget which will hit vulnerable citizens and rural areas particularly badly.
This is the most regressive budget in years. It will cost jobs, has broken an unprecedented number of promises made only months ago and may lead to a serious shortfall in Government revenues as soon as early next year. It will not promote recovery but will endanger the achievement of fiscal targets and shift an unfair burden onto groups which are least able to manage. The single most important element which will create jobs and ease fiscal pressures is overall economic growth. The Fianna Fáil Party supports the fiscal target set in the budget. It is a reasonable compromise between the need to achieve a sustainable deficit level and protect the potential for growth in the economy. My fear arises from the emergence, in the small print of the budget, of a deeply damaging and long-term attack on the sustainability of rural communities.
Agriculture is a major growth sector of the economy and Government policy must reflect the central part it plays in job creation and food security, as well as its essential role at the heart of rural communities. These are outlined in the Food Harvest 2020 document produced by my colleague, Deputy Brendan Smith, and the previous Government. Food Harvest 2020 is the blueprint for agriculture and I am pleased it has been accepted as policy by the Government. These areas are intertwined and while last week’s budget contains some positive measures, it fails to recognise the links between rural life and agriculture.
While the first budget produced by Fine Gael and the Labour Party contains some small positives, for example, on land transfer arrangements, its broad sweep has been harmful to rural areas. Cuts to the disadvantaged areas scheme and REPS 4 will impact on a wide range of farmers as a result of new criteria. Reductions under the farm assist scheme will affect the most vulnerable farmers, of whom 11,239 are in receipt of this vital assistance. Farm assist is a hard fought for scheme introduced more than ten years ago which focuses on farm families with small incomes. The cuts under the scheme are an especially miserable attack on their income. Taken together, I fear these changes will, on balance, damage the fabric of agriculture.
While agriculture is critical, it is not the only ingredient in sustainable rural communities. It is in the systematic undermining of these communities that the budget does most damage. For example, phased staffing adjustments in small schools with fewer than five teachers will be devastating in rural areas. Some 1,500 small schools will suffer from lower standards as a result of a higher pupil-teacher ratio or will be potentially forced to close. Garda station closures are another attack on primarily rural communities. Public safety in some 31 communities will be undermined as stations close, with obvious impacts on quality of life in the communities in question. Knocknagree Garda station in my constituency gives the community a focus on safety and security and covers a vast area.
Septic tank charges and upgrade costs are yet another area in which people living in rural areas are being asked to bear a disproportionate cost. By demanding that 475,000 septic tank owners pay for this most basic service, the Government has taken a decision to actively discriminate against citizens living in the countryside. If a charge were introduced for connection to sewerage services in urban areas, city dwellers would correctly protest. Let no one deny that the septic tank charges and other measures introduced in the budget constitute a serious attack on rural Ireland.
Everyone knows that VAT returns are the greatest concern to the Exchequer. They are well behind projections and underlying consumer confidence remains weak. The overall deficit target will not be met if VAT returns continue to underperform. The increase in the VAT rate will drive consumers away from already hard pressed shops and impact on jobs in rural areas in which retail outlets are an important source of job creation and sustainability. We are now in the bizarre position that the Government is making directly contradictory claims about VAT changes in different parts of its budget. When it was cutting VAT for selected industries in June, it claimed thousands of jobs would result and argued that cutting the VAT rate was the best way to create jobs. Now that it is front-loading VAT increases of 2% on a much wider range of goods and services, it claims the increase will not have an impact on the economy. It cannot have it both ways. This nonsense is undermining the retail sector which needs confidence and support rather than a sucker punch, which is what the increase in VAT will deliver. The decision to raise VAT is strategically the wrong call. It was made because Fine Gael was playing politics with the economy and wanted to be able to claim it had left income tax untouched. Instead of taking the much fairer option of targeting revenue measures at the highest earners, as Fianna Fáil had proposed, the Government decided to rely on increasing the most regressive tax, which is also the tax that is underperforming most. The measure has introduced a degree of uncertainty in the programme of fiscal consolidation which the Government may come to rue.
It does not give me any pleasure to point out that the unequivocal net effect of the budget will be the loss of more jobs in urban and rural areas. A contraction of net employment in 2012 is confirmed in the budget documentation. This is more of what we heard from the Government when it announced its downgraded jobs budget. The most recent Central Statistics Office figures, released yesterday, confirmed an annual decrease in employment of 2.5% or 46,000 up to the end of the third quarter of 2011. Furthermore, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 14.2% to 14.4% in the most recent quarter. The raid on pensioners, which produced a net €250 million for the Government’s so-called jobs initiative, is failing. The measures that have been announced to aid the export and construction sector are to be welcomed. Once again, however, they are being over-spun. The fact is they are not enough. The budget documentation shows that the action the Government has taken is so small that it is having no impact on growth or employment. It is accompanied by an accelerated cut in capital spending. The €750 million that is being cut is substantially bigger than any stimulus package that was announced in the budget.
In terms of its social impact, this is by far the most regressive budget for some time. The spending cuts and tax increases will fall directly and disproportionately on the weaker sections of society and the poorer sections of rural communities. As a republican party, Fianna Fáil opposes this lack of fairness vehemently. The disability cuts were hidden until we spotted them on this side of the House, at which point the Government made a U-turn. We are glad we forced the Government to think again. We are not clear on whether or how the Government will achieve the savings it claims it can achieve on expenditure on lone parents, child benefit, jobseeker’s payments and widow’s payments. In the past few days, it has become clear that those who receive carer’s allowance will have their family income supplement cut. The Government has tweaked the eligibility criteria for this and many other welfare payments. We did not see any headlines about such choices.
Like an iceberg, the real danger in this budget is lurking below the waterline. We have not yet clearly seen the full extent of the Government’s assault on the vulnerable. It will become more apparent as time moves on. No amount of spin or camouflage can keep the nature of these cuts under wraps forever. When the leader of the Labour Party was asked during a general election debate what would be his priority in the social justice area if he were elected to government, the current Tánaiste said:
The leader of Fine Gael, who is now the Taoiseach, responded quickly by saying “that is very laudable and I share that.” Their words ring hollow in the aftermath of last week’s budget.
In its pre-budget proposal, Fianna Fáil has shown how the Government can meet its targets while still delivering greater investment in capital projects to create jobs and invest in Ireland’s future. We are proposing that pension funds, in addition to Government funding, should be invested in commercial projects in partnership with the State. This is a credible and workable alternative to the Government’s pension levy. It is not too late for the Government to change its mind. Fianna Fáil has set out how budget targets can be met in a fairer way. The required savings can be delivered by speeding up agreed reforms, focusing tax increases on the highest incomes and driving further efficiencies.
One in every five Irish homes is experiencing real mortgage difficulty. It is time for more action to help people in such circumstances. We have introduced legislation to give practical help to families in debt. We ask the Government to take it on board. It should never be forgotten that the banks have a responsibility to our society. They should lend to businesses and pass on interest rate reductions to home owners. Many people in rural Ireland, in particular, are employed by small and medium sized companies. There are not many foreign direct investment companies in my constituency or elsewhere in rural Ireland. People farm the land or work in the local shop, school, district hospital or Garda station. None of these areas are safe under this Government.
The devil was truly in the detail in this budget. When the education proposals were announced, the cut in the pupil-teacher ratio was hidden deeply in a brief mention of cuts in career guidance counselling services. The cuts in education will overwhelmingly fall on rural schools. The disadvantaged schools that have been mentioned are inevitably those within rural schemes. Some teachers in my constituency have concluded that the needs of rural communities did not enter the Minister’s thinking. All the cuts in the primary pupil-teacher ratio are being confined to schools of four teachers or fewer, most of which are in rural communities. The Minister, Deputy Quinn, has added insult to injury — in case people in rural areas do not feel sufficiently discriminated against — by doubling school transport charges, which apply to rural areas only. The cuts in postgraduate courses will also have an impact.
This Government is making a significant mistake by pursuing these policies. For many years, decisions have been taken that benefitted urban Ireland. We have seen what that has cost the State. The policies being pursued at farmgate level and across rural communities, such as the cut in the local improvement scheme, will damage the fabric of society in rural areas. Such areas are experiencing substantial depopulation because of the Government’s inability to see the benefit of having people working and living in sustainable rural communities. The Government needs to support the small family farm, which has been the backbone of such communities for generations. I commend the motion to the House.
Deputy Brendan Smith: I am glad to have an opportunity to support the motion that has been moved by my party colleague, Deputy Moynihan. He has cogently and strongly outlined the issues that are arising from last week’s inherently unfair budget. The 2012 budget contains a series of measures that will have a serious impact on low-income families and vulnerable households throughout the country. Rural Ireland, in particular, has been penalised in the budget and by broader Government policy. The Fine Gael-Labour Party Government has singled out rural Ireland for cutbacks across a wide number of areas. These cutbacks will have a deep impact on parts of the country that have been already badly affected by the recession, as Deputy Moynihan has said.
Major investment has been made in rural Ireland in the past ten or 15 years. Money has been allocated to develop schools, child care facilities, public housing, public water and sewerage schemes, rural group water schemes, sporting and recreational facilities and other community facilities. There are particular attractions to living and working in rural areas. As we all know, the primary school is a focal point and important centre in each community. Small communities value their local schools. Some towns and villages are fortunate to have the privilege of having a second level school. In the past decade, an important investment has been made to upgrade existing school facilities and to provide new facilities. The Department’s various school building programmes have enhanced considerably the school stock throughout the country. Those of us who have visited such schools and participated in the official opening of new facilities are conscious of the pride of the local community in such modern facilities. Local communities have a sense of ownership of their valued educational infrastructure.
As a representative of two rural counties, I have been aware since budget day of the widespread concern in our communities about the future of local primary schools. It is putting it mildly to say there is great concern in rural Ireland about the Government’s decision to introduce phased adjustments at primary level to the staff schedules of schools of four teachers or fewer. It is inevitable that this decision will lead to increased pupil-teacher ratio in rural primary schools. The Department’s advice to small rural schools to “consider their future” and “assess their options for amalgamation” is a cause of concern to parents with children who attend smaller rural schools. The Government gave a commitment to protect primary education and the overall pupil-teacher ratio at primary level. However, it is obvious that phased changes to the staffing schedules in one-teacher, two-teacher, three-teacher and four-teacher schools — schools with less than 86 pupils — will be seriously affected by the Government’s budget decisions. There are 3,200 primary schools in the State. Some 47% of them have five teachers or fewer. Those figures clearly show the huge impact on small rural schools of the Government’s decision.
Schools need to know if they face amalgamation or closure. The Minister must clarify the number of schools that will be affected in each county and specify which schools are involved. I note that schools of the minority religions are concerned about the viability of such schools due to the smaller enrolments they have had over the years.
I welcomed the commitment shown by the Minister last June when he stated that in considering any policy changes in respect of smaller schools the Department would consider a number of wider dimensions, and not merely the cost of running such small schools. I ask the Minister to restate that commitment and to outline clearly to us that small rural schools will continue to be a vital part of the educational infrastructure of our country. In recent years there has been new development in child care facilities in our towns, villages and rural parishes. In many instances it is the small rural school in the parish or town which offers the after-school child care facilities that are so important for many families and which benefit the children concerned.
The Minister has yet to publish the value for money review of small schools that was begun by the Department of Education and Skills earlier this year. It is not acceptable that the Minister should proceed with amalgamations before we see the findings of this review. I ask him and the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, to have the review finalised and published as soon as possible.
In June 2011, the Minister, Deputy Quinn, stated that in considering any policy changes in respect of small schools, the Department of Education and Skills would consider wider dimensions than simply the cost of running such schools. At the time my party welcomed that commitment. The Minister stated:
The position of the Fianna Fáil Party on this review has always been that it should be about increasing the educational return to communities from the schools in question, not about finding ways of rationalising them. We admit there may be areas where shared resources, such as specialist teaching and IT support could make a big difference. There are many such instances of which the Minister of State will be aware. I mentioned, for example, two VECs in my constituency which provide services of technology to some primary schools and voluntary secondary schools. However, my party does not and will not support any programme to rationalise smaller schools. I stated as much during the last Private Members’ motion on education in April this year and I reiterate this position today.
In government the Fianna Fáil party dramatically increased teaching and other resources to small schools and doubled the numbers of teachers working in small rural schools. We did this because we see local primary schools as an irreplaceable part of community life. Every Member of this House and the Upper House is well aware of the considerable improvements made to the infrastructure of our smaller schools and to the human resources available in them. A very important beneficiary of this increased support for small schools has been the schools of Protestant denominations outside Dublin, in particular in my area of Cavan-Monaghan.
Earlier this year my party stated we would support the Minister if his intention was to increase the educational gain from spending on these schools. Unfortunately, it is now clear he intends to move ahead and take decisions without taking an overall approach. Again, the Government has singled out disadvantaged schools for significant cuts in teacher numbers this year in another series of callous cuts. Under the plans 428 posts allocated to disadvantaged schools throughout the country will be removed, on a phased basis, beginning next year. The rules on class sizes under the DEIS programme will also be changed under this Fine Gael-Labour Party plan. Class sizes in many disadvantaged schools will be increased to 22 pupils. Today the Taoiseach told the Dáil that his Government has protected pupil-teacher ratios in budget 2012. This is not correct. The Fine Gael-Labour Party budget targets disadvantaged schools for cuts to teacher numbers from next year. This is yet another example of the Government’s budget hitting the most vulnerable groups hardest while those on higher salaries escape the bulk of the cutbacks.
Schools in disadvantaged areas face the greatest challenges and can least afford cuts to their staffing levels and services. The cuts announced in last week’s budget will result in larger class sizes in most disadvantaged schools and will have a direct impact on the most vulnerable students in our education system. The DEIS programme is the only scheme that targets educational disadvantage in rural Ireland. Now many of these schools are to lose teacher posts. That disadvantaged schools and small rural schools have been singled out in this way is a disgrace. The Government had a series of choices to make in its budget in order to achieve the necessary savings for 2012. Unfortunately, it chose to target vulnerable groups and rural communities for the bulk of the cutbacks instead of asking those who could most afford it to play their part. All Members have spoken to parents whose children have benefited from these schemes and programmes. Not only have they been beneficial for individual pupils but they also aid the wider school community. Many principals and other staff members dread the changes proposed by the Minister and his Department. The children who benefited in the past from the additional teaching support needed that assistance and the pupils in the classroom today need it in their formative years.
School transport is a significant operation which currently supports more than 125,000 pupils and their families on a daily basis. The main criteria for provision of a service are distance from a school and a prescribed minimum number of pupils requiring transport from a distinct locality. As the Opposition spokesperson on education, last year the Minister, Deputy Quinn, railed against the increase in school transport charges. He referred to a line being crossed in regard to the imposition of primary transport costs. Now, however, he proposes to double most of those charges. Should there be school amalgamations and closures school transport will be even more central to the provision of primary education and will create likely additional costs for parents.
The Government’s decision to change dramatically the provision for career guidance and counselling will have a significant effect on the majority of second level schools and will impact adversely on smaller second level schools. The Government has decided that from the next school year guidance provision will be managed by schools from within their standard teacher allocation. It has been stated clearly by the relevant interests that this decision will affect up to 1,000 guidance counsellors in 700 second level schools throughout the country. How can the Government claim it is protecting front line services in education when such a decision is being implemented from the next school year? The reality is there will be a significant loss of teaching posts at second level, with some schools losing two posts. It is clear that the ramifications of this decision are very serious. All of us appreciate that guidance counsellors are a vital link between schools, society and the wider world of work. In these difficult times a reduced guidance service is not what pupils or their families need. Was there ever a more important time to have adequate guidance for young people?
Educationalists have clearly pointed out that the withdrawal of the entitlement of second level schools to ex quota career guidance counsellors will have the same effect as a straight increase in the pupil-teacher ratio. Unfortunately, it will mean that the majority of second level schools will lose a teacher. There will be a further curtailment of subject choice and the running of a transition year and the leaving certificate applied examination may be affected in many schools. That would be a very unfortunate and retrograde step. The priority of everybody in this House is to deal with the very difficult economic situation and to provide jobs for our people. This is a time when young people need career advice and counselling. Only last January, the ESRI dealt in a publication with the concerns of parents in regard to the availability and the adequacy of career guidance. That publication clearly showed the importance that parents attach to such guidance.
Even at third level there is an anti-rural agenda. The Government has taken four decisions that will significantly restrict the ability of young people and the unemployed to continue to third level education. We know of the commitments made four days before the general election by the Tánaiste, Deputy Gilmore, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, and the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, that not alone would they not increase student contribution charges but they would reduce those imposed some weeks earlier. This pledge, like the others, will not be honoured.
Thankfully, there has been a significant improvement in third level participation rates. In 1980, only 20% of all 18 year olds went to third level. By 2009, 65% of all students who completed their leaving certificates went on to third level which now stands as the highest participation level in the EU. Between 1997 and 2010 the number of third level students increased 60% from 100,000 to 159,000. We do not want the Government imposing policies that will restrict access for people from lower income households to third level education.
I commend Deputy Moynihan’s motion to the House.
Deputy John Browne: I rise to support Deputy Moynihan’s Private Members’ motion. Last week’s budget, as put forward by the Fine Gael-Labour Government, was a blatant attack on families in rural communities with proposals for the closure of 31 Garda stations, a hike in school bus costs and the reduction in teachers for small schools. Reductions in REPS, the disadvantaged areas scheme and the farm assist support will further penalise poor farmers already under income pressure due to the recession. Local improvement schemes will also be abolished while the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is pressing ahead with charges on septic tank which will mainly affect rural dwellers. I listened attentively to him last week on the septic tank Bill but am still waiting for him to announce grant aid to support those who may have to replace their septic tank systems.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Wexford does not need a hand-out.
Deputy John Browne: I welcomed Deputy Twomey’s announcement last week on Wexford local radio that he expected some type of grant aid to be made available.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Well done, Deputy Twomey. The man with the inside track.
Deputy Liam Twomey: I was quoting the Minister.
Deputy John Browne: I hope he does have the inside track and is right. I supported him when he made the announcement last week on South East Radio.
The closure of Garda stations will devastate many rural communities, particularly in Wexford. I must remind Deputy Twomey that two stations are earmarked for closure in Wexford, one in Baldwinstown which is near where he lives and where I am sure he gets many more votes than I do. It is an important station because it serves a town with a large population and a large hinterland, nearly right down to Deputy Twomey’s area of Rosslare.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The town must have many visitors from Kilkenny.
Deputy Liam Twomey: We have three stations.
Deputy John Browne: I note the two Garda stations in Rosslare will be kept open but the one in Baldwinstown will be closed. The people in Baldwinstown, Rathangan and Kilmore Quay are annoyed with the Labour and Fine Gael Deputies living in the area.
Deputy Liam Twomey: The Deputy should put them in touch with me.
Deputy John Browne: Ballywilliam station in the New Ross area serves a large population area including Rathnure and into New Ross. It should not be closed. Will the Minister explain how in 2006 the same number of Garda reductions had to be achieved but no Garda stations had to close?
Deputy Phil Hogan: There was more money then.
Deputy John Browne: He cannot say the EU-IMF are down to the nitty gritty of telling us which Garda stations have to close. In fact, the troika agreed with the previous Government that Garda strength should stand at 13,000. In 2006, when Garda levels had to be similarly reduced, there were no station closures. The Government should ensure Garda stations remain open and show some concern for people’s security in rural areas.
Community employment schemes have done tremendous work for many communities through meals on wheels, GAA and other sporting organisations. It is not good enough the training and materials grant will be reduced from €1,500 to €500 per participant per annum. While some larger sporting organisations might be able to supplement their reductions, others, like meals on wheels and services for the elderly, will not be able to do so.
While I accept the Minister for Social Protection will review this decision, when the Government got into trouble last week it also used the term “reviewing”. When my party was in government, I always maintained that when a Minister started talking about a review, it meant a cutback or reduction in services and funding.
Deputy Phil Hogan: We heard it many times too. We learned it from them.
Deputy John Browne: Community employment schemes are a valuable entity and should be maintained. The Minister, coming from rural Kilkenny, will recognise the schemes’ value. I expect he will announce this evening the reversal of last week’s budget decision on the schemes.
On Thursday, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will attend the annual EU Council meeting on fisheries in Brussels. Knowing about it from my experience in the Department, the Minister will argue for three days with his European counterparts about the importance of the fishing industry to coastal communities in Ireland. The European Commission has suggested quota reductions of up to 40% across the Irish total allowable catch. If this happens, it will have serious consequences for our coastal communities which depend on the industry such as Rosslare and Kilmore Quay. It is important we support the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in his endeavours to ensure the Irish fisheries are protected while these outlandish quota cuts are rejected.
Instead, we must ensure viable fisheries and that the industry will continue to progress and prosper. It employs up to 11,000 people with the potential to employ many more. Several weeks ago, all parties gave the Minister full support to take the gloves off to battle on behalf of the Irish fishing industry at the forthcoming Council meeting.
The local improvement scheme was developed to provide grants from local authorities towards the construction or improvement of non-public untarred roads.
The Minister was a local authority member and he will be aware of the importance of the local improvements scheme. Where farmers and others living on an unserviced road came up with money, they received a grant under the scheme from the county council to carry out works. It is important that this scheme be restored because if farmers and others living on unserviced roads are prepared to put up money, it is only right that the Government and the local authorities would provide matching funding. If not, there is not a hope in hell of people bringing roads up to the standard required nowadays.
I ask the Minister to seriously examine the reintroduction of the scheme. Perhaps he could do a deal with local authorities whereby the people living on the unserviced roads, the Minister and the relevant local authority would put up X amount each and it would be a three-way process. It is unfair on families in rural Ireland to withdraw the scheme. At the end of the day, the Government has a majority and it will make decisions but, on the basis of what I have heard over the past week, people in rural Ireland are dissatisfied with the actions and antics of the Government parties. I have no doubt they are only waiting for an opportunity to boot them out of office.
Deputy Liam Twomey: The Deputy needs to widen his circle of friends.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I move amendment No. 2:
I wish to share time with Deputies Liam Twomey and Pat Deering.
It is clear that Deputy Browne has not been talking to too many people. He did not mention the 2009 reductions made by Deputy Smith as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in spending on the disadvantaged areas and suckler cow schemes and so on.
Deputy Brendan Smith: That was the first year the suckler cow scheme was introduced.
Deputy Phil Hogan: I did not hear anybody mention the cuts made by Deputy Smith in 2009. Does he want me to list them?
Deputy Brendan Smith: Funding for the disadvantaged areas scheme was reduced but two new income streams replaced that — the suckler cow and sheep grasslands schemes. Spending on them exceeded the reduction in funding for the disadvantaged areas scheme.
Deputy Phil Hogan: They will be listed tomorrow night.
Deputy Brendan Smith: The Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food cannot spend all the money he has been allocated this year.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: What about the agri-environment options scheme?
Deputy Phil Hogan: I have obviously hit a nerve.
As the Deputies opposite are well aware, the gap that has emerged between revenues and expenditure is not sustainable. Budget 2012 estimates the general government deficit in 2011 at €15.6 billion or 10.1% of GDP, which is likely to be the highest deficit in the EU. The Government is committed to reducing this to 8.6% of GDP next year, a target set under the EU-IMF programme agreed by the previous Administration. The comprehensive expenditure report 2012 to 2014 and budget 2012 published last week provide for an adjustment of €3.8 billion in 2012 to reach this 8.6% target, with approximately 60% of the adjustment being implemented on the expenditure side.
Consolidation is being implemented in the least “growth damaging” way and there are no increases in income tax this year. Supporting growth as much as possible must be at the heart of the consolidation process. Furthermore, as debt servicing costs have first call on resources, an increasing debt interest burden will lead to higher interest costs adding to the burden on the taxpayer, will reduce our productive capacity, increase unemployment and reduce the scope for providing public services in the future. Borrowing at current levels is not a long-term solution.
Over the coming years as economic growth returns, we also expect that growth in tax revenues will resume. However, the tax base is much reduced and economic growth will be export-led, which is not as tax rich as domestically driven growth. As a result, the expected pick up in tax revenues will not bridge the significant gap that has emerged in the public finances, even taking account of the revenue raising measures that will be implemented. Taxes in 2015 are currently forecast at €43.2 billion, still some €4 billion below their 2007 peak. Expenditure, therefore, must continue to play its part also in restoring sustainability to the public finances. Delivering on our budgetary targets is vital if we are to regain our economic and financial sovereignty and to return to sourcing our own funding from international financial markets next year. The motion simply bears no relation to these budgetary realities and I oppose it on that basis.
The Government is acutely aware of the economic challenges facing many property owners and businesses. My Department provides local authorities with significant resources from central government funds, which help reduce the need for local government charges. General purpose grants of €651 million from the local government fund have been allocated to local authorities for 2012. However, it is recognised that the existing revenue base of local authorities is too narrow by international standards. This was a consideration in the introduction of the €200 non-principal private residence, NPPR, charge in 2009. While the charge represents a dedicated source of funding for local authorities, which is relatively stable, it does not go far enough in addressing the imbalance in the sector’s financing.
A proper broadening of the revenue base for local government will be achieved as a result of the introduction of the household charge in 2012 and the subsequent property tax in due course, proposals which found great favour with the previous Administration a short time ago. This charge, which has the potential to contribute up to €160 million towards the provision of local services, is an interim measure and proposals for a full property tax will be developed and considered by the Government in due course. These measures will provide a stable base of financial support for local government.
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy commercial rates. Rates must be levied on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists which are prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation which is applied to the valuation of each property as determined by the Valuation Office to obtain the amount payable in rates is decided by the elected members of each local authority in annual budgets. Its determination is a reserved function of a local authority. Local authorities have responded positively to requests from my Department to exercise restraint in recent years in setting commercial rates. Annual rates on valuation reduced in 2010 and again in 2011 and all commercial rates are collected and spent locally on essential public services. This is local democracy in action.
Deputy John Browne: Not in Wexford.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Government is focused on reducing the cost of doing business to support competitiveness and employment in the economy generally and to protect the interests of local communities. It is not concerned solely with the funding of local government, but also that local government delivers the services our communities expect as efficiently and effectively as possible.
The Government’s commitment to align the community development sector with local government will also see an expanded role for local authorities in local enterprise and community development. This, in turn, will maximise the impact of investment to produce jobs at local level. My Department will continue to work with the County and City Managers’ Association to identify best practices in the local government sector in building stronger sectoral approaches and eliminating variances between local authorities. While these are difficult economic times, Deputies will appreciate that local authorities play, and must continue to play, a central role in delivering services at local level. Local authority capital and current budgets, economic planning and development, and the provision of goods and services, as well as community infrastructure, feed into the communities they serve.
As regards water treatment, last month I published the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011, which will introduce a proportionate, risk-based approach for the inspections of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems. The objective of this legislation, which resulted from a European Court of Justice judgment against Ireland in 2009 that was not acted on by the previous Government, is to protect public health and the environment, and, in particular, drinking water sources.
Deputy John Browne: An attack on rural Ireland is all it is.
Deputy Phil Hogan: If Deputies opposite want to poison groundwater and water supplies and, in turn, damage the prospects of inward investment, that is their decision, not mine.
Groundwater is a source of drinking water for many people. Approximately 26% of the public and private drinking water supply is provided from groundwater sources. The EPA has identified effluent from on-site waste water treatment systems as one of the main sources of contamination of groundwater in Ireland. The 2006 census reported more than 450,000 households were served by septic tanks and other forms of on-site waste water treatment systems.
The Water Services (Amendment) Bill has been drafted to minimize the impact on householders. The registration fee payable, which will not exceed €50, will cover all administration and inspection costs and no additional charges, such as a re-registration charge, will be levied on householders. Responsibility for the prevention of pollution from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems rests with the owners of premises served by such systems. Section 70 of the Water Services Act 2007 places a duty of care on owners to ensure their treatment systems do not cause a risk to human health or the environment or a nuisance through odours.
Householders who are meeting their responsibilities in this regard have nothing to fear from the risk-based inspection system that will be introduced under the Bill. The Bill specifies the basic criteria against which on-site waste water treatment systems will be inspected in line with article 4 of the waste directive. These are that the system does not endanger human health or the environment, including water, air and soil, the countryside and places of special interest.
Budget 2012 is a strong statement of this Government’s support for the agrifood sector. It recognises the significant contribution the sector can make to economic recovery and growth. While acknowledging that savings have to be made in certain schemes due to the budgetary situation, the Government is targeting existing resources at active farmers, especially those in vulnerable sectors.
With regard to the disadvantaged areas scheme, there will be no changes in either the rates or the eligible areas qualifying for a disadvantaged area payment, despite the fact expenditure will be reduced by some €30 million in 2012.
Deputy John Browne: The Minister is some man.
Deputy Phil Hogan: That is some doing.
Deputy Brendan Smith: He can get the local authorities to do that with the rate support grant.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Deputy Smith can compare that with his record. This lower financial limit will be achieved by the introduction of targeted reform in the disadvantaged areas payments, which will be achieved through reform of the stocking density, retention period and other elements of the scheme. The proposed changes will favour active farmers.
The Government is supporting productivity and the upskilling of farmers and the food sector by investing in R&D, food safety, animal welfare and enterprise development. The suckler cow welfare scheme will continue to be fully funded from national funds. In particular, despite the financial constraints faced, the Government will continue to provide the necessary funding to meet all payments due in 2012 at the current rates.
The targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS, which had been suspended earlier in the year because of the uncertain budgetary situation, are being re-opened.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Some €19 million was provided and only €1 million spent.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputy closed it. We will open it.
Deputy Brendan Smith: No. On a point of information, it was the Minister, Deputy Coveney, who closed it.
Acting Chairman (Deputy John McGuinness): The Minister, Deputy Hogan, should be allowed to continue.
Deputy Phil Hogan: These schemes cover poultry and pig welfare, dairy equipment, sheep handling and rainwater harvesting schemes, as well as the bio-energy scheme. In addition to providing an incentive for farmers to invest in their enterprises and secure their futures, these schemes will make a worthwhile contribution to job creation and to the maintenance of existing jobs in rural areas.
The Government’s commitment to afforestation is being honoured. The forestry sector contributes to job creation and to the maintenance of jobs in rural areas and has a vital climate change role. The funding provided for in budget 2012 will allow afforestation to continue at roughly 7,000 hectares per annum, as well as providing for the building of forest roads.
In the seafood sector, in addition to funding for investment schemes in the processing sector, aquaculture development and fishery harbours, the Government is providing for an increase in the grant-in-aid for Bord Iascaigh Mhara. I know former Deputy Hugh Byrne would be delighted with that.
Deputy John Browne: The Minister was going to do away with that a couple of months ago.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The budget sends out a positive message about the agri-food sector. It is an indication that the Government has confidence in the ability of the sector to do much more in terms of generating growth and employment. All the indications are that the sector will continue to outperform other sectors of the economy and continue on an upward trajectory, creating new jobs and building further on the outstanding export performance in 2011.
Moving to other areas of concern to rural dwellers, the Government is very much aware that public transport is not just an urban issue but one that is very real for rural areas. Many people in rural areas have great difficulty accessing basic services due to lack of access to transport. Schemes such as the rural transport programme can and do transform life for those who benefit. A good public transport system is a necessary precondition for the development of a fully inclusive society in all its social and economic dimensions. Rural transport is a necessary component of such a system and can determine people’s level of access to work, education, medical and social services. The programme for Government acknowledges the importance of transport for rural communities and includes a commitment “to maintain and extend the rural transport programme with other local transport services as much as is practical”.
The consolidation that this Government has been required to take has, by necessity, in some cases resulted in reduced services to the public. However, the Government has ensured that the principles of fairness, growth and reform underpin all decisions that must be taken if Ireland is to regain its economic sovereignty. I completely refute the allegation from the Deputies opposite that there has been an anti-rural bias to any announcement by the Government. Rather, as I have demonstrated, the Government has ensured that the rural community, and the rural way of life, has been protected in so far as is possible in these trying times. I recommend the Government’s amendment to the House.
Deputy John Browne: The Minister is some man.
Deputy Liam Twomey: Reading the motion, it is difficult to see what is Fianna Fáil’s policy into the future given it is trying to ingratiate itself with the public it so badly let down in recent years. It seems to be a mixture of the use of fear to get people on-side and perhaps going back to the territory of comely maidens dancing at the crossroads. Younger generations, and not so young generations, laughed at the myopic vision of a former Fianna Fáil leader when he talked about comely maidens dancing at the crossroads as if things do not change. It is not so funny when we consider the utter destruction of this country’s economy and public finances by previous leaders of the party opposite. This is why I find it strange to see Fianna Fáil trying to make itself out to be the guardian of rural life. Four of the signatories to this motion were themselves part of a Government that landed us in the greatest crisis this country has ever known. There is a certain sense of hypocrisy when Fianna Fáil members now try to paint themselves as the guardians of rural life.
There is also the issue of change, which they seem to fail to understand. It is only 18 years since I qualified as a doctor. The treatments of common diseases like diabetes and hypertension I was told to instigate when I first qualified are now obsolete and the current treatments are completely different and were unheard of even 18 months ago. The reason people fear change — the party opposite is trying to use that fear — is that all too often the driver for change is a state of chaos. The chaos of our public finances at present is contributing to a huge need for change. We are focusing on the education system, the health system and the Garda Síochána to try to reflect the changes that are vital to ensure local and national government can provide a quality service to the people in the future.
Some of the Deputies opposite referred to rural Garda stations. While those stations play a massive role in rural life, they are not sacrosanct in the way some think they are. Many of these rural Garda stations were opened when we were still under British rule. Are members of Fianna Fáil suggesting that nothing should change in this country and it should stay as it was on the day the State was founded? Gardaí nowadays do not use bicycles to do their jobs; they use modern transport and modern communications systems. Even 40 or 50 years ago, gardaí did not have access to the sort of telecommunications and radio communications that are used nowadays. Why should we be so stuck with the idea that we must have a block building in every single parish in the way Fianna Fáil suggests? We should be looking to modernise the Garda in a much more effective way. That is the sort of agenda we should be pushing forward.
The same applies to the health services. If we were to follow the sort of principles Fianna Fail is using, we would go back to the dispensing system, which did not serve the people well. We are now moving forward with developments such as primary care centres, moving services into the community and looking after people better. Again, change is coming and while some of it is driven by the financial situation, some of it would happen in any case. The party opposite, if it sees itself returning to power and correcting the mistakes it has made in recent years, should be ready to embrace some of these changes.
When there is destruction of the public finances such as we are now dealing with, the reality is there must be a reduction in the type of services we used to offer. There is no choice. I have no problem saying we must have a reduction in services because we simply do not have the money for them. There will be additional costs for people because although when we had a false economy of construction and borrowed money we were able to give the impression that we somehow did not have to pay for services, it is now coming home to roost that this money is no longer there. We must either cut services or increase taxes and other costs for the general public to try to maintain the current level of services.
This is the third time in my life the party opposite has brought this country to a similar position, and it was all brought about by extravagant spending. However, there was an additional element to the greed we saw in the last decade, namely, there was a corruption of the political life, business life and social life of the country. The party opposite needs to get away from all of that very destructive corruption that was brought into Irish society and it needs to be more reflective of itself.
The Irish people are very resilient and stoic. Unlike what I have heard from Members opposite, the people I meet are facing up to the current challenges. They are not just looking around for people to blame; they are prepared to make the changes and they want to get on with it. They want to see us run this country. The saddest thing about November 2010, when the IMF came into this country, was that the people were almost delighted to see that someone would be making decisions. That is what we saw happen in this country just over one year ago.
Fianna Fáil knows quite well that some of what it talks about here does not have the people out on the streets in the way that it would like, and neither does stoking up fears, talk of €300 inspection fees for septic tanks and the suggestion that rural crime will run rampant because a Garda station here or there is closed. Fianna Fáil knows that is pure rubbish. It is playing to a narrow audience that still supports Fianna Fáil, but the vast majority fully understands the changes that must be made. The vast majority of people know that some of the changes are merely changes we must face up to. We cannot remain static. They also accept that some of the changes we face are due to the fact that the public finances have been utterly decimated by the reckless behaviour of the previous Government in recent years.
We will make tough decisions this year, next year and the year after. If there is one promise that Fine Gael and Labour in Government will make it is that we will try to regain our sovereignty. We will do our best to get the people out of this mess. We will try to get this country working again and to provide the services the people deserve.
In future, the Opposition must change tack on this. We need for the Opposition to be a little more constructive in what it says. If opposition Members disagree with something, they should put their case a little better than in this Private Members’ motion. This is a lazy Private Members’ motion and it will not stir any interest outside of this House among those about whom we speak. I would have expected a little more considering that Fianna Fáil spent so much time in Government and fully understands how things work.
Deputy Pat Deering: Like previous speakers, I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this Private Members’ motion.
As a rural TD, I was appalled to read the motion, and particularly the last sentence, where it “calls on the Government to abandon its anti-rural bias and adopt a fair and balanced approach to the budget”. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Never before has agriculture or rural Ireland been mentioned as often in a budget as happened on this occasion. It is hypocrisy from the Deputies opposite to mention this issue when they, in their four-year plan, proposed to reduce the capital agricultural budget by €20 million over the next four years to €150 million, which was totally unacceptable. In this budget, we were in a position in Government — I commend the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Deputy Coveney — to ensure that the capital budget for the next four years will be €168 million rather than the €150 million those opposite had budgeted for.
In this budget there is a large number of taxation issues which will have a significant effect on agriculture and rural Ireland, a few I which I want to mention. The measures encourage farmers and a return to a career in farming. In the past ten or 15 years, agriculture was treated with disrespect by the vast majority of the outgoing Government. It was unpopular to be a farmer in rural areas or to have anything to do with it. Everybody was encouraged to go and lay blocks, be it in Dublin or in large urban areas.
This budget provided incentives to farm partnership and greater production at farm level. It also stimulates land sales and land transfers. It facilitates new enterprise opportunities in farming and helps the agri-food business innovate and export.
There are a couple of main areas on which I want to dwell. One of the most significant measures introduced in the budget is the new stock relief incentive to encourage farm partnership. For registered farm partnership, the current rate of 25% stock relief will increase to 50% and for certain young trained farmers entering partnerships, a rate of 100% stock relief will be available. This new incentive will run until December 2015 which will encourage an increasing number of farmers into the system where, especially as we approach the ending of the milk quotas in 2015, it will encourage more farmers to develop their quotas.
The stamp duty reduction is important. Budget 2012 reduces the stamp duty rate on agricultural land from 6% to 2% with immediate effect, which is very important. In addition, the half-rate of 1% rate will be applicable on transfers to close relatives up until the end of 2014. This change will substantially reduce the stamp duty payable to the transfer of farms by land gift or sale and it should stimulate the stagnant land market. As Members will be aware, in Ireland land transfers and land mobility is very different from most parts of Europe. I understand that land in Ireland only transfers in one in every 400 years compared to an average of one in every 75 years around Europe.
The capital gains tax relief is also important. Budget 2012 has restructured the retirement relief available on capital gains tax to provide an incentive for early retirement and the transfer of farm assets to the next generation. There has not been a change to the 90% capital acquisitions tax. This means that farms worth up to €2.5 million will continue to be fully exempt from CAT with regard to the transfer to a farmer’s son or close relations.
