Written Answers

13 February 2018 Written Answers.

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 9, inclusive, answered orally.

Questions Nos. 10 to 25, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 26 to 37, inclusive, answered orally.

13/02/2018WRA00600Fish Quotas

13/02/2018WRA0070038. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the 2018 TACs and quotas for Ireland’s fishing sector as agreed at the December 2017 Fisheries Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7131/18]

13/02/2018WRA00800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): After an intensive two days of negotiations, I managed to secure a total package of fish quotas worth €266 million for Irish fisherman for 2018. This included an 8% increase in the value of whitefish quotas leading to a new total of €152 million for the quota. Ireland’s quota for prawns also increased by 15% in 2018, which is the biggest single increase in over a decade and shows the very healthy state of this stock.

The rebuilding of many other stocks was also demonstrated by a 34% increase in our whitefish quotas off the North-West coast and a 64% increase in the Irish Sea. These are both areas that were severely depleted just five years ago. This shows that the many years of intensive, industry led conservation measures are paying off. The work done to rebuild these stocks has led to significant increases for quotas for our fleets.

While we did have cuts in stocks including haddock and whiting in the Celtic Sea, these cuts followed the scientific advice to ensure a sustainable fishery. In terms of the herring stock in the Celtic Sea, the reduction applied was in accordance with the provisions of the industry led management plan for the stock. This management plan provides that reductions are applied to give time to allow the stock to rebuild thus supporting the fishery in the longer term.

A very difficult aspect of the proposal concerned our recreational sea bass fishery. The Commission had originally sought a complete ban on angling for 6 months of 2018. After long discussions I argued successfully for a year round ‘catch and release’ fishery instead that would not endanger the stock while protecting an important tourism resource.

While there was a number of difficult issues, I am satisfied that this was a sustainable and balanced result overall. Last December’s Council was another important step towards the objective of having all stocks fished at maximum sustainable yield levels by 2020. The steps taken this year will continue our progress to rebuild our fish stocks which underpin the future 1 Questions - Written Answers of our industry and our coastal communities.

13/02/2018WRA00900Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

13/02/2018WRA0100039. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken to his French counterpart regarding CAP policy recently. [4305/18]

13/02/2018WRA01100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Informal discussions on future CAP policy post 2020 have been afoot since mid 2016 at many different fora. Since then, more formal discussions have taken place at several Agri-Fish Councils in 2017 under the Maltese, Estonian and Bulgarian Presidencies. Such discussions gave me the opportunity to discuss the future CAP policy with counterparts across member states, including France.

As regards specific engagement with my French counterpart, I held bilateral discussions on the future of the CAP post 2020 with the French Minister for Agriculture Stephane Travert in July 2017. I also attended the CAP sur le PAC Conference held by Minister Travert in Paris on 19 December 2017, at which I was invited to speak. This was the opportune time to discuss the European Commission’s CAP Communication on the future of the CAP, which was published on 29 November 2017. In addition, I met with Minister Travert earlier this month where we held a further exchange of views on the future of the CAP post 2020.

In addition to these political contacts, Department officials engage on a regular basis with colleagues in other member states, including France, and in the EU Commission, in relation to the future of the CAP.

Discussions on the future CAP are intensifying under the Bulgarian Presidency, with CAP related discussions being scheduled at each of the Agri-Fish Council of Ministers meetings. I look forward to engaging constructively with my Ministerial colleagues from other Member States, including France, as discussions progress, to ensure that the next CAP continues to support farm incomes and deliver added value for the citizens of the European Union.

13/02/2018WRA01200Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Payments

13/02/2018WRA0130040. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the consultation with stakeholders will begin regarding the additional €25 million for the ANC payment; when a decision will be made on the way it will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7140/18]

13/02/2018WRA01400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am very aware of the importance of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, which issues annual payments in excess of €200 million to over 95,000 farmers.

The ANC Scheme has always been recognised as a very important support for rural society and farmers across the country who farm constrained lands. In light of the importance of the scheme, the Programme for Government included a commitment to provide an additional €25m for the Scheme in 2018. I am pleased to confirm that this commitment was delivered in Budget 2018 and that, subject to the EU Commission’s approval of an amendment to Irelands Rural Development Programme, this new funding will be available for payment under the 2018 ANC Scheme.

A number of different options were available in deciding how this additional funding was 2 13 February 2018 to be divided. I was conscious of the need for money to be targeted at those farmers on lands with higher levels of constraint.

With this in mind and having considered the views of stakeholders, I have decided to dis- tribute the additional €25 million as follows:

- €13m will be allocated to the ‘mountain type land’ category

- €9m will be allocated to the ‘more severely handicapped’ category’ and

- €3m will be allocated to the ‘less severely handicapped’ category.

These allocations will have the effect of increasing the current payment per hectare rates across all land categories. Those farming on what is called “mountain type land” will see their payment increase from €109.71 to €135 on their first 10 hectares, and from €95.99 to €112 on remaining hectares up to a maximum of 34 hectares. Farmers with land categorised as “more severely handicapped lowland” will see an increase from €95.99 to €104 per hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares. Finally, those with “less severely handicapped lowland” will see an increase from €82.27 to €88.25 per hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares.

These changes must now be formally agreed with the EU Commission, by way of an amendment to our Rural Development Programme (RDP). This will involve further consultation with stakeholders, via the RDP Monitoring Committee which must be consulted on all amendments to the RDP. My officials have initiated this process, with a view to introducing these new rates for payment in 2018.

13/02/2018WRA01500Brexit Issues

13/02/2018WRA0160041. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to seek new markets in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7013/18]

13/02/2018WRA01700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade.

Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which may present significant new challenges for the agri-food sector.

Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. Our efforts will be focused in these areas foreseeable future, but we will also be working hard to maintain our position and deepen market penetration in traditional markets such as those in the EU, including the UK, and the US.

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025 I led a very successful Trade Mis- sion to the Gulf Region in February 2017, visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by an extensive Trade Mission to the US and Mexico in 3 Questions - Written Answers June. These markets offer significant potential for Irish exporters. The US is the largest food and beverage market in the world and has a population of 324 million people. Furthermore, some 35 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. Mexico has a population of 127 million, making it the eleventh-largest country in the world in population terms and the fifteenth-largest economy in the world, with projections that it will move into the top five by 2050.

I also led a trade mission, to Japan and South Korea in November 2017, accompanied by 40 representatives of the Irish food sector, as well as by experts from my Department, the Chief Executive of Bord Bia and senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.

This was a very opportune time to bring a delegation of Ireland’s food leaders to this part of the world, given that the EU has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea as well as agreeing an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. These are markets of high potential for beef, pigmeat and sheepmeat exports, and so it is important that we raise the profile of Irish agri-food enterprises that already have access to these markets, and make progress in negotiating access for others.

I have also returned from Turkey recently, where live exports were the primary focus.

My Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for a trade mission to the US and Canada at the end of the February. This will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as relevant level political engagements.

These and the other trade missions in 2018 will raise the profile of Ireland as a producer of high quality food, provide commercial opportunities for Irish business operators and improve market access in these destinations.

This work will be informed by market prioritisation exercise commissioned by my Depart- ment, and undertaken by Bord Bia. This exercise identified opportunities in both new and more mature markets, and provides valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.

I have already overseen an intensification of my Department’s efforts to develop a globally focussed agri-food sector, and since October 2016 I have provided more than €14 million in additional funding to assist Bord Bia in its marketing and promotion efforts. In addition, my Department will participate fully in the Government’s plan to double Ireland’s global footprint by 2025.

Against the background of this work the value of Irish agri food exports has continued to grow and in 2017 exceeded €13 billion. I can assure the deputy that my Department and its agencies will continue to work closely with industry to identify new market opportunities for the Irish agri food sector.

13/02/2018WRA01800Dog Breeding Industry

13/02/2018WRA0190042. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to strengthen welfare regulations in the puppy farming industry here in view of a recent announcement by the UK Parliament on tightening legislation, including on cross-border sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6853/18]

13/02/2018WRA02000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am aware that DEFRA have begun a consultation process on proposals to introduce a ban on commercial

4 13 February 2018 third party sales of puppies and kittens in England, the outcome of which is not expected until later in the year. The UK proposals are a matter of consultation so it is too early to speculate as to what their detailed impact on the sector in Ireland might be other than to note that the focus of the consultation document appears to be on methods of sale and not the issue of breeding or rearing.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 has general powers in relation to animals which places a duty of care upon all animal owners and handlers. However the activity in question is directly legislated for by the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 which also has welfare as a central focus. This Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Rural and Community De- velopment and the individual Local Authorities in whose functional area any establishment is located.

The need to safeguard animal welfare is one of the main reasons for which local Authorities have the power to refuse authorisation or to issue Improvement Notices of Closure Notices. Such notices carry a right of appeal to the court system, which in some cases has been successfully used by establishment proprietors.

The information available to me is that in the great majority of cases, such establishments operate without giving rise to serious animal welfare concerns. Where serious deficiencies are found and the relevant local authority takes action it is also then the remit of the court system to deal with specific cases.

13/02/2018WRA02100Nitrates Action Programme Implementation

13/02/2018WRA0220043. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Ireland obtaining an extension to the derogation on the spreading of pig slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7017/18]

13/02/2018WRA02300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Depart- ment of Housing, Planning & Local Government is the lead authority for the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations, otherwise known as the Nitrates Regulations, with a major role being played by my Department.

Ireland successfully agreed with the European Commission in late 2017 on its fourth Ni- trates Action Programme running from 2018 to 2021, this is contained in S.I. No. 605/2017.

The new Action Programme places a particular emphasis on disrupting pollution pathways in order to prevent agricultural run-off affecting the water environment. It addresses soil fertil- ity problems and emphasises the importance of knowledge transfer.

The previous Nitrates Action Programme, effective from 2014 to 2017, contained a transitional provision whereby farmers importing pig or poultry manure or spent mushroom compost were allowed to exceed crop maximum phosphorus rates by 3 kg/ hectare in 2015 and 2016; this provision ended on 31 December 2016.

Both Departments were aware of the immediate difficulties created for pig farmers as a result of the ending of this transitional provision as regards locating adequate spreadlands for the disposal of pig manure. Ireland successfully negotiated and agreed with the Commission on an extension of these provisions under the new Action Programme. In 2018 farmers importing pig manure are allowed to exceed the crop phosphorus limit by 3kg/ha, reducing to 2 kg/ha in 2019, 1 kg/ha in 2020 and 0 kg in 2021. Furthermore the Commission also agreed to a retrospective extension of the transitional provisions for pig manure for 2017. 5 Questions - Written Answers The extension of these transitional provisions for the coming years will facilitate pig farmers in locating adequate spreadlands. My Department and Teagasc continue to actively promote pig manure as a valuable and cost effective source of nutrients, replacing chemical fertiliser.

13/02/2018WRA02400Dog Breeding Industry

13/02/2018WRA0250044. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to ensure that puppies are not being sold illegally from here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6665/18]

13/02/2018WRA02600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The welfare of animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The Act applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes and contains robust measures against the ill-treatment of animals. The Act also provides for the application of fines and imprisonment on conviction of an offence.

Trade within the EU of dogs is governed by EU law. Dogs moved to another EU Member State from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.

The premises exporting dogs to the other EU Member States must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.

These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.

Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport, while the transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Trans- port Association (IATA). Information about any breaches of these regulations can be provided to my Department, which will treat any information received in the strictest of confidence.

There is on-going co-operation between my Department, An Garda Síochána and an Officer of Customs and Excise on the enforcement of export requirements and checks carried out at ports.

13/02/2018WRA02700Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

13/02/2018WRA0280045. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a pilot scheme in south County Kerry to eliminate tuberculosis in badgers by way of vaccinations and removal of badgers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6672/18]

13/02/2018WRA02900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am informed that the outbreak in South Kerry is largely confined to eight electoral divisions. During 2017, 53 herds in these areas were restricted with a total of 302 reactors removed, 32 of the restrictions followed reactor disclosure at a contiguous herd test.

The first breakdown in the area took place in Autumn 2016 and since then outbreaks have been investigated and managed by my Department in conjunction with the local herdowners and veterinary practitioners. 6 13 February 2018 The TB Eradication Programme incorporates a wildlife strategy since 2004 which includes the removal of badgers from areas where there has been a TB outbreak with evidence of an epidemiological link to badgers. This strategy is informed by considerable scientific evidence of a link between badgers and cattle in the context of the spread of bovine TB. In line with this policy, where badgers are identified as a likely source in County Kerry a survey is carried out and badgers are captured and removed under licence issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This is currently on-going in the South Kerry area.

My Department has recently commenced the vaccination of badgers against tuberculosis as an integral part of the bovine TB eradication programme. This marks a major step forward in the bovine TB eradication programme and follows years of scientific research. The most recent research findings confirm that vaccination of badgers can play a role in reducing the level of infection in cattle whilst protecting the badger population.

The vaccination programme has commenced in the areas which have already been part of the field trials demonstrating the effectiveness of badger vaccination over time, with vaccination gradually replacing the need to continue to remove badgers. It is not recommended that vaccination be used whilst there is an active disease outbreak.

I would also point out that there are other factors that contribute to the spread of tuberculosis which may be contributing to the problem in this area. A significant number of animals are traded locally within the area and the clustering of outbreaks indicates that the contiguous spread between herds is also likely a factor. Farmers in the area are to be congratulated for their efforts to increase biosecurity which will further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

Finally, while it is too early to formulate any definitive conclusions, early indications are that the situation in South Kerry is showing signs of improvement. The rate of reactor disclosure and herd restrictions has abated. A significant number of herds have recently had one clear test and a smaller number have had their second clear test and are no longer restricted.

13/02/2018WRA03000Animal Identification Schemes

13/02/2018WRA0310046. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the discussions held to date with the stakeholders relating to bovine EID tagging; the progress made to comply with the July deadline required in the EU regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7143/18]

13/02/2018WRA03200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment provides for the use of EID (electronic) tags in the supply of bovine tags to herd keepers by approved tag vendors. In this regard herd keepers can voluntarily choose to identify bovine animals using a conventional and electronic tag. If a keeper wishes to use EID on all the animals in the herd, a request should be made to the Regional Veterinary Office whereby one of the tags can be removed under RVO supervision and replaced with EID tags matching the number on the conventional tag. In 2017 EID tags represented approximately 10% of the market for cattle tags.

Regulation (EU) No 653/2014 provides for the introduction of electronic identification of bovines on a voluntary basis by 18 July 2019. The EU Commission plans to introduce the required Implementing and Delegated Acts prior to July 2019 and in this regard my Department will keep the position under review at EU level.

Each Member State is required to have facilities in place to provide bovine EID on a volun- 7 Questions - Written Answers tary basis by 18 July 2019. A Member State may introduce national provisions for mandatory bovine electronic identification.

The bovine identification and traceability system in Ireland is acknowledged as being a very effective system. It is important to harness the benefits of electronic developments in developing and underpinning the system to ensure that Ireland continues to have an effective and future proof system. In that context I am mindful of developments internationally where many com- petitor countries are now moving towards the use of EID in their cattle populations.

I am presently considering the scope for the possibility of introducing mandatory electronic identification of bovines in the context of the benefits that EID will provide to all interested stakeholders. The development of a plan to implement EID will require consultation with stakeholders, including farm organisations, mart organisations, Meat Industry Ireland and approved tag suppliers. My officials have had some preliminary discussions with the farm organisations on the introduction of EID recently.

13/02/2018WRA03300Aquaculture Licences

13/02/2018WRA0340047. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which produce of aquaculture can be sold and marketed from Lough Foyle in view of the fact that there is no licensing procedure for the farms; the way in which produce is distinguished from licensed produce in the rest of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7135/18]

13/02/2018WRA03500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): In Ireland, applications for Aquaculture licences are considered by my Department under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act, and applicable EU Legislation.

However in the case of Lough Foyle the Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC). This body is one of the six North South Implementation Bodies created under the Agreement. The Loughs Agency, as part of the FCILC, has been given responsibility for fisheries related matters in respect of both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough and the legislation envisages that the Agency will enter into a management agreement with the relevant authorities in both jurisdictions with a view to assuming responsibility for aquaculture licensing within the loughs. Discussions in respect of this management agreement are ongoing.

In relation to the placement of aquaculture products on the market, the Sea Fisheries Pro- tection Authority (SFPA) controls all live bivalve mollusc production areas, including Lough Foyle, to ensure compliance by Ireland with its official control obligations, and compliance by operators with their food safety obligations.

The classification of mollusc production areas is an explicit obligation of the EU food safety regulatory framework. Regulation 854/2004 requires Competent Authorities to classify and subsequently monitor mollusc production areas, while Regulation EC No 853/2004 requires Food Business Operators (FBOs) to only harvest molluscs for human consumption from areas which have been classified by the Competent Authority.

In the case of Lough Foyle, the SFPA has classified two production areas for the production of both molluscs and oysters. In approximate terms, taken together, the two classified areas include all waters to the Donegal Shore of a line from Magilligan Head to Inishowen Head.

The official sampling of molluscs for both microbiological and biotoxin monitoring pur- 8 13 February 2018 poses is performed by the Loughs Agency under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Under EU Food Safety Regulations Food Business Operators may only harvest Live Bi- valve Molluscs for human consumption from production areas which have been classified by the Competent Authority, and which have not been closed for health reasons by the Competent Authority.

Operators are required to ensure that any consignments of molluscs harvested are accompanied by a document indicating various pieces of information, referred to as the ‘Gatherers Document’ or more correctly the Shellfish Registration Document.

In relation to fish health, the Marine Institute is focused on the assessment of biotoxins in shellfish product and harmful algal bloom monitoring in Lough Foyle, as part of the National Biotoxin Monitoring Program. Only when the Lough is in open status can shellfish product be harvested and placed on the market for human consumption. In the event of an area in the Lough showing a positive result for biotoxin, or harmful algal bloom, the Loughs Agency is responsible for coordinating between Ireland and the United Kingdom over this shared waterbody to ensure that product would not be allowed to be harvested from the Lough when a biotoxin regulatory limit is exceeded.

As will be seen, therefore, the management of aquaculture and associated foreshore licensing functions in Lough Foyle gives rise to legal and jurisdictional complexities. Negotiations regarding the jurisdiction of the Lough Foyle area are, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

My Department organises and participates in an inter-departmental working group which is pursuing a way forward in terms of the future management of aquaculture and associated foreshore activities on Lough Foyle, in parallel with a workable resolution of the complex jurisdictional issues involved.

In view of the multi dimensional and cross jurisdictional nature of the issues involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

13/02/2018WRA03600Brexit Issues

13/02/2018WRA0370048. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to safeguard the fishing sector in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7130/18]

13/02/2018WRA03800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): As I have stated before, fisheries is, and will remain, a high priority for Ireland in the Brexit negotiations. I am determined to ensure that fisheries remain high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that the interests of Ireland’s fishing communities are fully safeguarded.

In recent months, I have continued to have positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

I am confident that we are all in agreement when it comes to our collective determination to ensure that our existing rights and entitlements are fully protected into the future.

My engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste, has

9 Questions - Written Answers also intensified as we begin discussions on the possible transition phase and the future overall relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.

My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of in the establishment of the framework for a future EU-UK relationship. Ireland’s key asks in this regard will be maintenance of current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares.

I am glad to say that the Commission has concurred with our viewpoint that fisheries arrangements must be an integral part of the overall future relationship agreement. They also accept the key point that fisheries is a zero sum game and that any gain for the UK would mean a loss for Ireland and the rest of the EU.

I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues both within Ireland and across the rest of the EU fishing industry.

In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Barnier Task Force, I aim to ensure that fisheries are inextricably linked to overall future relationship negotiations and that all of our existing access rights and quota entitlements are fully protected.

13/02/2018WRA03900Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments

13/02/2018WRA0400049. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the level of direct support for the suckler cow herd to €200 per cow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6667/18]

13/02/2018WRA04100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am acutely aware of the vital importance of the suckler sector to Ireland’s rural economy and the wider agri-food industry. My Department provides a range of income and investment supports to suckler farmers, including direct payments and existing grant schemes such as BPS, ANC, GLAS and TAMS, as well as the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP). Indeed analysis of Teagasc National Farm Survey data shows that current direct payments to suckler farmers provide support equivalent to approximately €500 per suckler cow.

The BDGP is the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, and provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Pro- gramme (RDP) period. So far under this programme approximately €125 million has been paid out to farmers, and I will continue to support this programme through the lifetime of the current RDP. In addition to improving the environmental footprint of the national suckler herd, the programme will, through increasing the genetic merit of the national suckler herd, make a positive contribution to productivity and efficiency at farm level.

Ireland strongly supported the greater market orientation of the CAP over recent reforms, including by decoupling of payments from production, because allowing farmers freedom to respond to market signals is vital for the sustainable development of the sector, as set out in the Food Wise 2025 strategy.

As the Deputy is aware, any proposal for a coupled payment for suckler cows under Pillar I of the CAP would necessitate a linear cut across the Basic Payment Scheme for all farmers.

In terms of providing additional supports under Pillar II, which provides for Ireland’s RDP, there is no surplus funding above and beyond the funding already allocated to the RDP, which

10 13 February 2018 has been committed to existing schemes within the current programme.

In the context of the post-2020 CAP, we have to examine the most effective way of supporting the sector, while at the same time being aware of the future direction of the CAP in terms of both public good and environmental benefits. We need to explore further ways in which we can improve both economic and environmental efficiency, while at the same time respecting the constraints of WTO and State Aid rules in terms of farm supports.

The future CAP will play a key role in the sustainable development of the sector, and I would urge people to participate in the public consultative meetings on the CAP post 2020 currently taking place around the country.

13/02/2018WRA04200Fodder Crisis

13/02/2018WRA0430050. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the persons who qualify for the recently announced fodder transport support scheme; the counties included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6911/18]

13/02/2018WRA04400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were com- pounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.

To immediately address this issue I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to his request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Measure and Agri-environment measures. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October 2017, and balancing payments issued in early December 2017. These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Mea- sure, injected over €1.4 billion into the Irish rural economy by the end of last year and are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance additional fodder purchase where necessary.

At this time I also requested Teagasc, through its farm advisory service, to identify farmers who would be most at risk of running out of fodder and provide them with support to carry out fodder budgeting on their farms and explore all viable options to ensure that they had sufficient feed for the coming winter.

In order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected by ongoing fodder shortages, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.

While the areas identified by Teagasc as being the most affected are predominantly located in parts of the West and North-West, the measure is not county specific within the region. As with all measures, certain criteria apply. Farmers, in a locality within the region, identified by Teagasc as having a significant fodder shortage, having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their FAS agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards the costs of transport of fodder, sourced through the Co-operative system. Only the shortfall in fodder will be eligible to receive support under the measure. 11 Questions - Written Answers Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centering on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.

This measure will provide a financial contribution of €8 per standard bale of hay or straw for feeding and €12 per standard bale of silage or haylage towards the additional cost of transporting the fodder from the East and South of the country to the affected areas of the West and North West. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way. To ensure that normal local trade in fodder is not disrupted, a minimum transport distance of 100 km will apply.

Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.

Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRB00200Agriculture Scheme Administration

13/02/2018WRB0030051. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the flexibility which will be given to farmers who lack adequate broadband to file applications online to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7144/18]

13/02/2018WRB00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Under EU regulations, 2018 is the first year that all applications for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) must be submitted online. Recent years have seen significant growth in the number of farmers applying for the BPS online, and this is reflective of the range of benefits that online application brings for farmers.

Among the benefits available of online applicants is the availability of preliminary checks for online applications. These preliminary checks allow online applicants to be advised of certain errors at an early stage and to correct any such issues without penalty.

These preliminary checks have proved very successful in previous years, and they represent one of the many advantages for farmers in making their BPS applications online.

From 2018 all the elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farm- ers Scheme, National Reserve, and transferring of entitlements) will be online. This will help to ensure that the Department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.

I am aware that for some people, this will be the first year that they will have engaged with the online applications process. To help farmers to submit their application online in 2018, I have ensured the early opening for the BPS application facility in 2018. The application process in 2018 is opening over a month earlier than in 2017. This will provide more time for farmers to familiarise themselves with the online application facility and to submit their applications. My Department has already contacted farmers advising them of the requirement to submit online in 2018.

Officials from my Department will also be providing a range of supports to farmers over the coming weeks and months, including a series of BPS clinics in locations throughout the

12 13 February 2018 country. The details of these clinics are currently being finalised and they will enable farmers to sit with an official from my Department who will guide them through the process to enable submission of the application online by the farmer there and then.

Further supports such as telephone help lines and ‘How to’ guides will also be in place. As we move towards the application deadline, my Department will be in contact with farmers again to provide further details on these supports. These supports will ensure that all farmers are able to access these important payments.

I would urge all farmers to avail of the opportunity to apply for the BPS at this early stage via the online system. It is open for farmers to do this either as individuals or through an agent. Higher levels of online applications will allow my Department to continue to improve on the delivery to farmers of essential payments under schemes such as BPS and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme.

13/02/2018WRB00500Brexit Negotiations

13/02/2018WRB0060052. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of fishermen in Brexit negotiations; if provisions are being put in place to regain Irish waters following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3860/18]

13/02/2018WRB00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): As I have stated before, fisheries is, and will remain, a high priority for Ireland in the Brexit negotiations. I am determined to ensure that fisheries remain high on the Brexit agenda in the EU and that the interests of Ireland’s fishing communities are fully protected.

I am confident that we are all in agreement when it comes to our collective determination to ensure that our existing rights and entitlements are fully protected into the future.

My engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste, has also intensified as we begin discussions on the possible transition phase and the future overall relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.

I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.

13 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRB00800Fodder Crisis

13/02/2018WRB0090053. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department has taken to support farmers facing difficulty with fodder supply over the winter. [7010/18]

13/02/2018WRB01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were com- pounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.

Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centering on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.

Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural produc- 14 13 February 2018 tion sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.

Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRB01100Forestry Sector

13/02/2018WRB0120054. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the communications he has had with Coillte in view of the reported problems with the forestry partnership project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7008/18]

13/02/2018WRB01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.

The company has, since its meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing about farm partnership contracts entered into between the company and landowners. Coillte is party to a number of farm partnership agreements that have been signed with c. 630 individual farm partners. These partnership schemes were offered to private landowners between 1993 and 2012. In total 7 schemes were offered over this period

The company has also updated my Department on the actions it is taking in response to concerns about certain contracts and to improve its communications with their farm partners. My colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, TD, who has special responsibility for forestry met with Coillte on Tuesday, 6th February 2018, at which Coillte provided a comprehensive update.

Coillte has also informed the Department that they wrote to all its farm partners in Decem- ber last informing them that it had put in place a dedicated phone line to provide support for its farm partners. My understanding is that the number of partnerships which have outstanding issues are less than ten which is very small relative to the overall number in the schemes. I also understand that Coillte is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and is also satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations. Coillte is engaging with each partner to resolve any other issues on a case by case basis. I am satisfied that these will be resolved in due course and that it should be left now to both partners in the agreements to resolve them together.

13/02/2018WRB01400GLAS Data

13/02/2018WRB0150055. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of GLAS 1, 2 and 3 farmers who have received their 2017 advance payment; the number who have not received this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7149/18]

13/02/2018WRB01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1

15 Questions - Written Answers October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months.

GLAS 2017 advance payments have now issued to just under 44,000 applicants, representing over 93% of all participants that are eligible for payment. Of the 25,214 applicants for GLAS 1, 22,555 have received the 2017 advance payment, with 2,659 remaining. 9,700 and 11,540 have been paid for GLAS 2 and GLAS 3 respectively, with the Department continuing to process applications for the remaining 1,527 and 1,740 in these tranches.

In approximately 2,700 of the outstanding cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non-submission of nutrient management plans (NMPs), commonage management plans, low emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved.

Other cases will be examined separately to clarify what remedy can be put in place to resolve their particular issue. Where action is needed by the participant concerned the Depart- ment, if it has not already done so will be in direct contact with them.

Updates are published weekly on my Department’s website and clearly show that steady progress is being made in reducing outstanding cases. While my officials are prioritising the clearing of cases and where a farmer has been contacted for additional information it is important that any such request is responded to as the information requested is essential to finalise all checks.

13/02/2018WRB01700Fodder Crisis

13/02/2018WRB0180056. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe and costs of the fodder transport scheme for farmers in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7134/18]

13/02/2018WRB01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were com- pounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.

In order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected by 16 13 February 2018 ongoing fodder shortages, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.

Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRB02000Fodder Crisis

13/02/2018WRB0210057. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department has taken to support farmers facing difficulty with fodder supply over the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6913/18]

13/02/2018WRB02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were com- pounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.

Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRB02300Fishing Communities

13/02/2018WRB0240058. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which each of the 29 recommendations contained in a report (details supplied) has been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7115/18]

13/02/2018WRB02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Joint Sub-Committee on Fisheries Report on Promoting Sustainable Rural Coastal and Island Com- munities (published in 2014) to which the Deputy refers made a number of recommendations which concerned a range of Government policies including natural resources, marine safety and social protection. I intend to address progress on aspects relevant to my remit as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 18 13 February 2018 A number of the recommendations have been superseded by initiatives which have taken place.

In relation to representation structures for the industry for instance, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs) provide arenas for inshore fishermen to develop proposals on inshore fisheries management, including compliance and data gathering. The NIFF is representative of sea-fishing boats of less than 12m overall length in the fishing fleet. The focus on the NIFF work programme is on fisheries management in the coastal waters within 6 nautical miles. The NIFF is taking the lead in setting priorities for the inshore sector including ongoing work in developing a dedicated strategy.

To date, the twelve NIFF meetings have led to very constructive two-way conversations on issues of mutual concern, industry priorities, emerging policies & initiatives. NIFF members are now included on a number of fisheries consultative structures including the Quota Man- agement Advisory Committee, the Industry Science Fisheries Partnership, the SFPA Consulta- tive Committee, the EMFF Operational Programme Monitoring Committee and BIM/Bord Bia Market Advisory Group. This gives the inshore sector a role in making recommendations on a range of fisheries policy matters including on allocation of Ireland’s quotas, on data collection and scientific research. Perhaps most important of these is that the NIFF now has an input into how funding is utilised including through the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme.

The Sub-Committee’s 2014 report refers to managing the lobster and shrimp fisheries. Changes came into effect in 2014 regarding the management of these fisheries, following on from an extensive consultation process. In more recent times lobster in particular has been a feature of the agenda of the meetings which I have had with the NIFF and I look forward to a discussion with NIFF on the review of the effectiveness of the current conservation measures in 2018. The current V-notching conservation measures have been extended through 2018 to facilitate these discussions.

With regard to the mackerel quota, there has been a change to the way this is allocated. For 2017 and future years, the 87% to 13% share out of the quota between the Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) pelagic fleet and polyvalent segment of the fleet will remain unchanged. Where Ireland’s quota exceeds 90,000 tonnes, the quota shall be shared on a 80% to 20% basis between the pelagic and polyvalent fleet. A minimum of 2% of the mackerel quota, or 1,000 tonnes, whichever is the greater will be deducted annually for demersal swaps before any share out between segments is undertaken.

There is an open mackerel fishery for vessels under 18 metres in length. An amount of 2.5% of the overall polyvalent Mackerel Quota has been set aside for this fishery and a monthly catch limit is used. This catch limit is recommended each month by the Whitefish Quota Manage- ment Advisory Committee which consists of fishing industry representatives. For 2017, under 18m Boats had a catch limit of 5 tonnes per month. In the last number of years much of this quota has remained under-utilised.

Quotas for other species which can be targeted by the inshore fishing sector have set-a-side allocations for smaller sea-fishing boats. Key inshore stocks are not limited by quota arrangements, for instance lobster and crab species which are the mainstay for many small boats.

The sub-committee made a recommendation with regard to “minor fishing infractions”. In November 2014, my Department published a public consultation document in the form of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) of a proposal for a Bill to amend the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 to provide for, inter alia, a system of fixed penalty notices (“on the spot” fines) for minor fisheries offences. This provided the possibility of creating a subset of minor offences which are legally suitable to be dealt with by way of fixed penalty notices. 19 Questions - Written Answers In summary, the process suggested in the RIA involved giving a person who was alleged to have committed a minor offence an option to pay a fixed payment which would mean that a prosecution would not be taken in the Courts. If the payment was not received within 28 days, the prosecution would be initiated in the courts and on conviction it was expected that a higher fine would be applied.

A number of industry submissions received under the RIA on the implementation of fixed penalty notices raised concerns that these would be used in place of verbal or written warn- ings. Other comments raised concerns regarding potential inequalities in the application of the system between different Sea Fisheries Protection Authority Port Officers and Naval Service personnel. There were also comments regarding the constitutionality of applying sanctions in the absence of a Court decision and others seeking a fully administrative system. In light of the comments submitted in respect of the above proposal on a fixed penalty system, it was decided not to proceed with the introduction of such a system.

With regard to fishing infrastructure, it is important to say that my Department owns, maintains and directly manages six Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl , An Dain- gean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth, under Statute.

In 2018, I have allocated €27.9m to the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme. €2m of this is allocated to the Local Authority element of the programme targeting piers, harbours and slipways under their ownership across the 17 Coastal Local Authorities. On 31 January 2018 Local Authorities were invited to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration. Ultimately, the infrastructure supported will be of great benefit to many rural coastal and island communities.

The remainder of the 2018 Capital programme, €25.9m will be invested in the ongoing development, maintenance and upgrade of the Fishery Harbour Centres. This investment will build on the €92m invested in the Fishery Harbour Centres since 2010 and the €25m invested in the Local Authority infrastructure over the same period.

In December 2016 I commissioned an Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing. The Report of the Review Group was submitted to me at the end of May 2017. The Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked at comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for managing a complex licensing process in a transparent, environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner.

The Group’s Report is published and available to view on my Department’s website. A total of 30 separate recommendations are contained in the Report.

In that regard I can confirm that my Department is committed to and actively working towards the achievement of 300 licence determinations for 2018 with a further 300 targeted for 2019. This will meet a core objective of the Aquaculture Licensing Review Group. The achievement of 600 determinations over the next two years will effectively eliminate the backlog as an issue.

My Department’s €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Pro- gramme is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector up to 2021. The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing through a suite of 15 Individual schemes which are administered by BIM.

In summary, there are a number of recommendations not relevant to the remit of my Depart- ment and I have endeavoured to give the Deputy an update on relevant matters, including policy

20 13 February 2018 developments, which have occurred since the report was published. I would like to assure the Deputy that this Government is fully commitment to the seafood sector and the coastal communities who are dependent on fisheries and aquaculture.

13/02/2018WRB02600Bioenergy Strategy

13/02/2018WRB0270059. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many farmers in the west of the country are now experiencing problems with slurry disposal due to bad weather; and his plans to carry out a study into the feasibility of establishing bio-digestive systems to avoid disposal crises due to worsen- ing climate conditions and to ensure safe disposal of slurry. [7158/18]

13/02/2018WRB02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): We are aware of reports of difficulties regarding slurry disposal linked to bad weather. Regarding slurry management, under the Good Agriculture Practice (Nitrates) Regulations, farmers are required to have adequate manure storage for all their animals. With respect to water, the Good Agri- cultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations obliges farmers to ensure precautions are taken when spreading organic and inorganic fertilisers.

The Government recognises that indigenous renewable energy plays a vital role in our domestic fuel mix and there is an opportunity to encourage the utilisation of agricultural waste as an alternative source of energy. My Department is committed to working closely with the De- partment of Communications, Climate Action and Environment which is the lead Department in the renewable energy area.

My Department recognises the valuable role that a resource-efficient agriculture sector can play in this regard. In particular, given the interest from industry in mobilising biomethane, my Department is collaborating closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment to consider the potential for anaerobic digestion to contribute to Ireland’s significant renewable energy and GHG targets, and promotes the development of Ireland’s bioeconomy.

Additionally, the agriculture sector has been focused on the supply of bioenergy feedstock, whether from biomass in the form of wood products such as forest thinnings and wood fuel, animal by-products or other agri-food by-products such as straw, slurries and processing waste. Crops can also be grown specifically as biomass.

The agriculture and forest sector has a critical role to play in contributing to our national climate change ambitions and bioenergy represents a key component of that contribution.

13/02/2018WRB02900Exports Growth

13/02/2018WRB0300060. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor the potential market growth for Irish food and food products globally; the markets or products that have shown the greatest potential; the extent to which he expects to maximise the impact on these markets in the future having particular regard to current geopolitical developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7152/18]

13/02/2018WRB03100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is a central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of

21 Questions - Written Answers Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. This work is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

Food Wise 2025 outlines the potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region, and our efforts will be focused on developing new opportunities in these markets, as well consolidating our position and deepening our penetration of well established markets in the European Union, including the UK, and the United States.

In the meat sector, the focus is on obtaining access to new markets or improving the terms of access to others. In 2015 we gained access to the US market for Irish beef. In the same year we also got access to the Canadian market for Irish beef and to the Omani market for Irish beef and sheepmeat.

In 2016 we gained access to the Maldives for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat and poultrymeat. We also gained access to the Iranian market for sheepmeat and we regained access to the Israeli market for beef.

In 2017, the market in Egypt was re-opened to exports of beef from Ireland and we got access to the Chilean market for Irish pork.

On the dairy front, Ireland exported in the region of €4bn in dairy products to nearly 130 countries in 2016. Against the backdrop of EU-agreed trade deals such as those completed with Canada and Japan, my Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain access to new 3rd country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for Irish dairy products. In many instances such efforts are on foot of trade missions at Ministerial level.

CSO data for the year to end November 2017 showed that Irish dairy exports were approaching 20% ahead of the same period in 2016, on foot of factors such as improving global prices (which was particularly evident in sectors such as butter), but also as a result of increases in volumes exported across a range of product categories. This demonstrates that our efforts are contributing positively to Irish dairy sector exports.

It is also worth noting that the value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.2 billion in 2016. The value of trade to these markets increased by 52% in the period 2012 to 2016. Exports to these markets now account for 19% of total food and drink exports, compared to 16% in 2012. This growth in the share of exports occurred during a period when total food and drink exports jumped by more than 23%.

Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with trade growing by more than 150% to €1.2bn. This in turn has been led by China, which recorded a more than three-fold increase (total €880m v €283m in 2012). Exports to other Asian markets grew by 73% in the same period, to €318 million.

Trade to Africa has held steady around the €500m mark during this period, notwithstanding the challenges faced by those West African countries whose economies are so reliant on a strong international oil price. Encouragingly, exports to North African countries grew by just under 50% in 5 years, helping to counterbalance this impact.

Exports to the Middle East grew by 21%, to €370 million.

The role of trade missions also cannot be underestimated in gaining further market penetration for Irish Agri food products to new and existing markets.

22 13 February 2018 I led a series of very successful Trade Missions in 2017, during which destinations included the Gulf States, the US and Mexico. I also led an extensive trade mission to Japan and South Korea. This was a very opportune time to bring a delegation of Ireland’s food leaders to this part of the world, given that the EU has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea as well as agreeing an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan.

My Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for a trade mission at the end of the February to the US and Canada. This will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as relevant political engagement. Both of these markets had been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector.

Such missions help to increase the profile of Ireland as a producer of high quality, safe, and sustainably produced food and beverages.

This and future work will be informed by a market profiling exercise completed by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.

13/02/2018WRB03200Forestry Sector

13/02/2018WRB0330061. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contact he has had with Coillte about the current non-payment of forestry financial instalments due to contracted farmers; his plans to carry out an audit to ensure all lessors are being paid with correct contract terms in place; his further plans to meet Ireland’s target of planting 7,100 hectares of forestry a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7141/18]

13/02/2018WRB03400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.

The company has, however, since it’s meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Ag- riculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing about farm partnership contracts entered into between the company and landowners. The company has also updated my Department on the actions it is taking in response to concerns about certain contracts and to improve its communications with their farm partners. My colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, TD, who has special responsibility for forestry met with Coillte last week, at which Coillte provided a comprehensive update.

As mentioned, the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme is an operational matter for the company. Coillte has advised, however, that, as a result of issues that have been raised by a small number of partners, Coillte has been conducting a thorough review. Coillte advise that, while this process is still ongoing, it can confirm that having reviewed its contracts with farm partners, it is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and it is satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations. I am also advised that Coillte has engaged the services of KPMG to carry out an independent review and to help improve the quality and level of information provided to partners, particularly in relation to payments and how they are calculated. Coillte also advise that, from 2018 onwards, partners who are due to receive annuities in the coming years will receive an annual statement that includes payment information.

As regards plans to meet annual afforestation targets, my Department is currently undertak- 23 Questions - Written Answers ing a midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020 under which there will be proposals to make further improvements to the forestry schemes. These improvements are aimed at encouraging farmers to see forestry as part of the farming enterprise as opposed to being an alternative to farming. I expect to be making a further announcement on this Review and its recommendations in the coming weeks.

13/02/2018WRB03500Livestock Issues

13/02/2018WRB0360062. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the problems being created for farmers in the west by the new regulations preventing acceptance of wet and dirty sheep in processing plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7159/18]

13/02/2018WRB03700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:

Category (A) Satisfactory –

Sheep that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process, by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant.

Category (B) Acceptable –

Sheep that can only be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place additional interventions including extra defined dressing controls.

Category (C) Unacceptable –

Sheep unfit for slaughter because of fleece condition. These sheep must not be presented for ante-mortem in this condition and it is the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to take the required remedial action.

The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep origi- nates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.

Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flockowners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department’s website- https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/.

24 13 February 2018 The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.

My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.

The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.

13/02/2018WRB03800Brexit Issues

13/02/2018WRB0390063. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to offset the impact of Brexit on farmers in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6855/18]

13/02/2018WRB04000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Brexit has the potential to have a significant impact on the agri food sector in Ireland, including in Co. Wexford.

The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy. Its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland in particular. Farming is an essential part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country and it is also part of a wider EU dispensation that values a Common Agriculture Policy built on family farming, food security, high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. These are values that we hold dear, and so it is critically important when we consider the impact of Brexit that the positive contribution of agriculture to the rural and national economy, and to society in Ireland, and indeed elsewhere in the European Union, is to the forefront in our deliberations.

Since the UK referendum in June 2016, the Government has introduced a range of measures to help the agri-food sector navigate the short-term impacts of Brexit. In Budget 2017, I introduced measures to help reduce farm gate business costs, including a €150 million low-cost loan scheme, new agri-taxation measures and increased funding under the Rural Development and Seafood Development Programmes.

In the 2018 Budget I also announced a €50m Brexit support package, which will be com- prised of a number of initiatives. Firstly, in cooperation with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I am establishing a new Brexit Loan Scheme aimed at providing affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. The Scheme aims to make up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses (up to 499 employees), at least 40% of which will be available to food businesses.

Due to State Aid rules, this new Scheme will not be available to farmers and fishermen, so I am considering the development of a separate loan scheme in 2018 similar to the 2017 low- cost scheme, based on €25m funding from my Department to the Scheme. These measures are aimed at enhancing competitiveness within the sector.

I have also introduced supports for Bord Bia for investment in their market insight and market prioritisation initiatives which are aimed at identifying and developing potential diver- 25 Questions - Written Answers sification opportunities. I have already increased funding to Bord Bia by €10 million since the Brexit vote, and a further €4.5 million is allocated in Budget 2018.

To enhance product diversification, I have also allocated funding to support the development of the new National Food Innovation Hub, which will be located in Teagasc Fermoy, Co. Cork.

I wish to assure the Deputy that Government remains very focused on supporting farmers and the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead, whether they are based in Wexford or in any other part of the country. The Government will be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must take account of the very serious challenges presented by Brexit for the sector, particularly given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the importance of our economic relationship with the UK. And of course ultimately Ireland’s objective in the negotiations is to have a trading relationship with the UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangement.

13/02/2018WRB04100Dairy Sector

13/02/2018WRB0420064. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to mitigate the guaranteed negative impact for milk producers in view of the fact that the floor price for skim milk powder has been removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7015/18]

13/02/2018WRB04300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): As the Deputy is aware, the Irish dairy market, following on from broader EU and International trends, is currently in a much improved position compared to the relatively recent past. Of course we remain extremely vigilant in monitoring the current market and emerging trends, particularly as we approach the peak period for Irish milk production .

Whilst the overall dairy sector is now in a much better place, particularly at the farm gate, the issue of intervention stocks overhanging that particular market remains a cause for concern, arising from the significant recourse to this market measure for skimmed milk powder (SMP) across the EU since September 2015.

There are now approximately 376,000 tonnes of SMP in public intervention stocks, effectively overhanging the EU SMP market. My Department and I engaged at Council of Ministers meetings and directly with the Commission on recent measures to limit further stock piling of SMP in 2018 without due justification, including the Commission’s proposal, to which the Deputy refers, to reduce the fixed price ceiling to zero.

I strongly argued that this measure should be specified as for 2018 only, to avoid setting a precedent for the longer term. This point was accepted and agreed in the final version of the measure, as adopted by the Council per COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2018/147 of 29th January 2018, which came into effect the following day, 30th January.

I have clearly stated previously, at Council of ministers meetings and elsewhere, that it is imperative for the Commission to remain vigilant in monitoring the market situation, and to have contingencies in place in the event of market volatility re-emerging, particularly in relevant markets, namely raw milk, butter and SMP in particular.

In common with the vast majority of EU Member States where dairy production is of significance, I recognised that the current situation in respect of existing stocks could not be allowed to persist indefinitely and that there is general acceptance that doing nothing is not an option. 26 13 February 2018 It is important to note that this measure does not represent a change to the fundamental provisions of the intervention mechanism, nor to the necessary supports that intervention provides during periods of market volatility. Ireland has welcomed and made use of intervention during such periods of instability. This measure responds and is framed around a very specific set of circumstances, namely; very significant intervention stocks of SMP; a significant divergence between SMP and butter prices in negative and positive directions respectively, and; a generally more favourable market context in the EU dairy sector, including the farm gate in respect of more recent raw milk returns.

I have clearly stated that the system, as it evolves, will need to display flexibility in respect of adapting to market contingencies, including flexibility around proposed SMP buying-in prices at tendering rounds, to react to the broader market situation at any given point in time.

However, the issue of current stocks cannot be disentangled from the issue of managing SMP intervention in 2018 and beyond. The issues involved, with respect to both market management and sentiment in the sector, are complex and require ongoing careful management.

Given the Commission’s effective status as among the world’s biggest players on the SMP market, and as such their capacity to affect market sentiment, it would be appropriate that they continue to act prudently and responsibility in the disposal of stocks. I am satisfied to date that the Commission has managed these stocks in a prudent manner.

My Department has and will continue to engage with the Commission, with other Member States, and with national stakeholders on these important issues.

13/02/2018WRB04400Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Funding

13/02/2018WRB0450065. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the status of the programme for Government commitment to increase ANC funding by €25 million in 2018; and if increased payments will reflect the constraint of land type. [7150/18]

13/02/2018WRB04600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am very aware of the importance of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, which issues annual payments in excess of €200 million to over 95,000 farmers.

A number of different options were available in deciding how this additional funding was to be divided. I was conscious of the need for money to be targeted at those farmers on lands with higher levels of constraint.

With this in mind and having considered the views of stakeholders, I have decided to dis- tribute the additional €25 million as follows:

- €13m will be allocated to the ‘mountain type land’ category

- €9m will be allocated to the ‘more severely handicapped’ category’ and

27 Questions - Written Answers - €3m will be allocated to the ‘less severely handicapped’ category.

I am satisfied that these increased payment rates are consistent with the underlying logic of the Scheme, where the highest level of support is targeted at those who are faced with the highest level of constraint on their land. These changes must now be formally agreed with the EU Commission, by way of an amendment to our Rural Development Programme. My officials have initiated this process, with a view to introducing these new rates for payment in 2018.

13/02/2018WRB04700GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRB0480066. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of delayed GLAS payments for 2017 to persons in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6668/18]

13/02/2018WRB04900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months. GLAS 2017 advance payments have now issued in just under 43,800 cases, representing 93% of all farmers that are eligible for the payment. This payment is worth over €157m to Irish farmers. Payments are continuing every week.

GLAS payments cannot issue until all regulatory requirements are met. Each GLAS payment claim must be put through a suite of checks for each action and where any individual check fails the issues must be investigated and resolved before being cleared for payment.

In addition to the checks outlined above, in approximately 2,700 cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non- submission of nutrient management plans, commonage management plans, low emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved. My Department is communicating further with those affected to prevent further delays to payments.

Details of GLAS payments to Carlow and Kilkenny applicants are as follows.

GLAS 1 GLAS 2 GLAS 3 Total County Advance Advance Advance Advance Advance Advance Cases Advance Advance Paid Not Paid Paid Not Paid Paid Not Paid Paid Not Paid Carlow 246 31 107 20 116 10 530 469 61 Kilken- 380 48 181 26 159 31 825 720 105 ny

28 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRB05000Aquaculture Licences

13/02/2018WRB0510067. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will publish the legislative changes recommended by the review of aquaculture licensing processes; the timeframe for completion of the legislative changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7136/18]

13/02/2018WRB05200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I commissioned the Independent Review of Aquaculture Licensing in December 2016 and the report was submitted to me at the end of May 2017. The Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and looked at comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for managing a complex licensing process in a transparent, environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner.

The Group’s Report is published and available to view on my Department’s website. A total of 30 separate recommendations are contained in the Report.

The core concern of aquaculture farmers that gave rise to the Review was the licensing backlog. Accordingly it is the elimination of this backlog that is the highest priority and I can confirm that my Department is committed to and actively working towards the achievement of 300 licence determinations for 2018 with a further 300 targeted for 2019. This will meet a core objective of the Aquaculture Licensing Review Group. The achievement of 600 determinations over the next two years will effectively eliminate the backlog as an issue.

My Department’s draft Implementation Plan for the recommendations of the Review Group takes account of legislative, environmental, technical and public interest issues that have a bear- ing on the sustainable development of the industry. The Implementation Plan is very much a working document and will be subject to ongoing change as progress is made in addressing the various recommendations. My Department will of course consult closely with industry in the implementation of certain areas and I can confirm that my Department’s officials have already met with industry representatives on both the shellfish and finfish sides of the industry regarding the Implementation Strategy. This close engagement will continue.

In relation to Legislative change, as the Deputy will know, the Report of the Review Group acknowledges that the preparation and enactment of legislation is a lengthy process. In this regard, the Group also recommended that pragmatic practical measures should be adopted immediately and at the same time the policy and legislative review should be commenced.

All procedures in relation to aquaculture licensing are grounded in the applicable national and EU legislation including but not limited to:

- Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997

- Foreshore Act 1933

- EU Habitats Directive of 92/43/EEC

- EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC

- Consolidated Environmental Impact Assessment Directives 2011/92/EU

- Public Participation Directive (Aarhus Convention)

Industry Representatives all agree that the elimination of the Licensing backlog is the most

29 Questions - Written Answers important pragmatic measure that needs to be addressed and it is therefore entirely correct that this be given the highest immediate priority by my Department.

My Department is fully committed to the implementation of the Report and is actively examining the optimum means of progressing all Recommendations in an efficient and effective manner having regard to all the complexities involved.

13/02/2018WRB05300GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRB0540068. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons awaiting GLAS payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6909/18]

13/02/2018WRB05500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The GLAS scheme is the most popular scheme ever run under a Rural Development Programme in Ireland. The original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of the targeted date - such is the popularity of the scheme. Given that the first approvals under the scheme run from 1 October 2015 it is a remarkable achievement to have exceeded this target within a period of 15 months. GLAS 2017 advance payments have now issued in just under 43,800 cases, representing 93% of all farmers that are eligible for the payment. This payment is worth over €157m to Irish farmers. Payments are continuing every week.

In approximately 2,700 of the outstanding cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non-submission of nutrient management plans, commonage management plans, low emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved.

My Department is communicating further with those affected to encourage them to take the required action that will allow their payment to be processed. The remaining applications continue to be processed with payments issuing on a weekly basis.

There are currently in the region of 1,200 farmers awaiting their GLAS 2016 balance payment. Of these 137 will be paid their balance payment in the coming days. The main reason payment has not issued is failure to submit a Nutrient Management Plan MP. Other reasons for delays include cases where a change has been made to the case between the advance and balance payment stage, cases that have come to light during processing that require further investigation by the Department and inspection related issues.

13/02/2018WRB05600Live Exports

13/02/2018WRB0570069. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live exports performed in 2017; the efforts being made to promote live exports in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7137/18]

13/02/2018WRB05800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Live exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third-country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU.

In 2017, live cattle exports recovered from the decline of the previous year, with a 30% 30 13 February 2018 increase to nearly 190, 000 head. Last year my Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal. This gave an important boost to the trade, and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle. Exports of calves rose by 20%, to just over 100, 000, in 2017.

Live exports will continue to inform the destinations selected for trade missions in 2018 as it did in 2017.

Earlier this month I led a trade mission to Turkey, focussing on live exports. Ireland exported 30,000 cattle to Turkey last year, around 6% of their total import requirement. The trade delegation included officials from my Department and Bord Bia, as well as representatives from the Irish live cattle export companies. I met key stakeholders involved in the Turkish livestock sector, including Minister Fakibaba. Whilst we had a broad ranging discussion, live cattle exports were central to our discussion.

I am happy to confirm that as of the end of May, buyers in the Turkish private sector will be permitted to import cattle for production. Currently this trade is through the State body only. Being able to sell production cattle through this channel will open up valuable new opportunities for trade.

Last year I outlined a seven-point plan aimed at increasing international market access for Irish food and drink exports in 2017. The plan included the allocation of dedicated veterinary and other expertise to target current markets of interest to Irish food exporters, and to ensure that exporters meet the conditions laid down by third countries. The new Division will provide continued support for the live export trade, following on from the success in opening the Turk- ish and Egyptian markets.

My Department, in cooperation with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organi- sation for Animal Health (OIE). The OIE is the global standard setting body relating to animal health and animal welfare. Ireland has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to animal welfare by approving additional multiannual financial assistance to the OIE to support its efforts in two particular areas - the slaughter of animals and long distance transport.

My Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner, and with regard to welfare.

13/02/2018WRB05900Harness Racing Industry

13/02/2018WRB0600070. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent acquisition of Portmarnock racecourse by NAMA and its imminent auction; if special consideration can be given to an organisation (details supplied) which has community based organisational status; if the social and sectoral benefits that would result from the sale of this infrastructure to the organisation will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/18]

13/02/2018WRB06100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Deputy will be aware that the activities of the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of my Department.

With regards to the organisation referenced, my Department funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector, which was published on 1st November 2017. This report provides the sport with a road map for its potential development and I will be supporting the recommendations within my Department’s remit from the outset. 31 Questions - Written Answers I would also welcome progress reports from the Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) on their implementation of remaining recommendations outlined in the Indecon Review, and as I have said previously, I will consider any future funding requests in this context. As such, I can also confirm that there is no provision in this year’s budget for capital acquisitions for the Harness Racing Sector.

I would like to highlight that in addition to the funding provided for the Indecon Review, and the support for the report’s recommendations within my remit, the IHRA have also received a number of additional supports from my Department, namely:

- With a view to raising the awareness of the critical importance of good horse welfare amongst road racing sulky participants and the owners and keepers of trotting horses, my De- partment is currently involved in a tender process to provide a relevant education programme in 2018. The tender process is at an advanced stage and a key element of the programme’s intent is to encourage participants to move from the practice of road racing and to encourage engagement in regulated Irish Harness Racing Association activities.

- Approval for grants totalling €40,077 under the Equine Technical Support Scheme were issued in 2017.

- Support valued in excess of €25,000 for ‘Road Racing Education Programme’ were also issued in 2017.

Similarly in 2016, the IHRA received grants totalling €21,704 under the Equine Infrastruc- ture grant scheme, with a view to supporting this sector in a targeted way.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC00200Horse Racing Industry

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0030071. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by horse trainers and stable staff in the horse racing industry due to changes to their agricultural status; the interaction his Department has had with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7156/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am aware of the deep concern that exists in the horseracing industry arising from the recent Labour Court ruling and its significant impact on the sector, particularly for smaller operators.

As part of the legislation governing employment in this area falls within the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I can confirm that I have met with my colleague Minister Humphreys in relation to this issue.

In addition, my Department officials are also engaging with their counterparts in the Depart- ment of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, who hold responsibility for Employment Rights. I have also raised the matter with Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion, Minister Doherty.

While I have no remit with regard to employment legislation, I will continue my endeavours to represent the interests of the sector and push for a successful resolution to this matter.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC00500Brexit Issues

32 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0060072. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he is making to seek new markets for agrifood produce produced here in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6912/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.

Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025 I led a very successful Trade Mis- sion in February 2017 to the Gulf Region, visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by an extensive Trade Mission to the US and Mexico in June - markets that offer many potential opportunities for Irish exporters. The US is the largest food and beverage market in the world and has a population of 324 million people. Around 35 million Americans also claim Irish ancestry. Mexico has a population of 127 million, making it the eleventh-largest country in the world in population terms and the fifteenth-largest economy in the world, with projections that it will move into the top five by 2050.

During the trade mission in November 2017 to Japan and South Korea, I was accompanied by 40 representatives of the Irish food sector, as well as by experts from my Department, the Chief Executive of Bord Bia and senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.

My Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for an upcoming trade mission at the end of February to the US and Canada. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high- level political discussions. This will already be my second trade mission of 2018 with the most recent to Turkey earlier this month, concentrating primarily on live exports.

These and the other missions that my Department are planning for 2018 will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. They will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products.

The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market prioritisation exercise that was undertaken by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and provides valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.

My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities as they arise.

33 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRCCCCC00800Food Imports

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0090073. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied the current €850 million per annum level of food and food industry related imports is sustainable; if his Department has explored the possibility of more sustainable alternatives to reduce dependence, for example, the potential for increased fruit and vegetable production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7146/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Ireland is small open economy which exports the vast bulk of its main agricultural commodities. Be- tween the period 2009 to 2016 agri-food exports increased by 56% from €7.8 billion to €12.2 billion to over 180 destinations worldwide. While full year figures are not yet available from the Central Statistics Office, returns indicate that exports for January – November 2017 totalled €12.4 billion.

Total agri-food sector imports for 2016 came to €8.2 billion from over 180 destinations worldwide. While full year figures are not yet available from the Central Statistics Office, returns indicate total agri-food imports for January - November 2017 totalled €7.9 billion.

Food Wise 2025, the new ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in 2015 identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Food Wise includes more than 400 specific recommendations, spread across the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations.

If these recommendations are implemented, the expert committee which drew up the Food Wise 2025 Strategy believes that the following growth projections are achievable by 2025: increasing the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; increasing value added in the sector by 70% to in excess of €13 billion; and increasing the value of primary production by 65% to almost €10 billion. With regard to employment, Food Wise foresees the creation of 23,000 additional jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high value added product development.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01100Livestock Issues

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0120074. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department introduced over-onerous conditions under the clean livestock policy for sheep in meat plants in the middle of winter; his plans to ensure that Teagasc can provide workable solutions in order that havoc can be avoided in factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7139/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

34 13 February 2018 Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flockowners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department’s website-

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/

My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.

Our clean livestock policy is vital for the protection of the consumer and to protect our export markets

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01400Fodder Crisis

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0150075. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of applications received for the fodder aid transport subsidy scheme; the reason he chose a transport subsidy option instead of a meal voucher scheme; if he will reconsider the decision and introduce a meal voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7147/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were com- pounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.

Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01700Brexit Negotiations

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0180076. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the status quo in terms of fisheries, that is, access, percentage share of stocks and the trade aspects will fully apply during the transition arrangement in view of the guidelines published by the EU member states in the week of 29 January 2018 regarding the transition arrangements between the European Union and the United Kingdom; if fisheries and the wider trade are directly linked to phase two of the talks; if the linkage for the talks will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6758/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I very much welcome the EU position that the whole of the EU acquis will apply during any transition, which means that the status quo for fisheries and all other sectors will be preserved. This will ensure that we avoid any gaps or cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and the entry into force of a future relationship agreement .

While I cannot guarantee what the final outcome of the upcoming negotiations will be, I 36 13 February 2018 can assure you of my close engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in collaboration with the Tánaiste, on both the possible transition phase and the future overall relationship between the EU27 and the United Kingdom.

My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of in the establishment of the framework for a future EU-UK relationship. Ireland’s key priorities in this regard will be to maintain the current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and the protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares.

I am glad to say that the Commission has concurred with our viewpoint that fisheries arrangements must be integral part of the overall future relationship agreement. They also accept the key point that fisheries is a zero sum game and that any gain for the UK would mean a loss for Ireland and the rest of the EU.

I have held positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues in recent months, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.

I am confident that we are all in agreement when it comes to our collective determination to ensure that our existing rights and entitlements are fully protected into the future.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02000Hen Harriers Threat Response Plan

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0210077. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason pressure has not been brought to bear on the EU Agriculture Commissioner to financially support the land owners of hen harrier designated land (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7014/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): At the outset, I would like to say that neither I or my Department have a role in regards to the designation of land. That function is exercised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

However, as part of our current Rural Development Plan, my Department seeks to address a wide range of environmental objectives, involving farmers in different ways and paying for additional actions undertaken and income foregone. This includes supporting farmers with lands which have been designated for conservation of the Hen Harrier, and this is an ambition fully supported by the EU.

GLAS is the main mechanism for addressing these challenges, and conservation of the Hen Harrier is a priority action under that Scheme. Farmers with Hen Harrier habitat qualified au- tomatically for GLAS under Tier One, with some of the highest per hectare payments as well - €370 per hectare up to the standard ceiling of €5,000 per annum, with automatic qualification for GLAS Plus as well, should they manage sufficient habitat. GLAS Plus brings potential payment for managing Hen Harrier habitat up to €7,000 a year. I am delighted to say that there are currently 2,674 farmers in GLAS taking the Hen Harrier action and this represents nearly 70% of all farmers with Hen Harrier land. By any standards, this is a remarkable achievement 37 Questions - Written Answers and the scale of this level of co-ordinated intervention could have real impact on the survival of the bird.

However, in developing the current RDP, my Department also wanted to build in the possibility for testing different ways of approaching agri-environmental issues on the ground – and this included how we might try to help both the Hen Harrier and farmers in Hen Harrier areas. We wanted to experiment with a more agile ‘locally-led’ model which could be used to test new ways of doing things and, perhaps most importantly, new ways of engaging farmers and involving them much more directly in developing ideas and solutions.

This is the process out of which the new Hen Harrier Programme has grown. While funded and supported by the Department, it is not a Department scheme as such – it is a partnership involving many different players and is active in all six SPAs. As well as seeking to protect the future of the bird, it explicitly seeks to create a stronger socio-economic outlook for the agricultural communities in those areas and to promote positive relations with those communities, who have managed these sensitive landscapes for generations. The new Hen Harrier Programme has been designed by a locally-led Project Team working in close collaboration with the farmers on the ground in those areas. I am delighted to say that interest in the scheme is exceptionally high with over 1,200 applications already received. Worked examples show that a farmer with 15 hectares could earn up to €3,000-€4,000 a year, while a farmer with 40 hectares could actually get up to €6,000-€7,000 a year. This could be in addition to what is paid under GLAS, depending on the circumstances and actions taken.

I have allocated €25m to the new Locally-Led programme and taken in combination with payments under GLAS to Hen Harrier farmers, we anticipate that total payments to farmers in these areas will be close to €90m over the course of the current Rural Development Programme. These payments are fully co-funded by the EU and testify to the ongoing commitment of both the Irish Government and the EU to support farmers in Hen Harrier areas.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02300Common Agricultural Policy Reform

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0240078. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on CAP reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7112/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): At the most recent EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in January, Ministers were given the opportunity to debate the future of the CAP post 2020.

Discussions focussed on the key objectives to be set at EU level to ensure that the CAP continues to add value after 2020, and the level of subsidiarity necessary to provide increased flexibility for Member States while maintaining the common character of the CAP, and the role of National strategic plans in this regard.

In general Ministers recognised the CAP’s contribution to the production of high quality food, its support for 44 million jobs across the EU, for the maintenance of landscapes and environmental improvement, and the development of rural communities across the EU, already provides significant added value. Ministers also recognised, however, that the CAP post 2020 should add further value by contributing towards the EU’s environmental challenges and climate change objectives. This can only be achieved by securing an adequate budget for the CAP post 2020 and by placing farmers at the centre of the future CAP policy.

On the question of subsidiarity, Ministers generally agreed that the high level objectives 38 13 February 2018 for a new CAP should be set at EU level, and that within those parameters Member States could determine the appropriate measures to be introduced which best suit their own national circumstances. While member states were broadly supportive of the Commission’s proposals on subsidiarity, there was a broad consensus that member state discretion should not be set at a level that undermined the common policy.

Discussions on the CAP post 2020 will intensify further in the coming months, with the Bulgarian Presidency scheduling CAP related discussions at every Council of Agriculture Min- isters meetings during its Presidency. The upcoming February Council of Agriculture Ministers will include an exchange of views on the Commission Communication on the future of CAP, focusing on direct support, environmental aspects and rural development.

I look forward to continuing to engage constructively on CAP post 2020 with Commis- sioner Hogan, his officials, the Bulgarian Presidency and my Ministerial colleagues from other Member States.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02600Live Exports

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0270079. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live exports performed in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the efforts his Department is making to promote further expansion of the live export trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am extremely conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition, providing an alternative market outlet for Irish beef farmers. The Deputy will be aware that, in February 2017, I reduced the veterinary inspection fee that is payable on the live exports of calves less than three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.

In relation to the years specified by the deputy, in 2015, total cattle exports stood at just under 180,000 head, mainly to traditional markets such as The Netherlands, Northern Ireland Spain. 2016 saw a decline of 21% to just over 140,000 head. However, the live cattle export trade in 2017 was very positive. At year’s end, exports of live cattle had increased by over 43,000 head, or 30%, in comparison to 2016 to reach just under 190,000 head. Whilst exports to Turkey have dominated headlines and understandably so given it is now our 3rd biggest market for live exports, the surge in exports to the Netherlands, Spain and to a lesser extent Belgium last year were a major contributor to the performance in this area in 2017. 2017 saw the export of calves account for approximately 55% of live exports.

In relation to the live export trade in 2018, I have just returned from Turkey where I had very positive engagement with both the Minister for Agriculture and other significant figures in the Turkish beef industry. I am glad to report that from the end of May this year private buyers, in addition to the State body ESK will be permitted to buy cattle for fattening directly themselves from exporting countries. I am hopeful this will give a further boost to this trade as it allows our own live exporters to deal directly with Turkish buyers.

In addition I have agreed with my Turkish counterpart to establish an official Contact Group involving officials from both this Department and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture. This will allow for better engagement between both Departments on technical issues as they arise and on better understanding of the systems in both countries.

One of the key elements in ensuring a viable return for primary producers include increas- 39 Questions - Written Answers ing the number of outlets for their produce and ensuring competition for their produce, both of which increase the price received by farmers for their produce. Live exports play a vital role in this and it is an area I, and my officials, have invested significant time and effort in progressing.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC02900Animal Welfare

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0300080. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the code of conduct relating to fox hunting; the sanctions if there are breaches; if legislation will be introduced in view of the incident in Macroom on 26 December 2017 when a hunt entered a housing estate raising issues around public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6792/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC03100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am aware of, and concerned at, the reported incident in Macroom, Co Cork.

Detailed debate was held around the issue of hunting during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation on fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct.

The prevalence of a local fox population can be a cause of serious concern to owners of livestock and in particular poultry. However, the Act makes it clear that hunting must occur in a lawful fashion, which avoids wilful or unnecessary cruelty such as hunting an animal that has been released in an injured or exhausted condition.

The Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed Code of Conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. I am disappointed that despite the existence of this Code, this event occurred. I have asked my officials to engage with the Hunting Association to determine whether, in light of this event, the Code needs updating.

My Department is fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals. Evidence of breaches can be reported to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department on Call Save 0761064408; phone 016072379; Email animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC03200Horse Racing Industry

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0330081. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by the horse racing industry in view of the recent reclassification of the sector and the onerous and impractical workplace requirements which have ensued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6671/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC03400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am aware of the deep concern that exists in the horseracing industry arising from the recent Labour Court ruling and its significant impact on the sector, particularly for smaller operators.

While I have no remit with regard to employment legislation, I will continue my endeavours to represent the interests of the sector and push for a successful resolution to this matter.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC03500Knowledge Transfer Programme

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0360082. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to problems with issued knowledge transfer payments particularly for partnership farms; the steps he will take to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7138/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC03700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Knowl- edge Transfer Programme is one of the key measures included under Ireland’s Rural Devel- opment Programme, 2014-2020. Over 19,000 farmer participants are currently registered to Knowledge Transfer (KT) Groups in six sectors. Farmers are required to attend a number of group KT meetings and/or KT Events and also complete an individual Farm Improvement Plan (FIP) following one to one discussion with their Group Facilitator.

The Programme launched in summer 2016, with the first year of the three year cycles running to end May 2017 – this was subsequently extended to end July 2017. In order for payments to be made to both facilitators and farmers, the FIP must be completed and key data points uploaded onto the KT online system and the requirement to attend the required number of meetings must also be met.

Farmer participants are due €750 for completion of commitments under the KT Programme each year. The associated KT Facilitator is paid €500 per participant where s/he meets all the requirements of the programme. In the case of a farmer participating in a KT Group in a second sector, the associated reimbursement is €375 with €250 paid to the KT Facilitator. Farmers are permitted to participate in a maximum of two KT Groups in different sectors.

Under EU Regulations, no payment can be made directly to farmers for training. Thus, the payment must be structured as a reimbursement for costs and must be paid to the farmer by the KT facilitator.

Under the Farmer’s Charter, my Department committed to commencing payments on the KT Programme in the three months following the end of year one. In line with this commitment, payments commenced in October 2017. To date, 13,740 farmer payments in the amount of circa €10.1 million have issued across all 6 KT Sectors. Payments of circa €6.7 million have issued to KT facilitators. Further pay runs are in place to pay cases as they become clear.

Officials in my Department are currently addressing a payment issue which has arisen in relation to KT payments for partnership farmers. The issue arises from the requirement to match data in their Farm Improvement Plan to the individual farmer participant in the Registered Farm Partnerships for payment purposes. This issue is being addressed as a matter of priority, with a view to issuing payment to affected farmers as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC03800Alternative Farm Enterprises

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0390083. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine his views on whether the possible development of hemp cultivation as a significant agricultural activity should be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7007/18] 41 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Hemp fibre and seed are viewed as versatile products, used to produce a wide range of commodities including food and beverage products, medicines and a range of industrial products

Hemp grown for fibre production is frequently referred to as “industrial” hemp, in order to differentiate it from the plants used for drug production. Industrial hemp has been selectively bred for several decades in order to lower, to almost negligible amounts, the narcotic compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). In the European Union, the cultivation of hemp is restricted to varieties having a content of THC lower than 0.2 %. Varieties of non-psychoactive hemp are also grown for seed production. The seeds have mainly been used for bird feed, but increasingly are used to produce hemp oil and as a cooking ingredient.

The growing of hemp, of any category, requires a licence from the Health Products Regula- tory Authority.

Hemp has been the subject of research by Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Findings have noted that yields can vary between seasons but that the crop is respon- sive to low level inputs.

However, it is important to point out that subject to the licensing requirements outlined above, potential growers or processors wishing to cultivate hemp commercially should be satisfied that such an activity is economically viable. Any assessment would usefully include an analysis of the costs of establishing hemp processing facilities on a sound, commercial footing without recourse to State funding

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04100Dog Breeding Industry

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0420084. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to curb the illegal sale and export of Irish dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6666/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The welfare of animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The Act applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes and contains robust measures against the ill-treatment of animals. The Act also provides for the application of fines and imprisonment on conviction of an offence.

The premises exporting dogs to the other EU Member States must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.

These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.

42 13 February 2018 There is on-going co-operation between my Department, An Garda Síochána and Customs on the enforcement of export requirements and checks carried out at ports.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04400Food Labelling

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0450085. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the reliability of labelling and traceability structures throughout the food industry with particular reference to imports from third countries; the average number of checks or tests carried out in the past year; the way in which this compares with previous years; the number of cases detected which indicate a failure to meet the required standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7153/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food products placed on the marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards. My Department plays a part in the enforcement of this legislation along with other Government departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Health Service Executive. The FSAI is the body responsible for enforcement of regulations governing traceability, labelling and provision of food information to customers.

Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of National Competent Agencies is to verify compliance with this requirement. This is done via a combination of inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems which operators have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain. Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied. In regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators have what is referred to as the ‘one step forward, one step backward’ traceability system. There are additional requirements for certain fishery and aquaculture products under the Control Regulation (Regulation 1224/2009 and Implementing Regu- lation 404/2011) from first sale to subsequent stages of production, processing and distribution up to retail.

My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all of its approved slaughter plants. Controls at plants only engaged in secondary processing are carried out at a frequency based on an annual risk assessment. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Depart- ment-approved plant, including checks on physical identity, labelling and documentary checks.

Extra veterinary checks are carried out on selected consignments of foods imported into DAFM-approved establishments from other EU Member States or from Third Countries outside the EU. These checks include, physical checks of product condition, checks of accompanying documentation and checks of labelling and health markings.

The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (formally the FVO), to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited 43 Questions - Written Answers by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website.

I am satisfied that the controls and checks in place and enforced by my Department which included 183 annual meat labelling audits in 2017, ensure that Irish consumers are protected and correctly informed when they purchase and consume food products.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has service contracts in place with the official agencies performing official controls, to verify compliance with the extensive requirements of food labelling legislation, in these establishments. The FSAI reports in detail on the number of inspections and checks carried out, and non-compliance findings.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04700EU Agreements

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0480086. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions held with the other member states which, along with Ireland, are deeply concerned regarding the impact of the Mercosur proposals to permit increased access to the EU prime beef market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7142/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC04900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I have con- tinuously raised the very significant threat posed to the European and Irish beef sectors by an EU-Mercosur trade deal with my Member State colleagues and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström. These efforts have been reinforced at official level through similar contacts with Member States and the Commission, particularly through the Special Committee on Agricul- ture and the Trade Policy Committee.

Working with Member States has been very effective, for example in ensuring that no beef tariff rate quota offer was made by the EU to Mercosur in 2016. Initially, a draft offer circulated by the Commission to Member States in April 2016 contained a significant tariff rate quota (TRQ) for beef. Ireland worked very closely with other Member States in both Agriculture and Trade committees of the EU, and at Council of Ministers level, seeking to have this TRQ removed and to have a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impact of all FTAs on the agriculture sector carried out by the Commission before any substantial offer would be made. Following this intense lobbying, the Commission decided to exclude a TRQ for beef when it exchanged offers with Mercosur on 11 May 2016.

I also worked very closely with a number of other Member States, most notably France, in the production of a joint paper that was submitted to the European Commission on 26 Septem- ber 2017 outlining our shared concerns.

I was therefore deeply disappointed that the Commission decided to submit a beef tariff rate quota offer during the October round of negotiations with the Mercosur bloc, as I believe that this could not be coming at a worse time for the EU beef sector. I have been very consistent in urging caution in the approach to these negotiations, and have expressed Ireland’s very grave concerns about the offer of a beef tariff rate quota of 70,000. Our views have been expressed clearly and consistently in EU discussions at political and official level, and by the Taoiseach in recent engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and with Commission President Jean Claude Juncker.

Most recently, Ireland made the latest in a series of very strong interventions on this matter at the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels on 2 February, and my colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, also made a very strong intervention at the January Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels, and spoke to Commissioner Hogan on the matter. Ireland also 44 13 February 2018 consulted closely with French and other Member State colleagues in the margins of the WTO Ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires in December in an effort to ensure that no further conces- sions would be made in relation to beef.

I believe there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector. I will continue to work with other member states to protect the interests of the Irish beef sector.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05000Afforestation Programme

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0510087. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trees planted by those in the agriculture sector since 2011; the percentage of native species planted; the percentage of commercial non-native species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7145/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Affores- tation Grant and Premium Scheme is the main afforestation scheme available to land owners operated by my Department. The Scheme provides for a number of different grant and premium categories and within those categories, for the planting of a number of different species. The Forestry Programme 2014 to 2020 took into account the aims and objectives of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy. Certain commitments were provided for, which include a target of 30% broadleaf planting on an annual and national basis. This is a specific condition of my Depart- ment’s State Aid approval for the programme. At the launch of the Afforestation Scheme a minimum of 10% broadleaf component was required. Furthermore, sites over 10 ha must have 15% open space and retained habitat.

Due to the different species and stocking densities required at planting, it is not possible to give with any accuracy the number of trees planted. The reducing rate in the afforestation of native species, is following the trend in the reduction of planting of broadleaf species, largely associated with Ash Dieback. My Department is currently completing a midterm review of the Forestry Programme under which there will be proposals for improved rates for the broadleaf sector.

The area planted and the percentage of those areas that were planted with native and non- native species from 2011 to 2016 is given in the following table.

Year Afforestation Area Native (%) Non-Native (%) (ha) 2011 6,653 37% 63% 2012 6,652 32% 68% 2013 6,252 24% 76% 2014 6,156 22% 78% 2015 6,293 20% 80% 2016 6,500 19% 81%

My Department compiles various statistics annually, which include a breakdown of the farmer/non-farmer applications approved and planted under the Afforestation Scheme. These statistics are made available on my Department’s website. The following table shows the area planted by farmers and non-farmers from 2011 to 2016.

45 Questions - Written Answers Year Farmer - (Ha) Non-Farmer (Ha) Total 2011 6,269 384 6,653 2012 6,237 415 6,652 2013 6,009 243 6,252 2014 5,978 178 6,156 2015 5,389 904 6,293 2016 4,156 2344 6,500

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05300Dog Breeding Industry

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0540088. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to combat the level of negligence and breaching of animal welfare standards within the industry of puppy farming that has been well documented by organisations and persons in view of his statement on 3 October 2017 in which he stated that puppy farming is a stain on the public relationship with animals; and if the industry has been referred to the Revenue Commis- sioners [6793/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 remains a matter for the Minister for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the individual Local Authorities in whose functional area the establishment is located. Each local authority is required to maintain a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area, which must include details of applicants for inclusion on the register and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the relevant establishment.

The then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government agreed to begin a process of review of the current Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines in late 2015. In 2016, the review was broadened to a more formal public consultation, both for quality assurance and to address the need for openness and inclusiveness. A wide-scale formal public consultative process commenced on 1 December 2016 and closed on 28 February 2017. It was then transferred in July 2017 to the Department of Rural and Community Development who I understand have the content under consideration pending publication.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05600Dog Breeding Industry

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0570089. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to combat breaches of welfare regulations and animal welfare standards in the puppy farming industry here; and if this industry is revenue compliant. [6854/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 remains a matter for the Minister for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the individual Local Authority in whose functional area the establishment is located. Each local authority is required to maintain a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area, which must include details of applicants for inclusion on the register and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the

46 13 February 2018 relevant establishment.

The then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government agreed to begin a process of review of the current Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines in late 2015. In 2016, the review was broadened to a more formal public consultation, both for quality assurance and to address the need for openness and inclusiveness. A wide-scale formal public consultative process commenced on 1 December 2016 and closed on 28 February 2017. It was then transferred in July 2017 to the Department of Department of Rural and Community Devel- opment who I understand have the content under consideration pending publication.

13/02/2018WRCCCCC05900Alternative Energy Projects

13/02/2018WRCCCCC0600090. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to create a viable biogas industry here that would utilise farm and animal waste as the main source of raw material for its production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7018/18]

13/02/2018WRCCCCC06100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Govern- ment recognises that indigenous renewable energy plays a vital role in our domestic fuel mix and will become even more important in the context of reducing our reliance on imported fuels and in meeting our challenging renewable energy targets. My Department is committed to working closely with the Department for Communications, Climate Action and Environment which is the lead Department in this area.

In that context, my Department recognises that there is an opportunity to encourage the utilisation of agricultural waste as an alternative source of energy.

While it is possible to produce and utilise methane through AD of stored manure and academic and industry research suggests that there is the potential for a significant role in the heat and transport sectors for biogas produced by anaerobic digestion, analysis to date would suggest that costs are a significant factor.