Other tax measures that are beneficial to agri-industry include the additional supports for research and development. The new VAT rate is also to apply to open farms such as pet farms. This is beneficial as the rate increases from 9% to 23%. One of the most important issues, one which was flagged early on and on which we made a commitment in the programme for Government, was the review of the universal social charge and this affects a large number of farmers and seasonal workers in the farming area. Consistent also with the programme for Government on carbon tax, farmers will be able to double the income tax deduction in respect of increased costs arising from the charge in carbon tax. The carbon tax is to increase from €15 to €20 per tonne as and from May 2012 for agricultural diesel. This is very important.
Also, a number of other schemes were introduced such as the AEOS I mentioned earlier. Once we came into Government, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine did his best to ensure that we had an AEOS. An original scheme was announced with no funding for it.
Deputy Brendan Smith: That is incorrect.
Deputy Pat Deering: That is fact. There was no funding for the scheme.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Deputy Deering has been given misinformation. The scheme was provided for in Budget 2011.
Deputy Pat Deering: There was absolutely no funding.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Just one second, I will impart some information.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Acting Chairman, I want to correct the misinformation. This misinformation is not acceptable.
Acting Chairman (Deputy John McGuinness): If Deputy Deering gives way, you may, otherwise you may not.
Deputy Pat Deering: I also commend the Minister for reintroducing the TAM scheme, which is very beneficial to rural Ireland.
Deputy Brendan Smith: The Minister suspended it earlier in the year.
Deputy Pat Deering: It is being reintroduced. It will create much farming activity in buildings again, which will help as we approach the ending of milk quotas and with regard to the initiatives and the targets of 2020.
It is amazing listening to Fianna Fáil tonight. One of the most regressive developments that ever happened in rural areas, which affects my county and Deputy Moynihan’s county, was the closure of the sugar industry. The Fianna Fáil Government must be the only Government that closed down a profitable business.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Greencore closed down the sugar industry.
Deputy Pat Deering: Who had the golden share? The Fianna Fáil Government did. Fianna Fáil handed over the sugar industry, a viable industry in this country, and now we are trying to get back what we should never have let go. That was one of the regressive steps. Ireland, in general, both urban and rural, has not got over what happened on that occasion.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Greencore closed down the sugar industry.
Deputy Pat Deering: Who had the golden share? Had the previous Government the golden share?
Deputy Brendan Smith: The golden share did not have the power to change the decision.
Deputy Pat Deering: Fianna Fáil sold out the sugar industry.
Deputy Brendan Smith: That is not factual.
Deputy Pat Deering: It is as simple as this, it sold it out. It had the opportunity to keep the sugar industry here and let it go, which will have a knock-on effect on rural Ireland which we will never get over.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Greencore sold it.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: It was the land bank in Carlow in which they were interested.
Acting Chairman (Deputy John McGuinness): Deputy Deering to continue.
Deputy Pat Deering: Fianna Fáil wanted to ensure that we had a new town centre in Carlow, and now what do we have? We have a 300 acre site. It is a disgrace — not only in Carlow but, I am sure, in Mallow and around the country.
Deputy Brendan Smith: Talk to Greencore. Somebody should introduce Deputy Deering to Greencore.
Deputy Pat Deering: I commend the Minister for the actions he has taken in ensuring that agriculture has been brought to the forefront again. Over the past two to three years, agriculture has been shown to be one of the key drivers of this economy. I commend the Minister’s amendment.
Deputy Michael Colreavy: I did not realise the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, was on the injury list. I extend best wishes for a fast recovery.
Deputy Kathleen Lynch: I thank Deputy Colreavy.
Deputy Michael Colreavy: She will need to be able to step fairly adroitly through matters over the next couple of months.
On the Private Members’ business, septic tank charges, rural Garda station closures, cuts in agriculture supports, cuts in community groups funding, increases in the price of diesel fuel, increases in school transport charges and threats to the very existence of smaller rural schools are only a few of the attacks on rural communities contained within budget 2012.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: Deputy Colreavy should look at what his party is doing up the North.
Deputy Michael Colreavy: Add to this third level education fee charges and more than halving grants for most third level students in Sligo-Leitrim because of the proximity changes.
Outside of the budget entirely, the HSE is now considering the wholesale closure of public nursing homes with the threat of moving elderly, vulnerable people to private facilities many miles from their home areas. It is doing so because the Government refuses to tax the wealthy and refuses to make financial speculators carry some responsibility for their reckless gambles. The Government continues to operate under the illusion that our economy can recover although we take ever more money from the pockets of the very people who sustain it locally and nationally. In this process, Fine Gael deserves some recognition for arranging very cleverly for a Labour Party Minister to introduce swingeing cuts in the Dáil on Monday of last week. He sat down to applause from Fine Gael backbenchers while the Labour backbenchers sat ashen-faced. Far be it from me to offer any advice to Labour Party Members, but I believe they really should ascertain the intentions and the actions of their new best friends in Fine Gael.
In agriculture, budget 2012 provides for a 10% reduction in respect of REPS, no commitment to opening the AEOS scheme in 2012 and restrictive changes to disadvantaged area payments. Farmers in disadvantaged areas will probably end up subsidising those in more advantaged areas just as the truly disadvantaged will be sacrificed to support the better-off generally throughout the State.
At the weekend I listened as Government parties’ representatives described budget 2012 on local radio as not being too bad and they stated the bad bits had to be introduced because the previous Government made them do so. I felt for these spokespersons because they are decent people. However, they were saying to their own community that the budget will not be too bad for them, yet they knew as they said it that, this year and in the following years, decisions will be made that will have a devastating effect not only on rural areas but on the people of this nation.
I spoke with local people extensively over the weekend. People in Sligo-Leitrim are normally fairly laid back, a bit like myself, but they are now very angry. They want truth, leadership and change but they got none of these in this disgraceful budget.
Deputy Martin Ferris: I thought when I was listening to Deputy Pat Deering that Fine Gael would open the sugar factories in Mallow and in Carlow. I was hoping he would conclude with such a statement but, unfortunately, he did not deliver.
Deputy Pat Deering: We did not close them.
Deputy Martin Ferris: Having listened to his commentary that the closure was the decision of Fianna Fáil, which I do not dispute, I must state the reality is that the Deputy’s party has an opportunity to open the factories if there is sufficient political will to put people back to work. I await that decision with bated breath.
One austerity measure that will affect many in rural areas, and my county in particular, is that to end funding for People with Disabilities Ireland, PWDI, from the end of this month. This will have a massive impact on Kerry Network for People with Disabilities as up to 70% of its funding came from PWDI. Its grant from the HSE had been already cut by 5%. The effect is that, in total, up to 16,000 people, including families, will be affected. There is a great effort being made by community groups and individuals to maintain the service. It is invaluable to those most in need. A large number of disabled people and their families will be at a real loss and it will greatly disimprove the quality of life of all concerned. The network was established in 1996 following consultation with people with disabilities. That clearly has been one of the reasons for its effectiveness. Withdrawing the funding, effectively leaving a death sentence hanging over the project, is an extremely retrograde step. It reflects the overall retrograde and anti-social nature of the austerity programme being implemented by this Government.
Another such step is the attack on the community employment schemes. These have been a chink of light to the 22,000 operators and approximately 500,000 who avail of the services and training. The schemes are of significant benefit to rural people and those in urban centres also. The centres around the country are a valuable resource for many groups but the cut to their budget, of 66%, will mean many will be forced to close their doors. Not only will that mean a reduction in the income of those directly concerned but also, and more important, it will be regarded by many participating on CE schemes as closing off the possibility of their improving their circumstances.
I referred last week to a number of people affected by this cut. It is clear from the many who have contacted elected representatives that a considerable number are in despair over their future and that of their children. I read two very painful letters in this regard into the record last week.
The motion refers to other similarly negative cuts, including the cuts to the farm assist scheme and the disadvantaged areas scheme. These will cut significantly the incomes of farm households that are already struggling. I refer to those on the lower, marginal level and who are trying to remain viable and to retain the quality of life of their families.
Apart from the increasing charges for those whose children are using public transport to go to school, the cuts to education overall will seriously impair not only the level of services provided but also the very ability of people to gain access to education. In combination, the budget and the overall austerity programme will further plunge the country into recession and exacerbate the serious consequences in all aspects of life.
The motion refers to the budget’s anti-rural bias. There is certainly a perception that there is such a bias affecting many communities. The Government, no more than its predecessor, which was led by the party that tabled this motion, is not discriminating between urban and rural. It is not so much anti-rural as anti-community, anti-growth, anti-jobs, anti-enterprise, anti-development and anti-social.
I heard Deputy Ó Ríordáin from the Labour Party claim his colleague Deputy Nulty had acted selfishly in not supporting the budget. Surely he ought to applaud the courage of Deputy Nulty because his certainly was a courageous stand to take. He stood by what he was elected for and on what he campaigned. He was very badly let down by Frankfurt-Labour.
Deputy Jonathan O’Brien: I thank Fianna Fáil for tabling this motion because it allows us to have a debate on rural life. While it may seem strange to the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, that one who lives in the heart of Cork city wishes to speak on rural affairs, she will know my constituency is 55% rural. We get to hear at first hand some of the issues and problems that towns and villages throughout the constituency are experiencing. Rural people have the same right to a decent standard of living and services as those of us who live in the city. Sometimes we take those services for granted. Rural dwellers should have the same right of access to services.
I could point out the irony of the points made by Fianna Fáil in the motion. The majority of the measures it condemns, if not all, were proposed policies of Fianna Fáil. Far be it from me to criticise Fianna Fáil for tabling such a motion. Some would say it is very opportunistic of it to table such a motion on measures it proposed itself, such as septic tank charges and rural school transport charges, but that is not to say the points contained in the motion are any less valid. They are valid regardless of who tabled the motion.
Successive Governments, led by all the establishment parties, have presided over the economic and demographic decline in rural areas. I refer to bad policy and incorrect decisions being made at the incorrect time, such as the failure to be a strong advocate for Irish farmers, fishermen and rural communities as a whole. What has occurred did not happen by accident. It has occurred over a period. It is unfair to say it has happened since March because that is not the case. This has been happening for the last 15 or 20 years thanks to the policies of successive Governments.
There is no doubt that the closure of Garda stations will have an impact on rural communities. If an impact analysis was conducted on the effects of closing Garda stations in rural communities the results were not made available to Opposition Members. When the Garda Commissioner appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, we did not get a comprehensive answer in terms of the criteria used to make decisions on closing stations. We also need clarity on who is responsible for these decisions. The Minister has stated that the Garda Commissioner drew up the list but the latter indicated that he was only making recommendations and the Minister took the final decision. We need to see transparency on this issue. Garda stations are not just deterrents to crime in rural areas. They are part and parcel of the fabric of rural Ireland and for that reason their closure is a retrograde step.
Deputy Brian Stanley: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. It is unfortunate that the party putting forward the Private Members’ motion is responsible for many of the policies they are now criticising. This year’s budget reads like a horror story. The tax on septic tanks was to come before the Dáil this week but it is now being postponed until January. Local residents will be paying the price for the failure of consecutive Governments since 1975 to implement EU regulations. The household charge will also affect rural householders. The local government fund will be cut by €165 million, and 84% of this figure is intended to be met by the charge. We can see how that is going to run into difficulties.
Two serious attacks are being made against our communities. The first is against community employment schemes, which provide essential services that would otherwise never be provided. The private and public sectors either will not or cannot provide these services, which range from homework clubs, crèches and meals on wheels to environmental works in villages and towns. As a former participant and sponsor of community employment schemes, I fear the proposed cuts will result in the closure of many of these schemes. They are dependent on the material grant for rents. Education and training are essential elements of community employment. I was a beneficiary of a training grant in the 1990s. It helps people to get into employment but it is being killed by the budget measures. We are being told that schemes will be not allowed to lapse but they are useless if the money for education and training is removed.
The second attack is against local government services. Rural households are being asked to pay ever increasing charges from their depleted resources while the funding from central Government is being diverted from local government to bail out the banks. We can see that in the €165 million being cut from the local government fund by the budget. The people in our communities did not cause the banking crisis that has brought the economy to this juncture. I ask the Government to revisit this measure because these people should not be asked to pay the price for it.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and wish her well after her week long sojourn. I look forward to travelling to the east coast with her next week or the week after. This is an excellent motion and it cuts to the nub of the matter. The motion “condemns the Government for introducing a series of budgetary measures that discriminate against those who can least afford it and particularly those in rural Ireland”. I could not say it better myself.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: The Deputy will try anyway.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Perhaps I will but we at one on this issue. It is an outrageous attack on ordinary people, including the poor, the working class and the new poor.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: He is wearing the green jumper.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: It is devastating blow and the Government Members can heckle all they want. Some of them were not here last time but many of them were condemning everything out of hand.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: Was he sitting in the same place last time?
Deputy Mattie McGrath: I was of course. I am glad to be sitting here again and I hope to be back on the other side some other time. I do not know if the Members opposite will be coming back because the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources recently told us that the last election was an extraordinary event. I told him that the next election will be even more extraordinary.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: The man beside him went to hospital.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: In regard to attacks on disadvantaged areas and farm assist, farming will get us out of the recession but the poorest areas have been hit hardest. The IFA’s lobbying paid off for the strong Fine Gael farmers. There is nobody on the Labour Party benches. I could call them a name used 50 years ago but we all know what I mean.
I will not speak about disability cuts because, thankfully, they have been reversed. The late Brian Lenihan had that measure in his budget but he dropped it after we spoke to him about it. However, the measure was not shredded and the lazy departmental officials, who are interested in protecting the rich and their own high salaries — I am speaking about those on salaries of €100,000 to €200,000——
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: Like yourself.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: —— brought it back in again as a simple way to save a few million euro. They were not thinking about people.
We will only have memories of Garda stations after the Government has closed them. We can show pictures to our children so they can see what we used to have in rural areas.
The Minister for Education and Skills has a death wish for small schools. They are the best schools we ever had and they produce the best results. In rural Ireland, the school will keep people in an area but if it is closed they will drift to bigger areas.
Carers and home helps keep elderly people out of hospitals. The hospitals have been closed. I do not know what the Government wants us to do. It is driving us into the ground. The people who are caring for the elderly in their homes are being hit.
This budget was a well laid plan to attack rural Ireland, the weak, the lower paid and the new poor. The Government should be ashamed of itself.
Deputy Tom Fleming: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. The value of the community employment schemes cannot be underestimated. They have allowed communities to remain vibrant and empowered people to carry out vital projects, deliver services and provide support for voluntary centres, carers, crèches, elderly day care centres, tidy towns, meals on wheels and numerous other activities. The proposed reduction of 66% will have a devastating effect on all categories of people and their quality of life. It will result in the closure of thousands of voluntary community services around the country.
I give credit to the Government for its emphasis on getting the unemployed back to work but this unnecessary cutback flies in the face of its aspirations to develop work and practical skills. I urge the Government to reverse this regressive anti-community measure. The Minister of State with responsibility for community employment schemes, Deputy Cannon, fully realises the negative impact this measure will have, as he is a rural Deputy who has seen the positivity and social and economic enhancement provided by the schemes in his own constituency in the west. I urge him, as the Minister of State, to use all his negotiating skills and powers in co-operation with the Taoiseach and his fellow Ministers to reverse this measure. The potential that exists to further advance and maintain these schemes to increase their employment potential and enhance the quality of life of all the people I have referred to is immeasurable.
Question again proposed: “That the Bill be now read a Second Time.”
Deputy Tom Fleming: I will carry on where I left off. I believe the household charge should be means tested at the very least. For instance, people with mortgage debt, senior citizens and disabled people should be completely exempt from this charge, but the categories proposed for exemptions do not include any of these. The proposal that the District Court be the final adjudicator in an exemption appeal is totally unacceptable. I do not think a court of law is the place for something like this to be judged. Particularly for many of our more senior citizens, who take pride in the fact that they have lived through their long years of life without ever having to go up the steps of a courthouse and appear before a judge, it would be a huge blow to have to go through this exercise to appeal the imposition of the charge.
This is another budget on top of the austerity measures that have had a severe effect on the old, the sick and low to middle-income families in particular. These people are already facing a plethora of hidden charges and taxes, and it is only now, over the past couple of days, as the budget has undergone cost analysis by several people, that the full impact is emerging. This charge will also result in a further delay to our economic recovery, as there will be less disposable income, which will lead to unemployment and have a detrimental effect on our small businesses.
The system under which the local authority is the administrator and collector of the charge is basically another means of obtaining maximum moneys for the Exchequer. It would be only right and proper if all of the moneys were made available to local authorities to deliver services to the public who will be paying into this scheme.
Deputy Thomas Pringle: Normally, one says that one welcomes the opportunity to contribute to a debate on a Bill. However, in this case, I am disappointed in the Bill and totally opposed to it. In April of this year, the Technical Group tabled a Private Members’ motion calling for a referendum on the EU-IMF bailout deal, which was rejected by the Government. At that time, in responding to the motion, the Taoiseach said in the Chamber that the people had had a referendum and that they had voted unanimously in favour of the formation of a Government by the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party. The people did not vote for the Fine Gael and Labour parties to continue the policies of the Fianna Fáil Party and the Green Party, but that is what they got. There was no referendum and the people did not have their say. This Bill, when passed, will give people the opportunity to have their say. It proposes that people come forward and volunteer their registration for this tax, which equates to saying they agree with it. I call on people to exercise their mandate by refusing to register for this tax. In this way they will send a message to the Government that the tax is unfair and unworkable and that they will not sign up to pay a household tax that is being levied on them so that the Government can hand over money to bankers and failed property developers in support of an EU-IMF deal that has been imposed upon us. The people can have their say and refuse to register for it, and that will show that this tax is unworkable and that the people’s real choice has been made.
Over the past number of weeks, thousands of people have attended public meetings all over the country. Many people who spoke at those meetings said that they simply could not afford to register for and pay this household tax. Even though the Government says it is less than €2 per week, people are saying clearly in public that they cannot afford it, and for that reason they will not register or pay the charge because it is a step too far for them. Although Members here can afford to pay the charge, I will stand with those people and say that we will show our displeasure by refusing to register for or pay this tax. I will stand with the people who cannot afford to pay it. There are many people all over the country, as has already been outlined in the debate here, who cannot afford to pay this tax. They are being forced to choose whether to buy food or heat their houses and they are living through the winter nights without heating because of the burden that has been placed on them to support the EU-IMF bailout. Those people are making a clear decision that they cannot afford it and they will not pay it, and I call on people who can afford it to stand with them. They can offer their friends or neighbours support by saying that they stand in opposition to this unfair tax and they will not register for it. They will send a clear message to the Government that this tax is unfair and unworkable and they will not support it.
The other reason I oppose this tax is that last week in the budget the Government cut the local government fund by €171 million and then, in this Bill, took the cowardly option of penalising local authorities by obliging them to raise €160 million. The cutting of the Local Government Fund will leave local authorities in dire financial straits due to the imposition of a tax that the Government does not have the courage to levy itself. It is forcing it on local authorities and forcing ordinary people to come forward to pay this tax. It is a step too far. It is unfair, and no amount of waivers for those in council houses or unfinished estates will make it fair. I call on everybody to support a “can’t pay, won’t pay” campaign. This will send a strong message that we are not supporting it and we will not pay up. We will stand together, say to the Government that this tax is unfair, and ask it to go back to the drawing board or to its masters in Europe and tell them it will not force this on the people of Ireland.
Deputy Clare Daly: As we are sitting here today and tomorrow debating this new legislation, we do so against the backdrop of the necessity for county councils around the country to set their budgets from funding that has been slashed in order to take account of this new tax on home owners. That is an absolute joke. The reason local authorities are being starved of funding is not that we have not paid our fair share of tax but rather that the Government chooses to use our taxes to pay unsecured bondholders and recapitalise banks, and refuses, patently, to ask the wealthy people at the top of society to pay their share so we can have the public services that we deserve and have paid for. Instead, it is choosing — this is a voluntary choice — to make ordinary people pay yet again. One of the messages we need to send out is that the people sitting at home can see this as an opportunity to say “Enough is enough.” We cannot consider this measure in isolation from all the austerity measures and budget cuts that have been implemented over the past while.
All Members have received some heartbreaking letters over the last few days. One of the letters I received was from a young couple, both of whom have lost their jobs. They bought a house just before the recession. They cannot afford to turn on the heating so they sit dressed in jumpers, they cannot afford to pay the refuse charges so the rubbish is piling up in the back garden, they have not been out for a drink in weeks and cannot afford to buy a pair of shoes or bring the dog to the veterinarian. Yet the young woman said: “I count myself lucky that I am not disabled, elderly or sick. I cannot even begin to imagine what life is like for these people and their families if this is what life is like for us.” Asking people to pay a €100 household tax on top of all the cuts and hardships they are already enduring is ridiculous, disgusting and shameful. I will not be part of it.
This is the opportunity many homeowners have sought to have their say against all the austerity that has been foisted on them over the past number of years. Unlike the universal social charge, the social welfare cuts and all the other measures which have taken money out of our pockets in the dead of night, this is something on which we have a choice. As Deputy Pringle said, thousands of people have attended meetings on this issue recently and have indicated their resolve to have their say against austerity by not paying this tax. Undoubtedly, there will be a massive campaign of civil disobedience which will make this charge uncollectible, as happened in the 1990s with the anti-water charges campaign.
I notice the Minister finds it difficult to listen to this debate, but he certainly will not find it difficult to listen to the people when they get organised on this issue. I will certainly not pay this tax, and I will not register for the tax. I will appeal to people in the community to take similar action. People realise and understand that this legislation has nothing to do with €100. The aim of the game is to open a new tier of local taxation that will see ordinary people facing bills of over €1,000 per household in the next two to three years. This tax being foisted on people’s shoulders when they currently cannot make ends meet is reprehensible.
Deputy Phil Hogan: Where did the Deputy get the figure of €1,000?
Deputy Clare Daly: The Minister’s analysts and the ESRI have said that.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputy should not be making it up.
Deputy Clare Daly: We are on the record now so we will return to this in two years and see which one of us is right.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The Deputy should not be making it up.
Deputy Clare Daly: I know it will be me. This is part of a bigger agenda and anybody who doubts that need only look at the legislation before us and the penalties to be imposed on ordinary people for not registering and not paying in terms of late interest payments, class C fines, court appearances and so forth. It is really punitive legislation which is not being introduced just for this charge.
However, the Minister and the Government cannot bring everybody to court. There are 1.4 million households eligible for the charge and, at best, the Minister can bring about 5% to court. We will go into the courts and defend those people. The Judiciary is not exactly flavour of the month and the idea of its members imposing heavy sanctions on ordinary people, while not a single banker has ended up in jail, will not be tolerated. This Bill is a step too far. People have taken enough and the Minister will face an almighty battle on this issue should he not pull back from the brink.
Deputy Joan Collins: I oppose this tax, as do the thousands of people who have already attended the meetings. I have also been knocking on doors in my community and people are absolutely opposed to it. They feel it is a tax too far; it is the straw that will break the camel’s back in terms of people’s incomes, how they are living and how they are rearing their families.
Like every other measure in the budget, this is a regressive, unjust and unfair tax. It is a poll tax. A progressive and civilised society should operate on the basis that essential services are provided free for all and are paid for through a progressive tax system. Those with real wealth should pay the most, and those with little or nothing should be exempt. However, that has been turned on its head and those with little or nothing are enduring the biggest hit and the most wealthy are exempt. This was a recession proof budget for the wealthy in this country. It is shameful that a Government can tax ordinary people again through this double taxation. No wealth or asset tax has been imposed on the wealthy. There are no measures to make nominal taxes on their incomes effective.
This charge is the introduction of a tax that successive Governments have tried to implement over the past 30 years. This is the Minister’s opportunity and he said he is determined to introduce it, at the behest of the troika. It is a Trojan horse. The Minister knows that, given that he tried to challenge my colleague. It will lead to a property tax of €600 to €700 or more in two or three years. It will be linked to a water tax of approximately the same amount. We are not talking about €2 per week, and people know it. They are not stupid. They know what happened with the bin tax. It was introduced with the propaganda that it would be only the price of a pint. This charge is being introduced at €2 per week but between the water tax and the property tax people could be facing charges of up to €1,300 per year, which is €25 per week. People know they cannot afford that.
This is another measure to impose the cost of the disastrous bank bailout on the shoulders of ordinary people. Another aspect of this tax is the preparation for the privatisation of water services. I recall when the bin tax was introduced in the Dublin City Council area in 2001. There was a barrage of propaganda about the environment. There were pictures on the television of waste being blown down the streets. It was claimed it was an environmental tax and that it was needed to change people’s approach to recycling. On 16 January, Dublin City Council will be the last local authority to privatise the waste collection service. Our bin service has become a profit-making commodity for companies. It is no longer a public service for people who need it. Elderly people must pay massive amounts of money to have their waste collected. The green bin will now become part of that payment and there will no longer be a question of people benefiting from recycling.
This tax will be met with massive resistance. A national campaign to encourage non-payment is up and running. Thousands have attended meetings throughout the country. The Government is expecting this because it provided for penal fines in the Bill. If a person does not register and pay by 31 March next, they could be penalised with a class C fine of up to €2,400. In addition, if the person does not reply to the letter seeking the information the Government requires, there could be another fine of €2,400. It is a most aggressive fine on ordinary people.
However, where have fines been imposed on the people who created this mess? Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will see €4,000 taken from his pension. What a terrible scandal. The poor man will be in dire straits, wearing rags on his back, because of the cut in his pension. Meanwhile, the Minister is willing to impose a fine of almost €2,400 on ordinary people who cannot and will not pay this regressive tax.
There will be a huge cost for the taxpayer in imposing an unjust and unpopular tax. This is equivalent to the Domesday taxes that were introduced by a tyrant many centuries ago, whereby taxing masters travelled around taking note of what people owned, including their sheep, cattle and so forth. That is exactly what the Minister is doing. He is getting people to put their names in a register so more taxes can be imposed in the future. We know what he and the Government intend to do.
This will be a hated tax. The bin tax was the start of Fianna Fáil heading for the hills and ending up in their current position. People will fight back. We are not telling them not to register and not to pay: they are telling us they will not do it. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with them. If the Minister imposes this tax, it will be the most hated ever and this will be the most hated Government along with it.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: I am pleased to speak on the Bill. I am delighted to see some of the Independent Members remaining in the House. It is unusual for them to do so, as they usually rush out after they speak.
Deputy Clare Daly: The Deputy should look at the record.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: When Deputy Daly was a young girl running around the streets of Newbridge——
Deputy Mattie McGrath: That is a false statement. Where are the Government Members?
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: ——her parents would have paid rates.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: It is a false statement.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: Was she not from Newbridge? The people were conned in 1977 by Fianna Fáil, when Deputy Mattie McGrath was a member.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: There was some con last February. It was the con of all cons.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: They were conned in 1977 when Fianna Fáil bought an election through the removal of rates. We have been honest in what we said today. We are introducing a household charge. When the Minister introduced the Bill he said it was an interim measure until we can put in place a fair valuation system, which means that those living in large properties, the wealthy the Opposition constantly condemns, will pay a larger share of tax.
I came across a quote recently and was pleased to see it came from a book called The House Always Wins: Time to Turn the Tables. It states:
I do not see Deputy McGuinness in the Chamber but I welcome his input.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: He is not far away.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: It is not a popular position but the reality is that domestic rates payable to local authorities make local politics serious and connect people in a direct way with their politicians. I hope Deputy McGuinness will consider voting with the Government on this Bill.
I must also criticise Sinn Féin and its criticism of the Minister. It has no problem supporting a 2.5% increase in household rates in the North, yet is strenuously voting against the Bill. Deputy Stanley tabled an amendment to introduce a new section which states, “This Act, as agreed, will be temporary in nature. It will have to be reviewed within 12 months from the date it becomes law”. I hope he will agree with what the Minister introduced and that the charge is an interim measure. When proper valuations are done we will be able to introduce the Bill properly.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: We had that before.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: The NPPR payment is currently paid directly to local authorities. It is the intention of the Minister that the Local Government Management Agency would be the main collector of the household charge which would go into the local government fund. Those of us who came from local government will realise that the local government fund does not fairly distribute funding to counties. In my county, Kildare, we have been fighting hard with the Department to get proper funding for the local authority. We have a much larger population and car usage within the county. The Minister might consider allowing local authorities rather than the local government management agency to collect the charge.
The tax is being imposed on the owners of properties. Some people who own second properties are being charged the NPPR and it seems slightly unfair that they will also have to pay the household charge. The dictionary definition of a household is “A house and its occupants which are regarded as a unit.” Most occupants of rented properties will not pay the charge. The Minister might consider changing that provision in the Bill.
Aside from this, I welcome the Bill. What happened in 1977 was a retrograde step for the country and local democracy.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: It was an auction. You wanted 50% at the time. The Minister will remember the auction in 1977.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor: Auction politics.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: You wanted 50%.
Deputy Pat Deering: Like my colleague I would also like to refer to 1977, when a Fianna Fáil Government, led by the then Minister for Economic Planning and Development, Martin O’Donoghue, wanted to buy an election and decided to eliminate household rates. Since then local government has suffered drastically. At that time the total amount collected in local rates was £78.7 million, which equates to €460 million today. If we had such an amount of money to put into local government today we would not have our current problems.
Since 1977 commercial rates have been totally unbalanced and unfair and they affect only a very small section of society. That situation has to be addressed. The household charge is a very important first step in the reform of local government which since 1977 has become totally undemocratic. Local councillors have very little power and it is essential that they get back the power they deserve.
Local councillors should be in charge of the funding they raise and should be able to allocate funding in their local areas. This is an important first step in restoring power. The reform of local government has to move onto the next level. Certain town councils have become irrelevant and their abolition is an important step.
It is amazing that Sinn Féin, which as Deputy Lawlor mentioned is notable by its absence, has not been afraid to introduce stringent cuts in the North totalling £4 billion. The household charge in the North is, on average, €1,500, compared to a proposed charge of €100 in this jurisdiction. As has been mentioned it is an interim measure for a short period of time. As Deputy Lawlor said, an equitable system will then be introduced but not at the same level as the North. The Sinn Féin Deputies, who are absent, have no problem supporting cuts in the North but it is hypocritical to criticise and vote against cuts here.
Margaret Ritchie, an SDLP MLA said:
I commend the Minister for his reform policies in local government. This is an important first step and I look forward to more steps in the months to come.
Deputy Dara Murphy: Like colleagues I also welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I do not think any of us like being in the position of having to put in place charges on the people in our country. We have to look at the reality of where we are and the EU-IMF deal which we inherited from the last Government. A flat charge of €100 on households cannot be argued to be fair but the Minister has been restricted by virtue of the fact that he has to have the charge in place in 2012. I particularly welcome the ambition to make the system fairer in the future. Like some of my colleagues have said, this is the first step in a journey that Minister has started in other areas with respect to the reform of local government in our country.
Like many current and former Members of the House I come from a local authority background and had the pleasure of being chairman of my local authority a couple of years ago. It is fair to say that local government and city and county councils are very restricted by virtue of their dependence on central Government for funding and how they can secure resources. As a people and Government we must have confidence in the great talents of many of our local politicians, as well as those who work for local authorities.
They are generally people of great integrity, ambition and talents
Deputy Mattie McGrath: We should get rid of half of them.
Deputy Phil Hogan: We got rid of the Deputy’s county manager.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Get rid of half of them.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Pat Breen): Deputy Dara Murphy should be allowed to continue, without interruption.
Deputy Dara Murphy: However, we must all agree that there are too many local authorities and that there is scope to reduce their number significantly by way of further mergers. Furthermore, we have too many politicians in general. I will not look across at those whom I might choose to discard; that would be a matter for the electorate. We will soon have a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad.
Deputy Mattie McGrath: Ask Fine Gael Senators what they think about that.
Deputy Phil Hogan: It is called courage, Mattie.
Deputy Dara Murphy: There is considerable scope to give more powers and fund-raising capacity to fewer local politicians. Given the size of the State, there are simply too many of them.
I strongly support the principle, evident in our policy on the provision of primary care, that the end-user should be brought as close as possible to the suppliers of services. That also applies to local government and services provided locally. I urge the Minister to continue on the path on which he is travelling, not by virtue of being forced to impose the cost of services on the people but by guaranteeing that where they do have to pay, the services they receive are of a standard that offers good value for money.
I have studied some of the figures for other OECD countries, particularly the United Kingdom and what could be described as western Europe. They show that such charges are significantly lower in Ireland than in most European countries and dramatically lower than in Northern Ireland and Britain. In many parts of Britain the charges are higher than those which apply in Northern Ireland. Deputy Deering mentioned €1,500 as being an average figure. However, it does not include the water and sewerage charge which averages out at some £300. Therefore, the charge in Northern Ireland is closer to €2,000 on average, with many households paying more than this sum.
For the same services, we are introducing a charge of €100 per annum. Nobody likes to have to pay additional charges, but this particular charge amounts to approximately half of what we pay for our television licence. The devil will be in the detail in future years. We must see evidence of improved autonomy, integrity and responsibility on the part of local authorities. People will accept this charge in time, just as they accept similar charges all over the world. If a service is good, people do not object to paying for it.
I commend the Minister for the broad range of measures he has introduced in the area of local government reform. I wish him well as he continues his endeavours in this regard.
Deputy Áine Collins: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Bill. I begin by reminding the House that the common theme that has dominated our political history in the last 30 years is the Fianna Fáil’s Party’s repeated treachery in seeking to buy elections, a policy that forced us into three recessions and culminated last year in that party ceding our economic sovereignty to the European Union and the IMF. In 1977 the Fianna Fáil Party proposed, as an election strategy, to abolish rates on property and tax on motor vehicles. It proved a short-term success, with the party winning a huge majority under Jack Lynch, but it soon led to the Haughey era and the recession of the 1980s. Every economist since has accepted that a tax base which excludes property tax is unsustainable and insufficiently robust in the event of an economic breakdown.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has announced that the Exchequer contribution to the local government fund will cease from 2012 and be replaced by the proceeds of the household charge. It will be of little consolation to the households that must pay the tax, but it is important that the funding of locally delivered services is placed on a sound financial footing, with a much closer alignment between the cost of providing services and the demand for those services. It is more important than ever that local authorities receive sufficient funding to ensure they can operate effectively across their range of functions and responsibilities.
As they draw up their estimates in the coming days, local authorities throughout the State face difficult choices. In particular, both local government and central government must be mindful of the need to minimise the burden on businesses which are struggling to survive and maintain jobs. In this regard, the Government must give consideration to changes to the Valuation Acts which would allow local authorities flexibility in identifying sectors under pressure. Under current legislation, they must grant a rate reduction to all ratepayers or none. A 1% to 2% reduction is of little use to small businesses but would hugely benefit large companies such as Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and other large multinationals which already enjoy the advantage of a low corporation tax rate.
Heretofore there has been an emphasis within local authorities on reductions and efficiencies to reduce costs while at the same time seeking to maintain front-line services. However, given the huge reduction in staff numbers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to strike a balance between competing demands for resources. Most taxes depend on economic activity which produced huge budget surpluses in the boom times. These surpluses were spent in expanding State services with little regard to value for money. Moreover, other taxes were reduced in order to further inflate the economy on an artificial basis. The building boom of the last decade led to increased tax revenues but undermined the real economy.
The reintroduction of a household charge was part of the deal reached by the last Government with the EU-ECB-IMF troika. It is unfortunate that the Government is forced to introduce the tax in the midst of a severe recession. Each of us here understands the difficulties it will cause for already struggling families. These adjustments should have been made during the boom years. Taxes on property introduced at the correct time would have helped us to avoid the worst effects of the building boom on the economy.
It is often stated we no longer have the tools to guide the economy since joining the eurozone. While we no longer control interest rates and devaluation policy, we do control tax policy. That is the means by which the building boom might have been controlled and deflated. Unfortunately, the opposite was done by previous Governments. With the building industry now at a standstill, it is the wrong time to introduce a property tax. However, we have no choice in the matter. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, has kept the tax to a minimum, with exemptions for those who are unable to afford it. That the building industry was allowed to run out of control in the last ten years does not mean the Government should not support its renewal on a sensible basis. Genuine builders, tradesmen and subcontractors need support. A stable building industry should be producing 6% to 7% of GDP. The Minister has recognised this by introducing several measures which will promote the industry in a sensible way and thus create jobs.
The abolition of rates had several serious effects. It meant that county and city councils had to rely on commercial rates and commercial water rates for much of their funding. This led to an undue burden being placed on industry and the agriculture sector. This would inevitably affect our competitiveness as a nation, costing jobs in the public sector. These changes were manageable in a booming economy but have a serious effect in a recession.
Local government is the basic building block of democracy. It must be close to the people and communities and responsive to their needs on a day-to-day basis. When the Fianna Fáil Party decided to abolish rates and vehicle tax, it attacked the very basis of local democracy. That funding was replaced by a central governmental grant which was gradually reduced during the years. Central government, through the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, controlled the purse strings and increasingly influenced the direction of local government. This inevitably led to greater centralisation and less accountability.
The Government is concerned to ensure local government services are delivered to communities in an efficient and effective manner. The Minister is examining new and more effective ways of achieving efficiencies, including the sharing of services, outsourcing and co-operation, if not amalgamation of local development groups, including enterprise boards. This reassessment and realignment will maximise the impact of investment in creating jobs at local level and delivering front-line services. A properly resourced local government sector is vital to local democracy. This legislation represents a step in that direction by affording local authorities a greater degree of financial independence. I commend the Bill to the House.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: I propose to share time with Deputy Dara Calleary.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Pat Breen): That is agreed.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: Before dealing with the Bill, I take the opportunity to pay tribute to a member of Cork County Council who passed away last week. Councillor Michael Donegan was a great friend of mine and a councillor of great experience having served in local government since 1978. It would be remiss of me when speaking on local government reform and the household charge not to mention him and to send our sympathies to his family and to all his friends and supporters in Milford.
We are in agreement with the principle of the Bill but we must ensure that vulnerable households, low income households, are exempted from this charge. We have been listening to history lessons from some of the speakers opposite about the abolition of rates in 1977. It might interest them to know that between 1973 and 1977, 75% of the rates were abolished by the then Labour-Fine Gael Government. Those parties promised, if elected, they would do away with the remaining 25%.
Deputy Phil Hogan: The car tax was not included.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: We are dealing with rates and local government reform——
Deputy Phil Hogan: It was a local government funding issue.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: ——but that point was missed if there is to be a fair——
Deputy Dara Calleary: I am too young to remember it.