Given renewed interest in this technology and an interest from industry in mobilising biomethane, my Department is collaborating closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment to consider the potential for anaerobic digestion to contribute to Ireland’s significant renewable energy and GHG targets, and promotes the development of Ireland’s bioeconomy.

My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Environmental Protection Agency, has sought to encourage the use of animal by-products (ABPs) as “valuable by-products not waste”. The sustainable use of ABPs can result in wider environmental and economic benefits.

The agriculture and forest sector has a critical role to play in contributing to our national climate change ambitions, and bioenergy represents a key component of that contribution.

13/02/2018WRD00200Strategic Communications Unit 47 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRD0030091. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings the strategic communications unit has had regarding planning for the forthcoming national development plan; and the persons with whom the meetings were held. [6687/18]

13/02/2018WRD0040092. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of tenders the strategic communications unit is processing. [6688/18]

13/02/2018WRD00500The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.

Staff in the Strategic Communications Unit in my Department have had several meetings with senior officials in the relevant Departments across Government to coordinate a comprehensive public information campaign for Project Ireland 2040 - the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework. As with all cross-Government campaigns, the overall objective is to inform citizens of the programme of integrated investments - economic, social, infrastructural and environmental - that will impact on their lives in the coming years, in an easily accessible way.

The Strategic Communications Unit is not processing any tenders currently. However, contracts have been awarded to the following companies:

Provision Awarded to Provision of research and insight Behaviour and Attitudes Provision of digital creative services Radical Digital Provision of integrated creative and digital campaign services TBWA Provision of media strategy planning and buying services PHD Development of Government identity system for roll out across Zero-G Government Departments Provision of marketing pitch specialist services Agency Assessments

Procurement for these contracts took place centrally for priority cross-government campaigns, which means that government departments can avail of a central source, rather than issuing separate tenders, which in turn improves efficiency and saves money.

These contracts were procured in accordance with standard public procurement rules through the Office of Government Procurement.

13/02/2018WRD00700Strategic Communications Unit

13/02/2018WRD0080093. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the staffing make-up of the strategic communications unit within his Department as at 31 January 2018; the amount spent on the unit since June 2017; and the details of all moneys spent to date. [6739/18]

13/02/2018WRD00900The Taoiseach: As at 31 January 2018, there were fifteen staff working in the Strategic Communications Unit, the breakdown of which is set out in the following table.

Grade Number Director 1 Principal Officer 1 Assistant Principal 4 Higher Executive Officer 1

48 13 February 2018 Grade Number Higher Executive Officer equivalent (Act- 1 ing) Administrative Officer 3 Communications & Media Assistant 3 Clerical Officer 1 The salaries of the staff in the Strategic Communications Unit are met from my Depart- ment’s administrative salary budget. Details of non-pay expenditure in 2017 and up to 9th Feb- ruary in 2018 in respect of the Strategic Communications Unit are set out in the following table.

Details 2017 2018 (to 9th February) Total Travel & Subsistence €3,423.21 €299.34 €3,722.55 Advertising and Incidental Expenses €35,186.33 €124,161.61 €159,347.94 Postal & Telecommunications €626.48 €214.79 €841.27 Office Equipment €10,848.60 €7,296.36 €18,144.96 Total Expenditure €50,084.62 €131,972.10 €182,056.72

13/02/2018WRD01000Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRD0110094. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; and the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form, since 1 January 2016. [6755/18]

13/02/2018WRD01200The Taoiseach: The following tables detail expenditure by my Department on photography, public relations and communications advice, for the years 2016, 2017 and to the end of January, 2018.

2016 - PHOTOGRAPHY

Company Detail Amount Maxwell Photography Supply of Jpeg Images of Ceann Comhairle with €17.22 Queen, taken during her visit to Ireland in 2011 - January 2016 Maxwell Photography Photography for Flag-Raising Ceremony 1 Janu- €120.52 ary 2016 Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd Photos from National Library for Press Office €28 Maxwell Photography Photography for Flag-Raising Ceremony, 1 Janu- €524 ary 2016 Getty Images Interna- All About Jobs - purchase of one year iStock €1966.77 tional subscription for stock photos for All About Jobs section of merrionstreet.ie 18 Feb 2016 - 18 Feb 2017 M. McNally Photogra- Taoiseach’s visit to London, U.K. 9 November €278.47 pher 2015. AM Photography 9 September 2015. Taoiseach’s visit to Paris, €250 France.

49 Questions - Written Answers Company Detail Amount Maxwell Photography Photography for Commemoration Ceremony and €2520 Parade and Kilmainham Gaol Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Easter Sunday 27 March 2016 Maxwell Photography Photography for Commemoration Ceremony and €579.60 Parade and Kilmainham Gaol Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Easter Sunday 27 March 2016 Irish Gallery of Photog- Photograph presentation for State Reception €4674 raphy Ltd Dublin Castle 27th March 2016 Lensmen & Assoc Photography at Interfaith Ceremony and Unveil- €430.50 ing of Remembrance Wall, Glasnevin Cemetery, Sunday 3 April 2016 (1916 Centenary event) Maxwell Photography Photographs of new Cabinet at first meeting in €873.76 Cabinet room, Government Buildings, 11 May 2016, and syndication to daily and Sunday news- papers and online media outlets British Irish Council Official Photo of the British Irish Council Sum- €782.04 mit Dublin 2015 MacInnes Photography Photography services for Somme Centenary €1554.72 Ltd Commemoration Ceremony 9 July 2016 MacInnes Photography Photography services for National Day of Com- €1554.72 Ltd memorations, 10 July 2016 Maxwell Photography Photography for Visit of VP Biden, 21-26 June €3047.94 2016 Marty Katz Photogra- Taoiseach’s visit to Washington DC, USA, 14-15 €1405.36 pher March 2016. St. Patrick’s Day Visit. Marty Katz Photography Taoiseach’s visit to Washington DC. USA. 17-18 €1703.42 May 2016. Ireland 100 at Kennedy Centre. Lensmen & Assoc Event Photography for inaugural meeting of Citi- €553.50 zens’ Assembly on 15th October 2016 Provision Photographs Photography for Smart Cities Event - 9th De- €170.25 Ltd cember 2016 - Cork Maxwell Photography Photocall Package for meeting of Citizens’ As- €854.85 sembly 26th and 27th Nov 2016 COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS: No expenditure.

2017 - PHOTOGRAPHY

Company Detail Amount Frank Fennell Photogra- Photography services for visit of UK PM Theresa €695.25 phy Ltd May, including supply of images and distribution to media. K. Ziegler Photography services for the Taoiseach’s visit to €357 Rome, November 2016 Dowlings Pharmacy Passport photos €12 Dowlings Pharmacy Visa photos €12 Maxwell Photography Ltd Photography services for the Department of the €571.95 Taoiseach

50 13 February 2018 Company Detail Amount Maxwell Photography Ltd Photography services: Ministers receiving their €438.52 seals of office Donal Moloney Photography for “Finite Lives” report €5,675 Marty Katz Photography Photography services for Taoiseach, Washington €2,354.24 DC, St. Patrick’s Day events. Tom Sandler Photography Photography services for Taoiseach visit to To- €594.62 ronto, Canada Trade Mission Maxwell Photography Ltd Photography services, appointment of ADC €258.30 COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS

Company Detail Amount Q4 PUBLIC RELATIONS PR and Communication Services for Data Sum- €30,750 mit 2017 2018 - PHOTOGRAPHY: No expenditure to date.

COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS: No expenditure to date.

13/02/2018WRD01300Naval Service Expenditure

13/02/2018WRD0140095. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on naval surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in each of the years 2008 to 2017, inclusive. [6994/18]

13/02/2018WRD01500Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The primary day- to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s fishery protection legislation and its obligations as a member of the European Union.

Naval surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is an integral part of that role and as such, it is not possible to separate out the cost of surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing from overall costs in the years 2008 to 2017.

13/02/2018WRD01600Defence Forces Pensions

13/02/2018WRD0170096. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons, by county, who were in receipt of the widows of deceased War of Independence veterans’ pension at the end of 2017 or for the date the most recent information is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7345/18]

13/02/2018WRD01800Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As at end-January 2018, the information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular format as follows.

County Widows of deceased Veterans of the War of Independence – numbers in receipt of pensions from the Department of Defence Cavan 2 Clare 3 Cork 6 Donegal 1

51 Questions - Written Answers County Widows of deceased Veterans of the War of Independence – numbers in receipt of pensions from the Department of Defence Dublin 6 Galway 2 Kerry 1 Kildare 1 Laois 1 Leitrim 2 Mayo 2 Meath 1 Monaghan 1 Roscom- 2 mon Tipperary 9 Waterford 4 Westmeath 1 Wexford 3 Total 48

13/02/2018WRD01900Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRD0200097. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form, since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/18]

13/02/2018WRD02100Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The total expenditure by the Department of Defence for photography for the period 1 January 2016 to date is outlined in the following table. There was no expenditure on public relations or communications advice by the Department of Defence in this period.

Amount 2017 Photography services Maxwell Photography €590.40

The total relevant expenditure for the Defence Forces for the period in question is as outlined in the following table.

Year Service Companies Amount 2016 Photography Services Amelia Stein €5,000 2016 Public Relations and Communications Kantar, Fleishman Hillard €59,000 Advice and PRII 2017 Photography Services Nil N/A 2017 Public Relations and Communications Kantar, Fleishman Hill- €59,000 Advice ard, PRII, Communication Clinic

52 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRD02200Defence Forces Pensions

13/02/2018WRD0230098. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason former Army servicemen have not received an increase in their Army service pension in the past nine years; his plans to increase their Army service pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6848/18]

13/02/2018WRD02400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The last occasion that public service pensions, including Defence Forces pensions, were increased was on 1 Sep- tember 2008. Up until then, public service occupational pensions, including Defence Forces pensions, were generally adjusted in line with, and from the same operative date as, relevant pay increases applied to other corresponding public servants. In the intervening years since end-2008, the Deputy will be aware that the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Inter- est (FEMPI) Acts 2009 – 2013 reduced public service pay and pension rates.

The pre-existing non-statutory linkage of pension adjustments to movements in the pay of serving public servants – sometimes referred to as “pay parity” – lapsed in 2010, when the values of pensions in payment were left unchanged notwithstanding pay cuts at the beginning of 2010 that affected all public servants under the FEMPI legislation.

Moreover, due to a ‘grace period’ associated with the 2010 pay cuts, public servants who retired in the period up to end-February 2012 had their pensions based on the higher ‘pre-cut’ salary levels. This has led to the current situation whereby post-February 2012 retirees, on a like- for-like basis, mostly receive lower pensions than their counterparts who retired before them. In addition, from the beginning of 2011, a progressively structured “Public Service Pension Reduction” (PSPR) had reduced the rates of public service pensions above specified thresholds.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his reply to Questions Nos. 373 and 378 of 20th June 2017 indicated that the pension differential arising between pre and post-2012 retirees and the lapsing of pay parity have created the conditions under which – as we move beyond “FEMPI” legislation and the progressive removal of the PSPR towards more normal pay and pension setting conditions in the public service – the issue of how to adjust the post- award value of public service pensions through appropriate pay or other linkages has required consideration.

In this context, the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020 sets out the policy on pension increases as now adopted by Government for the duration of that agreement, that is, to end-2020. Section 6.2 of the PSSA states that policy on public service pensions in payment will be guided by the following three elements:

First, the need to adopt an equitable approach to the various public service pensioner cohorts differentiated by date of retirement (in particular pre and post end-February 2012) is affirmed. Second, for those who retired or will retire after end-February 2012, to the extent that they retired on reduced salaries for pension award purposes, they will receive pension increases in line with pay increases received by their peers currently in employment, in accordance with the terms of the collective Agreement. Third, when alignment is achieved between pre and post end-February 2012 pensioners, as will happen progressively for salary ranges up to €70,000 in 2020 under the proposed collective agreement, pay increases will continue to benefit pensions in payment for the duration of this Agreement.

Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, certain public servants including relevant Defence Forces members received pay increases from 1 January 2016 (where basic salary was less than €31,000) and from 1 April 2017 (a €1,000 pay increase for all public servants with basic

53 Questions - Written Answers salaries below €65,000). In December 2017, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform authorised the application of those 2016-2017 pay increases to certain public service pensions. Backdated to 1 September 2017, this pension increase is essentially confined to post-February 2012 retirees who retired on basic salaries of not more than €65,000 – in line with current pension increase policy as adopted by Government. In January, 2018 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform authorised that the basic pay increases provided for in 2018-2020 during the period of the Public Service Stability Agreement also be passed on to the pensions of relevant public servants who retired post-February 2012.

I am advised that, in line with the current public service pension increase policy, my Depart- ment has commenced the detailed work of implementing these pension increases in the case of relevant military pensioners who retired since March 2012. I am also advised that this will be a significant undertaking for my Department and its payroll provider, as each pensioner rate will have to be examined at individual level on an ongoing basis as the various pension increases are worked through.

Finally, the progressive removal of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) from pensions in payment has been happening in three stages over the period 2016 to 2018. As of 1 January 2018, it means that most public service pensioners, including about 95% of military pensioners, are not affected by PSPR at all.

13/02/2018WRD02500Naval Service Data

13/02/2018WRD0260099. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of the Naval Service missions in the Mediterranean Sea each year to date; the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed on the missions per annum; the annual cost of the missions; if the use of Naval Service vessels in Operation Sophia has reduced the availability of the vessels for search and rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6930/18]

13/02/2018WRD02700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The additional costs incurred from the deployment of Naval Service vessels to the Mediterranean under Op- eration Pontus and Operation Sophia comprise the costs of allowances, fuel and other ancillary costs. Details of these costs and the numbers of Naval Service personnel deployed in the Medi- terranean for each of the last three years are set out in the following table.

YEAR COST No. of Defence Forces personnel deployed on Naval Service vessels 2015 €2.6m 184 2016 €2.1m 175 2017 €2.19m 188

Irish Naval Service vessels were first deployed in the Mediterranean in May 2015 on Opera- tion Pontus. Naval vessels deployed again on Operation Pontus in 2016 and 2017. Following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. Niamh deployed on 6 October 2017 to join Operation Sophia and returned to Ireland on 20 December 2017.

Operation Pontus was a humanitarian search and rescue mission undertaken as part of a bilateral arrangement with the Italian authorities. The sole focus of the mission was the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean.

Operation Sophia is primarily a security operation which specifically seeks to counter hu-

54 13 February 2018 man trafficking and smuggling in the Southern Central Mediterranean by taking action against the criminal networks and disrupting the smugglers’ business model. By improving maritime security, Operation Sophia is actively contributing to EU and international efforts for the return of stability in Libya. In addition, Operation Sophia plays an important role in training the Libyan Coastguard. So far, 201 Libyans have been trained by EU Member States and this work is ongoing.

The specific tasks assigned to naval vessels by the Operation Sophia Force Commander depend on the operational requirements in the Mediterranean area at any given time. In the course of its deployment, the crew of L.É. Niamh were engaged both in security tasks and in responding to Safety of Life at Sea events (search and rescue) in the area of operation.

The UN migration agency (IOM) has reported that the number of migrants arriving in Eu- rope by sea in 2017 was the lowest figure since the crisis began in the Mediterranean. The number of migrants and refugees entering Europe by sea during 2017 was 171,635, which is less than half (47%) of the 2016 arrivals of 363,504. This reduction is reflected in the amount of Search and Rescue activity conducted by the Naval Service in 2017. In advance of joining the EU naval mission in October 2017, the Irish Naval vessel, L.É. William Butler Yeats, on its 3 month deployment on Operation Pontus, rescued 701 persons. In the following three month period from October to December 2017, 613 migrants were rescued by an Irish Naval vessel, L.É. Niamh, operating as part of Operation Sophia.

In addition to this international commitment, the Naval Service in 2017 continued to meet national operational requirements which included fishery protection duties, maritime security operations and maritime search and rescue.

13/02/2018WRD02800Protected Disclosures

13/02/2018WRD02900100. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions he plans to take on foot of the whistleblowers’ response to the O’Toole report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6931/18]

13/02/2018WRD03000Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I sent the report of the independent third party appointed to review protected disclosures alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances to the three individuals who made the disclosures and I have received their views. I am currently considering the next steps in light of those views and in the context of ongoing litigation.

13/02/2018WRD03100Protected Disclosures

13/02/2018WRD03200101. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on research carried out by former airmen concerning 56 deaths with the average age of 48 as outlined in a protected disclosure; the action taken by his Department on foot of the protected disclosure; his plans to commission an investigation into these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6932/18]

13/02/2018WRD03300Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The recent correspondence refers to issues which were the subject of a report by an independent third party appointed to review protected disclosures alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances. I am currently considering the next steps in light of the views received from the individuals concerned and in the context of ongoing litigation. My consideration will also be informed by 55 Questions - Written Answers this recent correspondence.

13/02/2018WRD03400Air Corps

13/02/2018WRD03500102. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if all the recommendations of the 2016 health and safety inspection report at Baldonnel have been implemented; the timeframe for the completion of outstanding recommendations; if a further inspection is scheduled by the Health and Safety Authority to examine compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6933/18]

13/02/2018WRD03600Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): On 21 October 2016, the HSA issued its Report of Inspection to the Air Corps. This Report listed a number of matters requiring attention which included the areas of risk assessment.

The Air Corps as a consequence of this HSA report have implemented an improvement plan, which was conducted over eight phases and completed in December 2017.

I have been informed by military authorities that the HSA has formally noted the high level of cooperation from the Air Corps. Any further inspection is a matter for the HSA alone.

It must be noted that in the Air Corps health and safety is a matter of ongoing monitoring, supervision and adjustment.

13/02/2018WRD03700Defence Forces Reserve

13/02/2018WRD03800103. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Par- liamentary Questions Nos. 288 of 25 October 2017 and 568 of 12 December 2017, the status of the Reserve Defence Force lieutenant to captain fixed promotion scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7388/18]

13/02/2018WRD03900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As I outlined in my recent reply the Lieutenant to Captain promotions in the RDF, referred to by the Deputy, are being processed. I anticipate that they will be completed in the near future.

13/02/2018WRD04000Brexit Negotiations

13/02/2018WRD04100104. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the new customs partnership type deal with his British or other EU counterparts. [6819/18]

13/02/2018WRD04200105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have spoken to Mr. Michel Barnier regarding a new customs partnership proposal for the UK. [6820/18]

13/02/2018WRD04300107. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken with his British counterparts about concerns he or his Department officials may have about Mr. Michel Barnier’s comments on 5 February 2018 when he said in London to Prime Minister May that trade barriers will be unavoidable if the UK continues to choose to leave the customs union; and if they discussed a customs partnership. [6903/18]

13/02/2018WRD04400Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): I pro- 56 13 February 2018 pose to take Questions Nos. 104, 105 and 107 together.

Future EU-UK customs arrangements will be addressed within the context of discussions on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. It is hoped these can start in the spring, depending on the provision by the UK of greater clarity on its objectives, including in regard to customs.

In this regard, the EU has intensified its preparatory work with a view to the adoption by the European Council in March of additional Guidelines on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship.

I have been consistently clear that the optimal outcome would be for the UK to, in effect, remain in the Single Market and Customs Union. This is ultimately a decision for the UK and its current position is that it wishes to leave the Single Market and the Customs Union. The EU remains open to all options, but its approach will be calibrated, in line with the principles agreed by the European Council, in response to what the British are putting on or taking off the table. This is a position that Michel Barnier has expressed on a number of occasions, including on 5 February.

In the 8 December Joint Report from the EU and UK negotiators on progress in phase one of the Brexit negotiations, the UK undertook that, in the event that it is not possible to resolve the border issue as part of a wider EU-UK future relationship agreement, or through specific solutions proposed by the British Government, it will maintain full alignment with those rules of the Customs Union and Single Market which support North South cooperation, the all-island economy and protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts. Ireland and the Commission are agreed on the need for the legally binding Withdrawal Agreement under Article 50 TEU to include satisfactory arrangements achieving this objective.

I and my officials continue to set forward Ireland’s position on these issues at EU level through the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) and the relevant preparatory bodies as well as through bilateral contacts with Michel Barnier and the EU Taskforce and EU27 counterparts. This includes my meeting this morning with Foreign Minister Linas Linkevièius of Lithuania.

While stressing that Ireland is a member of the EU27 and that the issues involved can only be substantively negotiated with the European Commission, Brexit also naturally arises during the frequent bilateral contacts which I have with UK Ministers, including in the last fortnight with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Minister Alan Duncan and Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington. I most recently met Mr Lidington on Friday last, 9 February, the day when the most recent EU-UK negotiating round finished. In addition to making clear the Government’s position on island of Ireland issues, I strongly impressed upon him the need for the UK to come forward with more concrete proposals, including on a customs partnership if that is what they choose to seek.

13/02/2018WRD04600Brexit Documents

13/02/2018WRD04700106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he and his Department officials saw the draft text of the transition section of the Brexit withdrawal agreement that was circulated on 6 February 2018. [6902/18]

13/02/2018WRD04800Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): The European Commission Taskforce presented the draft legal terms for transitional arrangements to the EU27 Member States on 6 February, in advance of its publication on 7 February. The relevant Council bodies in Brussels are currently finalizing this text. 57 Questions - Written Answers The position paper is fully based on the negotiating directives agreed at the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on 29 January, following the normal preparatory discussions at official level.

Ireland has taken a very active part in all EU27 discussions on the EU-UK negotiations, including on issues which are not specific to Ireland.

We have consistently pushed for transitional arrangements, which are hugely important for giving certainty to individuals and businesses. It is, therefore, welcome that the necessary technical work on this issue is being prioritized.

Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 104.

13/02/2018WRD05000Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRD05100108. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Depart- ment by agency and month, in tabular form, since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6749/18]

13/02/2018WRD05200Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): Pho- tography - 2016 to date

My Department only avails of the services of external photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular for major events and State occasions. This is a service which my De- partment provides so that the media can easily and freely avail of photography where their own staff photographers cannot be fully accommodated. Events such as the visit of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in May 2017 and those by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada in July 2017 and UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in November 2017 resulted in positive overseas media coverage of Ireland.

Through the Office of Government Procurement an updated Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of Professional Photography and Videography is now in operation. My Department procures the services of external photographic agencies via this Framework where necessary.

In addition, my Department continues to avail of in-house resources for photography when- ever possible.

The cost of photography to my Department for events which took place in 2018, 2017 and 2016 are listed in Tables 1, 2 and 3. In the time available, it has not proved possible to compile a breakdown of photography costs associated with events organized by Ireland’s network of 80 diplomatic missions abroad.

Public Relations and Communications Advice - 2016 to date

My Department has not incurred expenditure on external public relations or communications advice since 1 January 2016. My Department has from time to time commissioned companies with a public relations and communications background to provide other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management, particularly in relation to Irish Aid public outreach activities. A table containing this information is set out.

58 13 February 2018 DHR Communications has been contracted to manage and administer grants to journalists reporting on international development issues under the Simon Cumbers Media Fund (SCMF) and to manage and administer annual Africa Day-related events.

The SCMF involves managing three funding rounds each year, including the annual SCMF student competition. This typically involves the following activities:

- Convening national and regional information workshops;

- Managing and administering the application process;

- Organising the judging process;

- Providing detailed feedback to all applicants;

- Processing grant payments and keeping detailed administrative and financial records;

- Maintaining and updating the SCMF website.

It should be noted that expenses paid to third parties account for approximately 30% of the total paid to DHR for managing and administering the Simon Cumbers Media Fund. This includes costs associated with maintaining and updating the SCMF website, facilitating the judging process and raising awareness of the Fund among journalists.

Following a competitive tendering process, DHR was also engaged to plan, manage and execute a national Africa Day flagship event as hosted by my Department at the Farmleigh Es- tate in 2016 and 2017 and also to support other Africa Day regional events held outside Dublin. This included the administration of a small grants scheme for the regional events which DHR managed on behalf of the Department in partnership with a number of local authorities. DHR also worked to raise public awareness of the Africa Day events, including through the use of social media and the Africa Day website. This public awareness work represented a very minor element of the overall project and was conducted in close cooperation with my Department’s communications office.

In relation to the expenditure on Africa Day, expenses paid to third parties accounted for between 70% and 80% of the total costs listed. This included expenditure on security, sanita- tion, venue set-up, health and safety issues and small grants to facilitate the participation of community groups.

Table 4 sets out the payments for project and event management since 2016.

Table 1: Photography - 2018

HQ Total: €676.50; Total: €676.50

Description Date Cost Minister Photographer Closing Cer- 23/01/2018 €676.50 MoS Cannon Julien Behal emony of celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland 19/01/2018 Table 2: Photography Costs - 2017

59 Questions - Written Answers HQ Total: €40,119.29; Mission Total: €14,216.21; Department Total for 2017: €54,335.50

Description Date Cost Minister Photographer Presentation 13/12/2016 €351.85 MoS McHugh Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Photography 17/01/2017 €575.64 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Senator Gary gan tography Harte Iveagh House Lecture 14/12/2016 Photography 17/01/2017 €292.74 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Minister Fla- gan tography nagan Portraits 21/12/2016 Presentation 02/03/2017 €351.85 MoS Doyle Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Photography 07/03/2017 €68.88 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Minister Fla- gan tography nagan Portraits email jpegs Photography 07/03/2017 €516.60 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of Bosnian gan tography Foreign Minis- ter Photography 07/03/2017 €551.04 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of New gan tography Zealand Foreign Minister Photography 07/03/2017 €740.07 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of Japa- gan tography nese Foreign Minister Photography 07/03/2017 €120.54 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- US Ambassador gan tography Farewell Event Photography 13/03/2017 €1,412.04 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- All Island Civic gan tography Dialogue Media Trip 16/02/17 Photography 13/03/2017 €671.58 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of Austra- gan tography lia Foreign Min- ister 24/02/17

60 13 February 2018 Description Date Cost Minister Photographer Photography 13/03/2017 €413.28 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of Sec- gan tography retary of State for NI James Brokenshire 14/02/17 Photography 13/03/2017 €585.48 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of UAE gan tography Foreign Minis- ter 20/02/17 Photography 13/03/2017 €878.22 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Bundestag And gan tography Milliband Visit 23/02/17 Photography 13/03/2017 €654.36 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of French gan tography Foreign Minis- ter 22/02/17 Photography 22/03/2017 €14.00 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Email of Jpeg gan tography for annual report 22/03/17 Presentation 07/04/2017 €351.85 MoS Byrne Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Photography 25/04/2017 €1,222.62 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Visit of Lux- gan tography embourg For- eign Minister 10/03/17 Photography: 25/04/2017 €585.48 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Launch of gan tography Online Pass- port Service 30/03/17 Photography 25/04/2017 €189.42 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Email of Jpegs gan tography for Civic Dia- logue 17/02/17 Presentation 27/04/2017 €351.85 MoS English Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Presentation 16/05/2017 €351.85 MoS Corcoran Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps

61 Questions - Written Answers Description Date Cost Minister Photographer Photography 17/05/2017 €1,100.85 Minister Flana- Julien Behal Visit of EU gan Chief Negotia- tor Michel Bar- nier 12/05/17 Photography 17/05/2017 €1,168.50 Minister Flana- Photocall Ire- Global Irish gan land Civic Forum 04/05/17 Photogra- 18/05/2017 €999.38 Minister Flana- Julien Behal phy Royal gan Visit Kilkenny 11/05/17 Photography 23/05/2017 €204.30 Minister Flana- Denis Byrne Min Flan meet- gan ing Deputy PM Vietnam 24/04/17 Photography 23/05/2017 €467.40 Minister Flana- Photocall Ire- Royal Visit gan land Farmleigh Gal- lery 11/05/17 Photography 09/06/2017 €522.75 MoS McHugh Julien Behal GAA & Irish Abroad Global Games Launch 24/05/17 Photography 13/06/2017 €977.85 Minister Flana- Julien Behal Visit of Danish gan Foreign Minis- ter 02/06/17 Photography 13/06/2017 €522.75 Minister Flana- Julien Behal Chinese Visit to gan Iveagh House 08/06/17 Photography 13/06/2017 €442.80 MoS McHugh Clive Wasson All Island Civic Dialogue Event in Letterkenny 22/05/17 Photography 15/06/2017 €1,136.52 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Royal Visit gan tography Dublin Friday 12/05/17 Presentation 15/06/2017 €351.82 MoS McHugh Maxwell Pho- Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps

62 13 February 2018 Description Date Cost Minister Photographer Photography 27/06/2017 €1,014.75 n/a Julien Behal Visit of Prince Albert of Mo- naco 23/06/17 Photography 27/06/2017 €500.00 Minister Flana- Eric Flamand Joint Ireland UK gan Messines Com- memoration 07/06/2017 Photography 06/07/2017 €1,383.75 Minister Co- Julien Behal Visit of Finnish veney Foreign Minis- ter 03/07/17 Photography 06/07/2017 €2,736.75 n/a Julien Behal Visit of Prime Minister of Can- ada 3-4/07/17 Photography 19/07/2017 €611.85 Minister Co- Julien Behal Passport Stats veney press Photo 18/07/17 Photography 19/07/2017 €522.75 Minister Flana- Julien Behal Visit of Japa- gan nese Princess Takamado 09/07/17 Photography 02/09/2017 €2,214.00 n/a Julien Behal Amb O’Neil, Min Cannon, Iveagh House and Min Co- veney meeting with SoS of Northern Ireland Presentation 05/09/2017 €454.20 Minister Mitch- Maxwell Pho- of Credentials ell O’Connor tography by Diplomatic Corps Photography 06/09/2017 €854.85 Minister Co- Julien Behal Visit of former veney President of Fin- land Ahtisaari Presentation 21/09/2017 €351.85 MoS Phelan Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps

63 Questions - Written Answers Description Date Cost Minister Photographer Photography 24/10/2017 €984.00 Minister Co- Julien Behal Missile Control veney Conference Photography 07/11/2017 €799.50 Minister Co- Julien Behal Reconciliation veney Forum 28/10/17 Presentation 14/11/2017 €351.85 MoS Cannon Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Photography 24/11/2017 €922.50 Minister Co- Julien Behal Visit of Foreign veney Secretary Boris Johnson Photography 24/11/2017 €645.75 Minister Flana- Julien Behal Team Ireland gan Conference Croke Park Photography 24/11/2017 €522.75 Minister Co- Julien Behal Visit of Latvian veney Foreign Minis- ter Photography 24/11/2017 €522.75 Minister Co- Julien Behal Human Rights veney Conference Photography 24/11/2017 €731.85 Minister Co- Julien Behal Future of Eu- veney rope Launch event Photography 24/11/2017 €2,829.00 n/a Julien Behal Brexit Media trip New Years’ €1,064.80 MoS McEntee Maxwell Pho- Greetings by the tography President for the Diplomatic Corps Photography 20/12/2017 €479.70 N/A Maxwell Pho- Team Ireland tography Conference Photography 08/12/2017 €473.93 An Taoiseach, Fennell Photog- Presidential An Tánaiste and raphy Distinguished MoS Cannon Service Awards Table 3: Photography Costs - 2016

HQ Total: €21, 681.87; Mission Total: €10,030.36; Department Total for 2016: €31,712.23

64 13 February 2018 Description Date Cost (€) Minister Photographer Photography: 18/01/2016 €568.26 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- TRI LATERAL gan and Minis- tography MEETING ter Fitzgerald WITH SOSNI, NI EXC PHOTOGRA- 21/01/2016 €676.50 MoS Deenihan Maxwell Pho- PHY: COM- tography MEMORA- TIONS EVENT MOS DEENI- HAN in Iveagh House Photography: 18/01/2016 €895.44 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- UN60 SYM- gan tography POSIUM IN IVEAGH HOUSE with Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Peter Sutherland JAMES HIG- 08/02/2016 €457.88 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- GINS PHOTOS gan tography JANUARY 7 2016 4 JPEGS OF 18/01/2016 €68.88 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- IRISH AID gan tography AWARDS 16/06/15 Networking 16/02/2016 €551.04 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- event - Minister gan tography Flanagan Maxwell Pho- 16/02/2016 €671.58 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- tography- BT gan tography Young Scientist Photography for 14/04/2016 €691.26 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Minister Flana- gan tography gan Reception Photography for 14/04/2016 €912.66 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- US Delegation gan tography 24/03/2016 Good Friday 17/05/2016 €1,627.91 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Agreement/ gan tography Abbey Theatre 10/04/16 jpegs Min Fla- 17/05/2016 €51.66 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- nagan Reception gan tography 26/03/16

65 Questions - Written Answers Description Date Cost (€) Minister Photographer Photography 17/06/2016 €947.10 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- at Grangegor- gan tography man Cemetery 26/05/16 Euros Safety 17/06/2016 €843.78 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- leaflet launch gan tography 27/05/16 Min Flanagan 17/06/2016 €17.22 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- photo new cabi- gan tography net 06/05/2016 Prince Of Wales 23/06/2016 €1,421.74 MoS McHugh Maxwell Pho- Visit tography Photography 14/07/2016 €551.04 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- For Travelwise gan tography app Launch Photography 14/07/2016 €1,412.04 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- For VP Biden gan tography Visit June 2016 Photography for 24/08/2016 €964.32 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Italian Foreign gan tography Minister Visit Photography for 26/09/2016 €757.68 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Dutch Foreign gan tography Minister Visit 31/08/16 Photography for 14/10/2016 €258.30 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- UN USG Herve gan tography Ladsous Photography 14/10/2016 €499.38 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Northern Ireland gan tography Sec Visit Photography 14/10/2016 €206.64 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- for UN Youth gan tography Delegates Photography 14/10/2016 €516.60 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- for SoS David gan tography Davis Visit Photography for 07/12/2016 €1,785.34 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- SOS John Kerry gan tography Visit Photography for 08/12/2016 €654.36 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- First Min Nicola gan tography Sturgeon Photography for 08/12/2016 €680.19 Minister Flana- Maxwell Pho- Polish Foreign gan tography Minister

66 13 February 2018 Description Date Cost (€) Minister Photographer Presentation 22/02/2016 €351.85 MoS Phelan Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Photography 22/02/2016 €882.00 N/A Maxwell Pho- for New Year tography Greetings 27 Jan 2016 Presentation 14/04/2016 €351.85 MoS Sherlock Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Presentation 14/05/2016 €351.82 MoS Deenihan Maxwell Pho- Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Presentation 14/07/2016 €351.85 MoS McHugh Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Presentation 01/09/2016 €351.85 MoS Murphy Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Presentation 14/10/2016 €351.85 MoS Canney Maxwell Pho- of Credentials tography by Diplomatic Corps Table 4: Project Management, Logistics and Event Management Costs (Irish Aid Public Outreach Events) – 2016 to date

DHR Communications - Simon Cumbers DHR Communications - Africa Media Fund Day 2016 January €4,506.33 February €3,867.93 March €4,130.72 April €3,916.62 €103,861.20 May €4,258.95 €48,000.00 June €3,567.00 July €3,646.95 August €3,567.00 September €11,524.20 €54,264.76 October €30,313.05 November €5,350.50 December €60,743.52 2016 Total €139,392.77 €206,125.96

67 Questions - Written Answers DHR Communications - Simon Cumbers DHR Communications - Africa Media Fund Day 2017 January €6,323.37 €2,558.40 February €3,856.20 March €4,026.41 April €4,406.28 May €7,257.00 €152,888.50 June €52,476.00 July €18,567.00 August €3,567.00 €33,594.46 September €3,613.96 October €3,932.56 November €3,567.00 December €30,937.00 2017 Total €142,529.78 €189,041.36 2018 January N/A N/A

13/02/2018WRD05300Passport Services

13/02/2018WRD05400109. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the Passport Office to organise a national television and radio advertisement campaign to inform members of the public to ensure their passports are still valid prior to booking holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6777/18]

13/02/2018WRD05500Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Department makes every effort to promote good practice amongst passport holders when planning to travel abroad.

We regularly advise applicants of 3 golden rules:

- to check the validity of the passports in advance of booking travel;

- to apply at least 6 weeks in advance of their travel plans; and

- for eligible adults renewing their passport to consider the Online Passport Renewal Ser- vice passport application online facility, which is a fast, secure way for adults renewing their passport.

We promote these and any other relevant messages through various means - the Passport Service website, social media platforms, press releases, posters and leaflets, video material, radio interviews, attendance at relevant promotional events and so on.

The Passport Service undertook an extensive communication campaign, circulating promotional information to libraries, citizens’ information offices, travel agency networks and other public information bodies throughout the State, as well as providing similar promotional materials to all members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Passport Service is also active on Twitter, regularly releasing key passport messages to its more than 30,000 followers.

68 13 February 2018 The Passport Service also has a practice of hosting stands at appropriate public events to raise awareness of passport-related issues, to promote good practice and safe travel abroad. Recent events attended by the Passport Service include the National Ploughing Championships in September 2017, and the Holiday World Show and the ‘Bride to Be’ show in January 2018 in the RDS.

In addition to these methods, from time to time interviews with the Director or staff of the Passport Service have been conducted with regional radio stations, which provides another opportunity to get the key passport messages to the public.

An extensive media campaign was also commissioned in early 2017, in connection with launch of the award-winning Online Passport Renewal Service, to encourage adults renewing their passports to use this fast, secure and convenient method of applying for a passport. This media campaign included posters at airports and on various forms of public transport. Short promotional video clips were also developed in this regard and have been adapted for different audiences and shared extensively by the Deaprtment on all social media platforms.

Finally, the Passport Service offers a free reminder service. Citizens registering for the reminder service receive an email prior to expiry of their passport to ensure they are aware that they need to apply for a new passport. All passport holders are encouraged to sign up to this free service at https://www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.

My Department will continue to work hard to promote these important messages relating to passports. I am satisfied that these promotional strategies are the most cost-effective way to reach a wide audience. I would also ask the Deputy and all Members of the Houses to join with me in assisting my Department on this important issue.

13/02/2018WRD05600Cross-Border Co-operation

13/02/2018WRD05700110. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the areas of North-South co-operation that fall outside the rules of the Single Market and the customs union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6833/18]

13/02/2018WRD05800Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): The Government welcomed the decision of the European Council on 15 December 2017 that sufficient progress had been made in phase one of the Article 50 negotiations. In phase one, we secured concrete commitments on the protection of North South Cooperation, the All-Island economy, the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process. We have also secured clear and strong commitments on avoiding a hard border and the UK has set out, for the first time, how this will be achieved.

In the event that it is not possible to resolve the border issue as part of a wider EU-UK future relationship agreement, which has always been the Irish Government’s preference, or through specific solutions, the UK has committed that “in the absence of agreed solutions, the United Kingdom will maintain full alignment with those rules of the Internal Market and Customs Union which, now or in the future, support North-South cooperation, the all-island economy, and the protection of the 1998 agreement.”

The North South cooperation we enjoy today brings tangible benefits to the daily lives of people in the border region and contributes to economic opportunity and development. It is also a very practical outworking of the peace process which allows for the normalisation of relationships between people across the island, to mutual benefit. The Government is therefore firmly focused on protecting the full range of areas in which North South cooperation exists 69 Questions - Written Answers today.

The Guidelines agreed by the European Council in December underline that negotiations in phase two can only progress as long as all commitments undertaken regarding citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the Irish-specific issues during the first phase are respected in full and translated faithfully into legal terms as quickly as possible. A key focus in the current phase of the negotiations is therefore on completing work on the withdrawal issues and on the drafting of the binding Withdrawal Agreement, where we and our EU partners expect to see the commitments made by the UK in phase one on all exit issues, including those involving Ireland, to be translated faithfully into legal terms as quickly as possible.

In this regard, we are working closely with the Commission Task Force and our EU partners in the coming weeks to advance the legal and technical work needed. This work is building on work carried out at the request of the EU and UK Coordinators for the High Level Dialogue on Ireland/Northern Ireland, where officials carried out detailed work over October and November last year to map out areas of cooperation that operate on a North South basis on the island of Ireland and which rely on EU law and policies.

This included looking at the six North South implementation bodies, the areas of cooperation under the North South Ministerial Council, which cover agriculture, environment, health, education, transport and tourism, as well as other areas where there is practical cooperation between North and South, including justice and security, energy, broadcasting and communications, inland fisheries, sport and culture.

The exercise highlighted how the maintenance and future development of meaningful North South cooperation rely on the EU legal and policy frameworks to give direction to this cooperation and to facilitate its operation. The EU frameworks are both overarching and the foundation to North South cooperation in many instances. Much of the cooperation is interconnected, mutually supporting and complementary; it is not easily quantifiable.

All areas of cooperation, to varying extents, rely on or are supported by EU acquis. Much of what happens involves the implementation of EU law and policies in a coherent and coordinated way that benefits the island of Ireland as a whole, particularly for reasons of size, economies of scale and geographic location.

The exercise underlined the need to avoid risks presented by any regulatory divergence from the rules of the EU Single Market and Customs Union. We want to ensure that this cooperation can continue in a meaningful way.

Like the UK, we have consistently said that it is our preference to resolve the Irish-specific issues through the wider future relationship agreement between the EU and the UK. However, in case this is not possible, we must at the same time ensure legal certainty in the Withdrawal Agreement that reflects the commitments made by the UK in phase one of the negotiations.

We will continue to work closely with the Commission Task Force and our EU partners in the coming weeks to advance the legal and technical work needed.

13/02/2018WRD05900Human Rights Cases

13/02/2018WRD06000111. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is growing concern for the health and well- being of a number of political prisoners in Bahrain (details supplied); and if he will raise the issues with his Bahraini counterpart. [6949/18] 70 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRD06100Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): I am aware of the situation referred to by the Deputy, and I remain very concerned about the human rights situation in Bahrain. Despite repeatedly stating its commitment to improving its human rights record, the Bahraini Government appears to be targeting those who express disagreement with or criticism of the Government. A number of worrying developments suggest an increasingly restrictive attitude to those opposing or challenging the Government in any way. Statements from the Bahraini Government on its commitment to safeguarding human rights enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution are undermined by the many examples of violations of the most fundamental freedoms which we have seen, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression.

Ireland attaches great importance to safeguarding the human rights of all prisoners. Ire- land’s concerns about human rights issues and restrictions of civil liberties in Bahrain are regularly conveyed to the Bahraini authorities, including through the Bahraini Embassy in London and through Ireland’s (non-resident) Ambassador to Bahrain. Most recently, in December, officials from my Department met with officials from the Embassy of Bahrain in London, and raised Ireland’s concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain.

Officials from my Department also raised ongoing human rights concerns with Bahrain in the context of its Universal Periodic Review, which took place in Geneva in May 2017. In advance of this review, the Irish Mission to the UN in Geneva supported an event by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, where human rights concerns in the Kingdom were discussed. Ire- land also made specific reference to Bahrain in our Item 4 (Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention) Statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2016, expressing concern about “restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association aimed at silencing the voice of civil society and human rights defenders in countries including Bahrain”.

My Department will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Bahrain, and will utilise every appropriate opportunity to raise Ireland’s concerns with the Bahraini authorities.

13/02/2018WRD06200Human Rights Cases

13/02/2018WRD06300112. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the hostile approach adopted by the Argentine state towards the indigenous Mapuche people in Argentina; his plans to address matters in this regard (details supplied) with his Argentine counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/18]

13/02/2018WRD06400Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): I am aware of the situation of the Mapuche community in Argentina and the concerns that have been expressed as to their welfare. I am also aware of the historic and continued challenges faced by indigenous populations in many parts of Latin America.

I condemn unreservedly any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous peoples and those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Argentina or elsewhere. I have asked officials at our Embassy in Buenos Aires to report back to me on the particular cases which the Deputy raises and to monitor developments.

In relation to the case of Mr. Maldonado, I echo the statement made by the Committee against Enforced Disappearances of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recalling the obligation of the Argentine State to carry out an independent in-

71 Questions - Written Answers vestigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and death, and to bring the perpetrators of any potential wrongdoing to justice.

Consistent with our commitment to the advancement of indigenous rights in Latin America, Ireland made a statement at the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 6 November 2017 expressing concern that the implementation of legislation on human rights in Argentina remained weak in some cases, and that this implementation gap disproportionately affected vulnerable members of Argentine society, including members of indigenous communities. In that regard, Ireland recommended that Argentina develop and implement, in close consultation with civil society, a national human rights plan with clear, specific and measurable goals.

In addition to representations at multilateral level, officials of my Department meet regularly with human rights activists and civil society leaders in Latin America, including those working on indigenous rights. My Department also makes a financial contribution to the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights to support its work protecting and vindicating human rights in the region.

I can assure the Deputy of the ongoing engagement of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with issues affecting indigenous communities in Latin America.

13/02/2018WRE00200Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

13/02/2018WRE00300113. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has further information on the inquiry sought on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. [6907/18]

13/02/2018WRE00400Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): Deal- ing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland is of the utmost importance to the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific reference to implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings.

I acknowledge also those across the House who work on a cross-party basis with the Gov- ernment on this issue and the tireless efforts of Justice for the Forgotten.

The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.

The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government.

I am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I discussed the matter on a number of occasions with the former Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, and I will continue to pursue the issue directly with the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley.

As part of this engagement, the Government underlines that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the

72 13 February 2018 relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin Monaghan atrocities. I have also advised that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and I have emphasised the urgent need for such a response.

The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and pursue all possible avenues that could achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.

13/02/2018WRE00500Tax Code

13/02/2018WRE00600114. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the independent economic evidence and analysis that concludes that Ireland’s income tax regime and rates are prohibitive in terms of job creation or attracting foreign direct investment. [6651/18]

13/02/2018WRE00700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The average tax wedge is used by the OECD to measure the extent to which taxes on labour income discourage employment. The tax wedge is defined as the ratio between the amount of taxes paid by an average single worker without children (i.e. a worker on 100% of average earnings) and the corresponding total labour costs for the employer including employer social insurance costs.

Ireland historically has one the lowest tax wedge levels both within the EU and the OECD at average wages. In 2016 (the latest year of data available), Ireland’s average tax wedge was 27.1% of labour costs. This compares very favourably to the OECD-average of 36.0%, and has been the lowest of the EU28 member states since 2000.

However, this comparative difference in tax wedge is eroded as incomes increase. Analysis published in the Income Tax Reform Plan in 2016, available online at http://www.finance.gov. ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Income-Tax-Reform-Plan.pdf, shows that in 2015 the Irish tax wedge for a single person was comparatively low at income of up to 125% of average earnings. It then surpassed the UK and USA at c.125% and 150% respectively and surpassed the comparative French tax burden at c.210% of average earnings, while still remaining below Denmark and Germany.

In Budget 2015, the Department of Finance undertook an Economic Impact Assessment of Ireland’s Corporation Tax Policy available online at http://www.budget.gov.ie/Budgets/2015/ Documents/EIA_Summary_Conclusions.pdf. As part of this work, ESRI researchers estimated that the corporate tax rate has a negative effect on the location decision of multinational companies. In other words, the higher the corporation tax rate in a country, the lower the probability of FDI locating there. Although not the main focus of this research, they also examined the relationship between labour costs and FDI. The researchers found that the higher the labour costs in a country, the lower the probability of FDI locating there. This negative relationship between labour costs and FDI is borne out in other international studies such as:

- Johansson et al. (2008) “TAX AND ECONOMIC GROWTH”, OECD, https://www.oecd. org/tax/tax-policy/41000592.pdf

- Hajkova et al. (2006) “TAXATION, BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND FDI LOCA- TION IN OECD COUNTRIES”, OECD, http://www.oecd.org/eco/public-finance/37002820. pdf

All else equal, it implies that countries with higher tax wedges than other countries are more likely to deter FDI. 73 Questions - Written Answers I would also note that it is important to look at the effects of budgetary measures over time and not ignore their broader impacts. The contribution of budgetary policy to employment growth over the past number of years is a case in point. Employment is the best route out of poverty and is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of Ireland’s prosperity. Therefore the importance of the role of budget measures in creating an environment conducive to employment creation should not be understated. As such, it remains a key Government priority to maintain competitiveness and support employment growth. The Department of Finance will continue to monitor developments in this evidence base closely.

13/02/2018WRE00800Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

13/02/2018WRE00900115. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) was refused assistance from the disabled drivers and passengers scheme. [6721/18]

13/02/2018WRE01000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): To qualify for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme an applicant must be in possession of a primary medical certificate (PMC). I have no function in relation to the issuing of PMCs.

A Senior Medical Officer for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an applicant satisfies the medical criteria necessary to qualify for a PMC.

An applicant who is unsuccessful in applying for a PMC can appeal the decision of the Senior Medical Officer to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal which makes a new clinical decision within the scope of the qualifying criteria. The Regulations mandate that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions to ensure the integrity of its clinical determinations.

13/02/2018WRE01100Tax Code

13/02/2018WRE01200116. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had recently regarding the proposed changes from other EU states on tax harmonisation. [6818/18]

13/02/2018WRE01300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Proposals for tax harmonisation at EU level are not new. The Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base has been discussed for a number of years and was first formally proposed in 2011. In line with the Programme for Part- nership Government, Ireland is constructively engaging in the debate on the CCCTB proposal while critically analysing the extent to which the proposal impacts Ireland’s interests.

Any tax Directive at EU level leads to convergence on some aspect of tax. Ireland has supported the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives, which standardise anti-avoidance measures across the EU in line with the OECD BEPS recommendations.

However, taxation remains within the competence of individual Member States and una- nimity is needed before any tax changes can be agreed at EU level.

Ireland’s position has always been clear - we do not support tax harmonisation that under- mines a Member State’s ability to set its own tax rate and to determine its own tax base. We have however shown we are willing to agree EU tax Directives that seek to implement agreed international best practice in a consistent manner across the EU. This remains Ireland’s position.

74 13 February 2018 Ireland are by no means alone in having concerns about tax harmonisation. These views are shared by many other Member States across the EU.

13/02/2018WRE01400Insurance Coverage

13/02/2018WRE01500117. Deputy Frank O’Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if an anomaly whereby insurance companies are refusing to offer flood insurance for houses not located in known flood zones and with no history of flooding will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6849/18]

13/02/2018WRE01600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am conscious of the difficulties that the absence or withdrawal of flood insurance cover can cause to homeowners and businesses, and that is one of the reasons the Government has been prioritising investment in flood defences over the last number of years.

However, you should be aware that the provision of insurance is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which has to be based on a proper assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This assessment will in many cases include insurers own presumptions based on their private modelling and research. Consequently, neither the Government nor the Central Bank can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products or have the power to direct insurance companies to provide flood cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from doing so.

Government policy in relation to flooding is focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems. This in turn should lead to the increased availability of flood insurance. To achieve this aim, there is a focus on:

- prioritising spending on flood relief measures by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and relevant local authorities,

- development and implementation of plans by the OPW to implement flood relief schemes, and

- improving channels of communication between the OPW and the insurance industry, in order to reach a better understanding about the provision of flood cover in marginal areas.

The above approach is complemented by a Memorandum of Understanding between the OPW and Insurance Ireland, which provides for the exchange of data in relation to completed flood defence schemes which should provide a basis for the increased provision of flood insurance in areas where works have been completed. In this regard, the Insurance Ireland/OPW working group, which the Department of Finance attends, now meets on a quarterly basis to support the information flow and improve the understanding of issues between both parties.

Finally, you should be aware that a consumer can make a complaint to the Financial Ser- vices Ombudsman in relation to any dealings with a Financial Services or Insurance provider during which they feel they have been unfairly treated. In addition, individuals who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining flood insurance or believe that they are being treated unfairly may contact Insurance Ireland which operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance.

13/02/2018WRE01700Tax Credits 75 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRE01800118. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of allowing the €5,000 tax credit incentive under the farm partnership scheme to be allowable against non- farm income (details supplied). [6992/18]

13/02/2018WRE01900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I assume the Deputy is referring to the tax credit available through the Succession Farm Partnership scheme.

This scheme is a joint initiative between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, designed to encourage an older farmer to form a partnership with a young trained farmer, with a view to transferring management of the farm and ultimately ownership of the farm.

It was announced in Budget 2016 and commenced early 2017 following State Aid approval. The use of a partnership model, rather than an upfront outright sale, allows for the transfer of knowledge from the older farmer to the younger farmer in advance of the transfer of ownership of the land.

For a period of five years, a tax credit of €5,000 is available to the partners. The credit can only be offset against their farming income, and it is to be split between the partners in accordance with their profit sharing ratio.

As 2017 was the first year in which this credit could be claimed, I am advised by Revenue that data in respect of taxpayers availing of this credit, and their relevant incomes, are not yet available. Information in relation to 2017 will not be available until mid-2019 when tax returns for 2017 have been filed by taxpayers and processed by Revenue.

As such, I am not currently in possession of the relevant data which would allow me to make the cost estimation which has been requested by the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRE02000Tax Exemptions

13/02/2018WRE02100119. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of increasing the age limit from 35 to 40 years to qualify for the stamp duty exemption on the transfer of farm land. [7193/18]

13/02/2018WRE02200Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to provide an estimated cost of increasing the age limit to qualify for the Stamp Duty exemption on the transfer of farm land. This is because from the tax return and other data available to Revenue, it is not possible to identify the numbers of cases that could be affected or predict changes to their tax liability.

13/02/2018WRE02300Strategic Communications Unit

13/02/2018WRE02400120. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he, his officials or advisers have had meetings with the strategic communications unit since it was set up; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6690/18]

13/02/2018WRE02500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): My Department has engaged with the Strategic Communication’s Unit (SCU), Department of the Taoiseach, on an ongoing basis and one senior official is a member of the Assistant Secretary Delivery Team. This team meet on a bi-monthly basis to advance the work of the reform of Government strategic communications.

76 13 February 2018 Discussion on the following specific actions to be implemented are taking place:

1. Roll out of a single unified Government of Ireland identity programme;

2. Migration of Government Department websites to one new portal for Government;

3. Commencement of a Government wide capacity building professional development programme for officials working in communications;

4. A number of proposed cross Government priority campaigns;

5. Creation of a unified international communications programme for Ireland as part of the ‘Doubling the Global Footprint initiative’.

Officials from my Department have also been working in partnership with the SCU team on an informal basis to commence the implementation of the single unified identity and the completion of a migration plan for existing official Department websites to move tohttp://www. gov.ie/.

13/02/2018WRE02600Financial Services Ombudsman Remit

13/02/2018WRE02700121. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 allows the Financial Services Ombudsman to investigate a complaint regarding conduct that took place post-2002 even if the product itself was sold before 2002 assuming all other conditions are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6692/18]

13/02/2018WRE02800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): As the Deputy will be aware the Fi- nancial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 which commenced on 01 January 2018 established the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).

Firstly, I must point out that the Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his statutory functions. I have no role in the day to day workings of the office. I would consider that the Ombudsman could investigate a complaint in the general circumstances described.

I have been informed by the Ombudsman that he considers that the jurisdiction of the FSPO to investigate a complaint regarding conduct, is dependent upon whether that conduct relates to a pension provider or a regulated financial service provider.

Conduct complained of against a financial service provider must have occurred during or after 2002. Although the sale of the product prior to 2002 is not a bar in itself to the investigation by the FSPO of conduct which occurred after 2002, it is important to note that the legislative provisions governing the power of the FSPO to investigate such complaints are complex.

Section 51 of the Act prescribes a period of 6 years for the making of a complaint to the FSPO that does not relate to a “long-term financial service”.

Complaints about long-term financial services can be made to the FSPO within whichever of the following periods is the last to expire:

1. 6 years from the date of the conduct giving rise to the complaint;

2. 3 years from the earlier of the date on which the person making the complaint became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the conduct giving rise to the complaint;

77 Questions - Written Answers 3. such longer period as the Ombudsman may allow where it appears to him or her that there are reasonable grounds for requiring a longer period and that it would be just and equitable, in all the circumstances, to so extend the period.

It should be noted that the long-term financial service should not have expired or otherwise been terminated more than 6 years before the date the complaint is made.

The FSPO is precluded by Section 50 of the Act from investigating complaints where:

(a) the internal dispute resolution procedures required under Section 54 have not been complied with,

(b) there are or have been proceedings (other than where the proceedings have been stayed under Section 49) before any court in respect of the matter that is the subject of the investigation,

(c) the complaint relates to a matter that is within the jurisdiction of the Workplace Relations Commission or Pensions Authority or an alternative suitable forum or tribunal, or

(d) the complaint, or any matter arising in connection with the complaint, is excluded from the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman by regulations made under Section 4.

The Ombudsman must also be cognisant of the provisions of Section 52 of the Act which prescribe that he may decline to investigate a complaint where, in his opinion:

(a) the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or was not made in good faith,

(b) the subject matter of the complaint is trivial,

(d) there is or was available to the complainant an alternative and satisfactory means of redress in relation to the conduct complained of,

(e) the complainant has no interest or an insufficient interest in the conduct complained of, or

(f) the subject matter of the complaint is of such a degree of complexity that the courts are a more appropriate forum.

Each complaint is dealt with on its own merits and there may be any number of aspects to a complaint which require consideration, in order to determine whether the Ombudsman can investigate a complaint about conduct which has occurred after 2002.

13/02/2018WRE02900Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRE03000122. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Depart- ment on photography, by photographer and-or agency, the public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department, by agency and month in tabular form, since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6748/18]

13/02/2018WRE03100Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The costs incurred by my Department on photography are set out in the following table.

78 13 February 2018 Please note that; Of the seventeen bodies under the aegis of my Department, The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) is the only one that is fully funded by my Depart- ment. Since 1 January 2016 the DDMBA have not incurred any expenditure on photography, public relations or communications advice.

Year Month Supplier Amount Description 2016 March Brendan Lyon Photog- €105 Irish Institute of Training and raphy Development (IITD) award photo 2017 February Sherwood Photogra- €758 Recognition of Award Event phy 2017 March Event Portraits Ltd €701 IITD Award Photo (photo to be published in the below Sunday Business Post piece) 2017 April MediaVest €2871 Sunday Business Post Media coverage for the Department winning the IITD Award 2017

13/02/2018WRE03200Stamp Duty

13/02/2018WRE03300123. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the stamp duty being charged in respect of a matter (details supplied). [6789/18]

13/02/2018WRE03400Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Officials from my Department that a response to this letter issued to the Deputy’s office on 12th February 2018.

From the information received, it appears that the person concerned was engaged in contract negotiations for the purchase of non-residential land at the time of the restoration of the 6% stamp duty rate on non-residential land. However, from the correspondence, it is not clear if the transaction meets the requirements for the transitional measures.

Any person who filed a Stamp Duty return before the enactment of the Finance Bill and who was satisfied that the transitional measures would apply had two options. He or she could:

1. File a return through the e-stamping system, pay Stamp Duty at the rate of 6% and be issued with a stamp certificate. On enactment of the Finance Bill, the filer could then request a refund of the difference in the Stamp Duty paid between the 2% and 6% rates by amending the return and submitting the relevant documentation to Revenue, or

2. File a return through the e-stamping system and pay the Stamp Duty at the rate of 2%, in which case a stamp certificate would not be issued until enactment of the Finance Bill, Revenue will publish information on how the postponed stamp certificate can be obtained.

13/02/2018WRE03500VAT Registration

13/02/2018WRE03600124. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the number of businesses whose place of business is registered outside of Ireland that are registered for VAT here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6830/18]

13/02/2018WRE03700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The VAT treatment of the supply of goods and services in the State is subject to EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must com-

79 Questions - Written Answers ply.

As a consequence, entities with a business address in another EU Member State can be required to register and account for VAT in Ireland if the place of supply of goods and services is deemed by EU law to be in this State.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are currently 9,636 non-resident businesses registered for VAT in Ireland. This number can vary considerably over time due to the transient nature of many of the activities carried out in the State by the businesses concerned.

13/02/2018WRE03800Tax Reliefs Data

13/02/2018WRE03900125. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the tax relief on private rented accommodation in each of the years from 2000 to 2017, in tabular form. [6867/18]

13/02/2018WRE04000126. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who benefitted from the tax relief on private rented accommodation in each of the years from 2000 to 2017, in tabular form. [6868/18]

13/02/2018WRE04100Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Rent Tax Credit, which was a credit available to those paying for private rented accommodation. This included rent paid for flats, apartments or houses. It did not include rent paid to local authorities. The credit has been phasing out for a number of years and remained available only to persons who were renting on 7 December 2010. The credit ceased to be available after 31 December 2017.

I am advised by Revenue that the numbers availing of the Rent Tax Credit and the cost associated with the provision of this credit are available on Revenue’s website in tabular form for the years 2004 to 2015 (the latest year for which comprehensive data are currently available) at https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/ costs-expenditures.aspx. Information for the years 2000 to 2003 is shown in Revenue’s statistical reports for those years, available at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information- about-revenue/statistics/archive/index.aspx.

13/02/2018WRE04300Motor Insurance Costs

13/02/2018WRE04400127. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the problems faced by returned emigrants from non-EU countries in obtaining motor insurance; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that these persons pay high motor insurance premiums; if this matter can be addressed in the context of the implementation of the cost of insurance working group report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6873/18]

13/02/2018WRE04500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I wish to inform the Deputy that issues faced by returned emigrants, both from EU and non-EU countries, featured prominently in the Cost of Insurance Working Group’s examination of the motor insurance sector. Accordingly, Recommendation 6 of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance aims to address the problems faced by this category of drivers. Pursuant to this recommendation, a protocol has been agreed between the Department and Insurance Ireland under which insurance companies have committed to accepting the driving experience returning emigrants gained while abroad, when the driver has had previous driving experience in Ireland. The guiding principle of the protocol is 80 13 February 2018 to ensure that a returning emigrant is not treated any differently to any other driver subject to their ability to demonstrate, and the insurance company to verify, continuous driving experience and the normal acceptance criteria of the company. What this means is that the returning emigrant will not be disadvantaged from spending time abroad. Furthermore, under the protocol insurance companies will not distinguish between countries on the basis of which side of the road driving takes place therein or, indeed, whether the country is a member of the EU or not.

In addition to the above, insurance companies have agreed to provide relevant and helpful information on their websites to make it easier for consumers to understand the implications of their move abroad from a motor insurance perspective. As part of this exercise, they will outline what people need to do under a number of different circumstances depending on the length of time they intend being away from Ireland.

Insurance Ireland submitted a report on the implementation of this recommendation to the Department of Finance on 22 December 2017. This report confirmed that Insurance Ireland members have agreed to publish the wording of the agreed protocol on their company websites and any other forms of social media, in addition to providing training for staff who can work through issues with emigrants before they leave, whilst they are out of the country and when they return to Ireland. The stated intention is “to resolve any issues well before they arise and for the consumer to be aware of the considerations when moving abroad”. The wording of the agreed protocol is also available on the Insurance Ireland website.

The report also outlines some sample cases which demonstrate how the rolling-out of the protocol has already led to disputed cases being resolved to the benefit of returning emigrants, and provides figures indicating that the number of such cases being processed under the De- clined Cases Agreement is decreasing.

If, however, a returning emigrant is unable to secure a motor insurance quotation on the open market, they may be in a position to avail of the Declined Cases Agreement process, and the relevant contact details are: [email protected] or 01-6761914. More generally, Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at feed- [email protected] or 01-6761820.

13/02/2018WRE04600Revenue Commissioners

13/02/2018WRE04700128. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether an adequate service is being provided at the Revenue Commissioners’ office in Athlone (details supplied) in view of the difficulties experienced by persons who have limited or no online experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6874/18]

13/02/2018WRE04800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Revenue that it has introduced an appointments service in a number of public offices, including the Athlone office. A dedicated telephone line for the purposes of making appointments at this Office has been in operation since 4 July 2016. The availability of an appointments facility at the office has improved Revenue’s services to its customers. The service allows taxpayers to meet Revenue officials at a time that suits the customer, when they can be certain of a speedy service, removing any potential for queuing or delays. If, during the course of the initial telephone conversation, the Revenue Officer identifies a more efficient and cost effective means for the customer to carry out their business, he or she will be advised in this regard. Circumstances of elderly customers and those with limited or no access to internet facilities are always taken into account.

81 Questions - Written Answers Revenue is not aware of any difficulties encountered by customers in accessing its services since the appointments facility was introduced at the Athlone office but if the Deputy provides details of any particular difficulties that he may be aware of, Revenue will contact the customers concerned and resolve their issues without delay.

13/02/2018WRE04900Customs and Excise Controls

13/02/2018WRE05000129. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance if an exemption from custom taxes in respect of the importation of alcohol and herbs (details supplied) for the alternative treatment of Lyme disease will be allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6878/18]

13/02/2018WRE05100Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Revenue that having regard to the range of products and substances involved, Revenue will need to engage directly with the person concerned before a considered view can be provided. I am advised by Revenue that direct contact is being made with the person concerned with a view to confirming Rev- enue’s view on the matter as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRE05200Mortgage Data

13/02/2018WRE05300130. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number and value outstanding of private dwelling home mortgages that have tracker, variable and fixed interest rates; the number and value outstanding of buy-to-let mortgages that have tracker, variable and fixed interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6967/18]

13/02/2018WRE05400Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Central Bank of Ireland statistics on private household credit and deposits (Money, Credit and Banking Statistics - Tables A.18.1 and A.18.2) indicates that, as at the end of quarter 3 2017, the following are the outstanding amounts of loans advanced to Irish resident private households for the purpose of house purchase (including loans that are securitised/transferred but remain serviced by any Irish resident credit institution) broken down as follows:-

PDH

Tracker - €36.1 bn

Variable - €36.0 bn

Fixed rate - €13.4 bn

BTL (inc. holiday/second homes):

Tracker - €12.9 bn

Variable – €5.9 bn

Fixed rate – €0.3 bn

(Mortgages where the interest rate is fixed for a period up to one year are included in ‘variable’ category above).

The Central Bank advises that it does not have data for the corresponding number of mortgage credit contracts.

82 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRE05500Interest Rates

13/02/2018WRE05600131. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated impact of a 1% increase in ECB interest rates on interest owed on tracker mortgages here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6968/18]

13/02/2018WRE05700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Central Bank has advised that it published a research paper in December 2017 entitled, ‘Resolving a Non-Performing Loan crisis: The ongoing case of the Irish mortgage market’, which provides information relevant to the Deputy’s request.

One of the issues this paper investigates is the impact of a 200bps increase in the interest rate on trackers on mortgage repayments specifically for Primary Dwelling Houses. The research demonstrated that in the event of such an increase in rates the ratio of payments for many borrowers will be between 10 and 30 per cent greater than currently. (Please refer to Figure 13. - https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/research-technical-papers/10rt17- --resolving-a-non-performing-loan-crisis-the-ongoing-case-of-the-irish-mortgage-market.pdf)

For the Deputy’s information, the following table provides examples of the effect a hypo- thetical 100bps increase in mortgage rates would have on 100k, 200k and 300k mortgages at various terms remaining, where the rate goes from 1% to 2%.

Figure: Payment Changes for various terms for 100k mortgage

Months Pre Post Diff Cumulative increase 120 €875.84 €919.32 €43.48 €5,217.66 180 €598.29 €642.68 €44.38 €7,988.62 240 €459.69 €505.03 €45.34 €10,880.47 300 €376.67 €422.97 €46.31 €13,892.18 360 €321.43 €368.71 €47.28 €17,022.43 Figure: Payment Changes for various terms for 200k mortgage

Months Pre Post Diff Cumulative increase 120 €1,751.69 €1,838.65 €86.96 €10,435.32 180 €1,196.59 €1,285.35 €88.76 €15,977.24 240 €919.38 €1,010.05 €90.67 €21,760.95 300 €753.33 €845.95 €92.61 €27,784.36 360 €642.86 €737.43 €94.57 €34,044.85 Figure: Payment Changes for various terms for 300k mortgage

Months Pre Post Diff Cumulative increase 120 €2,627.53 €2,757.97 €130.44 €15,652.98 180 €1,794.88 €1,928.03 €133.14 €23,965.86 240 €1,379.07 €1,515.08 €136.01 €32,641.42 300 €1,130.00 €1,268.92 €138.92 €41,676.54 360 €964.29 €1,106.14 €141.85 €51,067.28

83 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRE05800Property Tax

13/02/2018WRE05900132. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reform the local property tax; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the system is unfair to persons living in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6989/18]

13/02/2018WRE06000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I recently announced a review of the Local Property Tax (LPT) which will look in particular at the impact on LPT liabilities of property price developments. It will include an examination of the outstanding recommendations of the 2015 Thornhill review of the Local Property Tax. It is expected that the review will be completed at the end of August and that the review report will provide a number of policy choices for consideration. The review will be informed by the desirability of achieving relative stability, both over the short and longer terms, in LPT payments of liable persons. It will also include a consultation process to enable all interested parties and individuals to submit their views on the future of the LPT.

13/02/2018WRE06100Insurance Costs

13/02/2018WRE06200133. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the cost of insurance working group’s fourth progress update on quarter four of 2017 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6990/18]

13/02/2018WRE06300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I expect to be in a position to approve the publication of the fourth quarterly update report in the coming days. The Deputy will be aware that the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017 and made 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, as set out in an Action Plan. There have been three quarterly updates published to date.

By way of further information, the fourth quarterly update report will provide details on how the implementation of the recommendations is progressing, with a particular focus on the fourteen action points which were due for completion during the fourth quarter. I understand that the majority of the fourteen actions due for completion during this quarter have been completed. The Update Report will also include a summary review of the implementation of the recommendations addressed to the various Departments and Bodies which are represented on the Cost of Insurance Working Group, with the aim of providing an overview of the work each has undertaken during 2017.

13/02/2018WRE06400VAT Yield

13/02/2018WRE06500134. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the VAT received by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of electronic services provided to unregistered customers resident in other EU states (details supplied) in each of the months between January 2017 and January 2018, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7036/18]

13/02/2018WRE06600135. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has revised the expected gain to the Exchequer in 2018 arising out of the right to retain a proportion of the VAT paid on certain services provided to unregistered customers in other member states, which has been as- sumed in his Department’s estimates of tax yield for 2018, in view of the recent statement by a person (details supplied) expecting growth of around 90% in cloud services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7037/18]

84 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRE06700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

On 1 January 2015 new EU VAT rules came into effect changing the place where VAT is chargeable in respect of all supplies of telecommunications, broadcasting and electronic (TBE) services to consumers. VAT on these services is now chargeable where the consumer is located instead of where the supplier is located.

As a result of the change, EU and non-EU businesses are required to register and account for VAT in every Member State in which they supply TBE services to consumers or, alternatively, to avail of the optional special scheme known as the Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS).

MOSS is a simplification scheme that allows a business engaged in TBE supplies to register in a single Member State, to file a single quarterly return and pay its VAT liability for all Member States through a web portal in the Member State of registration. This enables suppliers to avoid having to register and account for VAT in all the Member States to which they make TBE supplies.

Transitional rules for the period 2015-2018 provide that the Member State of registration may retain a percentage of the VAT collected for other Member States, with the retention percentage being 30% in 2015 and 2016 and 15% for 2017 and 2018. Therefore the final retention fee payment in respect to VAT retained by Ireland from VAT revenues collected in respect of supplies to other Member States through the MOSS system for 2018 will be received in Quarter 1 2019.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the following table provides an overview of the VAT collected, amount retained and the VAT remitted to each Member State from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. Information for January 2018 is not yet available as these returns are not due until April 2018.

Small variations may be observed between the actual sums collected, retained and remitted due to rounding. Some of these values are provisional and may be subject to future revision.

EU Mem- Gross VAT Amount VAT ber State Received Retained remitted

€ million € million € million

Q1 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2017 Q4 2017 Q1 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2017 Q4 2017 Q1 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2017 Q4 2017

Austria 6.9 7 6.6 7.3 2 1 1 1 4.9 5.9 5.6 6.2

Belgium 8.7 9 8.8 9.5 2.5 1.3 1.3 1.4 6.1 7.7 7.5 8.1

Bulgaria 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5

Croatia 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.7

Cyprus 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3

Czech 2.2 2.4 2.4 2.7 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.4 1.6 2 2 2.3 Republic

Denmark 12.6 13.2 13.6 14.3 3.7 2 2 2.1 8.9 11.3 11.6 12.2

Estonia 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4

Finland 4.1 4.3 4.1 4.6 1.2 0.6 0.6 0.6 2.9 3.7 3.5 4

France 48.2 53.1 52.8 55 13.9 7.6 7.6 8 34.3 45.5 45.1 47

Germany 61.7 62.6 59.8 65.8 17.5 8.9 8.5 9.2 44.1 53.7 51.3 56.5

Greece 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.4 0.7 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.6 2 2.1 2

Hungary 1.8 1.9 2 2.2 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.3 1.6 1.7 1.9

Italy 21.6 23.4 23.1 23.1 6.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 15.4 20 19.7 19.8

Latvia 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4

Lithuania 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4

Luxem- 0.3 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.6 0.7 0.8 bourg

Malta 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 0 0 0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3

Nether- 14.8 16 15.8 17.4 4.3 2.3 2.3 2.5 10.5 13.7 13.5 14.9 lands

85 Questions - Written Answers

EU Mem- Gross VAT Amount VAT ber State Received Retained remitted

Poland 4.1 4.2 4.4 4.7 1.2 0.6 0.6 0.7 2.9 3.6 3.9 4

Portugal 2.3 2.6 2.7 2.8 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.6 2.2 2.3 2.4

Romania 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.6 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 1 1.2 1.2 1.3

Slovakia 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8

Slovenia 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4

Spain 15.2 17.1 17.8 17.8 4.4 2.5 2.5 2.6 10.8 14.7 15.3 15.2

Sweden 16.4 17.1 16.7 18.7 4.8 2.5 2.4 2.7 11.6 14.7 14.3 16

United 113.8 122.2 116.7 119 32.4 17.5 16.6 17 81.5 105 100.1 102.1 Kingdom

In relation to Question 7037-18, regarding the potential growth in cloud computing services as highlighted by the Deputy, MOSS accounts for VAT that is chargeable on business to consumer supplies. VAT on intra-community business to business supplies are accounted for though the normal reverse charging mechanism within each EU Member State. The information furnished by traders on MOSS returns does not require the yield from a particular TBE service to be separately identified. It is therefore not possible to determine the potential additional yield from the supply of cloud computing services to consumers in other EU Member States.

13/02/2018WRF00300Mortgage Data

13/02/2018WRF00400136. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if an analysis of home mortgages in which currently only the interest is being paid will be provided by the age of the mortgage holders in five-year age groups, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7038/18]

13/02/2018WRF00500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Central Bank has informed me that the age profile of those on Interest Only mortgages is not readily available. However, a paper written by Fergal McCann of the Central Bank, called “Resolving a Non-Performing Loan crisis: The ongoing case of the Irish mortgage market”, published in December last year, provides some information.

The following table from the paper shows that, of all those mortgages not in arrears that are currently making full payments, 5.23% of them are currently on an Interest Only, meaning that they are facing future instalment increases due to a move back to capital and interest. The figure attached shows that 15.94% of those borrowers with one month of arrears (1-30 DPD), who are currently fully paying their contracted loan amount, are on Interest Only. For loans in deeper states of arrears that are currently making full repayments, roughly one third of them are currently on Interest Only. The full paper is available at https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/ default-source/publications/research-technical-papers/10rt17---resolving-a-non-performing- loan-crisis-the-ongoing-case-of-the-irish-mortgage-market.pdf?sfvrsn=5

Table 12: Share of Loans Facing Future Instalment Increases

DPD Bucket Fully Paying Missing Payment 0 dpd 5.23 n/a 1-30 15.94 14.82 31-60 22.87 18.95 61-90 32.48 20.15 91-180 32.65 18.49 181-365 33.43 18.04

86 13 February 2018 DPD Bucket Fully Paying Missing Payment 366-720 37.33 15.57 720+ 33.45 10.39

13/02/2018WRF00600Tax Credits

13/02/2018WRF00700137. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax credits against corporation tax approved in respect of research and development for each year from 2013; the estimated figure for 2017; the number of these credits which were issued by way of a reduction in the corporation tax payable by the companies involved or by way of a direct payment to the companies for bands (details supplied) in respect of tax credit approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7059/18]

13/02/2018WRF00800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Revenue that information in respect of the amount of Research and Development (R&D) tax credit is available at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf for all years up to 2015. From analysis to date on tax returns for 2016, the tax cost of this credit is currently estimated at €674 million. An estimate of the cost for 2017 is not yet available.

The following table shows the number of credits issued by way of a reduction in Corpora- tion Tax payable or by way of refundable credit for the years 2013 to 2016 by range of credit availed of. Due to Revenue’s obligation to protect taxpayer confidentiality, and the low number of companies with claims in excess of €5 million, all ranges in excess of this amount have been amalgamated.

Range of RandD Credit Availed Of by 2013 2014 2015 2016 (Provisional) way of reduction in tax or refundable credit 1 - 50,000 900 883 846 797 50,001 - 100,000 251 261 250 255 100,001 - 250,000 231 230 238 244 250,001 - 500,000 89 98 86 78 500,001 - 1,000,000 43 41 57 50 1,000,001 - 5,000,000 50 44 45 49 Over 5,000,000 13 13 13 13 All 1,576 1,570 1,535 1,486

13/02/2018WRF00900Stamp Duty

13/02/2018WRF01000138. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of reducing stamp duty on combined ATM debit cards to €0.10 per ATM withdrawal up to a maximum of €4.50 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7101/18]

13/02/2018WRF01100Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Stamp Duty is chargeable on ATM cards and combined cards (which comprise ATM and debit card functions). Where only the ATM function of a combined card is used during a year the Stamp Duty is €0.12 per withdrawal subject to an annual maximum of €2.50. The same Stamp Duty charge applies to ATM only cards. Where both the ATM and debit card functions of a combined card are used in a year, the Stamp Duty is €0.12 per withdrawal with an annual maximum of €5.00.

87 Questions - Written Answers I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to provide a costing on impact of the proposed change to combined cards, as the underlying information in respect of the number of transactions per card is not available to Revenue. However, the Deputy may be interested to know that the yield in 2017 from combined cards is €9.74 million.

13/02/2018WRF01200National Treasury Management Agency Staff

13/02/2018WRF01300139. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff at the National Treasury Management Agency, excluding the National Asset Management Agency, who received pay in 2017 including retention payments and other benefits in bands (details supplied); the number employed by the National Treasury Management Agency at the end of 2016 and at the end of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7108/18]

13/02/2018WRF01400Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The year end 2016 and 2017 headcount of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) excluding staff assigned to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and including staff assigned to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and staff from the Banking Unit seconded to the Department of Finance are set out in the following table.

Year Headcount 2016 480 2017 526

The following table shows the number of NTMA staff (excluding those assigned to NAMA) by relevant band. The numbers include staff members who left the NTMA during 2017 in addition to those employed at the end of the year. Therefore the table shows the base salary and/ or remuneration at year end and the base salary and/or remuneration upon leaving employment for all staff on or above €100,001 in 2017.

NTMA Relevant Band Salary Only Total Remuneration €100,001 - €150,000 75 82 €150,001 - €200,000 38 42 €200,001 - €250,000 3 8 €250,001 - €300,000 4 4 €300,001 - €350,000 2 5 €350,001 - €400,000 1 1 In excess of €400,000 1 1 Total 124 143

Note: Relevant Bands align to those published in the NTMA Annual Report. Total remuneration includes base salary and any taxable benefits paid including performance related payments, paid in 2017 in respect of 2016 and retention payments if any. The inclusion of taxable benefits may move individuals into the next relevant band.

13/02/2018WRF01500NAMA Staff Remuneration

13/02/2018WRF01600140. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff at the

88 13 February 2018 National Asset Management Agency who received pay in 2017 in bands (details supplied); the number employed by the Agency at the end of 2016 and at the end of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7109/18]

13/02/2018WRF01700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The year end 2016 and 2017 headcount of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) assigned to the National Asset Man- agement Agency (NAMA) is set out in the following table.

Year Headcount 2016 302 2017 264

The following table below shows the number of NAMA officers by relevant band. The numbers include staff members who left the NAMA during 2017 in addition to those employed at the end of the year. Therefore the table shows the base salary and/or remuneration at year end and the base salary and/or remuneration upon leaving employment for all staff on or above €100,001 in 2017.