Deputy Michael Moynihan: ——and balanced debate. We all deal with local government officials and we know they are courteous and efficient, by and large. The local authority system was established 112 years ago and long-standing practices require reform. Like my colleague, Deputy Áine Collins, I never served on a local authority. However, I contend that the abolition of the dual mandate was a mistake. The connection between national and local government was lost. Many of those who served under the dual mandate had the ability to bring issues and concerns arising in local authority meetings to the attention of the Oireachtas. The local authorities were then left adrift and the establishment of regional authorities added to the drift. The role and importance of local authorities in the daily lives of communities cannot be overstated. They provide guidance and funding to local and community groups. The proposed reform of local government must provide a connection between local and national government. The abolition of the town councils will not make any difference because they are probably the most effective local authority bodies and some town councils are progressive and bring in a balanced budget. They encourage enterprise centres and play a positive role in the life of the town. I support the commercial ratepayers in towns and those who contribute to the coffers of the local authorities. Retail centres in towns must attract the people from the hinterland so that they spend money in the towns rather in the cities. I suggest the Department should be very cautious about changing the planning regulations regarding large retail outlets. It has been demonstrated in Britain and elsewhere that these large retail outlets have caused the closure of the smaller retailers in towns. Policymakers over the years have made decisions that have resulted in small, sustainable rural communities dying out. The Minister needs to take great care to ensure those regulations do not cause the death of provincial towns and that these are protected. The legislation on household charges under discussion must ensure that the most vulnerable, those on low incomes and in receipt of social welfare, those who do not have the ability to pay, are exempt from the charge. I urge the Minister that his reform of local government should preserve the best practices of local government as well as rooting out those which are no longer suitable for this century and that any lifting of planning restrictions will not cause further suffering in small and provincial towns.
Deputy Dara Calleary: I welcome the opportunity to discuss local government and the household charge. I commend the Minister on his initial steps towards reform of local government, in particular, in Limerick and in Tipperary. The country has too many local authorities but the bigger problem is the existence of pseudo-local authorities, such as community groups, partnerships, county enterprise boards, county development boards, organisations acting as a local authority that are not. I commend the decision to include responsibility for the community sector in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and included in the Minister’s brief. I hope he will merge the two sectors together to create a streamlined process.
However, the rush to abolish town councils is slightly premature.
Deputy Phil Hogan: I did not abolish any yet.
Deputy Dara Calleary: That is good. I will speak for my own town council. I do not have the emotional attachment of having served on a local authority. The programme, Better Local Government, has been criticised the length and breadth of the country and there is no doubt it has added a significant cost burden to local government. However, Ballina Town Council is one of the winners in that we now have excellent officials who are based in the town and are planning the proper development of the town, which was not previously the case. There are party divisions within the council but these are generally left at the door. The nine councillors will always work together for the good of the town. The same is true for other town councils such as in Westport where the town council has made a difference and it has acted as the development agency for the town.
I have no difficulty with this household charge because, in my view, we must think differently about local government. Forcing businesses to pay for local government, as we have done since either 1973 or 1977, depending on one’s side of the argument, is wrong and is the reason we are where we are now. The Minister may be determined to cap the charge at €100 but charges are the opposite to gravity and they go up. People will be asked to pay for services which they may no longer be receiving. For instance, most councils no longer provide a refuse collection service and householders must instead pay €300 to a private operator. Urban dwellers will get water for free but rural dwellers in general must pay into the group water scheme. The roads in urban areas are well maintained but in rural areas this will become a problem due to the more severe winter weather and roads maintenance budgets are being cut. It will be difficult to explain to people what they are getting in return for this charge. I suggest that a summary of the services provided by local authorities be included with the invoices for the charge. The NPPR, non-principal private residence, scheme, is a model of how local government should operate and I presume the same model will apply in this case. People should know what services they are getting. Residents of counties Mayo or Monaghan, for example, should be able to list the services provided by their local council, whether street lights, planning and development services or more general services. Unless people have a connection to local government and know what they are getting for the money they are handing over, they will resent having to pay the household charge as they believe they pay enough taxes. If it is explained to them what their money is being spent on, the level of resentment will, I hope, be reduced.
Deputy Moynihan referred to the need to provide exemptions. It is wrong that under the proposal, a person living in a “Downton Abbey” style mansion will pay the same as someone living in a “Coronation Street” style terrace. Once local government has been fully reformed, the Government must introduce a tax which reflects the services people use based on the size of their residence and ability to pay. People will want to ensure the inefficiencies that are endemic in local government are eliminated before such a system is introduced. They will also need to be sure their money is paying for services as opposed to excesses in their local authority, for example, in staff numbers. For this reason, the Government must continue the work it has started to reduce costs in the back office and administration sides of local government.
Deputy Moynihan also referred to retail planning guidelines, which are an item on the Minister’s agenda. I ask the Minister to consider what has taken place in the United Kingdom because we do not want to go down the British route. The current position meets the needs of our retail sector. While the exemption made for IKEA has been commercially successful, we do not want a form of “Tescoisation” of the country, as has occurred in England where people travel for many miles to shop on Sundays because retail services have been sucked out of small towns and into larger ones. Such a process is not good for rural or urban living, consumer choice or prices.
Let us challenge local government. I accept that this is an easy argument for me to make given that I, unlike most Deputies, did not serve my political apprenticeship in a local authority and do not therefore have an emotional attachment to the system. Every local authority must ask what is its purpose and what is it adding to the equation. They must be given an opportunity to prove themselves or leave the stage.
We have heard discussion about super regional authorities. I cannot imagine a Kilkenny man and Laois man or Mayo man and Galway man agreeing on what is good for their respective regions. County loyalties and parish boundaries in Ireland do not conform to European norms and for this reason super regional authorities will not work. When we define the role of local government and the business it is involved in we must devise a structure to allow it to deliver properly.
It strikes me as strange that a city of 1 million people has four local authorities, all of which display signs at their boundaries informing people that they are entering such and such a county council area. Despite this, they all don the same jersey on the third Sunday in September. Perhaps the GAA is a model of how to operate efficiently. While the introduction of the current structures 20 years ago was probably well intentioned, we must ask whether these structures are delivering. Do we need four local authorities to deliver services in a city as small in international and comparative terms as Dublin? A similar question must be asked in areas which have city and borough councils or city and county councils.
On retail planning, we are stuck in a rut in respect of business rates. The reform of the valuation system is too slow and must be transformed. That is the fault of previous Governments but the current Government has an opportunity to do something about it. The Minister should start from scratch. I receive replies to parliamentary questions which suggest people are comfortable with the prospect that it will take ten years to complete the valuation process. This is not good enough given that many businesses have the remaining ten days before Christmas to generate sufficient income to enable them to continue to operate in January and February. As Deputies Niall Collins and Michael Moynihan noted, it is ridiculous that councils do not have the flexibility to offer specific rates to companies establishing a business in a certain town or offer discounts to firms which agree to employ a certain number of staff. If we want local authorities to have a local economic development role, they must have the power to give businesses in their respective areas a break. They do not have the flexibility in the area of development charges and rates that is required for a modern business model. I ask the Government to make this an urgent priority in its local government reform programme.
The Department is in a comfort zone on the issue of the valuation process because it has been completed in Dún Laoghaire and Dublin and will be rolled out nationwide over the next ten years. We must collectively challenge this comfort zone by starting again and delivering a completed valuation process in 18 months or two years. The 2014 local government elections will take place in two and a half years. This is a short period which will fly by. Unless we have a completely new model of local government by 2014, the recent trend of low turnouts at local government elections will continue because people will believe voting at local level does not matter. It does matter, however, because local government is the coalface of government.
In two and a half years, when people go through their wallets they will have a closer connection to local government than is currently the case. They must be convinced that local government makes a difference in their daily lives and is relevant to them. As the Minister implements the legislation and bills for local government charges are sent out in the coming months, he has an opportunity to drive home this message and show people what they will receive for the charges they are paying, as is done on invoices in other areas. I hope the reforms on which he is embarking will be in place before the 2014 local elections in order that people are given time to buy into them. I also hope that when we come to vote in June 2014 the electorate will vote for a system that has been transformed and become much more effective.
Deputy Liam Twomey: I support the Minister’s efforts to reform local government and make it work for citizens. Having been the Fine Gael Party spokesperson on environment and local government while in opposition, he knows the issues inside out. It would have been useful if Sinn Féin Deputies had remained for the debate given that their party is the only political party represented in the House which has experience of a valuation system and household charges. For this reason, Sinn Féin’s position on this issue would have been very useful. I fully support the Bill.
The Dáil adjourned at 10.30 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 14 December 2011.
———————— The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised]. ————————Questions Nos. 1 to 41, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 42 to 48, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 49 to 62, inclusive, answered orally.
63. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money paid to external consultants during each of the past six years; the names of these consultants; and the type of work they were contracted to do. [38660/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount paid by my Department to external consultants during each of the past six years, the names of the consultants and the type of work they were contracted to do is contained in the tabular statement. This information excludes the Defence Forces. The data relating to the Defence Forces is currently being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible. The objective of using external consultants is to ensure that my Department achieves value for money and maximises efficiency and effectiveness. My Department engages the services of external consultants only when there is a clear need for specialised expertise and following a rigorous examination of skills and resources available in-house. My Department is always mindful of the costs involved.
64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the availability of adequate and necessary resources to enable the Defence Forces respond to a major emergency requiring urgent deployment throughout the country on and off shore with particular reference to the ability to respond rapidly and effectively in an emergency situation in cooperation with the civil authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38672/11]
66. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the way the role of the Defence Forces will be filled in the provision of services during severe weather conditions in view of the increased level of retirements this year. [38657/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 66 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces will continue to have the necessary resources to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government including provision of assistance to the civil authorities in any emergency situations that might arise.
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they will continue to provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a severe weather emergency in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework.
The various procedures that are in place, both nationally and locally, were seen to operate very effectively last Winter as the Defence Forces made all assets, resources and capabilities available to the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and responded to all requests for assistance received from the civil authorities during the period of severe weather which ran from 27 November to 26 December 2010.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force at the end of that period (2010) was 9,550 and at 30 November last, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength was 9,460 personnel. I am committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at or around 9,500 personnel. Whilst it can be difficult to estimate precisely how many personnel will retire for reasons other than on age grounds, based on the latest available information (30 November) I can state that 53 officers and 437 enlisted personnel have submitted applications to retire or to be discharged from the Defence Forces on dates prior to 1 March 2012.
The extent of these retirements and discharges must however be counter-balanced by the fact that it has been possible to carry out some recruitment this year. To date, 32 Officers and 491 enlisted personnel have been recruited and it is anticipated that a further 39 enlisted personnel will be recruited before the end of this current year.
65. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons that will be recruited to the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve over the next two years. [38663/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The number of personnel that can be recruited to the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve is dependent on the level of funding available for training. The level of resourcing available for Defence has reduced significantly over recent years. The funds available for paid training days for members of the Reserve have been cut from €4.96 million in 2009 to €2.48 million in 2011. This provided for approximately 30,000 paid training mandays in 2011.
These paid training days provided targeted development training for existing members of the Reserve including career courses and skills courses.
In addition, it was possible to provide for the training of 200 new recruits to the RDF. This level of recruitment was agreed in consultation with the Military Authorities, having regard to the requirement to maintain the existing capabilities of the Reserve to the greatest extent possible.
The number of personnel that may be recruited in the coming year or future years has not been determined as yet. Officials from the Department are due to meet with the Acting Director of Reserve Forces in the coming week to discuss the training priorities within the Reserve over the coming year and to determine the level of recruitment that can be accommodated within the available resource envelope.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 64.
67. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons employed in the Naval Service dive recovery team; and the number he expects to recruit during the next two years. [38661/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The number of persons currently employed within the Naval Service Diving Section (NSDS) is eleven. The establishment for the Naval Service Diving Section is twenty three. As the Naval Service Diving Section can cater for a maximum of 12 students per course, and only one course is held annually, the maximum number of students that could be trained over the next two years is twenty four. Naval Service operational requirements will dictate the number of students who can be released at one time to attend this course, and therefore it is not possible at this juncture to say how many will be released to attend over the next 2 years.
68. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence his plans to procure a ship to replace the Asgard II. [38659/11]
69. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence his plans to re-establish a national sail training scheme. [38658/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 69 together.
The Minister for Defence has no plans to re-establish a national sail training scheme or to procure a ship to replace Asgard II. In the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010, the previous Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued, as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure.
70. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Defence the numbers of properties he has held over each of the past ten years used for married quarters for members of the Defence Forces; and the position regarding these properties once they are vacated. [38665/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): In February 1997 the then Minister for Defence set out policy on married quarters on the basis that they were largely an anachronism and that they should be discontinued in a managed and orderly way. At that time there were 500 married quarters of which 380 were occupied. In the intervening period over 150 quarters located outside of barracks have been sold to occupants while many more have been demolished or converted to other uses.
As of now the stock of married quarters stands at 95 occupied premises. A number of other former quarters are vacant pending a decision on conversion to other military use or demolition. 48 of these quarters are occupied by serving members of the Defence Forces or members of the chaplaincy service. The remaining 47 continue to be occupied by “overholders”, a phrase used to describe people who did not vacate the property on their retirement or resignation from the Defence Forces as required under Defence Force Regulations. A number of these are in the process of buying the properties which are outside of barracks.
As part of the process of discontinuing the use of married quarters my Department will, in the near future, be addressing the remaining overholder issue. This will see a small number of people being granted continued occupancy of the properties for the remainder of their lives. In the other cases the Department will be beginning the process of seeking vacant possession of the properties. The first phase of this will involve those concerned being, yet again, made aware of their responsibility to vacate the quarters and advised of the need for them to make alternative arrangements. The Department will provide supporting material to those applying for Local Authority housing.
71. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the numbers of female members of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service. [38667/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit. A number of initiatives have been taken in recent years. In 2006 the minimum height requirement for joining the Defence Forces was reduced from 5 ft. 4 in. to 5 ft. 2 in. This increased the potential recruitment pool of females from 60% to 90% of female population.
In 2007, the Department of Defence received the report of a TNS/MRBI study it had commissioned, titled “Retention and Recruitment of Women in The Defence Forces”. This research was commissioned with a view to identifying areas where action could be taken to maximise the number of women applicants to the Defence Forces, hence increasing the number joining. The question of retention was also studied.
The results of the research were, on balance, positive. Three-quarters of serving women agreed that the Defence Forces are a good place to work. In addition there was a very high level of satisfaction (70%-80%) expressed as regards the issues of job security, pay and benefits and the variety of work on offer.
The recommendations of the report on the issue of attracting and retaining women are being implemented and the challenges identified therein continue to be addressed. Those challenges include raising the profile of a career for women in the Defence Forces in their recruitment campaigns, promoting a dual gender image and providing education to career guidance teachers on the role of women in the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces on the direction of the Chief of Staff is establishing a Working Group to examine levels of female participation in the organisation. The Working Group will, inter alia , inquire into why women apply or do not apply for positions within the Defence Forces and what can be done to increase awareness among the female population of a career in the Defence Forces. The data gathered from the review will be used to formulate new policies in this area, specifically aimed at increasing female participation in the Defence Forces.
The number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force on 30 November 2011, the last date for which figures are available, was 565, of which 468 were serving in the Army, 31 in the Air Corps and 66 in the Naval Service. In terms of ranks the breakdown of female personnel serving on 31 October 2011 was 146 Officers, 186 Non Commissioned Officers and 228 Privates and 5 Cadets. The percentage of female personnel serving on 31 October 2011 was 5.98% of the overall strength of the Force on that date. This compares favourably with 2000 when 4.08% of personnel were female. I also understand that of the 240 recruits currently being inducted to the Permanent Defence Force, 4 are female.
72. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of support available to the Civil Defence to deal with severe weather emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38438/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am satisfied that the Civil Defence organisation continues to be in a position to train and equip volunteers to a very high standard. In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, which identifies a wide role for Civil Defence in emergency response, the strategies identified by the Civil Defence Board place a high priority on the organisation’s ability to respond effectively to severe weather and other types of emergencies.
A recent programme of seven Regional Exercises, augmented by specific training courses delivered through the Civil Defence College in areas such as Water Awareness, Advanced Driving Instruction and the qualification of over 120 additional Emergency Technicians in the Casualty Service, has greatly enhanced the capability of Civil Defence to respond to severe weather emergencies. The purchase during 2011 of floating walkway systems, waterproof radio sets, additional four-wheel-drive vehicles and a second all-terrain vehicle have also enhanced the organisation’s capability in this regard. As the Minister for Defence has previously outlined to this House, during the serious flooding conditions that were experienced in counties Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Monaghan in October of this year, over 200 Civil Defence volunteers responded, at very short notice, to a wide range of calls for assistance from front-line service providers.
The organisation’s capability was also seen to operate very effectively during the severe weather events of the last two winters as volunteers responded to requests for assistance from the Gardaí, local authorities and the HSE.
The recently published Report on the Review of the Response to Exceptional Severe Weather Events of 2009-2010 highlighted in very positive terms the role that Civil Defence played in the response.
73. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons employed in his Department on salaries of €200,000 or above; the number of persons employed in his Department on salaries of between €150,000 and €200,000; and the number of persons employed in his Department on salaries of between €100,000 and €150,000. [38666/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Department of Defence includes civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees. None of these staff are employed on a salary of €200,000 or above. Two individuals, the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, receive annual salaries in the €150,000 to €200,000 band.
There are 14 members of staff in receipt of salaries in the €100,000 to €150,000 band: 4 civil servants, 10 members of the Defence Forces. The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is also in this category.
74. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Defence the legislation he intends to introduce during the lifetime of the Government. [38664/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
75. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 21 September 2011, the further progress that has been made by him on the proposed Green Paper on Defence; when he expects to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38674/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The first White Paper on Defence was intended to encompass the period to end 2010. Having considered the preliminary work undertaken on the preparation of a new White Paper, I decided in September 2011 to expand the planned consultative process by initiating the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. The intention is that this will act as a catalyst to ensure an appropriate level of debate on Defence. The priority in my Department in recent months has been the completion of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in Defence. Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure I have announced a re-organisation of the Defence Forces including the movement from three to two brigades. Obviously, these tasks have drawn from the resources in the Department targeted to work on the development of the Green Paper.
The outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and budget 2012 have provided a necessary degree of clarity in respect of the resources that will be available to Defence in the short to medium term.
This will frame the policy options available and inform the Green Paper consultative process, which I expect to be launched in the first quarter of 2012.
76. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the work of the Government task force on emergency planning. [38654/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair, meets on a regular basis and the most recent meeting was held yesterday, 12 December 2011. The Task Force includes representatives from all Government Departments, and Agencies who have a lead or support role in emergency planning.
While the details of matters discussed at meetings of the Task Force are confidential, I can confirm that it examines current risks and supports coordination arrangements for emergency planning across Government.
At recent meetings, presentations were made by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government, the Health & Safety Authority, the Office of Emergency Planning and Met Éireann.
An interim review report of the flooding that occurred on 24 October 2011 was presented at yesterday’s meeting.
The Government Task Force meeting held on 9 November 2011 focussed on winter preparedness. After that meeting, together with my colleagues Phil Hogan, T.D, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Leo Varadkar T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I launched a ‘Winter-Ready’ information campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to provide information to the public on how to prepare for winter. The advice is being delivered via Aertel pages, booklets and the website www.winterready.ie. Also, each meeting of the Task Force has, as a standing agenda item, an assessment of the current security threat, which is provided by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The next Government Task Force meeting will be held in February 2012.
77. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39397/11]
78. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39414/11]
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
There are five Special Advisers employed by my Department, four of whom are my Special Advisers and one of whom is Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip.
The details requested in relation to the names and salaries of the Special Advisers employed by my Department are set out in the table. None of the salaries have changed since the Special Advisers were appointed.
For the Deputy’s information, my Department provides office accommodation to three Special Advisers assigned to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and one Special Adviser assigned to the Minister of State for European Affairs.
Under the supervision of my Chief of Staff, the Special Advisers working in my Department provide briefings and advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing such other functions as I may direct from time to time. They also liaise with other Special Advisers in each Government Department so that I remain informed on developments across Government.
The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
79. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Taoiseach the proportion of the population in consistent poverty each year since 2000; the proportion of the population in relative poverty each year since 2000; the Gini co-efficient of inequality each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39482/11]
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) in Ireland is a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions. It is the official source of data on household and individual income and also provides a number of key national poverty indicators, such as the at risk of poverty rate ( a relative poverty indicator), the consistent poverty rate and rates of enforced deprivation.
The data requested by the Deputy for 2004 to 2010 inclusive are presented below in Table A. The first full year of data available from SILC was 2004. SILC data for earlier years are not available.
80. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 20 September 2011, the measures that will be taken to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39855/11]
The Taoiseach: As I announced on 4 December 2011, my Department will from 1 January 2012 no longer pay for the salary costs of secretarial assistants employed by former Taoisigh or for the purchase of computer equipment for this service. In addition, my Department will no longer pay for telephone costs incurred by former Taoisigh or for use by them of airport VIP facilities.
81. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39391/11]
82. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39408/11]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
Special Advisers are appointed under the terms of Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 and are required to perform any duties that may be assigned to them from time-to-time by the relevant Minister as appropriate to the position held. Those duties include providing advice as well as monitoring, facilitating and assisting in the achievement of Departmental objectives. The Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour apply to the post-holders. The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment. The following are details of the Special Advisers currently employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
83. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will commit that Ireland’s position in relation to Serbia’s accession to the EU will be based on Serbia normalising relations with Kosovo and this being seen in action on the ground, also dependent on the implementation of the facilitation dialogue on technical issues; his views on the situation regarding the barricades in the north of Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39559/11]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): Ireland and its EU partners are committed to enhancing stability in the Western Balkans. The EU perspective for the countries in the region, as agreed at the June 2003 Thessaloniki European Council, is essential in helping to build and maintain this stability. The EU will remain engaged in assisting the countries in the region to undertake the reforms necessary to move forward in their path to the EU. At the European Council meeting of 9 December last, Heads of State and Government of the European Union noted the considerable progress Serbia has made towards fulfilling the political criteria set by the Copenhagen European Council and the Stabilisation and Association Process requirements and the fact that a fully satisfactory level in its co-operation with ICTY has been reached. The European Council welcomed that Serbia has re-engaged in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and that it is moving forward with implementation of agreements in good faith. It also welcomed the Agreement on Integrated Border Management.
With a view to granting Serbia the status of candidate country, the European Council tasked the Council of Ministers to examine and confirm that Serbia has continued to show credible commitment and has achieved further progress in moving forward with the implementation in good faith of agreements reached in the dialogue, including on Integrated Border Management; that it has reached an agreement on inclusive regional co-operation and that it has actively cooperated to enable EULEX (European Union Rule of Law Mission) and KFOR (Kosovo Force) to execute their mandates. In the light of its examination, the Council of Ministers will take a decision in February 2012 on granting Serbia candidate status, to be confirmed by the March European Council. With regard to difficulties on the border between Kosovo and Serbia, it is essential that the Government in Belgrade does everything possible to persuade the ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo to desist from provocative acts.
84. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken to address the advice on a charter of rights for the island of Ireland prepared by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Irish Human Rights Commission; if he plans to progress these recommendations; if he has liaised with the appropriate authorities in the Government of the United Kingdom on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39650/11]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): The Joint Committee of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission presented their advice for a Charter of Rights for the island of Ireland earlier this year. This was in accordance with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. The advice of the Joint Committee was delivered to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Ceann Comhairle, who passed the advice to all the political parties in both jurisdictions for their consideration. According to the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, the Charter of Rights would be for signature by the political parties. At the time the advice was presented, I expressed my gratitude to the Joint Committee for their work on the Charter of Rights and welcomed their input. This advice should be given serious consideration by all the political parties on the island of Ireland. I urge my colleagues here and in the Northern Ireland Assembly to make every effort to progress this important document.
85. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any Ministers are planning to make an official visit to Israel in the forthcoming 12 months; and if so, if he will ensure that if such a trip occurs, the Minister will spend equal time in the occupied Palestinian territories, and make every effort to visit Gaza. [39835/11]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): The Deputy will be aware that I have been planning an official visit to the region. I hope this may be possible early in 2012. My primary purpose will be to meet the parties in relation to the Middle East Peace Process, to hear from them the prospects and obstacles as they see them and to encourage them to commit seriously to this effort. I will look at some of the issues on the ground and develop Ireland’s bilateral relationships in the region. My visit will therefore involve elements in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. I would also intend if possible to visit Gaza. It is not an absolute requirement to combine all these elements in a single visit, but it makes practical sense to do so if possible. It is clearly essential that as Foreign Minister I speak to and hear from both sides. I am not at this point aware of other Ministerial visits to Israel which may be planned for 2012. I will, however, encourage colleagues who are planning such visits to meet, if they can, with relevant counterparts in the Palestinian Authority as well as with representatives of the Israeli government. I will also encourage visits to the occupied Palestinian Territories. The Government will use all the contacts we have with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to underline our support for a lasting resolution of the conflict and for a peaceful and prosperous future for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
86. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39390/11]
87. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39407/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
I have appointed Mary Kenny and Eoin Dorgan as special advisers. The salary for both advisers has been €83,337 per annum since their appointment. The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour (September 2004) sets out the terms and conditions of service, including the engagement in political activity, of all civil servants including ministerial appointees. Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
88. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue generated through stamp duty on a county basis to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39462/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of the net receipts of Stamp Duties on a county basis. However, on the basis of information derived from the processing of property transactions in 2010, an indication of the amount of stamp duties associated with properties located in the various counties can be provided as follows, together with the amount per county shown as a percentage of the total Stamp Duty yield from property transactions.
The necessary statistical data to enable corresponding information to be provided for 2011 is not yet available.
89. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Finance the reason a State-owned bank, PTSB, is charging its standard variable rate customers 6.5% APR which may be reduced to 5.9% after the ECB rate is implemented who are being funded in large part by the European Central Bank which is currently charging them 1.25%; if he has asked the board to review the interest rate charged; if he has asked the Central Bank of Ireland to assess the means by which PTSB sets SVRs; the reason rate charged by the State owned bank is higher than the rate charged by all the non-State owned banks including the Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39516/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have not asked the PTSB board to review its mortgage interest rates. Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have a statutory role in the setting of interest rates charged or paid by financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank. Ultimately, the pricing of financial products, including variable mortgage interest rates, is a commercial decision for the respective management teams and boards of the banks having given due regard to its customers and the impact on the profitability of the bank, particularly as their cost of funding, including deposit pricing, is under pressure. The Central Bank has informed me that, using its existing powers, it will engage with lenders that appear to have standard variable mortgage rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds. Credit institutions are not primarily or always funded from the ECB, but rather from a wide variety of sources. In relation to the current rates charged by PTSB, I understand it will charge 5.19% on all standard variable rates following the ECB rate cut on 8 December 2011.
90. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance the average maturity of Government bonds issued in 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39546/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Data supplied to my Department by the Central Bank of Ireland shows that the average maturity of Government bonds issued in 1984 was approximately seven and a half years.
91. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance the tax credits available for cohabiting couples who are not married; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39606/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The position is that cohabitating couples are expressly recognised for the purpose of social welfare law but are not recognised for the purposes of Income Tax law. Although this may appear contradictory, the main aim of both the welfare code and the tax code is to uphold the constitutional right of married couples not to be treated less favourably than unmarried couples. The basis for the current tax treatment of married couples derives from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. the Attorney General (1980) which held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple to pay more tax than two single people living together and having the same income. The treatment of cohabiting couples for the purposes of social welfare is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. However, it is also based on the principle that married couples should not be treated less favourably than cohabiting couples. This was given a constitutional underpinning following the Supreme Court decision in Hyland v. Minister for Social Welfare (1989) which ruled it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting. In the particular circumstances outlined, where a couple is cohabiting rather than married, they are treated as separate and unconnected individuals for the purpose of Income Tax. Each partner is a separate entity for tax purposes and, accordingly, credits and bands cannot be transferred from one partner to the other. On that basis, the main tax credits available to a person in the circumstances set out in the details supplied are the single person’s tax credit of €1,650 and the employee tax credit of €1,650.
92. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding indirect taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39651/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The rate of VAT was increased in Budget 2012 by 2 percentage points from 21% to 23% as part of a general package of revenue raising measures to contribute to Exchequer funding. The position is that this Government has also fulfilled its commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits and not to increase the top marginal rate of taxes on income.
93. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be issued with a P21 statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39663/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have written to the person concerned for details necessary to issue the Balancing Statement (P21) for 2010.
94. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the total value of licensed and off-licensed alcohol sales from 2007 to date in 2011; the total amount of excise duty and VAT on each of these types of sale over the past four years and the amount of VAT claimed by retailers as an input credit against VAT due on the off-license sales of alcohol for the same period; if he will provide the data on the sale of wine and cider in licensed and off-licensed premises during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39716/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no information available regarding on or off premises sales, as alcohol products tax receipts are not distinguished between alcohol subsequently sold in licensed pubs and sold in off-licences. With regard to the total value of licensed and off-licensed alcohol sales from 2007 to date in 2011, and data on the sale of wine and cider during this time, Revenue does not keep statistics on quantities of alcohol sold.
The available information on revenue raised through the sale of alcohol is in respect of Alcohol Products Tax and VAT. Details are as follows:
Please note that the VAT receipts are estimated, as the VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified.
Information for 2011 to date is not available.
95. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding mortgage interest relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39735/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): As I stated in my Budget speech, the Government has now fulfilled its commitment contained in the Programme for Government to increase the rate of mortgage interest relief to 30 per cent for first-time buyers who took out their first mortgage in that period. I will be looking at the technical detail of the legislation in preparation for the Finance Bill and I will take the highlighted case into consideration in that regard.
96. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the regulations he imposes on self-administered pension funds with particular emphasis on the reason that funds are required to put aside a set amount of money which cannot be drawn down and which is not calculated as a percentage of the overall value of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39878/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I understand that this question may relate to the flexible options on retirement first introduced in Finance Act 1999. Prior to that Act, any person taking a pension under a defined contribution (DC) scheme or a Retirement Annuity Contract was required to purchase an annuity with their remaining pension pot after drawing down the appropriate tax-free lump sum. Finance Act 1999 introduced significant changes which gave a considerable degree of control, flexibility and personal choice to certain categories of individuals in relation to the drawing down of benefits from their pension plans. These choices include the options to purchase an annuity, to receive the balance of the pension fund in cash (subject to tax, as appropriate), to invest in an approved retirement fund (ARF) or an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF), subject to certain conditions.
Access to these flexible options was extended to all main benefits from retirement benefit schemes (other than Defined Benefit arrangements) in Finance Act 2011. The changes made in Finance Act 2011 have particular relevance for ordinary members of occupational DC pension schemes in respect of the main benefits from such schemes, as up to the passing of the Act, the only option available to them in respect of those benefits had been the purchase of a retirement annuity after taking the tax-free lump sum. These individuals now have the choices referred to above depending on their particular circumstances. It should be borne in mind, however, that the option to invest in an ARF or AMRF as opposed to purchasing an annuity may not be appropriate for everyone.
Under the regime the options to
The purpose of the specified income limit is to ensure, before an individual has unfettered access to their remaining retirement funds via an ARF for example, that they have the security of an adequate guaranteed income throughout their retirement. The change to the specified income limit introduced in Finance Act 2011 was strongly signalled in the National Pensions Framework published in March 2010.
Where the minimum specified income test is not met, and an individual does not wish to purchase an annuity, then an AMRF must be chosen into which a “set aside” amount must be invested from the pension fund equal to 10 times the maximum annual rate of State Pension (Contributory) —€119,800 at present — or the remainder of the pension fund, after taking the tax-free lump sum, if less. Prior to Finance Act 2011, the “set aside” amount was fixed at the first €63,500 of the pension fund or the remainder of the fund after the tax-free lump sum, if less than that amount. The purpose of an AMRF is to ensure a capital or income “safety net” throughout the period of their retirement for individuals with pension income below the specified income limit. The funds in an AMRF can be used by the owner at any time to purchase an annuity. On death of the AMRF owner, the AMRF automatically becomes an ARF and any remaining funds may be passed on in a tax efficient way to a surviving spouse and/or children.
Prior to Finance Act 2011, if the minimum specified income test was not met at the time the option to effect the ARF or cash option was exercised and the individual placed a “set aside” amount in an AMRF, that capital sum was effectively “locked in” and could not be accessed by the individual, other than to purchase an annuity, until he or she reached 75 years of age (at which point the AMRF automatically becomes an ARF) though any income generated by the fund could be drawn down subject to tax. This was the position even if the minimum specified income test was met after retirement. Finance Act 2011 changed this rule so that where the minimum specified income test is met at any time after retirement and before age 75, the AMRF automatically becomes an ARF with full access to the funds.
The Budget and Finance Act 2011 changes seek to ensure that those in pension arrangements to whom the flexible ARF options on retirement have been extended will have choices which best suit their particular circumstances. In making the changes, however, there was also a concern to ensure that the parameters and rules governing the extension are set in a way that avoids an increase in the risk of income poverty in old age.
97. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the projected loss to the Exchequer due to the capital gains exemption introduced for the sale of any commercial property that takes place up to 2013 which is not resold for seven years; if the incentive relief will apply in perpetuity, for example, if a property bought in 2012 is not sold for 50 years, whether no capital gains will apply in 2062, and if not, if he will indicate the way the capital gains exempt from tax for the seven year period will be assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39883/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) initiative I announced in the Budget is a relief from CGT on the disposal of certain property, where that property is bought during the “incentive period” from 7 December 2011 to 31 December 2013 and is held for seven years. The relief will apply to all property, whether residential or non-residential. The relief will not apply if a property is sold within seven years of its acquisition. If it is sold more than seven years after acquisition and a gain is made on the sale, relief will be given for the initial seven year holding period. For example, if the property was bought in January 2012 and sold in January 2022, the property would have been held for ten years, so seven tenths of any gain will be relieved from CGT and three tenths is taxable. If the property is held for 50 years, as per the Deputy’s question, seven fiftieths of the gain will relieved from CGT and 43 fiftieths will be taxable.
There will be no cost to the Exchequer from the scheme in the next seven years, because the relief cannot be claimed until a property bought in the incentive period is owned for at least seven years. It is not possible to project how much CGT relief will be given after that date, because the number of cases in which relief can be claimed is dependent on the number of properties purchased within the incentive period, and the relief will vary in every case depending on the value of the property on its disposal and the date of the disposal.
Together with the reduction in the rate of Stamp Duty on non-residential property to 2%, which I also announced in the Budget, the measure is intended to stimulate the property market. While there may be a cost to the measure itself in the long term, the intended stimulus effect should lead to additional employment, activity and revenue to the State from other taxes in the short term.
Full details of the measure will be contained in the Finance Bill.
98. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the specific measures he intends to introduce in the Finance Bill 2012, as mentioned in his budget speech, to support the continued success of the international funds industry, the corporate treasury sector, the international insurance industry and the aircraft leasing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39884/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I announced in my Budget speech that I intend to introduce a package of measures in the forthcoming Finance Bill to support the continued success of the International Financial Services (IFS) industry in Ireland. The sector employs more than 30,000 people and contributes over €1 billion in tax to the Exchequer. The Government’s commitment to the sector was reaffirmed in the 5-year strategy for the industry which was launched by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., in July this year. The list of items for inclusion in the Finance Bill is currently being finalised. I will then bring the list of IFS related items to Government for approval as part of the overall Finance Bill. The list of items will then be published in the Bill. I do not propose to list the items in advance of them being approved by Government.
99. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding top slicing relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39903/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim for “Top Slicing Relief” for the person concerned has been processed and a cheque for the appropriate amount has been issued. A further claim made in July 2011 for relief on a lump sum received in 2006 has been disallowed. As this claim relates to the year 2006, it is outside the 4-year time limit for the making of claims for repayment of tax, a rule which is expressly prescribed by Section 865 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
I am also advised by the Commissioners that there is no record of a request for a P21 in 2006.
100. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance if the relief for energy efficiency measures to the maximum value of €10,000 announced in budget 2011 will be honoured in 2012 to award credits to members of the public who undertook such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39905/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Section 13 of Finance Act 2011 provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.
As part of the announcement in the Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a co-existing tax incentive for similar works and, following this review, I decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme.
It is worth pointing out that it was never envisaged that individuals could qualify for both the grants and the proposed tax relief. Refocusing the funding such that it is provided via the grants scheme clarifies Government support measures for energy efficiency works.
101. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the schemes available for persons struggling to pay residential management fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39933/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Where individuals have difficulties in meeting household debts, they may be able to avail of certain services provided by the Department of Social Protection or by organisations which operate broadly under its aegis. I understand from that Department, however, that there is no specific scheme to assist in the payment of residential management fees. My Department is not responsible for schemes of the nature referred to by the Deputy.
102. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he will furnish this Deputy with the amount of new credit advanced by the financial institutions which have been benefiting from the State guarantee since February. [39964/11]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): As the Deputy is aware the Central Bank gathers and collates statistics on a wide range of Financial Services Sector activities on an on-going basis. As a general rule, my Department does not engage in a separate exercise to collect such statistics, but has access to and relies on statistics provided and published by the Central Bank. For the Deputy’s information, the relevant statistics for the provision of credit are accessible at http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/cmab/Pages/releases.aspx
103. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who have had their professional apprenticeships halted after being let go during the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39465/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon): I understand from FÁS that the total number of Redundant Apprentices recorded on the FÁS Apprenticeship Management System with a category of redundant in the 12 month period to 6th December 2011 is 1,107. FÁS has also advised that the current status of the redundant apprentices recorded in this period is as set out in the table.
104. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to some information (details supplied) not being shared on the new informational website, www.decisionmap.ie, as maintained by Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Central Statistics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39521/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): As the Deputy may be aware the website referred to was created by Ordinance Survey Ireland (OSI) and Twelve Horses (a digital agency specialising in online services) and therefore is not under the remit of my Department. My Department has been in contact with both the CSO and OSI in relation to the specific education provision information that it will be making available to the operators of the website.
105. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money spent by him on school transport annually since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39861/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon): The 2011 allocation for school transport services is nearly €180 million. Expenditure on school transport provision since 2007 is as follows:
| Year | Outturn (millions) |
|---|---|
| 2007 | €172.106 |
| 2008 | €185.725 |
| 2009 | €177.567 |
| 2010 | €181.409 |
106. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will organise a meeting for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow with FÁS to explain the training and upskilling entitlements to which they are entitled. [39875/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon): I understand from FÁS that arrangements have been made for the person in question to attend for interview with a FÁS Employment Services Officer.
107. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39388/11]
108. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39405/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
Since I took office I have appointed 2 Special Advisers, a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary in accordance with the revised conditions for Ministerial Appointments as published by the Department of Finance on the 24th, March 2011. The Minister of State at my Department has similarly appointed a Personal Secretary and Personal Assistant. The tabular statement gives details of the Ministerial appointments made at my Department earlier this year together with details of their current salaries. They were placed on the appropriate point of the salary scale proximate to the earnings they were in receipt of in their former employment.
In relation to their political activities or affiliations, I am not in a position to give details as it is not open to me to request the appointees to provide this information. However, the Deputy should note that the restrictions which have traditionally been imposed on civil servants engaging in political activity under Paragraph 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour do not apply to Ministerial Staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister.