NAMA Relevant Band Salary Only Total Remuneration €100,001 - €150,000 83 83 €150,001 - €200,000 15 15 €200,001 - €250,000 3 2 €250,001 - €300,000 1 2 €300,001 - €350,000 0 0 €350,001 - €400,000 0 0 In excess of €400,000 1 1 Total 103 103 Note:

- Relevant bands align to those published in the NAMA Annual Report.

- Total remuneration includes base salary and taxable benefits paid if any. The inclusion of taxable benefits may move individuals into the next relevant band.

- Remuneration does not include any payments relating to the NAMA redundancy programme i.e. statutory redundancy, ex-gratia redundancy and retention payments.

13/02/2018WRF01800VAT Payments

13/02/2018WRF01900141. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if VAT is applicable to the provision of locum general practitioner services by organisations such as Shannondoc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7118/18]

13/02/2018WRF02000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that under the EU VAT Directive the supply of the service of a locum doctor to a medical practice by an organisation or company constitutes a supply of the service of the provision of staff, which is subject to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%. In such circumstances, the organisation or company supplying staff is obliged to register and account for VAT where their taxable turnover exceeds the threshold of €37,500 in any 12 month period and is entitled to deduct the VAT borne on the input costs associated with their taxable business activities. 89 Questions - Written Answers I am also advised that the provision of medical treatment or diagnostic services by a doctor is exempt from VAT and accordingly a medical practice in receipt of the provision of staff is not entitled to deduct VAT charged on the supply of the service of a locum doctor to the practice.

13/02/2018WRF02100Tax Reliefs Eligibility

13/02/2018WRF02200142. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief that can be claimed by the parents of a person (details supplied) who has been awarded a licence from the Depart- ment of Health to import medicinal cannabis, in view of the fact it is not covered by the person’s medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/18]

13/02/2018WRF02300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am informed by Revenue that tax relief in respect of health expenses is provided for in section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Section 469 defines “health expenses” as “expenses in respect of the provision of health care including drugs or medicines supplied on the prescription of a practitioner”.

The term “practitioner” is defined in the section as any person who is:

1. registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007,

2. registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act, 1985, or,

3. in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practice medicine or dentistry there.

In the case referred to by the Deputy, if the medicine is prescribed by a person falling within the above definition of practitioner, then it will qualify for tax relief.

For PAYE customers, the quickest and easiest way to claim health expenses is online using PAYE Services in myAccount. Income tax registered customers can claim the tax relief on their Form 11 annual tax return.

Further details in relation to income tax relief for health expenses are set out on the Rev- enue website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health- and-age/health-expenses/index.aspx and in the Tax and Duty Manual available at https://www. revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15- 01-12.pdf.

13/02/2018WRF02400Parliamentary Questions

13/02/2018WRF02500143. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7278/18]

13/02/2018WRF02600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The precise nature of the issue which the Deputy wishes to raise is unclear from the details supplied. Further information has been requested from the Deputy’s constituency office and I would be happy to address his query should the Deputy wish to ask this question again when further information is available.

13/02/2018WRF02700EU-IMF Programme of Support

90 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRF02800144. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the status of all bilateral loans the State has with the UK Exchequer; the amounts that are outstanding to be repaid; the interest due; the duration of the loan terms; if he has made amendments or changes to the loan schedules in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7310/18]

13/02/2018WRF02900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The UK Bilateral loan provided as part of the EU-IMF Programme was drawn down in eight equal tranches of £403 million over the period October 2011 to September 2013. The total UK Bilateral loan outstanding is £3.23 bil- lon.

This is a fixed rate loan. The weighted average interest rate, including service fees, on the aggregate UK loan facility is 2.6%. Interest is paid semi-annually, in June and December.

Each of the eight tranches had a 7.5 year term from drawdown. The residual weighted average maturity of the UK loan facility is now just over 2 years.

The first £0.4 billion tranche is due to be repaid in April 2019.

Further detail is available on the website of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) at http://www.ntma.ie/business-areas/funding-and-debt-management/euimf-programme/.

I have made no request for amendments or changes to the UK bilateral loan facility in the context of Brexit.

13/02/2018WRF03000Help-To-Buy Scheme Eligibility

13/02/2018WRF03100145. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) raised in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7324/18]

13/02/2018WRF03200Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Revenue that, for the purposes of the Help-to-Buy incentive, the relevant definition of a qualifying residence (as set out in section 477C(1) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) is “a new building which was not, at any time, used, or suitable for use, as a dwelling”.

Based on the information supplied by the Deputy, it would appear that the house in question was built and completed circa 2009 by the former owners, in which case it would have been suitable for use as a dwelling since that time. On that basis, its purchase would not qualify for the Help-to-Buy incentive.

13/02/2018WRF03300Unclaimed Pensions

13/02/2018WRF03400146. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to pensions and pension funds, part of which predate the foundation of the State; if such pensions could be willed or bequeathed to a successor; and if such pensions could still retain a monetary value which could be claimed. [7329/18]

13/02/2018WRF03500147. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to €400 million in old pension funds unclaimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7330/18]

13/02/2018WRF03600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 146

91 Questions - Written Answers and 147 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, a number of State bodies have a role in relation to the broad area of pensions policy. As Minister for Finance, my role has been primarily in relation to the use of tax policy to incentivise pension savings.

My colleague, Deputy Regina Doherty, as Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection has responsibility for State pension policy and for policy in relation to voluntary, supplementary pension provision.

In that context, officials from my department have been in contact with officials from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection who advised that Section 59 of the Pensions Act 1990 requires trustees to make arrangements for the payment of benefits, as provided for under the rules of a pension scheme, as they become due, whether in the State or in any other Member State. Trustees must also ensure that proper membership and financial records are kept. Members of pension schemes should receive annual statements from any pension schemes they have paid into. They further indicated that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has arrangements in place to assist with scheme member tracing, where pension schemes are having difficulty locating scheme members. Where the administrator of a pension scheme or of a life company is unable to trace a member using their own resources they can avail of that Department’s host mailing service for assistance in this process.

There is currently no single platform or infrastructure in place in Ireland allowing deferred scheme members to access information on their pensions savings and to trace their pension entitlements. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has had a number of meetings with industry where it was indicated that in many cases the pension funds can find owners of pension benefits using their own searches or by utilising that Department’s host mailing system.

Unclaimed benefits within occupational pension schemes can remain in the scheme indefinitely. Such funds remain there in trust for the member. Unclaimed personal pension funds and PRSAs established with an insurance undertaking are subject to the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003. Where the policy owner cannot be traced, those funds are transferred to the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Dormant Accounts Fund is part of a framework for the administration of unclaimed accounts. Statutory functions related to the Fund are held by the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Under the Dormant Accounts Acts 2001-2012 and the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003, balances on dormant accounts with banks, building societies and An Post and the net encashment value of certain life assurance policies are remitted to the State annually. The balances on dormant accounts are paid into the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by the NTMA.

Where an individual has been notified by an institution or has reason to believe that they have dormant funds in a branch of a bank, building society or An Post they should approach the relevant institution concerned and complete the Dormant Account Claim Form.

Where an individual has been advised by their life assurance company or have reason to believe they hold an unclaimed life assurance policy, they should approach the company concerned and complete the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policy Enquiry Form.

13/02/2018WRF03800Unclaimed Pensions

92 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRF03900148. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance if the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman or other offices of the State offer assistance to persons in finding lost pension funds belonging to successors. [7331/18]

13/02/2018WRF04000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Firstly, I must point out that the Fi- nancial Services and Pensions Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his statutory functions. I have no role in the day to day workings of his office.

Under the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017, the function of the Om- budsman in relation to pension schemes is to investigate allegations of financial loss occasioned to a potential beneficiary by an act of maladministration done by or on behalf of a pension provider.

Where an investigation by the Ombudsman establishes that a complainant has not received their correct entitlement under the rules of the scheme the Ombudsman can direct the scheme authorities to award such financial redress that will bring the benefits up to the level of the complainant’s entitlement.

The Ombudsman does not investigate a complaint where the complainant has not engaged with the pension provider concerned, and the pension provider has not been given a reasonable opportunity to deal with the complaint through the internal dispute resolution procedures of the provider concerned.

It is not a function of the Ombudsman (or of his predecessor, the Pensions Ombudsman) to provide a tracing service for former employees or their survivors who cannot locate the authorities in control of the pension funds of employers that no longer exist.

Before its merger with the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau the Office of the Pen- sions Ombudsman would occasionally receive requests about tracing pension funds. Although it was not a function of the Pensions Ombudsman, his Office would endeavor to use the extensive experience that had been gained over the years to provide whatever assistance it could in response to such enquiries. The Ombudsman has confirmed that he will continue in the same vein.

13/02/2018WRF04100Negative Equity Mortgages

13/02/2018WRF04200149. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance the measures being taken to assist families such as a person (details supplied) who are stuck in properties in negative equity; the schemes available for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7395/18]

13/02/2018WRF04300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): From a financial perspective the overall Government approach to the issue of mortgage difficulty has been to provide supports and measures to assist borrowers experiencing most difficulty in meeting their mortgage payments. For example, the Government has reformed personal insolvency, introduced the Abhaile Scheme which provides support via the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI), the Legal Aid Board and the Citizens Information Board (CIB).

It should be noted that the recent improvements in the economy have significantly reduced the numbers in negative equity and the most recent Central Bank Macro Financial Review indicates that as at Quarter 3 2017, only 8.7% of Primary Dwelling Homes (PDH) remain in negative equity, down from 36.2% at the end of 2012. A link to the Review is below https://www. centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/macro-financial-review/macro-financial-review-2017-ii.pdf. 93 Questions - Written Answers Also, it should be noted that negative equity borrowers who wish to move home are ex- empted from the deposit requirements which generally apply to second and subsequent buyers in the Central Bank mortgage lending measures.

13/02/2018WRF04400VAT Yield

13/02/2018WRF04500150. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of VAT and duties collected on goods coming from outside the EU in 2017; if an assessment is carried out with regard to the collection of such duties from online sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5961/18]

13/02/2018WRF04600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am informed by the Revenue Com- missioners that where goods are imported from a non-EU country, VAT and Customs Duty are chargeable at the point of importation based on the value, origin and the classification of the good. The amount of VAT and Customs Duty collected from all goods coming from outside the EU is provided in the following table. These figures are provisional and may be subject to revision.

Year Customs VAT 2017 €334.6 million €1,500 million

In addition to the application of taxes and duties to goods sold to Irish customers from outside the EU, it is also part of Revenue’s ongoing risk-based compliance programme to ensure that traders involved in distance-selling into Ireland from within the EU meet their Irish and EU VAT obligations, and so do not undermine the competitiveness of Irish retailers.

Revenue uses online search tools and advanced analytics to target unregistered online traders who may be selling to Irish customers. Our Risk Evaluation Analysis and Profiling (REAP) and Social Network Analysis (SNA) systems each use data from multiple sources which can be used in the risk- profiling of online traders.

Data sources include, for example, information provided by other EU Member States and Irish third-party data sources, as well as publicly-available online information. This data is then matched against Revenue’s taxpayer records in order to identify cases which potentially do not meet their Irish VAT obligations.

Since 2009, Revenue has registered over 2,100 online and distance-sellers for the purpose of charging and remitting Irish VAT. The VAT remitted to the Irish exchequer by these sellers has increased from €9.4m in 2009 to an estimated €78m in 2017, with a further projected increase to just under €100m by end-2018.

The majority of these traders are based in the UK, however other EU and non-EU traders comprise an increasing proportion of these sellers.

13/02/2018WRF04700Bond Markets

13/02/2018WRF04800151. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the State exposure to the Schuldschein bond market; if the Central Bank is gathering data in regard to credit levels here linked to this specific market; the amount of credit held in Schuldschein bonds; the amount of credit that was held in each of the past five years; the amount of credit that is held by State- supported banks; the amount of credit held by the construction sector; his views on this type of 94 13 February 2018 bond product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7433/18]

13/02/2018WRF04900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Schuldschein are a German instrument of loans issued against borrowers’ notes. As such they are not securities quoted on an exchange but are private placements, issued under German law and are usually held to maturity. The NTMA has advised me that it does not purchase Schuldschein but does issue Schuldschein on occasion. At present there is €602 million outstanding in Exchequer borrowings via Schul- dschein. This Exchequer borrowing is part of the medium/long-term debt component of the National Debt. The last Schuldschein issued by Ireland was in 2010.

The National Development Finance Agency as part of the NTMA have confirmed to me that as part of our existing PPP programme the State has no exposure to Schuldschein bonds. To be specific they were not used to finance the Schools Bundle 5 PPP project where Carillion was part of the Inspiredspaces PPP Company consortium.

AIB and PTSB have confirmed that they do not hold Schuldschein bonds as investment assets.

The Central Bank have advised me that due to statutory confidentiality obligations, the Central Bank is prevented from providing the supervisory information it receives in its role as supervisor of credit institutions.

Holdings of Schuldshein are not published in the Central Bank’s regular statistical series.

13/02/2018WRF04905Office of Public Works Projects

13/02/2018WRF04909152. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of works at Ardara bridge, Cadamstown, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6950/18]

13/02/2018WRF04918Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): Ardara Bridge at Cadamstown has been in very poor condition for many years, mainly attributable to factors such as the effects of water and invasive tree growth. Since 2007, considerable conservation work has been undertaken to save the bridge from collapse. The project has been phased to ensure that the work proceeds in a logical fashion recognising the need to address elements sequentially and to ensure that the necessary resources are in place to complete each individual task. The project has been technically very challenging and hampered by the extremely fragile nature of the structure. Over a number of seasons, high water levels in the river has made conditions for workers hazardous.

There is a serious historic collapse of the bridge on the downstream side and this is where attention is focussed currently. The OPW is at present working on a design solution for this collapse and it is intended that this part of the project will continue for much of the year. Once complete, this proposal will have to be submitted for the Consent of the Minister for Culture, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the National Monuments Acts. It is not expected that works will be on site until next year.

13/02/2018WRF04922Garda Station Refurbishment

13/02/2018WRF04925153. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Re- form the cost of reopening the six Garda stations recommended for same by Garda management; and the estimated full year cost of running same. [7056/18] 95 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRF04932Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kev- in Boxer Moran): The Office of Public Works (OPW) is engaging with An Garda Síochána (AGS) in relation to the re-opening of six Garda Stations. AGS has supplied the OPW with an outline of its accommodation requirements for five of the six stations. These outline accommodation briefs will facilitate OPW in carrying out the necessary surveys and assessments on the buildings and to draft scopes of work, including mechanical, electrical and communications services. Until agreed scopes of works are defined, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of re-opening.

The matter of the full-year running costs of Garda Stations, is a matter for An Garda Sío- chána.

13/02/2018WRF05000State Properties Data

13/02/2018WRF05100154. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the top 100 premises that the State is renting or leasing in 2016 and 2017; the amount of rent paid for each premises per annum; the landlord of the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/18]

13/02/2018WRF05200Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The following table schedules the top 100 premises that the Commissioners of Public Works leased on behalf of the State in 2016 & 2017. The Commissioners can only provide data on properties that are under their management. Other State bodies may have agreements in place that are outside of the Commissioners remit.

Top 100 leased properties listed in order of the highest rent downwards - the highlighted records in the table indicate properties that have since been surrendered:

RENT PA COUNTY PROPERTY NAME LANDLORD €8,248,351.99 DUBLIN Miesian Plaza Block REMLEY 1 €6,010,000.00 DUBLIN Harcourt Square HIBERNIA REIT PLC Garda Complex €2,970,000.00 DUBLIN Adelaide Road 29-31 CEDAR REAL ESTATE INVEST- MENTS PL €1,830,000.00 DUBLIN Parnell Square 13-15 ALSTEAD SECURITIES Parnell House €1,827,522.00 DUBLIN Revenue Castleview SILVERWOOD DEVELOP- Georges St Block C MENTS LTD €1,743,000.00 DUBLIN Mount Street Lower GREEN REIT LTD 85 - 93 €1,680,000.00 DUBLIN Adelaide Rd 65A IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE (Davitt House) €1,637,756.00 DUBLIN Mespil Road 43-49 DAVY TARGET INVESTMESTS PLC €1,582,719.32 DUBLIN Spencer Dock CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND €1,550,000.00 DUBLIN Navan Road Ash- FRIENDS FIRST LIFE towngate Block D €1,493,644.72 DUBLIN Parnell Square 16 ALSTEAD SECURITIES

96 13 February 2018 RENT PA COUNTY PROPERTY NAME LANDLORD €1,395,838.00 DUBLIN Bishops Square HINES GREIT 11 IRLAND FUND ICAV €1,368,195.00 DUBLIN Bishops Square HINES GREIT 11 IRLAND FUND ICAV €1,353,509.00 DUBLIN North King St 90 SUNMIST PROPERTIES LTD C/O Georges Court COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL €1,210,000.00 DUBLIN Earlsfort Terrace IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE Earl Centre Block C €1,207,670.00 DUBLIN Smithfield Probation LINDERS OF SMITHFIELD LTD Services Block B1 €1,206,096.51 DUBLIN Abbey Street Upper ULYSSES PROPERTY PART- 26 - 30 NERS C/O TETRACH CAPITAL (ASSET MANAGEMENT) €1,131,157.80 GALWAY Galway Revenue CAMGILL PROPERTY A HAON Fairgreen LTD €1,125,000.00 DUBLIN Amiens Street (Gan- GANDON PROPERTY LTD don House) €1,120,000.00 DUBLIN Pearse St 212-213 THE PROVOST FELLOWS & Oisín House SCHOLAR OF TRINITY COL- LEGE €1,065,000.00 DUBLIN Earlsfort Terrace IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE St Stephen’s Green House €1,051,020.41 DUBLIN Tallaght Airton Road AIRTON ROAD PROPERTIES LTD €1,023,559.00 DUBLIN Bishops Square HINES GREIT 11 IRLAND FUND ICAV €1,018,000.00 DUBLIN Shelbourne Road 21, J FRANK & MYLES & JASON Shelbourne House O’MALLEY T/A SHELBOURNE HOUSE PARTNERSHIP €1,010,000.00 DUBLIN Harcourt Street 75- GREEN REIT PLC 78 €1,000,000.00 DUBLIN Swords National GERARD GANNON Museum Storage €994,569.76 DUBLIN Abbey Street Upper ULYSSES PROPERTY PART- 26 - 30 NERS C/O TETRACH CAPITAL (ASSET MANAGEMENT) €900,000.00 DUBLIN Irish Life Centre IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE €900,000.00 DUBLIN Leeson Street Lower AVIVA LIFE & PENSIONS IRE- Ossory House LAND €900,000.00 LIMERICK Limerick Decen- MAYAN CONSTRUCTION tralised Office DFA €899,478.00 DUBLIN Infinity Building IRISH INFINITY FUND €868,000.00 DUBLIN Harcourt Road Dun CEDAR REAL ESTATE INVEST- Sceine MENTS PL €837,882.00 DUBLIN Bloom House JOSEPH & PATRICK LINDERS C/O LINDERS OF CHAPELIZOD

97 Questions - Written Answers RENT PA COUNTY PROPERTY NAME LANDLORD €804,500.00 DUBLIN Clonmel Street IRISH PUBLIC BODIES MUTU- (Clonmel Place) AL INSURANCE €783,500.00 DUBLIN Kildare Street 43-44 SETANTA CENTRE €760,000.00 DUBLIN Clonskeagh Belfield IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE Office Park €735,000.00 DUBLIN Mount St Lr 79-83 IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST Timberlay House €733,092.00 DUBLIN Bond Road Revenue DUBLIN PORT COMPANY Warehouse €730,000.00 DUBLIN Ely Place 7-8 Ely KNIGHTS OF SAINT COLUM- Court BANUS €702,000.00 DUBLIN Frederick St North WESTWARD GROUP Frederick Court €689,321.76 DUBLIN Capel Street 89 -94 THE DAVY PLATFORM ICAV SUBFUND:THE HARP PORTFO- LIO €672,175.55 DUBLIN Abbey Street Upper ULYSSES PROPERTY PART- 26 - 30 NERS C/O TETRACH CAPITAL (ASSET MANAGEMENT) €655,940.00 DUBLIN North King St 90 SUNMIST PROPERTIES LTD C/O Georges Court COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL €655,000.00 DUBLIN Claremont Road MANDON LIMITED C/O BCP Revenue Office ASSET €655,000.00 DUBLIN East Essex Street DELFINO PROPERTY Dolphin House €650,000.00 DUBLIN Irish Life Centre IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE €640,000.00 DUBLIN D’Olier Street DUBLIN CITY ESTATES (D’Olier House) €638,678.25 DUBLIN Blanchardstown GREEN REIT LTD Government Office €636,300.00 DUBLIN Waterloo Road St DAVY TARGET INVESTMENTS Martins House €612,000.00 DUBLIN Mount St Lower 73- IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST 79 Ballaugh House €612,000.00 DUBLIN St Stephens Green KW INVESTMENT FUNDS ICAV 94 €600,000.00 LEITRIM Carrick-on-Shannon LISCARA PARTNERSHIP SWO €583,065.35 GALWAY Galway Intreo Office CWC WEBWORKS LTD €573,700.00 MEATH Navan Government JAMES RING & GERRY Office Kilcairn O’CONNOR (IN RECEIVER- SHIP) €565,235.00 DUBLIN Dublin Airport Tran- DAA SHARED SERVICES saer House €560,000.00 DUBLIN Lombard St East 8 - SAGRADA LIMITED 11 Joyce House

98 13 February 2018 RENT PA COUNTY PROPERTY NAME LANDLORD €558,200.00 DUBLIN Kings Inn House ULYSSES PROPERTY PART- SWO & ESO NERS C/O TETRACH CAPITAL (ASSET MANAGEMENT) €543,880.00 DUBLIN The Chancery Build- HIBERNIA REIT PLC ing €494,410.00 DUBLIN Liberty Building LIBERTY INSURANCE DAC €484,011.35 MEATH Abbey Mall MCLOUGHLIN ABBEY ROAD PARTNERSHIP €474,039.04 DUBLIN The Guild Building TGC PROPERTY LEASING LTD €472,560.00 DUBLIN Metropolitan House EQUISIDE LTD €471,541.36 WICKLOW Block D Bray Civic DOT OPPORTUNITY NOMI- Centre NEES 2 LTD €450,000.00 DUBLIN Bow Street 31-35 THE DAVY PLATFORM ICAV SUBFUND:THE HARP PORTFO- LIO €439,921.00 MEATH Navan Athlumney THOMAS LYNCH & TIMOTHY House BOLAND €408,000.00 DUBLIN St Stephens Green KW INVESTMENT FUNDS ICAV 94 €400,000.00 DUBLIN Santry Revenue TONY DUFFY PROPERTY LTD Warehouse/Office €400,000.00 DUBLIN Tallaght Government SPECIFIED ASSETS OF Office St Johns Hse KELLY,MCCABE & WALSH (GLENN CRAN&DAVID POT- TER RECIEVER) €390,000.00 DUBLIN Balbriggan Passport BLESSVILLE LTD Office €390,000.00 DUBLIN Swords Government IPUT PLC & IRISH LIFE ASSUR- Office ANCE €380,000.00 CORK Cork Abbeycourt NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE House CO LTD €373,568.00 LIMERICK Limerick Govern- PATRICK J NOONAN ment Office Houston Hall €370,952.00 LIMERICK Limerick Revenue BLESSVILLE LTD Office €370,420.00 CORK Cork HIQA Decen- JOHN CLEARY DEVELOP- tralised Office MENTS €365,000.00 DUBLIN Conyngham Road RYANAIR D.A.C. Phoenix House €359,577.16 WEST- Athlone DSP/Proba- MMM PARTNERSHIP MEATH tion Service €315,000.00 CARLOW Carlow DJEI Office MEALEY MURPHY FLEMING PARTNERSHIP, C/O WILLIAM FLEMING & PARTNERS SO- LICITORS €312,000.00 DUBLIN Statoil Building MASONIC TRUST COMPANY

99 Questions - Written Answers RENT PA COUNTY PROPERTY NAME LANDLORD €285,000.00 DUBLIN Mountshannon Road SHARKEY & MAHER C/O DA- Furniture Branch Of- MIEN SHARKEY fice Block €283,000.00 DUBLIN Tallaght Government ASSETS L OMAHONY & T Office Plaza Com- MCFEELEY (DECLAN TAITE plex RECEIVER) €264,640.00 LAOIS Portlaoise Agricul- GRACE/LALOR/MCCUSKER/ ture Office Dublin O’MALLEY/AIDAN KELLY/ Rd BLUESKY €260,000.00 DUBLIN Sandyford Industrial JAMES & URSULA DOWLING Estate Geological Warehouse €258,179.33 DUBLIN Kings Inn House PARNELL PROPERTY PART- SWO & ESO NERSHIP €255,955.00 DUBLIN Smithfield Office of JOSEPH & PATRICK LINDERS Film Classification C/O LINDERS OF CHAPELIZOD €254,401.00 DUBLIN Navan Road Ash- YEW TREE INVESTMENT towngate Block B FUND PLC C/O BALLYBUNION CAPITAL LTD €254,034.00 KILDARE Naas Government GOLDSTATE LIMITED Office €250,000.00 DUBLIN Blanchardstown CG EPUT PROPERTY TRUST NOMI- Warehouse/Office NEES LTD €244,923.70 KERRY Listowel Revenue YEW TREE INVESTMENT Office FUND PLC C/O BALLYBUNION CAPITAL LTD €232,000.00 DUBLIN Tallaght Government ASSETS L OMAHONY & T Office Plaza Com- MCFEELEY (DECLAN TAITE plex RECEIVER) €231,553.95 KILDARE Athy Revenue Office ROYAL ORCHARD GROUP €230,000.00 MEATH Navan SWO LIBRATECH LTD €228,500.00 DUBLIN Harcourt St - Har- IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST court Centre Block €225,988.65 MEATH Abbey Mall MCLOUGHLIN ABBEY ROAD PARTNERSHIP €212,585.90 DUBLIN Park West Business AIRSCAPE LIMITED Park €212,000.00 DUBLIN East Wall PVII MOLLOY & SHERRY EIR- FREEZE LTD €211,542.00 DUBLIN Abbey Street Upper ULYSSES PROPERTY PART- 26 - 30 NERS C/O TETRACH CAPITAL (ASSET MANAGEMENT) €210,000.00 DUBLIN Hatch Street 13-15 BAVARIAN IMPORT LTD €208,275.00 DUBLIN Kings Inn House PARNELL PROPERTY PART- SWO & ESO NERSHIP

100 13 February 2018 RENT PA COUNTY PROPERTY NAME LANDLORD €206,500.00 DUBLIN Earlsfort Terrace IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE St Stephen’s Green House €205,933.00 CORK Cork Government DENIS & DANIEL O’FLYNN Office Irish Life Building

13/02/2018WRF05300Public Service Contracts

13/02/2018WRF05400155. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the public contracts that have been awarded to a company (details supplied) in each year since March 2011, in tabular form; the cost per contract; and the basis for each contract. [6790/18]

13/02/2018WRF05500Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The public procurement process for all public sector bodies is facilitated through the national eProcure- ment platform eTenders which is managed by the Office of Government Procurement. The eTenders platform processes both national and the European level contract award notices required to be published in the Official Journal of the EU. The accuracy of the data is dependent on that entered on eTenders by public sector buyers.

An analysis of contract award notices, both at national and European level, published on the eTenders platform since March 2011 shows that there was one contract award notice published for the company whose details were supplied by the Deputy. My officials will provide this information to the Deputy.

Details of companies trading through a subsidiary or as part of a consortium are not recorded on the award notices. The management of the tendering process and the administration of the contract once awarded is a matter for each contracting authority.

13/02/2018WRF05600Community Employment Schemes Supervisors

13/02/2018WRF05700156. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress that has been made at resolving the disagreement concerning the pension claim by community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors; the status of the work being carried out by the high level forum in respect of this pension claim; the recent engagement he has had with the various stakeholders involved from the community sector with a view to resolving this disagreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6862/18]

13/02/2018WRF05800Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 262 on 16 January 2018.

13/02/2018WRF05900Capital Expenditure Programme

13/02/2018WRF06000157. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of the €155 billion quoted in the media for the national development plan that will be direct Government expenditure; the amount that will be from the State enterprise sector; the amount that will be from PPPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7020/18]

13/02/2018WRF06100Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am not 101 Questions - Written Answers aware of the provenance of the figure referred to in the Deputy’s question.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently finalising a 10-year capital plan for the period 2018 to 2027. The fundamental objective of the capital plan is to support the implementation of the objectives detailed in the forthcoming National Planning Framework (NPF). In this context, the capital plan will, when published, set out the Government’s plans for Exche- quer and non-Exchequer capital investment for the ten year period.

As demonstrated by the €4.3 billion increase in multi-annual capital ceilings for Ministerial Vote Groups for the period 2018 to 2021 announced in the Estimates at Budget-time last Oc- tober, the Government is strongly committed to increasing public capital investment. The significant additional resources announced at Budget-time have been allocated on the basis of a detailed assessment of public capital investment needs set out in the review, published in Sep- tember 2017, of the 2015 capital plan. This assessment draws on the comprehensive infrastructure capacity and demand analysis prepared by the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service. These capital resources are also in addition to the additional €2.2 billion for housing set out in the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.

Consequently between 2014 and 2021 public capital expenditure in Ireland will have more than doubled and as set out by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, this will see public investment in Ireland moving to among the highest in the EU.

13/02/2018WRF06200Pension Provisions

13/02/2018WRF06300158. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has been consulted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in regard to the pension issues facing CIÉ; if a request for further funding from the Exchequer has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7021/18]

13/02/2018WRF06400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has not been consulted by the Minister for Transport, Tour- ism and Sport in relation to pensions issues facing CIE and no request for funding from the Exchequer has been made.

13/02/2018WRG00200Public Sector Pay

13/02/2018WRG00300159. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil and public servants earning less than the hourly living wage of €11.70 per hour by Department and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7028/18]

13/02/2018WRG00400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The information sought in this request would require detailed data on the position of staff on each salary scale across the public service and details of the standard working hours per week for each individual grade. This data is not available to the Department.

Pay band data available to the Department indicates that some 94% of all public service staff are on salary points in excess of €25,000 per annum. The suggested wage at €11.70 per hour based on the Civil Service 37 hour standard net working week equates to an annual salary of €22,589.

Any of those currently on an annual salary of less than €22,589 could be receiving remuneration in excess of the suggested living wage through additional premium payments in respect 102 13 February 2018 of shift or atypical working hours or are on salary scales that progress to the suggested living wage through incremental progression.

Data based on Civil Service staff only at end of Qtr 4 2017 indicates that only some 1% of staff (FTE) in the Civil Service are on salary points less than €22,589. Detailed information in other sectors of the public service would require collation on an individual sector level.

Under the new Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, from January 2018 pay rates in the public service have been further adjusted. The pay increases provided for under the Agreement are again progressively weighted towards the lower paid with benefits ranging from 7.4% to 6.2% over the term to end 2020. As a result, further pay rises under the Public Ser- vice Stability Agreement 2018-2020 will act to increase staff numbers earning above the living wage.

13/02/2018WRG00500Public Procurement Contracts

13/02/2018WRG00600160. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to make it a condition of public tenders and State contracts that suppliers must pay a minimum living wage of €11.70 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7029/18]

13/02/2018WRG00700Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The rationale for the EU public procurement regime is to open up the public procurement market and to ensure the free movement of goods, services and works within the EU. This is reflected in primary EU Law where the EU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union promotes the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, free movement of goods and services and freedom of establishment. These principles are reinforced in secondary EU law where the EU Directives on public procurement set out precise rules and procedures designed to ensure equal treatment, mutual recognition, proportionality and transparency in the awarding of public contracts.

EU rules require tenderers to be compliant with relevant labour law in order to participate in a public procurement process. The Directives make it clear that non-compliance with the relevant obligations may lead to exclusion of a tenderer from the procedure for the awarding of a public contract. The obligations on suppliers in relation to compliance with labour law are reflected in the template request for tender and contract documents for goods and services developed by the Office of Government Procurement in conjunction with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.

In relation to the specific issue of the living wage, there is, however, no legal basis in Irish law to make it a requirement on suppliers who wish to engage in public tendering. In addition, at EU level, any attempt to set wage rates through public procurement is also likely be viewed as protectionist and/or discriminatory and in breach of the EU Treaty principles enshrined in EU procurement directives. The National minimum wage, of course, applies to all contracts, public and private.

13/02/2018WRG00800Flood Relief Schemes Data

13/02/2018WRG00900161. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and list of flood alleviation and protection schemes funded in each year from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the amount committed to each project; the projects for which funding has been requested but not yet awarded or allocated; his plans to fund such projects within the remainder of the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7030/18] 103 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRG01000Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The following table sets out the major flood relief schemes which have been and are being funded by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and on which expenditure was incurred from the 1st January, 2015, to 9th February, 2018, along with the estimated whole life costs of each scheme.

Scheme Estimated “Whole life costs” Athlone, Co Westmeath** €12m approx Bandon, Co Cork** €25.5m Bray, Co Wicklow* €46m Claregalway, Co Galway** €7m Clonmel West Co Tipperary* €26m Clonmel North & East, Co Tipperary* €19m Crookstown, Co Cork €2m River Dodder (Tidal) Dublin* €16m River Dodder (Fluvial) Dublin** €14.5m Dunkellin River, Co Galway** €6.5m Ennis Lower, Co Clare** €19m Fermoy North, Co Cork* €9m Fermoy South, Co Cork* €29m Foynes, Co Limerick* €3m Johnstown, Co Kildare* €3m Mallow North, Co Cork* €23m Mallow South, Co Cork* €21m Mornington, Co Meath* €6m Northlands, Co Meath* €2.5m Skibbereen, Co Cork** €33m South Campshires, Dublin* €6m Templemore, Co Tipperary** €9m Tullamore, Co Offaly* €2m River Wad, Dublin* €6m Waterford City, Phases 2,3,4* €18m Bellurgan, Co Louth €0.7m Blackpool, Cork €16m Clonakilty, Co Cork €23m Douglas/Togher, Cork €10m Ennis South, Co Clare €9m Glashaboy (Glanmire), Co Cork €13m River Lee (Cork City) €140m Lower Morrell, Co Kildare €12m Arklow, Co Wicklow €28m Ballycullen, Co Dublin* €0.7m Ballymakeera, Co Cork €16m Crossmolina, Co Mayo €11m Enniscorthy, Co Wexford €39m Gort Lowlands, Co Galway €6m approx

104 13 February 2018 Scheme Estimated “Whole life costs” King’s Island, Limerick €15m approx Midleton, Co Cork €20m approx Raphoe, Co Donegal €3m approx * Schemes completed

** Schemes at construction

In addition to the above-funded schemes, projects which are in the pipeline for funding by the OPW and are under discussion between the OPW and various local authorities include:

Sandymount, Co Dublin

Camac River, Dublin

Carrigaline, Co Cork

Clontarf, Dublin

Macroom, Co Cork

Mountmellick, Co Laois

River Poddle, Dublin

Portmarnock, Co Dublin

Skerries, Co Dublin

Springfield, Co Clare

Whitechurch Stream, Co Dublin

In addition to these major schemes, the OPW has also provided funding to local authorities on a range of projects through the Minor Flood Alleviation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme which allows local authorities to undertake works or studies to address small localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their own administrative areas. Details of those projects which have been approved for funding in each year since 2009 are provided on the OPW website www.opw.ie./. Applications for funding under the Scheme are made by local authorities on an ongoing basis.

The Government has committed to significant increased investment in flood risk management in the current Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 which provides an allocation of €430m during the lifetime of the current Plan, during which the majority of the above projects will be implemented. It is anticipated that the new Capital Plan 2018-2027 will provide for a continuation of this increased level of investment in flood risk management so as to enable the remaining significant flood risk in the country to be addressed over the next decade through the continued implementation of schemes in the existing programme of flood relief capital works and the implementation of new schemes which will arise from the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme. The Plans are expected to be published shortly.

13/02/2018WRG01100Capital Expenditure Programme

105 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRG01200162. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of additional capital allocated to each Department and agency as a result of budget 2018 for 2018, 2019 and 2020 of the current plan; the specific projects this funding was planed for in each case, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7031/18]

13/02/2018WRG01300Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Following the announcement of the Estimates for 2018 last October, my Department published “Exche- quer Capital Envelopes 2018 - 2021, Outcomes of the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan - New Projects and Programmes”. This document which is available at the www.budgetgov.ie website sets out the amount of additional capital allocated to each Ministerial Vote Group for the period 2018 - 2021 and also contains details of the projects and programmes to which this additional funding was allocated as requested by the Deputy in her question.

Further details of the specific projects to be funded with these allocations were also announced by the relevant Ministers at Budget time and are available on the websites of the relevant Departments.

13/02/2018WRG01400Flood Relief Schemes Funding

13/02/2018WRG01500163. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be granted for the elimination of the flooding risk at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7192/18]

13/02/2018WRG01600Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.

The CFRAM Programme focussed on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.

The area referred to by the Deputy is within an AFA and is being assessed by the South Western CFRAM Programme. The proposed viable flood relief measures for that AFA, would protect the properties at risk in that location.

The Draft Flood Risk Management Plans were published for public consultation in 2016 and a significant volume of submissions were received for consideration. In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements.

I would hope in the coming weeks to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process.

Questions Nos. 164 to 167, inclusive, withdrawn. 106 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRG01700Civil Service Reform

13/02/2018WRG01800168. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on proposals (details supplied). [7380/18]

13/02/2018WRG01900Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Report of the Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance was published in June 2014 and its recommendations were considered by the then Minister and Government in the context of determining actions for a programme of civil service renewal. The Panel made 10 key recommendations all of which have been included in the Civil Ser- vice Renewal Plan, except for the Head of Civil Service structure. The Civil Service Renewal Plan published in October 2014 brings together the outcomes of the work of the Independent Panel and the work of the Civil Service Renewal Task Force which was made up of civil servants from all Government Departments. The Plan was informed by an extensive engagement process involving more than 2,000 staff and stakeholders.

Implementation of the Plan is ongoing and the latest progress report was published in June 2017 and is available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Significant progress has been made on delivering the actions within the plan, in particular the following have been delivered to date:

- A new programme of organisational capability reviews

- A Civil Service wide mobility scheme for Clerical Officers and Executive Officers which will be extended to other grades in due course

- A new People Strategy for the Civil Service

- The establishment of a Civil Service Management Board

- The establishment of the Civil Service Accountability Board

- The strengthened of performance management processes

- New talent management programmes for staff

- Civil Service Employee Engagement Surveys - 2015 and 2017

- The introduction of a new shared model for Learning and Development, One Learning

- The development of the whodoeswhat.gov.ie website which sets out the Assignment of Responsibilities under the Public Service Management Act 1997

13/02/2018WRG02000University Governance

13/02/2018WRG02100169. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his understanding of the financial relationship between DCU and a university (details supplied). [6811/18]

13/02/2018WRG02200181. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his understanding of the financial relationship between DCU and a university (details supplied). [6800/18]

13/02/2018WRG02300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 181 together.

My Department Officials have requested DCU to provide details in relation to the relation- 107 Questions - Written Answers ship of the university with the institute referred to by the Deputy.

Upon receipt of the details I arrange for the information to be issued directly to the Deputy in a timely manner.

13/02/2018WRG02400Teachers’ Remuneration

13/02/2018WRG02500170. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe to end pay inequality for teachers; when a decision will issue on the pay review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6676/18]

13/02/2018WRG02600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. I negotiated together with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, a 15-22% pay increase for new teachers. The agreements to date have restored an estimated 75% of the difference in pay for more recently recruited teachers and deliver full equality at later points in the scale.

As a result of the changes I negotiated together with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the current starting salary of a new teacher is €35,958 and from 1 October 2020 onwards will be €37,692. If full equalisation was achieved the starting salary for a post-primary teacher from 1 October 2020 would be €43,879 and for a primary teacher would be €41,511, at a cost of over €200 million across the public service.

Differential pay scales were introduced by the then Government in 2010. It must be borne in mind that the pay reduction for post-2011 entrants to the public service applied to all public servants and not just teachers, and that any restoration of these measures in respect of teachers would be expected to be applied elsewhere across the public service. While I am not in a position to provide an estimate of the total cost of restoring all post-1 January 2011 entrants in all of the public service to the pre-2011 pay scale arrangements, I can say that in the case of education and training sector employees, including teachers, the estimated current full year cost would be in the order of €130 million. Clearly, the cost across the entire public service would be substantially higher.

To have gone further than the pay increases that have been negotiated for 2018 would mean I would have had less money available to hire over 1,000 extra SNAs in 2018, and over 1,000 extra teachers in 2018.

Any further negotiation on new entrant pay is a cross sectoral issue, not just an issue for the education sector. The Government also supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the FEMPI legislation, having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.

A commitment is included in the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 to consider the issue of newly qualified pay within 12 months of the commencement of the Agreement. That process has now commenced with a first meeting on 12 October 2017. The three teacher unions attended that first meeting.

In addition, the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides that within 3 months of the passing of the Act, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will prepare and lay before the Oireachtas a report on the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for new entrants to the public service.

108 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRG02700School Accommodation

13/02/2018WRG02800171. Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount his Department has spent on temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied) in each of the years 2000 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6701/18]

13/02/2018WRG02900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that details of expenditure on temporary accommodation, at the school referred to, are available on my Department’s Financial Management System from 2003. The details of any costs incurred between 2000 and 2003 cannot be readily located. The available information is set out in the following table. I wish to advise that the amounts include both rental and buy-out costs of temporary accommodation approved for the school.

Year Costs incurred 2003 €20,801.75 2004 €133,660.16 2005 €122,120.64 2006 €175,119.80 2007 €119,807.32 2008 €178,223.85 2009 €117,557.24 2010 €55,254.23 2011 €237,885.46

13/02/2018WRG03000Capital Expenditure Programme Review

13/02/2018WRG03100172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review of the programme for capital expenditure in 2018 and 2019 in the context of schools building projects; the timeframe for the progression of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6724/18]

13/02/2018WRG03200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

The Stage 2b submission has been reviewed by my Department and comments have issued to the school and its Design Team. My Department requested confirmations from the Design Team that it carries out one final review of all of its tender documentation to ensure compliance with DoES requirements. The Design Team has been requested to submit written confirmation from each Design Team member including the PSDP that they have completed this review and are satisfied that the Tender Documents are complete, correct and in compliance with DoES and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R) tender documentation requirements. These confirmations have recently been received.

My Department will revert to the school with regard to the further progression of the project in the coming weeks.

13/02/2018WRG03300Student Grant Scheme Applications

109 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRG03400173. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) did not received a SUSI grant. [6729/18]

13/02/2018WRG03500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.

This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at [email protected]. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe.

Under Section 21(2) of the Student Support Act 2011 an applicant has 30 days, from the date of the Appeals Officer’s decision in the awarding authority, to submit their appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board (Board). Under Section 21(3) of the Act the Board may extend this period by a further 30 days if it is satisfied that the applicant has given reasonable cause to do so.

Please be advised that the Board does not have any discretion to extend the time period beyond that allowed for in the Act.

13/02/2018WRG03600Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRG03700174. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6746/18]

13/02/2018WRG03800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The tabular statement contains details of expenditure at my Department on photography and associated matters since 2016 as requested by the Deputy.

Details of such expenditure in connection with bodies under the aegis of the Department are not collated centrally. Therefore, I have requested officials at my Department to request the information from the bodies concerned and I will forward this to the Deputy when it is to hand.

Year Occasion Photographer Total (€) 2017 21 December 2017 - Minister Mitchell Maxwell Photography 430.50 O’Connor Funding Announcement 2017 20 December 2017 - Minister Bruton Com- Maxwell Photography 393.60 puter Science Announcement

110 13 February 2018 Year Occasion Photographer Total (€) 2017 11 December 2017 - Physical Education Maxwell Photography 412.05 Announcement 2017 6 November 2017 - Gender Taskforce JCP Photography 492.00 Launch 2017 17 October 2017 - Minister Bruton Photo- Fennell Photography 109.25 call 2017 6 Septmber 2017 - Minister Halligan Por- Maxwell Photography 504.30 traits 2017 25 August 2017 - Minister Bruton Portraits Maxwell Photography 223.86 2017 23 August 2017 - Minister Mitchell Maxwell Photography 189.42 O’Connor Portraits 2017 26 June 2017 - Music Generation Photog- Fennell Photography 369.00 raphy 2017 20 June 2017 - Digital Strategy Launch Maxwell Photography 522.37 2017 25 April 2017 - Active Schools Week Maxwell Photography 499.38 Launch 2017 14 March 2017 - Literacy and Numeracy Fennell Photography 497.20 Strategy 2017 6 February 2017 - Department Action Plan Phocus Photography 492.00 Launch 2016 17 October 2016 - EIB Loan Agreement Maxwell Photography 120.54 Signing 2016 15 Septmber 2016 - Action Plan for Educa- Maxwell Photography 981.54 tion 2016 Launch 2016 10 June 2016 - Music Education Bursary Maxwell Photography 499.38 Scheme 2016 03 June 2016 - Action Plan for Disadvan- Maxwell Photography 516.60 taged Schools

Total 7252.99

13/02/2018WRG03900Institutes of Technology Funding

13/02/2018WRG04000175. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reply will issue to a query from a person (details supplied) regarding an application. [6761/18]

13/02/2018WRG04100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As part of the review of capital funding requirements in Higher Education Institutions, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) submitted a proposal outlining the refurbishment of the North and South Block as a priority for capital funding should it become available.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) recently met with representatives of DKIT in order to progress consideration of this specific project. Following that meeting, an updated proposal from the Institute is awaited.

My Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to the HEA designated higher education institutions, including Institutes such as DKIT. The HEA allocates this funding to the institutions and the internal disbursement of funding is then a matter for the

111 Questions - Written Answers individual institution. The HEA is closely monitoring the financial position of all of the IoTs and in particular is working closely with those operating in deficit to ensure appropriate mechanisms are put in place to eliminate the deficits as quickly as possible.

13/02/2018WRG04200Teachers’ Professional Development

13/02/2018WRG04300176. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he is examining the issue of mobility for experienced teachers and new entrants in the teaching profession; the way in which he plans to improve career mobility for new and existing teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/18]

13/02/2018WRG04400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The teacher Unions have recently raised the issue of further mobility of both Primary and Post Primary teachers at the Teacher Conciliation Council (TCC).

The TCC is part of the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers and was set up to deal with claims and proposals relating to the Terms and Conditions of employment of teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of teachers, school management, the Depart- ment of Education and Skills, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.

As the proceedings of the TCC are confidential, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment.

13/02/2018WRG04500Teachers’ Professional Development

13/02/2018WRG04600177. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the implementation of a bursary initiative to attract graduates into initial teacher education in key subject areas such as STEM and languages will be considered. [6763/18]

13/02/2018WRG04700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Over 5,000 additional teachers have been successfully recruited in the last two years and the numbers of graduates from initial teacher education programmes have remained broadly constant. In both 2018 and 2019 it is estimated that the number of graduates will be in the region of 1,850 primary and 1,500 post primary teachers.

The Deputy will be aware that in November 2017 I launched a STEM Policy Statement and Implementation Plan, which aims to make Ireland the best in Europe in STEM by 2026. This Policy Statement focusses on the many strengths in STEM education in Ireland while providing a roadmap to address the areas for development.

Late last year I also launched the Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education and Imple- mentation Plan, which set out a roadmap to put Ireland in the top ten countries in Europe for the teaching and learning of foreign languages, through a number of measures targeted at improving proficiency, diversity and immersion.

In order to deliver on the ambitions we have set for STEM and foreign languages, we will need to increase teacher supply in key priority areas. At post primary level, we are considering the introduction of subject quotas in ITE programmes. We are also considering the introduction of “top up” or conversion courses to upskill teachers. I have also announced that I want to double the number of places on undergraduate course to train second level teachers, particularly in areas like STEM. Many of these courses are already offered in STEM subjects. 112 13 February 2018 I intend shortly to establish a Teacher Supply Steering Group to develop a strategy for teacher supply. As part of its remit, the Group will consult with key stakeholders and will consider all options to increase teacher supply in priority areas.

I will also ask the Teaching Council to review subject criteria and processes for assessing out of state qualifications and to engage more with graduate fairs, and final year students.

13/02/2018WRG04800Protected Disclosures

13/02/2018WRG04900178. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received complaints from a person (details supplied) regarding the way in which protected disclosure legislation is being enacted and the way in which there are gaps in the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; if he has investigated the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6780/18]

13/02/2018WRG05000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 became operational in July 2014. Under section 2 of the Act, the Minister for the De- partment of Public Expenditure and Reform is required to commence a review of the operation of the Act not later than three years from when the Act was passed.

Accordingly, a consultation process was undertaken by that Department’s during 2017 and a report will be made to each House of the Oireachtas within 12 months on the findings from the review and the conclusions drawn from the findings.

Correspondence from the individual referred to by the Deputy has been received by the Department.

13/02/2018WRG05100School Accommodation

13/02/2018WRG05200179. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the assessment of a school (details supplied) will be carried out to determine if the prefabs will be replaced in line with the school’s recent application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6784/18]

13/02/2018WRG05300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school referred to by the Deputy applied for capital funding to replace prefabs and to upgrade its existing classroom accommodation.

The school was advised that it is my Department’s intention to replace all purchased temporary accommodation with permanent accommodation, where the need is established, over the lifetime of the Department’s Capital Programme (2016-2021).

To enable this development, my Department will be carrying out an assessment of the number of prefabs being used in schools to deliver the curriculum. This will also determine whether or not individual prefabs need to be replaced in the context of the long-term accommodation needs of each individual school. When completed, this assessment will quantify the number of prefabs to be replaced.

It is intended that this assessment, when finalised, will enable the replacement of such prefabs to commence in 2019. A funding provision of €180 million is being made available from 2019 for this initiative in the programme.

In relation to upgrading the school’s existing classroom accommodation, the position is

113 Questions - Written Answers that due to the competing demands on my Department’s capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise the funding available for the provision of essential school accommodation to meet demographic growth, it is not possible at this time to provide funding for this purpose. The school has been advised accordingly.

13/02/2018WRG05400Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRG05500180. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the school project brief has been completed in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if so, the progress made to date on the project since completion of the project brief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6794/18]

13/02/2018WRG05600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I can confirm that building projects for the schools referred to by the Deputy are included in my Department’s 6 Year Capital Programme.

Primarily, the purpose of the building projects is to provide additional accommodation as well as the replacement of current temporary accommodation.

The development of the project brief must have regard to the continuance of the existing schools whilst construction is underway. Due to the complexities of the schools existing site, issues to be considered in the development of the project brief include identifying the preferred location of the buildings (having regard to the challenging site), decanting considerations and construction traffic access.

The Project Brief is being finalised having regard to a complex technical assessment process involved in this case. In that connection, the Department will be in further contact with the school in relation to the next steps at the earliest opportunity.

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 169.

13/02/2018WRG05800University Governance

13/02/2018WRG05900182. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if payments made by DCU to staff and other workers delivering courses at a university (details supplied) are in keeping with Government pay guidelines. [6801/18]

13/02/2018WRG06000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded in due course.

13/02/2018WRG06100University Governance

13/02/2018WRG06200183. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it is appropriate for DCU to publish a job vacancy for an assistant professor in digital marketing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6802/18]

13/02/2018WRG06300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded in due course.

13/02/2018WRG06400University Governance 114 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRG06500184. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it is appropriate for DCU to advertise for an assistant professor in entrepreneurship in view of the fact that the job advertisement stated only female applicants will be considered for this role. [6803/18]

13/02/2018WRG06600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded in due course.

13/02/2018WRH00200Third Level Staff Recruitment

13/02/2018WRH00300185. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it is appropriate for DCU to advertise for an assistant professor of advanced practice nursing in view of the fact that the job advertisement stated only female applicants can be considered for this role. [6804/18]

13/02/2018WRH00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded in due course.

13/02/2018WRH00500Summer Works Scheme Administration

13/02/2018WRH00600186. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the summer works scheme will be reopened for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6813/18]

13/02/2018WRH00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is being applied on a multi-annual basis. The Deputy will also be aware that nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand.

Almost €80 million has been approved to date under the Summer Works Scheme, in respect of over 640 school projects in categories 1 - 6. Details of the successful school applicants are published on my Department’s website www.education.ie.

The 2018 budgetary provision will allow my Department to meet the carry over costs of summer works projects already approved. The assessment of applications in the remaining categories 7-10 as well as proceeding with any future summer works scheme will be considered in the context of the availability of funding within the overall capital allocation.

13/02/2018WRH00800Student Support Schemes

13/02/2018WRH00900187. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of funding available to part-time third level students in academic years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6870/18]

13/02/2018WRH01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The main support to students attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Student Grant Scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding, provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment (progression) and means.

115 Questions - Written Answers Under the scheme, students must be attending approved full-time courses. Part-time courses are not eligible for support.

No specific funding was made available to part-time third level students in the academic years to which the Deputy refers. However, the Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement regarding the new 1916 Bursary Fund. This Fund will support 600 students over the course of the next three years. These Bursaries differ from existing bursaries in a number of respects, in that they are targeted at non-traditional entry and can support undergraduate study on either a full-time or part-time basis. This new fund is on top of the additional €1m which was allocated to the Student Assistance Fund in 2017, for the support of part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups.

13/02/2018WRH01100School Guidance Counsellors

13/02/2018WRH01200188. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of restoring guidance counsellors to one per 500 pupils ex-quota at post-primary schools. [6871/18]

13/02/2018WRH01300193. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the guidance counsellor to pupil ratio ex-quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6951/18]

13/02/2018WRH01400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 193 together.

Measures announced by my Department as part of Budget 2016, 2017 and 2018 mean that 500 of the 600 guidance posts that was withdrawn in Budget 2012 will be restored to schools from September 2018.

All of these 500 posts are allocated separately and transparently and outside of the quota on the normal schedule of posts.

The provision of 1 guidance counsellor per 500 students would require 250 posts in addition to the 500 posts which have been restored in the past three Budgets at an estimated cost of €15m per annum.

The Teacher Allocations section of my Department recently issued circular 7/2018 which outlines the allocation of teaching posts (including the calculation of guidance provision) to second-level schools for the 2018/19 school year. The circular is available on the Department website.

13/02/2018WRH01500School Accommodation Provision

13/02/2018WRH01600189. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for a link corridor for connectivity between various buildings in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6875/18]

13/02/2018WRH01700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I can confirm that my De- partment has received an application for significant capital funding for additional accommodation, including link corridor, from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The application is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process is completed.

116 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRH01800School Enrolments

13/02/2018WRH01900190. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have been issued with a letter from his Department directing them to cap their enrolment to half stream; the denominational breakdown of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/18]

13/02/2018WRH02000208. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his De- partment is retrospectively seeking to impose a growth restriction on recently opened Educate Together schools in Tramore, New Ross, Castlebar, Trim and Tuam against the lawful preference of a significant number of families in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7096/18]

13/02/2018WRH02100209. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department is instructing Educate Together schools to turn away large numbers of families in Tramore, New Ross, Castlebar, Trim and Tuam (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7097/18]

13/02/2018WRH02200210. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department is restricting the long-term viability of developing schools in Tramore, New Ross, Castlebar, Trim and Tuam when his Department’s 2012-13 forum of patronage and pluralism report recommended that accommodation options for a full stream of provision should be considered for each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7098/18]

13/02/2018WRH02300213. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a cap has been placed on enrolment to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7177/18]

13/02/2018WRH02400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 208 to 210, inclusive, and 213 together.

As the Deputies may be aware, the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector recommended that demand for patronage diversity should be met in areas of stable population by divesting patronage of existing schools where there is evidence of parental demand for change.

In this context, in 2012/13, my Department undertook surveys of parental preferences in 43 areas of stable population to establish the level of demand for a wider choice in the patronage of primary schools. These areas were all stable in terms of population growth, so no new school places were required, however sufficient demand for more choice emerged in 28 areas, including in Tramore, New Ross, Trim, Tuam and Castlebar.

In the majority of the 28 areas surveyed where sufficient demand emerged, the level of parental demand for a wider choice indicated a size of half a single stream school (comprising of 4 classrooms) being required to accommodate such a level of demand.

The establishment of Tramore Educate Together National School (ETNS), New Ross ETNS, Trim ETNS, Tuam ETNS and Castlebar ETNS as half stream schools (4 classrooms) has its origins in the “Report on the pilot surveys regarding parental preferences on primary school patronage” and the “Report on the surveys regarding parental preferences on primary school patronage” and is also cognisant of the available accommodation. This has been reflected in my Department’s engagement with the patron of the schools, Educate Together, and was reiterated in correspondence and communications with these schools.

117 Questions - Written Answers A case has been submitted by Educate Together to my Department to further expand Tra- more ETNS, New Ross ETNS, Trim ETNS, Tuam ETNS and Castlebar ETNS and this is currently under consideration.

My Department is currently carrying out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post-primary level to identify areas of demographic growth and determine where additional school accommodation is needed in order to plan for school provision and this work is almost complete. In this context, the outcome of these nationwide demographic exercises will input into consideration of the case submitted by Educate Together.

13/02/2018WRH02500Oireachtas Joint Committee Recommendations

13/02/2018WRH02600191. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills will be implemented in order to allow those attending private colleges to receive SUSI grants; if so, when students of colleges (details supplied) can expect to receive grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6939/18]

13/02/2018WRH02700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The recommendations of the report have been considered in light of the wider Higher Education funding landscape including the Cassells Report and with regard to on-going priorities for funding in the Higher Education area. Many of the recommendations in the report will impact on the Higher Educa- tion budget and therefore the Department is not in a position to advance them at this time.

As committed to in the Programme for Government, the Cassells report has been referred to the Education Committee as part of the process for formulating a plan for the future of the sector. In order to inform its consideration of the review, the Committee have requested further information from my Department on each of the potential policy options. The recommendations from the Joint Committee will inform future decisions in this policy area. No decisions will be made pending the outcome of the Joint Committee’s deliberations.

13/02/2018WRH02800School Accommodation Provision

13/02/2018WRH02900192. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an assessment has been carried out on the additional information supplied by a school (details supplied); if the application has been considered in full; when a decision is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6940/18]

13/02/2018WRH03000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved temporary accommodation to the school concerned to facilitate additional classroom capacity. A letter to this effect has issued to the school authority.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 188.

13/02/2018WRH03200Speech and Language Therapy Data

13/02/2018WRH03300194. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the new pilot scheme for in-school speech and language therapists; the number of participating schools; the demographic in this regard; the number of therapists employed under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6970/18] 118 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRH03400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Programme for a Part- nership Government states that a new model of In-School Speech and Language Therapy will be established.

In October of this year, Budget 2018 provided an additional €2M to introduce a pilot/demonstration project for in-school Therapy services in 2018.

The demonstration project will develop and test a model for the delivery of in school speech and language and occupational therapy support, in a defined regional area, across a range of schools, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and supplementing existing HSE therapy services.

The pilot will focus on developing greater linkages between educational and therapy supports.

I will be announcing further details in relation to the project in the near future.

13/02/2018WRH03500Autism Support Services

13/02/2018WRH03600195. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to implement the policy advice of the National Council for Special Education regarding children with ASD; if all of the recommendations of the report will be implemented; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6971/18]

13/02/2018WRH03700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): In 2016 the National Council for Special Education published updated policy advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In developing this policy advice, the NCSE consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research.

The NCSE policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools (2016) found that Students are generally well supported in schools with appropriate curriculum; extensive teacher and SNA supports; improving range of educational placements supported by improved accommodation and equipment; improved teacher knowledge and understanding and a generally good standard of provision at primary and post primary levels.

The NCSE policy advice noted that ASD is a spectrum condition, so some students with ASD require little support in school and are relatively independent in their learning, while others require significant levels of support.

The NCSE Policy Advice also states that International Research findings suggest that most students with ASD should be considered for inclusion in mainstream education with their peers, where inclusion is well-planned and well-resourced.

The report includes 11 key Recommendations which focus on improvements which might be considered to the range of provisions which are currently available for children with Autism in schools.

The report is available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.

My Department has convened an Implementation Group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the Inspectorate and external representatives to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered and that a timetable for implementation is prepared. The work of the Implementation Group is ongoing. 119 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRH03800Departmental Funding

13/02/2018WRH03900196. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if musical organisations here are in receipt of funding to provide for instrumental music and learning; if so, the organisations concerned; the amount received in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7026/18]

13/02/2018WRH04000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department funds a number of music education organisations, both directly and through a number of initiatives, including Music Generation.

Music Generation was formed by a partnership between U2, Music Network, the Inter- national Funds for Ireland and the education sector has enabled a series of Music Education Partnerships (MEPs) to be established around the country on a phased basis to provide vocal and instrumental music tuition for young people. The intention was that the philanthropic contributions would fund 50% of the initiative in the early years of development with local Music Education Partners (VECs (now ETBs) and local authorities) providing the other 50%, and that programmes would be continued into the future with Exchequer funding when the philanthropic donations cease.

Philanthropic funding for Phase 1 of Music Generation was phased out and the Department of Education and Skills has taken over 50% funding of Music Generation between 2014 and 2016, with the balance provided by partners in the local MEPs. In 2016 all funding for established Phase 1 Music Education Partnerships came from the DES and the local partnerships, without philanthropic support.

Agreement was given for Phase 2 of Music Generation to proceed by the Department in 2016. Funded initially by philanthropic donations (U2 and The Ireland Funds) it involves the launch of up to 9 new Music Education Partnerships. These are initially being funded by philanthropic funding, including from U2, but will move, as for Phase 1, towards exchequer funding.

The application process for Phase 2 closed in May 2017 and in September 2017, Music Generation announced 9 new areas of Ireland that will receive philanthropic funding from U2 and the Ireland Funds to create increased access to non-mainstream music education for children and young people in their local areas.

On 7 December 2017, at the launch of the Creative Youth programme, An Taoiseach announced that Phase 3 of Music Generation would proceed in the coming years, funded entirely with exchequer funding.

Music Generation currently reaches over 41,000 children and young people annually. This number will increase with the establishment of Phase 2 MEPs, and again with nationwide rollout.

Year €m 2017 2.485 2016 2.545 2015 1.4

Phase 1 MEPs Phase 2 MEPs Louth Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Mayo Leitrim

120 13 February 2018 Phase 1 MEPs Phase 2 MEPs Sligo Galway City Cork City Galway County Laois Roscommon Wicklow Wexford Carlow Waterford Limerick City Kilkenny Offaly/Westmeath Cavan/Monaghan Clare South Dublin * Co-Operation Hours

Co-operation hours are allocated for a number of different purposes, including for music education. These are additional teacher allocation hours which are to be used for special projects. Four ETBs get Co-Operation hours related to Music. For example, City of Dublin ETB get 15,000 hours for Ballyfermot Music Centre. Limerick and Clare get 21,181 hours for the Limerick School of Music. Cork receives a further 30,000 co-operation hours for the Music Scheme Cork. Co-operation hours provide high quality music tuition for over 38,000 students annually.

Year €m 2017 6.08 2016 6.08 2015 6.08 ETB Name of Centre Hours approved Hours approved Hours approved 2014/15 2016/17 2017/18 City of Dublin Ballyfermot 15,000 15,000 15,000 Music Centre Galway and Music Scheme 1,000 1,000 1,000 Roscommon GTI Limerick and School of Music 21,181 21,181 21,181 Clare Northside 600 600 600 Learning Hub Music Centre 1,000 1,000 1,000 Ennis Cork Music Scheme 30,000 30,000 30,000 Cork 68,781 68,781 68,781 * Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary

The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary is a DES funded initiative to provide additional funding to non-mainstream educational initiatives. The purpose of the scheme is to provide support by way of a cash grant, to established, smaller-scale, non-mainstream music education/community music initiatives with limited or no access to other forms of public funding. Grants are not intended for use on capital expenditure such as structural/building costs, but can be used for instruments. Award of the bursary is done based on published criteria. The scheme was first established in 2016 and continued in 2017.

121 Questions - Written Answers Year €m 2017 0.1 2016 0.6 2015 - 2017 Bursary Awards

€15,000 - Whitefriar Street String Project, Dublin 2.

€10,000 - Citywise Durken Education Centre, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

€10,000 - Crumlin Community Youth Band, Dublin 12.

€10,000 - Cavan-Monaghan LAEP – Counties Cavan and Monaghan.

€11,000 - Finglas Concert Band – Dublin 11.

€5,000 - Limerick City Rhythm & Swing - Limerick City, County Limerick.

€2,000 - Cork Youth Orchestra – County Cork.

€4,000 - Innisboffin Island – County Galway.

€2,500 - Artane Boys Band – Dublin 5.

€2,500 - Ballymore Eustace – County Kildare.

€2,500 - Bandon Concert Band – County Cork.

€2,500 - Blanchardstown Brass Band – Dublin 15.

€2,500 - Clara Town Band – County Offaly

€2,500 - Colour My Strings

€2,500 - HFC Concert Band

€2,500 - CCE Club Cheoil Ballyphelane – County Cork.

€ 1,000 each for

- CCE Camross Laois, County Laois.

- CCE Cluain Tarbh, Clontarf, Dublin 3.

- CCE Anne Devlin Comhaltas Branch, Aughrim, County Wicklow.

- CCE Bray, County Wicklow.

- CCE Gorey/Ballygarrett, Gorey, Carrig an Bannow, County Wexford.

- CCE Charleville, County Cork.

- CCE Portmarnock, County Dublin.

- CCE Chill Bheolain, Milford, County Cork.

- CCE Kilmovee, Ballaghderreen, County Mayo.

- CCE Danescastle Music Group, County Wexford. 122 13 February 2018 - CCE Rahan, Tullamore, County Offaly.

- CCE Rathaneska, Stradbally, County Laois.

- CCE Spink, Abbeyleix, County Laois.

2016 Bursary Awards

€10,000 - St. Agnes Community Centre for Music and Arts

€10,000 - DIT Ballymun Music Programme

€2,500 - Galway Roscommon ETB Initiative

€2,500 - Kerry ETB Initiative

€2,500 - Musical Youth Foundation

€2,500 - Kiltra School of Music

€2,000 - Radhairc Ceilteach Baile Munna

€1,000 each for

- Colour my Strings

- Letterkenny & District Pipe Band

- Achill Pipe Band

- Steadfast Shoes Brass Band

- Mullaghboy Accordion Band

- Rahan Comhaltas

- Blanchardstown Brass Band

- HFC Concert Band

- Carndonagh Brass Band

- Supertones Choir

- St. Patrick’s Brass Band Galway

- Manor Kilbride Music School

- Clara Town Band

- Cullen Pipe Band

- Loch Garman Band

- Dungarvan Brass Band

- Clonakilty Brass Band

- Corduff Pipe Band

123 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRH04100Schools Building Projects

13/02/2018WRH04200197. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the planning condition by An Bord Pleanála on a school (details supplied) to provide a shuttle bus for students attending the school; the implication of this planning precedent for the future design and location of new school campuses; the measures his Department will take to ameliorate the financial burden of such planning conditions on new schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7032/18]

13/02/2018WRH04300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The planning condition to which the Deputy refers has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

My Department submitted this appeal on 17 October 2017. A decision is awaited and is expected in the coming weeks.

Until An Bord Pleanála makes its decision in relation to the appeal, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

13/02/2018WRH04400Schools Data

13/02/2018WRH04500198. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of national schools likely to close in each county in each of the years 2018 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7034/18]

13/02/2018WRH04600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is very aware of the importance of small schools to rural communities and particularly the most dispersed and remote communities. To provide such communities with security about the future of their schools, a commitment is contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government not to close any small school without the consent of parents.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for a school closure be- longs to the Patron of a school, and this is subject to the agreement of the Department.

Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level.

My Department has been advised by the Patron of a national school in Mayo that the school will close in June 2018 . The Patron of a national school in Dublin has advised my Department that a school will close in June 2019. The Patrons in question consider that the schools are no longer viable.

13/02/2018WRH04700School Enrolments Data

13/02/2018WRH04800199. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the second level schools in the Dublin area which it is anticipated on the basis of CSO census data will experience a decline in enrolments in excess of 50% over the next ten years in tabular form; his plans to tackle the challenges posed to the existing provision of second level education by changing population dynamics in more established communities in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7035/18]

13/02/2018WRH04900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information is not available in the format requested by the Deputy. My Department uses data from the Cen- 124 13 February 2018 sus combined with information from the Primary and Post Primary Pupil Databases to develop projections of full time enrolment at primary and post-primary level.

The Department’s report, “Projections of Full-time Enrolment Primary and Second Level (2017 – 2035)”, published in July 2017, provides the latest set of long-term projections of full- time enrolment in first- and second-level schools. At post-primary level nationally, enrolments are expected to continue to increase until the 2025/2026 academic year, at which point, enrolments at second level are expected to be in excess of 416,800 pupils for the first time in the history of the State.

It is important to note that the national demographic trends and projections of enrolments are not evenly spread and can include significant local and regional variations. Some areas will decline faster than the national trend and some will continue to need additional accommodation even after the national demand figure falls.

In order to account for such local variations and plan accordingly, the division of the country into 314 school planning areas is necessary to monitor this in greater detail. In this regard, my Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of the additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity with a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school(s).

The nationwide demographic exercises involving all school planning areas at primary and post-primary level, which will determine where additional school accommodation will be needed in the future, is ongoing at the moment and work in this regard is almost complete.

13/02/2018WRH05000School Admissions

13/02/2018WRH05100200. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school place for a person (details supplied) will be available in Ashbourne, County Meath. [7043/18]

13/02/2018WRH05200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): In relation to school admissions, parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available 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. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

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 an Educational Training Board (ETB) school to the ETB 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. Further information on the Section 29 appeals process is available on the Department’s website www.education.ie. 125 Questions - Written Answers The Education Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The EWS can be contacted at 01-7718500.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Depart- ment divides the country into 314 school planning areas. My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department’s own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

The nationwide demographic exercises involving all school planning areas, including the Ashbourne school planning area, at primary and post-primary level which will determine where additional school accommodation will be needed in the future are ongoing. It is anticipated that decisions based on the review will be announced in the coming weeks.

13/02/2018WRH05300Public Private Partnerships

13/02/2018WRH05400201. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the tender process for the €200 million PPP investment in infrastructure in the higher education sector will be structured (details supplied); if there will be a separate tender for each of the 11 institutions which are to receive investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7044/18]

13/02/2018WRH05500216. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a tender (details supplied) will be tendered via the traditional funding route in an effort to support companies on the Border in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7205/18]

13/02/2018WRH05600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 216 together.

The projects forming part of the Higher Education PPP Programme are currently being appraised in accordance with the Public Spending Code. The current focus is on confirming the detailed Schedules of Accommodation for each project. This PPP programme was provided for in the Government’s Capital Plan for 2016-2021 and is expected to deliver some 8,000 student places across the Institute of Technology sector.

The PPP procurement process, whilst yet to be finalised, is anticipated to comprise two separate tender competitions to deliver the identified facilities across the 1 HEIs.

As part of the PPP procurement process there will be a series of regional “Meet the Buyer” events for local SMEs to meet with the PPP companies that have been short-listed to tender for the project. This process has been used extensively on previous PPP projects and both the par- 126 13 February 2018 ticipating SMEs and PPP companies have reported it hugely beneficial. Timelines and further details will be made available on the NDFA website at www.ndfa.ie in due course.

13/02/2018WRH05700Broadband Service Provision

13/02/2018WRH05800202. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that do not have broadband due to lack of such services in their area; the number of primary schools that have 5Mbps or less; the reason primary school principals are left with no Internet or Internet breaking down as a consequence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7051/18]

13/02/2018WRH05900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Through the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary and post primary schools, and some 98% of schools are included in this scheme. All post-primary schools and some special schools are now included in the 100Mbps programme.

The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and financial constraints. Broadband capacity can vary due to geographical location and local infrastructure, and thus impact on the service that can be provided.

Under the current primary schools programme the Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements. Some 250 Primary schools are currently on speeds of 5mbs or less, this represents just 7% of primary schools nationwide. Some 1,100 primary schools have been upgraded to download speeds of 30Mbps or greater (the baseline download speed required under the National Broadband Plan). This represents more than one third of all primary schools. This is a significant improvement over recent years, given that less than 100 primary schools were on those speeds in 2012. Further schools are likely to be upgraded to those speeds in 2018, through EIR’s 300K Rural Deployment commitment.

The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and as noted access to high speed broadband is one of the indicators identified in the Digital Strategy Action Plan. An interdepartmental working group has been established to determine how best to address broadband connectivity to primary schools in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in the context of the National Broadband Plan and the Intervention Strategy, and proposed industry provision.

13/02/2018WRH06000Broadband Service Provision

13/02/2018WRH06100203. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools in counties Roscommon and Galway that do not have broadband due to lack of such services in their areas; the primary schools in counties Roscommon and Galway that have 5Mbps or less; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7052/18]

13/02/2018WRH06200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Through the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary and post primary schools, and some 98% of schools are included in this scheme. All post-primary schools and some special schools are now included in the 127 Questions - Written Answers 100Mbps programme.

Significant improvement has been made in recent years, with the number of primary schools with access to broadband speeds of greater that 30mbs having increased from less than 100 in 2012 to over 1000 in 2017. In Galway/Roscommon, no school in 2012 had access to broadband speeds of 30mbs or greater, now some 44 schools in Galway/Roscommon have access to broadband speeds of 30mbs or greater.

In counties Galway and Roscommon the number of schools on 5mbs or less is some 23 schools, while virtually all primary schools in both counties are currently connected under the Schools Broadband Access programme, some schools may choose not to participate in this scheme – they may have a relationship with a local provider which they prefer to maintain.

The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and access to high speed broadband is one of the indicators identified in the Digital Strategy Action Plan. An interdepartmental working group has been established to determine how best to address broadband connectivity to primary schools in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in the context of the National Broadband Plan and the Intervention Strategy, and proposed industry provision.

13/02/2018WRH06300Broadband Service Provision

13/02/2018WRH06400204. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department refuses to fund the cost of alternative broadband suppliers to primary schools in areas in which the preferred supplier cannot provide proper broadband or the coverage is better from an alternative supplier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7053/18]

13/02/2018WRH06500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Under the current primary broadband programme, my Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements. As the Deputy will be aware the schools broadband programme operates subject to procurement regulations through a publicly procured Framework of Providers of Broadband Services. This Framework of Providers of Broadband for Primary schools was renewed in 2017, and it was open to all providers to apply to become members of that Framework.

At post-primary level, all schools are connected to the Department’s 100Mbp/s programme, operated and managed by HEAnet.

The policy of this Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and financial constraints. Broadband capacity can vary due to geographical location and local infrastructure, and thus impact on the service that can be provided. The primary broadband scheme is based on existing infrastructure, and the providers on the Primary Broadband Framework access this infrastructure to deliver the service to the schools.

The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020. An interdepartmental working group has been established 128 13 February 2018 to determine how best to provide enhanced broadband connectivity to primary schools in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to the National Broadband Plan and the Intervention Strategy, and proposed industry provision.

13/02/2018WRH06600Seirbhísí Leathanbhanda

13/02/2018WRH06700205. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Thomas Byrne den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cathain a chuirfear leathanbhanda snáthoptaice ar fáil do scoil (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7065/18]

13/02/2018WRH06800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Tríd an gClár Rochtana Leathanbhanda do Scoileanna, déanann an Roinn foráil do sholáthar nascacht idirlín i gcomhair gach bunscoil agus iar-bhunscoil aitheanta, agus tá 98% de na scoileanna san áireamh sa scéim sin. Tá gach iar-bhunscoil agus roinnt scoileanna speisialta san áireamh anois sa chlár 100Mbps.

Is é polasaí mo Roinne an caighdeán nascachta is fearr a thairiscint do gach scoil ag teacht leis na réitigh theicniúla atá ar fáil sa mhargadh chomh maith le srianta airgeadais. Is féidir le cumas leathanbhanda a bheith athraitheach ag brath ar an suíomh geografach agus ar an mbon- neagar áitiúil, agus dá réir sin cur isteach ar an tseirbhís is féidir a sholáthar.

Faoin gclár reatha do bhunscoileanna, déanann an Roinn athbhreithniú, ar bhonn leanúnach, ar infhaighteacht seirbhísí agus déanann sí uasghrádú ar scoileanna nuair a bhíonn deis ann sin a dhéanamh, ag teacht le ceanglais chonarthacha agus bhuiséadacha. De réir íostarraingte ó Chreat na Soláthraithe Seirbhísí Leathanbhanda bronnadh luais íoslódála 30Mbps nó níos mó (an luas íoslódála bonnlíne a éilítear faoin bPlean Náisiúnta Leathanbhanda). Tá na scoileanna sin uasghrádaithe anois chuig an nascacht sin. Is ionann é sin agus breis is aon trian de na bunscoileanna go léir. Is dul chun cinn suntasach é sin i gcomparáid le blianta beaga anuas, ó tharla nach raibh ach níos lú ná 100 bunscoil a raibh na luais sin acu in 2012. Is é is dóichí go ndéanfar breis scoileanna a uasghrádú chuig na luais sin in 2018, trí ghealltanas um Sholáthar Tuaithe 300k EIR.

Aithnítear an gá atá le nascacht leathanbhanda chuig bunscoileanna a fheabhsú sa Strai- téis Dhigiteach do Scoileanna 2015-2020, agus faoi mar a luadh tá rochtain ar leathanbhanda ardluais ar cheann de na táscairí a aithníodh i bPlean Gníomhaíochta na Straitéise Digití. Tá grúpa oibre idir-rannach bunaithe leis an mbealach is fearr chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar nascacht leathanbhanda chuig bunscoileanna a chinneadh in gcomhar leis an Roinn Cumarsáide, Gníom- haithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil, i gcomhthéacs an Phlean Náisiúnta Leathanbhanda agus na Straitéise Idirghabhála, chomh maith leis an soláthar tionsclaíochta atá beartaithe.

I gcás na scoile a dtagraíonn an Teachta di, tá an scoil sin ar nasc gan sreang 8 Mbp/s faoi láthair. Cuireadh an scoil san áireamh i mionchomórtas a reáchtáil mo Roinn féin le déanaí agus tá sí bronnta ar sholáthraí leathanbhanda snáithín ardluais. Tá fógra tugtha don soláthraí agus nuair a ghlacfar le dul i gconradh, is é an chéad chéim eile sa phróiseas go ndéanfaidh an soláthraí seirbhíse an tsuiteáil. Rachaidh an soláthraí i dteagmháil leis an scoil go díreach chun socrú a dhéanamh maidir le suiteáil na seirbhíse snáithín.

13/02/2018WRH06900Departmental Correspondence

13/02/2018WRH07000206. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department gave a letter to a company (details supplied) in connection with a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for a strategic housing development stating that the proposed develop- 129 Questions - Written Answers ment will not affect future projections by his Department in respect of the availability of school places; the figures available to his Department concerning population increase in this locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7068/18]

13/02/2018WRH07100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I will arrange for a response to issue to the Deputy in this regard.

13/02/2018WRJ00200Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRJ00300207. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed extension to a school (details supplied). [7078/18]

13/02/2018WRJ00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to my Department for capital funding for additional school accommodation. A decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.

Questions Nos. 208 to 210, inclusive, answered with Question No. 190.

13/02/2018WRJ00800Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRJ00900211. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for improvement works at a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the condition of the school gym building; if he will review the previous applications for improvement works at the school and prioritise an improvement plan for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7102/18]

13/02/2018WRJ01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department approved funding for the school referred to, in May 2014, to provide substantial additional accommodation consisting of specialist rooms, learning support facilities and larger staffroom facilities. In February 2015, additional funding was approved to address significant abnormal works associated with the approved building project. Furthermore, in December 2016 my Department approved further funding to carry out remedial works to the school’s heating system.

Subsequently, my Department clarified to the school authorities that it was not in a position at this time to fund further additional capital works due to competing pressures on available capital funding. My Department will continue to liaise with the school in relation to this matter.

In the interim, it is open to the school to consider if any of the works qualify for funding under my Department’s Emergency Works Grant Scheme. Full details, together with application form may be accessed on my Department’s website, www.education.ie.

13/02/2018WRJ01100Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRJ01200212. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to outstanding works yet to be completed at a school (details supplied); and the position with regard to these outstanding building defects. [7160/18]

13/02/2018WRJ01300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The project at the school

130 13 February 2018 referred to by the Deputy reached substantial completion in November 2017. Under the terms of the contract the Contractor has a period of 12 months after the date of substantial completion to rectify any snags or defects that are identified, i.e. defects liability period. If at the end of the 12 month period all snags or defects have not been rectified then the contract offers other remedies to have matters resolved.

My Department has requested the employers representative to engage with the main contractor to ensure that any snags or defects are remedied before the end of the defects liability period.

Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 190.

13/02/2018WRJ01500Cóiríocht Scoile

13/02/2018WRJ01600214. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuair sé comhfhreagras a sheol tuismitheoirí agus caomhnóirí chuige, ina gcuirtear in iúl an díomá agus an mhíshástacht atá orthu faoin easpa dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh chun dul i ngleic le fadhbanna taise agus múscáin atá le sonrú i scoil i gContae Dhún na nGall (sonraí curtha ar fáil) [7190/18]

13/02/2018WRJ01700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Tá áthas orm a chur in iúl don Teachta Dála go bhfuil faomhadh tugtha i bprionsabal don scoil dá ndéanann sé tagairt, maoiniú a fháil chun tabhairt faoin taise agus faoin gcaonach liath ina foirgneamh. I bhfianaise aois agus nádúr an fhoirgnimh, agus chun a chinntiú go ndéileálfar go héifeachtach leis na fadhbanna seo trí obair ar bith a dhéanfar, d’iarr mo Roinn ar údarás na scoile moltaí a thabhairt trína Chomhairleoir maidir leis an tslí is fearr chun na hoibreacha feabhsúcháin a chur i gcrích. Cuireadh na moltaí seo ar fáil do mo Roinn i lár mí Eanáir agus tá athbhreithniú déanta orthu ag foireann Ghairmiúil agus foireann Theicniúil mo Roinne ó shin. I bhfianaise castacht an fhoirgnimh tá cinneadh déanta go bhfuil cuairt theicniúil ó fhoireann de chuid na Roinne ag teastáil. Tá sin socraithe le húdarás na scoile i gcomhair an 16ú lá de mhí Feabhra seo chugainn. Glacfar cinntí i dtaobh conas an togra a chur ar aghaidh tar éis na cuairte ar an suíomh agus tar éis na fadhbanna a aimseofar ar an suíomh a mheas.

13/02/2018WRJ01800Schools Building Projects Applications

13/02/2018WRJ01900215. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the application for funding by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7196/18]

13/02/2018WRJ02000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department received an application for the provision of additional accommodation at the school referred to in respect of both classroom and ancillary accommodation. The application was assessed by my Department and it was determined that there was no deficit of essential accommodation at the school. This decision was advised to the school authority.

My Department recently received an appeal from the school in respect of the application and this is currently being considered. My Department will be in further contact with the school on the matter.

Question No. 216 answered with Question No. 201.

131 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRJ02200School Expulsions

13/02/2018WRJ02300217. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who has been expelled from school and who has not attended a school since November 2017. [7216/18]

13/02/2018WRJ02400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, a parent, or a student over 18 years of age, can make an appeal to the Sec- retary General of my Department where a school board of management have decided to refuse to enrol a child, suspended a student for more than 20 school days or permanently expelled a student.

I can confirm that my Department has received a Section 29 appeal in relation to this student following his permanent expulsion by the school board of management. The appeal hearing before an independent section 29 appeals committee was held on 1 February 2018. My Depart- ment awaits the determination of the section 29 appeals committee. Once the determination is received, my Department will forward it to the parents and the school. A previous section 29 appeal against the student’s suspension by the school board of management was not upheld by an independent section 29 appeals committee.

In addition, my Department funds a special education home tuition grant scheme to provide a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement. In the event that no placement is available as confirmed by the National Council for Special Education, my Department will consider applications under the home tuition grant scheme, where the child can receive 20 hours home tuition per week until a placement becomes available.

13/02/2018WRJ02500Apprenticeship Programmes

13/02/2018WRJ02600218. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on an issue raised with regard to HGV driver apprenticeship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7275/18]

13/02/2018WRJ02700Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): An apprenticeship for HGV drivers, led by the Irish Road Haulage Association and a consortium of industry and education and training providers, is due for roll out by September 2018. The programme is close to completion and is currently being reviewed by the consortium to ensure that it will meet the current and future skills needs of the transport and logistics industry and in particular to ensure that it responds effectively to a growing shortage of HGV drivers which has been identified. It will then be submitted for validation to Quality and Qualifications Ireland.

As part of its oversight role, the Apprenticeship Council is monitoring progress on roll out of all new apprenticeships, including the HGV driver apprenticeship. Furthermore, additional resources have been put in place by Education and Training Boards Ireland to support consortia involving Education and Training Boards completing development and validation of new apprenticeship programmes.

13/02/2018WRJ02800Schools Building Projects

13/02/2018WRJ02900219. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will fa- 132 13 February 2018 cilitate and partake in a meeting with Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas from County Donegal with a view to discussing a school building project (details supplied); if so, when such a meeting will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7292/18]

13/02/2018WRJ03000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy will be aware a project for the school to which he refers is included in my Department’s six year capital programme.

My Department is currently finalising the brief for this school project and once this process is complete, my Department will be in further contact with the school. The project will be progressed into the architectural planning process when the brief has been finalised.

In that regard, I wish to inform the Deputy that I have agreed to meet the Oireachtas members from Donegal to discuss the above school project and arrangements are being made to facilitate such a meeting.

13/02/2018WRJ03100Schools Building Projects Applications

13/02/2018WRJ03200220. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) for the provision of an assembly hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7299/18]

13/02/2018WRJ03300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the school in question has applied for major capital funding for the provision of a sports/sssembly hall.

Due to the very significant challenges facing my Department in prioritising available capital funding for essential mainstream classrooms to meet the demand for extra school places, my Department is not in a position to consider funding such a project at this time. This position has been discussed with the school authority.

13/02/2018WRJ03400Teachers’ Remuneration

13/02/2018WRJ03500221. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when his Depart- ment anticipates receiving the results of the pay review into two-tier pay for teachers; the timeframe he envisages to end pay inequality; his views on whether two-tier pay is a breach of the principle of equal pay for equal work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7301/18]

13/02/2018WRJ03600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. I negotiated together with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, a 15-22% pay increase for new teachers. The agreements to date have restored an estimated 75% of the difference in pay for more recently recruited teachers and deliver full equality at later points in the scale.

Differential pay scales were introduced by the then Government in 2010. It must be borne 133 Questions - Written Answers in mind that the pay reduction for post-2011 entrants to the public service applied to all public servants and not just teachers, and that any restoration of these measures in respect of teachers would be expected to be applied elsewhere across the public service. While I am not in a position to provide an estimate of the total cost of restoring all post-1 January 2011 entrants in all of the public service to the pre-2011 pay scale arrangements, I can say that in the case of education and training sector employees, including teachers, the estimated current full year cost would be in the order of €130 million. Clearly, the cost across the entire public service would be substantially higher.

In addition, the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides that within three months of the passing of the Act, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will prepare and lay before the Oireachtas a report on the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for new entrants to the public service.

13/02/2018WRJ03700School Curriculum

13/02/2018WRJ03800222. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to improve the manner in which the Irish language is being taught at primary school level (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7364/18]

13/02/2018WRJ03900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): A new primary language curriculum for junior infants to second class has been developed. Implementation of the new curriculum commenced on a phased basis in 2016 starting with the oral strand. This was prioritised to allow teachers to emphasise the importance of speaking Irish as a living language.

There are two curriculums; one for Irish-medium schools where Irish is the language of instruction and one for English-medium schools where Irish is the second language. Proficiency levels attained in Irish will, in reality, be different depending on the language of instruction used.

All primary teachers are currently in receipt of Continuing Professional Development, CPD, for the new primary language curriculum. CPD concentrated on the oral language strand in 2016/17. In 2017/18, the CPD is focused on the reading and writing strands. Teachers will be able to teach all three strands from September 2018.

Improving the standard and supports for teachers of Irish is an important priority.

All Initial Teacher Education, ITE, programmes for primary level have been reconfigured and lengthened. The content and duration of Gaeltacht placements has been increased from one

134 13 February 2018 three-week period to two separate periods of two weeks.

My Department funds An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, COGG, to develop textbooks and other resource materials for both English-medium and Irish- medium schools.

My Department also funds Foras na Gaeilge to provide interactive teaching and learning resources under their Seideán Sí initiative.

Work is currently underway in developing the primary language curriculum for third to sixth class.

All the above efforts are being made to enable teachers to enhance the quality of the learning experience and the proficiency levels gained by our primary pupils in Irish whether they attend an Irish-medium or an English-medium school.

13/02/2018WRJ04000Defibrillators in Schools Provision

13/02/2018WRJ04100223. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to liaise with the Minister for Health and the national steering group on out of hospital cardiac arrest in order to make defibrillators more easily accessible in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7365/18]

13/02/2018WRJ04200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The position is that under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.

The decision to install a defibrillator is made at local school level and is a matter for the board of management of each individual school.

I understand that a national steering group on out of hospital cardiac arrest was established in 2017 and is representative of health professionals, patient groups, healthcare providers and other sectors. It aims to strengthen the chain of survival for cardiac arrest. The report from the group, due in 2018, will provide advice to the HSE and the Department of Health on the most effective ways of improving survival for cardiac arrest including training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, building on the community first responder programme and making public access defibrillators more easily accessible in community settings and in schools.

I will carefully consider any findings that may emerge from the work of this group that are relevant to my Department.

13/02/2018WRJ04300School Accommodation Provision

13/02/2018WRJ04400224. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the severe accommodation difficulties and lack of special education facilities being provided in a school (details supplied); if these issues are being addressed; if capital moneys will be allocated; when the school can expect significant investment to address its difficulties and long waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7375/18]

13/02/2018WRJ04500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has been liaising with the school in question regarding its accommodation needs and has approved additional accommodation to facilitate the school’s expansion. A letter

135 Questions - Written Answers to this effect has issued to the school.

13/02/2018WRJ04600Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRJ04700225. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the progress on a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7376/18]

13/02/2018WRJ04800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school referred to by the Deputy has a major building project with my Department. A design team has been appointed for this project and is currently working on a Stage 1 submission - site suitability, site report and initial sketch scheme.

This is an extension and refurbishment project to the existing school to provide additional accommodation consisting of 2 no. mainstream classrooms plus circulation and 2 no. classroom special needs unit including ancillary accommodation.

13/02/2018WRJ04900Defibrillators in Schools Provision

13/02/2018WRJ05000226. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure that funding is put in place to enable each primary and secondary school throughout the State to acquire a defibrillator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7411/18]

13/02/2018WRJ05100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The position is that under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.

The decision to install a defibrillator is made at local school level and is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school.

I understand that a National Steering Group on Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest was established in 2017 and is representative of health professionals, patient groups, healthcare providers and other sectors. It aims to strengthen the chain of survival for cardiac arrest. The report from the group, due in 2018, will provide advice to the HSE and the Department of Health on the most effective ways of improving survival for cardiac arrest including training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, building on the Community First Responder Programme and making public access defibrillators more easily accessible in community settings and in schools.

13/02/2018WRJ05200Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRJ05300227. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills if work on a school (details supplied) which was identified as a location for a new build in 2015 will commence in 2018 as listed; the timeframe for commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7435/18]

13/02/2018WRJ05400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school to which she refers is included in my Department’s six year capital programme.

The delivery of the building project necessitates the acquisition of a suitable site. Officials in my Department are working closely with officials from the local authority in relation to the

136 13 February 2018 identification and acquisition of a suitable site to facilitate the construction of the new school.

13/02/2018WRJ05500Public Private Partnerships

13/02/2018WRJ05600228. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention was drawn to the credit position of a company (details supplied) in tendering for the school construction programme; if his attention was further drawn to the credit held by the company in Schuldschein bonds; the processes that were put in place to determine the credit worthiness of the company before the contract was finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7437/18]

13/02/2018WRJ05700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The company referred to by the Deputy has been a 50% shareholder in Inspiredspaces, the special purpose vehicle, SPV, responsible for the construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the public private partnership, PPP, schools bundle 5 programme.

The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) managed the procurement of the schools bundle 5 PPP Programme on behalf of my Department. As part of this process, the NDFA carried out technical, legal and financial due diligence of the PPP documentation, the PPP company consortium and its members, including the company referred to, and their guar- antor. The financial due diligence included a detailed review of the financial standing of the PPP Company’s shareholders, consortium members and their guarantors which incorporated a review of their audited financial accounts and accompanying independent auditor’s report in addition to the proposed third party funding structure of the project.

This detailed due diligence did not raise any issues to preclude the award of preferred tenderer status to Inspiredspaces in November 2015 or subsequent contract award in July 2016.

Schuldschein bonds were not used to finance the schools bundle 5 PPP project.

13/02/2018WRK00200Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRK00300229. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new school building for a school (details supplied); if a suitable green field site has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7440/18]

13/02/2018WRK00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy may be aware, the project to which he refers was announced as part of my Department’s Six Year Capi- tal Programme in 2015.

Officials in my Department continue to work closely with officials from the relevant local authority under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the acquisition of a suitable permanent location for the school to which the Deputy refers and with the assistance of Council officials a short-list of site options was identified and technically assessed.

Work on the site acquisition process is currently ongoing with a view to acquiring the most suitable site for the school. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to advance the site acquisition process as expeditiously as possible.

13/02/2018WRK00500School Transport Provision

137 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRK00600230. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the circumstances of a person (details supplied); when the person can expect to receive their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7485/18]

13/02/2018WRK00700Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Depart- ment.

Currently over 115,000 children, including almost 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

The child in question is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and has been sanctioned for transport by School Transport Section.

Bus Éireann is responsible for the procurement of contractors to provide services for school transport purposes. Unfortunately to date, Bus Éireann has been unable to secure the services of a suitable contractor.

In the interim, the Department is prepared to offer the family in question a Special Transport Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.

13/02/2018WRK00800Schools Building Projects Status

13/02/2018WRK00900231. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made in identifying a site for the proposed new post-primary school under the patronage of an organisation (details supplied) that is due to open in September 2018 in County Limerick; his plans for a temporary premises until the new school is built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7488/18]

13/02/2018WRK01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): A building project for the new post-primary school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s current 6 year construction programme.

Officials from my Department have been working closely with Limerick City and County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites in order to identify and procure a suitable site for the school.

As the Deputy is aware, a number of potential site options have been identified and engagement with relevant landowners is ongoing.

While a site acquisition process is underway, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time. How- ever, the patron of the school will be informed of the location as soon as it is possible to do so.

The task of sourcing temporary accommodation for the Secondary School to which the Deputy refers, which is due to open in September 2018, has been devolved to the Patron body (Educate Together). The Department and the Patron are fully committed to the opening of this school. Educate Together are working on identifying suitable temporary accommodation to facilitate the opening of the school for September 2018 and the Department will provide any assistance necessary to help Educate Together in this regard.

138 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRK01100Apprenticeship Data

13/02/2018WRK01200232. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new apprenticeship registrations in each employment sector and subsector on an annual basis in each of the years 2014 to 2017 for craft based apprenticeships, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7497/18]

13/02/2018WRK01300Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Apprentice Registrations 2014 2015 2016 2017 CONSTRUCTION Brick & Stonelaying 20 26 52 60 Carpentry & Joinery 185 291 399 443 Painting & Decorating 11 19 27 44 Plastering 9 7 18 34 Plumbing 318 289 345 532 Stonecutting & Stonemasonry 16 13 2 8 Wood Macnufacturing & Finishing 23 48 71 59 Total 582 693 914 1,180 ELECTRICAL Aircraft Mechanics 33 34 39 53 Electrical 845 956 1,343 1,705 Electrical Instrumentation 85 83 106 120 Electronic Security Systems 16 28 28 72 Instrumentation 10 8 10 20 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning 62 75 79 106 Total 1,051 1,184 1,605 2,076 ENGINEERING Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting 174 153 163 183 Farriery 4 7 5 6 Industrial Insulation 10 13 10 21 Metal Fabrication 176 198 186 224 Pipefitting 0 37 33 25 Sheet Metalworking 23 38 40 53 Toolmaking 66 62 66 65 Total 453 508 503 577 MOTOR Agricultural Mechanics 38 59 43 45 Construction Plant Fitting 56 77 59 86 Heavy Vehicle Mechanics 145 154 136 143 Motor Mechanics 325 423 420 353 Vehicle Body Repairs 40 47 58 46 Total 604 760 716 673 PRINTING Print Media 8 8 4 2 Total 8 8 4 2 139 Questions - Written Answers Apprentice Registrations 2014 2015 2016 2017 Total 2,698 3,153 3,742 4,508

13/02/2018WRK01400Insolvency Service of Ireland Data

13/02/2018WRK01500233. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual budget of the Insolvency Service of Ireland since its foundation in 2012. [7088/18]

13/02/2018WRK01600234. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of insolvency solutions the Insolvency Service of Ireland has overseen (details supplied) since its inception, in tabular form. [7089/18]

13/02/2018WRK01700235. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the Exchequer is getting value for the cost of the Insolvency Service of Ireland and the number of solutions delivered. [7090/18]

13/02/2018WRK01800236. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the personal insolvency regime is fit for purpose; and if so, the method he is using to calculate this. [7091/18]

13/02/2018WRK01900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 233 to 236, inclusive, together.

The annual expenditure of the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI), since it was established, is set out in the following tables:

Year ISI Annual Expenditure €,000 2013 5,597 2014 8,367 2015 7,914 2016 6,527 2017 5,621

The following table shows the number of cases the ISI has helped since its launch through to the end of 2017:

Type of Insolvency Solution Total Number of Cases (to the end of 2017) Personal Insolvency Arrangement (secured 2,175 and unsecured debt) Debt Relief Notice (for debts below €35K) 1,177 Debt Settlement Arrangement (unsecured 678 debt only) Bankruptcy (secured and unsecured debt 1,926 over €20K) Total 5,956

The ISI was established in 2013 and is a central element of the personal insolvency regime. The ISI’s objective is to restore people who are insolvent to solvency in a fair, transparent and equitable way.

International experience demonstrates that it takes several years for a new insolvency re- 140 13 February 2018 gime to really gain traction. However, to date, the ISI has returned over 6,000 debtors to solvency with over 2,000 of those cases being Personal Insolvency Arrangements (PIAs) which deal with mortgage debt.

In over 90% of these PIA cases, debtors have been able to stay in their homes. This is a significant achievement given that many cases involved arrears exceeding 720 days and is an important indicator that the system is achieving positive results for indebted borrowers.

The solutions introduced in the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 have also had an indirect impact on the number and quality of over 120,000 informal agreements between debtors and creditors, as reported by the Central Bank of Ireland. Because arrangements agreed under the Act are public and court approved, they set precedents for the terms of agreements that will be acceptable to a court. Debtors now have realistic alternative options available to them through the ISI if negotiations break down.

To date the value of debt involved in applications to the ISI, including bankruptcies, has exceeded €9.6 billion.

Insofar as the overall effectiveness of personal insolvency arrangements are concerned, the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 modernised the regime for personal insolvency and brought Ire- land in line with international best practice by providing for a range of debt resolution options within a statutory framework which balances the rights of creditors and debtors. The Personal Insolvency Arrangement, in particular, is an innovative solution that seeks to restructure or settle secured debt. Other important elements of this framework include the minimum statutory protection laid down regarding the debtor’s reasonable living expenses and their home.

The Government has introduced a number of amendments and supports, since 2012, to ensure the success of the solutions provided by the Personal Insolvency legislation. These include the section 115A Court review process and the Abhaile Mortage Arrears Resolution Service.

The section 115A Court review process, introduced with effect from November 2015, permits a debtor to ask the Court to review and assess the reasonableness of a PIA proposal which has been refused by creditors and which includes mortgage arrears on the debtor’s home. The Court considers the reasonableness of the refusal using a balanced range of criteria and has power, if satisfied, to impose the proposed personal insolvency arrangement on the dissenting creditor(s). This removes the so called “Bank Veto”.

The High Court has published a number of important detailed judgements on the criteria that will be applied by the courts in section 115A review cases, and the types of mortgage arrears resolutions that may be imposed. Those precedents involved the following issues:

- Separated Spouses - a case involving a separated spouse who restructured her mortgage. The Court rejected a claim by the bank that, before any restructure, the bank needed the cooperation of the other joint borrower.

- Rejection of unsustainable warehousing proposal and approval for negative equity write- off - a case where the mortgage lender wanted to warehouse part of a mortgage. The Court ruled that this could not be done unless there is a reasonable prospect of the couple paying back the warehoused amount. The PIA wrote off most of the negative equity.

- Fixing interest rate for the long term - a case concerning a mortgage rate fixed for 27 years. In assessing if this unfairly prejudiced the financial institution (a fund rather than a bank), the court looked at market investment returns rather than the rates and terms that are available to a bank to raise capital and decided that the PIA proposal was fair and reasonable in this context.

141 Questions - Written Answers A further significant High Court judgement, dealing with technical challenges made to the Section 115A process, was also issued at the beginning of February. This ruling has been positively received by both the ISI and Personal Insolvency Practitioners. Subject to any possible appeal, it is expected to lead to increased activity in Personal Insolvency Arrangements.

Another important enhancement is Abhaile, the Government’s national Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service, which ensures that people who are in danger of losing their home have access to free professional advice, including advice from a Personal Insolvency Practitioner. Abhaile was introduced in 2016 to allow further enhanced access to the personal insolvency regime. Abhaile offers detailed financial and legal advice to homeowners in mortgage arrears with the aim of allowing them to find a solution to their arrears and to stay in their homes where possible. Take up of the Abhaile scheme has been high, with over 10,000 vouchers for these consultations issued since the start of the scheme in July 2016. A borrower may also apply for legal aid through Abhaile to seek a court review under section 115A. Abhaile is also raising awareness of the scheme through a targeted Abhaile public information campaign.

Finally, my Department is also finalising a review of the operation of the Personal Insol- vency Acts. Submissions made by stakeholders via a public consultation have made a range of recommendations to enhance the process and to support increased engagement with the system. I look forward to bringing proposals to Government in the coming months to address the conclusions of the review.

13/02/2018WRK02300Garda Vetting of Personnel

13/02/2018WRK02400237. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if universities and institutes of technology come under the requirements that require staff to be Garda vetted as per requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012; if such requirements are required in circumstances in which staff are close to retiring; the penalties enacted on those persons who do not register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7174/18]

13/02/2018WRK02500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Employment vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. The Deputy will understand that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.

In accordance with the legislation, registered organisations must obtain vetting for all persons seeking employment and volunteers, where the relevant work or activities of the position sought involves regular access to children or vulnerable adults. The requirements in this regard are set out in the legislation.

The Deputy will appreciate that the vetting obligations apply to all persons carrying out relevant work or activities, as provided for under the legislation, regardless of when a person is likely to retire.

13/02/2018WRK02600Refugee Data

13/02/2018WRK02700238. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the emergency reception and orientation centre, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; the number of refugees facilitated to date in the centre; the number expected to the facilitated in 2018; and 142 13 February 2018 if he will make a statement on the matter. [6702/18]

13/02/2018WRK02800Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): A number of persons are temporarily accommodated in the Emergency Reception and Orienta- tion Centre (EROC) located in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, under the relocation strand of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). As the name suggests, an EROC is largely about reception and orientation for those who are to be subsequently resettled and the majority of persons being relocated to Ireland are fleeing the war in Syria.

The services being provided include education, the services of a General Practitioner, HSE medical screening and access to the services of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. A core part of the job of the IRPP is coordination and ensuring appropriate service delivery and staff of the IRPP hold weekly clinics in the EROC with clients and any service level issues become immediately apparent.

The relevant services are provided locally or at the centre. The mode of service provision is determined on a case by case basis depending on the local situation and the individual circumstances of the asylum seekers. Services such as schooling and English classes are being provided directly to the children and adults at the centre. It should be noted that accommodating persons in EROCs for a period of time is considered to be good practice as it allows for a period of acclimatisation, de-stressing and on-site processing. It is also a process that is supported by the UNHCR as best practice.

Since Ballaghaderreen EROC opened in early last year nearly 300 people have resided there, with the current occupancy at 181.

The IRPP will relocate a further 204 people from Greece in the coming weeks and Govern- ment have also pledged to take a 600 refugees from Lebanon in 2018. Some of these refugees will be housed in Ballaghaderreen EROC. The exact numbers being housed there will be dependent on the movement of existing residents to their new homes in communities across the country.

13/02/2018WRK02900Refugee Resettlement Programme

13/02/2018WRK03000239. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of jobs that have been created in the emergency reception and orientation centre, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon to date; the number projected for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6703/18]

13/02/2018WRK03100Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): The Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon is contracted to provide accommodation, catering, housekeeping, general maintenance, security and other services for persons who have been relocated to Ireland under the EU relocation programme.

The contractor is required to keep the Department informed about staffing details. There are currently 36 persons directly employed in the EROC. The Department does not have data on the number of jobs that the Centre has created indirectly, or future staffing plans by the contractor as this is a matter entirely for the contractor.

The Centre is also creating business opportunities for those supplying food and other services to it.

143 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRK03200Refugee Resettlement Programme

13/02/2018WRK03300240. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the contracts awarded for services (details supplied) that are provided to ensure the running of the emergency reception and orientation centre, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/18]

13/02/2018WRK03400Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): All ancillary services including laundry, cleaning, catering supplies etc., provided in accommodation centres under contract to the Department of Justice and Equality are included in the contract agreed following negotiations with the principal contractor.

The Department only holds details of this primary contract for the provision of services to the residents in Ballaghaderreen and would not hold the details of any subsequent contract or sub-contract that the primary contractor may have entered into to deliver the required services.

13/02/2018WRK03500Departmental Reviews

13/02/2018WRK03600241. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the remuneration and expenses that will be payable to the members of the change implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/18]

13/02/2018WRK03700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): On 30 January, the Gov- ernment agreed to appoint a Change Implementation Group (CIG) for the Department of Justice and Equality. The members of the CIG are providing their services free of charge. With respect to expenses arising from the work of the Group, all necessary administrative supports and facilities will be provided by the Department.

13/02/2018WRK03800Deportation Orders

13/02/2018WRK03900242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to date and pending in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied); if their case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6709/18]

13/02/2018WRK04000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): A Deportation Order was signed in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy on 13 May 2016. Leave was granted by the High Court on 27 June 2016 to take Judicial Review proceedings seeking to quash the Deportation Order. Accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I am not in a position to comment further.

The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.

13/02/2018WRK04100UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

13/02/2018WRK04200243. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which 144 13 February 2018 he plans to address the employment reservation throughout the ratification process of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the protections he plans to put in place regarding employment for persons with disabilities until legislation is finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6710/18]

13/02/2018WRK04300Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Finian McGrath): The reservation to which the Deputy refers, in relation to Article 27(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is permitted under the EU Framework Directive and has been entered by a number of other EU member states.

This reservation allows for the continued operation of appropriate occupational health assessments in recruitment to front line posts where there are genuine requirements with regard to performance of duties. This arises in the case of the operational roles in the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, and the Emergency Services

This is not to preclude recruitment of persons with disabilities into alternative and appropriate roles but rather it is accepting of the fact that an accident or fire scene, for example, may not be a safe or appropriate working environment for a person with certain types of disability.

Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 makes provision for certain conditions for the employment of people with disabilities in public service employment. It does not currently apply to the De- fence Forces, the Garda Síochána or prison officers of a prison. However it is intended that Part 5 of the Act will be amended to apply to the civilian staff of An Garda Síochána and provisions to this effect will be included in the Disability (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill 2016.

It is important to note that these provisions do not mean that persons with disabilities are precluded from employment within the relevant services. It does mean, however, that the physical nature of certain roles requires those holding those posts to possess certain physical capabilities in connection with the specific requirements of the role. Minimum physical standards apply for specific positions and the obligations imposed by part 5 of the Act do not apply in that context.

Government departments are implementing a range of measures to improve employment prospects for persons with disabilities. The Report of the Make Work Pay Group was published earlier this year and already action has been taken on its recommendations. We have a Com- prehensive Employment Strategy in place to ensure a coordinated approach to support persons with disabilities to progress into employment. The Strategy sets out a ten-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities, who could and want to work, are supported and enabled to do so. A strategy implementation group meets regularly to monitor the implementation of actions across the public service.

The Government has already taken a number of key decisions as recommended in the Strat- egy:

- the public service employment target of people with disabilities will be increased on a phased basis as set out in the Strategy from 3% to 6%

- special public service competitions for people with disabilities will be arranged and we will open up alternative recruitment channels for people with disabilities

- an employer helpline will be provided with the assistance of the National Disability Au- thority, to provide expert guidance and peer support to employers in relation to the employment of staff with disabilities.

145 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRK04400Immigration Status

13/02/2018WRK04500244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an extension to a stamp 4 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6713/18]

13/02/2018WRK04600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned had their permission to remain in the State renewed for a three year period, to 07 July 2017. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 09 July 2014.

The renewal decision letter referred to, advised the person concerned of the requirement that they apply for a further renewal of their permission to remain, two weeks before their existing permission expired, to their Local District Headquarters. The person concerned had their permission to remain renewed for a further year to the 05 July 2018 at their Local District Headquarters.

Responsibility for the registration process referred to is vested in the Garda National Im- migration Bureau.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.

13/02/2018WRK04700Legal Services Regulation

13/02/2018WRK04800245. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamen- tary Question No. 153 of 1 February 2018, if a decision has been made as to the timeframe for the establishment of the review committee provided for under section 62 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015; and if so, the timeframe in this regard. [6715/18]

13/02/2018WRK04900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Responsibility for the establishment of the Review Committee provided for under section 62 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 lies with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority which is independent in the performance of its functions. As such it is one of those key structural reforms that will be rolled-out under Part 6 of the 2015 Act relating to public complaints, professional misconduct and the appointment of the new Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal.

The current working focus of the Authority is, I understand, very much on the managed roll-out of these and its other remaining functions. This also includes the necessary preparatory steps for the establishment and application of the new Roll of Practicing Barristers and other matters that are a pre-requisite for the exercise by the Authority of its core public complaints functions including under the Review Committee to which the Deputy has referred. The Au- thority is also in the process of preparing its first three-year Strategic Plan for submission under section 20 of the 2015 Act which will, I understand, give enhanced focus to the issue of delivery timelines.

The Authority is, therefore, continuing its work to progress the identification and elabora- tion, in conjunction with my Department, of the specific delivery dates concerned. I expect

146 13 February 2018 these will be made known as soon as they have been aligned, to the satisfaction of the Authority, with its anticipated staffing and other working resources as an independent regulator.

13/02/2018WRK05000Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRK05100246. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent by his Department on photography by photographer and or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6752/18]

13/02/2018WRK05200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Press and Commu- nications Office of my Department procured photography and design software in November 2016. Since this date, that Office has provided photography and design services throughout the Department both at events and in the production of multi-media content. This has greatly reduced the need for my Department to engage the services of external photographers.

The following is the amount spent by my Department on photography and public relations/ communications advice from external photographers and agencies since 1 January 2016:

Year Company Service provided Amount Spent 2016 Maxwell Photography Photography Services 1,797.24 2016 Finbarr O’Rourke Photography Photography - ‘Someone Like 676.50 Me’ Primary Schools Art Competition 2016 The Communications Clinic Ltd. Preparation and delivery of 24,221.24 communications strategy to support the implementation of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. 2017 Real Nation Administration and running 30,203 of the ‘Someone Like Me’ Primary Schools Art Competi- tion. 2017 The Communications Clinic Ltd. Preparation and delivery of 2691.24 communications strategy to support the implementation of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.

The following table sets out the information sought in relation to agencies of my Depart- ment, by agency and month, since 1 January 2016. The following agencies have reported no expenditure on public relations or communications advice: Office of Inspector of Prisons, Of- fice of State Pathologist, Criminal Assets Bureau, Irish Film Classification Office, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, Probation Service, Property Services Regulatory Authority, Private Se- curity Authority, Policing Authority, Legal Services Regulatory Authority. I have asked agencies who were not in a position to provide the information requested in the time available to communicate it to you directly.

147 Questions - Written Answers Agency Month/Year Company Amount Spent GSOC September 2017 Claire Grady 9,720 GSOC October 2017 Claire Grady 3,220 GSOC November 2017 Claire Grady 5,200 GSOC December 2017 Claire Grady 7,460 GSOC January 2018 Claire Grady 5,480 Data Protection February 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 6,841.88 Commission Data Protection March 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 2,767.50 Commission Data Protection April 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 615.00 Commission Data Protection June 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 1,695.94 Commission Data Protection September 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 22,601.25 Commission Data Protection November 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 18,142.50 Commission Data Protection December 2016 Powerscourt Financial Media 572.79 Commission Data Protection January 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 23,810.34 Commission Data Protection March 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 5,997.66 Commission Data Protection April 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 20,974.01 Commission Data Protection May 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 14,886.28 Commission Data Protection June 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 16,635.77 Commission Data Protection August 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 8,917.50 Commission Data Protection September 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 8,331.12 Commission Data Protection October 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 10,531.88 Commission Data Protection December 2017 Powerscourt Financial Media 14,145.00 Commission Data Protection January 2018 Powerscourt Financial Media 9,378.75 Commission Insolvency Ser- January 2016 Hume Brophy 2,472.30 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- February 2016 Hume Brophy 4,256.60 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- March 2016 Hume Brophy 2,461.11 vice of Ireland

148 13 February 2018 Agency Month/Year Company Amount Spent Insolvency Ser- April 2016 Hume Brophy 4,428.86 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- May 2016 Hume Brophy 1,134.68 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- June 2016 Hume Brophy 553.50 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- July 2016 Hume Brophy 1,190.03 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- August 2016 Hume Brophy 1,906.50 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- September 2016 Hume Brophy 1,230.00 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- October 2016 Hume Brophy 2,546.10 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- November 2016 Hume Brophy 1,494.45 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- January 2017 Hume Brophy 2,721.01 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- February 2017 Hume Brophy 2,130.98 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- March 2017 Hume Brophy 1,190.03 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- April 2017 Hume Brophy 498.15 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- May 2017 Hume Brophy 387.45 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- June 2017 Hume Brophy 738.13 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- August 2017 Hume Brophy 1,230.00 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- September 2017 Hume Brophy 1,051.65 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- October 2017 Hume Brophy 1,715.85 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- November 2017 Hume Brophy 3,514.73 vice of Ireland Insolvency Ser- January 2018 Hume Brophy 525.83 vice of Ireland The Courts Ser- January 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- February 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- March 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- April 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice

149 Questions - Written Answers Agency Month/Year Company Amount Spent The Courts Ser- May 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- June 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- July 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- Jan - July 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 616.64 vice (expenses) The Courts Ser- August 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- September 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- October 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- November 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- December 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- Aug - Dec 2016 Curran Communications Ltd. 1,607.08 vice (expenses) The Courts Ser- January 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- February 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- March 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- April 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- May 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- June 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- July 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- August 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- September 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- October 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- Jan - Oct 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 1,174.46 vice (expenses) The Courts Ser- November 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice The Courts Ser- December 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 8,333.33 vice

150 13 February 2018 Agency Month/Year Company Amount Spent The Courts Ser- Nov - Dec 2017 Curran Communications Ltd. 1,517.00 vice (expenses)

In relation to the Data Protection Commission, the availability of expert communications services to the DPC, such as that provided by Powerscourt Financial Media Ltd, is integral to the effectiveness of the office in dealing, in particular, with the very significant international communications challenges associated with regulating the EU data processing operations of most of the world’s leading technology companies that have located their European operations in Ireland. In addition, in the context of the coming into force on 25 May 2018 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the DPC has launched a broad based communications campaign to raise awareness of the new law. These communications activities are focused on building awareness of the very significant additional obligations the GDPR will place on organisations, as well as the greatly strengthened rights it extends to individuals to have their personal data protected and safeguarded.

The spend in relation to the Insolvency Service of Ireland relates to the ‘Back on Track’ campaign. The ‘Back on Track’ campaign promotes the ISI’s range of debt solutions at every opportunity in a range of ways including through the backontrack.ie website, targeted advertising campaigns (including TV, video on demand, outdoor, press, radio, and online), information booklets which are distributed nationwide, and presentations and meetings with relevant groups. Research has found that the campaign has greatly increased awareness of the ISI’s services. Those who availed of an ISI solution have also spoken of the immense sense of relief once they took the first step to address their debt problems.

13/02/2018WRK05300Gaming and Amusement Halls

13/02/2018WRK05400247. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are limitations or restrictions as to the location in which a business with a specific purpose can be located within a town centre (details supplied). [6764/18]

13/02/2018WRK05500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Depu- ty that I have no role in the licensing process for amusement arcades.

All lawful gaming in amusement and gaming arcades in Ireland is, at present, confined to areas in respect of which Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is in force. Part III is only in force where a resolution has been passed by the relevant local authority.

In the case of amusement and gaming arcades, an application for a certificate may only be made to the District Court in respect of a premises which is located within an area where the local authority has passed a motion adopting Part III of the Act (i.e. where the local authority has allowed gaming in its administrative area).

A gaming licence is issued by the Revenue Commissioners on foot of a certificate being issued by the District Court.

13/02/2018WRK05600Garda Station Opening Hours

13/02/2018WRK05700248. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the opening hours of Garda stations (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on

151 Questions - Written Answers the matter. [6766/18]

13/02/2018WRK05800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources, including the opening times of Garda stations, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I have asked the Garda authorities for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.

13/02/2018WRK05900Garda Deployment

13/02/2018WRK06000249. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the unit the five gardaí assigned to Collon Garda station, County Louth, are assigned to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6767/18]

13/02/2018WRK06100250. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the unit the five gardaí assigned to Castlebellingham Garda station, County Louth, are assigned to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6768/18]

13/02/2018WRK06200251. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the unit the five gardaí assigned to Clougherhead Garda station, County Louth, are assigned to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6769/18]

13/02/2018WRK06300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 249 to 251, inclusive, together.

I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the information sought and I will write directly to the Deputy when the report is to hand.

13/02/2018WRL00300Parking Regulations

13/02/2018WRL00400252. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fixed penalty notices that have been issued for illegal parking at a location (details supplied) in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6775/18]

13/02/2018WRL00500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will be aware, I have no direct role in relation to the administration of the fixed charge processing system (FCPS), or the enforcement of road traffic legislation which are matters for the Garda authorities.

However, I have made enquiries with An Garda Síochána and am advised that the area referenced by the Deputy is a cul-de-sac adjacent to a large shopping complex in the vicinity of four schools within Coolock Garda District. Garda authorities have indicated that they are not aware of any specific parking difficulties being experienced by residents in this area. Notwith- standing the foregoing, I would encourage anyone with specific concerns to contact their local Garda station.

I am further advised that, while it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the number of Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) issued in respect of a specific location, I am informed that, to date in 2018, a total of 19 FCNs have been issued in Coolock Garda District for the offence of

152 13 February 2018 parking on double yellow lines, contrary to section 35(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1994, with 425 issued in 2017, 359 issued in 2016 and 651 issued in 2015.

These statistics provided by An Garda Síochána are operational, provisional and liable to change and are valid to 7 February 2018.

13/02/2018WRL00600Public Sector Pensions

13/02/2018WRL00700253. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the detail of the calculation of the annual pension for a person (details supplied). [6782/18]

13/02/2018WRL00800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I understand that my Of- fice has been in direct contact with the Deputy in relation to this matter. The Irish Prison Ser- vice will write directly to the person referred to by the Deputy with the information requested, referring to Deputy McGrath’s inquiry.

13/02/2018WRL00900Naturalisation Applications

13/02/2018WRL01000254. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a naturalisation application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [6821/18]

13/02/2018WRL01100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was refused, for reasons provided to the person concerned, in a letter issued on 7 February 2018 advising of the decision.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nation- ality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. Indeed, the letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.

13/02/2018WRL01200Closed-Circuit Television Systems

13/02/2018WRL01300255. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the process for applying for an extension to a CCTV scheme; the funding available for a community seeking the installation of a camera to counter anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6822/18] 153 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRL01400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will be aware that, in April 2017, in pursuance of a Programme for Government commitment, a Community- based CCTV grant-aid Scheme was launched by my Department to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas.

Under the Scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. Upon approval of the grant, the applicant will receive an up-front payment of 50% of the grant with the balance to be paid when the system is fully operational.

I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders and I would encourage interested groups to avail of the Scheme.

Full details of the Scheme, including eligibility guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are all available to download from my Department’s website - www.justice.ie.

13/02/2018WRL01500Appointments to State Boards

13/02/2018WRL01600256. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the refusal to reappoint a person (details supplied) to the IHREC board despite meeting all requirements as set out in the criteria. [6925/18]

13/02/2018WRL01700257. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the emphasis and prioritisation of corporate governance and managerial expertise over experience in the field of human rights and equality when appointing to the board of IHREC. [6926/18]

13/02/2018WRL01800258. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the selection process as a result of prioritising corporate governance; his further views on whether the strongest advocates from a human rights perspective have been excluded as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6927/18]

13/02/2018WRL01900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 256 to 258, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, selection processes for appointments to State Boards are undertaken by the Public Appointments Service and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter. The Deputy will be aware that the State Boards process is designed to enable any person to apply to a position on a State Board. The Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards, which have been operational for over three years now, can be found at www.stateboards.ie.

I am advised that the Public Appointments Service undertook a selection process for appointments to the seven vacancies arising in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commis- sion in line with its Guidelines and on an independent basis so to conform to best practice for appointments to a National Human Rights Institution. A large number of applications were received from highly qualified persons for the Commissioner positions, reflecting the high level of interest that exists in the Commission. This resulted in a highly competitive selection process as there were many more qualified candidates than available positions on the Commission.

It is important that the Commission has a full complement of Commissioners so that it can get on with its important work.

154 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRL02200Public Sector Pensions

13/02/2018WRL02300259. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for an employment record in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6928/18]

13/02/2018WRL02400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I wish to advise the Dep- uty that Officials in my Department are aware of the matters raised and are engaging directly with the individual concerned in an effort to get the relevant records required to establish entitlement to a pension.

13/02/2018WRL02500Family Reunification Applications

13/02/2018WRL02600260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6941/18]

13/02/2018WRL02700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned made an application to have three other persons enter and remain in the State under family reunification provisions. This application, made under section 18(4) of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, was refused on 30 November 2017.

Given that the subjects of that unsuccessful family reunification application would appear to be outside the State, they could only seek to enter the State once they have established a valid basis for doing so, for example on foot of a Work Permit, a Critical Skills Employment Permit or to pursue an approved course of study in the State.

13/02/2018WRL02800Money Laundering

13/02/2018WRL02900261. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of companies which are dealt with under section 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 which were under investigation for money laundering or breaching sanctions in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7033/18]

13/02/2018WRL03000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I regret that I do not have readily available the information the Deputy is seeking. However I have sought a report from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy again when this report is to hand.

Notwithstanding the above, the Deputy will be aware that the Minister has no role in relation to how investigations are conducted. It is the role of the Garda Commissioner and his management team to investigate instances of alleged criminality and prepare a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP, who is independent in her function, will then decide whether or not a case will be prosecuted. 155 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRL03100Public Sector Pensions

13/02/2018WRL03200262. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the effect of an allowance on payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7039/18]

13/02/2018WRL03300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): It should be noted that the pension entitlements of each member of An Garda Síochána are calculated individually based on the particular service details of the individual.

Estimates of pension entitlements for members of An Garda Síochána are available from my Department on request through the Garda Pensions Administration Section, Financial Shared Services, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

In relation to the specific circumstances outlined in the Deputy’s question, a retiring garda, taking account of their Gaeltacht allowance in calculating their pension entitlement, would receive an additional € 2000 (€4,000 x 0.5 service decimal) in their annual pension as well as an additional €6,000 in their lump sum payment (€4,000 x 1.5 service decimal).

However, as the Deputy is probably aware, from the 6 April 1995 all new entrants to the public service, including members of An Garda Síochána, pay full class A PRSI contributions. Revised pension arrangements were also introduced which included provision for an employee pension contribution from pensionable pay and allowances in respect of personal pension benefits. When these changes were introduced rates of Garda pay and pensionable allowances for members appointed after 6 April 1995 were grossed up in order to compensate for the increase in their pension contribution. However the grossing up only included a small number of pensionable allowances. The arrangements regarding the payment of superannuation contributions payable on the allowances that were not grossed up, including the Gaeltacht allowance, are currently under review by my Department. It is, therefore, not possible at this stage to give a definitive figure in relation to superannuation contributions that would be due on retirement in the circumstances outlined.

13/02/2018WRL03400Departmental Policy Reviews

13/02/2018WRL03500263. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of establishing a criminal justice inspectorate; and the estimated full year running cost thereafter. [7045/18]

13/02/2018WRL03600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): In November, 2015, my Department held an open policy debate with a broad range of agencies and civil society organisations in relation to the establishment of a new Criminal Justice Inspectorate as an option to fulfil the inspection function under the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). The consensus arising from the debate was that, although such an inspectorate had potential benefits, the OP- CAT requirements would best be met by a separate, independent inspection mechanism.

No decision has been taken on the wider issue of establishing a criminal justice inspectorate. The cost of such an inspectorate would depend on its remit and therefore it is not feasible to estimate costs at this stage.

13/02/2018WRL03700Sentencing Policy

156 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRL03800264. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of establishing a sentencing council; and the estimated full year running cost thereafter. [7046/18]

13/02/2018WRL03900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will be aware, judges are independent in the matter of sentencing, as in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. In regard to sentencing, the approach of the Oireachtas has generally been to specify in law a maximum penalty for an offence, so that a court, having considered all the circumstances of a case, may impose an appropriate penalty up to that maximum. The court is required to impose a sentence which is proportionate not only to the crime but to the individual offender, in that process identifying where on the sentencing range the particular case should lie and then applying any mitigating factors which may be present. An important safeguard rests in the power of the Director of Public Prosecutions to apply to the Court of Appeal to review a sentence she regards as unduly lenient.

The Superior Courts have developed a substantial body of case law setting out general principles of sentencing. Sentencing practice was also developed by a steering committee of the Judiciary which developed the Irish Sentencing Committee website which was a pilot initiative designed to gather information about the range of sentences and other penalties that have been imposed for particular types of offences across court jurisdictions. The website can be accessed by members of the Judiciary and the public and is a valuable tool not only for members of the judiciary but also for lawyers, researchers and those concerned with the needs of victims and their families as well as members of the public.

The report of the Working Group on the Strategic Review of Penal Policy, published in July 2014, considered the issue of developing sentencing guidelines. However, the majority of the Review Group took the view that the primary role of developing sentencing guidelines is the responsibility of the judiciary and does not lie in bringing forward detailed statutory based guidelines. It might also be noted that a Sentencing Council was not advocated by the Law Reform Commission in its Report on Mandatory Sentencing which was published in June 2013.

The Deputy may wish to note that, in 2014, the Court of Criminal Appeal issued a number of judgments which addressed the question of sentencing and which acknowledged the many factors that can be considered in individual cases which undermine the usefulness of direct comparisons between one case and another. Nonetheless, every effort to promote consistency should be made and in this respect it is appropriate for the courts to provide guidance on sentencing matters.

The Deputy will be aware that the Judicial Council Bill was published in June 2017 and is currently awaiting Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann. The Bill provides for the establishment of a Judicial Council, the function of which will be to promote and maintain excellence in the exercise by judges of their judicial functions. The Council is specifically tasked with promoting an understanding of sentencing principles and practices among judges and persons other than judges. In this context, it will be assisted by a Sentencing Information Committee which will be responsible for the collation of sentencing information and the dissemination of that information. The costs for the operation of that Committee have yet to be determined but were provisionally estimated at €400,000 for startup (including IT) costs and €200,000 for annual running costs.

13/02/2018WRL04000Courts Service

157 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRL04100265. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of establishing a dedicated a family court system; and the estimated full year running cost thereafter. [7047/18]

13/02/2018WRL04200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): My Department is currently working on the General Scheme of a Family Court Bill which will aim to streamline family law court processes, clarify jurisdictional issues and provide for a set of guiding principles to help ensure that the Family Court will operate in a user-friendly and efficient manner. The intention is to establish a dedicated Family Court within the existing court structures. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is essential that there is proper planning and consultation with relevant stakeholders in order to ensure that the development of a new family court structure can be implemented smoothly and efficiently.

My Department has established a working group, comprising officials from my Department, the Courts Service and the Legal Aid Board, to examine the operational aspects relating to the Family Court. The intention is that the working group will develop an overall architecture for the new family court structure. The working group is consulting with other relevant stakeholders. Key issues arising in consultations include family court venues and facilities, resources and capital investment in family courts and integration of relevant family and child services to provide the best possible family law outcomes. In this context, in so far as additional resources and capital investment are required this will be fully scoped out in the context of the necessary regulatory impact assessment that is needed to support the legislative reforms.

I hope to secure Government approval in the coming months for the General Scheme of a Family Court Bill and in that context to have a regulatory impact assessment incorporating an estimate of the necessary investment settled. Once the General Scheme has been approved by Government, it will be referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and to the relevant Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny.

13/02/2018WRL04300Garda Youth Diversion Projects

13/02/2018WRL04400266. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the full year running cost of Garda youth diversion projects and other youth justice services funded by his Department. [7048/18]

13/02/2018WRL04500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): In 2017, my Depart- ment provided €13,290,518 in grant funding to support the delivery of the nationwide network of Garda Youth Diversion Projects. A further €1,372,178 in grant funding was provided to support a range of other activities, including project work relating to Local Drugs Task Forces, pilot mentoring initiatives and measures to support training and best practices.

In addition, the Probation Service provided €5,086,500 to support the operation of Young Persons Probation projects in 2017.

13/02/2018WRL04600Garda Equipment

13/02/2018WRL04700267. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 541 of 16 January 2018, the Garda stations in counties Roscom- mon and Galway that do not have access to the PULSE system due to a lack of broadband in their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7049/18]

158 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRL04800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

However, the Deputy will be aware from my response to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 5 February 2018 that I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are two Garda stations in Roscommon and 12 Garda stations in Galway that are not connected to the network, due to lack of broadband in the respective areas. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that, for operational and security reasons, the locations of these stations cannot be released.

Where sites cannot be connected, for example where local broadband services are not yet available, I understand that other methods of providing members with network access are being explored, including the possibility of mobile technology.

I further understand that members in non-networked locations can contact the Garda Infor- mation Services Centre (GISC) or an associated networked station if required.

13/02/2018WRL04900Garda Deployment

13/02/2018WRL05000268. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the number of gardaí attached to the community policing unit at Coolock Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7079/18]

13/02/2018WRL05100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

As the Deputy will be aware, Coolock Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) North Division. The Garda strength of the D.M.R. North Division on 31 December 2017 was 670, 103 of whom were assigned to Coolock Garda Station. Of those assigned to Coolock Garda Station 7 are community Gardaí. There are also 45 Garda Reserves and 39 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division.

When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community - both urban and rural - has its own concerns and expectations. I am assured by the Commissioner that the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, cap- tures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network. It is of course the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties, not solely those assigned full-time as community 159 Questions - Written Answers Gardaí.

I have previously stated that I welcome the strong emphasis that the Commissioner’s Mod- ernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams and Community Policing Fora in every District.

In terms of progress on this important initiative, I am informed that a draft Community Po- licing Framework which outlines the manner in which Community Policing Teams and Com- munity Safety Fora will be established has been completed and is subject to internal review before being approved by the Garda Executive for implementation.

The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 including 15,000 Garda members.

Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Since reopening the Garda College in September 2014, nearly 1,600 new recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 23 have been allocated to Coolock Garda Station. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

I am pleased to say that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, which will see Garda numbers reach more than 14,000 by the end of 2018.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.

Undoubtedly, the on-going recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance Garda visibility within our communities and the provision of effective community policing across all Garda Divisions including the DMR North Division.

13/02/2018WRL05200Garda Deployment

13/02/2018WRL05300269. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the number of gardaí and vehicles attached to the Garda armed support unit in the Dublin metropolitan region following the increase in serious and organised crime over the past few months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7080/18]

13/02/2018WRL05400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. 160 13 February 2018 At the request of the Commissioner in 2016, the Government moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang-related crime in the Dublin area. Funding was approved for the establishment of a dedicated Armed Support Unit (ASU) for the Dublin Metropolitan Region in order to enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the Emergency Response Unit. Following a selection and training process, the ASU for the DMR became fully operational in December 2016 and is providing armed cover in the DMR on a 24 hour basis.

Members of the ASU are highly trained and equipped with a variety of non-lethal and lethal weapons and perform high visibility armed checkpoints and patrols throughout the DMR.

I am informed that the detail of the number of Gardaí and resources allocated to the ASU is deemed to be operationally sensitive and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

However, I am assured by the Commissioner that the training, equipment and personnel capacities of the Regional Armed Support Units including the Dublin Armed Support Unit and the Emergency Response Unit are kept under constant review with a view to ensuring that their functional capacity is kept at the optimum level.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country including on the streets of the capital in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 including 15,000 Garda members.

Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College - 200 of whom have already entered since 29 January. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.

The investment in personnel I have outlined is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides for an investment of €46 million the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.

In the period 2013 to end of 2017 almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.

Undoubtedly, this investment in resources and the on-going recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources to tackle the scourge of organised crime in our communities.

13/02/2018WRL05500Gangland Crime

13/02/2018WRL05600270. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to strengthen the law relating to membership and direction of criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7081/18]

161 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRL05700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plan sets out the priorities of An Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime activity including its continued commitment to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities.

In tackling such activity, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies. Multi-disciplinary approaches are also utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including through the use of proceeds of crime legislation, money-laundering legislation, the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 relating to organised crime and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.

While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures made.

The question of providing for an offence of membership of a criminal gang, in a manner similar to the approach taken in the Offences Against the State Acts with regard to membership of a proscribed organisation, has arisen from time to time. In this regard, it is important to understand the issues which arise in seeking to simply outlaw membership of a criminal gang in such a manner. Most significant here is the fact that a criminal gang is not likely to have the per- manency of organisation and structure that a subversive organisation or other more fixed group would have. Relationships in criminal gangs tend to be more fluid with shifting memberships, alliances and a membership which may depend on circumstance.

However, criminal legislation has been updated in recent years, with a view to ensuring that it provides a comprehensive range of provisions for the prosecution and punishment of crime, in particular the activities of those involved in organised crime. Part 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (as amended by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009) establishes a number of offences targeting the activities of those involved in organised crime. These offences include participation in a criminal organisation and directing a criminal organisation. The latter offence specifically targets those in criminal organisations who give the orders without requiring their direct participation in the commission of criminal offences. On conviction, this offence carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 also makes it an offence to conspire with one or more persons to do an act that constitutes a serious offence, irrespective of whether such act actually takes place or not. Evidential provisions as to the existence of a criminal organisation were also introduced aiding prosecution of the offences provided for under the Act. The Act also provides that where a serious offence is committed as part of, or in furtherance of a criminal organisation, it shall be treated as an aggravating factor for the purpose of determining sentence.

I am advised that An Garda Síochána continue to utilise all available legislation, including the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 referred to above, in their ongoing efforts to tackle organised crime activity.

13/02/2018WRL05800Garda Deployment

162 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRL05900271. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the Carlow-Kilkenny Garda division for the years ending 31 December 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7099/18]

13/02/2018WRL06000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

The Garda strength of the Kilkenny/Carlow Division on 31 December 2017 was 329 with 26 Garda Reserves and 31 Garda civilian staff also attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in Sep- tember 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 49 have been assigned to the Kilkenny/Carlow Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Division, including the Kilkenny/Carlow Division.

For the Deputy’s information I have set out in the following table the number of Gardaí attached to the Kilkenny/Carlow Division on 31 December in each of the years 2015 to 2017.

Kilkenny/Carlow Strength 2015-2017 2015 284 2016 296

163 Questions - Written Answers Kilkenny/Carlow Strength 2015-2017 2017 329

13/02/2018WRL06100Garda Transport Data

13/02/2018WRL06200272. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles in the Garda fleet for the Carlow-Kilkenny Garda division registered ten years ago and over as of 31 December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7100/18]

13/02/2018WRL06300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are some 81 Garda vehicles allocated to the Kilkenny/Carlow Division of which six (five in Kilkenny District and one in Carlow District) were registered over ten years ago.

The Government’s Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.

In the period 2013 to end of 2017, some €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.

As of 23 January 2018, some 65% of the fleet is now less than four years old. This compares with the situation in 2012, for example, where in the region of 89% of the fleet was older than four years.

13/02/2018WRM00200Crime Data

13/02/2018WRM00300273. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for completion and publication of the review into the misclassification of homicides. [7119/18]

13/02/2018WRM00400274. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the last occasion, prior to meeting An Garda Síochána on 7 February 2018, on which he was updated by An Garda Síochána in relation to the review into misclassification of homicides; and the previous meeting prior to 7 February 2018 at which it was discussed. [7121/18]

13/02/2018WRM00500283. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Sío- chána has given him a formal assurance that all unlawful killings are properly investigated; the precise wording of this assurance; if he has satisfied himself with this assurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7346/18]

13/02/2018WRM00600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 273, 274 and 283 together.

As I advised the Dáil last week, An Garda Síochána is working, with input from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) as appropriate, to resolve an issue which was identified by An Garda Siochána in relation to the classification of homicide offences. The expert oversight by the CSO of crime statistics is welcome in order to ensure that we can have confidence in the official

164 13 February 2018 crime statistics and can tailor our policies accordingly.

I want to clarify that the issue about the classification of homicide statistics is not new. It was identified some time ago by the Gardaí themselves and I am assured that intensive work has been ongoing to resolve the issue by An Garda Síochána with oversight from the Policing Authority, the CSO and my own Department.

The Deputy will be aware that this issue was already in the public domain at the time of my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality. Since my appointment as Minister I have been briefed regularly on the issues relating to crime statistics. On 5 February, in the course of a wide ranging meeting with An Garda Síochána on policing issues, I was briefed on the issue by Acting Commissioner O Cualáin and his wider team. On 7 February I met the Chair and CEO of the Policing Authority with the Acting Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to discuss the progress made to date in resolving this issue and progress yet to be made. I strongly underlined the need to have matters addressed on an urgent priority basis, while acknowledging the labour intensive complex work involved in cases stretching back over many years. An Garda Síochána outlined the process of the peer review currently being undertaken and other aspects of the ongoing process on which they will report to the Authority at their next scheduled public meeting on 22 February.

I support the Authority’s important work in relation to this matter and I understand that this issue will continue to be examined both in public meetings and in the ongoing work that takes place in between such meetings until the Authority is fully satisfied. This oversight is appropriate and welcome, as the Policing Authority was established by the Government as an independent body to oversee the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services in Ireland. Its key objective is to promote trust and confidence in policing and to help shape policing services for Ireland in the future. The Minister has full confidence in the ability of the Authority to do the work with which they are tasked.

An Garda Síochána initiated a review of homicide classifications, initially for the period 2013-2015 but later extended the review to cover the period from 2003-2017. This is obviously a time consuming and complex process but it is important that both An Garda Síochána and the CSO are confident that their data is robust and accurate. While the review is underway, the CSO has suspended the publication of quarterly crime statistics, with the most recent published figures being for Q4 2016. The review by An Garda Síochána has not been published as it is not yet complete, however the details will be made public on completion.

I am extremely concerned about reports that unlawful deaths were not properly investigated. Any substantiated allegations of this kind would be very serious and a cause of grave public concern. The issue that has arisen in respect of homicide classification is complex and it is essential to clearly establish the facts.

While I note that a figure of 41 deaths requiring reclassification has been mentioned in public discourse, this is incorrect. An Garda Síochána has advised that their examination of 524 cases for the period 2013-2015 identified 41 cases which required further examination and, out of those 41 cases, 12 deaths were identified which required reclassifications on PULSE. In addition, a further ‘peer review’ verification process is underway in relation to these figures, as requested by the Policing Authority.

It is important to note that, in the review of the 41 cases, it was identified by An Garda Sío- chána that each death was fully investigated by them and this has been stated both orally and in writing. I have received assurances from the Garda Commissioner that he is confident that all 41 cases which were identified by An Garda Síochána as requiring further examination have been properly investigated in accordance with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human 165 Questions - Written Answers Rights. This article, as the Deputy will be aware, protects the right to life and places an obligation on States to investigate suspicious deaths.

My Department remains in close contact with the CSO, An Garda Síochána and the Polic- ing Authority to ensure a return to the publication of Crime Statistics by the CSO at the earliest possible opportunity.

13/02/2018WRM00800Public Service Vehicles

13/02/2018WRM00900275. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of SPSV licences that were revoked in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7172/18]

13/02/2018WRM01000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will be aware that the issuing and revoking of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Commissioner’s functions pursuant to Section 70 of the Taxi Regulations Act 2013 to issue / revoke a PSV licence have been delegated by the Commissioner to each Divisional Officer and District Officer. The following table shows the number of PSV licences revoked by Garda Division each year for the period 2015-2017:

Division 2017 2016 2015 Cavan/Monaghan 0 0 0 Clare 0 0 0 Cork City 5 3 1 Cork North 0 0 0 Cork West 0 0 0 Donegal 1 0 1 Galway 3 1 0 Kerry 2 2 1 Kildare 0 1 0 Kilkenny/Carlow 1 0 0 Laois/Offaly 0 0 0 Limerick 0 1 0 Louth 0 2 0 Mayo 0 0 0 Meath 0 0 0 Roscommon/Longford 0 0 0 Sligo/Leitrim 1 0 0 Tipperary 1 0 0 Waterford 0 0 0 Westmeath 0 0 1 Wexford 0 0 0

The issuing/revocation of PSV licences for the Garda Divisions comprising the Dublin Met- ropolitan Region (DMR) are processed centrally by Chief Superintendent/Superintendent DMR

166 13 February 2018 Traffic and it is advised that, for the DMR, 7 licences were revoked in 2017, 5 in 2016 and 10 in 2015.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the data provided is provisional, operational and liable to change, and is valid to 8 February 2018.

13/02/2018WRM01100Work Permits Eligibility

13/02/2018WRM01200276. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person who received a first instance decision from ORAC under the Refugee Act 1996 but has since been brought under the single procedure to be re-interviewed and has yet to receive a first instance decision under the International Protection Act 2015 is eligible to apply to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation for an employment permit and-or the administrative scheme to provide international protection applicants with permission to be self employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7181/18]

13/02/2018WRM01300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will be aware that on Friday last, 9 February, the Supreme Court made a Final Order striking down the prohibition on the right to seek work for protection applicants in the International Protection Act 2015. This effectively means that all applicants in the protection process may now apply for an employment permit from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. This is an existing scheme and the same conditions for eligibility are now being applied to international protection applicants as for all other non-EEA nationals. Full details can be found on the De- partment of Business, Enterprise and Innovation’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie

In addition to the employment permits regime, the Government decided to set up an administrative scheme to provide eligible international protection applicants with access to self employment from 9 February. In this regard, I used my executive power to provide an avenue for qualified applicants to engage in self-employment. International Protection applicants who have not received a first instance decision within 9 months of the date of their application, if the delay is not through their own actions, who have made reasonable efforts to establish their identity, who have cooperated with the protection process and who have registered with the Revenue Commissioners are qualified to apply for a permission to access self employment.

In the situation outlined by the Deputy, the applicant can apply for an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Business and Innovation. The applicant would also be eligible to apply for the self-employment scheme operated by my Department in accordance with the conditions outlined above.

The Deputy will be aware that the arrangements outlined above are interim in nature pending Ireland’s opt-in to the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive as set out in various statements in the Oireachtas and elsewhere. See for example my statement on 9 February available on www.justice.ie.

13/02/2018WRM01400Naturalisation Applications

13/02/2018WRM01500277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); when the application is likely to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7195/18]

167 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRM01600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, 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.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

13/02/2018WRM01700Garda Data

13/02/2018WRM01800278. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently assigned to each divisional drug unit. [7200/18]

13/02/2018WRM01900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I am informed that the Garda strength of the Divisional Drug Units was 236 as of 31 De- cember 2017.

As the Deputy will be aware all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences crime or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction.

An Garda Síochána’s National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, which was established in 2015, continues to lead out the policing strategy for tackling drugs by demand reduction and supply reduction strategies. In this regard the Bureau continues its policy of working with Garda Divisional Drug Units nationwide in tackling supply reduction at local level.

This work is further supported by other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bu- reau, in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. This approach allows for the co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug activity nationwide. Multi-disciplinary approaches are also utilised to ensure that those involved in illicit activity are effectively targeted including through the use of the pro- 168 13 February 2018 ceeds of crime legislation, money laundering legislation and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau. I am informed that this approach adopts good practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and in utilising available criminal law to its fullest extent in tackling all forms of organised crime, including drug trafficking.

We have also seen unprecedented international cooperation between An Garda Síochána and policing services in other jurisdictions leading to important arrests and drug seizures.

Underpinning all these measures is this Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. I am informed by the Commis- sioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources he needs to allow him to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across the organisation including the Divisional Drugs Units.

I have provided for the record the detailed information requested by Deputy in tabular form as of 31 December 2017.

Strength of Divisional Drugs Units 31 December 2017

County Number CAVAN/MONAGHAN 5 CLARE 5 CORK CITY 17 CORK NORTH 5 CORK WEST 5 DMR EAST 11 DMR NORTH 19 DMR NORTH CENTRAL 14 DMR SOUTH 14 DMR SOUTH CENTRAL 9 DMR WEST 17 DONEGAL 4 GALWAY 9 KERRY 9 KILDARE 9 KILKENNY/CARLOW 5 LAOIS/OFFALY 5 LIMERICK 11 LOUTH 5 MAYO 6 MEATH 5 ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD 4 SLIGO/LEITRIM 14

169 Questions - Written Answers County Number TIPPERARY 12 WATERFORD 6 WESTMEATH 6 WEXFORD 5 WICKLOW 0 TOTAL 236

13/02/2018WRM02000Garda Data

13/02/2018WRM02100279. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí assigned to each county in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7204/18]

13/02/2018WRM02200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical du- 170 13 February 2018 ties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.

Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Since reopening the Garda College in September 2014, nearly 1,600 new recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. I am advised that there were 691 Garda assigned to community policing duties as of 31 December 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.

I have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner and will communicate directly with the Deputy in due course.

13/02/2018WRM02300Garda Data

13/02/2018WRM02400280. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently assigned to each station in the Togher Garda district in County Cork. [7213/18]

13/02/2018WRM02500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

The Deputy will be aware the Togher Garda District forms part of the Cork City Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of the Cork City Division on 31 Decem- ber 2017 was 666, of whom 118 were attached to the Togher District. There are also 42 Garda Reserves and 70 Garda civilian staff attached to the Cork City Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bu- reau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in Sep- tember 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 38 have been assigned to the Cork 171 Questions - Written Answers City Division of whom 10 were assigned to Togher Garda Station. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.

For the Deputy’s information I have set out in tabular form the number of Gardaí attached to each station in the Togher Garda District as of 31 December 2017.

- TOGHER DISTRICT 31 DECEMBER 2017 Bishopstown 19 Carrigaline 20 Crosshaven 2 Douglas 19 Passage West 2 Togher 56 TOTAL 118

13/02/2018WRM02600Ministerial Functions

13/02/2018WRM02700281. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if posthumous pardons for those who were convicted of offences that related to protests for the right of women to vote will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7300/18]

13/02/2018WRM02800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I believe it fitting, a century on from when women first became eligible to vote, that we reflect on the significant role played by the pioneering women of the suffragette movement in shaping the world in which we live today.

The Deputy will be aware that the power of pardon rests solely with the President under the Constitution (Article 13.6), however the President may only grant a pardon on the advice of the Government (Article 13.9).

The issue that the Deputy raises is one that I believe merits further consideration. However, any process would have to take account of a range of factors, including the details of each individual case and the practical difficulties that might arise in assessing any such cases, given the passage of time and the lack of living witnesses.

172 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRM02900Prison Service Data

13/02/2018WRM03000282. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parlia- mentary Questions Nos. 548 and 550 of 7 November 2017, when the information sought will be supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7320/18]

13/02/2018WRM03100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am informed by the Di- rector General of the Irish Prison Service that it is an occupational requirement for employment in the prison service that persons employed therein are fully physically capable of meeting the challenges of the job and are available to fully undertake the range of functions that they may be called upon to perform.

While the Irish Prison Service will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations, within the constraints provided by the prison environment, it should be noted that there is no onus on the Service to provide such accommodations and this is reflected in the employment equality legislation, viz. Section 37 of the 1998 Employment Act:

“It is an occupational requirement for employment in the Garda Síochána, Irish Prison Ser- vice or any emergency service that persons employed therein are fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the range of functions that they may be called upon to perform so that the operational capacity of the Garda Síochána or the service concerned may be preserved.”

The Irish Prison Service is committed to the provision of workplace rehabilitation that supports and enables injured or sick employees to remain at work or return to the workplace at as early a time as possible. Re-familiarisation with the workplace, or ‘easing back in’, can be very important where a staff member has been absent with illness for a lengthy period.

In order to ensure these posts are kept available for as many staff as possible to aid in their recuperation and return to duty, the Irish Prison Service introduced the Policy for Accommoda- tions (Rehabilitative/Restricted Duties) in July 2014.

This Policy allows for staff to return from sick leave on ‘lighter duties’ where the CMO has confirmed that they are likely to be in a position to return to full duties within 3 months. The Irish Prison Service does not have capacity to accommodate staff on longer periods of these duties as there are very limited posts available. In addition to the Policy these posts are required for pregnant staff.

Extensions to a period of recuperative/restricted duties can only be considered in exceptional circumstances where the serving prison officer has the potential to return to full time duties. There are currently 6 staff who have had their period of recuperative/restricted duties extended, on the advice of the CMO, to over 6 months. Their cases have been referred again to the CMO with a view to them returning to full duties in the coming weeks.

In response to the Deputy’s second query, there are 5 staff who are on long term restricted duties. Their cases predate the introduction of the Irish Prison Service Accommodations(Rehabilitative/ Restricted Duties) Policy.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 273.

13/02/2018WRM03300Equality Issues

13/02/2018WRM03400284. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the 173 Questions - Written Answers inequality of car rental companies seeking a doctor’s note when leasing a car to a person over 75 years of age (details supplied); his views on whether this practice is age discrimination on behalf of the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7378/18]

13/02/2018WRM03500Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): Ireland has comprehensive and robust equality legislation in place – namely the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015 – which prohibits discrimination on ten specific grounds – Age; Gender; Sexual orientation; Civil status; Family status; Religious belief; Disability; Race, colour nationality, ethnic or national origins; Membership of the Travelling Community; and being in receipt of housing assistance. The legislation is designed to promote equality and prohibit discrimination (direct, indirect and by association) and victimisation; it also allows for positive measures to ensure equality across the ten grounds.

The Equal Status Acts 2000-2015 outlaw discrimination outside the workplace, in particular in the provision of goods and services, selling, renting or leasing property and certain aspects of education. Equality legislation also provides for remedies for those who have suffered discrimination.

There have been successfully negotiated changes to existing practices under the Equal Sta- tus Acts. As a result, car hire firms agreed to the following changes to the pre-2009 terms and conditions:

1. a blanket ban on drivers over 75 years of age was removed;

2. the automatic daily surcharge for drivers over 70 years of age was abolished;

3. a safety assessment form was introduced. This form takes due and proper account of individual drivers’ health, driving experience and existing motor insurance policy, as well as a requirement that a doctor’s letter be provided, certifying that the person is in good health.

As the Deputy is aware the regulation of motor insurance and road traffic matters are complex. There is, for example, a minimum age set before one can hold a driving licence and if a person is over the age of 70, they will need certification of fitness to drive by their doctor in order to apply for a driving licence.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) is Ireland’s national equality body and deals with a range of EU anti-discrimination measures and it is also Ireland’s human rights institution. The IHREC is independent in the discharge of its functions, which include: the protection and promotion of human rights and equality and the provision of information to the public in relation to the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015. It has powers of investigation and can provide advice and assistance to persons who consider that they have experienced discrimination. It is open to any person to make contact with the Commission to inquire as to what advice and assistance may be available in their particular circumstance. IHREC can refer a case of perceived discrimination to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for investigation and adjudication.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (formerly the Equality Tribunal) would be the appropriate avenue to adjudicate or mediate claims of unlawful discrimination under equality legislation.

It is open to a person who wishes to challenge practices which are perceived as unlawful discrimination to take a case to the WRC: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/Complaints_Dis- putes/Refer_a_Dispute_Make_a_Complaint/How_to_Make_a_Complaint_Refer_a_Dispute. html

174 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRM03600Forensic Science Ireland

13/02/2018WRM03700285. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if salary negotiations will be allowed in the current grade III forensic scientist recruitment campaign. [7421/18]

13/02/2018WRM03800286. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the lack of success of previous recruitment competitions for grade III forensic scientists was affected or informed by the inability to negotiate salary for new entrants. [7422/18]

13/02/2018WRM03900287. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether he should seek an exemption from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to the rule that starting pay be above the minimum for the competition for recruitment within Forensic Science Ireland; and if he has discussed this with the Minister for Public Ex- penditure and Reform. [7423/18]

13/02/2018WRM04000288. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether, in the context of ensuring proper staffing levels in Forensic Science Ire- land and in view of the competition for recruitment within this field, applicants in recent years should be placed on a point on the grade III salary scale which reflects previous salaries, qualifications and experience. [7424/18]

13/02/2018WRM04100289. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the staff numbers in Forensic Science Ireland for each of the past eight years. [7425/18]

13/02/2018WRM04200290. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has satisfied himself with the staff numbers in Forensic Science Ireland in view of the increased workload it faces, including the implementation of the national DNA database in the past two years and the implementation of the PRUM treaty obligations; and his plans to increase numbers. [7426/18]

13/02/2018WRM04300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 285 to 290, inclusive, together.

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) plays a major and valued role in the investigation of crime in Ireland.

Insofar as recruitment to FSI is concerned, there is no evidence that the most recent recruitment competitions for Forensic Scientist Grade III have not been a success. As the table shows, 16 persons have already been assigned from the latest competition and recruitment from that competition is on-going.

Competition year Number on panel Number assigned 2015 15 6 2017 (current panel) 28 16 Total 43 22

As of now, there is no evidence that the starting salary for Forensic Scientist Grade III has been a major impediment to recruitment - that is not to rule out the possibility that it may have been a factor in the rejection of employment in individual cases. The situation will, however, be kept under review.

In light of future developments, including its move to a state-of-the-art laboratory in Back- 175 Questions - Written Answers weston, and its merger with the Garda Technical Bureau, as recommended by the Garda Sío- chána Inspectorate in ‘Changing Policing in Ireland’, FSI is currently reviewing its workforce strategy. The output from this work will be considered by my Department in due course.

Finally, the following table shows the staff numbers in FSI at the end of the past eight years and today:

End Year Total staff 2010 97 2011 96 2012 98 2013 95 2014 92 2015 88 2016 99 2017 103 Current 105

13/02/2018WRM04900Drugs Seizures

13/02/2018WRM05000291. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the quantity and estimated street value of an illegal drug (details supplied) seized for each year since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7427/18]

13/02/2018WRM05100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy is referring to the substance called “fentanyl”. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic, similar to morphine but considerably more potent. It is typically used in the medical profession to treat patients with severe pain, to manage pain after surgery, or to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically intolerant to other opioids.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there were no seizures of Fentanyl recorded from 2014-2016. In 2017, 990 grams of the drug with an estimated street value of €64,364 was seized based on analysis of the drugs undertaken by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). The estimated street value of the drug data provided by FSI is calculated on the basis of current market value of drugs at street level in this jurisdiction, which is the subject of regular review by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the data provided is valid to 8 February 2018 and is operational and provisional and therefore liable to change.

13/02/2018WRM05200Garda Youth Diversion Projects

13/02/2018WRM05300292. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Kerry Garda youth diversion programme, GYDP, pilot will be completed; and the reasons the decisions being made regarding a move towards tendering are being implemented for other GYDPs in view of the fact the report on the pilot is not yet completed. [7428/18]

13/02/2018WRM05400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): A divisional Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) service delivery model was introduced in County Kerry in 2015. This new pilot approach, known as the Kerry Realignment Project, was implemented by Kerry Diocesan Youth Services in conjunction with the Kerry Division of An Garda Síochána. 176 13 February 2018 I am advised that an independent evaluation of the operation of this model was commissioned by the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) last year and a report in this regard is expected shortly.

The Deputy might note that my Department is obliged to carry out a call for proposals process in relation to GYDP services in 2018 as these projects are co funded by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020. The call for proposals must take place irrespective of the Kerry Realignment Project evaluation.

GYDPs deliver a valuable service to young offenders and provide an effective and essential support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme by An Garda Síochána. The call for proposals provides the opportunity to update and improve the operating model of a very valuable service. The new model will ensure state-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people who have committed a crime or engaged in anti-social behaviour, which does not exist at present.

While certain aspects of the new service model have been determined, IYJS is currently undertaking an extensive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders with a view to informing further development of the model in advance of the call being issued.

The findings of the independent evaluation of the Kerry divisional model will further assist in the development of GYDP services generally.

13/02/2018WRM05500Garda Youth Diversion Projects

13/02/2018WRM05600293. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it has been decided to move towards a tendering model for Garda youth diversionary programmes, GYDPs; and the assessments that have been made on the impact this will have on independent GYDPs, their staff and the communities they serve. [7429/18]

13/02/2018WRM05700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that my Department is obliged to carry out a call for proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

In relation to the impact of the new approach on existing service providers, I am advised that the Irish Youth Justice Service is currently engaged in an extensive consultation process with relevant stakeholders in relation to all aspects of the GYDP change programme, with a view to the further development of the service delivery model prior to the call for proposals being issued.

13/02/2018WRM05800Crime Levels

13/02/2018WRM05900294. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the sta- 177 Questions - Written Answers tus of the scoping exercise to produce a SAVI II report; and when the process will be completed. [7431/18]

13/02/2018WRM06000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): A scoping group has been established to consider the availability of data and make recommendations on a study to identify the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in Ireland today, and emerging trends. The agreed terms of reference for the scoping group are available on my Department’s website. They provide that the group will report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy within 3 months of the first meeting of the group. The group first met on 5 January and is scheduled to report by 5 April.

Work is progressing, following a workplan agreed by the group, with a view to reporting within the timescale envisaged in the terms of reference.

13/02/2018WRN00200Garda Resources

13/02/2018WRN00300295. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the reported 10% increase in Garda traffic corps numbers will be based on current figures or on the size of the corps from January 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7445/18]

13/02/2018WRN00400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I have been informed that the strength of the Garda Traffic Corps on the 31 December 2017, stood at 623. In addition, there is one Chief Superintendent and two Superintendents attached to the DMR Traffic Corps, a Superintendent and Traffic Inspector attached to each of the five Regions, and one Superintendent attached to the Policing Road Traffic Bureau. It is important to note, that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through specific enforcement operations.

There is no room for complacency when it comes to road safety and the intensive efforts being made to promote road safety have contributed to last year representing the lowest number of road traffic fatalities on record at 159. It is imperative that the positive momentum across road traffic enforcement and road safety initiatives is harnessed towards further annual reductions in fatalities.

By working together with the RSA and other agencies, An Garda Síochána will continue to confront dangerous road-user behaviour thorough public presence, legislative enforcement, education and partnership. The Government is committed to further supporting An Garda Sío- chána in this regard including by reversing the effects of the legacy of the moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 which resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána across the whole organisation including the Traffic Corps.

The Government implementation of the plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 is well underway and there is real tangible progress on reaching this goal. Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. 178 13 February 2018 I am pleased to say that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment. This year a further 800 Garda trainees will enter the College with 800 also scheduled to attest. This will see Garda numbers reach more than 14,000 by the end of 2018.

This increase in Garda numbers will facilitate the Commissioner in meeting his commitment to strengthen the numbers assigned to roads policing by 10% year on year using the strength of the Traffic Corps of 671 on 31 December 2016 as a baseline. It is not all about numbers, the Commissioner’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places a strong emphasis on the role of the Traffic Corps being expanded to include crime prevention and detection on the roads through the establishment of Divisional Roads Policing Units. The Commissioner has confirmed that a review of roads policing has been completed and that a new role and job description for additional personnel for Road Policing Units has been developed.