In accordance with the terms of the Ethics in Public Office Acts copies of the appointees’ contracts of employment together with details of the Special Advisers qualifications were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 28th, October 2011.
| Appointee | Position | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Martina Forde | Personal Assistant | €49,790 |
| Niamh Lawless | Personal Secretary | €38,945 |
109. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who were denied a student grant upon application in 2010 on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39468/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The table details the number of student grant applications, both new and renewals, that were deemed ineligible for a grant by the 66 grant awarding authorities for the 2010/2011 academic year. The information has been supplied to my Department by the grant awarding authorities — local authorities and VECs — as at 21st January 2011.
*This information is as at 21 January 2011 for the 2010/11 academic year and has been provided by the awarding authorities to the Department.
110. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding career guidance councillors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39493/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): While difficult choices had to be made to identify savings across my Department’s budget, the Government has tried to protect front line services in 2012.
The Government has protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
Until now, a specific resource was provided to all second-level schools for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation. In future, schools must meet their guidance requirements from within the overall resource provided by the normal staffing schedule. Individually schools can continue to make provision for guidance and counselling. Decisions on how this will be done will be taken at school level in the best interests of students and to ensure the best use of resources available. I am confident school management and teachers will continue to work together to meet the needs of the students in their care.
In this way, the main teacher allocation can be maintained at 19:1 for schools generally, while schools will have discretion to balance what they allocate for guidance against the competing demands of providing subject choice. The change that has been announced gives schools greater autonomy in how they allocate staff resources to best meet the needs of their students. I have also provided for the filling of 300 Assistant Principal posts in second-level schools over the level originally planned. This will ensure that schools have sufficient management positions to ensure appropriate supports are available for all students. This is an important change which will reduce the impact of the moratorium on the filling of posts of responsibility in second level schools.
A key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target available funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage. All 195 second-level school in DEIS will be given targeted support by a more favourable staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point reduction compared to the existing PTR of 19:1 that applies in non fee-paying second-level schools.
Psychologists from my Department’s national educational psychological service NEPS, are present in schools across the country and provide a range of supports. These include the promotion of positive mental health among the general student body and assistance in supporting pupils with particular social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. The NEPS also encourages the development of structures among teachers and schools care teams.
The change to guidance allocations must be seen in the context of the major challenges we have as a Government in trying to shelter public services to the greatest extent that we can in these exceptional times. My Department will be notifying schools of the impact of the budget changes in January, 2012.
111. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is any grant or funding for a third level student (details supplied) who is attending a college in the USA. [39500/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The student grant scheme does not extend to third level courses pursued outside the EU. The student to which the Deputy refers may, however, be eligible for tax relief for his tuition fees. Details in relation to this are available from the applicant’s local tax office or on www.revenue.ie.
112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 25 October 2011, regarding the refusal of a third level grant to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, when the review will be complete in order that a decision may issue; the reason for the delay in arriving at this decision in view of the promises made on public service reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39513/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): This case was reviewed by my Department and it issued its decision on 8 December 2011. The delay was due to the complexity of the case.
113. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide further details on the specific analysis on tuition fee income available to schools and its utilisation in the Protestant fee-charging schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many Protestant fee-charging schools have significant additional expenses because they must be run as boarding schools to cater for the geographically dispersed Protestant population; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that almost half of the Protestant students in fee-charging schools come from households whose disposable income is so low that they qualify for a grant and that fee-charging boarding schools is often the only feasible way to provide a Protestant ethos secondary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39530/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I have asked my officials to conduct an analysis of the potential extent and nature of the Exchequer investment, including funding for teacher posts, in the fee-charging schools.
The specific analysis to be conducted by my Department will involve looking at the level of the tuition fee income based on fee rates and pupil numbers. It will take account of Exchequer investment foregone (in teacher allocations and recurrent grants) because the school is charging fees. In this way the additional or discretionary income available to fee charging schools relative to other schools can be assessed. It will then involve some dialogue with schools to confirm the information and each fee charging school will have the opportunity to identify if there are certain individual factors which may limit their freedom to use this discretionary income — e.g., mortgages entered into for capital developments or other verifiable liabilities. This process will apply to all fee charging schools.
In relation to the other points made by the Deputy in relation to provision for Protestant students I want to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully conscious that maintaining a network of schools is important if students from minority denominations are to be enabled attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos, while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements for those schools are in accordance with the Constitution.
I should clarify for the Deputy that schools may charge for boarding facilities and still be classified as in the “free scheme” where they get the additional funding and teacher resources payable to all second level schools that do not charge tuition fees.
There are at present two second level schools serving the needs of Protestant children where boarding facilities are provided and where tuition fees are not charged. One of those schools ceased to charge fees in the past year and now has access to the grants and teaching resource allocations available to second level schools generally. My Department worked with the school concerned to facilitate its transition from the fee charging sector.
114. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline in detail where the 428 posts which were allocated to schools under legacy programmes prior to the roll-out of the DEIS initiative in 2005 which are due to be phased out are based. [39532/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): Given the scale of our economic crisis, adjustments have had to be made across all areas of the public sector. Despite this challenge, the Government has sought to do this in as fair a way as possible.
We have protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
While DEIS schools are not immune to budgetary measures, a key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage.
The new staffing schedule for DEIS Band 1 primary schools, which now gives greater autonomy to schools, will operate on a general average of 1 teacher for every 22 pupils. This simplifies the existing system whereby schools are given a “top-up” allocation to support lower class sizes of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes. DEIS post-primary schools will be targeted for additional support through an improved staffing schedule of 18.25:1, which is a 0.75 point improvement compared to the existing standard 19:1 that applies in post-primary schools that do not charge fees (or compared to the 21:1 ratio that will apply in fee-charging schools).
In order to ensure fairness in the distribution of resources available under the DEIS plan, it is no longer possible to allow some schools to retain legacy posts on a concessionary basis that predate the introduction of DEIS. A range of measures has been announced to withdraw supports (428 posts) from earlier disadvantage programmes/schemes in 270 primary schools and 163 post primary schools, both DEIS and Non-DEIS that exceed what equivalent schools are entitled to under DEIS or to which non-DEIS schools are not entitled. These measures will take effect from the 2012/13 school year. The breakdown of these legacy posts are: — 38 concessionary teaching posts will be withdrawn from 15 non-DEIS primary schools previously in Giving Children an Even Break Programme and who retained a reduced PTR of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes.- 102 concessionary posts will be withdrawn from 52 Urban Band 2 DEIS schools previously in the Giving Children an Even Break Programme and who had a reduced PTR of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes.- 43 Support Teacher Posts will be withdrawn from 48 primary schools (45 DEIS and 3 Non DEIS)- 45 concessionary posts will be withdrawn from 32 DEIS Schools previously in the Breaking the Cycle Programme and who had a reduced PTR of 15:1 at the junior classes- 64 concessionary posts in 59 primary schools and 136 posts in 163 post-primary schools will be withdrawn from DEIS schools previously in the Disadvantaged Area Scheme.
Some alleviation measures will be available for those schools considered to be most acutely affected by these changes. Schools will be notified in January 2012 of their staffing entitlements under the new arrangement for 2012/13, including any alleviation measures that may apply. The Government’s protection of schools serving disadvantaged areas is further underlined by the maintenance of €13 million in enhanced funding for DEIS schools, €2 million in school book funding for DEIS schools, as well as a €26 million investment in the Home School Community Liaison scheme. All of these areas have been protected from reductions in expenditure for 2012.
115. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for education through the medium of Irish at a location and school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39534/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I wish to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department have been in discussions with Co. Wicklow VEC regarding a permanent site for the school to which he refers. However, given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time. The acquisition of a site and the delivery of the school building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
116. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the phased adjustment proposed to staffing schedules for one, two, three and four teacher schools with fewer than 86 pupils in the 2012 budget; and the way this will impact on the pupil teacher ratios of such schools. [39536/11]
139. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact on each primary school in County Mayo of the phased adjustments to staffing schedules in one, two, three and four teacher schools; if he will outline same on a school by school basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39747/11]
142. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact on each primary school in County Sligo of the phased adjustments to staffing schedules in one, two, three and four teacher schools; if he will outline same on a school by school basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39750/11]
168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline by county the name and address of each primary school whose staffing schedule may be adjusted due to his decision to introduce phased adjustments from 2012-2013 to staffing schedules for one, two, three and four teacher schools. [40008/11]
169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that will be affected in 2012 by the decision to introduce phased adjustments from 2012-2013 to staffing schedules for one, two, three and four teacher schools. [40009/11]
170. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will elaborate on his statement that the adjustment to the staffing levels for one, two, three and four teacher schools is a measure that is being phased in to encourage small schools to assess their options for amalgamation.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40010/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 139, 142, 168 to 170, inclusive together.
As part of the Budget decisions announced last week, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. The schools concerned are those with four or less classroom teachers. The pupil thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools (disadvantage schools) are not as high as they reflect the newly introduced 22:1 staffing schedule. Reduced pupil thresholds will continue to apply in respect of schools that are the only primary school on an island. It is important to emphasise that no small schools will be closed due to the changes that have been announced.
The phased adjustment is estimated to yield a saving of 250 teaching posts over the next three years, with 100 of these posts being removed in 2012/13 school year. The resulting surplus teachers will be redeployed to vacancies in other neighbouring schools in accordance with the redeployment arrangements.
The phasing of these measures provides the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. We have a very significant number of small schools across the country. Due to the way the staffing schedule works at present, small primary schools benefit from significantly lower pupil teacher ratios than larger primary schools. While the staffing schedule operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils the ratios for small schools are significantly better. This is particularly evident for schools that are at or just above the minimum pupil thresholds for the appointment of classroom teachers. For example, the minimum pupil threshold for the appointment of the second teacher in a 2-teacher school is currently 12 pupils. This means that this school has an average of 6 pupils in each of its 2 classes. The changes that we are introducing will mean that in September 2012 a minimum of 14 pupils will be required for the appointment of the second teacher in the 2 teacher school. The subsequent increases in September 2013 and September 2014 will increase this minimum pupil threshold to 20 pupils. Even when all of these phased increases are implemented the threshold will still be significantly lower than the minimum of 28 pupils that were required for the appointment of the second teacher in schools prior to the mid 1990’s.
The existing staffing schedule also acts as a disincentive for small schools to consider amalgamation. We have to ensure that the very valuable but limited resources we have available in the system are used in the best and fairest way across the whole system. It is important to emphasise that no small schools will be closed due to the changes that have been announced. It is not necessarily the case that capital investment would be required if schools decided to amalgamate — particularly with the relatively small number of pupils in these schools. All areas of public spending have had to experience some adjustment given the scale of our economic crisis. Despite this challenge, the Government has sought to do this in as fair a way as possible.
117. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the definition of catchment area for primary education schools; if this definition has a basis in law in view of the fact that schools use catchment areas as a prerequisite for enrolment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39555/11]
118. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the legal definition of catchment area for secondary education schools; if this definition has a basis in law in view of the fact that schools use catchment areas as a prerequisite for enrolment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39556/11]
119. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the definition of a feeder school; if this definition has a basis in law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39557/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 119, inclusive, together.
While there is no basis in law, catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960’s and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes the country was divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was and continues to be that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.
Enrolment in individual post-primary schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, “Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment” contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent.
I wish to make clear that the paper was not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. The purpose of the paper was to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies and practices.
I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by 28 of October last and my officials are now co-ordination the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.
120. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the number of young persons aged 16 years on Youthreach, community training centre and FÁS courses in receipt of a training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39566/11]
121. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the number of young persons aged 17 years on Youthreach, community training centre and FÁS courses in receipt of a training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39567/11]
122. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the estimated savings made as a result of the cuts to the allowance for young persons aged 16 and 17 on Youthreach, community training centre and FÁS courses in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39568/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon): I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 122, inclusive, together.
The allowance for 16 year-olds on Youthreach, Community Training Centre and FÁS courses is €76.65. The allowance for 17 year-olds on Youthreach, Community Training Centre and FÁS courses is €95.75. Both of these rates will be reduced, for new entrants only, to €40, with effect from 1 January 2012. The related savings are estimated to amount to €2.8m in 2012. A total of 691 16-year olds and 940 17-year olds on a Youthreach course were in receipt of an allowance as at 31/12/2010. A total of 595 16-year olds and 844 17-year olds on a Community Training Centre or FÁS course were in receipt of an allowance as at end November 2011.
123. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school place in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [39601/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
124. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the membership of the regulatory board of directors of a body (details supplied) includes persons who have a financial interest in the industry which he or she regulates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39634/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The functions of the body referred to by the Deputy have been subsumed into the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) since January 2010 and the board is in the process of winding up.
In line with normal practice, the board included providers of English language education and training, in the form of representatives of Marketing English in Ireland, along with a range of interests from the state sector.
Decisions relating to the recognition of English Language Teaching Organisations are taken by the NQAI Recognition Committee, which is made up of representatives of NQAI, the Department of Education and Skills, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Further Education and Training Awards Council and Fáilte Ireland. No persons with a financial interest in the industry are included on this Committee.
125. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average class size in each primary school in County Kerry for the years 2010 and 2011; the envisaged class size for each school in 2012; and his plans to reduce these class sizes in 2012. [39640/11]
149. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills following the budget announcements if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 will lose teachers in the coming year; if so, the number of same and the phasing in arrangements that have been planned by him. [39873/11]
164. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the effect of pupil teacher ratio changes in budget 2012 on schools in Cork city and county. [39991/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 149 and 164 together.
The Statistics section of my Department’s website contains class size data at individual primary school level in county order for the 2010/2011 school year. The source of this data is the National School Annual Census. Statistical information in respect of the current school year is currently being compiled in my Department and is due for publication in September 2012.
As you will be aware from the budget announcements, there is no increase in the general average of 28:1 for the allocation of classroom teachers at primary level. The relevant appointment and retention figures for mainstream staffing has been published on the Department’s website. However, the staffing arrangements in schools for the 2012/2013 school year can also be affected by changes in their enrolment, the impact of other budget measures and the reforms to the teacher allocation process. The reform of the allocation process is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools so there will inevitably be some schools that will lose posts and some schools that will gain posts.
My Department will be notifying schools in January of the new staffing arrangements for 2012/13 school year.
126. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary schools in County Kerry that have applied for extension buildings; and the current status of each application. [39641/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): Applications have been received from 31 primary schools in Co Kerry for school extensions. In addition, applications have been received from a further 7 primary schools for new replacement school buildings Details of the schools concerned are attached for the Deputy’s information. The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including those in County Kerry, may be viewed on my Department’s website at www.education.ie and this will be updated on an ongoing basis. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government’s Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10 November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place. I recently announced that a school building construction programme for 2012 will be published this month and that a 5 year construction programme will be announced in the New Year.
127. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary schools in County Kerry that have applied for replacement of prefabricated structures; the current status of each application [39642/11]
128. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the post-primary schools in County Kerry that have applied for replacement of prefabricated structures; and the current status of each application. [39643/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos 127 and 128 together.
Major applications have been received from 38 primary schools and 11 post primary schools in Co Kerry for extension projects or replacement of accommodation. In some cases school applications may involve, without specific reference, the replacement of some or all of the school’s existing prefabricated accommodation, both rented and owned. Accordingly, information about the level of such accommodation is not readily available. The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including those in County Kerry, may be viewed on my Department’s website at www.education.ie and this will be updated on an ongoing basis.
In addition, 2 primary schools in County Kerry applied this year to replace prefabricated accommodation with permanent accommodation. No such applications have been received from post primary schools. Details of the two primary schools concerned are attached for the Deputy’s information. The application by one of the schools was unsuccessful as the accommodation at the school was deemed adequate to meet the needs of its pupils. Funding had previously been approved for this school to provide for a permanent extension of two mainstream classrooms to replace some temporary accommodation. In the case of the other application, this school was approved significant funding to provide a permanent extension to replace two mainstream classrooms.
| County | Roll No. | Name & Address |
|---|---|---|
| Kerry | 18702I | Spa National School, Tralee, Co. Kerry. |
| Kerry | 20197K | Kenmare NS, Kenmare, Co. Kerry |
129. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary schools in County Kerry that have applied for renovation and repairs; the current status of each application. [39644/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Primary schools in County Kerry that applied for an Emergency Works Grant in 2011 is outlined in the following table:
130. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the post primary schools in County Kerry that have applied for renovation and repair; the current status of each application. [39645/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Post Primary schools in County Kerry that applied for an Emergency Works Grant in 2011 is outlined in the following table:
131. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary schools in County Kerry that applied for, qualified, and were approved for work under the summer work scheme for school building refurbishment in 2011; and the schools that applied for, qualified, and are awaiting approval in County Kerry. [39646/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): A total of 70 primary schools from County Kerry made an application under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that 21 primary schools were successful under this year’s Scheme. Primary school applications under the SWS were further assessed for purposes of the Jobs Initiative announced on the 10th May 2011. Under this assessment, a further 3 primary schools in County Kerry were approved for funding. Details of all schools that had applications approved for funding under the Summer Works scheme and Jobs Initiative are published on the Department’s website, www.education.ie. I have also attached, for the Deputy’s information, details of successful school applications approved for funding in County Kerry.
132. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a lack of adequate disabled access facilities at a college (details supplied), that there is no lift or escalator for ease of access from the third to fourth floor, that there is no wheelchair friendly toilet facility at the campus; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that students with disability needs are dissuaded from attending the college; and the plans he has to rectify the situation. [39679/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): My Department has no record of having received an application for the works referenced by the Deputy. However I wish to advise the Deputy that the College, referred to by him, has received substantial funding from my Department in recent years. In 2006, €205,910 was provided to the College in question under the Summer Works Scheme 2006 for improvement works to facilitate disabled access. In addition, the College has also benefited from significant funding under my Department’s Emergency Works Scheme — in 2009, a grant of €364,612 was provided to upgrade the Electrical System as well as €542,640 in 2010 for Roof Works.
It is open to the facility to consider if it qualifies for grant under my Department’s Emergency Works Scheme. The purpose of the Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme are available on the Department’s website www.education.ie.
133. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39692/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. I understand from the grant awarding authority in this case, that the grant application in question has been processed and confirmation in relation to certain details is awaited from the student.
134. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39693/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. I understand from the grant awarding authority in this case that the application in question is currently being assessed and a decision will issue as soon as possible.
135. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of third level students in County Donegal qualified for third level grants in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39694/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I regret that the information is not collated by the student grant awarding authorities in the format requested by the Deputy. However, information supplied to my Department by the grant awarding authorities in Donegal indicates that 3,750 students were in receipt of a student grant for the 2010/11 academic year.
136. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for denying grant assistance to postgraduate students; and the way that his policy fits into the stated objective of economic growth [39717/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): Grant assistance remains available to postgraduate students on a more limited basis. The primary motivation for the Government in taking very difficult budgetary decisions is to retrieve our economic sovereignty and put the economy on a road to recovery. In closing the gap between revenue and spending, unpalatable savings measures are necessary and savings for student supports were inevitable as part of that. Given the growth in demand for participation in third level, the Government has endeavoured, to the greatest extent possible, to protect disadvantaged students.
In this regard, I have adopted a fees only contribution at postgraduate level but this will continue to provide support for a relatively wide number of post-graduate students. While there would be no maintenance payments, all ‘special rate’ students will have their fees paid while another 4,000 students will receive a fee contribution of €2,000. In access terms, the requirement to pay a fee would be likely to be a greater obstacle to entry than lack of maintenance support. This approach has enabled me to ensure that substantial allocations continue to be made to students from lower income backgrounds to achieve an under-graduate qualification to improve their job opportunities.
137. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact on teaching staff numbers in each post primary school in County Mayo as a result of the change in the guidance provision allocation announced on Monday, 5 December on a school by school basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39745/11]
140. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact on teaching staff numbers in each post-primary school in County Sligo as a result of the change in the guidance provision allocation announced on Monday, 5 December on a school by school basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39748/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 140 together.
While difficult choices had to be made to identify savings across my Department’s budget, the Government has tried to protect front line services in 2012. The Government has protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
Until now, a specific resource was provided for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation to post primary schools. In future, schools must meet their guidance requirements from within the overall resource provided by that normal staffing schedule. Individually schools can continue to make provision for guidance and counselling. Decisions on how this will be done will be taken at school level in the best interests of students and to ensure the best use of resources available. I am confident school management and teachers will continue to work together to meet the needs of the students in their care.
In this way, the main teacher allocation can be maintained at 19:1 for schools generally, while schools will have discretion to balance what they allocate for guidance against the competing demands of providing subject choice. The change that has been announced gives schools greater autonomy in how they allocate staff resources to best meet the needs of their students. The change to guidance allocations must be seen in the context of the major challenges we have as a Government in trying to shelter public services to the greatest extent that we can in these exceptional times. My Department will be notifying schools of the impact of the budget changes in January, 2012.
138. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact on schools in County Mayo on a school by school basis of the decision to withdraw supports from earlier disadvantage programmes and schemes that predate DEIS in tabular form. [39746/11]
141. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact on schools in County Sligo on a school by school basis of the decision to withdraw supports from earlier disadvantaged programmes and schemes that predate DEIS in tabular form. [39749/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 141 together.
Given the scale of our economic crisis, adjustments have had to be made across all areas of the public sector. Despite this challenge, the Government has sought to do this in as fair a way as possible. While DEIS schools are not immune to budgetary measures, a key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage.
In order to ensure fairness in the distribution of resources available under the DEIS plan, it is no longer possible to allow some schools to retain legacy posts on a concessionary basis that pre-date the introduction of DEIS. A range of measures has been announced to withdraw supports (428 posts) from earlier disadvantage programmes/schemes in 270 primary schools (4 DEIS and 1 non DEIS in Mayo, 2 DEIS in Sligo) and 163 post primary schools (5 DEIS in Mayo and 3 DEIS in Sligo), both DEIS and Non-DEIS that exceed what equivalent schools are entitled to under DEIS or to which non-DEIS schools are not entitled. These measures will take effect from the 2012/13 school year.
While the exact staffing entitlements for schools for 2012/13 is not yet available, including the net effect of the withdrawal of legacy posts, the breakdown of these legacy posts are: — 38 concessionary teaching posts will be withdrawn from 15 non-DEIS primary schools previously in Giving Children an Even Break Programme and who retained a reduced PTR of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes.- 102 concessionary posts will be withdrawn from 52 Urban Band 2 DEIS schools previously in the Giving Children an Even Break Programme and who had a reduced PTR of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes.- 43 Support Teacher Posts will be withdrawn from 48 primary schools (45 DEIS and 3 Non DEIS)- 45 concessionary posts will be withdrawn from 32 DEIS Schools previously in the Breaking the Cycle Programme and who had a reduced PTR of 15:1 at the junior classes- 64 concessionary posts in 59 primary schools and 136 posts in 163 post-primary schools will be withdrawn from DEIS schools previously in the Disadvantaged Area Scheme.
Some alleviation measures will be available for those schools considered to be most acutely affected by these changes. Schools will be notified in January 2012 of their staffing entitlements under the new arrangement for 2012/13, including any alleviation measures that may apply. The new staffing schedule for DEIS Band 1 primary schools, which now gives greater autonomy to schools, will operate on a general average of 1 teacher for every 22 pupils. This simplifies the existing system whereby schools are given a “top-up” allocation to support lower class sizes of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes. DEIS post-primary schools will be targeted for additional support through an improved staffing schedule of 18.25:1, which is a 0.75 point improvement compared to the existing standard 19:1 that applies in post-primary schools that do not charge fees (or compared to the 21:1 ratio that will apply in fee-charging schools).
The Government’s protection of schools serving disadvantaged areas is further underlined by the maintenance of €13 million in enhanced funding for DEIS schools, €2 million in school book funding for DEIS schools, as well as a €26 million investment in the Home School Community Liaison scheme. All of these areas have been protected from reductions in expenditure for 2012.
We have protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 116.
Question No. 140 answered with Question No. 137
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 138.
Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 116.
143. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 6 December 2011 if he will respond to the following (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39837/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I am pleased to update the Deputy that the Board of Management of the school in question has advised that the recommendations of the HSE report have been implemented in full. As the Deputy is aware a further report was prepared subsequent to a separate review of the school by a member of the Department’s Inspectorate and an Educational Psychologist. The Board of Management has confirmed that the recommendations of this report have also been implemented in full. My Department remains in regular contact with the school and is satisfied that significant progress has been made. My Department will continue to monitor the position in the coming months.
144. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason or reasons for postponing the submission date in relation to the patronage of schools to 24 February; the weighting that will be applied to families who have more than one child in the eligible consultation category; if it will be numbers alone that will determine the patronage or will other criteria apply; if so, the criteria that will be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39841/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): As part of the recent process of briefing patrons in relation to applications for patronage of the new schools, a number of queries were raised with the Department about possible applications for patronage which involve partnerships between two or more patrons. These issues chiefly concerned the particular patronage model that would apply where two or more patrons intended to have a joint or co-patronage role or arrangement in any of the new schools. The Department undertook to examine the issues further and then issue clarification on the matter. The deadline for receipt of applications for patronage of new second level schools to be established in 2013 and 2014 was Friday 13th January 2012. Given that prospective patrons will need some time to consider possible applications and the options for co-operation with each other, it is proposed to allow an extra six weeks for this and therefore the deadline for receipt of applications has been moved to Friday 24th February 2012. Details of the new arrangements for patronage of new schools and the criteria for deciding on patronage of these new schools is available on my Department’s website, www.education.ie.
145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 gets a second level school place [39843/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The selection and enrolment of pupils in schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. My Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act, 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected. Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school, expels a student or suspends a student for 20 or more days in any school year. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld.
I understand the parent of the pupil in question lodged a section 29 appeal against the decision of a school to refuse enrolment. I further understand that the Section 29 Administration Unit has sought a copy of the letter of refusal to enrol from the Board of Management of the school. Once this is received, the section 29 appeal can be admitted in accordance with the procedures.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB may be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement within the pupil’s area. The contact details for the NEWB in your area is National Educational Welfare Board, Block 3 Floor 1, Grove Court, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, phone number 01-8103260.
146. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, with reference to the programme of international student assessment 2009 assessment, consideration was given when evaluating the different countries scores and ranking, to the increase, since 2000, in the number of pupils taking the reading literacy assessment whose first language was not English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39845/11]
147. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, with reference to the programme of international student assessment 2009 assessment, consideration was given when evaluating the different countries scores and ranking, to the increase, since 2000, in the number of pupils taking the reading literacy assessment who have special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39846/11]
148. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, with reference to the programme of international student assessment 2009 assessment, consideration was given when evaluating the different countries scores and ranking, to the increase, since 2000, in the number of pupils taking the reading literacy assessment from disadvantaged schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39847/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, together.
In 2009 students in 65 countries/economics, including Ireland, participated in the assessment, making PISA 2009 the largest international survey of education to date. The overall mean score of students in Ireland in the 2009 study was 495.6 compared with 526.7 in 2000. The survey was constructed in a manner to ensure a nationally representative sample taking account of school type, size, gender, and socioeconomic composition. Therefore disadvantage was taken account of in the construction of the sample, but special needs and migrant students for whom English is not the mother tongue were not part of the sample construct.
The study included questions on immigrant status (first or second generation migrants) and language spoken at home, so that the scores of such pupils are identified separately. In Ireland, the key difference is not between native and migrant students, but rather between native students and those for whom English or Irish is not the mother tongue. In Ireland the percentage of students with immigrant status rose from 2.3% in 2000 to 8.3% in 2009, and the proportion who spoke a language other than English or Irish at home rose from 0.9% to 3.6%.The mean score of students who spoke another language was 532.8 in 2000 and 443.9 in 2009. The socioeconomic status of such students was similar to the national profile in 2009, but was significantly higher than the national profile in 2000.
The study also gives separate data on the mean scores of students with high, average and low socioeconomic status. In 2000 just over one quarter of students attended schools designated as disadvantaged under the Department’s Disadvantaged Areas Schools Scheme. DEIS was introduced in 2005, and in the 2009 study, 23.7% of participants attended schools in the Schools Support Programme of DEIS. The mean scores in 2009 for those with high, average and low socioeconomic status were 535.5, 497.9 and 459.5 respectively. The mean scores of such students in 2000 were 558.6, 529.0 and 492.5 respectively. While a third of pupils fell within each socioeconomic category in 2009, the proportions in 2000 indicated 38.1% of students had high socioeconomic status, 28% had average status and 30.7% had low socioeconomic status.
The PISA study did not identify separately the proportion and scores of students included in the study who had a disability. However, a team of international experts identified the decline in PISA results since 2000 in Ireland as partially due to the growth in the number of migrant students for whom English is not the mother tongue, the inclusion of greater numbers of students with special needs in mainstream education, a decline in early school leaving, the random inclusion of 8 schools in the survey with very low levels of achievement, and survey fatigue.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 125.
150. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) who applied for the higher education grant in County Tipperary was refused; if he will provide the FETAC level rating for the courses; if he will review this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39877/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual’s application form it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student is eligible for a grant for a particular course or whether or not a student is in progression.
I understand from the awarding authority in this case that the applicant appealed the decision of the grant awarding authority to its appeals officer and has received a decision on the appeal. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate. No appeal has been received in my Department to date.
151. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 is among those going to tender and construction in 2012 in view of the fact that the school site configuration will make it impossible to remain on-site and build at the same time if there is a further year’s delay in commencing construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39890/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was included in the School Building Work Programme announced on 24th January 2011. It was one of a number of schools authorised to secure planning permission with a view to preparing tender documents. The Design Team are currently working on the completion of Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning which includes Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents. Planning Permission was lodged on 7th November and a decision is awaited.
I recently announced that I will be publishing a detailed plan on an annual basis in relation to planned expenditure on individual school major projects. The first of these in relation to 2012 expenditure will be published in later this month. All school building projects currently in architectural planning will be considered in the context of these programmes, taking into account the funding available, the building costs involved and the progression of other major projects required to meet demographic needs.
152. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the European globalisation adjustment fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39926/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon): On 14 November, the European Council approved the applications submitted by my Department in respect of almost 9,000 workers made redundant in the NACE 41 Construction of Buildings, NACE 43 Specialised Construction Activities and NACE 71 Architectural Services construction sub-sectors between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010. Redundant workers were identified based on evidence of statutory redundancy payments and on data from the apprenticeship database held by FÁS.
The three applications have been approved by the EU budgetary authorities subject to certain final procedural elements. The final EU financing decision releasing the EGF contribution of a total of €35.7m is expected shortly.
A number of EGF programme Interventions have been provided to date and are funded from existing budgetary provision, include career guidance, full, part-time and evening further education and training courses, apprenticeship on-and off-the-job training, full and part-time third level education programmes and related training and education allowances where appropriate. It is intended that letters notifying all persons who are eligible for EGF co-financed assistance of a number of new supports which will be made available to them will issue very shortly.
153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he will ensure that all second level students have access to career guidance and counselling services following the announcement in budget 2012 of the withdrawal of ex-quota career guidance counsellors to schools, and given that section 9 of the Education Act requires that second level students receive appropriate guidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39935/11]
155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the level of guidance counselling in schools will now be entirely a matter for school management; if schools will be required to have a certain level of guidance counselling following decisions taken in budget 2012 on guidance provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39937/11]
156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views that guidance will now be just an add-on to a teacher’s subject teaching and that separate guidance posts will no longer be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39938/11]
158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the effect of the decision to withdraw ex-quota career guidance counsellors to schools on the pupil-teacher ratio as post-primary level. [39940/11]
159. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken into account the impact on subject choice at post-primary level following his decision to withdraw ex-quota career guidance counsellors from post-primary schools in budget 2012. [39941/11]
160. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that no other member of school management or teaching staff apart form those that are fully qualified guidance counsellors will be allowed to provide guidance to students following decisions taken in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39942/11]
161. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views that only qualified guidance counsellors should provide counselling services to students and that this should remain the case following the decision taken in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39943/11]
162. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any concerns that the profession of career guidance counsellors will no longer exist following decisions taken in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39944/11]
167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of second-level schools that have career guidance counsellors ex-quota at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40004/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 155, 156, 158 to 162, inclusive, and 167 together.
While difficult choices had to be made to identify savings across my Department’s budget, the Government has tried to protect front line services in 2012. The Government has protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
Until now, a specific resource was provided to all second-level schools for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation. This broadly equates to an additional allocation of about 1 teacher for every 500 pupils. In future, schools must meet their guidance requirements from within the overall resource provided by the normal staffing schedule. Individually schools can continue to make provision for guidance and counselling. Decisions on how this will be done will be taken at school level in the best interests of students and to ensure the best use of resources available. I am confident school management and teachers will continue to work together to meet the needs of the students in their care.
In this way, the main teacher allocation can be maintained at 19:1 for schools generally, while schools will have discretion to balance what they allocate for guidance against the competing demands of providing subject choice. The change that has been announced gives schools greater autonomy in how they allocate staff resources to best meet the needs of their students.
I have also provided for the filling of 300 Assistant Principal posts in second-level schools over the level originally planned. This will ensure that schools have sufficient management positions to ensure appropriate supports are available for all students. This is an important change which will reduce the impact of the moratorium on the filling of posts of responsibility in second level schools.
A key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target available funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage. All 195 second-level school in DEIS will be given targeted support by a more favourable staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point reduction compared to the existing PTR of 19:1 that applies in non fee-paying second-level schools.
The change to guidance allocations must be seen in the context of the major challenges we have as a Government in trying to shelter public services to the greatest extent that we can in these exceptional times. My Department will be notifying schools of the impact of the budget changes in January, 2012.
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his guidelines document on the implications of 9C entitlement to appropriate guidance is still in force or if he intends to issue a new circular to schools on the matter. [39936/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The budget measures, including those relating to guidance, come into effect from September 2012. Schools will be notified in the normal manner in relation to these changes. My Department will be issuing a Circular in January that will outline the staffing arrangements in schools for the 2012/13 school year.
Questions Nos. 155 and 156 answered with Question No. 153.
157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the effect there will be on specific postgraduate qualifications in guidance following his decision to withdraw ex-quota career guidance counsellors from post-primary schools in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39939/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): As the Deputy is aware, until now a specific resource was provided for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation to post primary schools. In future, schools will meet their guidance requirements from within the overall resource provided by that normal staffing schedule. Individually schools can continue to make provision for guidance and counselling, however, decisions on how this will be done will be taken at school level in the best interests of students and to ensure the best use of resources available. The change that has been announced gives schools greater autonomy in how they allocate staff resources to best meet the needs of their students. I am confident school management and teachers will continue to work together to meet the needs of the students in their care.
My Department recognises a number of postgraduate qualifications as acceptable for school guidance work. Teachers participate in these programmes of their own volition and at their own expense. As schools will continue to provide guidance and counselling services there will still be a need for teachers with specific postgraduate qualifications in this area. As with all postgraduate courses future provision will depend on the level of demand and availability of resources.
Questions Nos. 158 to 162, inclusive, answered with Question No. 153.
163. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an examination reader has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if the case will be reviewed in view of the difficulties that the person experiences in examination situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39961/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations. In view of the above I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
I wish to inform the Deputy that in all cases where a school/parent or student is dissatisfied with any aspect of the SEC’s decision in relation to an application for reasonable accommodations, they have access to an Independent Appeals Committee. All members of the Appeals Committee are drawn from outside the SEC. The remit of the Appeals Committee covers appeals against all elements of a decision taken by the SEC. All appeals are considered in light of the published principles.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 125.
165. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the effect of his decision to allow schools to manage guidance provision from within their existing pupil teacher ratio; and the effect of this on schools in Cork city and county. [39992/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): While difficult choices had to be made to identify savings across my Department’s budget, the Government has tried to protect front line services in 2012.
The Government has protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
Until now, a specific resource was provided for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation to post primary schools. In future, schools must meet their guidance requirements from within the overall resource provided by that normal staffing schedule. Individually schools can continue to make provision for guidance and counselling. Decisions on how this will be done will be taken at school level in the best interests of students and to ensure the best use of resources available. I am confident school management and teachers will continue to work together to meet the needs of the students in their care.
In this way, the main teacher allocation can be maintained at 19:1 for schools generally, while schools will have discretion to balance what they allocate for guidance against the competing demands of providing subject choice. The change that has been announced gives schools greater autonomy in how they allocate staff resources to best meet the needs of their students.
The change to guidance allocations must be seen in the context of the major challenges we have as a Government in trying to shelter public services to the greatest extent that we can in these exceptional times.
My Department will be notifying schools of the impact of the budget changes in January, 2012.
166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide further details on his announcement that a capital assets test will be introduced in 2013 allowing certain capital assets as well as income to be assessed as part of all higher education grant scheme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39997/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The Deputy will be aware that the current means testing arrangements for student grants take no account of the capital value of savings or assets in determining eligibility for financial assistance. This approach is at variance with other major financial support schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection and other public bodies such as the HSE.
A considerable body of reports produced by the Department over a number of years have strongly recommended the introduction of a capital test for student grants to create a more equitable basis for means testing, based on a more complete analysis of a family’s capacity to support their children in pursuing further or higher education.
The Deputy will appreciate that the objective of the student grant scheme is to target available funding at socio-economically disadvantaged groups to support greater participation of students from these backgrounds in further and higher education.
In the circumstances and in the context of the current financial climate, the importance of accurately targeting increasingly scarce resources to those most in need has become a high priority. In this regard, a dedicated Capital Asset Test implementation group for student grants has been established. The group has been charged with bringing forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year. Any proposals will require further Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.
Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 153.
Questions Nos. 166 to 170, inclusive, answered with Question No. 116.
171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason behind his decision to reduce the allocation for the fund for students with disabilities by 20%; and his views that this will have a negative impact on the number of students with disabilities who go on to or stay in higher education. [40011/11]
172. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of funding available for students with disabilities in 2011; and the level of funding that will be available in 2012. [40012/11]
173. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students with disabilities who attended higher education in 2010 and in 2011; and the number of students who availed of the fund for students with disabilities in 2010 and 2011. [40013/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): I propose to take Questions Nos 171 to 173, inclusive, together.
It is anticipated that the funding available in 2012 for the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) will be sufficient to meet demand. I understand that this is possible for a number of reasons including a greater integration of delivery of supports to students with disabilities into the core activities of institutions which has led to lesser dependence on supplementary funding through the FSD. In addition, in practice, there is a frequent incidence of lower take-up by students of accommodations agreed as per a student’s Needs Assessment at the beginning of the academic year. Furthermore, students accessing the fund in year one don’t necessarily need to access the fund at the same level in subsequent years.
A total of €13.7m was available to the Fund for the 2010/11 academic year. The allocation for the 2011/12 academic year is currently being assessed as part of the applications process which remains on-going.
In 2010/11, it was estimated that 6.4% of new entrants (2,544) to higher education had one or more disabilities. This compares to 6% (2,386) in 2009/10. The number of students with disabilities supported through the Fund for Students with Disabilities (i.e. undergraduate and postgraduate years) in 2010/11 was 6,090.
174. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of postgraduate students in higher education in 2011; and the number of postgraduate students in receipt of a maintenance grant in 2011. [40014/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The Deputy will appreciate that statistics are not yet available in respect of the 2011/12 academic year. However, HEA statistics indicate that there were some 21,880 full-time postgraduate students pursuing courses in approved institutions in the 2010/11 academic year.