I am advised that regional competitions which will allow for the allocation of additional resources to the Divisional Roads Policing Units is ongoing and Garda management plan that in the region of a 150 additional Gardaí will be assigned on an incremental basis to Roads Polic- ing duties in 2018 to support better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement and crime prevention.

13/02/2018WRN00500Garda Reports

13/02/2018WRN00600296. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a newspaper report (details supplied) of 7 February 2018 relating to a Garda report containing information outstanding from a number of parliamentary questions, including the number of drivers detected with between 50 mg and 80 mg of blood alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7446/18]

13/02/2018WRN00700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am aware of the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy, however, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment on a journalist’s source material. The Deputy is also fully aware that I have no role, as Minister for Justice and Equality, in relation to Garda operational matters, which fall within the remit of the Garda Commissioner.

However, I have again requested the information sought by the Deputy in relation to drivers detected with blood alcohol content levels between 50mgs and 80 mgs further to the Deputy’s previous parliamentary question numbers 138 of 21 March 2017, 469 and 523 of 26 July 2017, 556 of 7 November 2017, 115 of 13 December 2017 and 273 of 23 January 2018. I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.

13/02/2018WRN00800Crime Data

13/02/2018WRN00900297. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parlia- mentary Question No. 218 of 7 November 2017, when the information requested will be supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7487/18]

13/02/2018WRN01000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As indicated in replies to PQ 45745/17 and PQ 52939/17, I sought and received a report from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the number of weapons that were stolen from houses and vehicles in the past five years.

As indicated in response to PQ 52939/17 of 12 December 2017 clarification has been sought

179 Questions - Written Answers from the Commissioner on the information provided in the report, which is awaited. My De- partment is in ongoing communication with the Garda Commissioner in this regard. I will write to the Deputy with a full reply when the information sought has been received.

13/02/2018WRN01004Ministerial Meetings

13/02/2018WRN01009298. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business; Enterprise and Innovation if the Cabinet has requested advice from the chief scientific adviser since her appointment. [6999/18]

13/02/2018WRN01018Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy John Halligan): The Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) meets with relevant Government Min- isters on a regular basis and meets with new Ministers when they take responsibility for their portfolio. I have met with Professor Mark Ferguson on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation in late November 2017. I am not aware of any formal requests for advice from the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government by Cabinet members since my appointment as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innova- tion. I understand that the CSA provided advice on at least two occasions earlier in 2017 to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. I am aware also that the CSA presented evidence to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine (October 2017) and the Seanad Special Select Committee on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (June 2017). The CSA also regularly meets with relevant European Commissioners and members of their Cabinets.

The Chief Scientific Adviser participates in the following national and international committees/groups:

- Chair of the Horizon 2020 Strategic Research Proposals Group

- Innovation 2020 Implementation Group

- Member of the Board of Governors European Commission Joint Research Council (JRC)

- European Science Advisers Forum (ESAF)

- Global Research Council (GRC)

- Small Advanced Economies Initiatives (SAEI)

- Foreign Ministry Science and Technology Advisors network (FMSTAN)

- International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA)

- International Council for Scientific Unions (ICSU) Committee

- Chaired eHealth Ireland Committee 2015-2017

Other national departmental / industrial / academic and international engagements in capacity of CSA:

- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Expert Panel on Peer Review, Ottawa, Canada (2017)

- Participation in various EU high level committees, e.g. EU High Level Group on maximis- ing the impact of EU research and innovation programmes (Lamy Group) 2017 180 13 February 2018 - Participation in various Brexit stakeholder briefings (ongoing)

- Panel member in National Risk Assessment open debate at the Department of the Taoise- ach

- Regular speaker at international conferences such as the AAAS (American Association for Advancement of Science) Annual Meetings, EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) and World Science Forum.

13/02/2018WRN01100Industrial Development

13/02/2018WRN01200299. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the national health innovation hub is still in operation. [6707/18]

13/02/2018WRN01300Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy John Halligan): The National Health Innovation Hub (Health Innovation Hub Ireland), a joint initiative of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Health, was launched in September 2016 following a competitive process. Health Innovation Hub Ireland involves a consortium of formal collaborators which include University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, National University of Ireland Galway, and Trinity College Dublin, and their associated Clinical Research Facilities (Cork, Galway, Dublin) and their Hos- pital Groups, with associated Primary Care Centres, Community Health Organisations, Phar- macies and HSE support infrastructures. The consortium is highly complementary, with each collaborator offering unique capabilities and access to key stakeholders, enabling delivery of projects on the ground at multiple locations in Ireland.

Health Innovation Hub Ireland supports healthcare companies and entrepreneurs in validating and refining products and services in a real-life environment by facilitating access to the health service, and supports innovative ideas from healthcare practitioners. Funding has been secured from within the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation’s allocation and, through Enterprise Ireland, €5m is being provided over five years (€1m per annum.) The HSE provides in-kind support including clinician time and hospital engagement, along with staff assigned to work in the Hub. This pioneering partnership involves a unified approach by both Departments, working with private sector companies and the health service to enable the development of groundbreaking Irish healthcare products and services for the benefit of Irish patients, while importantly also supporting job creation.

13/02/2018WRN01400IDA Ireland Portfolio

13/02/2018WRN01500300. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of an IDA property (details supplied); the plans of the IDA to invest in the property; the amount that was spent on purchasing the property; the amount that has been invested in it in each of the years since it was purchased, in tabular form; the number of clients or potential clients that have visited the property since it was purchased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6737/18]

13/02/2018WRN01600Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Giv- en the operational nature of the information requested, I have asked IDA Ireland to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

181 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRN01604State Properties

13/02/2018WRN01609301. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business; Enterprise and Innovation the sequence of events surrounding the surrendering of a lease (details supplied); the costs of surrendering the lease; the details of all costs inclusive of costs paid to the landlord and the legal costs; the efforts made to reduce the penalties involved; the efforts made to commercially dispose of the lease to another party; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6738/18]

13/02/2018WRN01618Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The lease on Carrisbrook House was assigned to IDA Ireland in September 2013, prior to the disso- lution of Forfás. Previous to this, the lease had passed through number of State agencies since a 65-year lease was first taken out by An Chomhairle Oiliúna in 1969.

Carrisbrook House was 85% vacant for a number of years, despite having been actively marketed by Forfás and the IDA. The building was difficult to sublet, partly on account of the high cost of refurbishment. The IDA also did not have vacant possession of the entire property due to an existing lease with a tenant which runs until 2025, thereby limiting its marketability further.

After carefully considering the best course forward, the IDA decided to exit the lease with effect from December 2015 as it was the least costly option for the State. The alternative was continuing to meet contractual obligations to pay rent over the remaining lifetime of the lease until 2034, together with meeting additional liabilities that arise in the context of the full repairing and insuring lease. While the payment of €9.4 million to exit the lease was a significant amount, it represents a saving to the State of an estimated €13.65 million in comparison to maintaining the lease until completion.

I am informed that IDA Ireland paid legal fees in the sum of €11,830.52 in respect of its exit from the lease.

13/02/2018WRN01700Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRN01800302. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent by her Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of her Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by her Depart- ment by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6741/18]

13/02/2018WRN01900Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): My Department uses external service providers having regard to its business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strives to keep costs to the minimum.

The hiring of external service providers by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies concerned. I have, however, asked the agencies to provide details of any such services procured by them and I will forward these to the Deputy once received.

The following tables set out

(a) the amount spent by my Department and Offices on photography by photographer and photography agencies and 182 13 February 2018 (b) the amount spent by my Department and Offices on agencies which provided public relations and communications advice, such agencies being external to the media officers of my Department.

Costs incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Of- fices from 1 January 2016 to date in relation to photography by photographer and photography agency

Year Name of Service Provider Details of Service Supplied Cost € 2016 Fennell Photography Photocall for increase to the National 291 Minimum Wage Fennell Photography Launch of APJ 2016 586 Fennell Photography Launch of Workplace Relations Com- 137 mission Strategy Statement Fennell Photography Visit of Johann Dietrich Woerner DG 565 European Space Agency Fennell Photography Headshot of Oonagh Buckley new DG 183 Workplace Relations Commission Fennell Photography Photocall EGFSN report on Biopharma 321 Industry Fennell Photography Photocall with NCBI 414 Fennell Photography Visit of Jean Pierre Bourguignon Presi- 122 dent of The European Research Council (ERC) Fennell Photography Opening of new offices for Workplace 291 Relations Commission and Labour Court Tommy Clancy Photogra- Photographic Services for outgoing Di- 231 phy rector General, WRC event Tommy Clancy Photogra- Photographic Services for outgoing 231 phy Chairman of the Labour Court event Fennell Photography Stock photo Chairman Labour Court 77 Tommy Clancy Photogra- Stock photo Labour Court Members 681 phy Fennell Photography Photographic services -CSR online 291 Service

2017 Fennell Photography Photographic services - launch of Action 549 Plan for Jobs (APJ) 2017 Fennell Photography Photographic services - launch of 291 Prompt Payments Code/Portal Fennell Photography Stock shots Minister Breen 46 Fennell Photography Photographic services - WRC Annual 275 Report Launch Fennell Photography Photographic services - EAT 50th An- 275 niversary Fennell Photography Brexit SME Scorecard 321 Maxwell Photography Photography services Future of Work 396 Conference Dublin Castle 183 Questions - Written Answers Year Name of Service Provider Details of Service Supplied Cost € Fennell Photography Photographic Services Launch of Ire- 398 lands Second Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility Fennell Photography Photographic Services at the switching 514 on of ILOFAR telescope, Birr Fennell Photography Photographic Services for Launch of 275 Taking Care of Business Charlie Brady Photography Official opening of WRC Sligo Office 136 Fennell Photography Taking Care of Business Event 275 Fennell Photography Building Stronger Business (Brexit 275 Report) Eamon Ward Photography Corporate Social Responsibility for 307 SMEs (Doolin, Co, Clare) Fennell Photography Launch of the First Report by the Per- 185 sonal Injuries Commission (distribution) Fennell Photography Launch of the First Report by the Per- 91 sonal Injuries Commission(photography) Maxwell Photography Photography High Level Consultation 209 Forum

Costs Incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Of- fices from 1 January 2016 to date in relation to Public Relations or Communications Ad- vice by agencies, such agencies being external to the media officers of the Department

Year Name of Service Details of Service Supplied Cost € Provider 2016 Barberry Ltd T/A To provide the Workplace Relations Commis- 4,981.50 Keating and Associ- sion with Communication Services (including ates PR; Media Monitoring advising on the design, 19 Fitzwilliam Place content and production of reports and bro- Dublin 2 chures. 2016 Fuzion Communica- Provision of Communications services to the 6,863.40 tions Workplace Relations Commission 2016 Atomic Advertising To provide the Department with a one year ad- 20,568 Ltd vertising campaign, radio and digital, to raise 15A Bishop Street- awareness of a range of Government provid- Dublin 8 edenterprise supports(This amount relates to work carried out in 2015) 2016 Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. To provide the Department with a six month 36,232 public campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code

2017 Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. To provide the Department with a six month 25,155 public campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code(This amount relates to work carried out in 2016)

184 13 February 2018 Year Name of Service Details of Service Supplied Cost € Provider 2017 Drury Porter Novelli PR and event support for information cam- 15,238 paigns; encouraging and informing companies on how to prepare their business for Brexit 2017 Fuzion Communica- Provision of Communications Services to the 6,753 tions Workplace Relations Commission 2017 Fuzion Communica- Development of Communications Strategy to 4,404 tions enhance Activity Impact and its 2017 roll out

2018 Fuzion Communica- Provision of Communications Services to the 221 tions Workplace Relations Commission

13/02/2018WRN02000Appointments to State Boards Data

13/02/2018WRN02100303. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the State boards under the remit of her Department; the number of persons on each of those boards; the number of those persons who are male and female, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6946/18]

13/02/2018WRN02200Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following statistical table.

In relation to the information set out in the table, please note that a candidate has been selected for the position of Chairperson of the Board of the National Standards Authority of Ireland but has not yet been appointed. The vacancies on the Boards of IDA and Science Foun- dation Ireland have been notified to the Public Appointment Service (PAS) who are managing the process of advertising and selection of suitable potential candidates for my consideration. The vacancy for Enterprise Ireland has not yet been notified to AS.P

Further information in relation to appointment dates etc., is available on the State Boards website at www.stateboards.ie

Board Female Male Vacancies Total No of positions on the board Enterprise Ireland 4 7 1 12 Personal Injuries Assessment Board 4 7 0 11 (PIAB) Health and Safety Authority 3 9 0 12 National Standards Authority of Ireland 6 6 1 13 (NSAI) Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervi- 5 4 0 9 sory Authority (IAASA) IDA Ireland 4 5 3 12 Science Foundation Ireland 4 7 1 12 Workplace Relations Commission 5 4 0 9 (WRC)

185 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRN02300IDA Ireland Site Visits

13/02/2018WRN02400304. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA visits of prospective clients to each county in each of the years 2013 to 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7060/18]

13/02/2018WRN02500Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The IDA remains committed to increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region of Ireland by 30% to 40% by the end of the Agency’s current strategy in 2019. Progress is being made towards that target, with half of all jobs created in the first three years of that strategy based outside of Dublin.

IDA Ireland continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in the regions to its client base and it makes every effort to ensure that FDI is spread as widely as possible across the country. It is important to remember, however, that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the company concerned. It is also the case that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new FDI comes from existing IDA Ireland client companies.

Site visits nevertheless do represent an important tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas and the IDA always does its utmost to ensure that investors consider all potential locations when visiting Ireland.

The following table outlines IDA Ireland site visits by county from 2013 to 2017.

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Dublin 180 205 242 284 327 Kildare 1 1 7 8 10 Meath 1 2 7 8 3 Wicklow 1 4 7 5 2 Laois 2 0 4 6 4 Longford 0 0 2 6 7 Offaly 1 1 8 4 5 Westmeath 9 12 28 36 42 Clare 5 9 12 18 22 Limerick 23 22 40 49 42 Tipperary 4 3 12 8 8 Cavan 2 1 0 2 2 Louth 4 10 20 24 22 Monaghan 1 0 2 2 1 Donegal 7 6 5 7 2 Leitrim 1 2 8 8 5 Sligo 10 7 15 20 18 Carlow 1 2 1 9 8 Kilkenny 3 4 10 10 6 Waterford 14 11 31 17 11 Wexford 2 1 4 7 3 Cork 31 30 48 49 51 Kerry 1 3 6 3 9

186 13 February 2018 County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Galway 15 19 41 42 62 Mayo 3 4 3 5 7 Roscommon 4 0 2 1 3 Total 326 359 565 638 682

13/02/2018WRN02600IDA Ireland Data

13/02/2018WRN02700305. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA-supported jobs by county at the end of each year from 2013 to 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7061/18]

13/02/2018WRN02800Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): IDA Ireland’s performance in 2017 resulted in the third consecutive year of strong growth under the Agency’s current Strategy. By the end of last year, total employment in the Agency’s client companies stood at 210,443. Furthermore there are now over 122,000 people employed across 649 firms in IDA client companies outside of Dublin. I look forward to working closely with the Agency and across Government to grow those numbers further in 2018.

The following table provides a breakdown of employment in IDA Ireland client companies from 2013 to 2017.

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Carlow 735 749 768 802 875 Cavan 1,135 1,136 1,165 1,203 1,155 Clare 6,056 6,232 6,353 6,735 6,775 Cork 27,257 28,251 32,101 33,831 35,248 Donegal 2,382 2,607 2,918 3,039 3,389 Dublin 66,050 69,673 74,459 81,925 88,318 Galway 14,273 14,638 15,367 16,932 17,696 Kerry 1,659 1,895 1,948 2,097 2,186 Kildare 10,327 10,285 10,628 10,229 9,282 Kilkenny 617 716 650 762 782 Laois 106 87 105 115 119 Leitrim 606 682 745 803 889 Limerick 7,448 7,930 8,702 9,827 10,677 Longford 701 650 686 672 474 Louth 2,568 3,053 3,236 3,593 3,702 Mayo 3,728 3,932 4,070 4,234 4,462 Meath 1,540 1,536 1,533 1,526 1,491 Monaghan 365 275 146 137 150 Offaly 896 874 887 914 940 Roscommon 962 916 994 985 1,128 Sligo 2,230 2,219 2,221 2,290 2,184 Tipperary 306 298 318 328 335 North Riding Tipperary 3,055 3,246 3,215 3,040 3,330 South Riding 187 Questions - Written Answers County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Waterford 5,183 5,248 5,574 6,253 6,850 Westmeath 2,202 2,386 2,519 2,573 2,794 Wexford 2,402 2,547 2,527 2,680 2,948 Wicklow 2,348 2,324 2,199 2,234 2,264 Grand Total 167,137 174,385 186,034 199,759 210,443

13/02/2018WRN02900IDA Ireland

13/02/2018WRN03000306. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the investment provided by the IDA by county to its client companies for each year from 2013 to 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7062/18]

13/02/2018WRN03100Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The following table provides a breakdown of grants paid by IDA Ireland to its client companies between 2013 and 2017. The figure provided for Dublin includes payments to the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).

It is important to note that grants paid in a particular year are not necessarily linked to either the investments won or the jobs created in that 12-month period. Grants are generally drawn down over the lifetime of a project which is normally over a period of three to five years. Some investments which result in job creation may not be grant aided and some well-established firms may no longer be receiving grant payments.

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 TOTAL Carlow €5,093,152 €72,000 €2,027,393 €1,080,631 €82,725 €8,355,901 Cavan €0 €0 €120,622 €418,271 €64,180 €603,073 Clare €0 €3,172,202 €4,463,951 €3,023,557 €2,521,600 €13,181,310 Cork €12,380,130 €18,353,580 €13,260,876 €13,220,973 €20,843,403 €78,058,962 Donegal €3,071,490 €1,889,800 €1,697,150 €685,500 €1,602,200 €8,946,140 Dublin €24,803,491 €19,952,938 €19,826,741 €20,136,706 €19,949,601 €104,669,477 Galway €17,277,141 €8,422,227 €18,357,383 €13,611,022 €7,681,690 €65,349,463 Kerry €584,145 €16,800 €3,220,609 €1,024,766 €2,357,952 €7,204,272 Kildare €4,690,248 €728,457 €5,798,570 €3,573,544 €2,096,053 €16,886,872 Kilkenny €0 €0 €350,000 €440,000 €156,000 €946,000 Laois €0 €25,000 €75,000 €5,000 €24,500 €129,500 Leitrim €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 Limerick €4,434,483 €15,374,032 €10,596,531 €13,589,484 €7,036,757 €51,031,287 Longford €0 €0 €397,750 €169,542 €3,297,973 €3,865,265 Louth €2,935,800 €3,672,307 €993,000 €3,031,765 €924,060 €11,556,932 Mayo €4,180,577 €6,376,253 €2,406,422 €1,498,389 €3,184,082 €17,645,723 Meath €1,540,920 €0 €300,000 €0 €0 €1,840,920 Monaghan €0 €58,022 €200,000 €200,000 €0 €458,022 Offaly €150,042 €324,662 €120,000 €355,540 €960,089 €1,910,333 Roscommon €110,000 €0 €733,000 €0 €185,500 €1,028,500 Sligo €796,831 €750,892 €4,229,218 €922,814 €2,875,340 €9,575,095 Tipperary €2,729,055 €3,654,309 €2,939,811 €2,580,100 €3,428,740 €15,332,015 Waterford €1,938,976 €1,867,329 €1,341,864 €10,914,081 €7,794,598 €23,856,848 Westmeath €272,624 €1,948,923 €2,513,508 €1,768,687 €2,078,588 €8,582,330 Wexford €934,569 €783,794 €1,534,136 €568,307 €1,473,521 €5,294,327 Wicklow €27,623 €43,738 €234,048 €159,372 €321,734 €786,515 TOTAL €87,951,297 €87,487,265 €97,737,583 €92,978,051 €90,940,886 €457,095,082

188 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRN03200Enterprise Ireland Data

13/02/2018WRN03300307. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland by county for the end of each year from the end of 2013 to 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7063/18]

13/02/2018WRN03400308. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the investment by Enterprise Ireland in client companies by county for each year from the end of 2013 to 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7064/18]

13/02/2018WRN03500Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 308 together.

Enterprise Ireland is my Department’s main agency for developing Irish business. Enter- prise Ireland supports companies in urban and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. At the centre of the agency’s strategy, Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017 – 2020, are strategic targets focused on:

- Assisting clients to create 60,000 new jobs by 2020 while sustaining the existing record level of jobs;

- Growing the annual exports of client companies by €5bn to €26bn per annum;

- Increasing the level of spend made by client companies in the Irish economy by €4bn to €27bn per annum by 2020; and

- Inspiring more Irish owned companies to have global ambition.

These are ambitious targets, particularly against a backdrop of Brexit and an uncertain global economic climate. Despite these challenges, the 2017 performance demonstrates a very positive first year in the new Strategy.

Enterprise Ireland’s 2017 results reported the highest employment in the history of the agency, the highest net job creation in the history of the agency and also the lowest number of job losses since 1998. In 2017 209,338 people were employed at Enterprise Ireland supported companies which includes the creation of 10,309 net new jobs. In 2017 22,782 people were employed at Enterprise Ireland supported companies. Employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies by county is presented in Table 1 for the period 2013 - 2017.

Enterprise Ireland helps companies through a range of financial and non-financial supports. Table 2 presents payment to client companies by county for the period 2013 -2017.

Table 1: Employment in Enterprise Ireland Supported Companies 2013 – 2017.

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Carlow 2,441 2,691 2,852 2,973 3,034 Cavan 4,280 4,663 4,905 5,221 5,451 Clare 2,866 3,271 3,255 3,444 3,709 Cork 22,212 22,609 23,955 24,936 25,975 Donegal 3,342 3,302 3,567 3,581 3,552 Dublin 63,800 61,203 66,866 70,365 72,461 Galway 6,923 6,823 7,278 7,294 8,103 Kerry 4,010 4,314 4,678 4,677 4,866

189 Questions - Written Answers County 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Kildare 6,520 7,512 8,308 8,632 9,134 Kilkenny 3,351 3,605 3,921 4,167 4,276 Laois 1,088 1,179 1,297 1,385 1,473 Leitrim 623 722 820 922 559 Limerick 6,970 7,013 6,777 7,954 8,269 Longford 1,820 2,360 2,628 2,886 2,970 Louth 5,032 5,434 5,600 5,819 6,121 Mayo 3,679 3,784 3,667 3,856 4,118 Meath 6,072 6,658 6,855 7,007 7,302 Monaghan 3,946 4,539 4,819 5,168 5,366 Offaly 3,047 3,452 3,794 3,941 4,281 Roscommon 1,454 1,560 1,686 1,688 1,776 Sligo 1,792 1,853 1,723 1,546 1,733 Tipperary 4,853 4,917 5,264 5,352 5,907 Waterford 4,586 5,060 5,561 5,721 6,359 Westmeath 2,854 3,436 3,548 3,653 3,741 Wexford 4,567 4,484 4,696 4,816 4,670 Wicklow 3,622 3,628 3,903 4,104 4,132 Total 175,750 180,072 192,223 201,108 209,338 Data Source: Annual Employment Survey 2013, 2014 ,2015, 2016 and 2017

Table 2: Enterprise Ireland Payment to Client Companies by County 2013 -2017.

Payments per 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 county Carlow €1,755,810 €1,065,648 €1,270,387 €1,789,646 €1,118,817 Cavan €1,475,241 €2,159,893 €3,852,200 €5,491,945 €2,509,330 Clare €420,796 €1,630,986 €1,575,472 €1,814,188 €3,640,451 Cork €14,091,760 €10,358,287 €10,127,253 €12,479,469 €9,631,377 Donegal €2,979,071 €1,057,850 €2,091,993 €524,804 €1,537,845 Dublin €32,331,746 €33,828,623 €27,564,105 €35,053,538 €34,286,938 Galway €4,727,912 €4,264,258 €3,671,039 €4,408,207 €4,678,283 Kerry €1,628,236 €2,370,472 €2,426,203 €3,179,274 €2,683,363 Kildare €2,765,790 €2,671,688 €2,569,471 €5,579,222 €3,568,151 Kilkenny €1,332,577 €6,210,766 €5,907,993 €1,954,707 €2,943,649 Laois €427,501 €446,685 €763,516 €892,958 €345,759 Leitrim €104,254 €651,679 €644,222 €275,037 €142,319 Limerick €2,841,833 €3,124,903 €2,426,899 €3,318,597 €3,326,048 Longford €1,067,988 €717,967 €2,751,123 €1,004,560 €1,076,148 Louth €2,153,930 €1,603,265 €4,396,281 €5,518,728 €3,962,642 Mayo €1,237,614 €1,803,125 €1,210,388 €1,763,754 €5,021,555 Meath €1,460,552 €2,661,831 €2,187,942 €1,950,819 €1,177,941 Monaghan €2,253,693 €2,409,719 €2,476,380 €2,764,596 €7,240,755 Offaly €833,453 €543,232 €564,153 €920,548 €1,408,973 Roscommon €563,339 €408,337 €366,826 €844,756 €1,523,342

190 13 February 2018 Payments per 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 county Sligo €822,814 €619,865 €468,224 €1,041,235 €981,489 Tipperary €3,195,909 €4,064,697 €5,447,999 €1,728,842 €2,507,610 Waterford €2,456,301 €2,944,665 €3,928,310 €866,677 €1,269,362 Westmeath €1,483,606 €1,082,298 €1,424,046 €1,537,456 €1,163,469 Wexford €3,273,044 €1,085,693 €2,204,820 €936,154 €2,161,837 Wicklow €2,032,061 €1,299,971 €1,899,864 €1,970,730 €1,740,122 Grand Total €89,716,829 €91,086,403 €94,217,110 €99,610,447 €101,647,574 (NOTE: Payments reports exclude payments to Infrastructural clients, Shannon Free Zone transfer clients and recipients under the Employment Subsidy Scheme)

13/02/2018WRN03700Equine Industry

13/02/2018WRN03800309. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if stable staff in horse trainers’ yards can be classified as agricultural workers in the future in view of the importance of the horse racing sector to the rural economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7173/18]

13/02/2018WRN03900Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Pat Breen): I am aware that the issue of the classification of stable staff was considered in a recent case before the Labour Court and I presume it is in that context that the deputy is raising the issue.

One issue considered by the Labour Court was whether workers in the equine sector come within the scope of the agriculture sector under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 Act and Regulations under that Act as the legislation provides for certain exemptions for certain sectors.

The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 provides for statutory rights for employees in relation to rest, maximum working time and holidays and derives from a European Union Directive dating from 1993.

I would like to draw the deputy’s attention to the fact that since September 2017 certain changes in Departmental functions took place with the result that policy responsibility for employment rights legislation generally, including the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, transferred to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Any proposals that potentially involve an amendment to that legislation in terms of the classification of workers in certain sectors are now a matter for the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and should be directed to that Department.

13/02/2018WRN04000Equality Issues

13/02/2018WRN04100310. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason car rental companies seek a doctor’s note when leasing a car to a person over 75 years of age (details supplied); her views on whether this practice is age discrimination on the part of the companies involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7377/18]

13/02/2018WRN04200Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Pol- 191 Questions - Written Answers icy responsibility for equality issues and the Equal Status Act 2000 are within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The Equal Status Acts make it unlawful to discriminate when providing goods and services. All services that are generally available to the public, whether provided by the State or the private sector are covered, including:

- Access to and the use of any place,

- Transport or travel

- Banking, insurance, grants, loans, credit or financing

- Entertainment, recreation or refreshment

- Cultural activities

- Services or facilities provided by clubs and

- Professional or trade services

The Adjudication Service of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the independent body set up by law to investigate or mediate complaints of discrimination. The decision of whether, any practice, behaviour or treatment is contrary to the Equal Status Acts is a matter that is charged to an Adjudication Officer of the Workplace Relations Commission in accordance with the relevant provisions of that statute.

Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Inno- vation, to comment any further in relation to any actual or potential claims.

Finally, there may be insurance implications related to such activities: policy responsibility for motor insurance, as well as driving licences, come within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

13/02/2018WRN04300Enterprise Ireland Funding

13/02/2018WRN04400311. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on correspondence (details supplied) and proposals for start-up funding for the organisation in question. [7379/18]

13/02/2018WRN04500Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I am working closely with Enterprise Ireland to ensure that there is a strong focus on boosting regional growth potential to secure sustainable quality employment. The eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs are now embedded across the country and are good examples of local authorities, Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and businesses working together to tackle regional issues. To support the eight Regional Action Plans, and as part of the Government’s strategic response to Brexit, additional funding of up to €60m is being rolled out by EI over the next 4 years. The Regional Enterprise Development Fund, funded by my Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland, will support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. This Funding will strengthen the enterprise capability and economic development potential within the regions. Twenty-one successful applicants representing all regions of the country have secured up to €30.5m for their projects in the first competitive call.

192 13 February 2018 Due to the high demand for the Fund, I will be announcing a second competitive call for proposals in March this year. This new call will be open to those that may have been unsuccessful under the first call and to new applicants. Enterprise Ireland will work with all applicants that apply for funding under the second call for proposals. Any organisation with a requirement for start-up funding should engage with Enterprise Ireland regarding any proposals that they might have for Loughrea.

13/02/2018WRN04600IDA Ireland Data

13/02/2018WRN04700312. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the sites in Galway city and county that are owned by the IDA with available and unused space; the amount of space available on each of these sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7430/18]

13/02/2018WRN04800Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): IDA Ireland continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in regional locations - including Galway - to its client base in order to ensure that foreign direct investment is spread as widely as possible across the country. Matching clients with property solutions, whether owned by the IDA or the private sector, remains an important tool through which investors can be encouraged to locate outside of Dublin.

The following table below provides a detailed breakdown of the Agency’s available land in Galway City and County.

Property County Property Town Property Name Net HA Marketable County Galway Mountbellew/Ballygar Mountbellew Business 0.19 Park County Galway Glenamaddy Glenamaddy Business 0.91 Park County Galway Gort Gort Business Park 1.12 County Galway Roundstone Roundstone 1.42 County Galway Tuam Tuam Business Park 1.47 County Galway Ballygar Ballygar Site 3.43 County Galway Ballinasloe Ballinasloe B&T Park 8.88 County Galway Tuam Tuam Science & Tech- 9.92 nology Park County Galway Galway City Parkmore B&T Park 26.75 (W&E) County Galway Galway City Oranmore Science & 26.78 Tech Park County Galway Athenry Athenry 92.43

13/02/2018WRN04900Work Permits Applications

13/02/2018WRN05000313. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 7 February 2018, if the job listed on a person’s (details supplied) work permit application is listed in the ineligible category; if not, if this permit will be reconsidered due to the deadline relating to the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7489/18]

193 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRN05100Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I would like to refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question Ref No: 6118/18.

As previously outlined, this application was refused on the basis that it appears that the occupation in question is an ineligible occupation for the purposes of obtaining an employment permit based on information provided by the applicant including both the description of the employment to be undertaken and the job specification. From this information the processor decide that the role was essentially administrative in nature.

The decision was made to refuse the application on 18th January 2018, and the applicant has been notified of this decision in writing and of their right to request a review of this decision in line with the provisions of the Employment Permits Acts within 28 days. My officials inform me that to date no review has yet been requested.

A refusal to grant an employment permit does not preclude an applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements pertaining to the particular employment permit type.

13/02/2018WRN05200Job Creation Targets

13/02/2018WRN05300314. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the national and regional job targets under the programme for Government and Enterprise 2025 in each of the years 2016 to 2020; the latest quarterly national household survey data; the most recent figures for these targets in each region; the job targets up to 2020 on an annual basis, by region, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7495/18]

13/02/2018WRN05400Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The national jobs target in Enterprise 2025 was for 2.18 million people to be in employment by the end of 2020. This is aligned with the goal under the 2016 Programme for a Partnership Gov- ernment to deliver an extra 200,000 jobs by 2020, of which 135,000 will be outside of Dublin. These targets are on course to be met and exceeded with employment in the State having increased by 91,000 since the end of Quarter 1 2016.

With a strong focus on job creation and retention, the annual Action Plan for Jobs provides a framework for collaboration between Government Departments and Agencies to achieve this objective.

Between June 2015 and January 2016, my Department published eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs, aimed at raising employment levels in the regions and facilitating them to achieve their economic potential. Each plan contains a series of actions with timelines for delivery between 2015-2017, through improved collaboration between enterprise agencies and other stakeholders supporting enterprise development in the regions. A key objective of each of the plans is to have a further 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020, with the unemployment rate of each region within one percentage point of the national average. The attached table shows our progress towards these employment targets up to Quarter 2 2017.

On 16 January 2018, the Central Statistics Office released the Labour Force Survey for Quarter 3 2018, which has replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey as the official source of data for employment and unemployment in Ireland. The data presented in the report incorporates adjustments to previous releases to take account of revisions to population estimates arising from the 2016 Census of Population. Due to the break in the time-series of regional employment data, comparisons that span Quarter 2 to Quarter 3 2017 cannot be reliably made. As a result, the data presented in the table attached spans Q1 2015 - Q2 2017. 194 13 February 2018 Regional Employment Performance Q1 2015 – Q2 2017 (thousand):

Total Change since Q1 2015 Region Q1 2015 Q2 2017 Number % North East/ 207.3 219.3 12 5.7% North West Midland 116.8 126.3 9.5 8.1% West 184.5 200 15.5 8.4% Dublin 612.7 660.9 48.2 7.8% Mid-East 241.2 260.5 19.3 8.0% Mid-West 156.4 173 16.6 10.6% South-East 205 221.2 16.2 7.9% South-West 290.5 319.9 29.4 10.1% State 2014.4 2181.2 166.8 8.2% Target: increase of 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020

Source: Labour Force Survey Quarter 3 2017, CSO

13/02/2018WRN05500Work Permits Applications

13/02/2018WRN05600315. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the review of the work permits regime; and the criteria that apply. [7496/18]

13/02/2018WRN05700Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Deputy will be aware that the focus of the employment permits regime in recent years has been to ensure that the skills requirements of enterprise in the State can be met through economic migration where necessary. However, as the State approaches full employment, labour as well as skills needs are beginning to manifest and my Department is being pressed to open up the employment permit regime to lower skilled workers in certain sectors and occupations.

However, economic migration alone is not a sustainable long-term solution to skills and labour shortages and indeed can, in some circumstances, help to perpetuate those shortages in the economy. The development of particular skills in the resident labour force can depend upon a judicious deployment of economic migration as a supplementary rather than a primary source of those skills, and adjustments must be made with this in mind.

While there is some anecdotal evidence of a tightening labour market in some sectors, the fact remains that there are 238,000 on the live register, and with a potential pool of 18.5 million unemployed in the EU 28. Thus my Department needs to be prudent in considering whether to open up the labour market to unskilled non-EEA workers on wage levels at or just above the national minimum wage.

In this context, I have decided that my Department undertake a review of the economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system, to ensure it is fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors.

The principle objective of this review process is to consider the policy rationale for the employment permit system where the economy is improving and the labour market is tightening. An Inter-Departmental Group has been established to inform the review and it is made up of relevant State Departments, including Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform; Jus- 195 Questions - Written Answers tice and Equality; Housing Planning and Local Government; Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Transport, Tourism and Sport; Education and Skills; Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The IDG met for the first time on 9 February last.

The review process will also include a public consultation, with feedback sought from relevant stakeholders and interest groups.

I have requested that a report be submitted to me before the end of June.

13/02/2018WRN05800IDA Ireland Data

13/02/2018WRN05900316. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Inno- vation the number of IDA supported jobs here; the number of jobs created and lost, respectively, in 2017, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7498/18]

13/02/2018WRN06000Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): IDA Ireland’s performance in 2017 resulted in the third consecutive year of strong growth under the Agency’s current Strategy. By the end of last year, total employment in the Agency’s client companies stood at 210,443, of which 122,000 are employed at firms located outside of Dub- lin. I look forward to working closely with the Agency and across Government to grow those numbers further in 2018.

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of employment by IDA Ireland client companies in each county for 2017.

2017 New Jobs Created Jobs Lost Additional Jobs Cre- Total Jobs (Gross Gains) ated (Net Change) Carlow 75 2 73 875 Cavan 31 79 -48 1,155 Clare 446 406 40 6,775 Cork 2,388 971 1,417 35,248 Donegal 375 25 350 3,389 Dublin 10,956 4563 6,393 88,318 Galway 1,281 517 764 17,696 Kerry 105 16 89 2,186 Kildare 275 1222 -947 9,282 Kilkenny 138 118 20 782 Laois 4 0 4 119 Leitrim 89 3 86 889 Limerick 1,028 178 850 10,677 Longford 77 275 -198 474 Louth 295 186 109 3,702 Mayo 272 44 228 4,462 Meath 71 106 -35 1,491 Monaghan 14 1 13 150 Offaly 74 48 26 940 Roscommon 153 10 143 1,128 Sligo 63 169 -106 2,184 Tipperary 341 44 297 3665 196 13 February 2018 2017 New Jobs Created Jobs Lost Additional Jobs Cre- Total Jobs (Gross Gains) ated (Net Change) Waterford 682 85 597 6,850 Westmeath 235 14 221 2,794 Wexford 284 16 268 2,948 Wicklow 99 69 30 2,264 Grand Total 19,851 9167 10,684 210,443

13/02/2018WRN06100Trade Agreements

13/02/2018WRN06200317. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Inno- vation the ratification procedure at EU and member state level for ratification of potential Eu- ropean trade agreements with the Mercosur trading bloc relating to market access and quotas; the elements that fall under exclusive EU-level competence; and the areas that require national level approval. [7499/18]

13/02/2018WRN06300Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The EU’s suite of Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) has evolved over time, from the ‘First Generation’ FTAs dating back to the 1970’s which focused on tariffs for goods, to the current ‘New Gen- eration’ of FTAs which go beyond the reduction or elimination of conventional tariff barriers to include; non-tariff and regulatory barriers, services, investment, recognition of professional qualifications, intellectual property rights, access to public procurement, regulatory cooperation, sustainable development, labour and environment.

As the Deputy will be aware the Common Commercial Policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union under the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union. The Lisbon Treaty extended this competence to cover foreign direct investment, as well as making the Eu- ropean Parliament a co-legislator alongside the Council on trade matters. The European Com- mission acts as lead negotiator on behalf of all EU countries regarding trade agreements with non-EU countries. Member States (in Council) approve negotiating directives (or mandates) before negotiations begin, are kept informed of developments as the negotiations proceed and have final approval at Council.

The European Commission sought the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in relation to the competence of the European Union to sign and conclude the EU Singapore Free Trade Agreement. The CJEU’s Opinion issued on 16 May 2017, and found that the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Singapore (EUSFTA) cannot be signed and concluded by the EU alone: it has to be signed and concluded both by the EU and by each of its Member States, i.e. that it is a ‘Mixed Agreement’. The Opinion found that some aspects of the agreement fall within the EU’s exclusive competence while other aspects will require additional approval from national and regional legislatures. These are referred to as ‘shared competences’. The competences shared between the EU and the Member States are provisions on investment protection in so far as they relate to non-direct foreign investment (i.e., portfolio investments); and provisions on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). The implications of the Opinion therefore are that areas relating to market access and quotas as raised by the Deputy fall within the exclusive competence of the European Commission. The Opinion means that those aspects of a trade agreement in respect of which the EU does not have exclusive competence, cannot be applied until ratified by all Member States, including Ireland, according to the requirements of their national law.

Therefore, the ratification process regarding individual trade agreements, including any fu-

197 Questions - Written Answers ture EU trade agreement with Mercosur, must be taken on a case-by-case basis depending on the issues comprehended by the agreement. Where appropriate, my Department seeks legal advice on the appropriate ratification process to follow in each case.

13/02/2018WRN06400Pharmacy Services

13/02/2018WRN06500318. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the policy of reversing the cuts imposed on HSE employed pharmacists, and that does not include self- employed pharmacists, which it is perceived further discriminates against self-employed pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6966/18]

13/02/2018WRN06600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I acknowledge the contribution made by pharmacists and other health professionals who provide services under contract on behalf of the HSE, through reductions in the fees in respect of these services, to addressing the unprecedented economic crisis which the State faced over recent years.

In the context of the publication by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, of the Public Service Pay and Pension Bill 2017, on 7 November 2017, I announced that in 2018 I will undertake a process of engagement with representative bodies of contracted health professionals, aimed at putting in place a new multi-annual approach to fees, in return for service improvement and contractual reform and in line with Government priorities for the health service.

13/02/2018WRO00200Medical Card Drugs Availability

13/02/2018WRO00300319. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if the medicine loperamide hydro- chloride has been removed from the medical card; and the basis on which it has been removed (details supplied) [6673/18]

13/02/2018WRO00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO00500Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

13/02/2018WRO00600320. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when Crohn’s disease will be included in the long-term illness scheme. [6674/18]

13/02/2018WRO00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The LTI Scheme was established under Sec- tion 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibro- sis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinson- ism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.

198 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRO00800Voluntary Sector Funding

13/02/2018WRO00900321. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health whether funding is available for organisations (details supplied). [6675/18]

13/02/2018WRO01000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): Funding for the Irish Men’s Shed Association is provided by the Health Service Executive and I have referred the Deputy’s question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

13/02/2018WRO01100Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRO01200322. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the criteria which must be satisfied in line with the recommendations of the health technology assessment group in order to be reimbursed for children and young persons with diabetes who use the FreeStyle Libre blood glucose management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6678/18]

13/02/2018WRO01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO01400Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRO01500323. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the timeframe to build the application suite for reimbursement support; the projected costs associated with setting up the application suite in respect of children and young persons who use the FreeStyle Libre blood glucose management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6679/18]

13/02/2018WRO01600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO01700Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRO01800324. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the extra workload that will be incurred by the endocrinologist or hospital clinic team that will initiate the proposal of suitable persons for consideration for individual reimbursement support for the FreeStyle Libre blood glucose management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6680/18]

13/02/2018WRO01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO02000Medicinal Products Regulation

13/02/2018WRO02100325. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that prescribed medication addiction is receiving adequate attention; the monitoring mechanisms in place to assess same; the extent of the problem here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6693/18]

13/02/2018WRO02200326. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the British Government seeking a review of addiction to prescription medication for the treatment of depression and anxiety issues in the UK; his plans to announce same here; and if he will 199 Questions - Written Answers make a statement on the matter. [6694/18]

13/02/2018WRO02300327. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on media reports of a 1,086% increase in the use of pregabalin known as Lyrica amongst medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6695/18]

13/02/2018WRO02400328. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on reports on the 159% increase use of oxycontin amongst medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/18]

13/02/2018WRO02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 328, inclusive, together.

My Department is aware of recent reports on trends indicating the increased prescribing of certain drugs over a ten year period and that the British government has announced a review there.

In Ireland the Medical Council is the statutory body for the registration and regulation of doctors engaged in medical practice. The Council has set out specific requirements for doctors regarding prescribing of drugs at section 42 of its Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (2016). While the Guide is not a legal code, it sets out the principles of professional practice and conduct that all doctors registered with the Medical Council are expected to follow. The Guide advises that doctors must be aware of the dangers of drug dependency when prescribing benzodiazepines, opiates and other drugs with addictive potential.

In June 2016 the Early Warning Emerging Trends (EWET) subcommittee of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, with the agreement of my Department, wrote to health care professionals highlighting the need for vigilance when prescribing and dispensing pregabalin and gabapentin, as these drugs present a risk of addiction and a potential for illegal diversion and misuse. Prescribers were advised to always undertake a risk benefit assessment prior to prescribing either of these medicines for patients under their care.

The HSE’s multi-disciplinary Medicines Management Programme (MMP) works with the National Medicines Information Centre (NMIC) and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconom- ics (NCPE), in collaboration with the HSE-Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), to provide sustained national leadership relating to issues such as the quality of the medicines management process, access to medicines and overall expenditure on medicines. It aims to promote safe, effective and cost effective prescribing.

The MMP work plan includes monitoring the utilisation of all medicines with a high prescribing frequency and/or high expenditure based on data from the PCRS.

The MMP has previously identified the high number of prescriptions for certain benzodiazepines and ‘z-drug’ sedatives and, coupled with the safety concerns associated with these medicines and their addictive potential, now monitors the total number of patients on these drugs and the total number of prescriptions issued on an on-going basis.

As a result of increasing trends around their use the MMP has published a toolkit to support the appropriate prescribing of benzodiazepine and z-drugs in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. The guidance document contains information on initiation, review and deprescribing of these drugs and it is anticipated that the adoption of this guidance by prescribers will lead to a reduction in the long-term inappropriate prescribing of these drugs.

The MMP, in collaboration with the PCRS, has written to all GPs outlining their levels of 200 13 February 2018 benzodiazepine and other hypnotics prescribing on the GMS scheme in an initiative to encourage better quality prescribing of these drugs. The reports allow GPs to see exactly how many times they have prescribed these drugs in the preceding months. This is another useful tool for prescribers to monitor prescribing in their practice compared to national rates and also to track changes in their prescribing over time. The next HSE-PCRS prescribing report is planned for circulation in the coming weeks and information from the recently published toolkit will be disseminated to GPs alongside those reports.

Additionally, in October 2017 the Medical Council of Ireland and the Pharmaceutical So- ciety of Ireland launched joint guidance on the Safe Prescribing and Dispensing of Controlled Drugs aimed at registered medical practitioner and pharmacists.

13/02/2018WRO02900Health Services Provision

13/02/2018WRO03000329. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as of 1 January 2018 there is now no sexual health service within an hour’s com- mute of Athlone; and his plans to rectify this matter [6700/18]

13/02/2018WRO03100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As the Dep- uty’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.

13/02/2018WRO03200HSE Planning

13/02/2018WRO03300330. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the projects to which funding has been allocated under the HSE capital plan for 2018 by CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/18]

13/02/2018WRO03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Health capital funding was outlined in the Public Service Estimates for 2018. The Health Service Executive’s Capital Plan for 2018-2021 is currently the subject of discussion with my Department.

Appendix 4 of the HSE’s National Service Plan 2018 outlines capital projects that were completed in 2016 / 2017 and will be operational in 2018; are due to be completed and operational in 2018; are due to be completed in 2018 and will be operational in 2019.

The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which will be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework for Ireland.

13/02/2018WRO03500Dental Services Provision

13/02/2018WRO03600331. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the dental services provided free of charge to primary and secondary school children in counties Laois and Offaly; the level of cover provided by the Health Service Executive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6718/18]

13/02/2018WRO03700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

201 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRO03800Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRO03900332. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health when speech therapy will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6719/18]

13/02/2018WRO04000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO04100Transport Support Scheme

13/02/2018WRO04200333. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health when the new transport support scheme will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6720/18]

13/02/2018WRO04300375. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason a payment was withdrawn from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6965/18]

13/02/2018WRO04400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 375 together.

The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Al- lowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,133 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.

The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that: there is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme’s operation; there is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme; resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and the Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.

It is hoped to bring a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government shortly, seeking Government approval to the drafting of the Bill for the new Transport Support Payment.

With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car 202 13 February 2018 was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.

It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Fi- nance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by disabled persons are also exempt from payment of tolls on national toll roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular Scheme.

13/02/2018WRO04500Hospital Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRO04600334. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an appointment for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6722/18]

13/02/2018WRO04700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRO04800Dental Services Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRO04900335. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for dental treatment in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6723/18]

13/02/2018WRO05000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO05100Hospital Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRO05200336. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6725/18]

13/02/2018WRO05300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its be-

203 Questions - Written Answers half, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRO05400Orthodontic Services Provision

13/02/2018WRO05500337. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6726/18]

13/02/2018WRO05600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRO05700Hospital Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRO05800338. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6727/18]

13/02/2018WRO05900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRO06000Nursing Homes Support Scheme

13/02/2018WRO06100339. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the fair deal fees for individual HSE nursing homes will be published or laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas (details supplied); and his views on the importance of providing transparency with regard to fees payable for public nursing home care. [6732/18]

204 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRO06200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): The HSE published on their website the cost of care in public nursing homes in October 2016. My Department has been in recent contact with the HSE regarding publication of more up to date figures. The HSE have advised that compilation work is ongoing and the weekly cost of care for individual public nursing homes will be published in the coming months.

13/02/2018WRO06300Hospital Waiting Lists Data

13/02/2018WRO06400340. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for cataract assessment in Cork University Hospital; the number of persons from Coun- ty Kerry waiting for cataract assessment; the number of persons waiting for a cataract operation in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital; the number from County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/18]

13/02/2018WRO06500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I acknowledge that waiting times for Oph- thalmology patients are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the impact of this on people’s lives.

Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one this Government’s key priorities. October’s Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the NTPF for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles the 2017 total allocation of €20m. The NTPF and HSE are in the process of finalising Waiting List Action Plans and Initiatives for 2018. This will include ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment, including those patients awaiting Ophthalmology procedures.

I hope to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of Febru- ary.

In response to the particular query raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRP00200Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRP00300341. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his De- partment on photography by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6750/18]

13/02/2018WRP00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Details in relation to photography and public relations/communications expenditure by the Department of Health for 2016 and 2017 are set out in the following tables.

I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy in relation to its expenditure. Details for other bodies under the aegis of the Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

Table 1 Photography

Year Event Agency Cost - € 2017 National Patient Safety Office Conor McCabe photography 1,968 Conference

205 Questions - Written Answers Year Event Agency Cost - € 2017 Launch of Ireland’s National Conor McCabe photography 369 Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance 2017-2020 2017 EU Ambassadors Meeting re Maxwell Photography 189 European Medicines Agency bid 2017 Steering Group on the role of Maxwell Photography 344 Voluntary Organisations in publicly funded health services 2017 Planning permission lodged for Andres Poveda Photography Ltd 492 National Maternity Hospital 2017 Launch of the National Cancer Julien Behal 646 Strategy 2017 European Medicines Agency Robbie Reynolds Photography 615 Campaign 2017 Healthy Workplace Framework Robbie Reynolds Photography 615 Consultation launch 2017 Healthy Ireland Network Marc O’Sullivan Photography 861 launch 2017 Healthy Ireland Survey launch Barry Cronin Photography 591 2016 Photo services for the 1st Conor McCabe Photography Ltd 1,968 National Patient Safety Confer- ence 2016 Photo services for the launch of Marc O’Sullivan Photography 707 the Healthy Cities and Counties Network of Ireland 2016 Photo services for the launch Marc O’Sullivan Photography 553 of the Healthy Ireland Survey Wave 2 2016 Launch of the National Drugs JCP Photography 492 Strategy Public Consultation 2016 Photo services for the launch of Conor McCabe Photography Ltd 430 the Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 Photo services for the launch of Conor McCabe Photography Ltd 553 the National Physical Activity Plan 2016 Reaffirming the Values of Stephen Wall Morris 301 Nursing and Midwifery Table 2 Public Relations/Communications

Year Event Agency Cost - € 2017 PR and communications support re Ireland’s bid for the Hume Brophy 114,491 European Medicines Agency 2017 Large cigarette box prop used by Ministers Harris and Sculp 221 Byrne in promoting the enactment of Standardised Packaging Legislation

206 13 February 2018 Year Event Agency Cost - € 2016 Communications fees for National Drugs Strategy RPS Consult- 11,826 Public Consultation ing Engineers Ltd

13/02/2018WRP00500Home Help Service Eligibility

13/02/2018WRP00600342. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reassessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6773/18]

13/02/2018WRP00700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRP00800HSE Staff

13/02/2018WRP00900343. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time public health nurses in CHO area 9 in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of such vacancies in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/18]

13/02/2018WRP01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

13/02/2018WRP01100Medicinal Products Reimbursement

13/02/2018WRP01200344. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to add the FreeStyle Libre blood monitoring sensor to the long-term illness scheme or reimbursement scheme; the details of the report by the expert group set up under the auspices of the health technology assessment group which considered the FreeStyle Libre application by a company (details supplied) for addition to the reimbursement list in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6779/18]

13/02/2018WRP01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP01400Disability Services Provision

13/02/2018WRP01500345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a bed in the National Rehabilitation Centre can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6783/18]

13/02/2018WRP01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for 207 Questions - Written Answers people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to service issues, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP01700Hospital Appointments Status

13/02/2018WRP01800346. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when an appointment will be decided. [6817/18]

13/02/2018WRP01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRP02000HSE Staff Recruitment

13/02/2018WRP02100347. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Ques- tion No. 416 of 28 November 2017, the length of time the four vacancies have existed; and the measures that have been taken to fill these vacancies. [6826/18]

13/02/2018WRP02200348. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 416 of 28 November 2017, the status of both teams in question. [6827/18]

13/02/2018WRP02300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.

As these are a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRP02500Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

13/02/2018WRP02600349. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will discuss with HSE management the need to ensure regular attendance by a HSE representative at the meetings of a board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6832/18]

13/02/2018WRP02700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

208 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRP02800Medical Card Eligibility

13/02/2018WRP02900350. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the reason persons suffering from Huntington’s disease are not entitled to a medical card as a right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6835/18]

13/02/2018WRP03000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): A key recommendation of the 2014 Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility was that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card. The report also concluded that it is neither feasible nor desirable to list conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. Therefore, medical card provision is solely based on financial assessment. Under the legislation, having a particular illness, in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card.

Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. It should be noted, in certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses.

13/02/2018WRP03100Ambulance Service Data

13/02/2018WRP03200351. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the HSE on private ambulance services in 2016 and 2017; the individual contractors involved; the value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6840/18]

13/02/2018WRP03300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As the question raised by the Deputy relates to a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRP03400Medicinal Products

13/02/2018WRP03500352. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the value of drugs under the control of the HSE but the whereabouts of which are unknown, missing or unaccounted for at the end of each of the years 2013 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6841/18]

13/02/2018WRP03600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is an operational matter for the HSE I have referred the matter to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP03700Health Services Data

13/02/2018WRP03800353. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children who hold medical cards and are on anti-depressant medication by local health area at the end of each of the years 2011 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6842/18]

13/02/2018WRP03900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of 209 Questions - Written Answers Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP04000Health Services Data

13/02/2018WRP04100354. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders who were prescribed anti-depressant medication by local health area in each of the years 2011 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6843/18]

13/02/2018WRP04200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP04300Hospital Waiting Lists Data

13/02/2018WRP04400355. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for cataract procedures on national public waiting lists in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the average waiting time to undergo required cataract procedures; his plans to further reduce the waiting times in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6846/18]

13/02/2018WRP04500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I acknowledge that waiting times for Oph- thalmology patients are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the impact of this on people’s lives.

I hope to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of Febru- ary.

In response to this particular query, data from the NTPF indicates that there was a total of 9,260 patients awaiting a cataract procedure in December 2016. Of these, 44% patients (4,085) were waiting less than 6 months for a cataracts procedure and 77% patients (7,133) were waiting less than 12 months.

NTPF data also indicates there was a total of 8,027 patients awaiting a cataract procedure in December 2017. Of these, 53% patients (4,274) were waiting less than 6 months for a cataracts procedure and 88% patients (7,043) were waiting less than 12 months.

The NTPF publishes the Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient waiting list figures by specialty for each hospital on its website each month. The January 2018 waiting list figures for Ophthal- mology procedures are yet to be published. This information will be available at www.NTPF. ie in the coming days.

13/02/2018WRP04600Medicinal Products Availability 210 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRP04700356. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) can no longer purchase Versatis medicated plasters on the medical card; if this decision will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6847/18]

13/02/2018WRP04800364. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the decision to withdraw the Versatis patch from the long-term illness scheme will be reversed. [6881/18]

13/02/2018WRP04900396. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the withdrawal of medical items (details supplied) from the drug payment scheme; if the decision will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7077/18]

13/02/2018WRP05000405. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if the criteria for the availability of the Versatis patch can be reviewed in view of the number of persons who require same as in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7161/18]

13/02/2018WRP05100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 364, 396 and 405 together.

Medicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key objective of the health service. However, the challenge is to do this in an affordable and sustainable manner. The medicines bill for the community drugs schemes – primarily the GMS, Long Term Illness and Drugs Payment schemes and the High Tech Arrangement – was approximately €1.8 billion in 2017.

To ensure patients receive the highest quality care, resources invested in medicines must be used efficiently and effectively. This requires an integrated approach to secure best value for money for all treatments, greater efficiencies in the supply chain and the use of the most cost- effective treatments.

Lidocaine 5% medicated plaster is licensed for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain associated with previous herpes zoster (shingles) infection, known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), in adults. It has been reimbursed in the community drugs schemes since 2010. The projected budget impact on introduction was low due to the specific licensed indication but total expenditure trebled between 2012 and 2016, from €9.4 million to over €30 million, mainly from off-license use for pain not associated with shingles.

An HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) review of this product highlighted that the clinical evidence for its use in PHN is limited due to lack of comparative data, and its value is uncertain for other types of pain. The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics estimated that, in Ireland, only 5-10% of prescribing of this product has been for the licensed indication of PHN.

Following the MMP review, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement system for the product from 1 September 2017. This process supports its appropriate use, ensuring that PHN patients continue to receive this treatment. The HSE estimates that this protocol will reduce annual expenditure on this product by approximately 90%.

Under the protocol, all patients who were receiving antivirals for shingles were automati- cally approved for the lidocaine medicated plaster. No action was required by GPs and the patient’s pharmacy was notified of his or her approval status.

However, since 1 December 2017, non-shingles patients no longer receive this item under the community drugs schemes. In August 2017 the HSE advised GPs of the changes and of treatment alternatives.

211 Questions - Written Answers It is possible for non-shingles patients to be approved for the patch through the community drug schemes. The patient’s GP should apply to the Medicines Management Programme through the online system, and the MMP will review the application and inform the GP of its decision.

I am advised that the MMP has received over 4,500 applications from GPs, of which some 10% have been approved. For many of the conditions applied for, prescribing of the patch was inappropriate, for example for conditions such as deep venous thrombosis, angina, gout and endometriosis.

Where a GP’s application is rejected, it may be appealed. Of some 200 appeals to date, the HSE advises that over 50% have been accepted on clinical grounds.

Full details of the review are available on the HSE website at http://hse.ie/eng/about/Who/ clinical/natclinprog/medicinemanagementprogramme/yourmedicines/lidocaine-plaster/lidocaine-medicated-plaster.html.

This decision is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.

13/02/2018WRP05200Health Services Funding

13/02/2018WRP05300357. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the State subsidy provided to the gay men’s health service for 2017 and 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6850/18]

13/02/2018WRP05400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As the Dep- uty’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.

13/02/2018WRP05500Health Services Funding

13/02/2018WRP05600358. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the additional funding provided by the sexual health and crisis pregnancy programme to the GMHS in 2016 and 2017; his plans to continue this funding in its current form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6851/18]

13/02/2018WRP05700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

13/02/2018WRP05800Health Services Funding

13/02/2018WRP05900359. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding of the STI clinics at the GUIDE clinic at St. James’s hospital, Dublin, since 2006, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6852/18]

13/02/2018WRP06000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As the Dep- uty’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the

212 13 February 2018 Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP06100Disabilities Assessments

13/02/2018WRP06200360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6859/18]

13/02/2018WRP06300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP06400Hospitals Building Programme

13/02/2018WRP06500361. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the level of investment for refurbishment works at a campus (details supplied); and the timeframe for the provision of this funding. [6876/18]

13/02/2018WRP06600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRP06700Hospital Appointments Status

13/02/2018WRP06800362. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a date for surgery in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be expedited. [6877/18]

13/02/2018WRP06900374. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a date for surgery in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [6964/18]

13/02/2018WRP07000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 374 together.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide

213 Questions - Written Answers a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRQ00200Hospital Appointments Status

13/02/2018WRQ00300363. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if an outpatient urology appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6880/18]

13/02/2018WRQ00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follows an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Question No. 364 answered with Question No. 356.

13/02/2018WRQ00600Mental Health Services Provision

13/02/2018WRQ00700365. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the status of a youth mental health Jigsaw site for County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6915/18]

13/02/2018WRQ00800366. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is a need for a youth mental health Jigsaw site in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6916/18]

13/02/2018WRQ00900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

As these are a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRQ01100Mental Health Services Provision

13/02/2018WRQ01200367. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of the clinical services of Jigsaw youth mental health services; the expected publication time; the reason for the delay in publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6917/18]

214 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRQ01300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRQ01400Mental Health Services Data

13/02/2018WRQ01500368. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of young persons on the waiting list for CAMHS in County Wicklow at the end of December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6918/18]

13/02/2018WRQ01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRQ01700Mental Health Services Data

13/02/2018WRQ01800369. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of young persons waiting for a first appointment for CAMHS in County Wicklow at the end of December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6919/18]

13/02/2018WRQ01900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRQ02000Medical Products

13/02/2018WRQ02100370. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the reason persons who usually collect blister packs from their pharmacy monthly now have to collect the packs weekly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6920/18]

13/02/2018WRQ02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRQ02300Hospital Appointments Status

13/02/2018WRQ02400371. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) for an echocardiography will be expedited. [6936/18]

13/02/2018WRQ02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed 215 Questions - Written Answers national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRQ02600Medical Card Drugs Availability

13/02/2018WRQ02700372. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number and names of medical products which were covered by the medical card but were subsequently not covered by the card in the past ten years; the number of persons with a medical card purchasing these medications with their cards; the reason for the removal of medication from the medical card programme; the estimated monetary savings made in each such cases, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6938/18]

13/02/2018WRQ02800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRQ02900Hospital Appointments Status

13/02/2018WRQ03000373. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when it is expected that a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for an angiogram at University Hospital Water- ford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6942/18]

13/02/2018WRQ03100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Question No. 374 answered with Question No. 362.

Question No. 375 answered with Question No. 333.

13/02/2018WRQ03400HSE Data

13/02/2018WRQ03500376. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the HSE car park income for

216 13 February 2018 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6975/18]

13/02/2018WRQ03600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): This matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

13/02/2018WRQ03700HSE Data

13/02/2018WRQ03800377. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the amount earned from the car park of Tallaght hospital in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6976/18]

13/02/2018WRQ03900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As the question raised by the Deputy relates to a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRQ04000HSE Staff Recruitment

13/02/2018WRQ04100378. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the podiatrist positions for CHO7 have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6977/18]

13/02/2018WRQ04200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRQ04300HSE Staff Responsibilities

13/02/2018WRQ04400379. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of podiatrists employed in CHO7 who treat persons with medical cards. [6978/18]

13/02/2018WRQ04500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRQ04600HSE Staff Data

13/02/2018WRQ04700380. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of podiatrists in south County Kildare who treats persons with medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6979/18]

13/02/2018WRQ04800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRQ04900HSE Staff Recruitment

13/02/2018WRQ05000381. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the podiatrist positions for CHO8 have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6980/18]

13/02/2018WRQ05100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

217 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRQ05200HSE Staff Data

13/02/2018WRQ05300382. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of podiatrists employed in CHO8 who treat persons with medical cards. [6981/18]

13/02/2018WRQ05400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRQ05500Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

13/02/2018WRQ05600383. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to include the purchase of EpiPens (details supplied) under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6982/18]

13/02/2018WRQ05700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The LTI Scheme was established under Sec- tion 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibro- sis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinson- ism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.

13/02/2018WRQ05800Medical Card Eligibility

13/02/2018WRQ05900384. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the HSE’s policy relating to persons over 70 years of age with medical cards who have been bereaved and the resulting change in circumstances means they no longer qualify for a medical card in their own right; if an allowance regarding income will be made in particular circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6983/18]

13/02/2018WRQ06000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE Medical Card/GP Visit Card Na- tional Assessment Guidelines for People aged 70 years and Over obliges that in the event of the death of a person covered who attains the over 70 medical card, the surviving spouse/ partner who is over the age of 70 years will retain the medical card for a period of three years providing that the death occurred on or after January 2009, that the surviving spouse/ partner was aged 70 or over at the time of death and that he or she remains within the relevant income limits for a couple that are relevant to the period when the applicant is being assessed. At the expiry of the three year period, he or she will be assessed under the single persons’ income limits.

If the surviving spouse or partner is under 70 years he or she will be assessed in accordance with the General Medical Card/GP visit card scheme using the appropriate income limits.

13/02/2018WRR00200Hospital Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRR00300385. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting times faced by transgender persons to access public endocrinology services here; the steps he will take to address these waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6984/18] 218 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRR00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The NTPF publishes the Inpatient and Out- patient waiting list figures by specialty and hospital each month. This information is available on NTPF.ie. The most recent figures published by the NTPF for December 2017 indicates that there is a total of 41 people on the Inpatient/Daycase waiting list for Endocrinology and a total of 9,043 people on the Outpatient waiting list for Endocrinology. The Deputy may wish to note that this data is extracted from the overall waiting list figures which does not differentiate transgender patients from other patients on the waiting list.

Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government’s key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2018 allocated €55 million for the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles their 2017 total allocation which was €20m.

The HSE and NTPF are working together to develop coherent and synergistic Waiting List Action Plans in 2018 with the objective of arranging the provision of treatment for patients across a range of inpatient/daycase and outpatient specialties and procedures. These initiatives will continue to focus on long-waiting patients and overall waiting list numbers.

The existing care pathway in Ireland generally begins with an approach by an individual to their GP. The GP may refer the person to the local Community Mental Health Team for support and a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria by psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. A thorough assessment is a pre-requisite to commencing hormone suppressants in Ireland, in line with international best practice. This is to ensure that the correct path is being taken for the individual and to ensure co-morbid issues are identified and addressed.

13/02/2018WRR00500Hospital Appointments Administration

13/02/2018WRR00600386. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is appropriate to require transgender persons to seek a psychiatric diagnosis of gender dysphoria before they can seek endocrinology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6985/18]

13/02/2018WRR00700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): A proposed model of care for transgender children, adolescents and adults was submitted by the HSE Qual- ity Improvement Division to the HSE Divisions of Primary Care, Mental Health and Acute Hospital programme. The model was developed in consultation with key treating clinicians, planners, policy makers, advocates and service users.

The model outlines key services required to ensure the needs of the transgender population including children and adolescents are addressed. It details current service provision and emerging service demand in relation to adults and separately in relation to children and adolescents. It draws on evidence based international best practice to build on services which already exist and develop services where deficits prevail.

In line with evidence-based international best practice, a thorough assessment is a pre-requisite to commencing hormone suppressants in Ireland. This is to ensure that the correct path is being taken for the individual and to ensure co-morbid issues are identified and addressed.

It would be inappropriate for me as Minister to comment on the assessment process as this is a matter between clinical personnel and the individual concerned.

13/02/2018WRR00800Hospital Beds Data 219 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRR00900387. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in use in January 2018 in each hospital; the bed capacity of each hospital if all bed spaces were fully available; the reason all beds in hospitals are not being fully utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6986/18]

13/02/2018WRR01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRR01100Home Help Service

13/02/2018WRR01200388. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to enable persons who work as home helps to join the HSE pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7004/18]

13/02/2018WRR01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As access to the HSE Superannuation Scheme is managed by the employer, I have asked the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRR01400Respite Care Services Provision

13/02/2018WRR01500389. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of 12 dedicated respite houses around the State announced on 12 December 2017; the specific locations of each; the number of persons who can be accommodated in each; the estimated number of respite nights each individual house will provide in a full calendar year; the capital and acquisition costs of each; the estimated annual running costs of each; the number of wholetime equivalent staff to be employed in each; if each house is now operational; and if not, when each will commence providing services, in tabular form. [7019/18]

13/02/2018WRR01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

The full details of the services to be provided with the additional €10 million for respite care will be contained in the HSE’s detailed operational plan. This initiative will provide for nine new dedicated houses for respite in each Community Health Area, plus an additional three houses in the greater Dublin area to respond to the very high demand for respite from this area. These additional twelve respite houses will provide 19,000 extra respite nights to the people living in those areas, on a yearly basis. In addition, a further €2 million extra funding will be used for innovative respite solutions, such as Home Sharing and extended day services, to provide assistance where people need it most.

As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

220 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRR01700Hospital Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRR01800390. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for cataract surgery will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7042/18]

13/02/2018WRR01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRR02000Hospital Services

13/02/2018WRR02100391. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if additional support can be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7071/18]

13/02/2018WRR02200392. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding to ensure the epidermolysis bullosa outreach nurse is available as a permanent position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7072/18]

13/02/2018WRR02300393. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans with regard to the appointment of two additional outreach nurses to be based in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Chil- dren, Crumlin, and St. James’s Hospital to be available for persons living with epidermolysis bullosa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7073/18]

13/02/2018WRR02400394. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his plans for the 13 patients who have epidermolysis bullosa and who will be transferring from paediatrics to adult services in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7074/18]

13/02/2018WRR02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 to 394, inclusive, together.

As these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRR02900Hospitals Building Programme

13/02/2018WRR03000395. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the basis for a decision by his Department (details supplied); the reason for delayed decision until 2021 in the context of the decision already taken by his predecessor in January 2016 to downgrade the hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this will lead to an urgent need to invest in the hospital in the interim in order to maintain standards required by HIQA; the reason there is such 221 Questions - Written Answers a delay in deciding on the matter; the interim plans he has for the hospital in the intervening four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7075/18]

13/02/2018WRR03100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): Under the Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units, announced in January 2016, a decision was made to build a new 130 bed community nursing unit in Letterkenny by the end of 2021, through a Public Private Partnership or alternative funding model. This decision relates to long term residential services, and is separate to, and independent of, any consideration of the other services currently provided in the three Community Hospitals. The decision reflected the fact that these hospitals were not considered to be appropriate for use as long-stay residential care homes in the medium term.

No further decisions have been made in relation to the future use of the existing CNUs in the East Donegal area. Any proposals for upgrade of existing facilities will be considered in the context of capital funding available to Health and must comply with the agreed capital approval process.

However, I understand that the HSE is examining requirements for the area and a report has been submitted to the HSE’s National Social Care Division and the HSE’s National Capital Property Steering Group, where it is being considered.

Question No. 396 answered with Question No. 356.

13/02/2018WRR03300Counselling Services Provision

13/02/2018WRR03400397. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for persons to receive counselling in primary care centres in CHO area 9; the number of persons who received counselling in CHO area 9 in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7082/18]

13/02/2018WRR03500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRR03600Hospital Staff Data

13/02/2018WRR03700398. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether funding needs to be provided for the recruitment of one additional full-time consultant neurolo- gist with a special interest in migraine for Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the number of vacancy posts by job title currently in the department; the date each vacancy arose; when each post will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7083/18]

13/02/2018WRR03800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRR03900Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRR04000399. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for orthotics shoes in CHO area 9; the average waiting time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7084/18]

222 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRR04100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRR04200Services for People with Disabilities

13/02/2018WRR04300400. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 307 of 5 December 2017, if he has arranged for the HSE to reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7123/18]

13/02/2018WRR04400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Execu- tive. I have been in further contact with the Executive about this matter and I have requested that a reply issues directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

13/02/2018WRR04500Hospitals Discharges

13/02/2018WRR04600401. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the procedure used by consultants when discharging persons with serious illnesses in circumstances in which a person attends a number of consultants in different fields due to the diversity of his or her illness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7125/18]

13/02/2018WRR04700402. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health if persons who have been attending consultants for many years for serious ongoing illnesses are being dis- charged without further consultation or follow up (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7126/18]

13/02/2018WRR04800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.

As the issues raised by the Deputy are a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRR05000General Practitioner Contracts

13/02/2018WRR05100403. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when the FEMPI cuts imposed on medical general practitioners will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7128/18]

13/02/2018WRR05200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As with other health professionals, General Practitioners were subject to fee reductions under FEMPI. I acknowledge the contribution made by GPs and other health professionals who provide services under contract on behalf of the HSE, through reductions in the fees in respect of these services, to addressing the unprecedented economic crisis which the State faced over recent years.

223 Questions - Written Answers In the context of the publication of the Public Service Pay and Pension Bill 2017, on 7 No- vember 2017, I announced that in 2018 I will undertake a process of engagement with representative bodies of contracted health professionals, aimed at putting in place a new multi-annual approach to fees, in return for service improvement and contractual reform and in line with Government priorities for the health service. I am currently considering, along with the Minis- ter for Public Expenditure and Reform, the most appropriate approach in this regard. I expect engagement to begin shortly.

13/02/2018WRR05300Drug Rehabilitation Clinics

13/02/2018WRR05400404. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the accessibility of drug rehabilitation in west County Cork (details supplied); the breakdown of attendees attending at each unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/18]

13/02/2018WRR05500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 405 answered with Question No. 356.

13/02/2018WRR05700General Practitioner Services

13/02/2018WRR05800406. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if there are guidelines or rules for general practitioners charging for taking blood samples; and if this procedure is covered by the medical card. [7170/18]

13/02/2018WRR05900449. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a case (details supplied) will be reviewed; if this is accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7389/18]

13/02/2018WRR06000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 449 together.

There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition. The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that in recent times some GPs have begun to charge GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.

This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position, under successive Gov- ernments, that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient may take the matter up with the HSE Local Health Office, who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE’s Complaints Policy.

13/02/2018WRS00200Medicinal Products Reimbursement

13/02/2018WRS00300407. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the way in which savings will be

224 13 February 2018 passed on to the family of a person (details supplied) who has been awarded a licence from his Department to import medicinal cannabis, thereby no longer requiring their previous medication which was provided through their medical card; if the person qualifies for the drug payment scheme in view of the fact medicinal cannabis is not covered by their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7179/18]

13/02/2018WRS00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In order for a product to be supplied on the community drugs schemes, the supplier must apply to the HSE for reimbursement approval and the product must meet published criteria, including a marketing authorisation.

Marketing authorisation addresses a number of areas such as quality and safety. The product in question does not have a marketing authorisation.

13/02/2018WRS00500HSE Staff Data

13/02/2018WRS00600408. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health nurses working in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7184/18]

13/02/2018WRS00700409. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number and percentage of mental health nurses eligible for retirement. [7185/18]

13/02/2018WRS00800410. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number and percentage of mental health nurses eligible for retirement within the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7186/18]

13/02/2018WRS00900411. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health nurses recruited in each of the years 2013 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7187/18]

13/02/2018WRS01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 to 411, inclusive, together.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

13/02/2018WRS01400Mental Health Services Staff

13/02/2018WRS01500412. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of staff required by the HSE to reach the staffing levels as set out in A Vision for Change based on the most recent census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7188/18]

13/02/2018WRS01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRS01700Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

13/02/2018WRS01800413. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses and mid- wives who sought certificates of current professional status in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7189/18]

13/02/2018WRS01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Given that this is an operational matter, it is

225 Questions - Written Answers appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply within 10 working days.

13/02/2018WRS02000Medical Card Eligibility

13/02/2018WRS02100414. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card can be renewed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7191/18]

13/02/2018WRS02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.

13/02/2018WRS02300Orthodontic Services

13/02/2018WRS02400415. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment for orthodontic treatment. [7194/18]

13/02/2018WRS02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRS02600Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRS02700416. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of waiting lists for a person (details supplied) and children under 16 years of age in County Cork for specialised wheelchair allocation; his plans to alleviate the waiting period for children at a crucial stage of development; the reason adult patients are on the same waiting list in County Cork; the reason the county is the only area in which adults and children are accessing funding from the same source. [7197/18]

13/02/2018WRS02800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRS02900HSE Staff Data

13/02/2018WRS03000417. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in the health service for periods under categories (details supplied). [7201/18]

13/02/2018WRS03100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

13/02/2018WRS03200Hospitals Building Programme

13/02/2018WRS03300418. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of a

226 13 February 2018 helipad at Cork University Hospital to facilitate an air ambulance service directly into the hospital grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7202/18]

13/02/2018WRS03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

13/02/2018WRS03500Dietician Service Provision

13/02/2018WRS03600419. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if a dietetic service provision will be examined and allowed for a primary care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7207/18]

13/02/2018WRS03700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

13/02/2018WRS03800Medical Card Eligibility

13/02/2018WRS03900420. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the reason that when a case is being reviewed or renewed, a person is required to go through the entire financial assessment again (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7208/18]

13/02/2018WRS04000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Medical card provision is solely based on financial assessment. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure and every application must be assessed on that basis. Under the legislation, having a particular illness, in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card and therefore, the medical conditions of applicants for this scheme are not monitored on that basis. Where the applicant’s income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded.

13/02/2018WRS04100Hospital Staff

13/02/2018WRS04200421. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there are sufficient staff employed in Clontarf Hospital; the staff per patient ratio in the hospital; his further views on the level of staff turnover in the hospital; the number of staff who have left, 227 Questions - Written Answers been dismissed or taken early retirement from the hospital each year for the past five years; the way in which this compares with the sector average; the number of staff on sick leave from the hospital; and the percentage of absenteeism in the hospital. [7209/18]

13/02/2018WRS04300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRS04400Health Services Staff

13/02/2018WRS04500422. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to replace the RGN in a health centre (details supplied); the locations in which this post is being advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7210/18]

13/02/2018WRS04600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

13/02/2018WRS04700Sudden Infant Deaths

13/02/2018WRS04800423. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which the number of sudden infant deaths, SIDs, for persons with no fixed abode are tracked; if his attention has been drawn to a change in the rates of sudden infant deaths for persons with no fixed abode; the supports available to persons who experience SIDs and have no fixed abode; the supports available for persons with no fixed abode who suffer a postpartum depression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7211/18]

13/02/2018WRS04900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you direct.

13/02/2018WRS05000Health Services Staff Remuneration

13/02/2018WRS05100424. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the process which has been established regarding pay for section 39 organisations; and if there is a timeframe. [7218/18]

13/02/2018WRS05200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): On Friday 9 February, an agreement was reached between the Department of Health, the HSE and the Trade Unions. The agreement is that the HSE will carry out an analysis to establish, with supporting evidence, the following:

- Whether, when and to what extent reductions in pay rates were applied during the crisis in each relevant organisation;

- Whether, when and to what extent restoration of pay reductions has happened;

- Identify the financial implications for each organisation, taking account of all sources of funding, associated with addressing the issues identified and propose an appropriate plan for phased resolution in each case.

The HSE will commence a data gathering exercise immediately, initially in relation to an agreed list of organisations. The data gathering exercise should be completed as early as possible. An interim report is expected by the end of March 2018. 228 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRS05300Medicinal Products

13/02/2018WRS05400425. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the criteria used by the pharmacoeconomics unit to withdraw Versatis from the GMS; the alternatives available to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7235/18]

13/02/2018WRS05500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Medicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key objective of the health service. However, the challenge is to do this in an affordable and sustainable manner. The medicines bill for the community drugs schemes – primarily the GMS, Long Term Illness and Drugs Payment schemes and the High Tech Arrangement – was approximately €1.8 billion in 2017.

Lidocaine 5% medicated plaster is licensed for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain associated with previous herpes zoster (shingles) infection, known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), in adults. It has been reimbursed in the community drugs schemes since 2010. The projected budget impact on introduction was low due to the specific licensed indication but total expenditure trebled between 2012 and 2016, from €9.4 million to over €30 million, mainly from off-license use for pain not associated with shingles.

Following the MMP review, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement system for the product from 1 September 2017. This process supports its appropriate use, ensuring that PHN patients continue to receive this treatment. The HSE estimates that this protocol will reduce annual expenditure on this product by approximately 90%.

However, since 1 December 2017, non-shingles patients no longer receive this item under the community drugs schemes. In August 2017 the HSE advised GPs of the changes and of treatment alternatives.

It is possible for non-shingles patients to be approved for the patch through the community drug schemes. The patient’s GP should apply to the Medicines Management Programme through the online system, and the MMP will review the application and inform the GP of its decision.

229 Questions - Written Answers Where a GP’s application is rejected, it may be appealed. Of some 200 appeals to date, the HSE advises that over 50% have been accepted on clinical grounds.

This decision is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.

13/02/2018WRS05600Health Services Staff Data

13/02/2018WRS05700426. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of staff in the pharmacoeconomics unit; the budget allocated to same for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7236/18]

13/02/2018WRS05800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The National Centre for Pharmacoeconom- ics (NCPE) was established in 1998. Its remit is to advise the HSE and the Department of Health in relation to the cost-effectiveness of medicines.

The NCPE’s workload has increased dramatically since its establishment, from less than five assessments in 2007 to over 80 in 2017. A review of the NCPE and its work by Grant Thornton in 2017 indicated that the NCPE was understaffed and that an additional 9 staff would be required in order to meet the additional workload.