Based on recent returns from the grant awarding authorities, it is estimated that some 9,435 postgraduate students were in receipt of a student grant in the 2010/11 academic year.
175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the qualifying income criteria for new postgraduate students entering higher education in 2012/2013 in order to have their fees paid by the State. [40015/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): As a matter of routine, my Department reviews the student grant scheme each year to prepare policy proposals and to include changes announced under the relevant Budget. A decision on the reckonable income limits for postgraduate fee support for the 2012/13 academic year will be taken in the context of this review and the Scheme will be published in due course in the New Year with this detail.
176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide further details on the introduction of a capital asset test in 2013; the reason behind this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40016/11]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The Deputy will be aware that the current means testing arrangements for student grants take no account of the capital value of savings or assets in determining eligibility for financial assistance. This approach is at variance with other major financial support schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection and other public bodies such as the HSE.
A considerable body of reports produced by the Department over a number of years have strongly recommended the introduction of a capital test for student grants to create a more equitable basis for means testing, based on a more complete analysis of a family’s capacity to support their children in pursuing further or higher education.
The Deputy will appreciate that the objective of the student grant scheme is to target available funding at socio-economically disadvantaged groups to support greater participation of students from these backgrounds in further and higher education.
In the circumstances and in the context of the current financial climate, the importance of accurately targeting increasingly scarce resources to those most in need has become a high priority. In this regard, a dedicated Capital Asset Test implementation group for student grants has been established. The group has been charged with bringing forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year. Any proposals will require further Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.
177. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the circumstances in which an estate known as Ballyhoura Lodge, Buttevant, County Cork, consisting of a house, outhouses and more than 17 acres of land, which became State property on the 1 September 1972 on the dissolution of its registered owner Ballyhoura Estates Limited, was sold to a person (details supplied) on 6 October 1986 for the sum of £160 and was then sold on 22 December of the same year to another person for £20,000; if he is satisfied the State received adequate consideration for the sale of its property; if this transaction was ever examined as to its propriety; the steps taken by him to safeguard the property interests of the State in such transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39506/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): Under Section 28 (2) of the State Property Act 1954, the Minister for Finance assumes responsibility for all personal property and land vested in or held in trust for a body corporate (other than personal property or land held by such body in trust for another person) immediately prior to its dissolution. Upon the dissolution of the body corporate, such property becomes State property. The effect of Section 28 is that the Minister does not hold the assets of dissolved companies as beneficial owner. He holds them in trust. The title which the Minister acquires under this Section has been described as a defeasible title since, if the dissolved company is restored to the Register of Companies within twenty years of the date of its dissolution, its property is automatically restored to it. The State Property Act also includes, in Section 31, a power for the Minister to waive the interest acquired under Section 28 of the Act. The relevant functions under the State Property Act have transferred in the current year to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
It is understood that the property which is the subject of the current question was held within a company which was struck off the Register of Companies in September 1972 for failure to file annual returns with the Companies Office. The beneficial owner of the property applied to the Department of Finance for a waiver of the interest acquired by the Minister for Finance under the provisions of the State Property Act and that waiver, in respect of which the consideration was £160, was completed in October, 1986. The effect of the waiver, which was not a sale by the State, would have been to allow the beneficial owner to complete the process of assembling a satisfactory title. The waiver itself would have formed only a limited element in the establishment of that title and the transaction was a normal exercise of Departmental functions. The price which the beneficial owner may have secured in a subsequent sale was not a matter for consideration in the context of the waiver and, accordingly, would not merit enquiry by me at this juncture.
I am advised that all applications for waiver of property falling within the scope of Section 28 of the State Property Act are referred to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for legal advice and that any policy issues that may arise in particular cases are given full consideration on their merits.
178. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 17 November 2011, the average interest rate paid on general Exchequer borrowings in 1984; the average interest rate paid on general Exchequer borrowings in 1994 and 2004 assuming that the borrowings were rolled over in these years; the rate of interest at which this money was passed onto South Dublin County Council in 1984; the total profit that the local loans fund has made on a mortgage of €17,776 that was taken out on 16 February 1984 with a 30-year term at a fixed interest rate of 12.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39544/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): I refer to Parliamentary Question No.106 of 17 November 2011.
During 1984 the rate of interest charged by the Local Loans Fund to local authorities for house purchase and improvement loans was 12%. Local authorities were permitted to add an administration charge of 0.5%. The rate of interest charged on non-housing loans from the Fund during 1984 was 13.5%.
Since 1989 individuals who have mortgages from local authorities have been permitted to redeem their loans early without penalty. In turn, local authorities were permitted to redeem without penalty Local Loans Fund loans of matching amounts and at matching interest rates to the individual loans redeemed.
The Office of Public Works administers the Local Loans Fund on behalf of the Department of Finance. I understand from that Office that South Dublin County Council no longer has any loans with the Local Loans Fund. If South Dublin County Council contacts the OPW with a loan number, it will be able to provide information on the loan issue amount and the interest paid over the lifetime of that loan. The Local Loans Fund does not hold records of loans issued to mortgagees so that information would have to be sourced from South Dublin County Council. There is no profit made by the Exchequer on loans to local authorities for the purpose of mortgages.
The Exchequer lending rate in 1984 was linked to the average yield of short-dated Government stocks and stood at 13.5%. The average interest rate paid by the Exchequer on the National Debt was 7.26% in 1994 and 4.44% in 2004.
179. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the interest rate that the local loans fund charged Dublin County Council on mortgages that it passed on to borrowers at 12.5% in 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39545/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): During 1984 the rate of interest charged by the Local Loans Fund to local authorities for house purchase and improvement loans was 12%. Local authorities were permitted to add an administration charge of 0.5%. The rate of interest charged on non-housing loans from the Fund during 1984 was 13.5%.
180. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding expenditure of public money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39736/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): The Deputy will be aware that under the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 2009 ministerial pensions, including the pensions of former Taoisigh, are no longer payable to sitting Members of the Oireachtas following the recent elections, or to Members of the European Parliament following the next elections to the Parliament. In addition, the Act also provided for a 25% reduction in the pension payable at the time to the former Taoiseach while a Member of the Oireachtas.
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010, which is also part of the EU-IMF Programme, imposed a Public Service Pension Reduction on public service pensions in payment, including the pensions of former Taoisigh and Presidents. The reduction rates were:
I recently announced the Government’s intention to increase the top rate of the Public Service Pension Reduction from 12% to 20% in respect of pension amounts over €100,000. This is to be given effect by way of an amendment to the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011, which is currently before the Oireachtas.
181. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding special advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39744/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): The process for appointing a Special Adviser to a Minister or a Minister of State is set out in The Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices. These Guidelines were revised following decisions by the Government on a number of cost saving measures relating to the personal appointees of Ministers and Ministers of State.
Under the Guidelines it is normally intended that only Ministers of the Government and any Minister of State who regularly attends Cabinet will have Special Advisers appointed to them. However, in exceptional circumstances where a specific need is identified, a Special Adviser may be appointed to a Minister of State subject to the approval of the Government.
There has been a reduction in both the overall number and cost of Special Advisers compared to the previous Government.
Under the old Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices Special Advisers were paid their existing salary plus an ‘attraction allowance’ of 10%, subject to the overriding maximum remuneration of the Principal (higher) scale — (currently €99,236).
Under the revised Guidelines Special Advisers are placed on the Principal Officer (standard) scale: €80,051 —€83,337 —€86,604 —€89,898 —€92,672. The Guidelines provide that appointments are to be on the first point of the scale except where the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform approves a higher starting salary. In addition there is no longer an attraction allowance of 10%.
The cost of Special Advisers under the previous administration was approximately €4.35m in October 2010. The figure under the current Government, as at December 2011, is approximately €3.4m. This means a saving in the cost of Special Advisers of approximately €900,000 as at December 2011. This estimate of savings also reflects the fact that 2 Special Advisers have recently vacated their posts.
182. D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an mbeidh cead ag Airí soláthar caipitil nach bhfuil caite i mbliana a thabhairt ar aghaidh go dtí an bhliain seo chugainn; agus má bhíonn, cén soláthar atá ceadaithe do gach Roinn a thabhairt ar aghaidh go dtí an bhliain 2012, na cúiseanna nár chaitheadh an soláthar i mbliana i ngach cás; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39922/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes): Sna meastacháin a d’fhoilsigh mo Roinn Dé Luain an cúigiú lá den mhí, tá sonraí de na leithdháiltí caipitil ar aontaigh mé go bhféadfaí iad a thabhairt ar aghaidh go dtí an bhliain seo chugainn — féach an Tábla thíos. Cumadh an córas ilbhliantúil agus an áis um airgead a thabhairt ar aghaidh d’fhonn éifeachtúlacht agus éifeacht Ranna agus gníomhaireachtaí a fheabhsú maidir le cláir agus tionscadail chaipitiúla a bhainistiú. Laistigh den chóras sin, tá Ranna aonair freagrach as na tionscadail agus na cláir ina réimsí féin. Is féidir breis sonraí i dtaobh an chaiteachais ar thionscadail agus chláir a fháil go díreach ó na Ranna ábhartha.
183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39395/11]
184. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time he was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39412/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
Since my appointment as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 9 March 2011 the following staff members have been appointed as Special Advisers:
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour (September 2004) sets out the terms and conditions of service, including the engagement in political activity, of all civil servants including Ministerial appointees.
Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
185. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date on which the amended Construction Contracts Bill will be brought before Dáil Éireann. [39721/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): You will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In this regard, my colleague Minister of State Mr Brian Hayes has been working with Senator Feargal Quinn to develop the Construction Contracts Bill, which is now before the Dáil, into a robust piece of legislation.
In order to address a number of issues that were raised during the consultation on the Bill a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was carried out. The RIA was completed and published on 27 September. The Report is available on my Department’s website: www.per.gov.ie/reports.
The RIA examined issues relating to payment practices in the construction sector and assessed the need for legislative intervention. It found that legislation is desirable to improve payment practices and to allow swift resolution of payment disputes by way of adjudication, allowing projects to be completed without wasting time and money in litigation. In addition, the RIA examined the main proposals to amend the Bill that were raised during the Seanad debate and subsequent consultation. It found that there were merits to considering amending the Bill in a number of respects e.g. to bring lower value contracts within its scope and to make the adjudicators award binding in payment dispute cases. It concluded that any such amendments should be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer.
Minister Hayes is now reflecting on the findings of the RIA and is preparing legislative proposals which will be brought to Government shortly for approval. It is essential that the solution to this issue be balanced so as to avoid imposing regulatory or cost burdens on parties in dispute, the State or others.
186. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 6 December 2011, the basis on which he is refusing to supply the names of the four former chairmen of the Revenue Commissioners each in receipt of a pension of €114,839.40 after the public service pension reduction. [39734/11]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): The information relating to superannuation benefits of retired Chairpersons was provided in the reply to the Parliamentary Question. The names of retired staff are not normally included in answers to Parliamentary Questions unless the names are already in the public domain, for example as a result of FOI enquiries. It is not considered appropriate to include names of Civil Servants in such replies.
187. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39393/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Code.
188. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39410/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): The following table identifies the number, names and salary details of all Special Advisors appointed to my Department since the new Government came to office on 9th March 2011. Both Special Advisors report to me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.
| Name | Date Appointed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Conor Quinn | 30th March 2011 | €80,051 |
| Mr. Ciaran Conlon | 29th March 2011 | €127,000 |
189. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline in detail the financial and administrative supports available to start-up companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The role of the CEBs is to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro-enterprises. The Boards form a nationwide support network for small business and are considered to be a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.
The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of priming, expansion/development and feasibility/innovation grants. The CEBs also deliver non-financial supports such as one-to-one mentoring and a range of business advice and training programmes to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow, which may be available as appropriate to the needs of the promoter’s business. Any persons considering setting up in business should in the first instance contact their most appropriate CEB to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. Contact details for each of the CEBs can be obtained through their national website address at www.enterpriseboards.ie.
Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) team provides hands-on support and advice to entrepreneurs and early stage companies that are considered by Enterprise Ireland to have an innovative product, service or technology, and have the potential to achieve exports sales and create employment. Anybody thinking of starting a new business with export potential or currently raising investment for a start-up venture may qualify for support and investment.
Enterprise Ireland’sHPSU Team is located at The Plaza, Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin 3. Early Stage Start-Up enquiries should be directed to Phone No. 01 7272885, Fax No: 01 7272020 or e-mail: client.service@enterprise-ireland.com; Website: www.enterprise-ireland.com.
190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the Horizon 2020 report; the action that has been taken since it was launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39463/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): In early 2010, IDA Ireland published ‘Horizon 2020’, its strategic blueprint for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ireland in the coming decade. FDI has been, and will continue to be, a key element in the export led recovery of the economy. Horizon 2020 sets out a road-map of what is needed to fuel Ireland’s future success with leading global corporations, setting the following targets for achievement over the period 2010 to 2014:
IDA Ireland’s results for 2010 show that very good progress has been made towards achieving these targets. While final results for 2011 will not be available until next month, the indications are that these, too, will be very encouraging, particularly with regard to the job creation target in Horizon 2020.
Successful implementation to date by IDA Ireland of its Horizon 2020 Strategy has resulted in the achievement of the following significant outcomes:
191. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a company (details supplied) still legally exists when all of its staff have been made redundant; if the company still exists, is it paying into a pension scheme; the implications for existing pension scheme members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39696/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): The legal existence of a company is not governed or affected by the redundancy of its employees. Current information in relation to the status of companies is publicly available on the companies register at www.cro.ie.
I have no function in relation to the pension arrangements of the company concerned. The legislation in relation to the regulation of pension schemes is a matter for my colleague the Minister of Social Protection.
192. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for a start-up business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39862/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The role of Dublin City Enterprise Board as part of the network of CEBs is to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro-enterprises. The Boards form a nationwide support network for small business and are considered to be a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.
The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of priming, expansion/development and feasibility/innovation grants. The CEBs also deliver non-financial supports such as one-to-one mentoring and a range of business advice and training programmes to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow, which may be available as appropriate to the needs of the promoter’s business.
The promoter may therefore wish to contact Dublin City Enterprise Board to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. Dublin City Enterprise Board is located on the 5th Floor, O’Connell Bridge House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2; Phone No: 01 635 1144, Fax No: 01 635 1811: Email: info@dceb.ie Website: www.dceb.ie.
193. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding from the State agencies paid to a company (details supplied) in the forms of grants, loans or any other mechanisms for each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): The company in question is a large processor of poultry that currently employs 650 people and works directly with 150 contracted farmers who rear chickens on their behalf. The company has a turnover of €168m of which €137m is spent in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and it pays out €20m in wages and salaries per annum. The company supplies chicken products to the main supermarkets in the ROI and exports to the UK and France. Details of funding received by the company from Enterprise Ireland for the years 2000 to 2010 inclusive are set out in the table accompanying this reply. As the information in relation to the funding for 2011 is commercially sensitive, I am not in a position to release it at this point. The information will be available after the publication of Enterprise Ireland’s Annual Report in 2012.
194. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Government loan guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39945/11]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Deputy is referring to the Temporary, Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme which should be in operation by the end of March 2012. An Invitation to Tender was published on Monday 5th December to select on Operator for the Scheme. In parallel with this selection process, I will be introducing appropriate legislation in the Oireachtas to underpin the introduction of the Scheme.
The Scheme is intended to address two specific market failures which act as barriers to lending to viable enterprises which otherwise would have received bank credit. These market failures are inadequacy of collateral and inadequacy of understanding of the novelty of a business model, market, sector or technology. Eligible companies will be commercially viable, well performing companies that have a solid business plan and a defined market for their products or services, thereby demonstrating their ability to repay the loan. Refinancing of existing debts will be excluded as the purpose of this Scheme is to facilitate additional lending into the economy.
Decision making on facilitating individual loans including assessment of eligibility and the viability of the borrower will be fully devolved to the participating lenders. The baseline for determining commercial viability within the Scheme should be no different from the standard viability test applied by each Lender within their normal commercial SME lending procedures.
It is not clear from the details supplied whether the person concerned would meet the eligibility criteria for the Scheme when introduced. The individual may wish to discuss with banks the extent to which his credit requirements may be facilitated under current lending arrangements.
196. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a claim form, RP50, has been received by him in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if it is being processed; when this person may expect to receive payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39619/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 7 December 2011. A cheque payment will issue in the near future.
197. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39675/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 8 July 2011. Redundancy lump sums claims received at the start of May 2011 are currently being processed.
198. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an agreement between a company (details supplied) and former employees of that company relating to redundancy payments necessitated by the closure of the company’s hatchery in Carrickmacross has not been honoured by the company; the steps he will take in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39869/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The purpose of the Redundancy Payments Scheme is to compensate workers, under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007, for the loss of their jobs by reason of redundancy. Compensation is based on the worker’s length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a ceiling of €600 per week.
It is the responsibility of the employer to pay statutory redundancy to all their eligible employees.
It is not possible on the basis of the information supplied by the Deputy to establish the position in relation to this case. If the Deputy wishes to supply additional information I will have the matter examined further.
199. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 [39999/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): No application has been made by this applicant for change of payment. If application is made to the Local Community Welfare Officer this request can be considered.
200. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in her Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39396/11]
201. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in her Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom she reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39413/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
Since my appointment on 9 March 2011, I have appointed a Special Adviser, Mr Edward Brophy, and a Press Adviser, Ms Kathleen Barrington.
A single point salary of €127,796 was sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for Mr. Brophy, effective from his appointment on 29 July 2011. In taking up the role with me he left a very senior role in the private sector and took a pay cut of over one third of his previous salary.
Ms. Barrington was appointed from 18 July 2011, and was initially on a salary of €80,051 i.e. the first point of the Principal Officer pay scale. However, on the basis of her experience and qualifications, sanction was received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 19 October 2011 to place her on the 3rd point of the scale, i.e. €86,604 per annum, effective from 18 July 2011.
The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
202. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39438/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the Department has received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned. Unfortunately, the application did not include certain information necessary to make a decision on it. She has been requested to forward the relevant additional information.
203. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the black economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39449/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department which processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and makes payments to over one million people every week. While the vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them, as Minister, I am very conscious of the need to protect public money and I am determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected.
To this end, I launched a new Fraud Initiative (2011-2013) in September last which aims to put in place a range of actions to combat fraud and abuse of the social welfare system and to ensure there is public confidence and trust in it.
Under the Initiative, there will be a greater focus on inter-agency co-operation at the local level and an emphasis on undertaking joint projects and pooling of local knowledge, many of which focus on the black (or hidden) economy. There are a number of themes and approaches under-pinning the Initiative, including greater inter-agency co-operation among public bodies at national and local level to combat fraud and abuse and a greater presence of social welfare inspectors on the ground. In addition, there will be greater liaison at national and, in particular, at local level with employers, their representative organisations and businesses generally to ensure good information exchange on emerging fraudulent trends in the labour market and to maintain a fair and level playing pitch for all enterprises.
As part of its control activities, the Department has formed alliances with a range of enforcement and compliance agencies, in particular, the Revenue Commissioners. Both organisations are working together with a view to aligning expertise and information across their operations.
On an on-going basis, my Department and Revenue request specific information and data matches from each other for the purposes of combating fraud and abuse. The risk inherent in black or hidden economy has been identified by both organisations as being a key corporate priority to be tackled. A sectoral approach is being taken in this regard with projects and control operations focussing on the following:
With regard to incidents of suspected fraud, my Department accepts reports of possible fraud and abuse of the social welfare system offered by members of the public in relation to the operation of its schemes. To this end, it has both a dedicated phone number and a facility on the Department’s website for this purpose. Members of the public are asked to provide as much detail as possible about the case they are reporting and they can do so anonymously.
Reports can be made as follows:
I would like to thank the Deputy for the information he supplied and I would invite him to supply more specific details of the alleged abuses to enable staff of my Department to investigate the particular cases referred to.
204. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that the waiting list for appeal hearings in disability allowance applications is 14 months; the plans in place to reduce the waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39456/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, based on 2010 figures, the average time taken for a case which requires an oral hearing is 51.1 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the processing time for Disability Allowance dealt with by way of summary decision is 30.8 weeks appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department’s Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals. In that regard, as a result of various initiatives, including the assignment of 9 additional Appeals Officers from April, taken over the past 12 months, 22,406 decisions were made by appeals officers in the first eleven months of 2011, in comparison to 16,232 for the same period in 2010.
205. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision on an appeal of a jobseeker’s rate has been made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39458/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 01 December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
206. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39464/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 02 December 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
207. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39466/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of her case a decision will be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
208. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgetary Service in County Kerry in 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39469/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The number of new clients who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) in Kerry in 2009 and 2010 is outlined in the table below.
| Year | New Clients in County Kerry MABS January to December |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 836 |
| 2010 | 891 |
The Citizens Information Board, who has responsibility for the provision of the MABS, recently approved in principle a proposal to establish a joint Citizens Information Service (CIS) National Advocacy Service and MABS office in Killarney.
I am satisfied that Kerry MABS will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances
209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the fact the Brown Flesk River in County Kerry needs to be cleared out (details supplied) where it meets the River Maine upriver from the fish counter, she will ensure that a FÁS scheme or a rural social scheme will be instigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39479/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Deputy will be aware that a very wide range of community services and works can be delivered with the support of the community employment programme and the rural social scheme. The types of works that are undertaken are determined locally. It is a requirement of these programme that the works undertaken are consistent with the terms and conditions of the relevant programme or scheme and meet other criteria, particularly in respect of not displacing works that are the responsibility of statutory bodies or local authorities or that are undertaken by other contractors. Regard must also be had for the skills required to undertake such works, safety of, and risks to participants, and the costs associated with the provision of materials, tools and equipment. The FÁS Community Services Office based at Unit 1, Kenmare Place, Killarney (Telephone 064 32466) will be able to advise on the opportunities to undertake this work under the community employment programme. North and East Kerry LEADER Partnership based at Clash, Tralee, Co. Kerry (Telephone 066 7180190) will be able to advise on the rural social scheme.
210. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding social protection entitlements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39495/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Under Irish legislation, citizens from other countries who have been granted refugee status have a legal right to reside in Ireland and are entitled to seek employment in the state. They are, therefore, entitled to apply for benefits and pensions in the same way as all other workers in the state.
There is no discrimination on grounds of nationality in social welfare legislation and to introduce such a provision would be contrary to the equality principles that Ireland has adopted in its equality legislation, the Treaties of the European Community and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and other international conventions.
211. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons a review entitlement for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance was unsuccessful in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [39505/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned was refused payment of back to school clothing and footwear allowance on the grounds that the household income exceeded the limit allowable for their family composition and size. This decision was upheld on review.
212. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any payment available to assist persons meeting maintaining and caring for domestic pets; if there is such a payment, if she will outline the weekly amount paid; the number of persons in receipt of it; the amount paid out by her each year to recipients of such a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39508/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): There are no payments made by the Department of Social Protection towards the cost of caring for a pet.
213. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a business getting a 30% rebate should a redundancy situation arise (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39520/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The purpose of the Redundancy Payments Scheme is to compensate workers, under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007, for the loss of their jobs by reason of redundancy. Compensation is based on the worker’s length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a ceiling of €600 per week. It is the responsibility of the employer to pay statutory redundancy to all their eligible employees. Rebates to employers and lump sums paid directly to employees are paid from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF). The total amount paid out in redundancy rebates to employers was €152.2 million in 2006; €167.4 million in 2007; €161.8 million in 2008; €247.9 million in 2009; €373.2 million in 2010 and €186.2 million so far in 2011. Given the current economic climate, this level of rebate expenditure is not sustainable and, in Budget 2012, it was announced that the rebate will be reduced to 15%.
To give effect to this change, legislation was introduced and passed all stages in this House last week and is due to be debated in the Seanad this week. While I acknowledge that this change may cause difficulties for employers it should be noted that redundancy rebate payments to employers are not common in many EU and other jurisdictions.
214. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the number of placements on community employment schemes in view of the spare capacity in some of the current schemes and the considerable demand for places. [39538/11]
256. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons employed on community employment schemes in 2011, on a county basis in tabular form, and for the Dublin figure if she will provide a breakdown by postal code in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39902/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 256 together.
Community employment helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. Some 1,100 organisations in the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors provide work and training placements for participants nationwide. The number of placements available during 2011, including supervisor positions, was of the order of 23,300. The number of persons engaged at the 5th December 2011, including supervisors, was 23,846. The distribution of the placements is set out in the table below. Places are allocated regionally to reflect the underlying level of unemployment. I hope to be able to maintain the same level of placements in 2012. In delivering these placements, the Department of Social Protection/FÁS will continue to operate with sponsor organisations in a flexible manner in order to maximise progression to the labour market and ensure placements are fully utilised, while at the same time facilitating support for the delivery of community services.
215. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she would provide details of the changes that will affect a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as a result of the budget. [39541/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is made up of a personal rate for the parent and of extra amounts for dependent children. The current payment rate is €188.00 per week — with a further €29.80 payable for each additional qualified child. The amount of the payment depends on the weekly means of the parent. Currently, earnings of less than €146.50 per week are excluded from the assessment of means — with claimants entitled to the full rate of payment. Earnings above this limit are assessed at 50% up to a maximum of €425.00 per week — with a reduced rate of OFP payable.
The reform of the OFP payment commenced when legislative changes were introduced to the scheme in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010. These changes, which came into effect on 27 April, 2011, lowered the age limit of the youngest child for receipt of the payment from 18 (or 22 if in full-time education) to 14 for new recipients and introduced a six-year phase-out of the payment for existing recipients, with entitlement to the OFP being maintained at the age of 18 for 2011 and 2012, and then being reduced on a yearly basis from the age of 17 in 2013 to 16 in 2014, to 15 in 2015 and to 14 in 2016.
The provisions contained in Budget 2012 will continue this reform — with the age limit of the youngest child being further reduced to 12 in 2012, to 10 in 2013 and to 7 in 2014. The earnings disregard on the OFP payment will also be reduced on a phased basis, moving from €146.50 per week to €130 per week in January 2012, for new and existing claimants. Both the weekly personal rate for the parent and the qualified child rate will not change.
As an existing OFP customer, the recipient referred to will continue to receive their payment in April 2012. Phasing arrangements after this point, for such customers are currently being considered. This client’s weekly earnings, which total €60.55 from 7 hours of employment (based on earnings at the national minimum wage rate of €8.65 per hour), will not affect her entitlement as they fall under the earnings disregard of €146.50 for 2011 and of €130.00 for 2012. She would currently be receiving a payment of €188 per week for herself and €29.80 per week for each of her three children under 18 years. This assumes that she was an OFP recipient prior to April 2011 and that the older two children over 18 years are not in full-time education. This gives her a total social welfare payment of €277.40 per week. If she became an OFP recipient after April 2011, when the age 14 limit was introduced, she would be receiving payment of €29.80 for one child, giving her a total payment of €217.80 per week. In both instances her payment would remain unchanged in April 2012.
216. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the findings of research on fuel poverty and older people by the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Institute of Public Health, if she will accede to the petition sponsored by an organisation (details supplied) which states that hundreds of older people die each winter in Ireland because they cannot afford to keep themselves warm and lives could be saved if the Government reversed its decision to cut their electricity and gas units; if she will reverse the cuts to the free gas and electricity units available under the household benefits package, in view of the increased hardship it will cause for older persons on low incomes. [39558/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The research referred to has not been published to date. However, my Department will spend over €530 million in 2011 on the fuel scheme and the telephone, gas and electricity elements of the household benefits package which will benefit some 390,000 people on household benefits and 375,000 on the fuel allowance. In 2005 there were 325,000 people on household benefits and 265,000 on the fuel allowance at a cost of €280 million. The costs have almost doubled in six years while the number of customers has risen by more than 20%. My Department is covering the cost of the price increases in electricity which came into effect from 1st October. The electricity allowance, which was €35.80 per month, has increased to €39.40. The price increases will cost the Department over €4 million in 2011 and €17.3 million in a full year.
Difficult decisions had to be made in light of the existing economic situation and commitments made by the previous government. A number of measures for savings in 2011 and future years were specified as part of Budget 2011 but were not announced by the Government at the time. These included a saving of €30 million in the energy and telephone elements of the household benefits package in 2011 and subsequent years. They also included the abolition of the smokeless fuel allowance with a saving of €7.7 million in 2011 and €17.5 million in subsequent years. The number of free units provided under the electricity and gas allowance were reduced from 2,400 to 1,800 with a view to generating savings of €17 million in 2011 and €65 million annually.
Excess winter deaths are generally defined as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).
Ireland, in common with other European countries, experiences higher levels of mortality in the winter than in the summer. Studies have found that mortality increases as mean daily temperatures fall (below 18 degrees). However, it is the countries with (relatively) the mildest winters in Europe which report the greatest excess deaths. This has been termed the, ‘paradox of excess winter mortality’. There is no simple clear cut explanation for excess winter mortality.
The most cost-effective means of protecting households from energy poverty is to reduce consumption of energy through improving the home’s thermal efficiency. Sustainable Energy Ireland has administered the Warmer Homes programme for privately owned low-income households since 2001, benefitting 65,000 households, with a further 15,000 to receive upgrades this year. A similar programme is in place for local authority houses.
We should also bear in mind that data show that households comprising predominantly older people have lower consistent poverty rates than other age categories. In 2009 single adults aged over 65 with no children had a consistent poverty rate of 0.6% while people in households with 2 adults at least one of whom was aged 65 or over with no children had a consistent poverty rate of 1.0%. In the general population, 5.5% of people were in consistent poverty. The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (2009) also showed that the elderly were less likely than other groups to have gone without heating in the previous year.
217. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for a disability allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39560/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officers decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
218. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons between the ages of 18 and 21 years currently in receipt of disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39561/11]
219. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons between the ages of 22 and 24 currently in receipt of disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39562/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
The number of persons aged between 18 and 21 years who are currently in receipt of disability allowance is 5,674. The corresponding figure for persons aged between 22 and 24 years is 4,519.
220. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the poverty impact assessment carried out by her prior to her decision to cut payments to young persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39563/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Budget 2012 proposals relating to the conditions and rates of payment for Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance are not being introduced as planned pending a review which will be undertaken by Ms. Ita Mangan, Chair of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare.
221. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the estimated savings made as a result of the cuts to disability allowance for young persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39564/11]
250. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of 16 to 25 year olds in receipt of disability allowance, broken down by age, in 2011; and the total amount spent per annum on this age group in 2011. [39838/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 250 together.
The estimated savings arising from the measures relating to disability allowance announced in Budget 2012 is €7 million in 2012. Those measures would have affected people aged up to and including 24 years of age — they would not have affected recipients aged 25 years or older.
I have provided a table which sets out the number of 16 to 25 year olds in receipt of disability allowance, broken down by age and gender as of the end of November 2011. There were 13,802 recipients aged up to and including 25 years of age and a further 88,872 aged 26 years or more, bringing the overall total to 102,674. The estimated total spend on this scheme in 2011 is €1,066m.
The annual cost to the exchequer of a specific age group within a scheme is not collated by my Department.
222. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the number of persons in receipt of the cost of education allowance in 2011; the estimated savings made as a result of the cuts to the allowance for 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39565/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The projected number of persons in receipt of the cost of education allowance in 2011 is 23,440. The 2012 estimated savings from the reduction in the cost of education allowance from €500 to €300, announced in the Budget 2012, is €5.4 million.
223. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39573/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person’s oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
224. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their appeal in respect of their application for disability benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39578/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence has allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
225. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision on an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance will be reconsidered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39586/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
226. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was refused disability allowance will be put back on domiciliary allowance in view of the new conditions announced in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39596/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): As a result of the decision to withdraw section 8, 9 and 10 of the Social Welfare Bill 2011, the age limit for receipt of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) remains at 16 years. As the child referred to is over 16 years of age, DCA is no longer payable.
227. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to receive domiciliary care allowance in view the new conditions set out in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39599/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): As a result of the decision to withdraw section 8, 9 and 10 of the Social Welfare Bill 2011, the age limit for receipt of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) remains at 16 years. As the child referred to is over 16 years of age, DCA is no longer payable.
228. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [39600/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned has not made an application to pay their rent supplement directly to their landlord. If an application is made to the Department’s local representative administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme this request will be considered.
229. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when persons who are over 16 years will be put back on domiciliary care allowance in view of the new condition set out in budget 2012; if persons who were refused disability allowance having turned 16 years will be put back on domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39603/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Budget 2012 proposals relating to the conditions and rates of payment for Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance are not being introduced as planned pending a review which will be undertaken by Ms. Ita Mangan, Chair of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare.
230. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a rebate of redundancy payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39605/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): A redundancy rebate claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 14 October 2010. My officials have made contact with the person concerned and await receipt of documentation. As soon as this is received the matter will receive further attention.
231. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused payment of carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39615/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The carer’s allowance claim of the person in question was reviewed when the care recipient reached 16 years of age and no longer qualified for domiciliary care allowance. It was decided that the care recipient no longer satisfied the medical criteria for receipt of carer’s allowance.
Additional medical evidence was subsequently received and assessed but, based upon the opinion of the Department’s medical assessor, the deciding officer decided that there was no grounds to revise the original decision. She was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
The person concerned again furnished further medical evidence which was also referred to the medical assessor on for consideration. However, again it was decided that no grounds existed to revise the original decision.
Accordingly, on 5 December 2011, payment of carer’s allowance was stopped. She has been notified of this decision and the reason for it.
232. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a back to school clothing and footwear payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39626/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. The scheme closed on 30 September 2011 and late applications were accepted until the end October 2011.
No application for BSCFA has been received from the person concerned.
233. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [39628/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned was refused carer’s allowance on two separate grounds, firstly that the care recipient is not so invalided or disabled as to require full-time care and attention as laid down in legislation and secondly that he has not established that he is providing full time care and attention as laid down in the carer’s allowance guidelines. On 14 July 2011 he was notified of this decision the reasons for it.
The person in question appealed the decision and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his claim. The medical aspect of his application was approved. However an appeals officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal as it had not been established that he was providing full- time care. He was notified of the decision on his appeal on 2 September 2011.
The decision of an appeals officer is final and may only be reviewed in the light of new evidence or new facts not already presented at the time of appeal.
234. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be decided upon in view of the fact that the oral hearing was held four weeks ago in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [39639/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
236. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when he can expect to receive a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39654/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of his case, a decision will be made and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
237. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the proposed social protection office accommodation in Edenderry, County Offaly; and if she will also provide information as to the intended purpose of this building. [39655/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Following on from the transfer of the FÁS employment and community services to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January next, it is proposed to accommodate Social Welfare Inspectors serving that area in the employment service’s National Call Centre in Carrick Road, Edenderry. This will fully meet the Department’s accommodation needs in Edenderry.
238. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be reached on an application claim for redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [39667/11]
253. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if a redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be paid as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39892/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 253 together.
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 12 July 2011. Redundancy lump sums claims received at the start of May 2011 are currently being processed.
239. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the proposals to change the age for disability allowance from 16 years to 18 years; the implications of these proposed changes on domiciliary allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39670/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Budget 2012 proposals relating to the conditions and rates of payment for Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance are not being introduced as planned pending a review which will be undertaken by Ms. Ita Mangan, Chair of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare.
240. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39671/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of this case took place on 15th November 2011. The Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision when the appeal has been determined. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
241. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39674/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
243. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will take place in relation to an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39681/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person’s oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
244. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a date for oral hearing in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39709/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person’s oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
245. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for the domiciliary care allowance that were refused in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [39720/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) since the 1st April 2009. Statistics relating to the Allowance for the period prior to April 2009 are a matter for the HSE, the previous administrators of the scheme. The number of applicants for DCA refused in each year to date is detailed in the table.
246. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the household benefits package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39751/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): There are currently 387,000 customers in receipt of the telephone allowance, administered under the household benefits package at an annual cost of €115 million in 2011. This is a significant increase since 2005 when 311,000 people were in receipt. The household benefits package, comprising telephone and electricity or gas allowance, as well as a free television licence is available for people aged 70 years or over, people in receipt of carer’s allowance and people aged between 66 years and 70 years who are getting a qualifying payment e.g. pension, and are generally living alone. It is also available to people aged under 66 years who are getting a disability or caring related payment.
In recent months, the Department of Social Protection negotiated a deal with Eircom, the main supplier used by 75% of social welfare customers, whereby Eircom customers (including the person on whose behalf the Deputy has made the enquiry) now get a value of €26.86 toward their monthly telephone bill at a cost to the Exchequer of €22.22. This meant that from 1st September this year, the monthly rate of the telephone allowance charged to the Department was reduced from €25.91 to €22.22 achieving annual savings of €16.9 million on the scheme.
There was no change to the telephone allowance in Budget 2012. Difficult decisions had to be made in light of the existing economic situation and commitments made by the previous Government. However I believe the deal negotiated with Eircom provides real savings to the State while minimising the impact on the customer.
247. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to an appeal for farm assist in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39787/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 06 December 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
248. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39830/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Community Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
249. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to deal with unfounded charges of welfare fraud made against genuine benefit recipients; and if it is normal procedure to suspend benefit payments in such cases while the charge is being investigated. [39833/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department which processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and makes payments to some 1.4 million people every week. However, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them.
The Deputy may be aware that I recently launched a new Fraud Initiative (2011-2013) which is aimed at putting in place a range of actions to combat fraud and abuse of the social welfare system and to ensure there is public confidence and trust in the system. My Department accepts reports of possible fraud from members of the public in relation to operation of its schemes and uses both a dedicated phone number and a facility on the Department’s website for this purpose. Members of the public are asked to provide as much detail as possible about the case they are reporting and they can do so anonymously.
Reports can be made as follows:
All anonymous or confidential reports are examined and, where relevant, are referred to Scheme owners and/or to the Department’s Inspectors.
However, it is important to note that a payment is not normally suspended or stopped solely on the basis of an anonymous report. The anonymous report, however, may be a trigger for the instigation of a review of a customer’s entitlement. A Social Welfare Inspector may then deem it appropriate to interview the customer and to carry out a full review of the circumstances and means of the customer in order to determine on-going entitlement to the relevant payment. The Inspector may then send his report on the case to one of the Department’s deciding officers for a decision regarding entitlement. Where the review indicates that the customer is not entitled to the relevant payment, the claim may be suspended, reduced or terminated.
The following are the number of anonymous reports received in the period January-November 2011:
| Anonymous Reports received in the period January-November 2011 | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 4,931 |
| 10,226 | |
| Letter | 985 |
| Total January — November 2011 | 16,142 |
In approximately 12,300 of these cases, a report of suspected fraud was sent to the relevant area for examination. Some clients about whom a report was received were in receipt of more than one payment. In over 3,800 of the cases received in 2011, it was not possible to issue a report to an investigator due to either a lack of information supplied, or no claim being in payment or the information reported would not impact on entitlement.