The NCPE currently has a staff of 10.5 full time equivalents, at an annual cost of €994,000 per annum. As part of budget 2018, I announced an additional allocation of €750,000 in 2018 to support the NCPE’s work, and recruitment of additional staff has commenced. When the additional staffing is in place, the annual budget will be in the order of €1.74 million.

13/02/2018WRS05900Medicinal Products

13/02/2018WRS06000427. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if there is an update on the negotiations on the provision of Respreeza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7237/18]

13/02/2018WRS06100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The HSE carefully considered the pricing and reimbursement of human alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (Respreeza). The manufacturer, CSL Behring were notified in August 2017 that the HSE was unable to recommend reimbursement as they concluded that there was not enough evidence to suggest that patients would derive a clinically meaningful benefit from this treatment and that the current price was not a cost effective use of resources.

A number of patients were on a Respreeza access scheme, operated by the manufacturer CSL Behring for the treatment of Alpha-1 deficiency. This scheme was being run independently by CSL Behring and without reference to the HSE, when the Company decided that the scheme would end on 30 September 2017. This decision left approximately 20 patients without access to medication.

230 13 February 2018 Subsequently the company modified its decision and agreed to continue to supply the medication free of charge for the patients on the access scheme for a further period of six months, or until the next clinical trial commences in 2018, but not to cover the cost of administering the medicine from the end of October 2017.

Due to the critical and exceptional circumstances, the HSE decided to facilitate a transitional arrangement under which it would fund the provision of the necessary nursing service to ensure that patients could continue to receive the medicine until a new clinical trial commences in 2018.

The Company anticipates that approximately half of the current access group of patients will be recruited into the next clinical trial in 2018.

The terms of this transitional arrangement, under which the HSE has agreed to fund the administration of the drug, includes a requirement that the lead clinician concerned ensures that appropriate alternative treatment regimes are put in place in good time for those patients not proceeding onto the next trial.

This transitional arrangement does not alter the reimbursement decision of the HSE in relation to Respreeza.

The company is welcome to submit a new reimbursement application which would then be assessed in line with the 2013 Act.

13/02/2018WRS06200National Drugs Strategy

13/02/2018WRS06300428. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the drug strategy report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7238/18]

13/02/2018WRS06400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): The Govern- ment’s drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025 was launched by An Taoiseach on 17 July 2017. The strategy provides an integrated public health approach to drug and alcohol use, focussed on promoting healthier lifestyles within society. The strategy contains a 50 point Action Plan for the period 2017 to 2020.

A National Oversight Committee (NOC), which I Chair, gives leadership and direction to support the implementation of the strategy. A Standing Sub-Committee of the NOC drives the implementation of the strategy and promotes coordination between national, local and regional levels.

I firmly believe in a health-led and person-centred approach to our drug and alcohol problem. I am committed to working with all stakeholders, including individuals, families and local communities affected by drugs, to implement the strategy.

13/02/2018WRT00200Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

13/02/2018WRT00300429. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the status of the regional drug task forces; the involvement of the HSE on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7239/18]

13/02/2018WRT00400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): There are 10

231 Questions - Written Answers Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Forces in Ireland. They were set up in 2003 on foot of recommendations from the first National Drugs Strategy (2001-2008), to facilitate a more effective response to the drugs problems in areas experiencing the highest levels of substance misuse.

Task Forces are partnerships between local statutory, voluntary and community sectors. Their current role is to prepare and oversee the implementation of Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery ‘A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017 - 2025’ at a local level by encouraging co-ordination and co-operation between services and by consulting with local communities to design and deliver services. The Task Force membership comprises elected representatives, representatives from the community and voluntary sector and relevant local statutory agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Department of Social Pro- tection, An Garda Síochána, Probation services, Education and Training Boards and the Local Authorities. Members meet on a regular basis.

The overall allocation to Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for community-based drugs initiatives this year is €8.7 million. The HSE is responsible for the allocation and oversight of €7.6 million of this funding and the Department of Health is responsible for the remaining €1.1 million. It is a matter for each Task Force to ensure that the budget is effectively deployed to address current priorities and locally identified needs, taking into account the changing nature of the drugs phenomenon.

Drug and Alcohol Task Force Coordinators are, in the main, employed by the HSE. The HSE allocates funding to the Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for various support workers, such as posts of development worker and administrator.

I am committed to working with Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces in implementing the actions under Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery.

13/02/2018WRT00500Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRT00600430. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason momentum wheelchairs are available at a cost to persons in County Kildare but appear to be available free of charge to those who require them in counties Wexford and Galway; his plans to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7240/18]

13/02/2018WRT00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRT00800Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

13/02/2018WRT00900431. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application under the nursing homes support scheme by a person (details supplied). [7284/18]

13/02/2018WRT01000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WRT01100Hospital Waiting Lists Data

13/02/2018WRT01200432. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on out-

232 13 February 2018 patient waiting lists awaiting eye care procedures at the end of 2016 and 2017, respectively; his plans to reduce such waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7290/18]

13/02/2018WRT01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The NTPF publishes the Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient waiting list figures by specialty for each hospital on its website each month. This information is available at www.NTPF.ie.

Data from the NTPF indicate that there was a total of 32,823 people awaiting an Ophthal- mology Outpatient appointment at the end of December 2016 and 39,803 people awaiting an appointment at the end of December 2017.

The Outpatient Waiting List remains a significant challenge to be addressed in 2018. Out- patient activity has increased year-on-year, while the gap between referrals and appointment activity continues to widen, with 2017 data from the HSE indicating a gap of over 1,200 patients per week. A number of steps, including the commencement of a national waiting list validation project by the HSE, are being taken to ensure the lists are accurate. These efforts are to intensify in the coming months.

My Department has also requested the HSE to develop an Outpatient Waiting List Action Plan for 2018.

13/02/2018WRT01400Health Services Provision

13/02/2018WRT01500433. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the reliance on hospital ophthalmology departments through appropriate additional community services delivered by optometrists in view of the need to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7291/18]

13/02/2018WRT01600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRT01700Ambulance Service

13/02/2018WRT01800434. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health the cost of private ambulance cover incurred by each acute hospital for the past 12 months; the number of such individual private ambulance journeys; the method of charging agreed (details supplied); the name of the companies involved; the amount received by each such ambulance company; the reason such private ambulances were used; the number of HSE or hospital owned ambulances attached or available to each such acute hospital; the number of such HSE ambulances normally available to each such acute hospital that were not available by acute hospital and a private ambulance had to be used; the cost of the national ambulance budget for 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7303/18]

13/02/2018WRT01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As the queries raised by the Deputy relate to a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to him directly.

13/02/2018WRT02000Hospital Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRT02100435. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an operation at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement

233 Questions - Written Answers on the matter. [7308/18]

13/02/2018WRT02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRT02300Disabilities Assessments

13/02/2018WRT02400436. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for an assessment of needs for a person (details supplied) at HSE south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7311/18]

13/02/2018WRT02500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRT02600Infectious Diseases

13/02/2018WRT02700437. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the support which will be given to persons who have Lyme disease in view of the substantial additional cost persons who have this condition must incur on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7317/18]

13/02/2018WRT02800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borel- liosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin but can occasionally be more severe and highly debilitating. Lyme disease is diagnosed by medical history and physical examination. The infection is confirmed by blood tests which look for antibodies produced by an infected person’s body in response to the infection. These normally take several weeks to develop and may not be present in the early stages of the disease. The standard laboratory approach to Lyme diagnostics is a two- stage approach and has been agreed by experts from the Scientific Advisory Committee of the

234 13 February 2018 Health Protection Surveillance Centre and other Irish and international experts. This testing is available in Ireland.

Lyme disease can be very successfully treated using common antibiotics by General Practi- tioners. These antibiotics are effective at clearing the rash and helping to prevent the development of complications. Antibiotics are generally given for up to three weeks. If complications develop, intravenous antibiotics may be considered.

The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre website (www.hpsc.ie) gives extensive information on Lyme Disease diagnosis, treatment and how to avoid tick bites. A Lyme Disease Subcommittee of the Scientific Advisory Committee of HPSC with professional clinical, ento- mological, scientific and environmental health expert representation (including a representative of the Lyme Support Group, Tick-Talk Ireland) has been established to explore all possible ways of raising awareness about Lyme disease. This Subcommittee is expected to meet shortly with a view to finalising its report. This report will cover a number of areas, including initiatives undertaken to date, summary advice relating to awareness, preventive advice for the general public, preventive advice and material for those responsible for sites or locations known to have or suspected as having higher densities of ticks, and summary advice relating to GP management of the condition. Any person who is suffering ill-health is eligible to seek medical attention, and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the cause of their symptoms.

13/02/2018WRT02900Hospital Appointments Delays

13/02/2018WRT03000438. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7318/18]

13/02/2018WRT03100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly

13/02/2018WRT03200Health Services Staff Remuneration

13/02/2018WRT03300439. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7323/18]

13/02/2018WRT03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

13/02/2018WRT03500Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRT03600440. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) raised in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7325/18]

13/02/2018WRT03700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRT03800HSE Reviews 235 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRT03900441. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a water ban in place in Kilcloon, County Meath; and the sequence of events in the way in which the HSE discovered that there were high levels of chlorine in the local water supply. [7332/18]

13/02/2018WRT04000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): This is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

13/02/2018WRT04100Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

13/02/2018WRT04200442. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting times for funding for orthotics to be approved by the HSE for persons with disabilities in County Cork; the waiting period for this type of funding in the county in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7348/18]

13/02/2018WRT04300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRT04400Medicinal Products Reimbursement

13/02/2018WRT04500443. Deputy Frank O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health if the provision of Versatis patches on the general medical card scheme will be restored for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7349/18]

13/02/2018WRT04600451. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the reason Versatis patches have been withdrawn from the medical card scheme for persons that are in pain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7432/18]

13/02/2018WRT04700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 451 together.

Lidocaine 5% medicated plaster is licensed for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain associated with previous herpes zoster (shingles) infection, known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), in adults. It has been reimbursed in the community drugs schemes since 2010. The projected budget impact on introduction was low due to the specific licensed indication but total expenditure trebled between 2012 and 2016, from €9.4 million to over €30 million, mainly from off-license use for pain not associated with shingles.

An HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) review of this product highlighted that the clinical evidence for its use in PHN is limited due to lack of comparative data, and its value is uncertain for other types of pain. The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics 236 13 February 2018 estimated that, in Ireland, only 5-10% of prescribing of this product has been for the licensed indication of PHN.

However, since 1 December 2017, non-shingles patients no longer receive this item under the community drugs schemes. In August 2017 the HSE advised GPs of the changes and of treatment alternatives.

Where a GP’s application is rejected, it may be appealed. Of some 200 appeals to date, the HSE advises that over 50% have been accepted on clinical grounds.

Full details of the review are available on the HSE website at:http://hse.ie/eng/about/Who/ clinical/natclinprog/medicinemanagementprogramme/yourmedicines/lidocaine-plaster/lidocaine-medicated-plaster.html.

This decision is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.

13/02/2018WRT04800Vaccination Programme

13/02/2018WRT04900444. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that thousands of the 40,000 eligible schoolgirls are still not getting the HPV vaccine; his plans to increase the take up of the HPV vaccine among eligible schoolgirls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7356/18]

13/02/2018WRT05000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Each year in Ireland around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 90 die from the disease. All cervical cancers are linked to high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types. In 2009 the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended HPV vaccination for all 12 year old girls to reduce their risk of cervical cancer and in September 2010 the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of second level schools.

I am aware of claims of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. An illness that occurs around the time a vaccine

237 Questions - Written Answers is given and is already known to be common in adolescence does not imply the vaccine caused the problem. It appears that some girls first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine, and understandably some parents have connected the vaccine to their daugh- ter’s condition. However, these claims have led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine from 87% in 2014/15 to 72% in 2015/16 and 51% in 2016/17. Provisional figures from the HSE indicate that HPV vaccine uptake rates increased in September/October 2017 to 62% due to a comprehensive communications campaign for parents with support from a large number of key stakeholders.

One of the most important things we can do is to provide accurate and credible information to enable parents to take a fully informed decision concerning HPV vaccination. We know that HPV vaccine works and that many countries have seen significant decreases of pre-cancer of the cervix as a result of vaccination. The safety and effectiveness of the vaccine is endorsed by Irish and international scientific and medical institutions. The HSE launched their information campaign for HPV vaccination as part of the 2017/18 Schools Immunisation Programme on 30 August 2017. The Information campaign supports the HPV vaccination programme and provides information packs for parents which are scientifically accurate and endorsed by Irish and international bodies. In addition information is available for primary care facilities and pharmacies.

I would urge any parent who has doubts or questions about vaccination to engage with your family doctor, or alternatively to visit the HPV website – www.hpv.ie. These sources of information are clear and accurate and will answer any queries you may have. Parents of all eligible girls are strongly encouraged to access this information and ensure that their daughters receive this important cancer preventing vaccine.

As Minister for Health I fully support the HPV immunisation programme and its aim to increase uptake rates of this important lifesaving vaccine.

13/02/2018WRT05100Vaccination Programme

13/02/2018WRT05200445. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the HPV vaccine to boys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7357/18]

13/02/2018WRT05300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee’s recommendations are informed by public health advice and international best practice. All relevant and appropriate information is taken into account when deciding to make changes to the State’s immunisation programmes.

NIAC has made a recommendation that the HPV vaccine should be given to boys. My Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to carry out a health technology assessment (HTA). Work has commenced on the HTA and is expected to be completed in 2018. Any decision to extend the current programme which offers HPV vaccination to all girls in their first year of second-level education to a programme that also offers vaccination to boys will be informed by the evidence contained in the HTA.

13/02/2018WRT05400Defibrillators in Schools Provision

238 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRT05500446. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to liaise with the Minis- ter for Education and Skills on the findings, due in 2018, of the national steering group on out- of-hospital cardiac arrest in order to make defibrillators more easily accessible in public places and schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7358/18]

13/02/2018WRT05600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): A national Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Steering group was established in 2017. The purpose of this project is to improve survival rates for those who suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest through the development and implementation of an out of hospital cardiac arrest strategy up to 2020. This work will support the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Community First Responder Ireland (CFR Ireland) in their commitment to improve clinical outcomes for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA). It is also considering how to improve Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest survival by strengthening the ‘Chain of Survival’ across Ireland. National and international evidence and experience will be assessed to see if it can be applied in Ireland. It is anticipated that the report of the OHCA Steering group will provide advice to the HSE and the Department on the most effective ways of improving survival including the use of defibrillators in community settings and schools and on increasing CPR training. Once the findings of the Steering group have been published any relevant recommendations will be carefully considered by both Departments. The position in relation to schools is that under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Man- agement is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. The decision to install a defibrillator is made at local school level and is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school.

13/02/2018WRT05700Hospital Appointments Status

13/02/2018WRT05800447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment can be scheduled for a person (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7366/18]

13/02/2018WRT05900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

13/02/2018WRT06000Transport Support Scheme

13/02/2018WRT06100448. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when the motorised transport grant, which was suspended in 2013 for new applications, will be reopened. [7385/18]

13/02/2018WRT06200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Moto- 239 Questions - Written Answers rised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.

The Motorised Transport Grant operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Trans- port Grants have been payable.

The proposals seek to ensure that:

- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme’s operation;

- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;

- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and

- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.

Question No. 449 answered with Question No. 406.

13/02/2018WRT06400Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

13/02/2018WRT06500450. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on the current waiting times for orthodontic treatment in CHO area 8; if solutions to the staffing shortage in this area can be investigated; and his further views on a number of possible short-term solutions (details supplied) to ease this waiting list and provide essential treatment for the most severe cases within the region. [7390/18]

13/02/2018WRT06600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 443.

13/02/2018WRU00300Disabilities Assessments

240 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRU00400452. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when an assessment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7434/18]

13/02/2018WRU00500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRU00600Health and Safety Regulations

13/02/2018WRU00700453. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his plans to regulate the piercing and tattoo sector; the status of guidelines on the sector; the age of consent for such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7491/18]

13/02/2018WRU00800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): There is no specific legislation in Ireland in relation to the regulation of tattooing and body piercing businesses. However, they are required to comply with public health, and health and safety legislation in the same way as any other business. In the absence of sector specific regulation, my Department and the Health Service Executive are finalising guidelines on infection control for use by the tattooing and body piercing industry. The purpose of the document is to provide guidance in relation to infection control, and is aimed at achieving the highest standards of safety and prevention. The guidelines are being finalised and are expected to be published later this year.

With respect to consent, including the age of consent, under the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act, 1997, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1935, tattooing and body piercing may be construed as a criminal offence if proper informed consent is not obtained; or in the case of minors, if tattooing or body piercing is carried out on certain parts of the body, with or without consent. Consequently, any queries relating to these issues would be a matter for An Garda Siochána and the Department of Justice and Equality.

13/02/2018WRU00900Disability Support Services

13/02/2018WRU01000454. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be placed in adult services. [7492/18]

13/02/2018WRU01100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

241 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRU01200Livestock Issues

13/02/2018WRU01300455. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the growing problem facing sheep farmers at slaughter facilities whereby following an examination of lambs prior to entry processors are turning livestock away and refusing entry for slaughter due to a more stringent implementation of clean livestock policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6731/18]

13/02/2018WRU01400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:

Category (A) Satisfactory –

Category (B) Acceptable –

Category (C) Unacceptable –

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/.

The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this. This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter. 242 13 February 2018 My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.

13/02/2018WRU01500Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

13/02/2018WRU01600456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put in place a scheme to cull badgers to stop the spread of tuberculosis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6733/18]

13/02/2018WRU01700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am informed that the outbreak in the Iveragh Peninsula is largely confined to eight electoral divisions, namely Loughcurrane, Derriana, Canuig, Emlagh, Ballinskelligs, Castlequin, Bahaghs and Killinane. During 2017, 53 herds in these areas were restricted with a total of 302 reactors removed. 32 of the restrictions followed reactor disclosure at a contiguous herd test.

Since the first breakdown in the area in Autumn 2016, the outbreaks have been investigated and managed by my Department’s Veterinary Inspectorate (in cooperation with local herdowners and veterinary practitioners). They have conducted epidemiological investigation of all herds with more than 2 reactors, blood sampling of all reactors for quality control purposes, diagnostic blood testing of high risk groups within the herd, identification of contiguous holdings and additional testing as required, as well as subjecting the herd to further diagnostic tests where it is considered that the infection is of a more chronic nature.

Ireland’s TB Eradication Programme incorporates a wildlife strategy since 2004 which includes the removal of badgers from areas where there has been a TB outbreak with evidence of an epidemiological link to badgers. Badgers are protected by national legislation and are captured under licence, issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This strategy is informed by considerable scientific evidence of a link between badgers and cattle in the context of the spread of bovine TB. In line with this policy, where badgers are identified as a likely source in the Iveragh Peninsula a survey is carried out and badgers are captured and removed.

My Department has recently introduced the vaccination of badgers against tuberculosis as an integral part of the bovine TB eradication programme. This marks a major step forward in the bovine TB eradication programme and follows years of scientific research. The most recent research findings confirm that vaccination of badgers can play a role in reducing the level of infection in cattle. It will enable Ireland move forward towards eradication of bovine TB in a controlled holistic way, which will serve to protect the badger population whilst also protecting cattle and the livelihoods of farmers. The vaccination programme has commenced in the areas which have already been part of the field trials demonstrating the effectiveness of badger vaccination. It will roll out incrementally to other parts of the country over time, with vaccination gradually replacing the need to remove badgers. It is not appropriate to initiate a vaccination programme in an area where there is an active outbreak of disease.

I would also point out that there are other factors that contribute to the spread of tuberculosis which may be contributing to the problem in this area. For example, there are a significant number of animals traded locally within the area and the clustering of outbreaks indicates that

243 Questions - Written Answers the contiguous spread between herds is likely a factor. Farmers in the area are to be congratulated for their efforts to increase biosecurity which will further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

13/02/2018WRU01800GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRU01900457. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; the reason for the delay in issuing payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/18]

13/02/2018WRU02000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The above named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.

Administrative checks must take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. My Department is working proactively to complete these checks. Once this case clears the validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS 2017 advance payments are being made on a weekly basis.

13/02/2018WRU02100Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRU02200458. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6740/18]

13/02/2018WRU02300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment generally does not employ external public relations firms and did not employ any external public relations firms in the year 2016. Public relations advice is provided by my Department’s Press Office.

In April of 2017, the services of “All Good Tales”, a public relations company, were used to provide training for staff members for the National Animal Surveillance Programme. The cost of this training was €5,965.

The information requested by the Deputy with regard to photography is available on my Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/aboutus/ministers/photographycosts. This information is regularly updated by my Department. Wherever possible, the Department avails of internal photography skills.

In relation to the State Bodies under the aegis of this Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. In accordance with the new procedures effective since September 2016, as notified by the Clerk of the Dáil, my Department has provided contact details for all of our agencies. Details of dedicated email addresses for State Bodies are available for Oireachtas members through the Clerk of Dáil Éireann.

244 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRU02400GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRU02500459. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6759/18]

13/02/2018WRU02600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.

The Department is aware of an issue with this case in relation to the 2017 advance payment and this issue is being addressed. It is expected that payment will issue shortly. GLAS 2017 advance payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

13/02/2018WRU02700Livestock Issues

13/02/2018WRU02800460. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has changed its policy relating to sheep being presented for slaughter and meat processing plants in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6770/18]

13/02/2018WRU02900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

An effective Clean Livestock Policy is very important not just in terms of basic food safety but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and to safeguard our ongoing major export trade in meat and hides. This policy is underpinned by EU and national regulatory requirements.

It was clear that there was a need to significantly improve performance in relation to the cleanliness of incoming sheep, to ensure the continuation and expansion of this trade. Sending dirty sheep to slaughter increases the contamination risk from harmful bacteria. Dirty sheep risk our valuable sheep and fleece markets.

My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.

13/02/2018WRU03000Livestock Issues

13/02/2018WRU03100461. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention was drawn to the fact that meat processing plants are refusing to accept sheep due to the fact they are wet or dirty and are telling farmers to shear their sheep before presenting them for slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6771/18]

13/02/2018WRU03200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My

245 Questions - Written Answers Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:

Category (A) Satisfactory –

Category (B) Acceptable –

Category (C) Unacceptable –

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/foodsafetycontrolsonmeat/cleanlivestockpolicy/.

My Department continues to monitor the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.

13/02/2018WRU03300Livestock Issues

246 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRU03400462. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will intervene and stop meat processing plants from refusing to accept wet and-or dirty sheep and charging for shearing of sheep before slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6772/18]

13/02/2018WRU03500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter. My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017. This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

My Department currently applies a 3-category system for both the bovine and the sheep CLP, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise as follows:

Category (A) Satisfactory –

Category (B) Acceptable –

Category (C) Unacceptable –

My Department monitors the cleanliness of the sheep presented for slaughter on a daily basis. It should be noted that the vast majority of sheep are deemed acceptable at the slaughter plant.

13/02/2018WRU03600Fishing Industry

13/02/2018WRU03700463. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma-

247 Questions - Written Answers rine if a system to facilitate persons (details supplied) fishing will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6785/18]

13/02/2018WRU03800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): As the Deputy will be aware, on 27 October 2016, the Supreme Court issued a judgment in a case taken by a number of mussel seed fishermen. In the judgment, the Supreme Court found that fishing by Northern Ireland boats within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State under the Voisinage arrangements is not permitted by law. The Voisinage arrangements are long-standing reciprocal arrangements which have allowed fishing boats from Northern Ireland access to fish within the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State and vice versa.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court upheld the High Court finding that the Voi- sinage arrangements are not invalid but that, as it stands, there is insufficient provision for them in domestic law. The Supreme Court in fact noted that the arrangements were a sensible recognition at official level of practice and tradition, where fishing boats traditionally fished neighbouring waters.

The application of the judgment is to all fishing by Northern Irish fishing boats in the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone, measured from the baselines, relying on the Voisinage arrangements. For- eign fishing vessels are not permitted to fish inside the baselines. Fishing activities that have a legal basis are not affected, such as those reliant on the access arrangements to Ireland’s 6 to 12 nautical mile zone set out in Regulation (EU) No. 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The Government approved the publication of the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill to address issues raised by the Supreme Court judgment, in so far as it relates to access for Northern Irish vessels. If enacted and commenced, the Bill will give the Voisinage arrangements a proper legal footing. The Bill was published in February 2017 and is available on the Oireachtas website. The Bill has commenced debate in the Seanad.

In July 2017, the UK Government formally announced that it is leaving the 1964 London Fisheries Convention. The Convention deals primarily with access rights to countries 6 to 12 nautical mile zones and much of these are also included in Common Fisheries Policy. Article 2 of the Convention precludes countries from fishing in another country’s 0 to 6 nautical mile zone. However, Article 9 of the Convention gave countries the option to come to arrangements with their neighbours to allow access inside the 0 to 6 nautical mile zone if so desired. This was the basis for the Voisinage arrangements.

The UK has intimated it would like to retain the Voisinage arrangements element of the London Fisheries Convention. Ireland will continue to reflect on all relevant issues in the context of Brexit negotiations and the progress ofthe Bill.

Under EU Regulation, every commercial sea-fishing boat needs to have a licence, held by the owner of the boat, and in accordance with the Common Fisheries Policy, every Member State must manage the size and scale (capacity) of its fishing fleet. Fishing capacity in Ireland, in theform of gross tonnage and engine power, is a privately owned, tradable asset that, with certain exceptions, may be sold, traded or realised as a financial asset on the tonnage market. To licence a sea-fishing boat, capacity must be provided by the applicant as part of the licensing process. Currently the licensing process for a sea-fishing boat does not incur a charge. I do not consider that the proposal set out meets the terms of EU Regulation and accordingly I do not see scope to explore this option.

248 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRU03900GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRU04000464. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an outstanding 2017 GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6791/18]

13/02/2018WRU04100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of scheme year 2016 and the 2017 advance payment. There are no payments outstanding in this case.

13/02/2018WRU04200Live Exports

13/02/2018WRU04300465. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the procurement of a ship for live cattle and calf exports to mainland Europe; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the capacity of this ship is crucial. [6831/18]

13/02/2018WRU04400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am very conscious of the vital role live exports play in stimulating live competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for calves. I am pleased to confirm that the ‘Stena Carrier’ is undergoing the final approval procedures as a replacement for the ‘Stena Horizon’, on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, starting later this month

Since this issue of the withdrawal of the Stena Horizon from service for routine maintenance first came to notice in October 2017, senior officials from my Department have been actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on the matter. Whilst I and my Department have no direct involvement in the commercial activities or operational decisions of ferry companies, we were acutely conscious of the potential impact that lack of capacity could have on the ability of the industry to export livestock in the busy spring period.

While it is difficult to predict future market developments, the expectation is that in the region of 35 000 calves will be exported via the replacement ferry on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route during the 4 week period commencing on 20 February with additional numbers exported also on the Dublin to Cherbourg route.

13/02/2018WRU04500Forestry Sector

13/02/2018WRU04600466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte is in dispute with persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6834/18]

13/02/2018WRU04700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.

Coillte has, however, advised that it is conducting a thorough review following issues raised by a small number of farmers on agreements under the above Scheme. Coillte has confirmed that having reviewed its contracts with farm partners, it is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and that it is satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations. 249 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRU04800Fur Farming

13/02/2018WRU04900467. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to cease fur farming practices here further to the European Commission report stating that fur farming impairs mink welfare. [6838/18]

13/02/2018WRU05000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment is not aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. Policy in this area is guided by the review which my Department conducted in 2011. The Terms of Reference of the Review Group were:

(i) To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming;

(ii) To comment on the economic benefits of the sector;

(iii) To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls, and

(iv) To make appropriate recommendations

The Review Group invited submissions from the public and interested parties and considered over four hundred submissions which were received.

The Group concluded that it did not find the arguments in favour of banning the farming of fur animals in Ireland compelling and recommended that instead, fur farming be allowed continue under licence and subject to official control.

On foot of the Review Group’s deliberations, my Department introduced more rigorous controls on licence holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management. Licensees are subject to regular inspections, including unannounced inspections by Department officials.

Also my Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010 (Statutory Instrument No 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are, in this regard, subject to the same animal welfare legislation as other livestock farmers.

In the circumstances, I have no plans to amend the current regulatory provisions around fur farming.

13/02/2018WRU05100Animal Welfare

13/02/2018WRU05200468. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there are adequate resources available to effectively enforce the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act 2013; and his views on whether the consequences for breaching the Act are effective deterrents. [6839/18]

13/02/2018WRU05300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The introduction of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provided for increased levels of penalties for animal welfare offences committed. Upon summary conviction these are €5,000 and/or up to six months in jail. For major cases taken on indictment, the maximum penalty was increased from €100,000 to €250,000, with a maximum custodial sentence of five years imprisonment. These penalties are in keeping with Irish jurisprudence and therefore I do not envisage further 250 13 February 2018 changes at this time.

Penalties imposed upon successful conviction vary at the discretion of the court, with the Act containing provisions that an individual convicted of serious animal welfare offences may be banned by the courts from keeping animals, or have the numbers of animals they may keep restricted.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 however has importantly changed the basis upon which animal owners must treat their animals and is specifically designed to allow early intervention in a much wider range of cases than the previous legislation allowed for. Thus minor cases can be tackled before they escalate and the Act is a vehicle to encourage and educate animal keepers. This new approach means that Authorised officers are addressing problems while they are relatively minor, reducing the risk of escalation.

Enforcement is a complex issue, so a progressive aspect of the Act is that it does not just focus on prosecution, which is only appropriate in cases where there have been serious welfare issues that can be clearly demonstrated to the courts. The new enforcement approach reflects the need to intervene as early as possible in animal welfare situations. This approach is aided by The Early Warning/Intervention System (EWS) initiative introduced by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council involving, amongst others, my Department, the Irish Farmers’ Asso- ciation and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which provides a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming.

The Act provides for Animal Health & Welfare Notices to be issued by Authorised Officers. This means that minor situations can be addressed at an early stage and that encouragement, guidance and best practice are introduced rather than just punishment. It also provides for Fixed Penalty Notices to be issued in minor cases. These alternatives to prosecution mean greater efficiency in terms of enforcement of the Act.

The provisions of the Act are enforced by Authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Siochana, officers of Customs & Excise and authorised officers of ISPCA and DSPCA, along with individual officers of the Turf Club. This approach provides a large cross section of experienced officials who are aware of welfare issues and can flag them up as and when they arise.

13/02/2018WRU05400Harbours and Piers Development

13/02/2018WRU05500469. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine when applications will be invited from local authorities for the development and maintenance of piers under the fishery harbour development scheme; the amount of funding that has been allocated to the scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/18]

13/02/2018WRU05600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government thereafter.

However, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department provides limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding of €2m for the Local Au- 251 Questions - Written Answers thority element of my Departments 2018 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Develop- ment Programme.

On 31 January 2018 Local Authorities were invited to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration. The closing date for receipt of these applications is 14th February 2018. Fol- lowing this, detailed applications will be requested from Local Authorities for short-listing and the finalized suite of projects will be prepared.

13/02/2018WRU05700GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRU05800470. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6869/18]

13/02/2018WRU05900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named is fully up to date with their GLAS payments.

13/02/2018WRU06000Appointments to State Boards Data

13/02/2018WRU06100471. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State boards under the remit of his Department; the number of persons on each of those boards; the number of those persons who are male and female, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6945/18]

13/02/2018WRU06200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Depart- ment is outlined in the following table.

I am personally committed to achieving the Government target of 40% gender balance on the Boards of State Bodies. I wrote to the Chief Executives of some agri-business companies asking them to support women within their companies who express an interest in being appointed to the Boards of State Bodies and to encourage those who may not as yet have considered putting themselves forward to do so.

In relation to six of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, some of the board appointments are made by me on the basis of nominations from third-party organisations for specified vacancies as set out in legislation. These State Bodies are the Aquaculture Licens- ing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Horse Racing Ireland, National Milk Agency, Teagasc and the Veterinary Council of Ireland. I actively encourage the relevant nominating organisations to be pro-active in encouraging women within their membership to consider putting themselves forward for nomination for appointment to the Board of the State Body to which the organisation makes a nomination.

I will continue to take every opportunity to achieve gender balance on the Boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.

- Gender Breakdown State Body Current Number of Members Current Male Members Current Female Including the Chairperson Members

252 13 February 2018 - Gender Breakdown Aqua- 6 5 1 culture Licensing Appeals Board Bord Bia 13 10 3 Bord 6 5 1 Iascaigh Mhara Bord na 7 6 1 gCon Coillte 7 5 2 Horse Rac- 14 12 2 ing Ireland Irish Na- 7 5 2 tional Stud Marine 7 6 1 Institute National 14 14 0 Milk Agency Sea Fisher- 3 2 1 ies Protec- tion Au- thority Teagasc 9 8 1 Veterinary 19 11 8 Council of Ireland

13/02/2018WRU06300Departmental Advertising Expenditure

13/02/2018WRU06400472. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of advertising campaigns paid for by his Department to promote Irish food and drink; the associated cost of each campaign in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [6991/18]

13/02/2018WRU06500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment is precluded under EU law (State Aid Rules) from advertising to promote specific Irish food and drink.

Bord Bia is the State Agency under my remit charged with the marketing and promotion of Irish agri-food and drink both at home and abroad.

Should the Deputy require further details on the marketing and promotion activities of Bord Bia in the years requested, the Deputy is referred to the agreed Oireachtas contact address: [email protected] or the Bord Bia website www.bordbia.ie where the annual reports from 1998 to 2016 are available.

253 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRV00200Fishing Industry

13/02/2018WRV00300473. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on health and safety initiatives for fishers in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [6995/18]

13/02/2018WRV00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information requested by the Deputy concerning the amount spent on health and safety initiatives for fishers is set out in the following table.

YEAR MARINE TOURISM ENHANCED SAFETY FLEET SAFETY SAFETY SCHEME € TRAINING SCHEME € SCHEME € 2008 54,061 371,408 2009 64,460 353,266 2010 60,621 806,834 2011 0 258,393 2012 0 161,347 2013 11,038 142,331 2014 8,910 166,826 389,937 2015 21,084 113,456 379,081 2016 12,990 79,418 390,108 2017 9,791 56,557 718,504 TOTALS 242,955 416,256 3,971,209

13/02/2018WRV00500GLAS Data

13/02/2018WRV00600474. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid out under the GLAS scheme; the number of recipients in each of the years 2008 to 2017; and the payments forecast for persons in each of the years 2018 to 2023. [6996/18]

13/02/2018WRV00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The GLAS scheme commenced in 2015. The following table details the expenditure on GLAS since its inception.

- Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme Year Year Year Year Year Year Year Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Projected Projected Projected Projected 2018 2019 2020 2021 Spend €11,452,000 €102,615,247 €195,583,187 €203,000,000 €213,511,160 €213,511,160 €154,869,183

Projected payments are estimates for a number of reasons such as the fact that the number of recipients varies as applicants may leave the scheme or withdraw actions, penalties may be applied or payments delayed in a given year due to scheme requirements not being complied with, such as required documents not being submitted.

13/02/2018WRV00800Teagasc Courses

13/02/2018WRV00900475. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided to Teagasc for the purposes of training young farmers in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [6997/18] 254 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRV01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Teagasc training of farmers encompasses a wide variety of activities in terms of formal education courses, on-farm training and the provision of advice through its advisory services. It engages with 60,000 farmers annually, of which approximately 40,000 are contracted clients.

My Department provides Teagasc with a yearly block Grant in Aid subvention to support the delivery of its training, research and advisory services. The distribution of funding between services is an operational matter for Teagasc to determine.

The following table details Grant in Aid allocations from 2008 to 2017.

Year Allocations 2008 €139.964m 2009 €131.927m 2010 €126.165m 2011 €132.156m 2012 €128.460m 2013 €121.838m 2014 €119.210m 2015 €121.639m 2016 €126.780m 2017 €128.130m

The Grant in aid provision for 2018 has been increased by over €4m to €132.5m.

Teagasc also earn operational income from competitive research programmes, client fees for the provision of research, advisory and training services, EU research funding, farm operations etc.

Its overall operating budget for 2018 is an estimated €203m. Typically, some 40% of the yearly budget is devoted to research with the remainder split half and half between advisory and training services.

13/02/2018WRV01100Forestry Premium Payments

13/02/2018WRV01200476. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a forestry premium payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has been reduced; if this payment will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7003/18]

13/02/2018WRV01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was in receipt of payments under the Afforestation Scheme in respect of a forest area of 9.37ha since 2013. Following a review of the mapped area against more recent aerial imagery in 2017, the Department discovered that the forest was inaccurately digitised on the Depart- ment’s mapping system. The forest was then re-digitised and found to measure 9.01ha. The 2nd grant and annual premium for 2018 was paid on the revised area of 9.01ha.

The Department has written to the person offering him the option to seek a review.

13/02/2018WRV01400Fodder Crisis

255 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRV01500477. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a meal voucher scheme for farmers who are without fodder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7024/18]

13/02/2018WRV01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Weather conditions for much of last autumn were challenging for farmers in some parts of the West and North West in particular. Difficulties in harvesting fodder in some of these areas were com- pounded by the need to house livestock earlier than usual, resulting in additional pressure on fodder supplies over the course of the winter.

To immediately address this issue I prioritised the payment of farm supports to assist farmers with cash flow. The European Commission agreed to his request, informed in part by the poor weather conditions of last autumn, for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Measure and Agri-environment measures. These payments commenced after the earliest date possible which was 15th October 2017, and balancing payments issued in early December 2017. These payments together with those issued under the Areas of Natural Constraints Mea- sure, injected over €1.3 billion into the Irish rural economy by the end of last year and are providing a very welcome boost for Irish farm families and will help to finance additional fodder purchase where necessary.

As indicated earlier, the main reason that farmers may be short of fodder in some cases is that poor weather last autumn particularly, prevented harvesting of the normal requirement for hay or silage on those farms. Therefore, in order to provide additional assistance to those livestock farmers severely affected, mainly in parts of the West and North West, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support measure, operated through the Co-operative structure, to partly offset the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where it is available and those where it is scarce. This measure applies only to fodder purchased in the period from 29 January 2018 until 20 April 2018.

Teagasc assessments of whether there are significant forage shortages in specific areas is ongoing. It is important to emphasise that this is a targeted and locally focused measure, centreing on areas of fodder scarcity that normal local trading in fodder cannot service.

Financial assistance under the Fodder Transport Support Measure is payable in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 on de minimis aid in the agricultural produc- 256 13 February 2018 tion sector. No applications for support under this measure were received up to last Friday, 9 February. Processing and verification of applications for support will be carried out in a timely fashion.

Full details on the operation of the measure, including application forms and Department contact details are available on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRV01700Beef Exports

13/02/2018WRV01800478. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if prime beef will be sold by Irish meat plants to China in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7162/18]

13/02/2018WRV01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment has made significant progress towards securing market access in the last two years. In April 2017, together with the AQSIQ Minister Zhi Shuping, I signed a Protocol on the requirements for Frozen Beef to be exported from Ireland to China. The Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) carried out a comprehensive audit of plants in August/ September of last year; this represented a significant milestone in the process towards gaining beef market access.

In late December CNCA provided us with a draft report on their visit which was then considered by staff in my Department as a matter of priority. My Department worked closely with industry to respond fully to this report and provide relevant documentation to Chinese officials.

My officials continue to liaise closely with their Chinese counterparts to provide every assurance in relation to the quality and safety of Irish beef.

We understand that Ireland is now in the final stages of the market access process with China. However, despite this significant progress, the pace of the opening of the market access will be largely determined by the Chinese authorities and not by my Department.

13/02/2018WRV02000Sheep Welfare Scheme

13/02/2018WRV02100479. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the operation of the sheep welfare scheme; the amount spent in 2017; the projected spend in 2018; and the amount of the scheme funded by the EU. [7163/18]

13/02/2018WRV02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): In December 2016 I introduced The Sheep Welfare Scheme to contribute to the continuing viability and sustainability of the sheep sector in Ireland. The Scheme is funded through the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 - 2020 and it complements the range of other RDP supports available to sheep farmers under schemes such as GLAS, TAMS, Knowledge Transfer and the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme. The EU cofunding element is set out in the RDP at a rate of 53%.

Advance payments in the amount of €16 million under Year 1 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme issued in 2017. This is the total amount of expenditure under the Scheme in the calendar year 2017. Balancing payments in respect of Year 1 of the Scheme will issue in 2018. In 2018, the advance payment for Year 2 of the Scheme is also scheduled for payment. This will give rise to a total expenditure of approximately €19m in the calendar year 2018.

257 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRV02300Pig Quality Assurance Scheme

13/02/2018WRV02400480. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to legally define the use of the term “free range pork” to provide assurance to both producers and consumers. [7164/18]

13/02/2018WRV02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): While many small to medium sized pig herds operate outdoor systems very successfully, free range pig production is not carried out on a large scale in this county.

The term “free range” is legally defined for eggs and poultry meat under EU legislation. Only these two types of food can be called free range and only where they meet the requirements set out for use of this term in the relevant legislation which include rules around access to open-air runs, vegetation, stocking density and housing. Poultry and eggs that carry a free range label must have been produced in registered establishments complying with these legislative requirements.

However, there may be foods on the market labelled as free range which conform with voluntary standards albeit without a legal basis for doing so. Bord Bia’s Pigmeat Quality As- surance Scheme (QAS) which sets out the requirements for best practice of pig production at farm level contains an additional requirement for free range farmed pigs. The scheme ensures, for both consumers and retailers, that Irish pigmeat is produced to the highest standards at primary production level. The scheme is open to all producers who have a valid National Pig Identification and Tracing Scheme herd number.

13/02/2018WRV02600Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme

13/02/2018WRV02700481. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to re-open the agriculture cashflow support loan scheme, following the closure of same in September 2017, with an increased amount of funding. [7166/18]

13/02/2018WRV02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The successful “Agriculture Cashflow Loan Scheme” has provided a template for publicly-assisted loan schemes. This includes the “Brexit Loan Scheme”, which I expect to launch shortly with my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

The Scheme will make up to €300 million of affordable, flexible working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. Given their unique exposure to the UK market, my Department’s funding ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses (DAFM is providing €9 million out of the total €23 million in public funding). The new Scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders.

I also announced in Budget 2018 that my Department is considering the development of potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital -fi nancing for food businesses, for which I have secured €25 million of funding in 2018. I will announce more details as they become available.

13/02/2018WRV02900Artisan Food Sector

13/02/2018WRV03000482. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 258 13 February 2018 the new schemes being introduced in 2018 to develop the artisan food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7168/18]

13/02/2018WRV03100511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new opportunities will arise for the artisan food sector; the extent to which his Department continues to assist in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7459/18]

13/02/2018WRV03200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 511 together.

Food Wise 2025, the strategy for the Agri-food industry acknowledges the unique and important position of the artisan food sector in both the rural and national economy and its positive growth prospects and recommends actions to support the sector to realise its potential. These include supports for artisan food businesses, a pipeline for new entrants to the Artisan Food Market at Bloom, promoting meet the buyer opportunities, delivery of small business specific consumer and market insights, and programmes to assist producers to extend business reach and festival markets.

Supports for the artisan food sector are available from the development agencies. Many artisan businesses have participated in the Food Academy programme developed by Bord Bia, Local Enterprise Offices and Musgraves/Supervalu; the Food Works programme (developed by Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland for start-up food entrepreneurs) and from technical assistance from Teagasc.

In terms of small food businesses in general, close to 500 food companies with a turnover of €100,000 to €3.5m are registered with Bord Bia for supports and services. These owner managed businesses produce high-end products with a strong focus on the domestic market.

The farmhouse cheese sector alone includes over 50 cheese-makers producing more than 150 types of cheese valued at over €12 million per annum at farm gate level. The sector is innovative with over 17 new farmhouse cheeses developed in the past year. My Department has supported a three year Bord Bia farmhouse cheese programme under the EU Promotion regime.

Farmers markets remain a valuable entry point for many potential food entrepreneurs and those building a local and visitor customer base. In the past year Bord Bia ran workshops for market managers to support the development of this important local route to market. Feedback was highly positive.

My Department provides bursaries for the UCC Diploma in Speciality Food Production, a food science and business course for food producers, potential start-ups and those interested in developing businesses and /or promoting the artisan sector. Bord Bia, Teagasc and the FSAI contribute to the work of the Diploma. Over 180 students have graduated; many are successfully running small artisan and speciality food businesses.

Growth prospects for the sector are positive overall, driven by increased consumer interest in the provenance of food, environmental concerns, health and a desire to support the local economy.

There is also provision in the Rural Development Plan (RDP), for schemes to support new and existing artisan, micro and small food producers to address emerging challenges through investment in areas such as market development, competitiveness and innovation. My Depart- ment is in discussion with the Commission regarding the details of these proposals.

259 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRV03300Food Exports

13/02/2018WRV03400483. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes being developed to help create new markets for Irish food exports in the wake of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7169/18]

13/02/2018WRV03500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Since the UK referendum to leave the European Union, my Department has placed great emphasis on enhancing its own capacity and that of Bord Bia’s in the area of market diversification and new market access. In all I have provided an additional €14.5 million to Bord Bia since then.

This funding is intended to support food and drink companies facing Brexit challenges through market diversification measures, including the provision of access to local expertise in international markets, the promotion of quality assured products in UK and Continental markets and funding for Marketplace Ireland 2018. It will also support market insight research and projects to be carried out by the Bord Bia Thinking House. My Department has also provided the funding for Bord Bia’s Brexit barometer, which provide food companies with the opportunity to assess their own readiness for Brexit.

My Department is also working with the Department of An Taoiseach and other Govern- ment Departments on the expansion of the State’s Global footprint, in order to ensure that the future development of the Irish agri-food sector is incorporated into this strategy.

In addition, and against the background of Brexit, I asked Bord Bia to conduct a market prioritisation exercise in order to identify opportunities in new and more mature markets. The initial results of this exercise, which were published in early December 2017, have already provided valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers, and I look forward to further exciting developments as the next stages of this project unfold.

The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.

Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, including in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region.

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025 I led a series of very successful Trade Missions during in 2017, to the Gulf States, the US, Mexico, Japan and South Korea.

My Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for a trade mission at the end of the February to the US and Canada. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as relevant political engagements. Both of these markets had been identified as offering significant potential to the Irish agri-food sector.

My Department and its agencies will continue to work with industry in a dynamic way as the negotiations on Brexit progress.

13/02/2018WRV03600Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Funding

13/02/2018WRV03700484. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the 260 13 February 2018 expenditure on areas of natural constraint in 2017; the financial provision in his Department’s Estimates for ANC in 2018; if the additional funding will be allocated on a proportionate basis to all recipients of ANC payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7180/18]

13/02/2018WRV03800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The ANC Scheme has always been recognised as a very important support for rural society and farmers across the country who farm constrained lands. In light of the importance of the scheme, the Programme for Government included a commitment to provide an additional €25m for the Scheme in 2018. I am pleased to confirm that this commitment was delivered in Budget 2018 and that, subject to the EU Commission’s approval of an amendment to Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, this new funding will be available for payment under the 2018 ANC Scheme. This additional funding brings the overall budget allocation for the 2018 ANC scheme to €227m.

With this in mind and having considered the views of stakeholders, I have decided to dis- tribute the additional €25 million as follows -

- €13m will be allocated to the ‘mountain type land’ category

- €9m will be allocated to the ‘more severely handicapped’ category’ and

- €3m will be allocated to the ‘less severely handicapped’ category.

13/02/2018WRV03900Brexit Issues

13/02/2018WRV04000485. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe for the roll-out of the farmer low cost loans scheme announced in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6908/18]

13/02/2018WRV04100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The successful “Agriculture Cashflow Loan Scheme” has provided a template for publicly-assisted loan schemes. This includes the “Brexit Loan Scheme”, which I expect to launch shortly with my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

The Scheme will make up to €300 million of affordable, flexible working capital finance

261 Questions - Written Answers available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. Given their unique exposure to the UK market, my Department’s funding ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses (DAFM is providing €9 million out of the total €23 million in public funding). The new Scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders.

13/02/2018WRV04200GLAS Administration

13/02/2018WRV04300486. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that the next round of GLAS payments are not delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6910/18]

13/02/2018WRV04400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The overrid- ing factor in the processing of all EU funded schemes is to ensure that all regulatory requirements are respected in issuing payments. This includes the requirement that payments cannot commence until after 15 October annually.

As of today, there are 49,700 active participants in the GLAS scheme and 93% of those eligible have received their 2017 advance payment since these payments commenced in No- vember as scheduled. In addition GLAS training payments to both participants and approved GLAS Trainers have commenced with over €6.3m issued to date.

Of the remaining cases approximately 2,700 are a matter for the GLAS participants themselves and there is nothing that can be done to pay these until they complete the necessary steps themselves. Payments are continuing as we speak and will continue until the remaining payments are cleared.

Updates are published weekly on the Department’s website and clearly show that steady progress is being made in reducing outstanding cases. While officials are prioritising the clearing of cases and where a farmer has been contacted for additional information it is important that any such request is responded to as the information requested is essential to finalise all checks.

13/02/2018WRV04500Basic Payment Scheme Payments

13/02/2018WRV04600487. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a basic payment scheme payment for 2016 for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7219/18]

13/02/2018WRV04700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Applications to transfer entitlements for the years 2017 and 2016 were received by my Department requesting the Transfer of Entitlements from the first person named to the second person named. My Department has been in contact with the parties named and has recently resolved issues relating to a 2016 Transfer of Entitlements application. This has allowed the 2017 Transfer to be processed. My Department has contacted both parties named to advise them that payment will issue under the Basic Payment Scheme shortly.

262 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRV04800Beef Industry

13/02/2018WRV04900488. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the growing campaign relating to the beef grid, particularly in circumstances in which his predecessor gave a commitment to review the matter in November 2015; and the reason for the protracted delay in providing a review. [7224/18]

13/02/2018WRV05000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Quality Payment System (QPS) was introduced in December 2009 following intensive negotiations between Meat Industry Ireland and farmers representatives in order to incentivise and reward the production of quality beef for cattle with a superior carcass confirmation. The payment system involves the use of a base price agreed between processors and suppliers for cattle with a carcass confirmation of R= and R- and a fat class of 2+, 3 and 4. Cattle grading better than these base criteria will receive a premium above the base price and cattle grading below these base criteria will receive a price less than the base price.

The QPS or beef grid as referred to in this question, is a payment mechanism whereby a price is determined and paid by processors to farmer suppliers. As this is a commercial matter between processors and farmers I cannot interfere with this and it would be inappropriate for me or my Department to take a role in a review of any pricing mechanism.

It is therefore the responsibility of the beef processing industry and farming organisations to discuss the QPS and formulate the methodology of any review. It is their agreement and therefore it must be their review and I have stated this position several times. However, if both parties do wish to undertake a review of the QPS I have offered the services of Teagasc to provide any technical assistance in any review of the grid.

13/02/2018WRV05100Beef Industry

13/02/2018WRV05200489. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason live exporters are not represented at the beef forum (details supplied). [7225/18]

13/02/2018WRV05300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Beef Roundtable was established in April 2014 in order to facilitate open discussion between industry and farming organisations on the strategic path for the beef sector over the coming years. There have been eleven meetings of the Roundtable, the most recent being on 6 February. No decision has been made to widen representation at the Roundtable beyond the original participants.

While the agenda of the most recent meeting did not include a specific item on live exports, the issue was discussed during the Roundtable. The Deputy will be aware that in the last year I have undertaken several trade missions to facilitate access to new markets and develop existing markets for Irish exports. In the last week of January I, along with officials from my Depart- ment and Bord Bia, and representatives of Irish live cattle export companies, visited Turkey, which last year was our third largest market for the export of live cattle. I had a successful meeting with my Turkish counterpart, Minister Fakibaba, and we agreed to set up an official contact group to facilitate detailed discussions on certification issues. Minister Fakibaba also confirmed that, from the end of May, private sector buyers will be permitted to import cattle for fattening. Currently this trade is through State body ESK only.

My Department and I will continue to place a great importance on the cattle export trade as

263 Questions - Written Answers a means of providing an alternative market outlet for Irish cattle farmers. This is very much reflected in the increase in live exports in 2017 with an increase of approximately 45,000 head of cattle or 30% compared to 2016. In addition, in 2017 I reduced the veterinary inspection fee that is payable on live exports of calves less than three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.

Question No. 490 withdrawn.

13/02/2018WRV05400Fur Farming

13/02/2018WRV05500491. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 1 February 2018, his views on the inconsistencies in the inspection report of 2016 regarding declarations of compliance (details supplied). [7276/18]

13/02/2018WRV05600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The suggested inconsistencies in the inspection reports for the dates of inspection 25/11/2016 and 14/12/2016, to which the Deputy refers, relate to inspections of two entirely different mink farms, completed by two different inspectors from my Department and are therefore not com- parable in terms of detail.

13/02/2018WRV05700Horse Racing Ireland Staff

13/02/2018WRV05800492. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason stable staff employed in Northern Ireland have never received pensions or received moneys from the now wound up defined benefit stable staff pension scheme. [7279/18]

13/02/2018WRV05900493. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the winding up of the defined benefit stable staff pension scheme; the number of ben- eficiaries; the amount of money distributed; and the cost to administer the wind up. [7280/18]

13/02/2018WRV06000494. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria which are applied for stable staff employees to become members of the newly formed defined contribution scheme, the stable employees pension scheme; his views on the adequacy of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7281/18]

13/02/2018WRV06100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I propose to take Questions Nos. 492 to 494, inclusive, together.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

The questions raised by the Deputy are an operational matter for HRI.

In line with Dail procedures this request can be made directly to HRI using the dedicated email address: [email protected]. The Deputy’s questions have been passed on by my Depart- ment via this mechanism.

13/02/2018WRV06400Herd Number Applications

13/02/2018WRV06500495. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a 264 13 February 2018 person (details supplied) can be furnished with a copy of a dormant herd number that is attached to their folio of land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7282/18]

13/02/2018WRV06600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Officials from my Department have reissued the person named with a copy of the application and documentation dated 2nd June 2010, setting out details of the herd number granted following submission of an application by them utilising the stated folio of land.

13/02/2018WRW00200Herd Number Applications

13/02/2018WRW00300496. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a dormant herd number can be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7283/18]

13/02/2018WRW00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): It is possible to reactivate a dormant herd number. This is done by completing an ER1 form and submitting it with relevant documentation to the local Veterinary Office. ER1 forms are available from the local offices or on my Department’s website at:

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/diseasecontrol/bovinetb/diseaseerad- icationtb/

Staff in the local offices are available to assist in the completion of this form and to provide information on the process.

13/02/2018WRW00500Horse Racing Industry Funding

13/02/2018WRW00600497. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine’s decision on 25 January 2018 to report potential allegations of criminality regarding the foal levy to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7293/18]

13/02/2018WRW00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Horse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

As the Deputy refers to potential allegations of criminality which are to be reported to the Gardai, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this issue.

13/02/2018WRW00800GLAS Payments

13/02/2018WRW00900498. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding farm payments for a person (details supplied). [7302/18]

13/02/2018WRW01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The above named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has been paid the 2016 advance.

Administrative checks must take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue.

While the application was originally submitted on an individual basis, the NMP was submit- 265 Questions - Written Answers ted in relation to the partnership that was subsequently formed. The Department has now associated the NMP with the partnership. The case has now passed the GLAS validations and the 2016 balance will issue shortly. The case will then move for processing of the 2017 advance payment. GLAS 2017 advance payments are being made on a weekly basis.

13/02/2018WRW01100Animal Welfare

13/02/2018WRW01200499. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an incident on 5 February 2018 when a number of hounds from a club (details supplied) ran onto the M3 resulting in the death of four dogs and creating a significant danger for motorists; the steps he will take to sanction the club; and his plans for legislation to ban fox hunting. [7327/18]

13/02/2018WRW01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am aware of the reported incident.

The Hunting Association of Ireland has a detailed Code of Conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes. I am disappointed that despite the existence of this Code, this event occurred. I have asked my officials to engage with the Hunting Association to establish the circumstances associated with this event and to determine whether, in light of this event and another recent event, the Code needs updating.

Given that detailed debate was held around the issue of hunting during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation of fox hunting, I am not proposing the introduction of a ban.

13/02/2018WRW01400Pension Provisions

13/02/2018WRW01500500. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied) who was formerly employed within his Depart- ment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7374/18]

13/02/2018WRW01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The matter of pension entitlements for former employees is a matter for Human Resources (HR) Division within my Department. I would like to assure the Deputy that a member of the HR team will contact the person directly to assist with their enquiry.

13/02/2018WRW01700Brexit Issues

13/02/2018WRW01800501. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to make preparations to capitalise on Brexit, with particular reference to the opening up of new opportunities for food production here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7448/18]

13/02/2018WRW01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): There may be opportunities for some Irish agri food companies, arising from reductions in raw material costs because of exchange rate volatility or, depending on the outcome of the current negotiations, some import substitution opportunities. My Department and its agencies are at present considering the extent of such potential.

266 13 February 2018 Nonetheless the available research suggests that on balance the impact of Brexit on the agri food sector is likely to be negative.

Against this background the primary focus of my Department and its agencies has been on investing in marketing and promotion, in product development, innovation and production efficiency, and on diversification into new markets and deeper penetration of existing markets, including the UK.

Over the last eighteen months, I have led trade missions to more than ten non-European countries on three different continents. The purpose of these Missions is to open up new markets for our food products, while at the same time retaining and developing existing markets. I have also allocated significant additional funding to Bord Bia in Budgets 2017 and 2018 to support its Market Prioritisation and development programmes.

13/02/2018WRW02000Beef Industry

13/02/2018WRW02100502. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the future development and expansion of the beef sector, with particular reference to its ability to compete on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7449/18]

13/02/2018WRW02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): There is currently a strong demand for meat globally including beef. Figures from Bord Bia’s 2017/2018 Export Performance and Prospects show global demand expected to rise by 1.9% this year, with China and east Asia once again being the main drivers of this trend. In addition, EU exports of beef performed strongly for 2017 and Irish exporters also had a good year, with beef exports growing by 5% to reach a value of €2.5 billion, and live exports rising by approximately 30%, giving beef farmers a vital alternative market outlet. These are positive developments for a beef exporter country such as Ireland, which remains the fifth largest net exporter of beef in the world, and should provide ongoing opportunities for the development of the sector domesti- cally and for growth in Irish exports both within the EU and to third countries.

Securing new market access and enhancing existing Irish beef access was a priority for trade missions in 2017 and I will also be leading a further series Government of Ireland agri- food trade missions in 2018, commencing with the Us and Canada at the end of this month. Improved beef access to Saudi Arabia was secured during the Trade Mission to the Gulf States in February 2017. In June of last year I led a trade mission to Mexico and the USA; the mission was a welcome opportunity to promote Irish beef in the USA, particularly now that Ireland has access for Beef Intended for Grinding (BIFG). As part of this mission, I also announced Ire- land’s intention to apply for beef market access in Mexico. In addition, beef market access was a central focus of the trade mission to Japan and South Korea in November. During this visit I met with South Korean Minister’s to expedite the process of gaining market access. I also had very fruitful discussions with the Japanese authorities about the potential for increasing the age restrictions on beef and this is under consideration at present.

Ireland is also entering the final stages in gaining beef market access to China. A comprehensive audit was carried out in Ireland by the Chinese authorities in August and September of last year and a draft report has recently been published which my Department has responded to. My officials continue to liaise closely with their Chinese counterparts to provide every assurance in relation to the quality and safety of Irish beef.

My Department currently provides a range of supports to the beef sector and the suckler

267 Questions - Written Answers herd. A number of direct payment and grant schemes provide vital income and investment support to the suckler sector, including BPS, ANC, GLAS and TAMS. The Beef Data and Genom- ics Programme (BDGP) is the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Develop- ment Programme period. Responding to significant demand, last year I reopened the BDGP programme for new entrants, reflecting the success of this programme, which targets both the environmental footprint and the profitability of the suckler herd through improving the genetic merit in participating herds.

Whilst the Irish beef sector has been challenged by Brexit uncertainty, meeting this challenge is assisted by having in place a long term strategy for agri food sector in Food Wise 2025, which includes actions to enhance the competitiveness of the beef sector at both farmer and processor level.

13/02/2018WRW02300Sheepmeat Sector

13/02/2018WRW02400503. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he is satisfied regarding the future prospects for exports of lamb to the Eu- ropean Union or outside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/18]

13/02/2018WRW02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Last year, 2017, was a positive year for the Irish sheepmeat industry and total Irish sheepmeat production rose by 10 percent in 2017 to 67,000 tonnes according to the Performance and Prospects 2017/2018 report by Bord Bia. Alongside this increase in production, exports have risen by 14 percent in volume terms to 57,000 tonnes and by 12 percent in value terms to €275 million. In 2017 Ireland exported sheepmeat to 39 countries.

Within the EU, France and the UK remain the top markets for Irish sheepmeat. France represents one third of the market, growing at 4 percent to €95 million; this strong market will be a significant asset to Ireland’s sheepmeat industry against the backdrop of Brexit. The UK market grew at 11 percent, yielding €51 million. Across the EU, Sweden recorded growth of 14 percent for 2017, making it Ireland’s third largest export market for sheepmeat. The German market is in fourth position, with a 9 per cent growth rate and exports of €26m.

Bord Bia have identified Germany as an EU country with strong growth potential; Germany has a large meat-eating population base, and low consumption of sheepmeat. Industry trends indicate that lamb is growing in popularity amongst gourmet restaurants and premium retailers, and the Bord Bia strategy will target this section of the market. Among other EU markets targeted for development in the Bord Bia report are the Nordic countries, where Irish sheepmeat already accounts for over one in every five tonnes of sheep meat imported; and Belgium and Luxembourg, where Irish premium exports are growing in a competitive market.

Outside of the EU, Bord Bia’s recent market prioritisation exercise has identified Iran and the United Arab Emirates as markets with high potential for growth. The Iranian population is expected to increase significantly, and sheepmeat is popular amongst consumers. Ireland gained sheepmeat market access to Iran in 2016. The United Arab Emirates imports large quantities of meat, with imports making up 70% of all requirements.

In terms of sheepmeat market access, I announced Ireland’s intention to seek sheepmeat access to both South Korea and Japan during the Trade Mission last November and positive progress is already being made in relation to access to Japan. Nonetheless, it is important to keep seeking out new opportunities for our sheepmeat industry.

268 13 February 2018 Sheepmeat access to the USA is a high priority for the sheepmeat industry, although this will be dependent on the USA lifting their TSE ban. The timing of this is uncertain and is a matter for the US authorities but it is intended to raise this as part of the upcoming Trade Mission to the USA and Canada.

13/02/2018WRW02600Cereal Sector

13/02/2018WRW02700504. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains reassured regarding the future of the cereal sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7451/18]

13/02/2018WRW02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Firstly I wish to emphasise that I am very much committed to this very important sector which plays a key role in the development of the wider agri-food industry. Tillage is a key source of seed production, grain for the milling and malting industry and feeding stuffs for the livestock sector and as a consequence is a significant stakeholder in our agri-food industry from a supply/food safety and sustainability viewpoint.

Cereal production has experienced a few difficult years both in terms of grain price and weather conditions. Because Ireland accounts for only around 1% of EU production, grain prices here are very much affected by European and world market price shifts and tend to experience volatility. The current situation globally for the cereal sector is that it has experienced another consecutive year of high grain supplies which have again outstripped demand. These years of oversupply continue to exert a downward pressure on the market and this of course has had a negative effect on price to the grower here. Partly as a consequence, the annual cereal area has reduced in recent years. For example, in 2017 the national cereals area reduced by about 10,000 ha to 270,000.

However, I want to highlight the actions my Department is undertaking to assist this vital sector. In 2017 I introduced the €150m Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme and extended it through provision of national funding to cover the tillage and horticulture sectors. There was a very positive reaction by farmers, including tillage farmers, to the Scheme, which has proved that significant demand exists for low cost flexible finance. The “Agriculture Cashflow Loan Scheme” has provided a template for access to finance schemes, including the recently announced “Brexit Loan Scheme” for SMEs.

I am also examining a potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses; for which my Department has secured €25 million of funding in 2018.

As a further support to tillage farmers I introduced the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS II which opened for online applications on the 8 March 2017. The specific areas of investment include Minimum Disturbance Tillage Equipment, Sprayers, Rain Water Harvest- ing, Grain Storage and Grain dryers.

There has been a significant level of interest in investments by the tillage sector, with a total number of 775 applications received so far and 637 approvals. Over €1.38m has now issued in respect of 120 payment claims. Payments will continue on an ongoing basis. This is the latest of the Targeted Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II) to be launched under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The Scheme is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Last year in response to the exceptionally challenging harvest conditions of September 2016 269 Questions - Written Answers I introduced a Weather Related Crop Loss Support measure to assist farmers who experienced significant yield losses in spring cereal crops. This measure provides for a financial contribution of up to €200 per hectare up to a maximum of 35 hectares per eligible applicant towards the cost of uninsured spring cereals crop losses in excess of 30% by yield. Particularly hard hit growers who experienced cereal crop losses in excess of 50% benefit from an additional €100 per hectare, on the same area. A total of 167 applications for support were received in the Department by the closing date of August 26 and are currently being processed. To date payments totalling €314,032 have issued to 68 applicants.

While the challenges facing the sector at this point in time are real, in Ireland we can grow cereals with the highest yields in the world and this is an advantage we must press home and also look to exploit other areas under our own control. For example, my own Department provides a high quality official crop seed certification scheme to the industry in addition to an extensive national crop variety evaluation programme. I would also encourage tillage growers to fully implement the advice and research provided by Teagasc in relation to efficient and sustainable production of crops. My Department remains committed to assisting all involved in the sector to optimise efficiency and sustainability.

13/02/2018WRW02900Dairy Sector

13/02/2018WRW03000505. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the future prospects for the dairy sector with particular reference to export markets; the extent to which the sector continues to achieve high quality and competitiveness on international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7452/18]

13/02/2018WRW03100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Deputy will be aware that Ireland’s plans for growth in the dairy sector are formally set out in Food Wise 2025, Ireland’s blueprint for the overall agrifood sector, where an all of sector agreed approach is set out including actions, benchmarks and targets for the dairy and other sectors. Notwithstanding challenges on the horizon, amongst which Brexit is paramount, stakeholders in the Irish dairy sector are well placed to benefit from expanding global demand.

Analysis from Bord Bia and my Department, both based on CSO data, demonstrate the resilience of the Irish food and drink export sector, and the dairy export sector in particular. Whilst full year CSO data becomes available towards the middle of this month estimates made by Bord Bia for their Annual Performance and Prospects publication provides a positive assessment of Ireland’s performance in 2017 as well as our prospects for 2018 in both the food and drink sector, and the dairy sector in particular.

2017 was the eighth consecutive year of export growth for the food and drink sector as a whole, with the dairy sector, which comprises more than a third of the total, having the strongest performers in terms of export growth for the year. Bord Bia analysis indicated that for the year as a whole the value of food and drink exports is estimated to have increased by 13%, (€1.5bn) to €12.6bn representing growth of almost 60% or €4.7bn since 2010.

Furthermore, driven by increased production and higher dairy market returns, the analysis found that Irish dairy exports increased by 19 percent in 2017 to €4.02 billion, an increase of €655 million. It should be noted that this figure as used by Bord Bia excludes dairy based Pre- pared Consumer foods as well as enriched dairy based powders which, if included, increases this export figure in respect of dairy related products by a further €900 million approximately.

In terms of prospects for 2018, as a small, open economy, Ireland’s relationship with trading

270 13 February 2018 partners around the world is a key driver of our success in this global food business. Based on this we can say that the prospects for dairy exports in 2018 look positive. The rates of growth recorded in 2017 for key product areas and the ongoing demand levels in Europe and international markets for powder based products, butter and cheese bode well, as does the fact that wholesale prices remain very high reflecting international demand.

Ireland exports more than 85% of our milk and dairy produce to markets all around the world. In the context of the Food Wise strategy, and as a key part of our Brexit response I, with my Department and Bord Bia, will continue efforts to widen our access to third country markets, as well as deepen existing trading relationships, including through inward and outward trade missions.

13/02/2018WRW03200Mushroom Industry

13/02/2018WRW03300506. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the mushroom industry here can be assisted or improved in view of the impact of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7453/18]

13/02/2018WRW03400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I am committed to working with the mushroom sector to assist it in adjusting to the challenges that lie ahead. The UK is a very important market for Irish mushrooms accounting for approx 85% of our annual production.

Access arrangements to the UK market post-Brexit will depend on the outcome of the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU. However, during this period the Irish Government’s position will continue to be to minimise the impact of Brexit on existing trade for all our food exports including mushrooms. My Department and its State Agencies are currently providing supports on a number of fronts.

Budget 2018 provided for a new “Brexit Loan Scheme” which will provide affordable, flexible finance to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. The new Brexit Loan Scheme will make up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses (up to 499 employees). This will give Brexit- impacted businesses, including potentially a number of mushroom exporters, time and space to adapt and to grow into the future. I am also considering the development of a potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses; for which my Department has secured €25 million of funding in 2018.

The EU Producer Organisation (PO) scheme is also a vital support, with around 80% of Irish mushroom growers in a producer organisation at present. This scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to achieve greater bargaining power in the marketplace by becoming part of a larger supply base. This scheme is funding a number of initiatives to improve competitiveness, including Lean Training for mushroom growers. In addition, the National Strategy for Sustainable Operational Programmes 2017-2022 for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetables sector provides aid for crisis Prevention and management measures to assist with market volatility, including training and exchange of best practice measures.

For the wider horticultural sector the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector continues to be the main support for individual growers in the horticulture industry who wish to make capital investments in specialised equipment or buildings. Budget 2018 allocated €5m in funding again for the Scheme in 2018, further reflecting this Government’s commitment to ongoing support for the sector. The competitive nature of

271 Questions - Written Answers this scheme combined with its flexibility and ability to react to evolving situations are two key strengths in supporting this highly dynamic sector.

I can also confirm that An Bord Bia has commenced a 3-year mushroom promotion campaign on the Irish and UK markets. This campaign is co-funded by the industry and the Euro- pean Commission. It is important to emphasise that the overall market for mushrooms in the UK and Ireland remains strong, showing good potential for further growth. This new promotion campaign will build on the success of previous similar initiatives and develop that growth in potential to increase exports.

13/02/2018WRW03500Beef Imports

13/02/2018WRW03600507. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that Irish beef and beef products on European markets are not likely to be affected by imports from third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7454/18]

13/02/2018WRW03700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Ireland is the largest exporter of beef in the EU, with more than 90% of such exports (more than 80% of total production) sold in EU markets, including the UK.

Such exports occur in parallel with imports from 3rd countries, which, in 2016 for example, amounted to approximately 330,000 tonnes. However, the creation of further preferential import arrangements for additional volumes of beef, for example from the Mercosur bloc, which has significantly lower production costs and different production standards, has the potential to put downward pressure on EU prices in a sector where margins are low or negative without EU subsidies.

The Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals shows that the beef sector is particularly vulnerable and that Ireland stands to be most affected. This assessment did not take account of Brexit which could, depending on the outcome, have a dramatic additional negative impact on the EU beef sector. Some 51% of Irish beef exports are to the UK.

We also know that beef consumption in the EU is relatively static. Gross production in 2016 was approximately 7.88 million tonnes with consumption reaching 7.941 million tonnes. The most acute concern however, relates to the high value cuts market of between 600,000 and 700,000 tonnes, which is likely to be targeted by Mercosur importers. These represent approx 8% of carcase weight but up to 30% of carcase value.

As a small open economy, Ireland supports trade liberalisation and recognises the benefits of trade agreements with third countries, which can potentially give rise to increased exports and job creation. However, such agreements must be balanced and must serve both our offen- sive and defensive interests. I will continue to protect the interests of Irish farmers in negotiations on such matters in the future.

13/02/2018WRW03800Poultry Industry

13/02/2018WRW03900508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the poultry sector here is set to compete with or gain from issues arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7455/18]

272 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRW04000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Brexit, no matter what format it takes, will have an impact on Irish agriculture across all sectors by virtue of their exposure to the UK market. It does not provide any upside for Irish agriculture, and it is for this reason that I will continue to be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must allow for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs, with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures, as well as a minimisation of the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries.

The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy in that its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland in particular.

While the most immediate impact of Brexit has been the difficulties caused by the significant drop in the value of sterling against the euro, the anticipated longer-term challenges will arise in relation to regulations and standards (in the event that there is no agreement on transition arrangements or the finalisation of a framework for the future relationship), export certification (including animal and plant health certification) and tariffs (in a hard Brexit scenario food exports could in theory face very high WTO tariffs, for example of over 50% for dairy and over 60% for beef. Tariffs for exports in certain poultry products could exceed these levels).

The overall value of Irish poultry exports have increased by around 3 percent for 2017 to €295 million in value, with volumes only rising by 1 percent during the same period. The number of poultry birds processed in Ireland reached record levels at 96m birds. During the same period Irish imports decreased by 7 percent reflecting increased preference for Irish product in the food service channel. The great majority of Irish poultry exports continue to go to the UK which records almost 80 percent market share for 2017 or some €240m. The share of Irish poultry exports going to other EU markets has edged upwards to 10 percent, with France maintaining its position as the most important market especially for leg meat that is not consumed on the home market. Increasing market access is a key priority for the sector and will support further export reach. Some recent developments to open trade could lead to new opportunities, such as the EU-Japan free trade agreement.

13/02/2018WRW04100Fisheries Protection

13/02/2018WRW04200509. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which fish stocks have improved or otherwise in the aftermath of ongoing EU fisheries conservation policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7456/18]

13/02/2018WRW04300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Ireland’s goals for sustainable fisheries are supported through the Common Fisheries Policy. The Com- mon Fisheries Policy (CFP) provides the framework for the long term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks around our shores and is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters. The CFP utilises the best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas. Key features of this policy include setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas to deliver maximum sustainable yield (MSY) by 2015, where possible, and in all cases by 2020 as well as a discards ban (Landing Obligation) to be phased in over the period 2015 to 2019.

Setting fishing levels on the basis of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is an essential aspect of the policy. Fishing opportunities are agreed on an annual basis at the EU Fisheries Council of Ministers on the basis of a proposal produced by the European Commission that is informed by the best available scientific advice. The Common Fisheries Policy specifically calls for the progressive restoration and maintenance of populations of fish stocks above bio- 273 Questions - Written Answers mass levels capable of producing MSY. To achieve this, the FMSY exploitation rate shall be achieved for all stocks by 2020 at the latest. This should ultimately lead to healthy fish stocks, higher quotas for both Irish and EU fishermen and lead to more sustainable fishing patterns.

There has been a marked improvement in the state of many stocks in the waters around Ireland. For example, there has been a 34% increase in our whitefish quotas off the North-West coast and a 64% increase in the Irish Sea. These are both areas that were severely depleted just five years ago. This shows that the many years of intensive, industry led conservation measures are paying off. The work done to rebuild these stocks has led to significant increases for quotas for our fleets.

The objective of the landing obligation is to eliminate the wasteful and unsustainable practice of discarding. The first part of the landing obligation, the ban on discarding pelagic stocks such as herring and mackerel, came into effect on the 1st of January 2015. The landing obligation was extended to certain demersal stocks (whitefish and prawns) from the 1st of January 2016 and will be fully phased in by the 1st January 2019.

Scientific information on the state of the fisheries exploited by the Irish fleet is compiled by the Marine Institute and is published in the Stock Book each year. The most recent Stock Book, 2017, contains 74 stocks that are subject to the scientific advice of the Marine Institute. Of those 74 stocks, 29 were assessed as being sustainably fished in 2017. This number has grown every year since 2013. This in turn leads to the number of stocks being overfished declining from 22 in 2014 to 17 in 2017. The biomass of stocks, the quantity of mature fish in the sea, has also increased. In 2017 there were 27 stocks in a positive state above biomass trigger points. This is an increase over the preceding year of 22.

The EU Commission has also noted that the state of fish stocks continues to improve which indicates that we are seeing the benefits of prudent and responsible fisheries management practices.

I am confident that we will continue to make significant progress that will ensure the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processors while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry.

13/02/2018WRW04400Food Safety Standards

13/02/2018WRW04500510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish and EU food traceability standards continue to apply with particular reference to imports from third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7458/18]

13/02/2018WRW04600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Primary responsibility under EU law for food safety, hygiene and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators.

Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied. In regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators have what is referred to as the ‘one step forward, one step backward’ traceability system.

The role of National Competent Authorities is to verify compliance with these requirements. This is done by inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems 274 13 February 2018 which food business operators have in place. Verification can also include the taking of official controls samples for verification of food business operators compliance with food law.

Since 1999, responsibility for the enforcement of food legislation is vested in the Food Safe- ty Authority of Ireland. The Authority co-ordinates the work of its official agencies through service contracts which specify the food sectors to be supervised, the types of controls to be provided including inspections and laboratory analysis. The main official agencies under contract to the FSAI are the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Health Service Executive, the Local Authorities and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. The contracts are published on the Authority’s website and their performance is subject to regular checks and audits.

The collective work of the FSAI and the official agencies is set down within a comprehensive Multi Annual National Control Plan for Ireland 2012-2017, which is submitted to the European Commission and against which the FSAI and the official agencies are audited by the Commission on its implementation.

The system of official controls covers all foods produced or marketed in the State, including imports.

My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all its approved slaughter plants. Controls at plants only engaged in secondary processing are carried out at a frequency based on an annual risk assessment. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Depart- ment-approved plant, including checks on physical identity, labelling and documentary checks for product originating in EU Member States and third countries. Labelling and documentary checks are routinely conducted by the Department in accordance with the relevant EU regulations.

The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (formerly the FVO), to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection reports are published on the Directorate Gen- eral for Health and Food Safety’s website

Imports of food of animal origin are the subject of specific authorisations before they can be placed on the market in Ireland or the EU. Imports of foods non- animal origin are subject to compliance with all relevant EU rules. These are subject to market checks during the course of routine inspections and/or are tested as part of the annual extensive microbiological and chemical monitoring programmes. The FSAI also receives information on foods which may pose a danger to health from the European Commission through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.

Question No. 511 answered with Question No. 482.

13/02/2018WRW04800Alternative Farm Enterprises

13/02/2018WRW04900512. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of deer farming; the domestic and-or export markets for venison; the extent to which 275 Questions - Written Answers the industry can grow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7460/18]

13/02/2018WRW05000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Deer farming in Ireland is an alternative farming enterprise which is extremely reliant on the supply and demand dynamics that affect all agricultural production systems within Ireland. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms in Ireland with 20,000 deer, but numbers have declined significantly since that time. There are now only a small number of farmers in Ireland supplying deer for meat production to cater to the niche market available.

Its viability is dependant on producers and companies ensuring that there are customers available for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying potential market outlets. Bord Bia has received a few enquiries from venison producers about export market opportunities in the UK and has provided assistance with market insight and importer and distributor contacts.

There has been some recent growth in the game (venison) market albeit from a very low base. This growth has been achieved as a result of improved distribution for game meats, especially in supermarkets. Game and exotic meats currently occupy a premium, niche segment of the market. It is important to note that demand is seasonal, with the greatest concentration of retail shelf space dedicated to game in the Winter/Christmas period.

My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in local authority approved plants, but this would be a matter for the local authority concerned.

13/02/2018WRW05100Agricultural Production Costs

13/02/2018WRW05200513. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which his Department monitors the costs of farm inputs such as fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7461/18]

13/02/2018WRW05300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Central Statistics Office (CSO) monitors and collects data on the price of fertilisers on a monthly basis. In addition, my Department receives data on the type and quantity of fertilisers and lime sold on a quarterly basis from industry and both sources are used to calculate the overall input costs of fertiliser on a national basis.