My Department is very conscious of its obligation to protect public money and is determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected. Therefore, it is the Department’s policy to review all customers on an ongoing basis, and in addition, all cases of suspected abuse are referred for investigation. However, my Department is also very conscious of the fact that most social welfare recipients are fully entitled to their payments.
Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 221.
251. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will respond to a matter regarding community employment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39840/11]
259. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39915/11]
262. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse the one person one payment policy as applied to community employment schemes, with immediate effect, in view of the fact that it acts as a disincentive for many welfare recipients to take up community employment. [39975/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 251, 259 and 262 together.
Due to the current economic circumstances and the need for the Department of Social Protection to find savings of €475 million in Budget 2012, it was necessary to examine all aspects of Departmental expenditure. This has resulted in the following changes being made to the Community Employment (CE) scheme, which were announced as part of Budget 2012:
In relation to the reduction in the training and materials grant the Department of Social Protection will seek to minimise the effects of these changes on those schemes most affected and will examine the income and expenditure of schemes with reference to their capacity to absorb the changes made to the grant. The National Training Fund will provide €4.2 million for training on CE in 2012. In addition, SOLAS will continue to provide access to its training programmes to CE participants.
The need for training on CE varies depending on the needs of participants and how long they have already been on the scheme and the training already received. Progression to employment is the key aim of the Government and there is a need to ensure that the supports we have in place aim to substantially improve individuals’ chances of securing employment. Forfás published their “Review of Labour Market Programmes” last year which showed that CE participants’ progression into employment is low and is only 3% higher than individuals who remain on the Live Register. There needs, therefore, to be a better focus on progression and value for money.
The second change to CE announced in Budget 2012 ceases the concurrent entitlement of certain individuals on CE had to both a CE allowance and a proportion or all of their social welfare assistance payment. This measure will take effect from 16 January 2012 and will only apply to new entrants to CE. Any individual who was employed on a CE scheme before 16 January will not be affected by this change.
The third change announced in Budget 2012 relates to the qualified child increase that certain individuals receive when in receipt of a social welfare assistance payment. Under changes announced in Budget 2012 payment of two qualified child increases where the person is on a CE scheme and one parent family payment, deserted wife’s allowance/benefit or widow(er)’s pensions will be discontinued for new and existing recipients. Despite the changes outlined above, the Department of Social Protection will be spending in excess of €960 million on employment supports (including CE schemes) in 2012, up from €882 million in 2011.
252. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when the results of an appeal for domiciliary care allowance will be made available in respect of a person (details supplied). [39854/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 238.
254. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend the limit of those in receipt of invalidity pensions and who are on community employment schemes beyond the current seven year limit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39894/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): In general, the maximum participation limit for community employment (CE) is one year with the opportunity to extend for a further year if this is considered by FÁS as the most suitable and cost effective measure to assist the participant in gaining employment. A participant may be eligible for different periods of engagement and extensions on CE due to a range of circumstances, including their age, the nature of the qualifying payment and/or time already spent on CE. Persons of 55 years or over may be eligible to a maximum of six years overall participation on CE. In general, those in receipt of any of the four disability linked Social Welfare payments (Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension, or Illness Benefit) may be eligible for one additional year’s participation bringing the total to seven years in the case of a person aged 55 years or over, or four years otherwise. I have no plans to extend the time a person will be allowed to spend on CE.
255. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39899/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned was refused carer’s allowance on grounds that she has not established that she is providing full-time care and attention as laid down in the scheme guidelines. The department is satisfied that the care recipient has a requirement for full-time care. She was notified of the decision and the reason for it. Further information was subsequently received from the person in question and, in response, her file was referred to an investigative officer of the Department for further investigation and confirmation that all the conditions for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations, the original decision will be reviewed and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 214.
257. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39906/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): A redundancy lump sum claim, which included a determination of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, in respect of the person concerned was received on 21 November 2011. The matter is currently receiving attention.
258. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the social protection entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [39910/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the jobseeker’s benefit appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 11 November 2011 and was referred to an Appeals Officer on 22 November 2011 who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 251.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for one parent family allowance payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39923/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Following an oral hearing the Appeals Officer decided that the person concerned is disqualified from receiving one parent family payment. She was notified of the outcome of the appeal on 3 November 2011.
261. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath [39962/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 6 September 2011. Redundancy lump sums claims received at the start of May 2011 are currently being processed.
Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 251.
263. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a carer’s allowance appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39977/11]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
264. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39384/11]
265. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39401/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.
As provided for in the Guidelines on the staffing of Ministers’ Offices, I have sought and received sanction for the appointment of two special advisors. Also in accordance with these Guidelines, Minister of State McGinley has not sought the appointment of any advisor. I have appointed Mr. James Kenny as special advisor with effect from 7 June 2011. As provided for in the above mentioned Guidelines, Mr Kenny’s salary has been appointed at the first point of the Principal Officer Standard Scale. As Mr. Kenny is in receipt of a public service pension, his salary has been abated to €38,215 per annum.
My Department has also received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the appointment of Mr. Seán Mac Cárthaigh as special advisor. Details of his contract and remuneration are currently being finalised by my officials in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers would be accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
266. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) sent on 9 November 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39452/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): I have now issued a reply to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy.
267. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when will a reply issue to correspondence (details supplied) sent on the 5 September 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39453/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): I regret the delay in replying to the Deputy and a reply will issue today. The Deputy’s letter was received prior to a full day event with representatives from a wide range of organisations with an interest in such matters. The person represented in the letter in question also attended. Each organisation was given an opportunity to make a presentation that outlined their views on the subject issue.
268. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grants or assistance available to an artist to enable them to exhibit their work in Newgrange in June 2012. [39621/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): Primary responsibility for the promotion and funding of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The arts community can apply online through the Arts Council website for funding and for other services, including grants for performances and productions. The Arts Council has an excellent online service, which was selected by public vote for the Net Visionary eGovernment Award. Under legislation, the Arts Council is independent in making its funding decisions. The Office of Public Works is responsible for the management of Newgrange.
269. D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén soláthar caipitil a cuireadh ar fáil dá Roinn do 2011, briste síos mír ar mhír mar atá sna meastacháin athbhreithnithe; an méid atá caite go dáta i mbliana faoi gach fomhír agus an méid a bhfuil súil leis a bheith caite ag deireadh na bliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39921/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): Mar is eol don Teachta, tá leithdháiltí caiteachais mo Roinne-se ag leibhéal fo-mhírchinn foilsithe sna Meastacháin Athbhreithnithe agus tá próifílí caiteachais foilsithe don bhliain 2011 ar fáil ar láithreán gréasáin na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe. Tá leithdháiltí mo Roinne ag leibhéal fo-mhírchinn ar fáil ag an nasc seo a leanas chun gur féidir tagairt a dhéanamh dóibh go héasca: http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2011-REV.pdf
Tá caiteachas maidir le próifílí foilsithe ar fáil ag an nasc seo a leanas: http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/exchequerstatements/2011/analexpendnov.pdf
Mar eolas don Teachta, ar an 30 Samhain 2011, ba é€40.512m caiteachas caipitil mo Roinnse agus faoi láthair níl mo Roinnse ag súil le haon choigilteas substaintiúil ina leithdháileadh caipitil don bhliain seo. Mar is eol don Teachta freisin, cé go ndéantar monatóireacht agus bainistiú ar bhonn rialta ar chaiteachas mo Roinne-se i gcoibhneas le próifíl ag leibhéal fo-mhírchinn, gur figiúirí sealadacha figiúirí caiteachais leanúnacha dá leithéid agus tá siad faoi réir phromhadh inmheánach trí chóras bainistíochta airgeadais mo Roinne-se agus, ar deireadh, faoi réir phromhadh an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste. Dá mbeadh tuarascálacha mionsonraithe eatramhacha ar chaiteachas ag leibhéal fo-mhírchinn le foilsiú roimh dheireadh na bliana, feictear dom go mbeadh breis promhaidh ag teastáil, chomh maith le méid díréireach ama agus oibre ar bhonn leanúnach, agus go mbeadh sé deacair cur chuige dá leithéid a chosaint.
270. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for the future of Irish Heritage Trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39958/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): My Department commenced a review of the operation of the Trust earlier this year in accordance with a protocol agreed with the Trust in 2006. In this regard, I invited and have received observations on an Issues Paper, prepared by my Department, regarding the operation of the Trust over the last 5 years. The Issues Paper and the observations received will form the framework for discussions with the Trust, with a view to the completion of the review shortly.
271. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will advise this Deputy of any scheme which the proprietor of a heritage site (details supplied) can avail of to help cover the costs of public liability insurance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39963/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): My Department has no role in relation to the provision of public liability insurance and is not in a position to advise on the issue referred to by the Deputy.
272. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the future position of the Heritage Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39973/11]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): Under the Public Service Reform programme announced by Government on 17th November last, the Heritage Council is included in Appendix IIb: Candidate Bodies for Critical Review by end-June 2012. The focus of the review is to examine the potential merger of the functions of the Council into my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that any decision in relation to the future of the Council must await the finalisation of that review.
273. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has any plans to enhance the role played by post offices in our communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39704/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): The Government’s core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. The Government is committed to a strong and viable An Post and supports its maintenance of the maximum number of economically viable post offices.
While I do appreciate the importance of post offices to communities, the operation of An Post’s post office network is a matter for the board and management of the company and not one in which I have a statutory function.
274. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39386/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
275. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he or she reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time he or she was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39403/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.
276. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is grant assistance available for persons applying for three phase electricity. [39494/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): There is no grant assistance available for individuals applying for three phase electricity, which is used in industry to drive motors and other devices.
277. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a better energy homes scheme grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39527/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme, on behalf of my Department. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hot line can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has recently established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
278. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind farms he has sanctioned; the number of applications he has received and the number currently in the process of being built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39617/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): Those seeking to build wind farms require a grid connection in order to be able to export the electricity generated to the national electricity grid. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is statutorily responsible for grid connection. The “Gate” process was established by the CER as the mechanism for processing applications from renewable generators. The processing and issuance of grid connection offers to renewable generators are grouped rather than dealt with on an individual basis.
Under Gate 1 and Gate 2, 1755MW of connection offers were made to renewable generators and accepted. Under Gate 3, over 3900MW of offers were made to renewable generators. The total amount of renewable generation under Gates 1, 2 and 3 is capable of delivering Ireland’s 40% renewable electricity target. Between 175MW and 200MW of windfarms are expected to be connected to the grid this year. EirGrid’s website www.eirgrid.com provides lists of connected and contracted wind farm developments with indicative connection dates for those contracted. The group processing approach facilitates a strategic approach to be taken to network building requirements and aims to put in place efficient connection solutions to cater for large number of applications to ensure optimum network development, minimising network costs and avoidance of network bottlenecks.
Over and above those projects in the Gate process, I am advised that EirGrid and ESB Networks are in receipt of many expressions of interest to connect several thousand megawatts of onshore and offshore wind to the grid.
279. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received any applications for the construction of hydro-electric water dams; if these applications have been processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39618/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): Under a process established by the Commission for Energy Regulation, renewable generators apply for a grid connection to either EirGrid (for the high voltage transmission grid) or to ESB Networks (for the lower or medium voltage distribution system). The information on hydro-electric water dams (valid up to 1st November 2011) is available on the EirGrid (Transmission system Operator — TSO) website at www.eirgrid.com and is listed in the following table.
| Status | TSO/DSO | No. Applications | Total MEC (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connected | TSO | 14 | 212.0 |
| Connected | DSO | 56 | 25.4 |
| Contracted | DSO | 3 | 0.9 |
| Energised | DSO | 2 | 0.1 |
| Live | DSO | 2 | 0.1 |
| Queue | DSO | 1 | 0 |
As can be seen from the table, there are currently 14 hydro installations totalling 212MW connected to the transmission system, and 56 hydro installations totalling 25.4MW connected to the distribution system. Beyond that, there are a further 3 hydro installations totalling 0.9MW that are contracted for connection, 2 totalling 0.1MW which are energised (i.e. construction complete but not yet able to export to the grid), 2 totalling 0.1MW that are live (i.e. in receipt of a grid connection offer) and one that is in the queue (i.e. seeking an offer.)
Pumped hydro storage projects are not “run of river” hydro using dams on rivers. Turlough Hill is a pumped storage project not included in the above figures. Under the energy regulator’s Gate group processing approach, EirGrid issued connection offers to two pumped storage projects totalling 70MW. One of these offers was not taken up. A further 8 applications totalling 2270MW have been submitted to the system operators in respect of grid connections for hydro pumped storage. These applications are not currently part of any Gate process.
280. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the required documentation sought by the project promoters to allow the construction of the proposed plant (details supplied) in County Offaly to proceed. [39656/11]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): I assume that the Deputy is referring in the context of the plant mentioned to the Biomass REFIT support scheme. This scheme has received State Aid clearance from DG Competition in Brussels and will open shortly once Government approval has been obtained. Once the scheme is opened, all the relevant documentation will be made available and applications can be made under the scheme.
281. D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cén deontas uasta atá ar fáil do ghrúpscéimeanna uisce a síneofar conarthaí ina leith i mbliana ach nach mbeidh an obair orthu críochnaithe go dtí 2012; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39531/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): Beidh mo Roinn ag lorg tairiscintí go luath ó na húdaráis áitiúla le haghaidh maoinithe i 2012 faoin gClár Uisce Tuaithe. Tá na critéir le haghaidh maoiniú den sórt sin á thabhairt chun críche faoi láthair ag mo Roinn, tar éis ionchur ón gCoiste Náisiúnta ar Uisce Tuaithe Seirbhísí. I gcomhthéacs na cionnrointe 2011, deanadh cinneadh chun cur leis an deontas uasta in aghaidh an tí a bhaineann le scéimeanna grúpa nua ar feadh tréimhse teoranta a ardú. Maoiníonn mo Roinn 85% de chostas na scéimeanna den sórt sin, de ghnáth tá an deontas teoranta ag €6,475 in aghaidh an tí. Méadaíodh an teorainn go €7,475 ó 1 Márta, 2011 le haghaidh scéimeanna nua ag tosú sa bhliain 2011 le bheith maoinithe ó leithdháileadh 2011.
Beidh mé ag déanamh athbhreithnithe ar an tsaincheist seo sa san athbhliain nuair a bheidh mé ag cinneadh an bloc leithdháiltí deontais le haghaidh údaráis áitiúla faoin gClár Uisce Tuaithe 2012. Mar sin féin, bheadh sé i gceist agam go leanófar ar aghaidh leis an leibhéal méadaithe deontais i gcásanna nuair a shíníodh an conradh i 2011 ach nach bhfuil críochnaithe faoi dheireadh na bliana.
282. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in a situation where an older person is living with a family relative away from home and electricity is still connected to his or her former house, if that person will still have to pay the €100 property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39788/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): The Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011, which is currently before the Dáil, provides an exemption from the household charge where a residential property is left vacant by an owner on the liability date by reason of his/her long term mental or physical infirmity, certified by a registered medical practitioner, and that person is residing in another property that he/she does not own.
283. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to legislate for a tightening of the rules for vehicles to be declared off the road for the purposes of motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39836/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I am concerned at the high level of off-the-road declarations being made and I am aware that the current procedures governing the making of such declarations are open to potential abuse. The General Scheme of a Bill to tighten the procedures is at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department and will be brought forward as soon as possible.
284. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided to community groups in the event of redundancies occurring for employees, in view of the major difficulties that would arise for such groups as they are not-for-profit organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40003/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I understand that the Question refers to groups delivering projects under particular EU co-funded programmes. There is no provision under these programmes for redundancy payments as the programmes fund actual projects rather than the staff employed to deliver these projects. Any redundancies would be a matter for the groups involved in delivering the projects and subject to the contractual arrangements they have in place with their staff.
285. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39389/11]
286. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he or she reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time he or she was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39406/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.
I have appointed two Special Advisers to my office. Both were appointed in accordance with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil and sanctioned by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, where appropriate. Ms. Claire Langton was appointed as a Special Adviser to my office on 10 March 2011 with a salary of €80,051. No pay increase has been awarded to Ms. Langton since her appointment. Mr. Sean McKeown was appointed Special Adviser to my office with effect from 3 October 2011 with an annual salary of €92,672. No pay increase has been awarded to Mr. McKeown since his appointment. The contracts of my Special Advisers have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding a temporary unestablished position and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Code. There is no obligation on me to know if my Special Advisers are members of a political party and there is no obligation on them to tell me. The same principle applies in relation to whether any of them have been elected to local authorities.
Special Advisers appointed to my Department are required to perform any duties that may be assigned to them from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. Their functions will include the provision of advice and the monitoring, facilitation and provision of assistance in securing Government objectives that relate to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Minister of State Mr. Fergus O’Dowd has no staff assigned to his office in my Department.
287. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to correspondence (details supplied) regarding Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39451/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I refer to the reply to Question No 58 of 24 March 2011 which comprehensively addressed the issues regarding the registration of the title of Architect. Earlier this year I approved the schedule of fees applicable in respect of the registration of Architects in accordance with the Building Control Act 2007. The fee in relation to candidates who apply for registration under the Technical Assessment route has now been set at €4,500. This amount is considerably less than the amount referred to in the details supplied with this question.
I have no plans to amend the arrangements for the registration of Architects, as set down under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, along the lines suggested. The Act sought to provide for the registration of the title of Architect in order to protect consumers. There is no question of persons who fail to register through one of the routes to registration provided for in Part 3 of the Act being allowed to use the title of Architect.
288. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will examine the non-principal private residency levy; if he will allow local authorities to enter into an arrears payment schedule when the home owner is in financial difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39460/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 provides the legislative basis for the €200 charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR), including the application of late payment fees. The Act places the onus on an owner of a residential property which is situated in the State to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance.
Section 9 of the Act places collection of the charge under the care and management of the relevant local authority. It is a matter for an individual who may be experiencing hardship in meeting their payment obligations under the Act to make contact with the relevant local authority in the first instance to establish if there is a basis for amelioration of the charge.
289. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has agreed with Dublin City Council to provide emergency funding to cover the accommodation costs of residents from Priory Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39511/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): My Department has made a contribution towards the costs necessarily incurred by Dublin City Council, in the context of a judgment of the High Court, in providing temporary accommodation for households evacuated from Priory Hall.
290. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposals he has to re-structure the waste market here to restrict side by side competition; the reasons behind these proposals; when he expects to introduce such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39652/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.
A public consultation designed to inform policy development concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. As one might expect, a consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. Many responses cited concerns such as the potentially adverse impact of franchise bidding on waste collection firms and the loss of the benefits of ongoing, side-by-side competition. Other responses pointed to the possible significant savings for householders and the potential for improved environmental outcomes if franchise bidding were introduced. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department’s website.
The responses are being examined and a Regulatory Impact Assessment, which will inform Government’s deliberations, is also being prepared. I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals to Government very early in the New Year.
291. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding waste management (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39669/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): The charges applied by waste management companies are a matter between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation. The company concerned comes within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Matters of compliance with competition law are proper to the Competition Authority.
292. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding building regulations. [39844/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): The Building Regulations in general provide for the safety, health and well-being of persons in and around buildings. The regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis and any proposed amendments are subject to a full regulatory impact analysis and detailed public consultation prior to their being signed into law.
The concerns expressed in the correspondence supplied extend beyond the scope of the Building Regulations and into matters such as the regulation of trade, consumer protection and environmental protection, which are addressed elsewhere under national and EU law.
In particular, the relationship between a property owner and the supplier of any goods or services to the property is a matter of contract and law between them, including consumer law. In this regard, it is to be assumed that a property owner would have a well-founded right of claim against any supplier who supplied products or services which are defective or which fail to perform to specification.
293. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason none of the members of the high level steering group set up for streamlining the delivery of services for communities have direct experience of local or community development in Ireland other than institutional and theoretical knowledge on local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39856/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I established a Steering Group in September 2011 to advise me on options for improving the alignment between local government and local development. I am satisfied that the Group has the requisite skills to address its terms of reference, as the numbers bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the task. I have asked the Group to examine the scope for alignment of local government and local development in a way which builds on the strengths of both sectors and I am confident that, full and balanced consideration will be given to relevant issues. A consultation process has been undertaken with key stakeholders which will inform the Group in its final recommendations to me. An Interim Report, recently provided to me, is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Community/AlignmentofLocalGovtLocalDev/#Interim%20Report. http:/// In this, the Group has identified that a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to local service provision is now required and that this should enable greater ease of access and deliver more sustainable frontline services for citizens. It should also include meaningful community engagement and involvement within any new framework.
294. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planning fee for self catering holiday homes when applying for full planning permission to a local authority. [39885/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): Prescribed fees to accompany planning applications are set out in Schedule 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Different fees are prescribed for different classes of development. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to decide whether the residential units the subject of an application for planning permission are a commercial development or otherwise and to require the appropriate planning application fee accordingly.
295. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the process to be followed by local authorities in the sale of a local authority owned asset (details supplied) that is to be sold on the open market, sale by tender or to invite expressions of interest by placing an advertisement in a local paper only. [39919/11]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): The manner in which a local authority disposes of assets is, in the first instance, a matter for the local authority itself.
I understand that, in the case referred to in the question, the local authority concerned requested, via their website, expressions of interest for the sale or lease of the property and that the council is currently examining expressions of interest received.
Any proposal to sell council land or property must be approved by the elected members under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001.
296. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Ireland is meeting its obligations under the 2005 Disability Act whereby 3% of the staff of public bodies are required to be persons with disabilities; if he will provide a breakdown by county of the number of persons with disabilities in statistical format in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39635/11]
334. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has approved a draft memorandum of information of the Government in relation to the National Disability Authority 2009 report on Compliance with Disability Act on Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39951/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 334 together.
Reporting on the compliance by public bodies with the requirements of Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 in respect employment of people with disabilities is the responsibility of the National Disability Authority. Both the 2009 Report and the most recent one, that for 2010, are available on the NDA website, www.nda.ie.
297. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39394/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The role of Special Advisers in giving assistance with political implications is expressly recognised in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. To ensure public confidence in the political impartiality of the Civil Service, paragraph 5.1 of the Code of Standards restricts civil servants above a certain grade from engaging in political activity; but, under paragraph 5.4, the restrictions do not apply to Special Advisers who hold ‘temporary unestablished positions’ and ‘whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister’. Declaration of membership of, or links to, a political party is not required of a Special Adviser. Neither of my advisers has held elective office.
298. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39411/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 218 of 22 September 2011, which set out details on Special Advisers appointed in my Department. The position has not changed.
In my capacity as Minster for Justice and Equality I have appointed Ms Jane Lehane and Mr Thomas Cooney as my Special Advisers. They are both paid at the Principal Officer Standard Scale (€80,051 —€98,424).
299. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the proposed closure of Whitehall Garda station, Dublin 9; the reasons for this closure; the way that this district will be re-organised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39533/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): In making his recommendations on the closure of each of the 31 Garda stations in question, the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána’s policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area.
Commenting on the closures, the Commissioner said that the Garda Síochána had decided that resources could be better deployed and a more effectively used on the frontline if these particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained.
The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. In the coming months local Garda management, in places where a station is going to close, will consult with local communities to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.
300. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the factors that were considered by the Garda Commissioner in recommending the closure of Goleen Garda station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39581/11]
301. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner considered in his decision to recommend the closure of Goleen Garda station, County Cork, the fact that the population in its operational area trebles during the months of May to September and the number of holiday homes and caravans that are empty during the other months of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39582/11]
302. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner considered in his decision to recommend the closure of Goleen Garda station, County Cork, the known use of the bays, coves and harbours in its operational area that have been used for the illegal importation of illegal substances and contraband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39583/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 to 302, inclusive, together.
In making his recommendations on the closure of each Garda station, the Garda Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána’s policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area.
The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. In the coming months local Garda management, in places where a station is going to close, will consult with local communities to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.
303. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the services that are provided to the public at a Garda station that is open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39584/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the level of services provided at a Garda Station will vary in order to meet the requirements of the local community and may, in addition to the provision of policing services, include the following:
Members of the public may also seek crime prevention advice at a Garda Station. Members of the public may, when required, produce driving licences and certificates of insurance at a Garda Station. Sometimes members of the public who are granted bail by the Courts or may be granted temporary release from Prison are required as part of the conditions of the bail/temporary release to ‘sign-on’ at a designated Garda Station. Members of the public who attend a Garda station as victims of crime are provided with a place of safety while they seek advice and receive details of victim support groups, such as the Irish Tourist Assistance Service for tourists.
304. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recommendations of the Garda Síochána training and development review group report that have been implemented to date; the recommendations that are outstanding; when he expects all of the recommendations to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39658/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that approximately 77% of the recommendations of the report are either implemented, completed or currently being progressed. The implementation of the remaining recommendations is under continuing review in the light of available resources and policing priorities. The table sets out the status of each recommendation.
305. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who undertook the standard motorcycle course, pulse course, stinger course, advanced motorcycle course, senior investigation officer course, family liaison officer course and the mountain bike course for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the length of time of each course; the frequency of courses commencing; the maximum number of gardaí by class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39659/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the following is a break down of the courses facilitated by the Garda College and Garda Headquarters. The Stinger Course is facilitated at a Divisional Level and collating the relevant data would require a disproportionate amount of time and resources to compile.
*Figures include members returning to re-sit the final assessment.
*Figures include members returning to reset the final assessment.
| Duration: | Frequency of Course | Maximum No. of Gardaí |
|---|---|---|
| 3 week Course | 1 to 2 per year as required | 16 course capacity |
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 28 | 32 | 32 |
*Subject to schedule of Garda College policing plan, availability of trainer & divisional demand
306. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of handlers and dogs currently in the Irish Prison Service canine unit; if this number will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39660/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Canine Unit was established within the Irish Prison Service in early 2008 and currently has26 trained dog handlers and a compliment of 36 trained dogs consisting of 23 passive dogs, 3 active dogs and 10 patrol dogs. All dogs are housed in-house at purpose built kennels located at designated prisons throughout the country.
While it is not proposed to increase the number of handlers and dogs in the Prison Service Canine Unit in the short term, the Canine Unit does play a particularly important role in the prevention of contraband entering prisons. It is intended to maintain existing resource levels in the Canine Unit through a tender for the provision of dog handler training and trained dogs. This is currently being developed and the Irish Prison Service intends to publish the tender in the near future.
307. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of money that will be channelled to People with Disabilities Ireland offices in Counties Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon when funding ceases in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39668/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): It has been decided that funding to People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI) must cease at the end of 2011.
On the basis of a value for money review, it has been clearly established that the vast majority of the money allocated to PwDI is being spent disproportionately. The largest proportion of PwDI’s annual budget has been spent over the last number of years on the operation of its office headquarters and on administration rather than on the development of projects which would directly benefit people with disabilities. This was an untenable situation that could not be allowed to continue as people with disabilities were benefiting very little from the allocation in real terms. However, there is no reason why the local PwDI networks around the country should not continue to be active as volunteer bodies and continue their work with people with disabilities.
It is my wish to ensure that people with disabilities directly benefit from any money allocated to this sector. With this in mind, I am currently overseeing the finalisation of a major Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in the Department of Health to ensure that existing funding allocated for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. I am also interested in hearing what people with disabilities have to say on issues affecting them. I recently established and am personally chairing a new National Disability Strategy Implementation Group to develop and progress disability strategy. The new group includes representation from a number of disability stakeholder organisations and also a number of people with disabilities who will bring their lived experience directly to bear on the very important work of this high level group. This will ensure the voice and perspective of people with disabilities will continue to be heard in a more focused and cost effective way.
The Government must ensure in 2012, and continuing thereafter, that funding is allocated for maximum provision of services for people with disabilities, having regard to overall resource constraints which affect all sectors at this time.
308. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the Circuit Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39687/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The assignment of unassigned Circuit Court judges is a matter for the President of the Circuit Court. As the Deputy is aware the judiciary are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions subject only to the Constitution and the law. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that in a situation such as that referred to by the Deputy, it is open to the parties to have the matter brought to the attention of the President of the Circuit Court through the local circuit court office.
309. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of plans to locate a new regional Garda headquarters on a site at Murrough, Renmore, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39722/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), who have the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that plans for the provision of the new regional Garda headquarters are being developed by the OPW. These plans will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána’s identified accommodation priorities and in the light of available resources.
310. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way the €70 million cut will impact on Garda services in 2012. [39737/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context the Garda authorities have informed me that they are currently examining the allocations for the Vote in 2012 which were published just last week.
I dealt with the reduction in the Garda Vote for 2012 in the course of my speech to this House on the Justice Sector Estimates for 2012 on the 7th of December 2011. I would refer the Deputy to the relevant portion of the speech.
It is, of course, the case that the Garda Commissioner has specifically confirmed that priority will be given to maintaining frontline services to the maximum extent possible. For my part, I have no doubt that the Garda organisation will continue to provide a fully effective and efficient policing service throughout the country in 2012 and beyond.
311. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the running costs and other associated costs, any capital invested, to be outlined on a station by station basis, and any other investments in each of the Garda stations (details supplied) in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; if he will outline this information on a tabular basis, station by station and cost by cost. [39738/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
312. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline on a county basis and by rank, the number of gardaí who have applied to retire from the force by the end of November 2011. [39739/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who have applied to retire from the An Garda Síochána by the end of November 2011 broken down by rank was as set out in the table.
The breakdown of retirees on a county basis is not readily available and the compilation of the information, as requested, would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.
313. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm that there will be no further station closures in 2012 apart from those notified on Monday, 5 December 2011. [39740/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): Any plans the Commissioner has in relation to the closure of Garda Stations must be detailed in his annual policing plan. The only stations due for closure in 2012 have been listed in the Policing Plan for 2012 and copies of that plan have been lodged in both houses of the Oireachtas.
314. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the name of each body supported by him via funding in 2010 and in 2011; the way the proposed cutback of €12 million will affect each body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39741/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The reduction referred to by the Deputy will present a challenge to the running of my Department and the associated bodies included under Vote 24 (Vote 19 in 2011). Details of the various bodies concerned are listed on pages 171-173 of the recently published Part IV — Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme of the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014.
The dreadful financial legacy inherited from the previous Government requires all of us to make difficult decisions and, like all other areas of public expenditure, there is no magic formula for generating money for the Justice area. We have a continuing obligation to contribute to the overall reduction in public expenditure that must be achieved in the public interest to enable our State regain economic sovereignty.
While the reduction in budget is challenging, we now have to plan to ensure that the most critical areas within the sector are prioritised for funding, and that the resources will be concentrated on those areas.
The 2006 Justice Vote current expenditure outturn was €362 million. The Department and the associated bodies concerned functioned with that allocation, and will continue to function properly with the new allocation.
The total current expenditure funding available to the Justice Vote for 2012 is €392 million. This covers nearly 60 subheads, and includes allocations of funding to agencies and organisations in the areas of immigration and asylum, equality, disability and human rights, charities, youth justice and others. This represents a reduction of €15 million and, in light of this, priority will be given to those organisations that are actually providing services and, accordingly, there will be limited funding available for non-governmental organisations which are largely engaged in an advocacy role.
In any given year, even if the overall funding available was the same as in the previous one, the amounts allocated to each of the various bodies included in the Justice Vote would not necessarily remain constant year on year. Similarly with 2012, those tasked with managing my Department and the various bodies funded from Vote 24 will take into consideration the annual fundamental task of managers everywhere when preparing their business plans for the year ahead i.e. the utilising of the resources available in order to achieve their business objectives.
I would also point to the significant transformation programme in place across the Justice Sector with the objective of ensuring that key front-line services are efficiently maintained in an era of reduced budgets and staffing resources. The transformation programme is examining every aspect of the way in which work is done and resources are deployed, with the objective of maintaining front-line services to the public to the maximum extent possible.
While much has been said about reduced budgets of late it should be borne in mind that some budgets are reduced as a result of greater efficiencies and savings. At the same time, other budgets have increased in order to meet new strategic objectives.
For example, funding of over €40 million, which represents a modest increase of €1.4 million over 2011 expenditure levels is being made available to the Probation Service in 2012, which will support a range of initiatives in this area, including the pilot project for an incentivised scheme for earned temporary release under which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered early release in return for supervised community service.
I am also pleased also that there is funding in the Justice estimates of over €2.8 million in respect of the Family Mediation Service. This is reflected in the budget for the Legal Aid Board, which has recently taken over responsibility for the Service. It has also been possible, despite the difficult financial climate, to maintain the budgetary levels for both the Equality Authority and Human Rights Commission at broadly the same levels as in 2011.
There is, of course, a need to effect essential savings in the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and in this context there is a reduction of €10 million on the expected expenditure level in 2011. However, the Government has recognised that in the current economic circumstances there are considerable pressures in the resources available to the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, and has maintained funding to the Scheme at existing levels. In addition, funding to the Free Legal Advice Centres has been maintained at 2011 levels.
Finally, I would also like to mention the substantial progress being made in relation to a number of proposals which emerged from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been undertaken across the Sector over recent months. In particular, the cross-cutting reforms which will be implemented across the Sector to ensure more streamlined interaction between the various components of the Criminal Justice system, with consequent efficiencies and cost savings for all concerned, and t he structural reform being progressed in areas such as the immigration and asylum areas, which aim to achieve a more streamlined and less costly operation while maintaining the current high levels of transparency and standards in operations. It is envisaged that the savings and efficiencies which will flow from these initiatives will help the Department and its associated bodies in their efforts to maintain and, where possible improve, the level of services they provide during times of reducing budgets.
315. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the community alert scheme in 2012; if his attention has been drawn to the impact that the 25% cut in funding to Muintir na Tíre will have on this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39743/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): In the context of the fiscal difficulties being experienced in the economy and in keeping with the budgetary cutbacks implemented by the previous Government to enable the State to comply with its obligations pursuant to the European Commission/ECB/IMF agreement concluded in 2010 and the reduced funding available this year as a consequence, it is regrettably necessary to reduce the level of support which my Department is in a position to provide to Community Alert in 2011.
Funding totalling €137,000 has been provided to Community Alert in 2011 to date, and further funding of €23,000 is being provided, bringing the total for the year to €160,000. This reduction in funding, of 11%, is due to the financial legacy which this Government has inherited. The work of Community Alert continues to be highly valued. No final decision has been taken as to the precise level of funding which can be provided to the organisation in 2012.
316. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm and list all duties, functions and authorities exercised on behalf of the Garda Commissioner by the Garda Commissioner’s personal assistant and the legal authority governing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39758/11]
317. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm and list the functions of the Garda Commissioner which are delegated and the particulars of to whom each function is delegated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39759/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.
I have requested the relevant information from the Commissioner and when it is to hand I will contact the Deputy directly.
318. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants who have sought business permission in 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the number of applications which were received, approved, refused or abandoned; the number on hand at the end of each year; his plans to reform this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39772/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The information requested by the Deputy can be obtained from the following table provided by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department.
| Year | Received | Approved | Refused | Abandoned | On Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 164 | 86 | 90 | 14 | 10 |
| 2010 | 103 | 70 | 31 | 3 | 9 |
| 2011 (Nov) | 57 | 37 | 19 | 3 | 7 |
The current business permission arrangements are in place for a considerable period and in my view are no longer appropriate to the economic needs of the State. In that regard, INIS has been working on new immigration schemes in the area of entrepreneurship and investment. I believe there is scope for a pro-active approach in this sphere so as to contribute to our national recovery. I anticipate being in a position to publish the details of these schemes shortly.
319. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a subsidiary protection application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39789/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant who has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
320. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason retirement lump sums received by gardaí retired before 40 years of service are deducted in a lump sum for the remaining part of the 40 year period rather than on an ongoing monthly basis. [39839/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): Outstanding contributions to the Garda Síochána and Garda Spouses’ and Children’s Superannuation Schemes are taken from the retirement gratuity in accordance with normal procedures applicable to Public Service Superannuation Schemes. This procedure ensures that the appropriate pension entitlements can be paid in full on retirement and there are no plans to change the procedure.
321. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding investigations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39842/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I attach the highest priority to the full investigation of white collar crime and bringing the perpetrators of such crime to justice. I have already expressed my unhappiness at the protracted nature of the investigations underway. This is not a criticism of the investigators and prosecutors, who face tough challenges as a result of the complexities of the matters being investigated. At the same time, I am anxious to ensure that I do not say anything which might jeopardise any prosecutions.
Within eight weeks of taking up office, I moved urgently to draft, and seek Government approval to the introduction of, additional legislation. This new legislation, the Criminal Justice Act 2011, was enacted on 2 August. The Act is an important step in delivering on the Government’s commitment to tackle white collar crime. Its main purpose is to address delays in the prosecution and investigation of complex white collar crime by improving certain important procedural matters and strengthening Garda investigative powers. The Act’s provisions are based on the experiences of those involved in investigations and prosecutions of white collar crime, and in particular on the experiences of those involved in current investigations into bank fraud and financial irregularities. It provides new procedures and powers which will speed up both current and future investigations, including investigations into offences in the areas of banking and finance, company law, money laundering, fraud and corruption.
It provides for offences committed by persons or witnesses who are unwilling or reluctant to assist with an investigation. The provisions of the Act include a new power for the Garda Síochána to apply to court for an order to require any person with relevant information to produce documents, answer questions and provide information for the purposes of the investigation of relevant offences. Failure to comply with such an order will be an offence, punishable by way of a term of imprisonment or a fine or both. This is a central provision of the Act.
It is expected that the Act will provide vital assistance to An Garda Síochána in the completion of current investigations as well as providing assistance to them in investigations undertaken in the future.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment that rogue bankers and all those that misappropriate or embezzle funds are properly pursued for their crimes and that the full rigours of the law will apply to them. I am determined to see this commitment fulfilled.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigations into Anglo Irish Bank by An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) are ongoing, with a full investigation team employed at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. This team continues to conduct necessary follow up enquiries in respect of investigations, as well as investigations into separate complaints received regarding other alleged malpractices.
All members of An Garda Síochána allocated to such investigations have previous experience in the investigation of fraud related offences, and the investigations are augmented by experienced investigators from ODCE. There is close cooperation and ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána and ODCE, with members of An Garda Síochána seconded to ODCE.
I am informed that three comprehensive investigation files have been submitted by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation to the Law Officers, in December, 2010 and October, 2011. In addition, a supplementary investigation file was submitted in May. The files remain under consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions, and directions are awaited. Following recent developments it is anticipated that a further investigation file will be submitted to the DPP.
Garda management is satisfied there are sufficient personnel and technical expertise available to assist in the various aspects of the ongoing investigations.
322. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in processing an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if he will provide a specific date by which this application will be determined; if the person should forward correspondence from their employer detailing the need for their application to be processed to enable them to continue to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39874/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2010.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As the processing requirements and time taken to complete necessary checks vary from case to case, it is not possible to provide a specific date for determination of an individual application. However, I can inform the Deputy that good progress is being made in reducing the time taken to process the generality of applications and it is my objective that by the spring of next year, save in exceptional circumstances, persons applying for citizenship will be given a decision on their application within six months.
It is open to applicants for a certificate of naturalisation to submit whatever additional documentation they wish in support of their application. Any such documentation will be considered. However, it is important to reiterate that all applications are now being dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
323. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Garda clearance certificates in respect of inter-country adoptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39897/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides vetting services for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for a range of purposes including employing persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. The vetting service is also provided in cases of fostering and adoption.