Total Irish fertiliser costs of €503.2m were recorded for 2015/16. There was an increase of 1.1% in the quantity of fertiliser used during this period to 1,411,913 tonnes. For 2016/2017, sales of fertiliser increased by 10% to 1,552,809 tonnes. Data supplied by the CSO shows a reduction in the cost of fertiliser of 14.9% for the year 2016 . Accordingly, the projected input fertiliser cost for 2016/17 is marginally up at c.€505.2m, albeit based on increased sales volumes.

Currently, Europe is only 80% self-sufficient in fertiliser production and must import 20% of its requirements. As such, European and Irish fertiliser prices are strongly linked to global prices and heavily influenced by supply and demand.

13/02/2018WRW05400Herd Data

13/02/2018WRW05500514. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the strength of the national beef herd, the dairy herd, the pig herd and the sheep flock; the extent to which numbers have fluctuated over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on 276 13 February 2018 the matter. [7462/18]

13/02/2018WRW05600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The national beef, dairy, pig herds, and sheep flocks make an enormous contribution to Ireland’s agri-food industry which in 2017 grew to a total of €13.5 billion.

One of the key indicators of the strength of the different sectors in Irish agriculture is the growth in exports over the years.

Since 2010, the value of Irish beef exports has increased from €1.57 billion to €2.5 billion, the value of dairy exports has increased from €2.27 billion to €4.02 billion, the value of pig meat exports has increased from €336 million to €712 million and the value of sheep meat exports has increased from €163 million to €275 million. This increase in the value of exports has been realised notwithstanding the challenges the different sectors have encountered in recent years, the most recent of which is of course Brexit.

The numbers of livestock in the different sectors over the last ten years have fluctuated from enterprise to enterprise. Within the last ten years dairy cow numbers based on the CSO June livestock surveys increased from a total of 1,087,000 in the June 2007 survey to 1,432,700 in the June 2017 livestock survey, which itself was an increase of 2.5% from June 2016. This increase has been driven to a large extent by the abolition of milk quotas in 2015.

In relation to the size of the national beef herd, the number of non-dairy cows recorded by the CSO June livestock survey shows a decrease of 2.1% from 1,103,700 in June 2016 to 1,081, 000 in June 2017. The CSO Livestock survey for June 2007 showed the number of non-dairy cows as 1,180,000 head. The total size of the national beef herd will of course comprise both the progeny of the national suckler herd as well as non-replacement stock from the dairy herd.

The size of the national sheep flock based on census returns over the last ten years has risen from a low of 3.07 million sheep in 2009 to a high of 3.91 million recorded in the 2016 census.

With regards to the size of the national pig herd, the method of data collected was changed in 2011 and since then numbers according to the pig census have risen from a low of approximately 1.35 million pigs in 2012 to a high of approximately 1.6 million pigs in 2016.

13/02/2018WRW05700Animal Slaughtering Data

13/02/2018WRW05800515. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which adequate slaughtering facilities remain readily available to meet the needs of beef, lamb and pig producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7463/18]

13/02/2018WRW05900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): All slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU food safety regulations, generally referred to as the ‘Hygiene Package’. These regulations are implemented in Ireland under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009). Large scale slaughter plants and all plants involved in equine slaughter operate under the supervision of my Department. Primary responsibility for the safety of food placed on the market lies with food business operators (FBOs).

The slaughter process and the handling of animals going to slaughter take place under strictly supervised conditions. My Department has a permanent presence in each of the slaughter plants under it’s supervision and Department staff, with the assistance of temporary veterinary inspectors engaged on a contract basis, carry out regular checks as park of official regulatory

277 Questions - Written Answers controls.

My Department currently approves 153 establishments, ranging from cold-storage facilities to large slaughter and cutting plants processing a wide range of species including bovine, ovine, porcine etc. 41 of these establishments cater for Beef, Ovine and Porcine slaughter.

While my Department is responsible for the approval, supervision and regulation of the slaughter industry, the provision of slaughter facilities is a commercial issue.

A full list of these establishments can be found on my Departments website at http://www. agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/dafmapprovedestablishments

13/02/2018WRW06000Proposed Legislation

13/02/2018WRW06100516. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new penalty points system for fishing offences will come before Dáil Éireann; if it will be brought to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine for scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7484/18]

13/02/2018WRW06200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): As the Deputy may be aware, the Supreme Court judgments were delivered on 12th December 2017 in relation to the 2014 SI implementing a points system for licence holders. My Department is currently examining the implications of the judgments on an urgent basis.

I expect this process to be completed shortly and thereafter I intend to sign a new Statutory Instrument to revoke the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regu- lations 2016 (S.I. No. 125 of 2016) and to establish a point system, which will apply to the Licence Holder of a sea-fishing boat when a serious infringement of the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy is detected.

13/02/2018WRW06300GLAS Applications

13/02/2018WRW06400517. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS application by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7490/18]

13/02/2018WRW06500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of 2016.

The 2017 advance payment has been delayed due to an increase noted in the applicants commonage claim. This is currently being examined by my Department. Once all validations are passed the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

13/02/2018WRX00200Farm Partnerships

13/02/2018WRX00300518. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of succession farm partnerships that have been announced since the scheme was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7493/18]

278 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRX00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Under the Succession Farm Partnership scheme, partnerships on the Department’s register may apply to join the succession farm partnership register. To date, my Department has received and processed 28 applications from registered farm partnerships, for the register.

The purpose of this scheme is to encourage the generational change critical for the future of farming. By facilitating collaborative working in a way that assures the long term financial security of both the farmer and the successor, this scheme will increase operational efficiency on farm by supporting best practice in intergenerational transfer of the holding

Partnerships on this register can benefit from a tax incentive of € 5,000 for up to five years, during the Succession Agreement term, until the identified successor(s) reaches the age of 40.

The scheme is designed to encourage the successor to become invested in the enterprise as early as possible to be fully ready to take over when the time is right.

It is strongly advised that anybody considering entering into a succession farm partnership take independent legal and financial advice and allow adequate time to do this.

The Succession Farm Partnership scheme is part of the Government’s commitment to Rural Ireland.

13/02/2018WRX00500Fish Quotas

13/02/2018WRX00600519. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the salmon angling quota for a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6797/18]

13/02/2018WRX00700Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Envi- ronment (Deputy Seán Kyne): Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the state agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources. IFI manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis as each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers (including river sections and estuaries) has its own genetically unique stock of salmon. IFI is supported in its management role by scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and by Ireland’s independent Standing Scientific Committee (SSC), comprising scientists from a range of organisations. Scientific and management assessments of each of the distinct stocks, including the River Roughty, are carried out every year with IFI engaged in extensive stock monitoring which feeds into the scientific committee’s annual reviews.

The SSC estimates the number of salmon likely to return to each river in the next fishing season based on estimates of salmon runs over the most recent five years. Robust annual estimates are based on an average of the data over the most recent five years to ensure that a “good” or “bad” year in terms of salmon returns does not disproportionately impact assessments.

Each river has an individual conservation limit, which is essentially the number of salmon required to spawn to maintain a healthy population. If the estimate of returning salmon is sufficiently above this limit then salmon from that genetically unique river population may be harvested commercially or by rod and line.

The conservation limit for the Roughty is 1,539 salmon. After the normal risk analysis was applied for the 2018 season, the Roughty is calculated to have a surplus of 116 salmon. This figure is not considered sufficient to support a harvest fishery via rod and line and/or commer-

279 Questions - Written Answers cial activity without compromising the conservation imperative

The estimate of expected returns to, and the estimated surplus available on, the Roughty over the five year period 2014-2018 is set out in the following table.

Year Conservation Limit Expected Returns Advised Surplus 2018 1539 1655 116 2017 1539 1656 117 2016 1539 1775 209 2015 1539 2005 236 2014 1539 2002 463

I would be happy to ask IFI to brief the Deputy further on the assessment process if he wishes.

13/02/2018WRX00800Energy Efficiency

13/02/2018WRX00900520. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost of the dairy sector pilot project run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in collaboration with Teagasc conducted in 2017; the number of persons in receipt of payments from the scheme; his plans to sustain and expand the scheme; and the funding allocated for same in 2018. [6998/18]

13/02/2018WRX01000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): SEAI developed the Dairy Sector pilot scheme in partnership with Teagasc and rolled it out during 2017 as a new pilot measure for the SME sector. The scheme targeted the high electricity use associated with milking parlours – funding high efficiency pumps and variable speed drives (VSDs) that can dramatically reduce electricity consumption on dairy farms. The VSD and vacuum pumps can reduce process electricity consumption by 60% which can result in savings of over 10% on total farm energy costs. Payments amounting to €188,000 of grant support were made in 2017 to 47 successful grantees by SEAI from funding provided by my Department.

Funding for SME programmes is being increased by my Department by €2.4m for 2018 bringing the total allocation to €3.4m. The purpose of this funding will be to support initiatives spanning the SME sector that have good learning or demonstrator effect or where good efficiency and emissions reductions potential exists. How it will be allocated will be determined over the coming weeks in consultation with SEAI, having regard to learnings from the 2017 pilot projects, recent consultations and other relevant inputs. At this point it is not possible to say whether, or to what extent, initiatives in the agricultural sector would be supported from this allocation. Decisions on this will also need to have regard to supports available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

There are a range of other supports for energy efficient and emissions reductions available through the SEAI which may be of interest to the agricultural sector. These include energy management training for SMEs; free information and best practice guides on energy management and the EXEED (excellence in energy efficiency and design) scheme. The SEAI also produces the “Triple E” Register of products approved as being energy efficient. Coupled with the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme this allows businesses to identify and buy the most energy efficient equipment and write down the cost of such equipment in the year of purchase rather than over 8 years. More detail of these supports can be found on the SAI web-

280 13 February 2018 site at www.seai.ie

13/02/2018WRX01100Telecommunications Infrastructure

13/02/2018WRX01200521. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the impact a lack of broadband and mobile telephone signal has on farmers and agricultural contractors seeking to use technology such as GPS and other applications to implement smart farming; and his plans to address this. [7165/18]

13/02/2018WRX01300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland now have access to high speed broadband. Within a year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection.

In April 2017 I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

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

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

- The LIGHT BLUE areas represent eir’s commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of this year as part of a Commitment Agree- ment signed with me in April.

Those employed in the agricultural sector live and work in areas which fall into all of these categories. Individuals can visit my Department’s High Speed Broadband map at www.broadband.gov.ie and enter their eircode to see which category their premises fall into. The negative impact a lack of high speed broadband is having on these agricultural communities will be relieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention under the National Broadband Plan

In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide High speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of this year. Information on eir’s planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.

In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the

281 Questions - Written Answers Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRX01400Inland Fisheries Stocks

13/02/2018WRX01500522. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Ac- tion and Environment the extent to which the salmon fisheries sector continues to develop and compete; the extent to which stocks have improved or otherwise in the past number of years; the action planned on issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7457/18]

13/02/2018WRX01600Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environ- ment (Deputy Seán Kyne): Ireland manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis. This management is carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the State Agency with statutory responsibility for inland fisheries. The management policy is based on the fact that each of Ire- land’s 147 salmon rivers, river sections, estuaries, etc., has its own genetically unique stock of salmon, which migrates to sea as juveniles and returns to the same river in adulthood to spawn and create the next generation of fish exclusive to that river.

IFI is supported in its management role by Ireland’s Standing Scientific Committee. IFI also draws on international advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

The Atlantic salmon is a protected species under the EU Habitats Directive with which Ire- land’s current salmon management regime complies. In order to align fully with the Directive and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) principles and in view of a sharp decline in salmon stocks, the Irish Government closed mixed stock fisheries in 2007 including coastal and offshore fishing for salmon. Harvest fisheries are now only allowed on individual river stocks which are shown to have a surplus and in estuaries where the stocks from individual rivers entering the estuary are each meeting their individual conservation limits.

A Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced in 2007 under which fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery could opt to permanently cease fishing. In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen, with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. It is considered that river stocks would be in a far more perilous state if the closure of mixed stock fisheries had not been implemented.

The number of public commercial licences available for sustainable harvesting of fisheries in 2018 is 105 while it is anticipated that some 18,000 recreational licences will issue. Rec- reational angling now comprises close to 70% of total catches. Catch and release continues to be a feature of recreational angling with approximately 10,000 salmon released by anglers annually.

During migration from rivers to marine feeding grounds, salmon from both rivers in Ireland and rivers in other countries travel through Ireland’s coastal waters. These “mixed stocks” pose particular difficulties for management as they contain individual fish often from a wide range of rivers some of which are below sustainable reproductive capacity. Any deviation from current 282 13 February 2018 policy would be contrary to the international independent scientific advice as the “home river” of off-shore salmon cannot be identified and it is not possible to disaggregate the individuals or stock groups at sea.

The conservation imperative demands that current salmon stocks are not further eroded by mismanagement or inappropriate exploitation, whether via angling, commercial fisheries in rivers inland or through the operation of indiscriminate mixed stock fisheries at sea or in estuaries.

Ireland is committed to international agreements entered into at EU level and at NASCO and the prohibition of mixed stock fisheries is a key element of international best practice in salmon conservation and management.

13/02/2018WRX01700Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRX01800523. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his De- partment, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6743/18]

13/02/2018WRX01900Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department’s remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public broadcasting, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations or communications advice from time to time.

In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and keeping expenditure to the minimum necessary.

The selection and contracting of photography services for my Department is carried out as part of competitive procurement processes in line with Office of Government Procurement guidelines.

The information requested in the Question is outlined in the following tabular format*:

Company 2016 € 2017 € 2018 (to date) € Purpose of Consultancy Morrow Com- 41,546 36,962 916 Provision of services in relation munications Ltd to outreach in rural communities with respect to low flying geo- physical survey and soil geo- chemical survey. Danielle n/a 65,608 Communications Officer in the Coombs GSI. Mandy Johnson n/a 8,700 Provision of services in relation Communica- to Household Waste Awareness tions Campaign

283 Questions - Written Answers Company 2016 € 2017 € 2018 (to date) € Purpose of Consultancy Focus Advertis- n/a 15,585 Provisions of services in relation ing to Household Waste Awareness Campaign Photography Costs in 2016

Photographer - - Maxwell Photography Post Office Network Group 585 Maxwell photography Launch of New EPA Guidelines 717 Maxwell Photography Digital Economy Report 602 Maxwell Photography Asthma Society 413 Maxwell Photography Mobile Phone & Broadband Taskforce Launch 361 . Fennell Photography Tellus Waterford block airborne data release, 957 photocall Minister Kyne, Copper Coast Visitor Centre 29th July 2016; geochemistry file im- age photography, Waterford. Mac Innes Photography Young Scientist 316 Mac Innes Photography Staff photos for official websites 2,087 Total 2016 6038 Photography Costs in 2017

Photographer - - Maxwell Photography Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change 120 (IPCC) Event Maxwell Photography Forum on Food Waste 241 Maxwell Photography Ladies Gaelic Football - Free to Air Finals 482 Maxwell Photography National Broadband Launch 430 Andrew Fox Photography Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Forum 200 Marc O’ Sullivan Photogra- Advanced Mobile Location Launch 553 phy Andrew Fox Photography Local Authority Broadband Officers NBP 450 Workshop to highlight the:- Announcement of the eir 300k rural roll out Commitment Agree- ment - Launch of the updated High Speed Broadband Map Maxwell Photography Photo shoot to highlight the NBP:- Announce- 499 ment of the eir 300k rural roll out Commit- ment Agreement - Launch of the updated High Speed Broadband Map Mac Innes Photography Prints 51 Maxwell Photography School Digital Champion Programme – Show- 529 case Event 13th May 2017. Donal Maloney Photography Field operations photographs for new website 9,400 and outreach. Total 2017 12,955 *The information set out in the above table does not include information in relation to the use of photography services for the period prior to July 2016 for those areas formerly the re-

284 13 February 2018 sponsibility of the then Department of Environment, Community and Local Government which transferred to my Department in July 2016.

The information requested regarding those agencies which are funded by my Department is an operational matter for each of those agencies. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.

13/02/2018WRX02000National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX02100524. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the works carried out by a company (details supplied) to date in the context of the national broadband plan will be completed and-or remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6860/18]

13/02/2018WRX02200Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to a high speed broadband service. Within a year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises. This goal will be achieved by a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.

Part of that commercial investment is a commitment by eir to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural Ireland by the end of this year. In April 2017, I signed a Commit- ment Agreement with eir in relation to this rural deployment. Information on eir’s rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agree- ment is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

Although deployment figures for Q4 2017 have not yet been verified by my Department’s teams, I understand eir has passed a total of 121,000 premises to date.

Although eir recently withdrew their tender from the ongoing procurement process for the National Broadband Plan State led intervention, eir has reconfirmed its commitment to the ongoing rural deployment as well as its ongoing investment in broadband nationally and I welcome this.

13/02/2018WRX02300Appointments to State Boards Data

13/02/2018WRX02400525. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the State boards under the remit of his Department; the number of persons on each of those boards; the number of those persons who are male and female, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6948/18]

13/02/2018WRX02500Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The following table sets out the composition of the State boards under the remit of my Department, including the gender balance and vacancies on each Board, as at 31 January 2018. The detail of all the State Boards vacancies is available at www.stateboards.ie.

285 Questions - Written Answers State Board Number of persons Number that are Number that are Vacancies on board male female An Post 15 9 5 1 Bord na Móna 12 10 2 - ESB 12 8 4 - Inland Fisheries 10 6 3 1 Ireland Sustainable Energy 12 6 5 1 Authority of Ireland (SEAI) EirGrid 10 6 4 - RTE 12 5 6 1 TG4 12 6 6 - DHDA* 14 5 4 5 National Oil Re- 6 5 1 - serves Agency (NORA) Irish National Pe- 3 3 0 - troleum Corporation (INPC) Loughs Agency 12 8 3 1 Broadcasting Au- 9 4 4 1 thority of Ireland (BAI) BAI Compliance 8 3 5 - Committee BAI Contracts 8 4 4 - Awards Committee Mining Board 3 3 0 - EPA Advisory Com- 12 5 7 - mittee *It is not proposed to fill all of the vacancies outstanding on the DHDA Board given the proposals to merge DHDA with DCC.

13/02/2018WRX02600Broadband Service Provision

13/02/2018WRX02700526. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the withdrawal of broadband services from north-east County Roscommon which was funded by a private operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6952/18]

13/02/2018WRX02800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The upgrade, installation or routing of infrastructure is a matter for the relevant commercial operator. My Department cannot intervene in the day to day operations of a commercial company and has no ability to compel a commercial operator to deliver services. The Deputy will appreciate therefore that I do not have a basis to intercede in the matters raised.

The areas of North-east Roscommon referred to by the Deputy, which were clarified follow-

286 13 February 2018 ing a query from an official in my Department, are coded as AMBER on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie and searchable by eircode/ address. They therefore fall to be covered as part of the State Intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence. Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

13/02/2018WRX02900National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX03000527. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband will be installed in an area (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [6953/18]

13/02/2018WRX03100Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. Within a year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection.

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

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

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

287 Questions - Written Answers There are 29 premises in Newtown (Whitehall). 12 (41%) of these premises fall within the AMBER area and will be covered under the State led Intervention, while 17 (59%) of these premises are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be covered by eir’s planned rural deployment. Individu- als can check which category their premises falls into by going to my Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie and entering their eircode into the High Speed Broadband Map.

Quarterly updates on eir’s rural deployment are published on this website. Although deployment figures for Q4 2017 have not yet been verified by my Department’s teams, I understand eir has passed a total of 121,000 premises of the identified 300,000 premises to date.

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. One company, eir, publicly withdrew from the procurement process on 30 January, citing “commercial, regulatory and governance issues”. While this is regrettable, it is a commercial decision for eir to make. The specialist NBP procurement team will continue to engage intensively with all relevant stakeholders, including the enet/sse consortium, to ensure the earliest possible achievement of the Government’s objective of providing reliable high quality, high speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Govern- ment, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

13/02/2018WRX03200National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX03300528. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband service will be available under the national broadband scheme at a person’s (details supplied) home. [6954/18]

13/02/2018WRX03400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The premises referred to by the Deputy is in a LIGHT BLUE area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie and searchable by address/eircode. It will be brought a high speed broadband service through eir’s commercial plan to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises, predominantly in rural areas, by the end of this year.

288 13 February 2018 eir’s plan is subject to a binding Commitment Agreement, signed with me in April 2017. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of 2018. Information on eir’s planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie

Quarterly updates on eir’s rural deployment are published on this website. Although deployment figures for Q4 2017 have not yet been verified by my Department’s teams, I understand eir has passed a total of 121,000 premises of the identified 300,000 to date.

Prior to the completion of eir’s rollout in this area, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

13/02/2018WRX03500National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX03600529. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide a better quality broadband service to the area of Strokestown, County Roscommon. [6955/18]

13/02/2018WRX03700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. To- day Close to 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland now have access to high speed broadband. Within a year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection.

In April 2017, I also signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of this year. Information on eir’s planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

The High Speed Broadband Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under

289 Questions - Written Answers the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.

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

Premises in the Strokestown area fall into each of these categories. Individuals can check the position in relation to their premises by using the above link to the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their eircode.

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. One company, eir, publicly withdrew from the procurement process on 30 January. While this is regrettable, it is a commercial decision for eir to make. The specialist NBP procurement team will continue to engage intensively with all relevant stakeholders, including the enet/sse consortium, to ensure the earliest possible achievement of the Government’s objective of providing reliable high quality, high speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

13/02/2018WRX03800National Broadband Plan Administration

13/02/2018WRX03900530. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Ac- tion and Environment the status of an agreement with a company (details supplied) in which 300,000 premises in rural areas were removed from the national broadband plan; if the company’s infrastructure is still available to other competitors in the area and to those that win the national broadband plan tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6973/18]

13/02/2018WRX04000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By the end of this year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This goal will be achieved by a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. 290 13 February 2018 Part of that commercial investment is a commitment by eir to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural Ireland by the end of this year. In April 2017, I signed a Com- mitment Agreement with eir in relation to this rural deployment. Information on eir’s rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

Although deployment figures for Q4 2017 have not yet been verified by my Department’s teams, I understand eir has passed a total of 121,000 premises to date.

While eir recently withdrew their tender from the ongoing procurement process for the Na- tional Broadband Plan State led intervention, eir has reconfirmed its commitment to the ongoing rural deployment as well as its ongoing investment in broadband nationally and I welcome this.

The eir 300k network is an open access wholesale network that is subject to regulation by ComReg and, accordingly, is open to other operators.

13/02/2018WRX04100National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX04200531. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a consistent broadband service to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [6988/18]

13/02/2018WRX04300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): All premises within the area of Allagour are in the AMBER area on my Depart- ment’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. They are therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. The process is at an advanced stage. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

13/02/2018WRX04400Fisheries Protection

13/02/2018WRX04500532. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the planned compensation scheme for eel fishermen; the timeframe for the implementation of this scheme; and the monetary compensation available. [7000/18]

291 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRX04600Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Envi- ronment (Deputy Seán Kyne): I recognise fully the difficulty faced by eel fishermen. How- ever, there is no property right attaching to public eel licences and, consequently, the issue of compensation does not arise. Notwithstanding this, criteria for a potential support measure for former licenced eel fishermen are being examined.

Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP), including the closure of commercial fishing, was originally approved by the European Commission under EU Regulation 1100/2007. In that regard, consultation and discussion with the European Commission is required before the terms and conditions for, or the prospective number of participants in, any potential support measure can be elaborated on. My Officials have opened discussions with the European Commission in this regard.

It is also likely that consultation with the Revenue Commissioners will be required.

13/02/2018WRX04700National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX04800533. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and the service provider that persons are to use in cases in which broadband is not readily available. [7002/18]

13/02/2018WRX04900535. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans in place to improve broadband availability in Ballinalack, County West- meath; and when it will be rolled out. [7058/18]

13/02/2018WRX05000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 535 together.

The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By the end of this year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection.

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

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

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

In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide 292 13 February 2018 high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of this year. Information on eir’s planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

The following table sets out the percentage of premises to be covered by the State Interven- tion and through commercial investment in the areas identified by the Deputy.

County Name Townland AMBER % BLUE % Prem- LIGHT BLUE Premises within ises within Com- premises the NBP Inter- mercial Operator’s planned rural vention Area Area deployment Cumminstown 2 (11%) 0 (0%) 17 (89%) Westmeath Ballinalack 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 76 (100%)

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

13/02/2018WRX05100National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRX05200534. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to improve broadband service in an area (details supplied) in County Meath. [7040/18]

13/02/2018WRX05300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By the end of this year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection.

293 Questions - Written Answers In April 2017 I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

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

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

There are 53 premises in Follistown, Navan. All 53 (100%) fall within the AMBER area and will be covered under the State led Intervention.

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

Question No. 535 answered with Question No. 533.

13/02/2018WRX05500Electricity Grid

13/02/2018WRX05600536. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he plans to take arising from his recent meeting with a group (details supplied) in respect of the proposals by EirGrid to commence work on an electricity substation at Coolnabacka, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7069/18]

13/02/2018WRX05700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis 294 13 February 2018 Naughten): At the meeting referred to which I attended with officials along with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Ratheniska, Timahoe, Spink and Surrounding Areas Substation Action Group presented a lengthy outline of aspects of the project with which they were dissatisfied. These aspects covered issues of concern from the origins of the project in 2009 to the present day. I listened carefully to the many views expressed and I undertook to further consider the issues raised.

The Laois- Kilkenny electricity project is required to improve the security of electricity supply across counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Laois. It is a €110 million investment in the area designed to ensure that the electricity network can meet the present and future needs of all users, from homes to farms and small businesses to industrial customers. The project was granted planning permission in 2014 by An Bord Pleanála. That decision was subjected to Judicial Review proceedings which were dismissed in January 2015.

Since the meeting I have asked EirGrid to attend a meeting with my officials to discuss issues raised by the group and that meeting takes place today. I am happy to brief the Deputy on the outcomes of that meeting.

13/02/2018WRX05800Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

13/02/2018WRX05900537. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the source for information (details supplied); the geographical breakdown of those estimated end users per metropolitan area network; the criteria for inclusion as end users that benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7085/18]

13/02/2018WRX06000538. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Ac- tion and Environment the number of connections per metropolitan area network; the estimated number of end users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7086/18]

13/02/2018WRX06100539. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the criteria for inclusion in estimated end users with regard to metropolitan area networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7087/18]

13/02/2018WRX06200Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 to 539, inclusive, together.

Enet manages, operates, maintains and markets the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) on behalf of the State and provides high capacity products and services on a wholesale basis to retail service providers. Retail service providers provide services to their customers which include mobile phone users, broadband customers, cable television users, business customers and secondary and third level students. As enet does not have a direct relationship with end users, it has provided my Department with an estimate of one million end users benefiting from the MANs infrastructure. enet has used data from service providers and external industry expertise to estimate this number of end users.

The number of connections per Metropolitan Area Network and a geographical breakdown of these connections are set out in the following Table. These include interconnections with retail telecoms service providers for mobile, broadband and television services as well as universities, schools, hospitals, banks, business and industrial parks, shopping centres and major retail stores.

List of Phase I and Phase II MANs (by county) and Number of Connections

295 Questions - Written Answers Phase One

Nos: Town County No. of Connections MAN 1 Cavan Cavan 39 2 Kingscourt Cavan 5 3 Cork Cork 474 4 Carlow Carlow 42 5 Letterkenny Donegal 48 6 Gweedore Donegal 6 7 Galway Galway 272 8 Kilkenny Kilkenny 105 9 Portlaoise Laois 43 10 Carrick on Shannon Leitrim 17 11 Manorhamilton Leitrim 9 12 Limerick Limerick 272 13 Dundalk Louth 80 14 Drogheda Louth 32 15 Ballina Mayo 22 16 Belmullet Mayo 0 17 Kiltimagh Mayo 6 18 Carrickmacross Monaghan 7 19 Monaghan Monaghan 41 20 Tullamore Offaly 30 21 Roscommon Roscommon 24 22 Sligo Sligo 67 23 Clonmel Tipperary 49 24 Dungarvan Waterford 17 25 Waterford Waterford 123 26 Athlone Westmeath 70 27 Mullingar Westmeath 37 28 Wexford Wexford 83 Phase Two

Nos: Town County No. of Connections 1 Cootehill Cavan 3 2 Kilrush Clare 10 3 Bantry Cork 12 4 Blarney Cork 3 5 Carrigaline/Passage West/Ringas- Cork 37 kiddy 6 Charleville Cork 6 7 Dunmanway Cork 4 8 Fermoy Cork 11 9 Kanturk Cork 2 10 Kinsale Cork 1 11 Midleton Cork 9

296 13 February 2018 Nos: Town County No. of Connections 12 Mitchelstown Cork 6 13 Skibbereen Cork 5 14 Youghal Cork 3 15 Ballybofey/Stanorlar Donegal 8 16 Ballyshannon Donegal 7 17 Buncrana Donegal 7 18 Bundoran Donegal 3 19 Carndonagh Donegal 5 20 Donegal Town Donegal 13 21 Donabate/Portrane Dublin 1 22 Lusk Dublin 6 23 Skerries Dublin 5 24 Athenry Galway 6 25 Ballinasloe Galway 11 26 Clifden Galway 5 27 Gort Galway 5 28 Loughrea Galway 8 29 Killarney Kerry 27 30 Castleisland Kerry 3 31 Tralee Kerry 42 32 Listowel Kerry 8 33 Thomastown Kilkenny 4 34 Abbefeale Limerick 4 35 Newcastlewest Limerick 10 36 Longford Longford 20 37 Ardee Louth 6 38 Ballinrobe Mayo 3 39 Claremorris Mayo 16 40 Knock Mayo 0 41 Dunboyne/Clonee Meath 6 42 Dunshaughlin Meath 2 43 Kells Meath 9 44 Navan Meath 45 45 Trim Meath 14 46 Bailieborough Monaghan 5 47 Castleblaney Monaghan 11 48 Clones Monaghan 3 49 Nenagh North Tipperary 10 50 Roscrea North Tipperary 7 51 Templemore North Tipperary 5 52 Edenderry Offaly 10 53 Banagher Offaly 0 54 Birr Offaly 9 55 Cahir South Tipperary 6

297 Questions - Written Answers Nos: Town County No. of Connections 56 Carrick on Suir South Tipperary 9 57 Tipperary Tipperary 9 58 Cashel Tipperary 6 59 Blessington Wicklow 4 60 Kilcoole/Newtownmountkennedy Wicklow 4

13/02/2018WRY00200Renewable Energy Generation

13/02/2018WRY00300540. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans for affordable measures and schemes for farm scale renewable energy generation projects (details supplied); his views on whether assistance should be given for farm scale renewable energy generation such as the absence of a feed in tariff to sell electricity to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7092/18]

13/02/2018WRY00400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, including Anaerobic Digestion and rooftop solar PV, at various scales, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.

Micro generation was also appraised as part of the RESS economic assessment and the analysis identified a number of challenges that may need to be addressed before a support scheme for micro generation can be developed. The reality is that bringing microgen onto a system designed for large generators is complicated. It impacts how we pay for the network, how we manage regulation and how we technically manage the system. My Department will continue to work closely with the micro generation sector and the SEAI to better understand how to vali- date and further develop micro generation policies in a fair and cost effective manner.

Following on from the recent RESS public consultation and review, a final design proposal will be brought to Government for approval in the coming months, including the overall costs, the number of categories and the technologies to be supported. A formal application for State Aid clearance from the European Commission will then commence.

At this stage no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS.

13/02/2018WRY00500National Broadband Plan Implementation

13/02/2018WRY00600541. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to extend the roll-out of fibre broadband in an area (details supplied). [7094/18]

13/02/2018WRY00700552. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to examine the implementation of the national broadband plan in an area

298 13 February 2018 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7367/18]

13/02/2018WRY00800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 552 together.

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

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

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

The areas referred to by the Deputy, Raheenmore Road, in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath and an area known as the Back of the Hill , Ardagh, Co. Longford both fall within AMBER areas on the map and will get access to high speed broadband through the State led intervention.

With regards to the Deputy’s query regarding the extension of the eir 300,000 rural rollout to these areas, the decisions made by private telecommunication operators relating to the rollout and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are undertaken on a commercial basis by competing service providers operating in a liberalised market. I have no statutory role or function to intervene in the commercial decisions of private operators, and therefore cannot direct operators regarding infrastructure installation or delivery of services.

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. The process is at an advanced stage. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Govern- ment, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are

299 Questions - Written Answers acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department’s website

13/02/2018WRY00900Broadband Service Provision

13/02/2018WRY01000542. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for the extension of broadband to the Bohernabreena area; the reason there are no plans under way to extend to areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7095/18]

13/02/2018WRY01100Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By the end of this year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection.

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

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

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

All 33 premises within the townlands of Allagour, Ballymorefinn and Ballymaice are in the AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www. broadband.gov.ie. They will therefore be included in the State Intervention Area under the Na- tional Broadband Plan (NBP).

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. This process is at an advanced stage. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion for Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.

Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.

300 13 February 2018 Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRY01200National Broadband Plan Administration

13/02/2018WRY01300543. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the names, qualifications and companies of the 80 international experts working with his Department in supervising the roll-out and implementation of the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7212/18]

13/02/2018WRY01400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The key personnel responsible for the National Broadband Plan comprise a senior management team from my Department supported by various work streams. Given the complex nature of the project, it was also necessary to acquire specialist advice, including external advisors. The external advisors, who are listed below, include a range of national and international experts with commercial, economic, environmental, financial, insurance, legal, procurement, state aid, tax and technical, expertise and experience.

Analysys Mason – technical advice, particularly mapping and network development;

KPMG – financial and procurement expertise, particularly input into the procurement process;

Mason Hayes & Curran – legal advice, particularly on contract development and bidder engagement;

PwC – strategy development, economic analysis and state aid advice.

RPS Group - Environmental Advice

Peter Smyth Management Consultancy Ltd - Process Auditor

Deloitte - Tax/VAT Advice

Marsh Ireland - Insurance Advice

Here and Now Business Intelligence - Demand Stimulation

In addition, the procurement process is supported by a Procurement Board and a Steering Group that include both national and international experts and respectively provide advice on the procurement process and the NBP strategy.

Key individuals on the NBP procurement team and the membership of both the Procure- ment Board and the Steering Group are listed on my Department’s website https://www.dccae. gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/state-intervention/ Pages/Connecting-Communities.aspx).

13/02/2018WRY01500Electric Vehicles

301 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRY01600544. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent on the public network of electric charging points for electric vehicles in each of the years 2013 to 2017; and the amounts allocated for 2018 to 2021, respectively. [7215/18]

13/02/2018WRY01700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The ESB, through its eCars programme, has rolled out both publicly accessible charging infrastructure and domestic charge points for electric vehicles.

In March 2014, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities approved an application from ESB Networks to recover the costs of a pilot project to a maximum of €25 million from use of system charges to cover the rollout of this infrastructure. Following a public consultation process, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities published its independent regulatory decision in relation to the ownership of this infrastructure in October 2017. A key outcome of the decision is that the charging network should not form part of the regulated asset base and therefore expansions of the network should not be funded from network charges. This is in keeping with the proposals set out by the European Commission in the Clean Energy for All Europeans package which was published in 2016. The decision also set out the need for the electric vehicle charging infrastructure to operate on a commercial basis. In the absence of State-led support, this is unlikely to happen in the near term.

In order to support the provision of public charging, funding has been allocated in my De- partment’s budget for the first time this year, with a particular focus on increasing the number of rapid chargers on key national routes. A total of €1.8m consisting of €1.5m capital and €0.3m current spending has been allocated for 2018. No decision has been reached yet on allocations for future years.

13/02/2018WRY01800Inland Fisheries Stocks

13/02/2018WRY01900545. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the objectives of the recently launched fish stock management plan for the Owen- riff catchment; the way in which the objectives will be achieved; and the benefits for brown trout fishing on Lough Corrib. [7286/18]

13/02/2018WRY02000Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environ- ment (Deputy Seán Kyne): Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are commencing fish stock management operations on the Owenriff catchment, near Oughterard, Co. Galway to protect and restore trout stocks which have been impacted by recent introductions of pike to the catchment.

The Owenriff catchment is one of the most important spawning and nursery tributaries of Lough Corrib, our most renowned wild trout fishery. Previous scientific studies have shown it contributed 15% of the wild trout found in Lough Corrib, and each year thousands of wild trout and salmon migrate upstream into the Owenriff to spawn. I am committed to protecting and rehabilitating the system and welcome IFI’s stock management Plan which I have asked to be implemented immediately.

Inland Fisheries Ireland will be commencing a focussed and intensive effort aimed at reducing the numbers of pike in the Owenriff catchment over the coming year. The project will reduce pike numbers to a level where they are not impacting significantly on salmonid stocks. It is expected that on going maintenance operations will be required in future years to help maintain the trout population.

In tandem with the stock management plan, Inland Fisheries Ireland is also preparing an 302 13 February 2018 Owenriff Fish Population Rehabilitation Plan, which aims to ensure trout stocks and habitat are restored and protected thereby providing the best opportunities for a successful trout population. Details of this plan will be available shortly.

13/02/2018WRY02100Inland Fisheries Stocks

13/02/2018WRY02200546. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the efforts to manage pike in the western lakes, particularly Lough Corrib; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7287/18]

13/02/2018WRY02300Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Envi- ronment (Deputy Seán Kyne): Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the state agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

In 2014, IFI developed policies on the management of Wild Brown Trout, Pike and Bass. These policies were agreed with the main Trout and Pike angling representative bodies and were scheduled to be reviewed in 2017. However, recognising the concerns of some stakeholders in relation to elements of the pike and wild brown trout policies, the Board of IFI decided to bring forward the review period for these policies and commence the process in 2016, focusing initially on the element of the management of pike in designated wild brown trout fisheries.

While the review is underway, stock management will continue in line with existing policy and IFI has now set out its 2018 Stock Management Plan for designated trout lakes. Details of this plan will be published in the coming days.

Stock Management has been undertaken for the conservation of wild brown trout in waters which are managed by IFI as wild brown trout fisheries. Such waters are identified in IFIs pike and trout management policies. The 2018 plan will again include operations on Loughs Cor- rib, Mask, Carra, Conn, Cullin, Arrow and Sheelin. In addition, I have asked my officials to consider how the designation of these waters may be given statutory status.

A separate management plan was put in place last week for the Owenriff system following the introduction of pike to those waters. IFI’s rehabilitation plan for that system, based on work they have been doing since Summer last year will be announced shortly. Previous scientific studies have shown the Owenriff contributed a significant portion of the wild trout found in Lough Corrib.

13/02/2018WRY02400Departmental Agencies

13/02/2018WRY02500547. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans the State companies and agencies under his aegis have in place for Bli- ain na Gaeilge 2018; the initiatives each will be undertaking; the amount allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7294/18]

13/02/2018WRY02600Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.

303 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRY02700Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff Scheme

13/02/2018WRY02800548. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to protect the REFIT revenue due to small and community renewable generators when I-SEM market structure goes live; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7359/18]

13/02/2018WRY02900Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department has committed to updating the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tar- iff (REFIT) and other electricity support schemes funded by the Public Service Obligation (PSO) so that they are compatible with the new wholesale electricity market design on the island of Ireland, the Integrated-Single Electricity Market (I-SEM), which is due to go live in May of this year.

In November 2017, my Department consulted on a number of proposed decisions setting out a preferred approach to adapting the existing electricity support schemes to the new market arrangements My Department is seeking to implement an approach that strikes the appropriate balance between providing certainty such that REFIT-supported generators are able to finance their projects and ensuring that electricity consumers do not bear the risk of increased costs, particularly around the costs of balancing across market timeframes.

The economic modelling that supports the proposed decisions illustrates that the Depart- ment’s preferred approach minimises the cost impact on consumers by incentivising wind generators to contract with the market and manage their own risks. In order to provide additional risk mitigation to smaller renewable generators, I have proposed applying a further level of protection from the costs of balancing for renewable generators below 5 MW.

Following extensive engagement with industry stakeholders, my Department intends to shortly publish a final decision on the transition of the electricity support schemes to the I- SEM.

13/02/2018WRY03000Renewable Energy Generation

13/02/2018WRY03100549. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the upcoming RESS will include technology specific auctions in particular to enable deployment of solar PV generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7360/18]

13/02/2018WRY03200Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal which compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies including Solar PV at various scales including Utility (farm scale) to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.

The new scheme will be defined by a series of renewable electricity auctions, where the most cost effective projects within an auction structure will receive financial support in a form of a premium, in addition to the price they receive from the market. The scheme will be flexible

304 13 February 2018 enough to respond to auction results and deliver key policy objectives as the scheme matures.

It is widely recognised that solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renew- ables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. Furthermore, a recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA 2017) forecasts that solar PV costs will continue to fall by a further 50% out to 2020.

Notwithstanding the level of solar applicants seeking connection to the grid and acknowledging that solar PV does have a role to play in Ireland’s energy future, the cost effectiveness of the new scheme is a key policy objective. I cannot stand over a scenario whereby electricity customers are locked into higher prices now for renewable energy as renewable technology costs fall. While increasing renewable technology diversity is one of several policy objectives the new RESS is trying to deliver, falling technology costs by themselves may lead to increased diversity of the renewable portfolio over the medium term.

At this stage no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS.

13/02/2018WRY03300Renewable Energy Generation

13/02/2018WRY03400550. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated additional renewable energy generation capacity in energy terms that will be required over the next five years to provide 100% renewable energy for the expanding data centre industry; the number of megawatts of each renewable technology in installed capacity terms which would be required to provide the target and the estimated requirements for wind, solar PV and biomass, in tabular form. [7361/18]

13/02/2018WRY03500Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): Data centres are becoming a key dimension of electricity demand growth in Ire- land. While data centres currently account for less than 2% of Ireland’s total electricity demand, EirGrid have modelled a range of scenarios in their 2017 ‘Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios’ report including one scenario which provides for this to increase to as much as 36% by 2030. Given the quantum of electricity required to power data centres, and the clear preference of project promoters that data centres should be powered by electricity from renewable energy sources, there are clear policy choices to be made in order to meet the demand for additional renewable electricity generation. These choices include the need to align with climate obligations, population projections and energy policy objectives.

Data centres consume very large amounts of energy and have a flat, predictable demand profile meaning that they use the same amount of electricity throughout the day and night and therefore require a range of generation technologies to meet their demand.

Regarding renewable generation capacity, my Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. Following on from the RESS public consultation and review, a final design proposal will be brought to Government for approval in the coming months with the new scheme expected to open in 2019. At this stage no 305 Questions - Written Answers final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS.

In recognition of the economic benefits that data centres can bring to Ireland the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation in conjunction with other relevant Ministers is leading a cross-government effort to develop a national policy statement on the strategic importance of data centres as part of Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy, taking account of wider energy policy developments including growth in renewable electricity capacity.

While intensified data centre activity will likely play a key role in stimulating demand for increased renewable electricity generation, the impact on the Public Service Obligation levies for consumers must also be considered. It is imperative therefore that Government considers an approach to cost allocation that does not impose disproportionate additional charges on or- dinary consumers.

13/02/2018WRY03600Electric Vehicles

13/02/2018WRY03700551. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide a clear, detailed and specific roadmap to achieve the Govern- ment’s plan of having only electric cars on sale here in 12 years in 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7362/18]

13/02/2018WRY03800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ire- land 2017-2030 was published in May 2017. It sets out the ambition that all new cars and vans sold in Ireland from 2030 will be zero emission (or zero emission-capable). A range of policy measures aimed at supporting the transition to low emission vehicles are set out in the National Policy Framework http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/public-transport/english/ npf-picture/6186npfalternative-fuelsengv5.pdf.

Furthermore, the National Mitigation Plan published in July 2017 reiterates the ambition and also includes supporting actions towards this objective https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/National%20Mitigation%20Plan%202017.pdf. While remaining technology neutral in the context of promoting greater uptake of zero emission capable vehicles, the full electrification of the car fleet represents a feasible option in Ireland, where supporting grid infrastructure is developed. Advances in battery technology, increasing competition in the market and falling vehicle costs would suggest that electrification will be the predominant low emission choice for private car, taxis and commercial vans in the short to medium term. In this regard, under a Programme for a Partnership Government commitment – that Ireland will become a leader in the take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) – a dedicated Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce was established to consider the range of measures and options available to Government to accelerate this aim.

The work of the Taskforce has been divided into three work streams focusing on: Market Growth Stimuli and Visibility; Infrastructure, Energy Regulation and Pricing; and Planning Legislation, Building Regulations and Public Leadership. Preliminary recommendations from the Taskforce were considered in the 2018 budgetary process and a suite of continued and new EV supports were announced as part of Budget 2018 (please see the current incentives to promote EVs listed below –additional information is available at: https://www.seai.ie/grants/ electric-vehicle-grants/). In 2018 the Taskforce will also broaden its scope to consider measures to promote fuels such as natural gas, liquid petroleum gas and hydrogen. Currently, there is a Government commitment to maintain duty levels of natural gas at the minimum level for a 306 13 February 2018 period of eight years and an action in the National Policy Framework to develop the accelerated capital allowance type scheme to include gas refuelling infrastructure and vehicles.

The 2030 ambition will be met through: implementing the measures outlined in the above publications; realising the outcomes from the LEV Taskforce deliberations; and developing new and innovative policy interventions in the years ahead accounting for technological and market developments.

Electric Vehicle Incentives VRT Relief Continuation of VRT relief in Budget 2018: Up to €5,000 for new EVs until end 2021Up to €2,500 for new PHEVs until end 2018 SEAI Grant Scheme Continuation of SEAI Purchase Grant :Up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new EV or PHEV Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) EVs and charging infrastructure are qualifying equipment under the ACA scheme Charging Supports A new grant to support installation of home char- ger points for buyers of new and second-hand EVs from January 1st SPSV Grant Scheme A new grant and supporting measures to stimulate take-up of EVs in the taxi /hackney/limousine sector 0% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) A new BIK 0% rate to incentivise EVs without mileage conditions for at least three years Public Body Procurement National Procurement Service to introduce a new public procurement framework contract for EVs in 2018 to allow public bodies to buy EVs with reduced administrative burden Public Engagement Programme National awareness campaignDriver experience roadshowPublic sector and commercial fleet trialsSupport for EV use in car sharing trials Toll Incentive Regime Funding to support a reduction in tolls for EVs

Question No. 552 answered with Question No. 541.

13/02/2018WRY04000Household Waste Collection Price Monitoring Group

13/02/2018WRY04100553. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of his Department’s review of the functioning of the household waste collection system here; the date by which he will provide an independent regulator for this market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7436/18]

13/02/2018WRY04200Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I have established a Household Waste Collection Price Monitoring Group (PMG) to monitor the rates charged by household waste collectors and to date the PMG has met on five separate occasions, 13 September, 11 October, 14 November, 12 December and 9 January 2018, and has considered four months of pricing data trends. Statements by the PMG have been released on a monthly basis since November 2017 and are available on my Department’s web-

307 Questions - Written Answers site, as are details of the role and membership of the group and the market analysis of the cost of household waste collection carried out by the group in December 2017.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is an independent statutory body with a dual mandate to enforce competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. The CCPC is conducting a separate study on the operation of the household waste collection market. The CCPC has indicated that it hopes to finalise the study in 2018.

The results from the PMG will be monitored and analysed and in conjunction with the study being undertaken by the CCPC will provide an evidence base regarding the future monitoring or the potential need for additional regulation of the waste market.

13/02/2018WRY04300National Broadband Plan Data

13/02/2018WRY04400554. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of households and businesses waiting on the roll-out of the national broadband plan in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and nationally, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7486/18]

13/02/2018WRY04500Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By the end of this year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This will be achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.

Premises in the AMBER areas of my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, are included in the State Intervention Area under the Na- tional Broadband Plan (NBP).

The number of premises in the AMBER area in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath as well as nationally is outlined in the following table.

- Total Premises Premises in the AMBER area National 2,354,811 537,587 Cavan 41,990 16,938 (40%) Monaghan 32,939 15,654 (47%) Meath 83,572 19,222 (23%)

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are 308 13 February 2018 acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department’s website.

13/02/2018WRY04600Post Office Network

13/02/2018WRY04700555. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount budgeted for the preparation and publication of the post office business network development group report. [7494/18]

13/02/2018WRY04800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The total amount paid by my Department for the preparation and publication of the Post Office Network Business Development Group Report, which was Chaired by Mr Bobby Kerr, was €41,327. This Report was published on 20 January 2016 and is available on my De- partment’s website at www.dccae.gov.ie.

13/02/2018WRY04900Roads Maintenance Funding

13/02/2018WRY05000556. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation for road maintenance and repair to Cork City and County Councils in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/18]

13/02/2018WRY05100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council’s own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.

As regards State grants for regional and local roads in 2018, Cork County Council has been given a total allocation of €44,092,735 and Cork City Council has been given a total allocation of €4,125,500. Details of the grant allocations is included in the Regional and Local Road Grant Allocation booklet which is available in the Oireachtas library.

In addition ring-fenced funding of €10 million is being provided for the Community In- volvement Scheme this year and local authorities will be able to apply for funding under that heading.

It will be a matter for each local authority to assess its priorities and draw up a roadworks programme for the year based on the State grant funding and own resources available to it.

13/02/2018WRY05200Search and Rescue Service Provision

13/02/2018WRY05300557. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policies in place for statutory authorities to call upon volunteer organisations that are trained to help with search and rescue operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6781/18]

13/02/2018WRY05400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Search and Rescue operations may be led by a number of different authorities, depending on the type and severity of incident. The Coast Guard, a division of my Department, is the principal emergency author-

309 Questions - Written Answers ity for marine search and rescue.

The Coast Guard operationally oversees 900 Coast Guard volunteers and has in place a wide range of internal policies to support this vital service. The policies include operational procedures for search and rescue, training policies, health and safety policies and general policies including an overarching “Code of Conduct”.

The Coast Guard routinely works with a number of statutory authorities and voluntary organisations where search and rescue is concerned and has service level and/or liaison agreements in place with An Garda Síochána, the Navy, the Irish Under Water Council, Community Inshore Rescue Organisations and the Royal National Lifeboat Association, defining respective roles and responsibilities.

The National Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out in detail the policies for co-ordination between state authorities and between state authorities and voluntary organisations, in the event of a major emergency.

13/02/2018WRY05500Motor Tax

13/02/2018WRY05600558. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount received in motor tax receipts for Cork County Council in 2017; the amount returned to the council from the local government fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7176/18]

13/02/2018WRY05700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Cork County Coun- cil collects motor tax on behalf of both Cork County and Cork City Council. A breakdown of receipts between the two authorities is not available. Total gross motor tax receipts for the two authorities in 2017 were €120,740,205.

As well as motor tax receipts, other payments to the Local Government Fund in 2017 included the equivalent to the amount of Local Property Tax collected during the year, which was paid to the Fund by the Minister for Finance, as well as an Exchequer contribution. Alloca- tions from the Fund are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. However, I understand that the allocation to Cork County Council from the Fund in 2017 was €37,270,313.93.

From 1 January 2018, motor tax receipts are no longer remitted to the Local Government Fund, rather they accrue directly to the Exchequer.

13/02/2018WRY05800Departmental Meetings

13/02/2018WRY05900559. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have met the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment or his officials regarding the condition of roads in view of the recent audit report on same and the impact it is having on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6699/18]

13/02/2018WRY06000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): No; neither I, nor my officials, have met with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environ- ment in relation to any such report.

13/02/2018WRY06100Departmental Expenditure 310 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRY06200560. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6756/18]

13/02/2018WRY06300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to photography costs is available on the Department’s website at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/photography-costs.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to public relations or communications costs is available on the Department’s website at the following link

http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.

With regard to Agencies, this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded your question to the Agencies for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.

13/02/2018WRY06400Greenways Provision

13/02/2018WRY06500561. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will advance the greenway cycle route from Athlone to Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/18]

13/02/2018WRY06600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the Deputy is aware a decision was taken by my predecessor in 2015 to pause development of the Galway to Dublin greenway west of the Shannon to allow all stakeholders to consider how best to progress this project. This project remains a priority for my Department and my officials are considering the best approach to reactivating this project and resuming engagement with key stakeholders.

The Galway to Dublin Greenway will be addressed in my Department’s Strategy for the future development of greenways which I expect to publish in April. The Strategy will include the recommended approach to be taken and provide guidance to local authorities or agencies tasked with the delivery of greenway infrastructure where significant challenges exist.

13/02/2018WRZ00200Tourism Promotion

13/02/2018WRZ00300562. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional resources that will be provided to Tourism Ireland in 2018 to increase the number of tourists coming from the UK market following the 5% decrease in UK visitors in 2017 compared to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6778/18]

13/02/2018WRZ00400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I welcome the overall growth in visit numbers to Ireland in 2017. However, the decline in the numbers visiting from Great Britain remains a concern. The fall in the value of sterling against the euro following the Brexit vote in the UK has been the primary factor in this.

Tourism Ireland has a programme of marketing activity in place for 2018 to keep Ireland front of mind for British visitors. That marketing effort will continue throughout the year. In addition, I recently joined Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to launch an initiative, specially 311 Questions - Written Answers designed to boost tourist numbers from Britain to the Wild Atlantic Way. A €1.35 million marketing campaign in Britain will be complemented by a Fáilte Ireland €500,000 programme to support businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way to position themselves to benefit from the campaign, as well as to boost its own marketing campaigns in Northern Ireland.

In Budget 2018 €2m in capital funding was secured for Tourism Ireland to invest in strengthening its digital infrastructure, deepening its understanding of the all-important overseas consumer and developing new creative, for roll out from 2019, that will give Ireland real stand-out and inspire and motivate people across the world to ‘book now’.

13/02/2018WRZ00500Sports Facilities Provision

13/02/2018WRZ00600563. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of phases 1 and 2 of a construction project (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the construction of the running track around the development, which is part of phase 2, will commence; the date on which phase 2 of the project, including the construction of the running track, will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6814/18]

13/02/2018WRZ00700Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): Phase 1 of this development, in which Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology is a partner, comprises a Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre together with a Training Centre for Outdoor Pursuits at Lough Lannagh. Mayo County Council’s estimated cost of this phase is €11.095m. Castlebar Swimming Pool is in the 2000 round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) and in October 2015, Mayo County Council was given a formal allocation of €3.8m for the replacement swimming pool. In addition, a Sports Capital Programme allocation of €3.9m was approved for dry facilities including a Training Centre for Outdoor Pursuits adjacent to Lough Lannagh. Construction commenced in 2016 and is ongoing. To date a total of €5,043,709 has been paid by my Department to Mayo County Council for completed work. My understanding from Mayo County Council is that Phase 2, which comprises a running track, playing pitches and associated facilities, will not commence before Phase 1 is completed. Phase 2 has received no allocation from my Department to date.

13/02/2018WRZ00800Sports Capital Programme Applications

13/02/2018WRZ00900564. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for sports capital grant applications in 2018; and when this scheme is likely to be announced. [6829/18]

13/02/2018WRZ01000Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): Allocations in respect of applications submitted under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme were announced in November and December last. Full details of these allocations are available on my Department’s website. The priority in the medium term will be on advanc- ing these projects.

In relation to future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, my Department is undertaking a review of the 2017 round with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the process for future calls. This work is also examining what is feasible in terms of the scale and timing of the next round. I expect this review to be complete in the coming months and an announcement regarding the next round will be made at that stage.

312 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRZ01100Public Transport

13/02/2018WRZ01200565. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional ticket validators that have been provided at Luas stops as a result of the increased capacity that is being provided since the launch of Luas cross-city service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6836/18]

13/02/2018WRZ01300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The National Trans- port Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure including ticketing technology.

Noting the NTA’s responsibility in the matter I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

13/02/2018WRZ01400Public Transport

13/02/2018WRZ01500566. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional security personnel who have been provided on the Luas green and red lines as a result of the additional capacity being provided; the number of additional security personnel who will be provided pending the launch of the longer trams on the Luas cross-city line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6837/18]

13/02/2018WRZ01600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the Luas operator Transdev and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

13/02/2018WRZ01700Noise Pollution

13/02/2018WRZ01800567. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the recent appointment of Fingal County Council as independent noise regulator for Dublin Airport; the parameters of this role; the way in which the role will be executed and monitored; the consultation with and involvement of the local community in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6844/18]

13/02/2018WRZ01900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The Government has recently approved my proposal to designate Fingal County Council as the noise regulator for Dublin Airport in order that Ireland fully complies with EU Regulation 598/2014, which came into effect in 2016. That designation will be formalised through primary legislation, and I will be publishing a draft Bill later in the year.

The Government is required under EU law to have a noise regulator in place for Dublin airport, and it has now agreed that Fingal County Council is best placed to carry out that function. The Bill will reflect the airport noise regulatory regime as set out in the EU regulation, which applies to all major airports across each Member State and which is based on best practice noise management measures agreed at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation. The parameters of the role and the approach to implementation will fully reflect what is set out in the Regulation, which came into effect in 2016.

Regarding consultation, in the first instance the legislative process will of course provide 313 Questions - Written Answers an opportunity for members of the House to raise matters, but it is also the case that the EU Regulation includes a requirement for public consultation during the regulatory process and, importantly, a separate appeal process.

13/02/2018WRZ02000Noise Pollution

13/02/2018WRZ02100568. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the decision was made to appoint Fingal County Council as the independent noise regulator for Dublin Airport; the international noise pollution standards that are to be adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6845/18]

13/02/2018WRZ02200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the Deputy may be aware, it was previously proposed that the Irish Aviation Authority would be designated as the Noise Regulator for the purpose of EU Regulation 598/14. However, as I explained in the Dáil before Christmas, when this approach was subject to final legal review it was found to be difficult in light of emerging EU case law. These legal advices forced a re-examination of options for the full implementation of the EU Regulation, which involved discussions between my De- partment and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment. Having examined the requirements of the EU Regulation it was considered, on balance, that Fingal County Council, with An Bord Pleanála as an independent appeals body, offered the best way forward.

The Government has endorsed that proposed course of action, and I now intend to get on with implementing it.

As regards the standards, the EU Regulation - which came into effect in 2016 - provides Member States with a common framework for applying internationally agreed best practices in the area of aviation noise management. With reference to methodology agreed at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation, the Regulation seeks to ensure that airport capacity is developed in a measured and balanced way, with due regard to economic growth, jobs, prosperity and the mitigation of environmental impacts.

The Regulation will now be implemented by way of primary legislation, which will set out how airport noise is to be measured, managed and monitored at Dublin Airport into the future.

13/02/2018WRZ02300Road Safety

13/02/2018WRZ02400569. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request TII to carry out a further safety audit on all motorways to prevent incorrect access (details supplied). [6974/18]

13/02/2018WRZ02500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.

314 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRZ02600Road Tolls

13/02/2018WRZ02700570. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an exemption in toll charges for blood deliveries (details supplied) to hospitals will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6987/18]

13/02/2018WRZ02800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority (now operating as Transport Infrastructure Ireland) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).

Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993 specifies the categories of vehicles which are exempt from the payment of toll charges - the categories are ambulances and fire brigade vehicles together with vehicles used by the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces in the performance of their duties. The exemption does not extend to other categories of vehicles.

13/02/2018WRZ02900Road Signage

13/02/2018WRZ03000571. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of new signs for the M18 motorway signalling Kilcolgan and Clarinbridge; when these signs will be completed and installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7025/18]

13/02/2018WRZ03100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Following your representations, and our recent meeting on the subject, I understand that TII has reviewed the position in respect of providing additional signage for Kilcolgan and Clarin- bridge and has prepared designs for such signs and is in the process of procuring the provision of those additional signs.

Noting the above position and the query regarding timescales, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.

13/02/2018WRZ03200Haulage Industry

13/02/2018WRZ03300572. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to revise the five-axle haulage derogation which was signed into law on the basis that the haulage industry has been under sustained pressure over the past number of years with regard to overheads; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the transition period that was envisaged in 2008 to move to five axle-trucks has been financially unviable for many hauliers who have to change their entire fleet due to the economic downturn; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, since SI 5/2003, vehicles have been developed to the highest technical standard, which far outweighs that envisaged in 2003. [7050/18]

13/02/2018WRZ03400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The derogation referred to was conceded by the then Minister in 2003, to end in 2008 in order to allow the haul- 315 Questions - Written Answers age industry renew their then fleets. Subsequently, this deadline was extended seven times as a further concession to the industry to move to more road friendly articulated vehicle combina- tions, such as the 6-axle articulated (3+3) combination.

Given the ongoing challenges in maintaining our critical roads infrastructure with constrained resources, the derogation was ended on 30 June 2016. This was necessary to permit a decrease in road and bridge infrastructure damage caused by such vehicles and to thereby reduce the costs to the public finances in terms of maintaining and repairing vital road and bridge infrastructure.

While I understand the concerns raised by the road haulage industry, as Minister for Trans- port, Tourism and Sport, I must have regard to the overarching need to maintain national transport infrastructure in as cost effective manner as possible. It is primarily for this reason, as well as the extensive 13 year period given to the industry to adjust, that the previously existing derogation has not been renewed. While my Department and I obviously review our legislation on a regular basis, I do not believe that the position today has changed materially so as to cause me to reconsider this necessary measure to protect our roads.

13/02/2018WRZ03500School Transport Provision

13/02/2018WRZ03600573. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 553 of 6 February 2018, his plans to introduce more school- friendly timetables for the school-going population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7070/18]

13/02/2018WRZ03700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the transport operator and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

13/02/2018WRZ03800Noise Pollution

13/02/2018WRZ03900574. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the noise pollution parameters as set out in the original 2007 planning permission for the north runway at Dublin Airport will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7076/18]

13/02/2018WRZ04000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I understand the Dep- uty to be referring to operational restrictions which An Bord Pleanála attached to the 2007 planning permission for the new runway at Dublin airport. These restrictions, which will have the effect of imposing strict limitations on night-time aircraft traffic at Dublin Airport between the hours of 23:00 and 07:00, shall apply upon completion of the second runway.

Since that decision, a new EU Regulation (598/14) has come into effect which sets out how Member States should regulate noise at major airports. This regulatory framework provides for the measurement, management and on-going monitoring of airport noise.

My obligation as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is to put in place the structures to make sure that Ireland fully complies with the Regulation, which I will be doing by way of primary legislation. As part of that, provision will be made to allow the Regulator to determine the most effective way of managing noise at Dublin airport into the future in accordance with

316 13 February 2018 international best practice, including in the context of the new runway.

13/02/2018WRZ04100Rail Services

13/02/2018WRZ04200575. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the rail review which was compiled on foot of the 2016 NTA rail review and after a public consultation process will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7175/18]

13/02/2018WRZ04300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The Rail Review Report was undertaken jointly by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann and was published in 2016.

The public consultation process held by the NTA following the publication of the Review contributed to an informed discussion about the current and future role of rail transport in Ire- land. Over 300 submissions were received in response to that consultation process. The NTA has prepared a report of those submissions, which it is currently updating to reflect the additional funding which has been made available for rail infrastructure and services in Budget 2018. Once I have received and reviewed the NTA’s updated report on the consultation, it is my intention to bring it to Government for consideration. I expect that it would be published shortly thereafter by the NTA.

13/02/2018WRZ04400Córas Iompair Éireann

13/02/2018WRZ04500576. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the non-executive chairman position of Córas Iompair Éireann will be filled; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the vacancy is impacting on the way in which CIÉ operates; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that spending limits for projects are in force while the role remains vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7214/18]

13/02/2018WRZ04600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The process for appointment of a new non-executive chairman for Córas Iompar Éireann is currently under way. As with all public appointments to State boards, the campaign is being run by the Public Ap- pointments Service (PAS) and the extended closing date for applications was 8 February 2018.

The applications received for the position will now be considered, in line with Government Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards and my Department’s protocol on Board appointments “Department Principles and Procedures for State Board Appointments”, and I hope to make an appointment soon afterwards.

In the interim, I understand that the Board continues to function with each Board meeting being chaired by a member of the Board as determined by those Board members who are in attendance. I am advised that the current vacancy does not impose a spending limit for projects.

13/02/2018WRZ04700Search and Rescue Service Provision

13/02/2018WRZ04800577. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grant aids available for underwater search and recovery groups; his plans to update these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7288/18]

13/02/2018WRZ04900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Direct grant aids are

317 Questions - Written Answers not presently available for underwater search and recovery groups. My Department administers an annual grant to mountain rescue teams and community rescue boat organisations which are listed as ‘declared resources’ to the State for the purpose of search and rescue. At present, underwater diving groups are not a declared resource. However, my Department is engaging with the relevant tasking authorities to determine what criteria and standards are required to become a declared resource for this purpose and then to consider what funding may be available within my Department’s grant schemes.

13/02/2018WRZ05000EU Regulations

13/02/2018WRZ05100578. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to EU COM(2017)548, a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on rail passengers’ rights and obligations (details supplied); if a plan of action regarding the legislative implications relating to the implementation of this proposal has been prepared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7309/18]

13/02/2018WRZ05200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I am aware of the EU Proposal for recasting and repealing the existing Regulation (EC) No. 1371/2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations. The draft proposal, EU COM (2017) 548, is under negotiation by the Member States at Working Party level at present. Many of the provisions of the Regulation, once adopted, will have direct effect so no national transposition legislation will be required in those cases, however some legislation to underpin implementation is expected to be required. When the new recast EU Regulation is adopted in due course, a statutory instrument will be made to underpin national implementation and the two existing statutory instruments will be revoked.

13/02/2018WRZ05300Sports Capital Programme Applications

13/02/2018WRZ05400579. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the general review of all invalid applications under the 2017 sports capital programme will be completed and organisations informed as to whether their applications have now been approved; when the decisions will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7313/18]

13/02/2018WRZ05500580. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of invalid applications under the 2017 sports capital programme that are being reviewed by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7315/18]

13/02/2018WRZ05600Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 580 together.

The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th Febru- ary. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. Allocations were announced in November and December last and full details are available on my Department’s website.

All applications that were deemed invalid or partially invalid were invited to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt than an error had been made in the assessment process. The deadline for the submission of appeals from applicants for local projects was 20 Decem- ber 2017 and in relation to regional projects the deadline was 19 January 2018. 149 appeals were submitted prior to the deadlines and these submissions are now being processed. I expect that this review will be fully complete in the coming weeks and all relevant applicants will be 318 13 February 2018 informed at that stage. The following table shows the number of appeals received per county.

County Number Carlow 3 Cavan 1 Clare 10 Cork 11 Donegal 9 Dublin 29 Galway 15 Kerry 4 Kildare 8 Kilkenny 3 Laois 2 Limerick 9 Longford 2 Louth 2 Mayo 3 Meath 7 Monaghan 1 Offaly 2 Roscommon 2 Sligo 3 Tipperary 3 Waterford 4 Westmeath 6 Wexford 9 Wicklow 1 Grand Total 149

I have also requested a more general review of the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Pro- gramme to include an analysis of all invalid applications. I expect this work to be complete in the coming months and the outcome of this review will help to further improve the application process for future rounds of the programme.

13/02/2018WRZ05800Road Safety

13/02/2018WRZ05900581. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to an incident on 5 February 2018 when a number of hounds from a club (details supplied) ran onto the M3 resulting in the death of four dogs and creating a significant danger for motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7326/18]

13/02/2018WRZ06000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Article 49 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (as amended) states that a person in charge of an animal which is being conducted along or on to a road shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the animal does not obstruct traffic or pedestrians. Enforcement of the Regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

319 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRZ06100Traffic Management

13/02/2018WRZ06200582. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he is taking to improve traffic congestion in Dublin in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7350/18]

13/02/2018WRZ06300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The National Trans- port Authority’s (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the Strategy. The measures proposed are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.

In 2015, Dublin City Council and the NTA jointly published the Dublin City Centre Trans- port Study which sets out the various measures proposed for Dublin’s city centre to ensure the efficient functioning of transport within the city centre. Those two bodies, in collaboration with Dublin Bus and TII, are progressively implementing the measures set out in that document to enable the continued development and growth of the city. Over the last six months, changes have been made throughout the city centre to accommodate the introduction of new Luas services. The most significant changes were the introduction of the additional bus lanes along the North and South Quays last August. In addition, a host of other junction and traffic signal changes has been implemented. In the case of College Green - and in advance of a determination of a proposal for a civic plaza at College Green developed by City Council - the NTA, in collaboration with Dublin Bus and Dublin City Council, have proceeded to reduce bus vehicle volumes passing through the area, which would allow the junctions and signals to function more effectively. These parties continue to keep the situation under review.

As Minister for Transport I have secured increased funding for both public transport services and infrastructure in Budget 2018 which will allow us to address congestion and emerging capacity constraints on our public transport system across our cities including Dublin. This includes an 8% increase in funding for PSO services across the bus and rail networks in 2018 to support the delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable public transport services.

Following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for Ireland’s public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021. This substantial multi-annual envelope will allow investment in a number of key programmes to ease congestion and increase capacity on our public transport network. This includes funding of over €770 million for the BusCon- nects programme to fundamentally transform Dublin’s bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. Over €685 million capital investment will also be provided for additional rail infrastructure between now and 2021 to provide additional Luas capacity, improve mainline rail infrastructure and progress DART expansion and new Metro North.

13/02/2018WRZ06400Dublin Bus Services

13/02/2018WRZ06500583. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the Dublin Bus fleet is adequate to meet passenger demand in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7351/18]

13/02/2018WRZ06600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): In the past four years 320 13 February 2018 Dublin Bus has received funding of €132 million for the purchase of new buses. In 2017 alone 102 new buses were purchased by the National Transport Authority (NTA) for Dublin Bus. The NTA will be funding the purchase of a further 76 buses for the company this year.

Following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021. This substantial multi-annual envelope includes funding of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme to fundamentally transform Dublin’s bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable.

Given the NTA’s role in relation to the provision of public transport services and renewal of the bus fleet in respect of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus services, I have also forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

13/02/2018WRAA00200Electric Vehicles

13/02/2018WRAA00300584. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a clear, detailed and specific roadmap to achieve the Government’s plan of having only electric cars on sale here in 12 years in 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7352/18]

13/02/2018WRAA00400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The National Pol- icy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017-2030 was published in May 2017. It sets out the ambition that all new cars and vans sold in Ireland from 2030 will be zero emission (or zero emission-capable). A range of policy measures aimed at supporting the transition to low emission vehicles are set out in the National Policy Framework (http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/public-transport/english/npf- picture/6186npfalternative-fuelsengv5.pdf). Furthermore, the National Mitigation Plan published in July 2017 reiterates the ambition and also includes supporting actions towards this objective (https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/National%20Mitigation%20Plan%202017.pdf).

While remaining technology neutral in the context of promoting greater uptake of zero emission capable vehicles, the full electrification of the car fleet represents a feasible option in Ireland, where supporting grid infrastructure is developed. Advances in battery technology, increasing competition in the market and falling vehicle costs would suggest that electrification will be the predominant low emission choice for private car, taxis and commercial vans in the short to medium term. In this regard, under a Programme for a Partnership Government commitment – that Ireland will become a leader in the take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) - a dedicated Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce was established to consider the range of measures and options available to Government to accelerate this aim.

In 2018 the Taskforce will also broaden its scope to consider measures to promote fuels such

321 Questions - Written Answers as natural gas, liquid petroleum gas and hydrogen. Currently, there is a Government commitment to maintain duty levels of natural gas at the minimum level for a period of eight years and an action in the National Policy Framework to develop the accelerated capital allowance type scheme to include gas refuelling infrastructure and vehicles.

The 2030 ambition will be achieved through implementing the measures outlined in the above publications, realising the outcomes of the LEV Taskforce deliberations, and developing new and innovative policy interventions in the years ahead in light of technological and market developments.

Electric Vehicle Incentives VRT Relief Continuation of VRT relief in Budget 2018 - Up to €5,000 for new EVs until end 2021Up to €2,500 for new PHEVs until end 2018 SEAI Grant Scheme Continuation of SEAI Purchase Grant -Up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new EV or PHEV Accelerated Capital Allowance EVs and charging infrastructure are qualifying (ACA) equipment under the ACA scheme Charging Supports A new grant to support installation of home char- ger points for buyers of new and second-hand EVs from January 1st SPSV Grant Scheme A new grant and supporting measures to stimulate take-up of EVs in the taxi /hackney/limousine sector 0% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) A new BIK 0% rate to incentivise EVs without mileage conditions for at least three years Public Body Procurement National Procurement Service to introduce a new public procurement framework contract for EVs in 2018 to allow public bodies to buy EVs with reduced administrative burden Public Engagement Programme National awareness campaignDriver experience roadshowPublic sector and commercial fleet tri- alsSupport for EV use in car sharing trials Toll Incentive Regime Funding to support a reduction in tolls for EVs

13/02/2018WRAA00500Roads Maintenance Funding

13/02/2018WRAA00600585. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding his Department will be awarding to each local authority for the purposes of maintaining regional and local roads in 2018, as per his press release (details supplied), in tabular form. [7369/18]

13/02/2018WRAA00700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority’s own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Details of the regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities for 2018 are outlined in the regional and local road grant allocation booklet which is available in the Dáil 322 13 February 2018 Library.

13/02/2018WRAA00800National Sports Policy

13/02/2018WRAA00900586. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date by which the national sports policy will be completed. [7370/18]

13/02/2018WRAA01000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the Deputy is aware, I launched a public consultation process for the new National Sports Policy in late 2016, which resulted in the receipt of 54 submissions from a wide range of stakeholders including Government Departments, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and private individuals.

My Department and I have since examined the content of these submissions in detail. In addition, my officials have held a number of bilateral meetings with relevant Government departments and other key stakeholders during the drafting process in order to inform our decision making on the key challenges that confront the sector and the many complex issues that arise in relation to addressing those challenges.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this detailed evaluation work is nearing completion. I hope to be in a position to submit the draft Policy for the approval of my Government colleagues in the coming weeks. If approved, it will be published very shortly thereafter.

13/02/2018WRAA01100Public Service Vehicles

13/02/2018WRAA01200587. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received for the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles; the number of grants paid for same in each year since 2014, by county, in tabular form. [7371/18]

13/02/2018WRAA01300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Author- ity (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Accordingly, it is the NTA who administer the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant for the SPSV industry on an annual basis.

I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

13/02/2018WRAA01400Public Service Vehicles

13/02/2018WRAA01500588. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify his response to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 29 November 2017, in which he stated that his Department would be opening the electric SPSV grant scheme in early 2019, despite this measure being announced as part of budget 2018. [7372/18]

13/02/2018WRAA01600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to the question referred to of November last, I was delighted to secure funding as part of Budget 2018 to help encourage the transition of our SPSV (Taxi/Hackney/ Limousine) sector to electric vehicles. This sector can play a vital role in championing the use of electric vehicles to members of the public and in reducing harmful tailpipe emissions, par-

323 Questions - Written Answers ticularly across our urban areas.

The electric SPSV grant scheme was launched on February 1st and is administered on behalf of my Department by the National Transport Authority (NTA), as was signalled in my response to the Deputy’s previous question.

This scheme is available nationwide to all eligible SPSV drivers, and supports both new and second hand electric vehicles. Applications for the grant should be made directly to the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Further details of the electric SPSV grant scheme, including the application form and supporting grant scheme guidance documents are available to download from the NTA website (www.nationaltransport.ie).

13/02/2018WRAA01700Public Service Obligation Data

13/02/2018WRAA01800589. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of public service obligation, PSO, subvention paid to Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in 2017, in tabular form. [7373/18]

13/02/2018WRAA01900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Since 2010, Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention is no longer paid by my Department to transport operators. The award and subvention of PSO contracts now falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has direct responsibility for this area along with the routes covered. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

13/02/2018WRAA02000Road Tolls

13/02/2018WRAA02100590. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the toll on the M4 is out of sync with all other tolls in the country; the actions he has taken to try to bring this toll in line with other toll roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7384/18]

13/02/2018WRAA02200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. For regional and local roads it is a matter for each respective local authority.

More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads as well as regional and local roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII (for national roads) and each local authority (for regional and local roads) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).

Noting the above, I am referring the question to TII for direct reply within 10 working days. Please inform my private office if you do not receive the information.

324 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRAA02225Airport Security

13/02/2018WRAA02250591. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average time for persons passing through passport control at Dublin airport; and the way this compares with the past five years. [7386/18]

13/02/2018WRAA02275Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Passport control at Dublin Airport is carried out by personnel of Department Justice and Equality in conjunction with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no function in the matter.

13/02/2018WRAA02300Public Service Vehicles

13/02/2018WRAA02400592. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some taxi operators who availed of the grant for the provision of a wheelchair taxi refuse to take wheelchair passengers and opt to take six regular passengers instead as that is more profitable; if the attention of the regulator has been drawn to this practice; and if there have been prosecutions in this regard. [7387/18]

13/02/2018WRAA02500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Obligations on taxi drivers in relation to accessibility are set out in the associated Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Ve- hicle) Regulations.

I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

13/02/2018WRAA02600Park and Ride Facilities

13/02/2018WRAA02700593. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by his Department to support park and ride facilities, by current and capital expenditure in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [7438/18]

13/02/2018WRAA02800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to her shortly in line with Stand- ing Orders.

13/02/2018WRAA02900Cycling Facilities Funding

13/02/2018WRAA03000594. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by his Department to support public cycling infrastructure in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [7439/18]

13/02/2018WRAA03100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Over recent years, Exchequer investment in cycling infrastructure has been made under a number of different programmes and schemes.

The following table sets out the combined investment that occurred under the National Cycle Network programme and the Active Travel Towns programme (both of which commenced in 325 Questions - Written Answers 2012), and the Smarter Travel Areas programme (which commenced in 2009). Projects funded under the Active Travel Towns programme and Smarter Travel Areas programme involved integrated initiatives across a number of aspects of active/smarter travel and incorporated measures such as investment in cycle lanes, bike parking, footpaths, traffic calming measures, shared streets and other interventions that encourage and support modal shift to walking and cycling. In this context it is not possible to isolate specific expenditure on cycling infrastructure alone.

In addition to the funding set out in the table, since 2010 my Department has also provided funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for allocation under the Sustainable Trans- port Measures Grants (STMG) Programme and the Regional Cities Programme to implement sustainable transport projects, including providing cycling infrastructure, in the Greater Dublin Area and the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Looking to the future and following the recent mid-term review of the Capital Plan, investment of over €110m will develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and Regional Cities over the next four years (2018-2021). This programme will provide safe alternative active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure.

In addition to these cycling-specific investments, BusConnects, that will involve re-con- figuring the bus network and infrastructure, will also entail construction of significant new cycling facilities alongside bus routes on the key radial routes into the city centre and provide safe cycling arrangements, largely segregated from other traffic along those corridors. These substantial investments will allow us to further increase the numbers cycling, thereby easing congestion, improving public health and enhancing the liveability of our cities.

Noting the NTA’s responsibility in this regard, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to past funding for cycling infrastructure provided under the investment programmes and schemes referenced earlier. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Year Funding (€) 2009 7,001,000 2010 8,383,000 2011 16,366,000 2012 10,943,000 2013 11,580,000 2014 12,483,000 2015 18,891,000 2016 10,488,000 2017 6,985,000

13/02/2018WRAA03200Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

13/02/2018WRAA03300595. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of women’s refuge centres; the number of women these centres can cater for; the number of women in these centres at present; the centre which supports women in counties Cavan and Monaghan; her plans to introduce more; the supports in place for women in counties Cavan and Monaghan who have no centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7391/18]

13/02/2018WRAA03400596. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a women’s refuge to counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement 326 13 February 2018 on the matter. [7392/18]

13/02/2018WRAA03500597. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the services available to women from counties Cavan and Monaghan seeking refuge from abusive relationships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7393/18]

13/02/2018WRAA03600Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I propose to take Questions Nos. 595 to 597, inclusive, together.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the provision of care and protection to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).

Since becoming Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have attached a high priority to the development of DSGBV services. In 2017, additional funding of €1.5m was allocated to Tusla to support the development of services. I was pleased to secure a further increase of €1.7m for 2018, bringing the total level of funding for DSGBV services to €23.8m. This includes funding for some 60 services throughout the country, including emergency refuge and support services.

The development of services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence nationally is guided by the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), as well as the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (2016-2021). Additional funding in 2018 will support the development of enhanced DSGBV services.