Where requests for vetting in respect of persons seeking to adopt a child are received, the GCVU is not generally made aware by the registered organisations concerned of specific details such as the country from which it is proposed to adopt.
In the case of the individual who is the subject of this Parliamentary Question, I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to check the status of an application for Garda vetting in the absence of the person’s date of birth. Should this information become available the necessary checks will then be made.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that more general matters pertaining to inter-country adoption come within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms Frances Fitzgerald, T.D.
324. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding living conditions. [39904/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): As I noted in my reply to Question No. 178 of 24 November, 2011, which deals with the same matter, I am not in a position as Minister to provide legal advice in response to a Parliamentary Question on a particular case. However, I can indicate the following by way of general information.
Section 24 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 establishes a new Circuit Court jurisdiction for the resolution of disputes in relation to multi-unit developments. It means that if such a dispute cannot be resolved by means of mediation or other dispute resolution mechanism, the Court may, where it is satisfied that a right has been infringed or an obligation has not been discharged, make an order with a view to ensuring effective enforcement of the right or effective discharge of the obligation concerned. An order transferring control of an owners’ management company from a developer to the apartment owners may be made where the Circuit Court is satisfied the developer has unreasonably refused to effect such a transfer.
325. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in detail the full remuneration packages arranged for the three new members of the Garda Ombudsman Commission, specifying in total the amount set to be paid to each individual each year, including gross annual income, expenses, bonus related payments and any other entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39916/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission consists of one Chairperson and two members as provided for in section 65 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The terms and conditions relating to remuneration are determined by the Government at the time of appointment or reappointment.
The remuneration of the Chairperson has been set at Deputy Commissioner level of An Garda Síochána. The remuneration of the two members which was previously set at Deputy Commissioner level of An Garda Síochána has now been reduced to Assistant Secretary level. No provision for bonus-related payments had been allowed for in their contracts. The three Commissioners may avail of Civil Service agreed travel and subsistence rates in connection with their work.
The salary levels of the Commissioners reflect their responsibilities and the importance of securing the most appropriate people for these positions.
326. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position in respect of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39924/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy was granted permission to remain in the State on 4 October, 2005 under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. This permission to remain was renewed in 2007 and in 2010, and is currently valid to 25 June, 2013. I am also advised by the Citizenship Division of the INIS that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2011. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
327. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the comprehensive review of expenditure for the justice Vote group was presented to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39931/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Comprehensive Review of Expenditure Report for the Justice Vote Group was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the 7 July, 2011.
328. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he received a report from the Garda Commissioner containing a list of Garda stations proposed for closure or change of opening times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39932/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): On 1 November 2011, I received, from the Garda Commissioner, a draft policing plan for 2012 which included a number of recommendations for Garda Station closures and reduced opening hours.
329. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of each of the solicitors and barristers who received payments for legal aid during each of the past three years; and the amounts each individual received for their services. [39946/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I wish to inform the Deputy that, while the information requested has been collated, it was so voluminous in nature that I have made arrangements to have it delivered directly to him at the Houses of the Oireachtas.
330. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the scoping paper prepared by him with regard to a review of equality infrastructure and policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39947/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Scoping Study by PA Consulting which was commissioned by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2010 was published on my Department’s website on 13 October 2011. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed that the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority be merged to form an integrate human rights and equality commission for the State. I have established a Working Group to advise me on practical arrangements in that regard and the Scoping Study is one of a number of reports and submissions made available to the Group to assist them in their work.
331. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of his proposals for a family leave Bill to transpose the new EU parental leave directive and consolidate existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39948/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): My Department is working on detailed proposals to transpose the EU Directive concerned and to consolidate all existing family leave legislation in one Act. These proposals are being prepared in consultation with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, which currently has responsibility for carer’s leave. I will bring my proposals to Government once the necessary preparatory work has been completed within the Department.
332. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the details of any proposals to amend the Equality Acts through a civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39949/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I would refer the Deputy to the amendments made to equality legislation in the recently-enacted Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011. While equality legislation is kept under continuous review, I have no plans currently for additional technical amendments to this legislation of the type made in the 2011 Miscellaneous Provisions Act. The amalgamation of the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority will require legislation, which will, inter alia, amend the Equal Status and Employment Equality Acts. I have established a Working Group to advise me on practical arrangements in relation to the amalgamation. I understand that the group will finalise its work early in the New Year, after which draft Heads of the necessary legislation that have been prepared within the Department can be finalised and submitted to Government.
333. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which a national disability strategy recession plan he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39950/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I understand that the National Disability Strategy Recession Plan to which the deputy refers was a commitment in the Programme of the previous Government and that it was not finalised before that administration left office. However, I can inform the Deputy that the current Programme for Government commits to publishing, “following wide consultation, a realistic implementation plan for the National Disability Strategy (NDS), including sectoral plans with achievable time scales and targets within available resources and ensuring whole-of-government involvement and monitoring of the Strategy, in partnership with the disability sector”. As the Minister with responsibility for disability, in line with this commitment, I have established and am personally chairing a new National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, which held its inaugural meeting on 30 November. The NDSIG will develop and implement the required Implementation Plan for the NDS over the lifetime of the Government.
Question No. 334 answered with Question No. 296.
335. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for co-ordination of migrant integration policy; and his plans for the ministerial council on migrant integration and the cross-departmental group on integration. [39952/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The functions of the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration in my Department include leading and coordinating work interdepartmentally. To that end, a cross-departmental groups exists and will meet as and when required. I will decide on the future of the Ministerial Council on Migrant Integration shortly.
336. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances of an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied); the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39956/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in April, 2010. I can inform the Deputy that the application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be submitted to me for decision shortly. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
337. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the decision was taken to close a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39966/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): On the 5 December I announced plans, prepared by the Commissioner under the draft policing plan for 2012 for the closure of 31 Garda stations throughout the country, including the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy, and for a reduction in the public opening hours of 10 Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. In making his recommendations, the Garda Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána’s policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area. Commenting on the closures, the Commissioner said that the Garda Síochána had decided that resources could be better deployed and a more effectively used on the frontline if these particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. In the coming months local Garda management, in places where a station is going to close, will consult with local communities to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.
338. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [39998/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am informed by the Garda authorities that following an investigation of an incident, a person was arrested, charged with assault and convicted following a plea of guilty. The court ordered compensation to be paid to the injured party, and I understand this was done. I am also informed that subsequently civil proceedings instituted by the injured party were settled before coming to court. Where an offence is disclosed, the matter is investigated by An Garda Síochána and an investigation file prepared for the law officers, who, in the exercise of their independent role, determine the matter of criminal charges against any person. The incident referred to was fully investigated and brought before the criminal courts, where a conviction was secured. As the Deputy is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and it is not open to me to comment on or intervene in any way in the conduct of, or decision in, any individual court case.
339. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to his decision to close 31 Garda stations, if he will outline the basis for deciding on these particular stations; the person or body that took these decisions; the criteria which applied in respect of these decisions; the consultation, if any, which took place with Garda representative organisations; if he will outline the way these decisions will impact on staff working at the 31 stations and when they will be notified of same; and if he will engage with Garda personnel as a matter of urgency to address their many concerns in this regard. [40001/11]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): Each year the Garda Commissioner prepares a Policing plan which must be submitted to me for approval and any plans the Commissioner has in relation to the closure of Garda Stations must be detailed in that annual policing plan. As the Deputy is aware, the 2012 policing plan provides for the closure of 31 Garda stations throughout the country and the formal closure of a further eight non-operational stations. Details of these developments were formally conveyed to organisations representing staff interests in An Garda Síochána shortly before they were publicly announced. In making his recommendations, the Garda Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána’s policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area. Garda management will continue to engage with the organisations representing staff interests on how this decision will be implemented, and there are mechanisms in place in An Garda Síochána to facilitate discussions on any concerns their members may have.
340. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Defence the plans if any he has for the future use of a property (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39673/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. The property referred to is surplus to military requirements and has been earmarked for disposal. The Chief State Solicitors Office has been instructed by my Department to prepare the necessary documentation for its sale by public tender.
341. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update in respect of an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40002/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The position is that I have sought legal advice from the Attorney General in respect of a number of matters that arise in the context of considering the issue raised by the Deputy and as soon as a response is received to these I will consider the matter further.
342. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39387/11]
343. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he or she reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time he or she was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39404/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.
In my role as Minister for Defence I have not engaged the services of any ministerial advisors. I have however engaged the services of a personal assistant who assists me in constituency matters. The annual salary attached to this post is €56,060 which is in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines concerning ministerial appointments.
344. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to any further requirements in the terms of Defence Forces deployment on peace-keeping or peace enforcement issues; if he will outline the locations requiring such ongoing attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39483/11]
346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number and location of overseas deployment of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39485/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 346 together.
Ireland is currently contributing 529 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 455 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel, the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia with 7 personnel, the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 7 personnel, and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan with 7 personnel. Participation by the Defence Forces in these missions is subject to annual review by the Government and ongoing review by the Minister for Defence. As regards participation in UNIFIL, which is our largest mission, Ireland’s participation is expected to continue for 3 to 4 years.
Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.
Apart from the recent deployment of a battalion to UNIFIL and the appointment of Colonel Michael Beary in August 2011 to the post of Mission Commander for EUTM Somalia, no other requests have been received at this time.
Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 346 answered with Question No. 344.
347. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the various military installations throughout the country as being adequate to meet requirements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39486/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Department is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The gross capital provision for the coming year is €9.0m. The Estimates also provide for the carryover from 2011 of €500k.
Some €2.8m of the capital budget has been allocated to provide for the upgrade and replacement of existing IT hardware and associated licensing support costs. The balance of the provision, amounting to some €6.7m, has been allocated to the building programme for the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that existing military installations, and the financial resources allocated for 2012, are adequate to meet the ongoing needs of members of the Defence Forces.
348. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the modernisation and upgrading of the Defence Forces in line with modern requirements and international developments in view of the likelihood of Irish troops serving abroad alongside other defence forces; the extent to which training and equipment has been standardised for such operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39487/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Government White Paper on Defence of 2000 set out as a fundamental objective the development of an affordable and sustainable conventional Defence Forces, with an appropriate investment in training and equipment necessary to carry out all assigned roles. Since the publication of the White Paper and subsequent Strategy Statements, the Defence Forces have undertaken a continuous modernisation process, and the production of the ten-year Equipment Development Plan (2009-2018) aims at prioritising equipment procurement to ensure that the Defence Forces have the most modern and effective range of protective equipment, weaponry and training available. The Equipment Development Plan is regularly reviewed to ensure that Defence Forces procurement is kept in line with new technology, and where possible, cooperation is undertaken with other like minded countries in achieving economies of scale.
Preparations for Defence Forces operational deployments and the development of military capabilities have necessitated coherence in a number of key planning areas, particularly an equipment procurement plan complemented by demanding training programmes which ensures interoperability with other defence forces deployed on UN-mandated missions abroad. The Defence Forces have been able to bench-mark the success of this interoperability through their deployments with the EU Battlegroups and extensive deployments on UN-mandated missions abroad.
I am advised that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations constitute the major dimension of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice and Defence Forces personnel have full access to the best international training standards available.
The Defence Forces deployment to EUFOR CHAD/CAR, later with MINURCAT and now in Lebanon proved that the Defence Forces having trained to a very high standard, were able to operate at a very high tempo where our equipment and personnel proved equal to other troop contributing nations.
349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of posts at all levels vacant or waiting to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39488/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The following table outlines the number of vacancies in the Permanent Defence Force by rank. The number of vacancies set out in the table is based on the current Employment Control Framework of 10,000 all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force versus the strength of 9,460 as at 30 November 2011, the latest date for which figures are available. As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces will now be initiated resulting from the Government decision to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500. This re-organisation, which will prioritise “front line” service delivery, will have an impact on the number of vacancies in each rank. I have asked the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to bring forward detailed re-organisation proposals for my consideration. The effect of the changes cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made.
** Private figure includes recruits and Cadets
350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which regular reviews take place of the need for modernising and upgrading equipment including aircraft and or training in the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39489/11]
351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which regular reviews take place of the need for modernising and upgrading equipment including sea-going vessels and or training in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39490/11]
352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which regular reviews take place of the need for modernising and upgrading equipment and or training in the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39491/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 to 352, inclusive, together.
In the current economic situation, the acquisition of defensive equipment and training takes place on a strictly prioritised basis to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out their roles at home and overseas. A particular focus is maintained on ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peace support operations as is the case with the UNIFIL deployment in Lebanon.
Investment in new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various Subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, Naval Service ships and stores, communications and Information Technology equipment. The provision for defensive equipment for 2011 allows for the acquisition of a restricted range of priority equipment such as Chemical Detection Equipment, Body Armour, Force Protection Equipment, Rifle enhancement and Communication Equipment in order to maintain the Defence Forces capabilities. The 2011 provision also allows for the acquisition of ammunition needed to maintain stocks given the training and overseas requirements throughout the year.
The priority in the coming years will be on maintaining the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.
One of the most significant allocations provided for this year, and which will be required in the coming years, relates to the Naval Service subhead which provides for the provision of two new Off Shore Patrol vessels, the first of which is to be delivered in 2014.
With regard to the Air Corps, the equipment and aircraft available are of a high standard and are maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational.
Training is at the core of all things military. I am satisfied with the ongoing actions to keep military training techniques up to date in all respects and that Defence Forces training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned by Government.
353. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the availability of resources for air, sea and or other rescue missions, on and off shore; the extent to which backup facilities and equipment is available in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39492/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them in the White Paper on Defence, the Air Corps and the Naval Service are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Air Corps and the Naval Service provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capabilities. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard which sets out the search and rescue assistance that the Air Corps and Naval Service can provide, within their capabilities, to the Coast Guard. The provision of onshore assistance by Air Corps helicopters for mountain rescue operations is covered in the agreement as is the fixed wing top cover by the Air Corps Casa aircraft to Coast Guard helicopters offshore. Assistance that is provided by the Naval Service to the Coast Guard during maritime search and rescue and recovery operations is also included in the SLA.
I am satisfied that both the Air Corps and Navy have the necessary resources to meet all their operational requirements including the provision of search and rescue assistance to the Coast Guard.
354. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the bodies that were consulted in advance of his proposal to reduce the number of Army brigades to two; the process to achieve this reduction; the envisaged savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39742/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I am pleased to say that following the outcome of the Government’s Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government decided to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. This recognises the significant modernisation that has been achieved to date and reflects the Government’s intention that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all of the assigned roles within the restricted financial allocation. In response to this revised strength ceiling of 9,500, it is necessary to undertake a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces encompassing a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from three to two. The Chief of Staff was consulted in this regard. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration.
The reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel will deliver sustainable savings. The re-organisation is a response to this reduction and is not intended as a cost saving measure in its own right. The primary focus is to free up the maximum number of military personnel from administrative and support tasks. In short the re-organisation is about maintaining operational outputs and capabilities to best effect, within a reduced strength.
355. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline in detail the oft-claimed savings that would accrue to his Department on the closure of Dún Uí Néill Military Barracks in Cavan town; the timeframe for his planned closure of the facility; the details of the planned transfer of the serving soldiers attached to Dún Uí Néill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39871/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): As I have said previously annual savings in respect of utilities, security duty allowances and maintenance amount to approximately €1.3 million per annum in respect of the four barracks being closed. In relation to O’ Neill Barracks Cavan these savings amount to approximately €0.35m based on the most recent figures available. In addition to the cost of utilities each barracks requires a security detail and additional further personnel are tied up on purely administrative duties connected to the management of the particular barracks. Because maintaining barrack security can require around the clock cover, a much larger pool of personnel is required. Therefore, several hundred additional man years will become available for operational duties. At a minimum, the value of this efficiency gain across the four locations will exceed €5 million per year. The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength.
O’ Neill Barracks will close on 30th March 2012 with the personnel serving there being re-located to Custume Barracks, Athlone.
356. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if there is a recruitment drive in the Army at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39879/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Government has decided to accept my recommendations that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum level required to fulfil all roles assigned by Government. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 30 November, 2011, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,460 comprising 7,671 Army, 806 Air Corps and 983 Naval Service.
Targeted recruitment has continued in 2011 to maintain the appropriate level of Defence Forces personnel and capabilities. It is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2012, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence, so as to maintain the Government approved strength of the Defence Forces. There is currently an intake of recruits underway to the Curragh the majority of which were enlisted on 5 December.
357. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that the artifacts and memorabilia based in Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, will remain in Mullingar and not be transferred to Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39959/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): Whilst the process of vacating Columb Barracks Mullingar has commenced, no decision has yet been made in relation to any artifacts or memorabilia located at the barracks. This matter will be addressed over the coming weeks in consultation with the military authorities.
358. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39383/11]
360. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39400/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 360 together.
In response to the Deputy’s question, Áine Kilroy was appointed as my Special Advisor on 18/4/2011 and was placed on the first point of the salary scale appropriate for the position i.e. €80,051. Her salary has not changed since she was appointed. Ms Kilroy provides general policy advice to me on a range of areas including implementation of the Programme for Government.
Fergal Leamy was employed as my special adviser from 11/4/2011 up to his date of resignation on 9/9/2011. Mr Leamy was on an annual salary of €130,000 and his position remains vacant.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
In line with Government policy, the staffing complement of my office and that of the Minister of State has been reduced. In that context, I have assigned additional responsibilities to those within my allocated complement of staff where necessary and appropriate.
359. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 540 of 22 November 2011, when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39399/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named was paid 75% of 2010 entitlement under the Agri-environmental Options Scheme (AEOS) amounting to €434.02 on the 7th December 2011. The person named has an area based overpayment against which the balancing payment under AEOS of €144.67 will be offset.
Question No. 360 answered with Question No. 358.
361. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the progress made in expanding the horticulture sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39416/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The Horticultural industry consists of a number of different sectors, each of which has differing problems and needs. In terms of fresh fruit and vegetables, Irish self sufficiency levels vary greatly depending on the product in question. For example Ireland is well over 1000% self-sufficient in mushrooms but many fruit types can’t be grown in Ireland due to our climate. Overall Ireland is circa 85% self sufficient in vegetables (including potatoes) but the corresponding figure for fruit is much lower. We are also net importers of nursery stock and flower crops.
Following the publication of Harvest 2020, a Horticultural Action Group was established and this Group made a number of specific recommendations. Many of the recommendations address general issues of competitiveness, costs of production and availability of credit which the Government is tackling right across the economy, whilst my colleague Minister of State, Mr Shane McEntee has been involved in progressing those recommendations which come within the remit of my Department. He has had many meetings with different elements of the industry stressing the need for greater co-operation in order that we can compete against imports, whilst meeting the demands of the retailers.
Within my Department, we have two main means of promoting the industry. In its 2007 reform of the common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables, the EU made further provision for financial assistance to producers grouping, on a voluntary basis, to form recognised Producer Organisations (POs) under the EU Scheme of Aid for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector. The POs play a vital role in supporting Irish producers of fruit and vegetables. The strengthening of their role is a core part of the EU strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future and was one of the main recommendations for the horticultural industry in the Harvest 2020 Report. My Department continues to encourage growers to become actively involved in Producer Organisations.
Through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department continues to provide grant aid for horticultural growers who are making capital investments in specialist plant and equipment. The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of products, to facilitate environmentally friendly practices and to promote diversification of on-farm activities in response to market demand. Under the 2011 Scheme, my Department approved 157 projects.
I am pleased to note that, in the recent Budget, €3.25 million was allocated to the Scheme for 2012 and applications under the scheme will be accepted shortly. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry and will assist in funding investments of approximately €8 million in 2012.
362. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39433/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payment to issue on 8 December, directly to the nominated bank account of the applicant.
363. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39437/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named registered seven beef breed animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has already been made in respect of five of the animals. My Department has raised some queries in relation to one of the animals and a letter issued to the applicant on 7 December in this regard.
According to the information provided by the person named, meal was provided to the animal in question on 24 September 2010 and the calf was weaned on 22 October 2010. My Department’s records indicate that the dam of this animal was moved to the mart on 19 August 2010. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, the movement of a cow from the herd before its calf is weaned renders it ineligible for payment.
364. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39454/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payment to issue on 6 December, directly to the nominated bank account of the applicant.
365. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39455/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 29 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payment to issue on 8 December, directly to the nominated bank account of the applicant.
366. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39457/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 19 April 2011, following processing of which over-claims were identified on two of the parcels declared. The person named has been written to in this regard and, on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will be further processed with a view to the appropriate payment issuing shortly thereafter.
367. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects for the thoroughbred industry in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39518/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I am keenly aware of the significance of the horse racing and breeding sector. This an industry in which we are world leaders. It provides significant employment, foreign direct investment and export sales with Irish thoroughbreds exported worldwide.
I want to ensure that this sector’s world-class standing and reputation is protected and maintained into the future.
As a clear signal of intent and despite our current very serious financial difficulties the Government last week retained the annual allocation to the Horse and Greyhound Fund.
The Deputy will be aware that, yesterday, I announced I will, shortly, be commissioning an external review of the structures and legislation governing the industry. The 1994 Irish Horseracing Act and the 2001 Horse and Greyhound Racing Act achieved structural reform but I believe the reform now needs to be completed to ensure that governance and administrative procedures are modernised and fully effective in supporting a world class industry into the future.
In taking this action I am acutely aware of the huge effort and commitment which has been given by so many in bringing the industry to where it is today. But now we need to build on this foundation and provide the framework that will provide further progress.
In order to allow the completion of this review I asked the current Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland Denis Brosnan to continue in his role until the end of November 2012. I am delighted Mr Brosnan has agreed to do this. His experience and advice will be of considerable value in the year ahead. I believe it is vitally important for the sector that we all work together constructively in the months ahead in order to have an infrastructure in place to grow and develop this great industry while maintaining the pre-eminent position of Ireland on the international stage.
368. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects for the sheep industry in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39523/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The Irish sheep sector continues to show positive signs of renewal. Last year saw a halt in the decline of sheep numbers. The results of the Crops and Livestock Survey for June 2011 (provisional estimates) confirm that, after successive years of decline in our national flock, the trend has been reversed with our total sheep numbers increasing by 3.5% on the previous year to 4.8 million. Of significance was the 4% rise in the number of younger ewes being used for breeding, which reflects a sense of confidence amongst farmers in terms of rebuilding breeding stock numbers which will ultimately lead to an increase in through-put. Whilst it is still early to provide an accurate estimate for the 2012 lamb crop, it is estimated that it will be up in the order of 1-2%. The Grassland Sheep Scheme is proving to be a valuable support mechanism in terms of improving income and confidence in the Sector.
Added to the rise in sheep numbers, average prices to date for the sheepmeat sector are also up by 9% on last year and the outlook for the sector in 2012 is both upbeat and positive. Against this backdrop of renewed confidence at producer level the market outlook remains promising for the Irish sheep sector. Bord Bia anticipates that prices will continue to hold firm in 2012 given the reduced availability of New Zealand lamb entering the EU market. Traditionally, New Zealand has played an influential role in determining sheep meat prices in Europe. However on account of a fall in their domestic production, coupled with a 40% increase in average export prices, New Zealand lamb prices are almost at an equivalent level to Irish sheep meat prices.
2012 looks set to remain strong, however with ongoing tight supplies, much will depend on demand levels in key markets such as France and UK and on the industry’s ability to meet the needs of the market.
369. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects for the dairy sector in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39525/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I believe the prospects for the dairy sector are very positive in 2012 and beyond. Dairy markets have recovered fully from the 2009 price collapse, with EU and World Markets performing strongly this year, and the short term outlook remains positive. This market buoyancy is good for Ireland, as we export over 80% of our dairy production. Last year exports of Irish dairy products and ingredients were valued at some €2.3 billion, an increase of 17% from 2009.
The effect of this recovery can be seen in the average milk price paid to Irish producers. In 2010 this was over 30 cent per litre, well above the 2009 average of 24 cent. This year farmers are currently receiving 34 cent per litre for their milk.
In recent years the dairy sector has experienced extreme volatility in product prices, primarily caused by an imbalance of supply and demand in international markets. While there will always be short term fluctuations in dairy prices, it is important to remember that the medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good. Growth in global population and wealth is forecast to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products, and I am confident that the Irish dairy sector is well placed to benefit from this additional demand.
370. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to farmers under the agri-environment options scheme. [39543/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Under EU Regulations governing the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This administration check has been completed and payments under AEOS in respect of 2010 commenced in September. My Department is now dealing with applications on which queries and issues arose in the course of the administrative checking process and further payments are issuing on an ongoing basis as queries are resolved. The administrative checks have also been carried out in respect of 2011 and those payments will commence shortly.
I continue to give high priority to the processing and payment of AEOS applications and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays.
371. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm and disadvantaged area payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39569/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 18 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payments under both Schemes to issue to the applicant in the coming days.
372. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding REP scheme 4 payment due in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39575/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received payments for the first two years of the contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and accordingly is subject to EU Regulation which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. The administrative checks in relation to the 2011 payments have been finalised and payments have now commenced. However, the person named was selected for an on-farm inspection and following the completion of this inspection the file is being processed further with a view to early payment in respect of 2011.
373. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an outstanding single farm payment and area aid disadvantaged payment due in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39576/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 5th April 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection.
This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.
In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
374. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current EU fish quotas across all categories that Ireland currently enjoys; if he is seeking to increase these quotas; the progress made on this issue to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39616/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The levels of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and ultimately the quotas for Ireland in 2012 will be determined at the December Council of Fisheries Ministers being held on December 15th and 16th in Brussels.
A summary of the main 2011 quotas for Irish fishermen are detailed in the table below.
The European Commission proposals for 2012 are based on formal advice received from ICES (the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas), and also on the views of the STECF (the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries), which gives the Commission its views on the economic and social impacts of the scientific advice. The advice shows that many stocks where Ireland has a quota are not in a healthy biological state and therefore are in need of urgent remedial action. The Commission has proposed cuts of 15% and 25% in many stocks that they deem to be in data poor situations. At the October Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, the Council considered TAC and quota proposals for the Baltic Sea. In that context, and in response to concerns that I and other colleagues expressed about the overall policy being pursued, Commissioner Damanaki gave a commitment to rethink her previously stated policy of applying automatic reductions of 15 or 25% to a swathe of stocks in the absence of full scientific advice. The Commission now appears receptive to looking at the scientific advice on a case by case basis, which is what I have been advocating. She did, however, state that she intends to implement, as a matter of principle, a level of cut to all stocks without full scientific advice, regardless of the indications of available data and advice.
I have consistently stated that wherever the scientific advice indicates a need for a cut in TAC levels I will accept this measure. The Sustainability Impact Assessment on TACs and quotas for 2012, which I presented to the Dáil on 23rd November, agrees with the need to cut the quotas for some of the stocks in 2012, though the level of these cuts is queried in some cases, while in others there is clear scientific data to suggest that a cut is unwarranted. In other cases, the available evidence is that an increase in the TAC can be justified.
There is a high cost from a social and economic perspective when quota cuts are proposed and we have to be satisfied that in every case these cuts are justifiable. Fishing ports and whole communities all around our coast are dependent on fisheries for their very survival.
We need to use all sources of verifiable science when determining our decisions on fishing levels and try to strike the right balance to ensure the health of the fishing resource and the wider ecosystem with the economic and social realities of our network of rural coastal communities. I will be making every effort to ensure, at the Fisheries Council this week, we deliver on these objectives.
375. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; the measures he will take to ensure this payment will be made before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39622/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and received payment for the first three years of the contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and accordingly is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Administrative checks in respect of 2011 payments have been finalised and I expect the 75% payment for 2011 to issue to the person named shortly.
376. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the single farm payment for 2011 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [39624/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Issues have arisen regarding land declared by the person named in support of his claim under the Single Payment Scheme, pending resolution of which the payment in question cannot issue to the person named.
377. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment and area based payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; the reason for the delay; the measures he will take to ensure that this payment will be made prior to Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39627/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 6th May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.
In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
378. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding farm payments in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39664/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payment to issue directly to the nominated bank account of the applicant in the coming days.
379. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39665/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2011. The 50% advance payment was issued to the applicant on 17 October 2011, while the 50% balancing payment issued on 1 December 2011.
382. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the current registered owner of a bog plot (details supplied); if he will state if this property was transferred on to an area as a result of two other pieces of turbary from another folio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39683/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The first and second folios supplied are registered in the name of Bord na Mona. There is a dealing pending on both of these folios but they relate to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The third folio appears to be registered in the name of the individual referred to. Appurtenant turbary rights are not mentioned on any of the three folios.
383. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39684/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person mentioned was awarded a lump sum and pension on his retirement on ill health grounds in 1982 in respect of his service in the Forest Service. As he was not a member of the Spouses and Children’s Pension Scheme, his widow is not entitled to a spouse’s pension under the terms of the Scheme. Any caretaking duties he subsequently carried out would have been on behalf of Coillte.
384. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry that have received their 2011 disadvantaged area aid payments; the total amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39697/11]
385. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry that have not yet received their 2011 disadvantaged area aid payments; the total amount owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39698/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.
The following tabular statement shows the position regarding applications and payments to County Kerry herd-owners under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme:
| Applications received | Applications paid | Value of payments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerry | 7,845 | 7,369 | €18,065,941 |
There are no delays in payments to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in relation to which there is no regulatory payment date — however, it is generally recognised and indeed acknowledged in the Farmers’ Charter, that a payment target of late September of the year in question is the most realistic.
Payments commenced, on target, on 22 September, with payments issuing to those farmers whose applications had been confirmed eligible for payment at that time. I can confirm that my Department has, in the interim, continued to pay individuals, as their cases became clear, with payment runs taking place twice a week. This is normal practise and will continue on an ongoing basis, as necessary. In this regard, while I am pleased to note that payments worth in excess of €212 million have issued to date, representing over 93% of applicants, I remain confident that the full budget for the Scheme will have been exhausted by year-end.
Where in-house checks reveal anomalies in applicants’ applications, the necessary correspondence issues immediately. By replying to all such correspondence as quickly as possible farmers ensure the rapid resolution of issues, thereby allowing their payments to be made.
386. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry that have received their 2011 REP scheme payments; the total amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39699/11]
387. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry that have not yet received their 2011 REPS payments; the total amount owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39701/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulation which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks have been completed in respect of 2011 and payments have now commenced.
There are 2,117 REPS 4 participants in Co. Kerry of which 932 have been paid the first 75% instalment of the payment due in respect of 2011 leaving 1,185 cases remaining to be paid. Further payments are issuing on an ongoing basis and payment of the balancing 25% payment will commence shortly. My Department is also examining cases on which queries have arisen with a view to an early resolution and payment of all outstanding cases as quickly as possible.
388. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry that have received their 2011 single farm payments; the total amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/11]
389. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry that have not yet received their 2011 single farm payments the total amount owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39703/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 389 together.
Earlier this year, I successfully sought the approval of the Commissioner to have advance payments made. I am pleased to say that these payments started issuing, on target, on Monday, 17 October. To date, payments worth in excess of €1.162 billion have issued nationally to over 117,202 farmers, representing over 95% of eligible applicants. The following tabular statement shows the position regarding applications and payments to County Kerry herd-owners under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme:
| Year | Applications received | Applications paid | Value of payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7,563 | 7,387 | €57,544,524 |
As is clear, while the timing of all direct aid payments to farmers is crucial, it is the Single Farm Payment that is of most importance to farmers, given that it represents in excess of €1.2 billion of the €1.7 billion that is paid out in direct aid. The SFP forms a significant part of the annual income of all farmers in Ireland, in many cases is used to subsidise the running costs of the farming enterprise and is, therefore, greater than the net farm income.
390. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in receipt of the disadvantaged area payment in County Mayo; the cumulative amount received in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and the way the proposed reductions will impact on each claimant. [39723/11]
391. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in receipt of the disadvantaged area payment in County Sligo; the cumulative amount received in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the way the proposed reductions will impact in each claimant. [39724/11]
392. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in receipt of the disadvantaged area payment in County Leitrim; the cumulative amount received in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the way the proposed reductions will impact in each claimant. [39725/11]
393. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in receipt of the disadvantaged area payment in County Roscommon; the cumulative amount received in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the way the proposed reductions will impact in each claimant. [39726/11]
394. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in receipt of the disadvantaged area payment in County Donegal; the cumulative amount received in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the way the proposed reductions will impact in each claimant. [39727/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 to 394, inclusive, together.
The Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is very important for this country, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland’s total land area. From an economic perspective, the Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of almost 100,000 applicants, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment and, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic conditions.
However, in light of the recognised, ongoing difficulties in the public finances, savings had to be found in my Department’s 2012 budget, in the context of which a decision was taken to limit the spend under the 2012 Scheme €190 million. To achieve this saving, priority is given to active farmers and a range of adjustments to the qualifying criteria are under consideration, including:
I would emphasise that these changes are not yet confirmed and their potential impact is still being considered, therefore is not possible to give numbers of farmers affected. Furthermore, given that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the wider Rural Development Programme 2007/2013, it will be necessary to obtain Commission for any changes beforehand.
The following tabular statement details the numbers of farmers in receipt of payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the value of their payments, in respect of 2009, 2010 and 2011 (to date), for counties Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal:
In relation to the proposed changes it will be open to individual farmers to alter their farming activities to meet the new requirements. I will also make provision, if the proposed changes are adopted by the Commission, to cater for farmers with a stocking density of less than 0.3 livestock units per hectare in 2011. Account will be taken of farmers who into any of the following categories and had a lower stocking density in 2011 due any of the following reasons:
395. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if REP scheme disadvantaged and single farm payments have been made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [39760/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 5 May 2011.
This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance Inspection. This inspection was completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Area Scheme issued on the 7 of December 2011.
The person named commenced REPS 4 in January 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and accordingly is subject to EU Regulation which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. The administrative checks in relation to the 2011 payments have been finalised and I expect payments in respect of this case to issue shortly.
396. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants under the disadvantaged area aid scheme who solely have horses and the value of such claims; the estimated total number of applicants who will be impacted upon under Budget 2012 changes to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39773/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): This is a very important Scheme for the country, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland’s total land area. From an economic perspective, the Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment and, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic conditions.
However, in light of the recognised, ongoing difficulties in the public finances, savings had to be found in my Department’s 2011 budget, in the context of which a decision was taken to limit the spend under the 2011 DAS to €190 million. To achieve this saving priority has been given to active farmers and a range of adjustments to the qualifying criteria, including the exclusion of horses for the stocking density calculations, are currently under consideration, also including:
I would emphasise that these changes are not yet confirmed and their potential impact is still being considered. Furthermore, given that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the wider Rural Development Programme 2007/2013, it will be necessary to obtain Commission for any changes beforehand.
In relation to the exclusion of horses from the stocking density calculation, I must also emphasise that the exclusion will not apply to equine breeding enterprises. My Department paid over €3.3 to 2,171 applicants under the 2010 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose only livestock were horses. This figure is likely to increase further in 2011. There is a clear pattern evident when these applications are subjected to detailed analysis. The applicants were generally maintaining livestock but when ceased doing so they lost their entitlement to the Disadvantaged Area aid as they no longer met the minimum stocking density requirement. Subsequently, they acquired some horses and submitted horse passports in support of their case that they had met the stocking density requirement. Applicants, who submitted passports applied for the Scheme in a very haphazard manner. Some years they submitted passports and other years they did not. That meant that were not eligible for the aid every year. In fact, only six such applicants submitted passports for each of the years from 2007 to 2011.
In addition, the average number of horses maintained by these applicants was minimal with an average of four horses per applicant in 2010. Finally, it is important to note that many of these farmers continue to benefit from aid payments under the Single Farm Payment and REPS. It is also an option for these farmers to resume livestock production and they will continue to benefit from aid under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme if they meet the proposed revised minimum stocking density criteria.
397. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects for the beef sector in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39865/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The market for the beef sector is very good at present with cattle prices up over 15%-18% on average for all categories of animals over 2010. With the supply of cattle expected to continue to be tight into the first 6 to 8 months of 2012, with Irish and EU production forecast to be down between 3%-5%, we expect the prospects for the returns from the sector to remain strong.
On the trade side the expected contraction of UK production by 6% in 2012 will provide further opportunities for Irish producers. The UK remains our largest export market which together with continental Europe accounts for 97% of beef exports. For third country trade, prospects will be impacted by developments in Turkey and Russia and from imports from the Mercosur region which are down by 17% to date in 2011. While some slight increase in production is expected in Argentina, Australia and Brazil these will be offset by reduction in US beef production due to higher feed prices.
In order to support the sector in responding to the needs of the marketplace the long term development plan for the sector is set out in the relevant part of the Food Harvest 2020 report. Among the measures that my Department will be implementing in response to the requirements of Food Harvest 2020 are continued support for the Suckler Cow welfare scheme. Some €25 million has been allocated for the scheme in 2012. Also I have been able to secure €5 million in funding for a beef technology adoption programme. This programme will be modelled on the successful dairy group concept, and my department is, at present, working with Teagasc to put the final technical and administrative arrangements in place.
398. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposals for the grain sector in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39866/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Ireland is a deficit market for cereals, and prices here are greatly influenced by world market conditions. The maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector in Ireland is clearly very important. Not only does the sector generate an income for our tillage farmers but it is also a key source of feeding stuffs for our livestock sector.
The most recent Teagasc Crop Report estimates total grain production to be in the region of a record 2.4 million tonnes. This is well above the long-term average production of 2 million tonnes. The highest national yield in more than 20 years has been recorded in winter and spring barley and the spring oats crop. It represents a 17% increase on the 2010 harvest figure mainly due to the combination of increased area planted and exceptional yields. Increased growing costs and land rental cost would balance out the grain sale benefits for most growers.
In line with world and EU markets, cereal prices in Ireland peaked in February of this year, with barley at €226/t and wheat at €239/t. Current prices have levelled off with average prices for barley at €183/t and wheat at €183/t. Over two thirds of Irish grain is used for animal feed purposes and the remainder is used as a raw material for the brewing, distilling and flour milling industries. Spring barley is the main cereal crop grown by farmers and is used for the malting, seed and feed industries.
Winter and spring wheat, winter barley and winter and spring oats are the other important grain crops produced for the agri-food industry. My Department operates a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing and recommended lists of varieties. In addition, Teagasc provides research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world.
The CAP Reform Proposals are the main reforms facing agriculture in general and the cereal sector in the coming years. The greening measures in the proposals will have a direct effect on the cereals sector. Two of the three greening proposals will apply directly to cereal farmers, those relating to Crop Diversification and Ecological Focus Areas. Under the proposed Crop Diversification measure, farms with over 3 hectares of cereals will be required to grow at least 3 crops, with any one crop occupying a minimum of 5% of the arable area and a maximum of 70% of the arable area. Cereal farms will also be required to set aside 7% of the area as an ecological focus area.
In order to minimise the impact of the reforms on the Irish cereal sector, these issues along with a number of other aspects of the reform proposals will be subject of ongoing discussions with the EU Commission and other Member states.
399. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects for the sport horse sector in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39867/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The sport horse sector is a very important contributor to the Irish economy. It is worth €400m annually to the Irish economy and supports the equivalent of 16,000 jobs. Responsibility for the development of the sport horse industry rests primarily with Horse Sport Ireland, the organisation established in 2007 in accordance with the proposals outlined in The Dowling Report. Horse Sport Ireland, working with its affiliate organisations, has been proactive with regard to the development and implementation of policies and strategies for the sustainable development of a vibrant sport horse sector in this country.
Statistics from Horse Sport Ireland indicate that foal numbers registered by them continued to decline from their peak of over 10,000 registrations in 2008 and it is expected that this trend will continue in 2012. It is crucial that breeding quality animals remains the focus of Sport Horse breeders in Ireland. To this end, and to aid the breeders with their breeding decisions, Horse Sport Ireland have recently launched an on-line, database called Capaill Oir, which contains the pedigree records of over 320,000 horses. In addition, this facility contains the performance records of 30,000 horses which provides very useful information for breeders.
I am pleased that my Department and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport have been able to support the work of Horse Sport Ireland.
400. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the pre-application for forestry planting will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39927/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The application for pre-planting approval by the person named was approved, and the applicant notified accordingly, on 28 November 2011.
401. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39968/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. These checks are currently under way and in the event of any queries arising my Department will be in direct contact with the person named. I expect to commence payments in the first quarter of 2012.
402. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39969/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, had to be completed before any payment could issue. The person named was also randomly selected for an on farm inspection. These checks have now been successfully completed and payment will issue shortly.
403. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding single farm payment and disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39970/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payments under both Schemes to issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named in the coming days.
404. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39971/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from September 2011. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. These checks are currently under way and in the event of any queries arising my Department will be in direct contact with the person named. I expect to commence payments in the first quarter of 2012.
405. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding single farm and disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39972/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2011, following processing of which over-claims were identified on two of the land parcels declared. The applicant has been written to in this regard and, on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will be further processed with a view to the appropriate payments issuing immediately thereafter.
406. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the number of persons in County Monaghan who have received their disadvantaged area payment; the number who are still awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39978/11]
409. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons in County Cavan who have received their disadvantaged area payment; the number who are still awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39981/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 409 together.
The following tabular statement shows the position regarding applications and payments to herd-owners in counties Monaghan and Cavan under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme:
| Applications received | Applications paid | Value of payments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monaghan | 4,138 | 3,902 | €7,723,024 |
| Cavan | 4,899 | 4,605 | €9,852,450 |
There are no delays in payments to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in relation to which there is no regulatory payment date — however, it is generally recognised and indeed acknowledged in the Farmers’ Charter, that a payment target of late September of the year in question is the most realistic.
Payments commenced, on target, on 22 September, with payments issuing to those farmers whose applications had been confirmed eligible for payment at that time. I can confirm that my Department has, in the interim, continued to pay individuals, as their cases became clear, with payment runs taking place twice a week. This is normal practise and will continue on an ongoing basis, as necessary. In this regard, while I am pleased to note that payments worth in excess of €212 million have issued to date, representing over 93% of applicants, I remain confident that the full budget for the Scheme will have been exhausted by year-end.
Where in-house checks reveal anomalies in applicants’ applications, the necessary correspondence issues immediately. By replying to all such correspondence as quickly as possible farmers ensure the rapid resolution of issues, thereby allowing their payments to be made.
407. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the number of persons in County Monaghan who have received their single farm payment; the number who are still awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39979/11]
408. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of people in County Cavan who have received their single farm payment, the number who are still awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39980/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
Earlier this year, mindful of the difficulties caused for farmers by the current financial crisis and also being acutely aware of the significance to the wider rural economy of the Single Payment, I successfully sought the approval of the Commissioner to have advance payments made. I am pleased to say that these payments started issuing, on target, on Monday, 17 October. To date, payments worth in excess of €1.162 billion have issued nationally to over 117,202 farmers, representing over 95% of eligible applicants. The following tabular statement shows the position regarding applications and payments to herd-owners in counties Monaghan and Cavan under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme:
| Applications received | Applications paid | Value of payments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monaghan | 4,306 | 3,921 | €29,768,163 |
| Cavan | 5,114 | 4,728 | €34,288,473 |
As is clear, while the timing of all direct aid payments to farmers is crucial, it is the Single Farm Payment that is of most importance to farmers, given that it represents in excess of €1.2 billion of the €1.7 billion that is paid out in direct aid. The SFP forms a significant part of the annual income of all farmers in Ireland, in many cases is used to subsidise the running costs of the farming enterprise and is, therefore, greater than the net farm income.
Question No. 409 answered with Question 406.
410. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm and disadvantaged area payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39993/11]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. This inspection was completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme issued on the 9 December 2011 and payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue within the coming days.
411. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason an after care service is not being provided by the Health Service Executive in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and the support that will be provided to them when they turn 18 years of age. [39537/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
412. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in her Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39385/11]
413. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in her Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom they expect the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39402/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 413 together.
The Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 sets specific responsibilities on office holders in relation to the employment of special advisers. Generally speaking, any special adviser who is appointed pursuant to the Public Service Management Act 1997 will be required, not later than 31 January each year, to provide a statement of interests to the employing office holder and the Standards in Public Office Commission. The office holder is then required to lay a copy of that statement before each House of the Oireachtas.
Additionally, where a special adviser has a material interest in a function falling to be performed, he or she will provide the employing office holder, and the Standards Commission, with a statement of the facts of the interest. An office holder will also, in the case of a special adviser, lay, before each House, a statement of the qualifications of the person which are relevant to the position.
In addition, an office holder is required to lay two other documents before the Houses, (1) a copy of the contract of service and (2) a statement as to whether the person is a relative of the office holder. There is no requirement under the Ethics in Public Office Acts for a declaration from special advisors of current or previous membership or association with a political party. I can confirm that I have laid the appropriate documentation before the Houses and, as such, they are a matter of public record.
414. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the capital funding available to a group which wishes to establish an Irish language pre-school childcare facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39504/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have responsibility for the implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) which included a capital grant programme to develop childcare facilities.
Under the NCIP capital funding was made available to community and commercial childcare providers for the development and refurbishment of childcare facilities. However, due to the economic downturn, and following a review of capital expenditure, the previous Government decided to close the programme to new grant applications. There is therefore no capital funding to assist with the setting up of new creche or childminding facilities currently available to my Department.
415. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when youth services funded through City of Dublin Youth Services Board will receive their funding for 2012. [39888/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) has been for many years promoting, supporting and co-ordinating the development of voluntary youth clubs and youth services in Dublin City and I am aware of the valuable work carried out by CDYSB in the youth work sector,
In light of current budgetary constraints, the youth budget requires careful management with a focus on prioritising front-line services and protecting jobs in so far as is possible. Officials from my Department have met with representatives of the youth sector including CDYSB, on an ongoing basis to ascertain the sector’s views on how best to minimise the impact of budgetary constraints with a view to consolidating, in so far as is practicable, the progress made in previous years. Every effort will be made to notify the various youth work organisations and administering agencies of their 2012 allocations as speedily as possible.
416. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding Garda clearance certificates in respect of inter-country adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39896/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides a vetting service to the HSE in respect of applicants for an assessment of eligibility and suitability to adopt. Applications made to the Unit are made by organisations registered with the Unit. Applications are not accepted from individuals. In the case of adoptions the Unit deals with requests from the HSE. The GCVU does not refuse any vetting application provided it is made by a registered organisation. I am not aware of any difficulties in this regard.
As this question would appear to concern an individual application for a declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
417. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 3 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [39983/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have asked the Health Service Executive to update the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
418. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 3 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [39984/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have asked the Health Service Executive to update the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
419. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 36 of 3 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [39985/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The HSE has confirmed that a response was forwarded to Deputy Sandra McLellan on the 15th November 2011. A further copy has been reissued.
420. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 477 of 8 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [39986/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have asked the Health Service Executive to update the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
421. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 478 to 480 of 8 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [39987/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have asked the Health Service Executive to update the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
422. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline a plan to deal with the crisis at Gleann Alainn special care unit, County Cork, for the delivery of special care services for vulnerable teenage girls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39990/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The HSE has responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations from the report on the inspection by HIQA that was undertaken last October. I have been informed by the National Manager for Special Care and High Support for the HSE that a number of critical actions identified by HIQA have already been undertaken. HIQA has indicated that it will carry out another full inspection of Gleann Alainn in January 2012. The implementation of the recommendations made in this report will be assessed at this time. It is critical that the HSE take prompt action to deal with the remaining issues and officials of my Department will continue to liaise closely with the National Manager in this regard.
HIQA currently undertake inspections of Special Care Units under the Child Care Act 1991 and report their findings to me. I have written to Mr Gordon Jeyes, National Director of Children and Family Services, HSE asking him to inform me directly of his plans to ensure the standard of care in Gleann Alainn is safe and acceptable.
423. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the funding or grant aid options available to the south Tipperary hospice group to enable it to continue the most valuable work it does for sick persons in their hour of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
424. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can receive a date for a medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39858/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
425. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 72 and 77 of 8 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [39988/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I understand the HSE has recently issued a response to the Deputy in this matter.
426. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the basis for the difference in calculating waiting lists by the Health Service Executive and the special delivery unit. [40257/11]
473. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the criteria he uses to calculate the length of time patients are on waiting lists for surgery; if it has changed over the course of the year; if so, the way this has come about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/11]
474. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the number of patients who are waiting for more than one year for surgery in Galway University Hospital has increased in one year to 1,496 from 600; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39729/11]
475. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of patients who are waiting for more than one year for surgery in each hospital; the same figure for this time last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39730/11]
476. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the recently published figures from the Health Service Executive regarding 30,756 patients on the waiting lists for surgery are correct; if they have improved or disimproved; the actions he is taking to reduce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39731/11]
477. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the number of patients waiting for more than one year for surgery, now calculated by the Health Service Executive as 3,117, as of September, is correct; if incorrect, if he will provide the correct figure for those waiting for more than one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39732/11]
478. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the methodology used to calculate the number of patients waiting for surgery is the one used by the Health Service Executive or the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if it is validated by European guidelines on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39733/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 473 to 478, inclusive, together.
In July of this year I requested that public hospitals ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. In order to achieve this target a new calculation methodology was introduced, the new method is described as the ‘Maximum Waiting Time Target’.
The NTPF working on behalf of the Special Delivery Unit was first tasked with creating a comprehensive list of those persons — who if not treated — would be waiting for over 12 months by the 31st of December 2011. The creation of such a list therefore had to effectively search into the future to estimate the number of people that might require treatment. In July of this year the NTPF established the list by ascertaining all the names of people who had been listed for treatment on or before the 31st of December 2010. The list contained approximately 14,000 names. It is clear that that database had to include ALL of the patients who would have reached or exceeded a 12 month target on the 31st of December 2011. This list is referred to as the Primary Targeting List (PTL).
This explains why the list being operated by the NTPF for the SDU is calculated on a different basis to the list offered by the HSE in its performance reports. The HSE list, also compiled by the NTPF, is a snapshot and relates to those who had already been waiting longer than 12 months on a specific day. By the end of August it was determined that 9,657 persons listed on or before 31 December 2010 continued to be available for treatment. Of these all but 684 had received their treatment by 8th December last.
The NTPF determined in August that University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) had 2,530 patients whose treatment must be provided by the end of December this year in order for UCHG to meet the new target that no patient could be waiting for longer than 12 months for treatment at the end of this year. I can confirm that as of 8th December this number has fallen to 455. The NTPF and the SDU continue to work closely with UCHG to reduce this figure further.
In relation to the Deputy’s question regarding the 30,756 September figure for patients waiting over three months, I can confirm that this number is correct. However I wish to advise the Deputy that the number for people waiting over 3 months at the end of November is 26,832 indicating a significant reduction of 13%. The NTPF calculation methodology has been in place for some time and there have been no changes in this regard.
The NTPFs Patient Treatment Register was established in 2005 and is compliant with the Council of Europe Recommendations. The number of patients who are waiting for more than one year for surgery in each hospital now and this time last year is set out in the following table. The figures are from the Patient Treatment Register and show the numbers of patients waiting 12 months or more as of 8 December 2011. They differ somewhat from the PTL.
427. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39392/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Dr. Sean Faughnan worked in the office of the Leader of the Opposition from late 2008, prior to becoming my Special Adviser in 2011. My Press Adviser, Mr Mark Costigan, deals with a wide range of press enquires from both the national and local media and from the specialised health publications sector. He also works closely with the my Department in arranging the output of information on health issues. To that end he is in constant contact with the Health Service Executive and a range of other bodies regarding developments in the delivery of health care. He is in regular contact with government ministers and backbenchers to provide information related to matters under coverage by the media and to answer their questions. The enquiries from the media which relate to health are sometimes political in nature and require a response which take that into account. He has never been a member of a political party and has never stood for election.
Dr. Maev-Ann Wren is an expert in health economics and is working as an Adviser to Minister Róisín Shortall on a part-time basis. Dr. Wren is not currently, nor has ever been, a member of any political party. She has never been elected to any local authority.
428. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39409/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Special Advisers is set out in the following tabular format.
429. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the services available throughout the country for adults with special needs who need dental care under anaesthetic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39435/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): Dental services for people with intellectual disabilities are managed predominantly in a primary care setting; mostly in public dental service clinics. Supporting facilities and resources (theatre space, anaesthetists) in a hospital based setting are essential for a small proportion of special needs adults. General anaesthetic services are available in a number of hospitals throughout the country on a sessional basis.
430. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the measures in place for adults with special needs in the north County Dublin area who require dental care under anaesthetic since the closure of the acute ward in James Connolly hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39436/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
431. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the cost per patient of running all hospitals, community hospitals and public nursing homes in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39443/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): One of the key elements of the Government’s health reform programme is financial reform of the acute hospital sector. We are committed to introducing a more efficient and transparent ‘money follows the patient’ funding system for hospitals. Various initiatives to facilitate achievement of the ‘money follows the patient’ funding system are already under way. These include a patient-level costing project that tracks resources actually used by individual patients in hospitals. This project is ongoing at present.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that the HSE currently operates a national casemix programme. Under this programme, the national average cost per inpatient case in 2009 (the latest full year for which data is available), based on hospitals participating in the programme, was €5,217, and the national average cost per case for an elective daycase in 2009 was €703.
In relation to the cost of long-term residential care in public nursing homes, this is published on the HSE’s website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find-a-Service/Older-People-Services/nhss/costs.html. The cost of care in public nursing homes is currently being reviewed.
432. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the benefit to the Exchequer of moving patients from Valentia Hospital to Tralee, County Kerry; if patients were consulted in advance of the decision being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39444/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
433. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement the recommendations of the 2007 Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children in relation to the Irish Medicines Board to ensure that any revision of the Mental Health Act 2001 complies with human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39459/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Programme for Government contains a commitment to review the Mental Health Act 2001, “informed by human rights standards and in consultation with service users, carers and other stakeholders.”
The Government and I attach great importance to this review and following my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health policy, I established a Steering Group to oversee the review within three months of taking up office. Included in the Group’s Terms of Reference is a commitment to undertake the review having regard to the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
To ensure that the review attracted wide attention, a public consultation campaign was launched in September and a series of meetings with key stakeholders are being held to discuss the issues arising. Among the organisations which the Steering Group have met are the Irish Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International and Mental Health Reform, all of whom, among others, have a strong focus on the human rights aspect of our mental health legislation.
When the meetings are completed, it is the intention of the Steering Group to produce an Interim Report setting out the results of the consultation process and the main issues and questions to be resolved in the full review. The substantive work of the review would then commence in January with the final report to be completed by June 2012.
434. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the decision to refuse a medical card to a person (details supplied) will be reviewed without re-applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39496/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
435. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Laois will be scheduled for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39502/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
436. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health regarding the childhood immunisation programme, the expenditure reductions achieved by enacting the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to General Practitioners) (National Immunisation Programmes) Regulations 2011 (SI 556 of 2011); the amount he expects this will save each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39507/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The estimated full year savings on payments to GPs in respect of immunisation services are €6.7m; this includes approximated €1m savings on the childhood immunisation programme.
437. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to reduce the cost of pathology testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39510/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
438. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39515/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
439. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will quantify the average cost of providing a public nursing home bed in facilities catering for up to 30 patients, versus the cost of providing a similar service in a private facility of similar or higher capacity. [39528/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
440. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate and review a decision to refuse home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39542/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
441. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the impact the budget cuts in his Department will have on community nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39547/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive is facing challenges in respect of all services in 2012, and in the case of Community Nursing Units these include challenges regarding staffing, funding and the age/structure of the units.
The Department and HSE are working together regarding the 2012 National Service Plan. Should there be concern for the future of any unit, the HSE will engage fully in a local consultation process with all stakeholders before any decision is taken.
442. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the impact the recently announced budget cuts in his Department will have on nursing homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39548/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
443. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if selective dorsal rhizotomy operation is approved here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39549/11]
444. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if selective dorsal rhizotomy operation is recommended by the Health Service Executive for the treatment of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, which reduces spasticity and improves sitting and standing posture; if the procedure is not recommended, the reason it is not recommended, when clinicians in hospitals here are recommending selective dorsal rhizotomy. [39550/11]
446. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the funding available from the Health Service Executive for a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation required by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39552/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 444 and 446 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
445. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the policy in place to inform doctors and Health Service Executive clinicians of the timeframe within which letters and queries from patients and families of patients need to be answered; the recommended timeframe according to this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39551/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 446 answered with Question No. 443.
447. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the State funding available for intensive physiotherapy required by a person (details supplied), following a selective dorsal rhizotomy operation. [39553/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
448. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the funding available from the Health Service Executive if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin chooses to have a required selective dorsal rhizotomy operation in Bristol Hospital rather than St. Louis Hospital in the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39554/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The Health Service Executive operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme which allows for an Irish-based consultant to refer a patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment within the public health system in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, where the treatment in question meets certain criteria. The application to refer a patient abroad must be assessed and determination given prior to the patient availing of the treatment abroad.
Contact details and further information on the scheme can be found on the HSE website www.hse.ie. Link: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find a Service/entitlements/E112/
449. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an MRI scan will be scheduled in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39560/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
450. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health his position regarding the removal of Pradaxa from the list of approved prescribed drugs under the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39574/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): Pradaxa is available on prescription to patients availing of the GMS and the Drug Payment Schemes for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.
The HSE is assessing the availability of resources in 2012 to consider long term treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications. The HSE has written to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors to clarify the position in relation to Pradaxa. The HSE will continue to update health care professionals in relation to the matter.
The HSE does not intend to disturb established therapeutic regimens for patients whose treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke was initiated prior to the recent clarification.
451. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the promised publication of the report on the value for money review of the section 38 agencies. [39592/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Value for Money and Policy Review of HSE-funded disability services is due to be completed in the first quarter of 2012. The review, which encompasses statutory and non-statutory service providers, is assessing how well current services for people with disabilities are meeting their objectives and how the future planning and development of services should be supported and delivered.
As part of the overall VFM review, a separate Expert Reference Group on Disability Policy was established to look specifically at existing disability policy and whether it needs to be changed to better meet the expectations and objectives of people with disabilities. The Group’s final report has been the subject of internal consultation within the Department of Health and with other Government Departments. During November it was released for the public and interested parties to have their say and these submissions are now being collated and analysed.
On completion, it is my intention to look at both reports together and in conjunction with Minister Reilly to ensure that proposals for the future of our disability services are brought to Government for its consideration and publication in due course.
452. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [39602/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
453. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment for a medical procedure. [39604/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
454. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the position regarding speech and language therapy in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39614/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
455. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding national lottery funding for groups providing health care services; the funding or grant aid options that are available to hospice groups that carry out such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39633/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): My Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations, providing a range of health related services. If an organisation wishes to make an application for National Lottery Funding they should send in a formal application. Detailed procedures, along with the application form are set out on the Department’s website —www.doh.ie.
456. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will approve home help for persons (details supplied) in County Laois who were assessed by the local public health nurse as a high priority; if the HSE will take responsibility should an incident happen to the person in question should the HSE continue to refuse home help; if he will respond to a letter sent to him dated 15 November 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39637/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. The Department of Health responded on the 23 November 2011 to the person in question in relation to the original letter on this matter.
457. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) as a matter of urgent priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39647/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
458. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if medical cards will be approved on appeal in respect of a persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [39653/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
459. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if there are any plans to upgrade and improve facilities at Edenderry ambulance service station, County Offaly, in view of the fact that the facilities at the fire station are not adequate and are currently based at Ofalia House, Edenderry, County Offaly. [39657/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
460. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant neurophysiologists currently at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the number of persons on the waiting list; the average waiting time to see the consultant; the steps being taken to reduce the waiting times to see the consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39662/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
461. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if it is his aim to close or amalgamate services in County Meath for those who suffer from domestic violence; the services he will provide to support men who have suffered from domestic violence in County Meath and in the State as a whole; and if the plans to amalgamate Amen and the Women’s Refuge will proceed. [39685/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): There is currently a review of Domestic and Sexual Violence service provision nationally being undertaken by the HSE which is looking at potential for efficiencies within domestic violence services. However as this review is not yet complete, no decisions have been made in relation to amalgamation of any service or a reduction in current front line service provision.
462. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a travel allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39686/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The Deputy’s question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
463. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application in respect of funding in respect of a national lottery grant for a centre (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39700/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department, and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
464. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that no beds will be closed in 2012 by the Health Service Executive at Buncrana nursing unit, County Donegal. [39705/11]
465. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that no beds will be closed in 2012 by the Health Service Executive at Carndonagh Community Hospital, County Donegal. [39706/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.
As these are service matters they been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
466. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that no beds will be closed in 2012 by the Health Service Executive at Ramelton nursing home, County Donegal. [39707/11]
467. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that no beds will be closed in 2012 by the Health Service Executive at Lifford Community Hospital, County Donegal. [39708/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 467 together.
As these are service matters they been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
468. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if approval for change of general practitioner will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite the matter. [39710/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
469. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a respite bed or aftercare will be provided at the district hospital or home in Carlow in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39712/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
470. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to have a person (details supplied) in County Wexford given an appointment by Waterford general hospital as a matter of urgency. [39714/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
471. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health how the contract was awarded for the overseeing of the construction of the emergency department at Waterford Regional Hospital; the name of the company or person who submitted the successful tender; if that company continues to provide the service as outlined in the tender documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39715/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
472. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, is one of the most efficiently run hospitals here, whether the fact that it will face an €8 million overspend in its 2011 budget suggests that the budget provided to it is completely inadequate. [39718/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Questions Nos. 473 to 478, inclusive, answered with Question No. 426.
479. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite this matter. [39763/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
480. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as a matter of urgency. [39764/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
481. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when medical cards will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite an early response. [39768/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
482. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the long-term illness scheme; when the new changes in the LTI scheme will commence; if applicants will be notified regarding changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39774/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): Free GP care will be extended to persons in receipt of drugs and medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. There will be an announcement in due course about the start date for the new arrangements. It is hoped that the new arrangements will be in place by early Summer.
483. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will implement a national HIV-AIDS awareness campaign. [39793/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): HIV surveillance data published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre have shown that sex between men has become the predominant mode of transmission of HIV in Ireland. A National HIV Prevention and Sexual Health Awareness Programme for men who have sex with men (MSM) was launched on 1st December to address this situation.
This new initiative is particularly timely and relevant as it targets younger MSMs with messages which are designed and delivered by their peer groups and aimed at raising awareness, building self-esteem and equipping them to be able to make safer sex choices. The programme will take into account social and cultural aspects of the target population to ensure the message will be accessible and is a collaborative partnership between the Gay Health Network, Dublin City Council and the HSE. The awareness programme is in line with the recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee’s ‘Education and Prevention Plan, 2008-2012’ which provides a roadmap for HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention.
484. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if the occupational therapist currently working in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 on a three year programme has been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39831/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be transferred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
485. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the average processing time for applications made under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39850/11]
492. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that applicants to the fair deal scheme are not entitled to benefit from the scheme until such a time as their application has been approved, if he will be assigning additional staff to ensure more efficient processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39900/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 492 together.
The Minister for Health agreed to the amendment to the backdating provision in the HSE’s National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme subject to certain assurances from the HSE. Among these were the fact that average processing times for complete applications should not exceed 4-6 weeks and that geographical location would not disadvantage applicants. However, it should be noted that a significant volume of applications are submitted to the HSE without the necessary supporting documentation. This can create delays which are outside of the HSE’s control. It is my understanding that the HSE is currently processing complete applications within the 4-6 week timeframe.
486. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 23 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39853/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
487. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there are no plans to either further reduce the capacity of or close a unit for the elderly (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39870/11]
488. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there are no plans to reduce the capacity of, let alone close, St. Mary’s Hospital in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39872/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.
As these are service matters they been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
489. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health, in view of the fact that Letterkenny General Hospital supports 160 children with type 1 diabetes, if he will ensure that paediatric diabetes services are not removed or downgraded at the hospital; and if he will work with the Health Service Executive to ensure that a dedicated paediatric diabetes nurse specialist is appointed to the hospital in line with recognised best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
490. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his proposal to reorganise the board of Tallaght hospital, Dublin; the schedule being followed in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39880/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The plans to reorganise the board of Tallaght Hospital are continuing in consultation with the relevant parties and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in this regard in the very near future.
491. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the regulations for sunbed use at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39881/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Currently, there are no statutory regulations governing sunbed use. However, the Government recently approved the drafting of legislation to regulate sunbed use, and in particular to prohibit their use by those under 18 years of age. Other proposals include ensuring that adequate protective eyewear is provided, that information on the health risks associated with sunbeds use is provided, and prohibiting sunbed outlets and retailers from attributing health benefits to sunbed use. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government has been requested to draft the necessary legislation and the matter has been accorded priority drafting in view of the health risks involved. My aim is that the legislation will be initiated in the Oireachtas before the Summer recess next year as my Department has already completed a considerable body of work in relation to the proposed legislation.
Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 485.
493. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a PRSI refund will be paid by the Health Service Executive to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39913/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
494. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39914/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
495. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the level of cuts to be provided to service providers of persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the disability services as a result of reduced resources in 2012. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that an efficiency saving of 2% is being applied to the budget for disability services in 2012. Services will also have to make provision for savings in employment and procurement costs which are required of the health services as a whole next year. The precise levels of savings required will vary depending on the profile of individual service providers and will be determined within the context of the HSE’s service planning process. Services will also have to meet anticipated extra demand from within their budgets in 2012.
Value for Money & Policy Review of Disability Services
A major priority for the Government in the coming months will be to finalise the current Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services to ensure that existing funding for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. It is now more important than ever that large scale spending programmes of this nature are subject to detailed periodic review. The VFM Efficiency and Effectiveness Review will make recommendations that will ensure that the very substantial funding of €1.5 billion provided to the specialist disability health sector is used to maximum benefit for persons with disability, having regard to overall resource constraints which affect all sectors at this time.
496. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if transport will be provided for a medical patient (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39928/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
497. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application made under the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39930/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
498. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health when the vacancy for the research leader post at Assistant Secretary level in his Department will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39934/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): The process of filling this Assistant Secretary post in my Department is in train. An open competition is currently being held by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC). I expect an appointment to be made early in 2012.
499. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the policy of the Health Service Executive to reduce the mental health service in Caherciveen catchment area, County Kerry, which has a huge peripheral geographic area, and the urgent need to restore bed numbers from ten to 13 and to examine the stoppage of any further admissions to Island View House (details supplied). [39954/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
500. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when emergency works including electric wiring and floors will be carried out at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will ensure that the necessary work is completed at an early date; and when patients in Fuchsia ward, who have been re-located to other wards temporarily in the home, will be transferred back to Fuchsia ward. [39955/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
501. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a permanent programme of independent inspections of all residential care centres for children and adults with disabilities, both intellectual and physical; if this is a responsibility he intends extending to the Health Information and Quality Authority; if existing legislation provides for such oversight of existing and future facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39957/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Deputy will be aware, there is currently no statutory, independent inspection system in place in relation to residential services for people with disabilities. The lack of regulation of this sector is acknowledged as a matter of concern and the Government is committed to addressing this issue.
The legislative framework for the regulation of these services is provided for by the Health Act 2007, which imposes a statutory obligation on HIQA to register and inspect designated centres for older people, people with disabilities and children in need of care and protection. It envisages the registration and inspection schemes being supported by standards and underpinned by appropriate regulations.
The Health Act 2007 was commenced in respect of residential services for older people on 1 July 2009 and from that date all residential services for older people have been regulated and inspected by HIQA.
The Act has not yet been commenced in respect of residential services for people with disabilities. However, standards for the sector have been prepared and published by HIQA. The standards outline what is expected of a service provider and what a person with a disability, his or her family, and the public can expect to receive from residential care services. They clearly set out what a quality safe residential service for people with disabilities should be and support the delivery of person-centred care.
The current programme for Government includes a specific commitment to put these standards on a statutory footing and ensure that the services are inspected by HIQA. As I announced on 16 June, discussions have begun between the Department of Health and HIQA to progress this commitment. Given the complex nature of residential service provision for people with disabilities, ranging from congregated settings to dispersed housing in the community, careful consideration is being given to designing the most appropriate regulatory model and this work is ongoing. Appropriate regulations will be drafted as part of this process.
A target date of January 2013 has been provisionally set for the commencement of the proposed registration and inspection scheme for the sector.
502. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the action he intends taking to address the situation presenting at Cork University Hospital and other hospital sites in the south and south east, at which management are refusing to pay non-consultant hospital doctors for unrostered overtime; if he will ensure that all overdue payments are made immediately and that, in line with his stated view of the proposed withholding of travel and subsistence payments to other Health Service Executive employees, he will insist that the health services always pay what is due and will never again seek to treat NCHDs in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39960/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Hospitals must remain within budget so that planned services are delivered safely and efficiently and core activities maintained. Management of acute hospitals in the HSE-South have adopted appropriate measures to ensure that these objectives are met.
As part of ongoing cost-containment measures, steps have been taken to control unrostered overtime. Within the HSE-South, Cork University Hospital, Kerry General Hospital and Wexford General Hospital now give time off in lieu of unrostered hours worked. Waterford Regional Hospital has adopted a policy whereby NCHDs are rostered to work overtime (on-call) as part of their rostered working week. Such rostered overtime is remunerated. Any hours worked outside the rostered hours and not approved in line with rosters agreed with clinical departments are deemed to be unrostered. NCHDs in the hospitals have been advised of the rules in place. The HSE advises that the position at South Tipperary General Hospital is currently the subject of local negotiation.
503. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 24 November 2011, if he will give an update regarding a death at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, (details supplied) and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39965/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): I arranged for the Deputy’s earlier question to be forwarded to the HSE for investigation and reply. I understand from the HSE that the hospital referred to has written to the person concerned with regard to having the particular case referred to by the Deputy examined under the complaints procedure.
504. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the future of Millstreet Community Hospital, Millstreet, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/11]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
505. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he has distributed all funds in the national lottery grant for 2011; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the organisations granted funding and the amounts that they received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39982/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): My Department administers a national lottery discretionary fund from which grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health related services. I am currently assessing all outstanding applications and final a decision will be made shortly. The funding made available by my Department from the national lottery fund including a list of each body in receipt of funding will be set out on my Department’s website —www.doh.ie thereafter.
506. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the increments made payable to Health Service Executive staff in the years 2010 and 2011; the estimated number of increments due in 2012; the cost of increments for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
507. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the number of agency staff, split between nurses and other agency staff currently employed by the Health Service Executive; the total amount used in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40005/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
508. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the total spend on agency staff by the Health Service Executive in 2009 and 2010; the estimated total spend for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40006/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
509. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the difference in cost for the Health Service Executive using an agency nurse and hiring a full time equivalent to carry out the same role; the extra costs that will be incurred by using the agency nurse as a result of the implementation of the agency workers directive; the estimated overall cost increases that will be incurred in 2012 due to the use of agency staff as a result of the implementation of the agency workers directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40007/11]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): It is not possible to provide a direct cost comparison between directly-employed nursing staff and agency staff, since the rate of pay varies as between individuals. Directly-employed staff may be in receipt of additional remuneration in respect of working unsocial hours, as well as allowances in respect of particular types of work or qualifications held. On average, such additional payments add approximately 20% to a nurse’s basic pay. Agency nurses are currently paid, depending on experience, at either the first or fifth point of the 2010 consolidated salary scales and receive the statutory minimum annual leave. Additional costs arise in respect of commission payable to the employing agency, on which VAT is levied.
In the context of the expenditure allocation for the health service in 2012, the HSE will be focusing on a range of measures to contain the costs of service provision, including a reduced reliance on the use of agency staffing. The cost implications for the health service arising from the implementation in Ireland of the EU Temporary Agency Work Directive will therefore be dependent on both the extent of ongoing usage of agency staffing and the precise terms of the legislation when enacted by the Oireachtas.
510. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants available from him for equipment related to tourism activities, namely fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39909/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): My Department’s role in relation to tourism relates primarily to the area of national policy and it is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes. This is a matter for the State tourism agencies and other bodies.
Support for capital investment in tourism is provided through Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme. Therefore, the matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. My understanding is that equipment for fishing is ineligible for support under the terms of the Programme. However, I have referred the Deputy’s Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
511. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39398/11]
512. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom they report; the salary of each adviser now; the salary of each adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39415/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.
There are two special advisers appointed in my Department, Mr Nick Miller and Mr Brian Murphy. The remuneration of Mr Brian Murphy, who is my Special Adviser, is €105,837 and Mr Miller’s salary as my Press Advisor is €80,051.
In addition to the above, in lieu of appointing a Personal Assistant, I appointed Mr John Carroll as a Policy Adviser. Mr Carroll is on the same grade as a Personal Assistant and his salary is €48,520.
The restrictions set out in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour with regard to political activity do not apply to Ministerial staff, including special advisors, appointed to temporary unestablished positions coterminous with that of the Minister. None of the above has ever been elected as a Local Authority Member.
513. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will quantify the expressions of interest received from the private sector regarding investment in a public bike scheme for Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39529/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Recognising the success of the Dublinbikes scheme, the Programme for Government commits my Department to look to extend the scheme to other cities. The National Transport Authority has, at my request, had an assessment of the potential for similar bikes schemes in the regional cities carried out which included initial analysis on how to address key issues identified such as the changed commercial environment to that pertaining when the Dublinbikes scheme was negotiated and different characteristics of scheme provision in smaller cities.
I am committed to exploring a range of mechanisms to seek to secure public bike schemes in other cities. To that end I arranged Symposiums in Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway with the National Transport Authority and the City Councils to inform and involve key business and civic stakeholders, to consider the various issues involved and to provide a defined channel via my office or the National Transport Authority, which any interested parties could avail of to discuss engagement with the scheme publicly or in commercial confidence. Work is ongoing in that regard and expressions of interest in potential funding arrangements for a scheme or elements of a scheme are welcome on a city by city basis or more broadly on a national basis.
The NTA will further assess the potential for delivery of bikes schemes in the regional cities in the light of all additional information and consideration will then be given to whether procurement of any further public bike scheme or schemes should take place on a national or individual city basis.
514. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 574 of 2 November 2011, if he will arrange the immediate supply of the details referred to in same. [39591/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The information sought has been supplied to the Deputy.
515. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to have a tourism information office in Terminal 2 of Dublin Airport and in Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39661/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Fáilte Ireland operates an extensive network of Tourism Information Offices throughout the country and the management and staffing of the offices, their opening hours and their locations are administrative matters for Fáilte Ireland.
The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy’s Question to the agency for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
516. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is potentially an amount of money available through INTERREG that would allow for the Narrow Water bridge project to move forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39689/11]
517. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any contact with INTERREG on the matter of the Narrow Water bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39690/11]
518. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is prepared to release a small amount of money that would be necessary to facilitate the Narrow Water bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39691/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 516 to 518, inclusive, together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants where available.
As the Deputy is aware, this Government has had to scale back capital spending considerably in recent times. This will have a particular impact on the number of larger projects, such as Narrow Water Bridge, which can be undertaken.
The Narrow Water Bridge project is estimated to cost approximately €19 million. In recent months, Louth County Council has expressed a willingness to complete the next stage of the planning process from its own resources. I have no objection to this and my permission is not required.
I also understand that Louth County Council hopes to secure INTERREG funding for the project. To do so, they will need to secure a commitment from the Northern Ireland authorities to fund in the order of 75% of the project from their resources (some of which could be recouped through INTERREG). To date this commitment has not been forthcoming.
519. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the State funding that has been paid to Mountain Rescue Ireland over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39765/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Over the past five years a grant funding scheme administered by the Irish Coast Guard division of my Department has provided €836,000 to Irish mountain rescue teams and management organisations.
520. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the condition of the country’s roads, particularly rural county roads that are being neglected by local authorities; his plan to ensure that these roads are not further neglected; his further views on whether the long-term neglect of these roads will lead to increased cost to him and local authorities and have a devastating effect on local infrastructure and business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39791/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
While my Department provides these grants (which are administered through the NRA) to road authorities for works on regional and local roads, such grants are intended to supplement their own resources. My Department’s grants are not and never were intended to provide for the full funding of regional and local roads.
This year local authorities have been provided with grants totalling €452 million for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. This includes an additional €60 million allocated for road strengthening under the Jobs Initiative in May of this year. However, there is also a need for local authorities to provide sufficient moneys for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads from their own resources budget.
521. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the National Transport Authority’s NaPTAN project; the current and projected overall cost of the project; the expected date at which the project will go live; if the Dublinbikes municipal bike scheme is included in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39852/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Following its establishment in December 2009, the implementation and development of an integrated public transport information scheme in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) came under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The information scheme currently being developed by the NTA includes the National Intermodal Journey Planner (NIJP) and NaPTAN (the National Public Transport Access Nodes Database Project) which will support the Journey Planner.
As such, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. He should advise my private office if does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
522. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any grant assistance is available for persons to undertake rigid driving lessons. [39908/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): In April of this year I signed regulations under which learner drivers are now required to undergo Essential Driver Training (EDT) before they can sit the driving test. EDT is one of a number of measures being introduced as part of a Graduated Driver Licensing system for Ireland. I appreciate that this entails additional costs for learners. However, EDT is a major step forward in terms of road safety and offers great benefits both for learners and for all road users. It will ensure that learner drivers develop a baseline of knowledge and skills which would not have been the case before. This will improve the quality of driving in general on our roads over time, benefitting the learners themselves and as well as other road users. My Department has no funding available to provide assistance with the cost of EDT lessons.
523. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider putting forward an Irish bid to host the Rugby World Cup in the future. [40000/11]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The normal procedure for the hosting of international sporting events is that the Irish affiliate of the relevant governing body will bid to host the event in question in Ireland. In this case, it would be a matter for the IRFU to decide if it wishes to make a bid to host the rugby world cup in Ireland.
If the IRFU decides to make a bid, my Department will be pleased to provide assistance in the preparation of such a bid.