Tusla does not have access to live data on refuge use. Information provided by funded domestic violence services indicates that refuges consistently operate at full or near full-capacity. Any vacancies are generally attributed to the turnover between the discharge and admission of clients.

Services for victims of domestic abuse in the North East region, namely counties Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan, received approximately €1.4m in funding from Tusla in 2017. Services to victims of domestic violence in counties Cavan and Monaghan are provided by Tearmann Domestic Violence Services, which received funding of approximately €192,000 from Tusla in 2017 for the provision of support and advocacy services to victims. Individuals based in West Cavan can also avail of the services of the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service for Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan, which also provides support and advocacy services. This service received approximately €317,000 in funding in 2017.

Tusla has no immediate plans to provide a refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan area. There are three refuges situated in Drogheda, Co. Louth; Dundalk, Co. Louth; and Navan, Co. Meath, which provide emergency domestic violence accommodation to women based in the North East region. This includes 21 family units of emergency refuge accommodation.

As part of its commissioning approach to developing services, Tusla carried out a number of needs analyses projects in 2017 to identify gaps in service provision and to prioritise service developments. All future service developments, whether based in the North East region or elsewhere, will be informed by Tusla’s commissioning approach. In 2017, Tearmann Domestic Violence Services completed a Strategic Plan as a means of improving and developing services in counties Cavan and Monaghan. Tusla will meet Tearmann Domestic Violence Services and other partners shortly with a view to supporting these developments.

The following table provides information from Tusla on the geographical spread of 147 emergency refuge family units.

327 Questions - Written Answers County Number of Emergency Refuge Family Units 1 Clare 6 2 Cork 6 3 Donegal 4 4 Dublin 37 5 Galway 6 6 Kerry 6 7 Kilkenny 7 8 Kildare 4 9 Limerick 14 10 Louth 13 11 Mayo 5 12 Meath 5 13 Tipperary 4 14 Waterford 16 15 Westmeath 4 16 Wexford 4 17 Wicklow 6 Total 147

At all times, Tusla’s key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility, and outcome of services.

13/02/2018WRAA03900Detention Centres Expenditure

13/02/2018WRAA04000598. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the full year running cost of Oberstown detention centre. [7048/18]

13/02/2018WRAA04100Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): My Department provided funding totalling €23.139 million to support the operation of Oberstown Children Detention Campus in 2017.

13/02/2018WRAA04200Early Childhood Care and Education

13/02/2018WRAA04300599. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if correspondence from persons (details supplied) in County Cork regarding an ECCE place for their child will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6711/18]

13/02/2018WRAA04400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I can confirm that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy was originally received in my Department on the 11th of January this year and a reply has issued.

The age limits for the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme (ECCE) were set in consultation with the Early Years Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Skills to limit the age range of children beginning primary school and to ensure that children transition into primary school with their peers. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in primary

328 13 February 2018 school is considered to be generally in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.

Parents may request an exemption from ECCE eligibility criteria under limited circumstances from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA); specifically where a child is assessed as having a special/additional need. In this regard, it is a requirement of the DCYA that a letter must be provided by a medical specialist (not a GP/Public Health Nurse) specifying the child’s special/additional need, and diagnosis, and that they (the medical specialist) specifically recommend an extra year of pre-school for the child. This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent or teacher in relation to a child’s needs but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying for exemptions.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs does its best to ensure, in so far as is possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied in a fair manner. The rules for all the Department’s childcare schemes are clearly published to ensure transparency and consistent application.

13/02/2018WRAA04500Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRAA04600600. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount spent by her Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of her Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by her Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6742/18]

13/02/2018WRAA04700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Details of the costs incurred on photography, public relations and communications advice by my Department since January 2016 are set out in the following tables. The overall objective is to keep costs of this nature to a minimum and these services are only used when deemed necessary in the course of Departmental activity.

Photography

Month / Year Company Cost November 2016 Maxwell Photography Ltd. €528.90 April 2017 Maxwell Photography Ltd. €430.50 August 2017 Maxwell Photography Ltd. €361.62 November 2017 Maxwell Photography Ltd. €578.10 December 2017 Maxwell Photography Ltd. €528.90

Public Relations

Month/Year Company Cost September 2017 Persuasion Republic €102,256

Communications Advice

Month/Year Company Cost April 2017 Ms Mandy Johnston €4,750

329 Questions - Written Answers Similar details relating to the State Agencies under the under the aegis of my Department are an operational matter and I have asked Tusla, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus, to supply the information directly to the Deputy.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland has confirmed to me that they spent €300 on photography costs in November/December 2017 with Richie Stokes Photography. No costs were incurred in respect of public relations and communication advice.

13/02/2018WRAA04800Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

13/02/2018WRAA04900601. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the “vox pop” style document circulated by Galway County Council as part of its consultation process on the burial site at Bon Secours, Tuam; and her views on whether this is an appropriate method of consultation in view of the sensitive nature of the matter. [6815/18]

13/02/2018WRAA05000Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I have visited the site of the former Tuam home on a number of occasions and I am acutely conscious of the sensitive nature of the decisions which must be progressed. Assisting those most centrally involved to understand the options now open to us was one of the reasons for commissioning the technical report which I published last December.

Galway County Council recently announced details of a structured consultation process with a strong focus around Tuam. I know the Council wants to support all interested parties to have their say as part of this process. To this end the Council sought professional support in the design and approach to the consultation process.

I have been contacted by a number of people in relation to this consultation process and my officials have relayed the feedback received directly to the Council.

I am advised that the process has been developed to facilitate various parties to submit their views on the five courses of action identified by the Expert Technical Group. The process is designed to facilitate maximum participation by all parties while ensuring that there is certainty in relation to the preferred course of action of each respondent.

The guidance for submissions while requesting each respondent to clearly indicate their preferred course of action, importantly also provides an opportunity for the respondent to provide their own comments. The process also allows respondents to indicate their connection to the former Mother & Baby Home, Tuam. In addition to the collation of written submissions, consultation events will be held in Tuam and Dublin. These events, which will be led by Restor- ative Dialogue Facilitators, will be designed to afford participants the opportunity to provide further input to the consultation process.

The report on the consultation process to be submitted to the Inter-Departmental Group will be prepared by the Restorative Dialogue Facilitators based on the submissions received and the outcomes of the consultation events. This report will be a factual account of the consultation process and will not contain any recommendations. It will be a matter for the Inter-Departmen- tal Group to consider the report and make appropriate recommendations for consideration by Government.

I strongly encourage all interested parties to contribute their views to the process. It is essential that all voices can be heard.

330 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRAA05100Appointments to State Boards Data

13/02/2018WRAA05200602. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the State boards under the remit of her Department; the number of persons on each of those boards; the number of those persons who are male and female, respectively. [6947/18]

13/02/2018WRAA05300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I am responsible for appointments to the following State Boards under the aegis of my Department: the Child and Family Agency, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Oberstown Children Deten- tion Campus and Gaisce.

The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy.

State Board Number of posi- Positions Currently Number of Men Number of tions on each Filled on Board Women on Board Board Adoption 7 7 3 4 Authority of Ireland Gaisce 15 15 7 8 Oberstown Chil- 13 13 8 5 dren Detention Campus Child and 9 6 3 3 Family Agency (Tusla)

13/02/2018WRAA05400Residential Institutions Redress Scheme Eligibility

13/02/2018WRAA05500603. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when redress under the existing scheme will be extended to former residents of a home (details supplied) in view of the finding of a report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7234/18]

13/02/2018WRAA05600Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Commis- sion’s Second Interim Report made a recommendation that the decision to exclude certain institutions from the Residential Institutions Redress Act should be re-examined by Government. The Deputy may wish to note that policy responsibility for this scheme is within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills and his Department.

The Government did examine these matters very carefully last year on foot of the Commis- sion’s report and further decided not to re-open the scheme, or extend it to any other institutions. I confirmed this decision when I published the report last April. As the Deputy will be aware this redress scheme has not been extended to any additional institutions since 2005 and it has been closed to late applications since September 2011.

In examining this matter the Government decided it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the findings and conclusions of the Commission on relevant matters.

When the Commission submits its final reports, its conclusions on all matters regarding the treatment of former residents taken into careful consideration when determining the State’s response.

331 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRAA05700Child Care Services

13/02/2018WRAA05800604. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the necessary funding will be provided for the reopening of a facility (details supplied) as previously promised by Government representatives. [7381/18]

13/02/2018WRAA05900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): As the Deputy is aware, my Department does not directly provide childcare - rather we fund the provision of childcare through individuals, companies and community/not-for-profit groups. Therefore, following the closure of the existing childcare provider in this location, I requested that Pobal and Longford CCC work with local bodies and potential partners in relation to the re-establishment of a service for the local community.

Unfortunately, my Department did not receive a viable proposal for the creation of a childcare service at that time. However, my Department is currently in discussions with Longford CCC with the aim of progressing a procurement process to secure a suitable operator for a childcare service in this area. Funding for a childcare setting remains available pending the outcome of this procurement process.

13/02/2018WRAA06000Family Resource Centres

13/02/2018WRAA06100605. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will announce the successful applicants for new family resource centres. [7382/18]

13/02/2018WRAA06200Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme. As part of Budget 2018, I was pleased to announce that additional funding of approximately €5.0m is being allocated to existing centres and to support the expansion of the programme, with the inclusion of an additional 11 centres in 2018. The closing date for receipt of applications, by Tusla, was 20th December 2017.

Over €2.0m of the additional funding announced in Budget 2018 was allocated to existing centres for investment in small works in December 2017. The remainder of this funding will be allocated to Family Resource Centres this year.

Tusla has advised that it has received a total of 43 applications for inclusion in the Family Resource Centre Programme from community organisations. Tusla is currently assessing all applications. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment at the beginning of March 2018.

I highly value the work of Family Resource Centres across the country. Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way.

13/02/2018WRAA06300Action Plan for Rural Development Expenditure

13/02/2018WRAA06400606. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans for the expenditure of the town enhancement and development fund for Dunmore, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6691/18]

13/02/2018WRAA06500Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Action

332 13 February 2018 Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of reju- venating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.

The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in April last year, with a focus on projects which could stimulate and encourage economic activity in our rural towns and villages. Following a competitive process, in October 2017 I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland.

A total of 15 projects were submitted to my Department by Galway Co. Council for consideration, and I awarded funding of over €1 million to 13 of those projects. No application in respect of Dunmore appears to have been submitted to my Department under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal scheme.

However, I plan to launch another round of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2018, with a continued focus on projects that will have a strong impact on supporting rural economies and improving the quality of life for people who live in rural towns and villages. Full details of the scheme will be made available to all Local Authorities when the scheme is launched.

13/02/2018WRBB00200Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRBB00300607. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to set out in tabular form the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer or agency; the amount spent on public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department, by agency and month, since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6754/18]

13/02/2018WRBB00400Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Depart- ment of Rural and Community Development was established on 19 July 2017. Any information relating to the functions transferred to this Department, for the requested period prior to that date, will be reported on by the relevant previous parent Departments, in their responses. The information in the following tables is from the date of establishment of the Department.

Four state bodies fall under the remit of my Department, Pobal, Irish Water Safety, the Western Development Commission and the Charities Regulatory Authority. The information relating to these bodies is from 1st January 2016 in the following table. As you may be aware, Pobal is not fully funded by this Department. However, as the lead Department for that body, we have obtained the required information from Pobal.

The following tables contain the information requested, as currently available.

Department of Rural and Community Development

Expenditure Type Expenditure Month/Year Photography, Video production €522.75 2017 Photography, Video production €676.50 2017 Photography, Video production €512.40 2017 Photography, Video production €430.50 2017 Photography, Video production €430.50 2017 Photography, Video production €676.50 October 2017

333 Questions - Written Answers Expenditure Type Expenditure Month/Year Photography, Video production €250.00 January 2018

Pobal

Expenditure Type Expenditure Month/Year Photography, Video production €307.50 2017 Photography, Video production €2,246.00 March 2016 Photography, Video production €1,996.00 March 2017 Photography, Video production €450.00 April 2017 Photography, Video production €2,335.00 August 2017 Photography, Video production €467.40 November 2017 Photography, Video production €3,554.25 December 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €277.85 January 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €297.78 February 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €397.42 March 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €307.75 April 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €324.35 May 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €719.37 June 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €269.55 July 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €302.76 August 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €317.71 September 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €357.56 October 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €326.01 November 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €80.26 December 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €79.34 January 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €82.10 February 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €47.97 March 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €2,426.49 April 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €83.95 May 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €1,991.86 June 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €128.05 July 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €125.46 August 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €210.33 September 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €4,678.61 October 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €984.00 November 2017

Irish Water Safety

Expenditure Type Expenditure Month/Year Photography, Video production €670.00 March 2016 Photography, Video production €1,694.00 October 2016 Photography, Video production €1,367.00 November 2016 Photography, Video production €828.00 January 2017 Photography, Video production €1,775.00 November 2017 Photography, Video production €1,341.00 December 2017

334 13 February 2018

Western Development Committee

Expenditure Type Expenditure Month/Year Photography, Video production €1,000.00 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €2,345.00 2016 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €6,666.66 2017 PR, Communications Advice, Media Monitoring €3,333.34 2017

Charities Regulatory Authority

Expenditure Type Expenditure Month/Year Communications €1,845.00 January 2016 Communications €1,845.00 February 2016 Communications €1,845.00 March 2016 Communications €1,845.00 April 2016 Communications €1,845.00 May 2016 Communications €1,845.00 June 2016 Communications €1,845.00 July 2016 Communications €1,845.00 August 2016 Communications €1,845.00 September 2016 Communications €1,845.00 October 2016 Communications €1,845.00 November 2016 Communications €2,029.50 December 2016 Communications €2,029.50 January 2017 Communications €2,029.50 February 2017 Communications €2,029.50 March 2017 Communications €2,029.50 April 2017 Communications €2,029.50 May 2017 Communications €2,029.50 June 2017 Communications €2,029.50 July 2017 Communications €2,029.50 August 2017 Communications €2,029.50 September 2017 Communications €2,029.50 October 2017 Communications €2,029.50 November 2017 Photography, Video production €448.26 May 2017 Photography, Video production €645.75 September 2017

13/02/2018WRBB00500Leader Programmes Applications

13/02/2018WRBB00600608. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to set out the number of Leader applications submitted and approved for the south west of County Cork; if funding has been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7122/18]

13/02/2018WRBB00700Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The LEAD- ER element of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014–2020 will provide €250 million

335 Questions - Written Answers in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Under the programme, funding will be distributed by Local Action Groups to rural communities in line with the local development strategies that have been developed within each sub-regional area in Ireland.

The total allocation for County Cork over the period 2014-2020 is €13.938 million. For the purposes of the LEADER Programme, County Cork is divided into 3 sub-regional areas, with a Local Action Group in each area, Cork North, Cork South and Cork West, delivering separate Local Development Strategies.

Details of the number of applications received and projects approved to date in each of the 3 sub-regional areas are provided at Appendix 1. There have been no payments made to date in County Cork in respect of project applications. However, funding will be drawn down as projects are implemented and payment claims are submitted.

Appendix 1

LEADER project applications and approvals in County Cork as at 12th February 2018

Cork Sub-Re- No of Applica- Value of Appli- No. of Approv- Value of Ap- gional areas tions Received cations Re- als issued provals ceived Cork North 36 1,592,968.10 12 701,611.31 Cork South 16 541,949.43 3 203,610.12 Cork West 21 630,638.45 3 139,990.45

13/02/2018WRBB00800Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

13/02/2018WRBB00900609. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when he plans to open the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme for 2018; if funding will be included for the greenway project from Sallins, County Kildare, to Adamstown, County Dub- lin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7199/18]

13/02/2018WRBB01000Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): Policy responsibility for the development of greenways is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. However, my Department also supports the development of greenways through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

I plan to launch a new round of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in 2018 and details of the scheme will be made available to all Local Authorities when the scheme is launched.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is currently preparing a strategy for the future development of greenways and this strategy provides an opportunity to further strengthen the cooperation between my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to greenways to maximise their economic potential.

13/02/2018WRBB01100Walks Scheme

13/02/2018WRBB01200610. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Develop- ment to outline his plans to re-open the rural walks scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7289/18] 336 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRBB01300Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): My Depart- ment administers the Walks Scheme which facilitates the development and maintenance of many of Ireland’s walking trails. The scheme involves landholders as key participants in the provision of high quality walking trails, by contracting them to undertake maintenance work on sections of National Way Marked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken, in line with agreed work plans.

The scheme currently covers 39 trails, with payments made to approximately 1,900 landholders to maintain those trails.

The Programme for a Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development include a commitment to increase the number of trails covered by the Walks Scheme and my officials are working towards this objective. I intend to initiate a comprehensive review of the scheme’s operation this year in order to determine how best to expand the scheme and maximise the impact of the resources available to me. This review will inform any decisions to be made regarding new walks to be included in the scheme.

As significant consultation will be required with both landholders and other stakeholders, it is unlikely that any increase in the number of walks covered by the scheme will be implemented until late 2018 or early 2019.

13/02/2018WRBB01350Community Development Initiatives

13/02/2018WRBB01500611. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline the funds that will be available to enable elderly persons over 70 years of age meet for recreational and leisure pursuits and for social occasions on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7412/18]

13/02/2018WRBB01600Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): My Depart- ment provides a variety of supports in respect of community and rural development which are available to many sectors of society, including the elderly.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a key intervention for disadvantaged communities. The Programme Implementers in each area work with the elderly in their locality, once they fall within one of the SICAP target groups. There are currently two Lot areas in which older people have been selected as an ‘emerging needs group’, that require a particular focus under the programme.

The Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development (RAPID) programme provides funding for capital projects to improve the lives of residents in disadvantaged urban areas. Projects funded under this programme specifically aimed at elderly in 2017 included providing meeting spaces and providing IT equipment for training.

The Communities Facilities Scheme is targeted at both urban and rural areas and funds projects that seek to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level. Projects funded under this scheme specifically aimed at elderly in 2017 included purchasing equipment and furniture for use by painting and yoga groups and purchasing sports equipment like table tennis tables, basketball and bowling equipment.

The SICAP, RAPID and CFS schemes are administered on my Department’s behalf by Lo- cal Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of the Local Authorities.

337 Questions - Written Answers My Department also provides core funding to national organisations in the community and voluntary sector through the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), including organisations that provide services to older people. Additionally, through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, my Department provides funding for the development and improvement of recreational infrastructure all over Ireland - projects that support better access to recreational amenities for all citizens including elderly persons are welcome to apply for funding under the Scheme. I expect to announce funding under the 2018 round of this scheme in the coming months.

13/02/2018WRBB01700Seniors Alert Scheme

13/02/2018WRBB01800612. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development in the context of the community alert system and the additional funding promised to expand same to outline the way in which the new scheme will operate; the amount of the charge that recipients of the scheme will pay after the first year of availing of same and for each year thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7413/18]

13/02/2018WRBB01900Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): My Depart- ment is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages support for vulnerable people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community-based organisation of equipment i.e., a personal alarm and/or pendant, which is provided to the elderly person participating. The scheme is operated on my Department’s behalf by Pobal.

Following a review, a new version of the scheme was launched on 1st November 2017. A number of important new changes were introduced, including an extension of the eligibility criteria to include elderly people who live on their own for long periods during the day and the introduction of free monitoring for the first year, following which a small charge will apply. The amount of this charge will depend on the service provider and the type of alarm or pendant provided, but it is anticipated that it will be in the region of €60 per annum.

In tandem with the new scheme, a nationwide public awareness campaign is being rolled out, in partnership with Pobal, to encourage a greater level of awareness, interest and participation in the scheme.

I am pleased to report a very high uptake of the new scheme which I have facilitated through the provision of additional funding. By end December 2017, over 21,000 applications had been approved and some 18,000 installations were made. My Department will continue to review the operation of the scheme, and will continue to encourage elderly people to avail of it.

13/02/2018WRBB02000Carer’s Benefit Applications

13/02/2018WRBB02100613. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection to outline the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [6864/18]

13/02/2018WRBB02200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Carer’s benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care and attention.

338 13 February 2018 An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on 25 January 2018.

The application is currently being processed and once completed the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB02300Disability Allowance Applications

13/02/2018WRBB02400614. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion if an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [6677/18]

13/02/2018WRBB02500Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): I confirm that my department received an application - fordis ability allowance from this gentleman on 15 December 2017. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

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

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB02600Occupational Injuries Benefit Eligibility

13/02/2018WRBB02700615. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork qualifies for occupational injuries benefit. [6717/18]

13/02/2018WRBB02800Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Injury Benefit is a weekly payment in respect of incapacity for work due to an accident arising out of and in the course of employment. For the purpose of the scheme, an accident while on an unbroken journey between one’s normal place of residence and one’s place of employment, is regarded as an accident at work. Benefit can be paid for up to 26 weeks from the date of the accident / injury /disease.

The person concerned made a claim to Occupational Injury Benefit commencing on 15 Jan- uary 2018. There is no entitlement to payment for the first 6 days and no payment for Sundays. As the person concerned returned to work on 22 January 2018, no payment is due.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB02900Public Services Card Provision

13/02/2018WRBB03000616. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion to set out the criteria needed for a person from Bulgaria when applying for a public services card. [6734/18]

13/02/2018WRBB03100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty):

339 Questions - Written Answers Face-to-face registration for a Public Services Card (PSC) is called SAFE registration.

If a person needs a PSC they can make an appointment online by using www.mywelfare.ie or by calling into their local Intreo Centre or social welfare local office. Details of the Depart- ment’s SAFE office locations are available www.welfare.ie.

SAFE registration takes about 15 minutes to complete (once all documents are presented). During this appointment the person’s photograph will be taken and his / her signature recorded for their PSC, which will be posted to the address provided by the person during registration. The person will also be asked for the answers to some security questions.

The following documents need to be presented at the appointment–

1. Evidence of identity: EU citizens (other than Irish and UK) including Bulgarians, should present a current passport or national identity card.

2. Evidence of address: Any of the following documents can be used to do this (it must show the person’s name and address): a household utility bill; an official letter/document; a financial statement; property lease or tenancy agreement; confirmation of address by a third party such as a school principal/administrator, accommodation/property owner or manager.

If the person is staying with friends or relatives an original household bill plus a note from the bill holder confirming residency at the bill address is acceptable. This note can be written on the bill itself.

As part of the SAFE registration process, the person will be given the option to verify their mobile phone. This will make it easier for them to setup and verify a MyGovID account to securely access a range of public services online.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB03200Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRBB03300617. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection to set out in tabular form the amount spent by her Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency; the amount spent on public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of her Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by her Department, by agency and month, since 1 January 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6747/18]

13/02/2018WRBB03400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The amount spent by my Department on photography, external public relations and communications advice since 1 January 2016, by date and company engaged, in tabular form is as follows:

2016: Photography

Date Details Supplier Cost (inc VAT) 16/02/16 Launch of Clondalkin Robbie Reynolds Pho- €553.50 Intreo Centre tography 24/02/16 Pathways to Work Maxwell Photography €645.75 22/11/2016 Launch of NCI Accredited Jason Clarke Photogra- €400 Training Programme phy - - Total €1,599.25

340 13 February 2018 2017: Photography

Date Details Supplier Cost (inc VAT) 02/02/2017 Official Opening of Elizabeth Photocall Ireland €92.25 O’Farrell House with Mrs Sa- bina Higgins 06/02/2017 Launch of Healthy You Early Son Photographic €307.50 Intervention Forum Ltd T/A Shane O’Neill Photography 03/02/2017 Portrait photography of Manage- Son Photographic €307.50 ment Board. Ltd 06/02/2017 Portrait photography of Manage- Son Photographic €501.76 ment Board. Ltd 10/02/2017 Portrait photography of Manage- Son Photographic €307.50 ment Board. Ltd 19/04/2017 Launch of ‘MyGovID’ online Son Photographic €430.50 services Ltd 24/04/2017 Launch of ‘Make Work Pay’ Son Photographic €442.80 Report Ltd 24/04/2017 Launch of Treatment Benefit Son Photographic €464.33 Awareness Campaign Ltd 04/05/2017 Purchasing Photography Stock Charlie Collins t/a €163.03 from Jobs Week 2016 Collins Photo Agen- cy 04/05/2017 Purchasing Photography Stock Charlie Collins t/a €163.03 11/05/2017 Launch of Welfare Fraud aware- Son Photographic €430.50 ness campaign Ltd 30/06/2017 Senior Management Day Event Son Photographic €1045.50 and Portrait Photography Ltd 04/09/2017 Launch of Fuel Allowance Infor- Son Photographic €467.40 mation Campaign Ltd 05/10/2017 Purchase of Stock Photography Photocall Ireland €92.25 05/10/2017 Photography of Intreo Centre for Son Photographic €356.70 stock photography Ltd 05/10/2017 Launch of new ‘Ability’ Pro- Son Photographic €430.50 gramme to help people into Ltd employment 23/10/2017 Jobs Week - Dublin Castle Event Son Photographic €307.50 Ltd 23/10/2017 Jobs Week - Navan Event Son Photographic €390.53 Ltd 30/11/2017 Photo for BTSCFA Launch Son Photographic €485.85 Ltd 30/11/2017 Photo for Paternity Benefit Cam- Son Photographic €307.50 paign Launch Ltd 30/11/2017 Photo for Treatment Benefits Son Photographic €485.85 Announcement Ltd

341 Questions - Written Answers Date Details Supplier Cost (inc VAT) 30/11/2017 Announcement re Gender Rec- Son Photographic €430.50 ognition Act Ltd 30/11/2017 DEASP 70 Year Anniversary Son Photographic €605.78 Open Policy Conference Ltd 07/12/2017 NCI DEASP Graduation Event Son Photographic €442.80 Ltd - - Total €9,459.36

Expenditure on External Public Relations and Communications Advice 2016/2017/2018

Date Details Supplier Cost (inc VAT) 2016 NA NA NIL

Aug 2017 Plain English Services NALA €4390.00 Dec 2017 Communications Advice Murray Consultants €3690.00 Feb 2018 Plain English Services NALA €2070.00

13/02/2018WRBB03500Carer’s Allowance Applications

13/02/2018WRBB03600618. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6765/18]

13/02/2018WRBB03700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 January 2018. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 29 January 2018 and the case will be referred to an Ap- peals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB03800JobPath Data

13/02/2018WRBB03900619. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and So- cial Protection to set out the number of persons on JobPath in County Donegal as of 1 February 2018; the number of persons who were on JobPath for the same date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6795/18]

13/02/2018WRBB04000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Job- Path is an employment service, designed to support people who are long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment.

In relation to the number of people who have commenced their engagement period with the 342 13 February 2018 service, it is important to note that jobseekers may be supported through the service for up to 30 months. Under the service jobseekers have access to a Personal Advisor (PA) who works with them over two phases. During the first phase, of 12 months duration, the PA provides practical assistance in searching, preparing for, securing and sustaining employment. The second phase starts if the jobseeker is successful in finding work. During this phase the PA continues to work with the jobseeker for a further period of at least three months, and up to 12 months. In addition to these two phases jobseekers may also undertake training while with the service and this may extend the period the jobseeker is supported through the service for up to a further 6 months.

As of the end of January 2018 some 4,298 clients in Donegal were engaged with the service, the total number of clients engaged on the same date in 2017 was 3,381.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB04100Jobseeker’s Benefit

13/02/2018WRBB04200620. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if recommendations contained in the report on part-time and seasonal workers’ entitlements presented to her in 2017 have been decided on; when legacy issues which are adversely affecting this sector of employment will be addressed; her plans for dealing with the issues affecting these workers; the timeframe for implementing the necessary changes to help this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6796/18]

13/02/2018WRBB04300Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): My Department’s main social welfare schemes for unemployed persons are the jobseeker’s allowance and the jobseekers benefit schemes. Both schemes provide significant support to individuals so that they can work up to 3 days a week and still retain access to a reduced jobseeker’s payment. The 2018 Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseeker’s schemes of €2.17 billion.

An Taoiseach, in his previous role as Minister for Social Protection, gave a commitment at Dáil report stage of the Social Welfare Bill 2016 that he would ask officials to examine the issue of jobseeker’s benefit and the treatment of part-time and seasonal workers, including those categorised as having subsidiary employment. It is important in the interests of equity and fairness that the conditions for receipt of a jobseekers payment apply to all recipients, including those who could be categorised as seasonal and part-time workers.

My Department does operate a fast-tracking system for customers including seasonal workers who sign-off their jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit claim to take up work or a training course for a period of up to 12 weeks. In these cases, the claim is not closed. Rather, payment is suspended temporarily for the duration of the work or training course. When the person signs on again after the period of work or training, the claim can be reactivated without delay and payment restored.

My officials have recently completed a report on these issues which I will consider in detail. My Department is also currently collating data in relation to those who qualify for jobseeker’s benefit and who are in subsidiary employment. We will have 12 months of data gathered by May 2018 at which point I will be in a better position to make an informed decision on this issue.

13/02/2018WRBB04400Public Services Card

343 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRBB04500621. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection if a review regarding the use of the public services card as part of section 5 of the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Bill 2017 will be carried out in view of the fact that while the card is not mandatory, the list of services requiring the card is increasing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6823/18]

13/02/2018WRBB04600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Only bodies specified in legislation and currently included in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) or their agents can ask for and use the Public Services Card (PSC). The current proposal in Section 5 of the Social Welfare Bill does not change this. That protection will remain if the legislative proposal is adopted.

As the law currently stands, even if a card holder volunteers their PSC, a private sector organisation would be committing an offence by accepting it as they are not a “specified body”. Customer feedback is that they should be allowed to volunteer the card to non-Specified Bodies if it suits them to do so, for the purposes of ID verification such as when signing up to a utility company contract or opening an account with a financial institution. Customers often report that private companies insist on a State-issued photographic ID such as a Passport or Driver’s License which they might not have and which are costly. In contrast, the PSC is free of charge.

Therefore the legislative proposal is that non-specified bodies that accept a PSC that is offered to them voluntarily by the holder should not be prosecuted or at risk of prosecution. At the same time, such non-specified organisations should not be able to request or force a person to use their PSC – that would remain an offence. In other words, the volunteering of the card is the critical issue.

Furthermore, and for the sake of absolute clarity - this proposal in no way allows a private sector body to access the customer data on the card chip or on any government database - simply to view/accept the card as a form of identity and to stop it being an offence for them to accept it.

This measure will be beneficial to holders of the PSC, most especially those who do not hold a driving licence or a passport. It is their identity and as such the holder should be allowed to volunteer it if they so choose, even in a commercial situation. Accordingly, I do not intend to review this piece of proposed legislation at this time.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB04700Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

13/02/2018WRBB04800622. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion to outline her plans to review the process with the back-to-education allowance in view of the fact that a person has to apply each year for a back-to-education allowance if doing a four- year course despite the fact that previously the allowance granted the person the full four years of study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6824/18]

13/02/2018WRBB04900Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The objective of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is to assist those who are distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. Administration of the BTEA by my Department is aligned with the student support schemes under the Department of Education and Skills.

The Allowance enables social welfare customers in receipt of certain payments to pursue full-time education courses and to continue to receive income support in the form of the BTEA, 344 13 February 2018 subject to the customer remaining eligible for a DSP payment. In general, most customers will also have certain registration and related college fees paid by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Students participating in a multi-year course do not have to reapply for BTEA on commencing a subsequent academic year. They are required to re-establish their entitlement to a qualifying payment at the beginning of each academic year and satisfy the Department that they remain in full time education.

The operation of the BTEA has been comprehensively revised over the past two years, including the introduction of the cost of education allowance for participants with dependent children and the abolition of age-related payments for all participants. I have no plans to further alter the current criteria, as set out in the scheme guidelines.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB05000Social Welfare Appeals

13/02/2018WRBB05100623. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a non-contributory pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6825/18]

13/02/2018WRBB05200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 August 2017. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22 January 2018 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Pro- tection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB05300Child Maintenance Payments

13/02/2018WRBB05400624. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion if a committee to examine the steps her Department can take to create a child maintenance service to assist lone parents to seek child maintenance payments will be established in view of commitments made during a debate in Seanad Éireann in December 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6857/18]

13/02/2018WRBB05500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The establishment of a child maintenance service to assist lone parents to seek child maintenance payments would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

In cases where the family unit has broken down obligations regarding child maintenance continue to apply and relevant maintenance payments can be arranged either directly between the couple themselves or through supports like the Family Mediation Service, the Legal Aid Board and the Courts. The arrangement of maintenance is therefore a matter between both parents regardless of whether or not either parent is in receipt of a social welfare payment. 345 Questions - Written Answers My Department has previously indicated its intention to review the current maintenance and liable relative procedures in light of the changes to the one-parent family payment scheme, and work had commenced on this review. Since April 2017, however, work on the review of the one-parent family payment, which was required to be completed over a short timeframe, took priority given the statutory nature of the review.

That review (the Indecon Report) was completed in October 2017 and the Report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Work has now re-commenced on the review of maintenance as it relates to my Department. This review will necessitate my Department liaising with the Department of Justice and Equality as the Family Law Acts, which place a legal obligation on parents to maintain their children, are under the remit of that Department.

This is a complex area. When I have completed my consideration of the issues, the best way forward can be decided in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.

13/02/2018WRBB05600Disability Allowance Applications

13/02/2018WRBB05700625. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion to set out the status of an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6865/18]

13/02/2018WRBB05800Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Following a review of the entitlement of the person in question, disability allowance (DA) was disallowed with effect from17 May 2017 as she was deemed to have means in excess of the statutory limit for her circumstances.

Further information was supplied by the person in question with a request for a review of her entitlement. The deciding officer (DO) reviewing this case upheld the decision to disallow payment as means were still in excess of the statutory limit. Notification of this decision issued on 27 September 2017.

Further means information was received by this office on 6 February 2018 and is currently with a DO for review. The person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on her eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made on her DA application and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRBB05900Social Welfare Rates

13/02/2018WRBB06000626. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to outline the estimated additional annual cost of ensuring via social welfare increases that all household types currently in receipt of a weekly social welfare payment are brought into compliance with the minimum income standards developed by an organisation (details supplied). [6921/18]

13/02/2018WRBB06100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ) developed a model of a minimum income standard (MIS). The MIS is defined by the VPSJ as “the gross income a household needs in order to reach their minimum essential standard of living”.

346 13 February 2018 The VPSJ’s Minimum Essential Standard of Living 2017 (MESL) is derived from a negotiated consensus, based on focus groups with representative households, and discussions with policy-makers and experts. According to the VPSJ, it is a standard of living which meets an individual’s / household’s physical, psychological and social needs, calculated by identifying the goods and services required by different household types in order to meet these minimum needs. The costs incorporate factors such as food, clothing, personal care, health, household goods, household services, communications, social inclusion, education, fuel, transport, personal costs, insurance, savings and contingencies.

The model developed by the VPSJ produces a minimum income standard which is dependent on whether the household is, among other factors: (i) in a rural or urban location; (ii) composed of a single working age person, a couple, a single- or two-parent family, a single pensioner or a pensioner couple; and (iii) living in private rented accommodation, social housing or is an owner-occupier.

It should be noted that the MESL for welfare households assumes that households are eligible for a medical card, and as such, health and insurance costs are reduced accordingly, although the cost of over-the-counter medicines and prescription charges remain. While the model assumes that pensioners have the Free Travel pass and the Household Benefits package, it does not assume this for working age people. It should be noted that certain working age recipients of welfare payments do qualify for Free Travel – all recipients of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, and Carer’s Allowance, for example.

The costing outlined below is based on the following assumptions: (i) The minimum income standards used for the costings are those for urban locations; (ii) Housing costs are not taken into account as these are provided for separately in the model and vary significantly depending on a household’s circumstances. It should be noted that weekly welfare payments do not vary depending on housing types or costs. A range of schemes, such as Rent Supplement, the Hous- ing Assistance Payment, Rental Accommodation Scheme and the differential rent scheme are available to assist with certain types of housing costs.

The Minimum Income figures used in this costing are from the Minimum Essential Standard of Living 2017 (the latest publication available) and its Appendices. The costs are based on 2018 estimated recipient numbers.

Children

The cost of a child in 2017 varies depending on the child’s age, according to VPSJ research (Appendix 3A). The VPSJ research places the weekly cost of an infant at €81.09, a pre-school child at €49.19, a child in primary school at €81.77 and a child in secondary school at €129.27. These costs comprise of food, clothing, household goods, health, social inclusion, transport, education, etc. The costs do not include childcare.

For the purposes of this costing exercise, a weighted average increase was calculated (based on the CSO’s 2017 estimated population distribution by age, which is the most recent available). Taking into account the value of the qualified child increase (€31.80 per week from March 2018), child benefit (€140 per month) and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Al- lowance where appropriate (€125 or €250 per annum, depending on the age of the child), an average increase of €21.22 (rounded up to €21.30 per week) is required to the qualified child increase to bring the payment in line with the VSPJ’s direct cost of a child.

The cost of increasing the qualified child increase by €21.30 per week is €393.57 million in a full year. This includes the cost of increasing the Back to Work Family Dividend which is linked to the rate of the qualified child increase (€15.18 million). 347 Questions - Written Answers Working Age

The VPSJ research finds that the minimum income standard (MIS) for a single working age adult with no children is €214.69 per week (Appendix 4A). For the costing, all weekly working age personal rates were increased to €214.70 per week. The monetary increase varies depending on the current weekly personal rate. It should be noted that the value of increases such as the Living Alone Allowance and supplementary payments, where relevant, such as the Household Benefits Package, Fuel Allowance, and Free Travel, have not been taken into account in this costing.

The MIS for a working age couple with no children is €327.96 (Appendix 4A), which is an increase of €113.27 from the single person’s rate. From March 2018, the general increase for a working age qualified adult is €131.40 per week. Accordingly, the qualified adult rate was not changed in this costing.

The cost of increasing all working age personal payments to €214.70 per week is €590.74 million in a full year. It should be noted that this cost also includes increasing the Jobseeker’s Allowance age-related reduced rates to €214.70 per week, at a total cost of €113.37 million in a full year.

Pensioners

The MIS for a single pensioner is €216.38 and for a pensioner couple is €261.73 (Appendix 6A). Accordingly, there are no welfare increases required to reach the MIS for pensioners as current welfare payments are in excess of the MIS for this group.

13/02/2018WRBB06200Social Welfare Code

13/02/2018WRBB06300627. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out in tabular form the estimated annual cost of index-linking each payment (details supplied) to inflation over the next five years. [6922/18]

13/02/2018WRBB06400628. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out the estimated annual cost of index-linking all weekly social welfare payments to inflation over the next five years. [6923/18]

13/02/2018WRBB06500629. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out the estimated annual cost of index-linking all social welfare payments to inflation over the next five years. [6924/18]

13/02/2018WRBB06600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I propose to take Questions Nos. 627 to 629, inclusive, together.

The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices used in the following table is sourced from the Department of Finance’s 2018 Budget Day book. This provides forecasts for inflation for the four years 2018 to 2021 inclusive. However, there is no projection available for 2022 or 2023 and, thus, no costings are provided for the years to 2021.

The costings are based on 2018 recipient numbers, and include the cost of proportionate increases in reduced rates and the qualified adult rates of payment, where applicable. It should be noted that the costings do not take into account changing trends (increases or decreases) in recipient numbers from 2019 onwards.

Additional Cost of Rate Increases linked to the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, 348 13 February 2018 2019 to 2021

- 2019 – 1.4% €m 2020 – 1.8% €m 2021 – 1.9% €m Jobseeker’s Benefit 4.8 6.1 6.6 Jobseeker’s Allowance 27.1 34.8 37.6 Supplementary Welfare Allowance 2.6 3.4 3.6 Illness Benefit 8.1 10.4 11.2 Disability Allowance 21.05 27.0 29.3 One Parent Family Payment 5.7 7.3 7.9 Carer’s Benefit 0.45 0.6 0.6 Carer’s Allowance 9.8 12.8 13.7 State Pension (Contributory) 69.25 103.1 128.5 State Pension (Non-Contributory) 16.1 21.1 22.6 All weekly Social Welfare pay- 225.4 306.7 350.4 ments All Social Welfare payments 262.3 354.8 401.4

The costs for all weekly social welfare payments includes increasing the qualified child increase, the Living Alone Increase and the over 80s allowance in line with projected inflation. It also includes increasing the rates for the work programmes including Community Employment, Tus and the Rural Social Scheme but it does not include increasing the top-ups paid on these schemes. Furthermore, it includes increasing expenditure on the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement) in line with projected inflation.

In addition to the weekly social welfare payments, the costs for all social welfare payments include the monthly Child Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance payments, and the annual Carer’s Support Grant. Provision is also made for an increase in expenditure in line with inflation for the Fuel Allowance, the Household Benefits scheme and the Widowed Parent Grant.

All of these costings are based on 2018 estimated recipient numbers.

13/02/2018WRCC00300Tús Programme

13/02/2018WRCC00400630. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of her plans for the future of the Tús scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6935/18]

13/02/2018WRCC00500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Tús is one of a range of supports provided by my Department to cater for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. It provides part-time temporary work in local communities, as a stepping-stone back to employment. However, it is important to note that these placements are not full-time sustainable jobs and are designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities of returning to the labour market or getting a job for the first time. The Deputy will appreciate that the welcome reduction in the unemployment rate is a factor in recruitment to all programmes. Long-term unemployment is expected to fall further this year in line with the continuing forecasted fall in overall unemployment.

Currently, participants can remain on Tús for one year and I have no plans to change this. However, changes were introduced recently to the selection criteria for Tús which should

349 Questions - Written Answers broaden the availability of Tús to a greater number of people on the live register. This includes an increase in the percentage of assisted referrals from 20% to 30%, as well as permitting someone who has had a break of up to 30 days on the Live Register in the past 12 months to be considered eligible for Tús selection.

The Department keeps all aspects of its activation programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services around the country.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC00600Illness Benefit Appeals

13/02/2018WRCC00700631. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied). [6937/18]

13/02/2018WRCC00800Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): The person concerned made a claim for Illness Benefit from 27 December 2017 but did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for receipt of the benefit at that time as he had insufficient PRSI contributions in the governing contribution year which was 2015.

However, he did have sufficient PRSI contributions in the 2016 year and this means he qualifies for payment from 1 January 2018 subject to the serving of the required waiting days. Illness Benefit is not paid for the first six days of any claim. All arrears due have now been paid to the person concerned.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC00900Social Welfare Overpayments

13/02/2018WRCC01000632. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6944/18]

13/02/2018WRCC01100Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): The person concerned appealed a decision by my Department to raise an overpayment in her case. The appeal was heard by the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office and the person concerned was successful in her appeal. My Department is working to give effect to the decision of the Appeals Office and expects to be in a position to contact the person concerned with full details shortly.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC01200Money Advice and Budgeting Service

13/02/2018WRCC01300633. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a vote taken in Dáil Éireann on 30 March 2017 which called upon the Citizens Information Board to desist from the dismantling and replacement of the networks of independent Citizens Information Services and MABS; if her attention

350 13 February 2018 has been further drawn to a report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection issued on 1 June 2017 which recommended a similar action; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the board is persisting with the strategy of which both Dáil Éireann and the joint committee disapproves; and her understanding and the understanding communicated by her Department to the board of the role of Dáil Éireann in matters of public administration, particularly in circumstances in which funds voted by Dáil Éireann are involved. [6960/18]

13/02/2018WRCC01400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body established by the Oireachtas. In addition to its own statutory responsibilities in relation to information and advocacy service provision, it has statutory responsibility for the countrywide networks of Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). CIB has been allocated €57.410 million to fund its activities and that of its service delivery partners for 2018.

In November 2014, the Board of the Citizens Information Board decided to restructure the local CIS and MABS networks. In October 2016, the Board decided that the new structure should be regionally based. In February 2017, the Board adopted a recommendation that the current structure of ninety three individual local companies would be changed to a sixteen regional company model, comprising eight CIS and eight MABS companies.

The changes are being made at local company board level only. The valuable work carried out by employees and volunteers working in CIS services and employees of MABS services will continue as heretofore. The staff and boards throughout the CIS and MABS networks have been assured by CIB that there will be no change to the terms and conditions of staff, no dimi- nution of services for those who use them and no closure of service delivery points.

I am aware that there has been opposition to the Board’s decision by a small number of objectors as these have been raised in the Dáil and at meetings of the Joint Oireachtas Commit- tee (JOC) on Employment Affairs and Social Protection in the wake of the decision. I am also aware of the Cost Benefit Analysis on the new regional company model which was provided by CIB to the JOC on 21 September 2017 and which indicates strong support for the decision of the Board to proceed to implement the new governance arrangements.

The governance structure of the CIS and MABS network is a matter for the Board of CIB. As a statutory body, the Board has the sole right to make decisions on its day to day operations as it sees fit. The Board is clear that this change is necessary so that CIB, and the delivery services it funds, adequately meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the compliance requirements of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, given the significant level of taxpayers money involved.

The aim of this change by the Board of CIB is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management and governance of CIS and MABS networks, which are 100% State-funded. It is also about consolidating managerial and administrative efforts, focussing on front line service delivery to citizens, improving the consistency and quality of service delivery and, where possible, extending services for those who rely on them.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC01500Illness Benefit Applications

13/02/2018WRCC01600634. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the status of an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6963/18] 351 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRCC01700Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Illness Benefit (IB) is a payment for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. One of the PRSI conditions is that a person must have a minimum of 39 reckonable contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year. Claims made in 2017 are governed by the 2015 tax year and only PRSI Classes A, E, H, and P are reckonable for IB purposes.

The person concerned made a claim for IB and this claim was registered in my Department on 13 November 2017. The person concerned was written to on 8 February 2018 requesting further details with regard to permission to take up employment in this country. On receipt of this information, the claim can be considered further.

However, the Deputy should note that according to my Departments records, the person concerned has no reckonable PRSI contributions and just 2 credits for the 2015 year. If the person concerned feels that they should have more contributions in 2015 they should submit information on their employment and the matter will be investigated further. It is possible that the person concerned may qualify for IB in 2018, based on their contributions in 2016, once the question of permission to take up employment has been satisfied.

If the person concerned is unable to meet their needs or the needs of their household, they may be entitled to Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is a means-tested payment. They should contact their local Intreo Centre in this regard.

The PRSI contribution conditions governing entitlement to IB are statutory and cannot be either waived or modified in any particular case.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC01800JobPath Programme

13/02/2018WRCC01900635. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and So- cial Protection the reason persons on JobPath cannot transfer to either community employment schemes or rural social schemes in rural areas, even in cases in which there is a clear willing- ness to work on such schemes on the part of the JobPath participants (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6969/18]

13/02/2018WRCC02000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The aim of the JobPath service is to assist participants in finding sustainable full-time paid employment. Community Employment (CE) schemes, provides part-time employment and training opportunities in local communities for people in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, including long-term unemployment payments as a stepping stone back to employment. It is important to note that Community Employment, does not, nor is it intended to, provide full-time sustainable employment.

Jobseekers can only participate with one activation scheme or service at a time; this is to allow the scheme and service providers time to work with the participants and also to ensure that the best use is made of the available places.

In relation to the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), it provides opportunities for low income farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments and actively engaged with the farming or fishing industry to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities.

352 13 February 2018 The current selection process for the JobPath service excludes those jobseekers categorised as self-employed including those actively farming or fishing, with the result that most jobseekers eligible for RSS are not referred to the JobPath service. However in a small number of cases where self-employment had not been identified jobseekers were referred. If self-employment is subsequently verified by the Department, it is then open to the person to opt to leave the JobPath service.

Customers on the Jobpath service receive intensive individual support and assistance to help them to overcome barriers to employment. A Jobseeker who is currently engaged with the JobPath service is eligible to apply for a placement with RSS once the relevant qualifying conditions are satisfied and a suitable opportunity is available to the client.

At the end of the 52 weeks with the JobPath service, if a client has not been successful in finding suitable employment, they will have the facility available to them, subject to assessment and suitability, to apply for and access Community Employment and other activations supports provided by my Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC02100Disability Allowance Applications

13/02/2018WRCC02200636. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the position regarding an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6993/18]

13/02/2018WRCC02300Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Following the submission of further medical evidence by the person concerned, their case has been reviewed and they have been awarded disability allowance with effect from 23 August 2017. The first payment will be made on 14 February 2018.

Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy

13/02/2018WRCC02400Exceptional Needs Payment Applications

13/02/2018WRCC02500637. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision to refuse an application for exceptional needs payment by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7001/18]

13/02/2018WRCC02600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): De- terminations made by Designated Persons in relation to claims made under Section 201 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation Act) 2005, i.e. Exceptional Needs Payments can be reviewed by a SWA Reviewing Officer under Section 323 of that Act.

As the Deputy has requested that a review be conducted, the relevant review officer has been notified of your request and they will now commence the review process. Once the review has been completed, the outcome of the review will be communicated to the person concerned and the Deputy.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

353 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRCC02700Zero-hour Contracts

13/02/2018WRCC02800638. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the estimated number of existing workers who would see a change in their contracts as a result of the new section 18(2) of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. [7041/18]

13/02/2018WRCC02900Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Section 14 of the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017, which was published in December, proposes the replacement of the existing section 18 in the Organisation of Working Time Act with a new section. One of the purposes of the proposed new section 18 is to prohibit zero hour contracts in most circumstances.

The University of Limerick (UL) in its study on the prevalence of zero hour contracts and low hour contracts among Irish employers found that zero hour contracts as defined within current Irish employment rights legislation are not extensively used in Ireland. It found low working hours can arise in different forms in employment contracts, such as regular part-time contracts with fixed hours or a contract with “If and when” hours only or a hybrid of the two.

While I am not in a position to estimate the number of existing workers that would see a change in their contracts as a result of the new section 18, I am confident that this and the other measures proposed in the Bill will significantly improve the employment protections for employees on less secure employment arrangements. The Bill is scheduled for Second Stage in the Dáil this week and I look forward to working with colleagues on all sides of both Houses of the Oireachtas in progressing the Bill as expeditiously as possible.

13/02/2018WRCC03000Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

13/02/2018WRCC03100639. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to expand the free travel scheme to recipients of domiciliary care; the estimated cost of this expansion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7054/18]

13/02/2018WRCC03200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The current free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by almost 80 private transport operators. There are currently approximately 902,000 customers with direct eligibility to free travel with an annual allocation of €90 million. The scheme is available to all people aged over 66 living permanently in the State. To qualify for the scheme, applicants who are under age 66 must be in receipt of a qualifying payment. These are invalidity pension, blind pension, disability allowance, carer’s allowance or an equivalent social security payment from a country covered by EC Regulations or one with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement.

Domiciliary care allowance is a monthly payment of €309.50 to the carer of a child with a disability. The allowance may be used for the additional costs involved in caring for the child and this may include additional transport costs.

There are currently 35,759 recipients of domiciliary care allowance. Of that number, 17,938 are also in receipt of carers allowance and therefore would already have a free travel pass. To provide the remaining 17,821 with a free travel pass might be expected to cost in the region of €1.8 million a year.

354 13 February 2018 Any decision to extend the free travel scheme to all children that are in receipt of a domiciliary care allowance would require additional funding for the free travel scheme and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) the Department of Employ- ment Affairs and Social Protection may award a travel supplement in any case where the circumstances of the case so warrant. The supplement is intended to assist with ongoing or re- curring travel costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC03300Jobseeker’s Allowance Appeals

13/02/2018WRCC03400640. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when payment will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7066/18]

13/02/2018WRCC03500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Ac- cording to the records of my Department, a jobseeker allowance claim was disallowed for the person concerned from 19 July 2017. The disallowance arose due to the person concerned having means in excess, which was assessed from her partner’s self-employment. The person concerned appealed the decision and the file is currently with the Social Welfare Appeals Of- fice. With regard to the Working Family Payment (WFP), formally known as Family Income Supplement (FIS), my Department’s records show that no WFP claim has been registered by the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC03600Social Welfare Appeals Status

13/02/2018WRCC03700641. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the appeal against disallowance of payment in the case of a person (details supplied) will be decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7067/18]

13/02/2018WRCC03800Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 January 2018. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 24 January 2018 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

355 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRCC03900Money Advice and Budgeting Service

13/02/2018WRCC04000642. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 591 to 593, inclusive, of 30 January 2018, the person who made the decision to restructure the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, and Citizens Information Service, CIS; when this decision was taken; if it was a departmental directive or a decision by the board of CIB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7093/18]

13/02/2018WRCC04100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body established by the Oireachtas. In addition to its own statutory responsibilities in relation to information and advocacy service provision, it has statutory responsibility for the countrywide networks of Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

The decision to restructure the governance arrangements of the CIS and MABS companies from 93 individual service delivery companies to an eight region model, having one CIS and one MABS company in each, was taken by the statutory Board of the Citizens Information Board.

As a statutory body, the Board has the sole right to make decisions on its day to day operations as it sees fit. The Board’s decision followed a lengthy period of consultation and detailed consideration of the options and views put forward at all stages. I am satisfied that the membership of the Board of CIB, which comprises experienced and competent individuals representative of a broad spectrum of interests and which includes representatives of the Citizens Information Service and Money Advice and Budgeting Service, made this decision in the best interests of the citizens of Ireland, whom the Board serves.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC04200Domiciliary Care Allowance Review

13/02/2018WRCC04300643. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7167/18]

13/02/2018WRCC04400Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Department received notification of an appeal against the decision to disallow domiciliary care allowance (DCA) in this case on 14/09/2017. As part of the appeal process the DCA claim was reviewed by a deciding officer who determined that a revised decision was not warranted. The lady concerned was notified of this decision on 5 December 2017. The application has been forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further consideration.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC04500Disability Allowance Appeals

13/02/2018WRCC04600644. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection the position regarding an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7171/18]

356 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRCC04700Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Following the submission of further medical evidence by the person concerned, the case has been reviewed and disability allowance awarded with effect from 23 August 2017. The first payment will be made on 14 February 2018.

Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. Question No. 645 withdrawn.

13/02/2018WRCC04800JobPath Programme

13/02/2018WRCC04900646. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the reason persons who work part time for three or four days a week are being forced to participate on JobPath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7183/18]

13/02/2018WRCC05000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): All Jobseekers on the live register must be capable of; available for and actively seeking full time employment, they must engage with the Department’s activation services.

JobPath is one of my Department’s employment activation services which supports people who are long-term unemployed, including those underemployed and working part time to secure and sustain full-time paid employment. All jobseekers over one year on the Live Register are eligible for selection for the JobPath service and clients are chosen by means of a random selection process.

JobPath provides an intensive personal service which focuses on the skills and experience of each person. In the case of clients already in part-time employment this may focus on any options or opportunities to increase the level of employment in their current role, or look at prospects in other areas, which may also involve some training, but could provide a more sustainable income and a move away from a jobseekers payment. It is important therefore that these jobseekers continue to engage with their JobPath provider.

Customers referred to JobPath who are also working part-time will have all activities including meetings with their personal advisor scheduled around their work commitments and the JobPath contractors are required to be flexible in the provision of the service in that respect.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC05100Pension Provisions

13/02/2018WRCC05200647. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 330 to 332, inclusive, of 1 February 2018, if her attention has been drawn to the conclusions of the recent actuarial review of the Social Insur- ance Fund in regard to using a 30-year basis for full pension entitlement (details supplied), in particular the conclusion that under a 30-year basis, a significant number of persons will be negatively impacted in view of the proposal to use a 40-year basis in the interim total contributions approach. [7241/18]

13/02/2018WRCC05300648. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the guarantees or provision she plans to make for the first generation of pensioners under the total contributions approach from 2020 onwards in order that persons will not be faced with 357 Questions - Written Answers significant cuts to their pension expectations with no time to adjust their planning; and if her attention has been drawn to a conclusion in the national framework plan (details supplied). [7242/18]

13/02/2018WRCC05400649. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the home care credits in the total contributions approach will be allocated in the same way that unemployment credits are, namely, that in the same contribution year a person can have a mix of paid contributions and home care credits. [7243/18]

13/02/2018WRCC05500650. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to change a core principle of the State contributory pension by introducing means testing in view of the fact that she has referred to other sources of income in discussions on the impact of pension rate changes on affected pensioners. [7244/18]

13/02/2018WRCC05600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I propose to take Questions Nos. 647 to 650, inclusive, together.

A policy to introduce the Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pensions calculation was adopted by Government in the National Pensions Framework in 2010, as was the decision to base the entitlements of all new pensioners on this approach from around 2020. The move to such a system has been signalled, therefore, for a significant period of time.

As was understood at that time, and as underlined in the sentence the Deputy refers to from the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, some people are paid a higher rate under the Yearly Average system, and some will be paid a higher rate under the Total Contributions Approach. If everyone was paid the same amount under the new system as they were under the old one, there would be little point in such a reform, and if everyone was paid either the same or more, it would add to the sustainability challenges already faced by the State pension system. However, past and future trends show that these challenges are going to place ever-increasing burdens in the coming years on workers who fund State pensions through the PRSI system. The proposed new TCA system strikes a balance between recognising periods outside the paid workforce while emphasising the need to maximise the paid element in the contribution conditions for pensions.

In 1997, expenditure on state pensions was IR£1.35 billion. However, by 2017 the cost of state pensions had increased to €7.27 billion. After adjusting for inflation, the cost had nearly trebled in real terms over a period of just 20 years, despite reforms made in that time. As the Actuarial Review the Deputy refers to pointed out, despite increases in the State pension age legislated for in 2021 and 2028, the ratio of workers to pensioners is projected to decline from 4.9 in 2015, to 2.9 in 2035, and to 2.0 by 2055.

While 2055 may seem far away to some, most of today’s workers will be in receipt of the State pension at that point, and I would hope that some current pensioners may still be in payment, and so we all have a stake in ensuring the system is sustainable to that date and beyond.

The TCA model proposed for post-2020 pensioners has yet to be decided upon, as the Gov- ernment proposal will not be finalised until after a public consultation later this year. There are a number of factors, not just the number of years required for a full pension, which influence outcomes, and I will consider very carefully the priorities identified by stakeholders in that consultation process. Again, although the model and associated legislation hasn’t been finalised, it is my intention that it will be possible for Home-Caring credits to be allocated in the same year as paid contributions, where appropriate.

The TCA model being made available for post-2012 pensioners (up to 2019) is based on 40

358 13 February 2018 years, but has very significant Home-caring provisions, much more beneficial than those in the 2010 proposals, that make it more advantageous for most of those disadvantaged by the Yearly Average approach. Take, for example, a pensioner with 18 years PRSI contributions, and who also spent 18 years in the home raising their children before 1994. Under the Yearly Average system, that person might have received a 75% pension before 2012, or a 65% pension if they retired post-2012. Under the 30-year model proposed under the National Pensions Framework and announced in 2010, they would qualify for a 60% pension. However, under the TCA model being made available to post-2012 pensioners, despite it being based on a 40-year model, they could qualify for a 90% pension, as a result of the recognition given to her home-caring periods.

There are others who would not benefit, and who would attract a higher payment under the current approach. For example, under the Yearly Average approach, someone who has already built up substantial state and private pensions in another country before moving to Ireland in their mid-50s, can built up a maximum rate pension in Ireland also, with just 10 years of contributions. This is clearly inequitable compared to the previous example, and while such people will continue to have access to the means-tested State pension (non-contributory) if they need it, which can be paid at up to 95% of the maximum contributory rate, their SPC entitlement will be lower under TCA than it would be at present.

It is through making savings from elimination of such anomalies that it is possible to improve benefits for those who, to date, have had insufficient recognition of their contributions in and out of the home.

I want to clarify, in response to one of the Deputies specific questions that there has not been any change to the State pension (contributory) in terms of means testing. As before, where someone has a SPC entitlement, they will be entitled to at least that amount, regardless of their means. They will also continue to have access to the alternative of the State pension (non-contributory), which is means tested, if that SPC entitlement is lower, and they will be paid whichever is the higher amount. This is not a change.

The importance of this safety net is crucial, and the level it is set at clearly informs policy regarding other schemes such as contributory pensions. However I have seen it misleadingly claimed in recent months that some pensioners are expected to live on €155 weekly, or less, even where they have no other means aside from the State pension. Such claims cause anxiety for many approaching pension age, and it is important for those with very few contributions, and with minimum additional means, to be assured that they will have an adequate pension in old age. Data from CSO and Eurostat show that the state pension system has been very successful in this regard, and demonstrate that a person of pension age in Ireland is considerably less likely to be in poverty than those of working age, who currently fund the system through their PRSI contributions and their taxes.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRCC06000Fuel Allowance Payments

13/02/2018WRCC06100651. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion if a fuel allowance payment will be reinstated for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7277/18]

13/02/2018WRCC06200Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Fuel allowance is a means tested payment, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people.

359 Questions - Written Answers This gentleman was awarded Disability Allowance from 02 September 2015. He has been in receipt of the fuel allowance since 30 September 2015 and continues to qualify for this allowance. He was in receipt of an Increase for Living Alone up to 06 February 2018; this increase is no longer payable as he no longer lives alone.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRDD00200Social Welfare Appeals Status

13/02/2018WRDD00300652. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal lodged by a person (details supplied). [7285/18]

13/02/2018WRDD00400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14th November 2017. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12th December 2017 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRDD00500Fuel Allowance Applications

13/02/2018WRDD00600653. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied). [7314/18]

13/02/2018WRDD00700Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Fuel allowance is a means tested payment, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of Disability Allowance. She was in receipt of the weekly fuel allowance up to the 2 January 2018. She has been awarded the lump sum fuel allowance from the 3 January 2018. This lady was notified of this decision on the 4 December 2017 and the lump sum fuel allowance issued to her nominated payment method on the 3 Janu- ary 2018.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRDD00800JobPath Programme

13/02/2018WRDD00900654. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 14 November 2017, the status of the matter. [7319/18]

13/02/2018WRDD01000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): As 360 13 February 2018 the Deputy is aware JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed, including those working part time to secure and sustain full-time paid employment.

The person in question was referred to the JobPath programme in July 2017 and agreed a personal progression plan in August 2017 and has attended a number of appointments and workshops over the past 6 months in her search for suitable full time work.

I am advised by my officials that all appointments have been scheduled to take account of her work commitments when known, and where she has not been in a position to inform her JobPath office in advance regarding a day of employment, her appointments have been resched- uled to ensure she is able to get the full benefit of the JobPath service.

In the case of this person and all those who are underemployed with part time jobs, the focus of the service will be on options or opportunities to increase the level of employment either in their current role or in other areas, this may also involve some training, but could provide a more sustainable income and a move away from jobseekers payments. Therefore it is important that people referred to the service continue to engage with the JobPath provider.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

13/02/2018WRDD01100Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

13/02/2018WRDD01200655. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the average wait times for Irish Water to acknowledge, process and communicate final decisions regarding pre-connection applications for sewerage and water, in tabular form. [6681/18]

13/02/2018WRDD01300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the planning, delivery and operation of water and wastewater services at national, regional and local levels. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

In relation to pre-connection applications for sewerage and water services, the position is that these are operational matters for Irish Water, subject to independent oversight by the CRU as appropriate.

An important aspect of the CRU’s work is ensuring that Irish Water’s revenue is spent appropriately to improve services for customers. To facilitate this, in November 2016 the CRU (formerly known as the Commission for Energy Regulation) outlined a framework of 19 key performance metrics against which it would monitor Irish Water’s performance and progress over time. The metrics cover customer service, environmental performance, quality of service for water supply, security of water supply and sewerage service. Monitoring Irish Water’s performance relative to these metrics will facilitate an evaluation by the CRU of the utility’s performance. It also ensures that transparent data becomes available to customers through the publication of performance data.

If Deputies have any queries on specific issues in relation to water services Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to [email protected] or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

361 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRDD01400Housing Adaptation Grant Applications

13/02/2018WRDD01500656. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the priority given to applications for grants under the housing adaptation grants for persons with disabilities who are in hospital or temporary nursing home care while waiting for adaptations to be given approval; if no such system is generally applied, his plans to introduce one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6683/18]

13/02/2018WRDD01600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The detailed operation of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, including the amounts assigned to each scheme from within the overall funds available, is a matter for each individual local authority. However, my Department has requested that all local authorities establish contact with the hospitals/convalescent homes in their area in relation to the administration of the schemes and has also requested local authorities to prioritise applications from eligible applicants, whose discharge from hospital is dependent on the timely adaptation of their homes.

13/02/2018WRDD01700Local Authority Staff Data

13/02/2018WRDD01800657. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the staffing numbers by local authority in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the new staff approvals sanctioned by local authority in 2016 and 2017; the outstanding requests pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/18]

13/02/2018WRDD01900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department gathers quarterly data on staff numbers in local authorities. The information requested for 2016 and 2017 is contained in the following table. Staffing levels for 2018 will be available at the end of each quarter during the year.

Staffing numbers for the local authority sector, as well as the broader public sector, are available on the Public Service Numbers Databank which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available at the following link: http:// databank.per.gov.ie/, providing access to information from 1980 onwards.

LOCAL AUTHORITY Dec 2016 WTE Dec 2017 WTE Cork City 1241.21 1239.83 Dublin City 5290.15 5401.5 Galway City 421.41 419.66 Limerick City and County 1068.09 1105.48 Waterford City and County 769.17 764.48 Carlow 261.79 263.89 Cavan 372.3 389.7 Clare 719.34 744.09 Cork 1933.31 1991.76 Donegal 893.11 908.58 Dun Laoghaire 908.1 941.2 Fingal 1257.05 1278.74 Galway 751.4 732.68 Kerry 1080.88 1078.15

362 13 February 2018 LOCAL AUTHORITY Dec 2016 WTE Dec 2017 WTE Kildare 848.5 869.8 Kilkenny 501.63 516.31 Laois 390.89 401.17 Leitrim 255.69 259.91 Longford 280.68 294.24 Louth 596.81 631.85 Mayo 923.81 969.91 Meath 645.91 674.7 Monaghan 386.57 383.96 Offaly 378.4 369.7 Roscommon 384.75 390.81 Sligo 380.71 401.01 South Dublin 1102.47 1122.36 Tipperary 982.83 990.15 Westmeath 438.39 438.35 Wexford 724.25 729.4 Wicklow 611.85 685.85 Total LAs 26,801.45 27,389.22

From 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2017, my Department has received 1,977 staff sanction requests from local authorities, of which 1,898 posts have been approved, and 79 posts are pending. The status of these requests is set out in the tables in the following links. Posts marked pending are, in general, awaiting supporting information prior to an informed decision being taken. There are a number of posts on hold pending the outcome of Workplace Relations Commission hearings.

[2016 LA sanction applications]

[2017 LA sanction applications]

13/02/2018WRDD02000Renewable Energy Generation

13/02/2018WRDD02100658. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the position relating to the preparation of national policy guidelines for the solar farm industry; the timeframe in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/18]

13/02/2018WRDD02200689. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if priority is being given to ensure that sufficient planning consents for renewable energy projects in particular solar photovoltaic developments, will be in place in 2018 in order that meaningful competition will take place in the renewable energy support scheme auctions to deliver best value for consumers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7363/18]

13/02/2018WRDD02300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I 363 Questions - Written Answers propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 689 together.

There are no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

Under the Planning and Development Act, each planning authority’s development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Section 10 of the Act requires a development plan to include, inter alia, objectives for the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure, including energy facilities, and many local authorities have developed renewable energy strategies for their areas in this context.

In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any relevant guidelines issued by my Depart- ment. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.

Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be involved.

I am satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of -in dividual planning permission applications for solar farm developments. However, the matter is being kept under review, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, and his Department - which leads on renewable energy policy - in the context of the Government’s White Paper on Energy Policy, published in Decem- ber 2015, the development of a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, as well as the finalisation of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). Where further specific planning advice or guidance is warranted, I will work with Minister Naughten and his Department in developing such guidance.

Matters relating to the proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.

13/02/2018WRDD02400Local Authority Staff

13/02/2018WRDD02500659. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the funding being allocated to cover the costs of new posts when additional posts are sanctioned to local authorities; if changes are made to local authority baselines to build in future costs of approved posts; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/18]

13/02/2018WRDD02600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is the Chief Executive of each local authority who is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the Council.

Should the need arise for additional staff, a Chief Executive must ensure that there are ad- 364 13 February 2018 equate resources available to his or her local authority prior to sanction being granted from my Department. For certain projects, including Transport Infrastructure Ireland projects, housing capital projects, local enterprise initiatives and landfill remediation work, central funding can be availed of to fund the costs of additional staff.

The funding system for local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services, Local Property Tax (LPT) as well as funding from Government Departments and other bodies. The purpose for which discretionary income is used is a matter for the elected members of the local authority. Elected members have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, which includes adopting the annual budget. Accordingly, it is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.

Local retention of LPT began in 2015 and is now established as an important source of funding for the local government sector, thereby reducing reliance on central funding. In accordance with decisions taken by Government regarding the distribution of LPT, every local authority has a minimum level of funding available to it, known as the baseline. There are variances across the country in terms of LPT levels but it is important that all local authorities receive at least this baseline level of funding to ensure they can deliver services. For 2017 onwards, an upward adjustment was made to the LPT baseline of each local authority, to include an additional amount equivalent to the Pension Related Deduction (PRD) income retained by local authorities in 2014. The inclusion of PRD in increased LPT funding baselines helps protect local authority income in the future. It means that, from 2017 onwards, local authorities do not retain PRD locally, thus reversing the previous approach. This was designed to negate the effects of declining PRD income being retained by local authorities from 2016 onwards as a consequence of the implementation of National pay agreements.

Commercial rates account for over a third of local authority income. The Government has decided to proceed with legislation to improve the administration of commercial rates, which will enable local authorities to achieve higher rates of collection and lower levels of arrears and debt, leading to increases in locally generated revenue.

My Department works with all local authorities to ensure the local government sector can meet existing and emerging challenges. Matters relating to LPT allocation methods and baselines for future years will be reviewed as necessary and appropriate. All such funding issues have to be considered within the parameters of the national fiscal and budgetary situation and the competing priorities presenting themselves at wider Governmental level.

13/02/2018WRDD02700Seaweed Harvesting Licences

13/02/2018WRDD02800660. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1971 of 11 September 2017, the status of plans to sell the harvesting rights of kelp disk seaweed to a company (details supplied); if this deal has already gone through; and the way in which it will affect the County Clare coastline. [6708/18]

13/02/2018WRDD02900Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): The role of my Department in regard to seaweed harvesting is to regulate the activity in accordance with the Foreshore Act 1933. The Act provides that a licence may be granted to remove beach material, including seaweed. Any licence granted would be temporary in nature. The Foreshore Act does not include any mechanism under which harvesting rights may be sold to any third party. 365 Questions - Written Answers In my reply to the Deputy in September last I advised that the named company has applied for a licence to harvest wild seaweed. During the course of assessing this and a number of other similar applications, it became clear that certain rights to harvest seaweed exist. My De- partment is in the process of ascertaining, with the assistance of the Attorney General, the legal interface and relationship between these traditional harvesting rights and the current applications.

These applications, most of which are by companies, are effectively on hold until such time as my Department is in a position to bring clarity to the regulatory regime applying to the harvesting of wild seaweed. At that point the applications on hand will come before me for determination. Work on this complex legal issue is continuing and I hope to have made substantial progress on the matter by April this year.

13/02/2018WRDD03000Tenant Purchase Scheme Review

13/02/2018WRDD03100661. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment when he plans to launch a new tenant purchase scheme for long-term social housing tenants; and if carer’s allowance will be included as allowable income. [6712/18]

13/02/2018WRDD03200Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.

The minimum reckonable income for eligibility under the scheme is determined by the relevant local authority in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Ministerial Direction issued under Sections 24(3) and (4) of the 2014 Act. In the determination of the minimum reckonable income, local authorities include income from a number of different sources and classes, such as from employment, private pensions, maintenance payments and certain social welfare payments, including pensions, where the social welfare payment is secondary to employment income. A number of income sources, including certain social welfare payments, are disregarded for the purposes of determining reckonable income. The list of income disregards includes carer’s allowance, as it is deemed not to be long-term in nature (when compared to the term over which the property is bought).

In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process, which took place in 2017 and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.

The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.

13/02/2018WRDD03300Home Loan Scheme

13/02/2018WRDD03400662. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the detail of the self-build aspect of the home loan scheme; the way in which the 366 13 February 2018 value of the property at completion will be ascertained; if there will be a limit to the number of applicants to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6716/18]

13/02/2018WRDD03500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Following a review of the two existing local authority home loan schemes, the House Purchase Loan and the Home Choice Loan, a new loan offering - the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan - was introduced on 1 February 2018.

In terms of self-builds, where a loan applicant is building their own home on a pre-owned site with planning permission, the loan available under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan may not exceed 90% of the build cost. Where an applicant(s) is building their own home on a site with planning permission to be purchased, funding may not exceed 90% of the site purchase and build cost combined.

Applicant(s) are required to submit with their loan application a valuation report that details the site value, cost of works and post construction market value of the completed property. The valuation report is required to be completed by an Independent Valuer and will be considered by the local authority in assessing the associated loan application.

The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has raised €200 million from a variety of sources on a fixed rate basis for periods out to thirty years maturity. Based on the pricing achieved, local authorities can offer a first tranche of fixed rate annuity finance to eligible borrowers at rates of 2.0% and 2.25% per annum, for twenty five and thirty years respectively, up to an aggregate maximum of €200 million.

The funding will be drawn down by local authorities from the HFA to match-fund their lending to approved borrowers, on a first come first served basis, under the Loan. Further tranches of loan finance will be secured by the HFA, as necessary.

13/02/2018WRDD03600Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WRDD03700663. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the amount spent by his Department on photography by photographer and or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6751/18]

13/02/2018WRDD03800Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department did not incur any expenditure on external agency, public relations or communications advice since 1 January 2016. The engagement of external expertise is generally only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department. Press and Public Relations are undertaken by my Depart- ment’s Press Office.

In addition, my Department’s Press Office generally provides photographic services when required. However, on such occasions where this is not possible, a service provider is selected from the OGP panel in line with the procurement framework and procurement guidelines.

My Department has not incurred any expenditure on photography in 2018. Details of expenditure in 2016 and 2017 are set out in the following tables:

Photography 2016

367 Questions - Written Answers Cost Campaign Payment to €90.00 Photographs of Ballina-based senior managers Corrine Beatty Photography for the Whodoeswhat.gov.ie website €308.42 Material for public display in the reopened Maxwell Photography Custom House Visitor Centre €413.28 Announcement of €25m for the first phase of Maxwell Photography the Dolphin House Regeneration Project €430.50 Launch of the 2016-2020 Fire Services Capital Maxwell Photography Programme €602.70 Announcement of ERDF grant assistance to lo- Maxwell Photography cal authority capital works under the Designat- ed Urban Centres Grants Scheme 2014 – 2020 Photography 2017

Cost Campaign Payment to €413.95 Launch of the public consultation of the NPF – Frank Fennell Photography Ireland 2040 Ltd. €430.50 Campaign to prevent dog attacks on sheep. Barry Cronin €519.40 Leader announcement Fergal Shanahan Photogra- phy €551.04 HAP event with Dublin City Council Maxwell Photography Ltd. €551.04 NPF Ireland 2040 Green Schools National Maxwell Photography Ltd. Poster Competition €602.70 Social housing funding announcement with the Maxwell Photography Ltd. EIB €706.02 Social housing event Maxwell Photography Ltd. €4,086.64 Fire Services - Long Service Awards Maxwell Photography Ltd. €393.60 Good Practice in Local Government Seminar Dylan Vaughan

In the main, the agencies operating under the remit of my Department are not exclusively funded by the Exchequer. In any event, the information sought, insofar as those agencies are concerned, is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.

Arrangements have been put in place by each agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is in the table:

Agency Email address An Bord Pleanála [email protected] Ervia /Gas Networks Ireland [email protected] Housing Sustainable Communities Agency [email protected] Housing Finance Agency [email protected] Irish Water [email protected] Local Government Management Agency [email protected] Ordnance Survey Ireland [email protected] Property Registration Authority [email protected] Residential Tenancies Board [email protected] Valuation Office [email protected] 368 13 February 2018

13/02/2018WRDD03900Local Authority Housing

13/02/2018WRDD04000664. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an application for funding for the provision of social housing in an area (details supplied) by Longford County Council will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6788/18]

13/02/2018WRDD04100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Two projects for the construction of new social housing in the area in question, have funding approval from my Department. I am very keen that the Council advances both of these projects as soon as possible. They are listed in the Social Housing Status Report that I publish quarterly, which is available at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/quarter-3- social-housing-construction-status-report/.

Longford County Council has recently submitted a third proposal for social housing delivery in this area. My Department is awaiting further information on the proposal from the Council to enable it to be evaluated.

13/02/2018WRDD04200Rental Sector Strategy

13/02/2018WRDD04300665. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to rectify the lack of legislation involving short-term lettings in apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6828/18]

13/02/2018WRDD04400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I refer to the reply to Question No. 641 of 6th February 2018 which sets out the position in the matter.

13/02/2018WRDD04500Planning Data

13/02/2018WRDD04600666. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of applications made to An Bord Pleanála to date under the fast-track planning system; the number of these applications that have been declared invalid; the number of applications that have been refused and successful respectively; and the average processing times for pre-planning decision and a final decision respectively, in tabular form. [6856/18]

13/02/2018WRDD04700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 provides for new streamlined arrangements to enable planning applications for strategic housing developments, of 100 housing units or more or student accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála (the Board) for determination.

As part of the new arrangements and prior to making a planning application, a prospective applicant must make a request to the Board to enter into mandatory pre-application consultation regarding a proposed strategic housing development. At the end of the consultation, which also involves the local planning authority concerned, the Board issues its opinion as to whether the documents submitted with the consultation request constitute a reasonable basis for a planning application to be submitted or alternatively require further consideration and amendment in order to constitute a reasonable basis for an application.

Further to the submission of a planning application to the Board for a proposed strategic 369 Questions - Written Answers housing development, the Board is required to make a determination on such application within a period of 16 weeks of the lodging of the application.

Since the new arrangements came into operation, i.e. from 3 July 2017 up until 8 February 2018, the Board received 37 valid pre-application consultation requests in respect of which 29 opinions have issued. The Board has subsequently received 17 planning applications and has issued decisions in respect of 3 cases to date.

The information sought in relation to the strategic housing development process, as of the 8 February 2018, is set out in the following table:

Amount Number of Applications Received 17 Number of Invalid Applications Received 0 Number of Applications Granted* 1 Number of Applications Refused 2 Average Time in Issuing Pre-Application 9 weeks Consultation Opinion Average Time in Issuing Decision** 14 weeks * Granted in part.

** Christmas period excluded

13/02/2018WRDD04800Fire Service Staff

13/02/2018WRDD04900667. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the mandatory retirement age for members of the fire service; if this retirement age may be extended for certain persons; if this dispensation is made at the discretion of the local authority concerned; if such an exemption exists, the maximum age at which fire personnel may remain in their role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6866/18]

13/02/2018WRDD05000Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): International research indicates that the retirement age of 55 is the optimum age to ensure that fire-fighters are capable of satisfactorily performing the tasks expected of them. The retirement age of 55 years of age was introduced because of health and safety considerations related to the job. Since the enactment of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, underpinned by subsequent legislation, each fire authority, as an employer, has a statutory duty to avoid placing employees at risk.

A full time firefighter is statutorily required to retire at age 55 under the Public Service Su- perannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. This retirement age is set at 55 due to the physically demanding nature of the fire-fighter role.

The retirement age for retained fire fighters is 55 with an extended period to age 58 subject to a formal application process including a compulsory medical assessment.

A collective agreement was reached between the Local Government Management Services Board and the trade unions involved (SIPTU and ATGWU) in November 2002. This collective agreement provided, inter alia, for the appointment of an Expert Group which in turn would advise as to the retirement age for retained firefighters. The Expert Group’s Report on Retirement Age recommended that the retirement age for retained firefighters remain at 55, with provision for an annual extension, subject to medical assessment, up to 58 years of age. Following the 370 13 February 2018 report of the Expert Group published in April 2003, a circular was issued by my Department in November 2003 setting out the age requirements in relation to retained firefighters in line with the Expert Report.

In general, any changes proposed by either management or unions are negotiated using the established Industrial Relations processes. In this regard, the matter of increasing the retirement age for firefighters was included as part of recent discussions on a wide range of issues at the Workplace Relations Commission, between the Local Government Management Agency (representing the employers) and SIPTU.

I understand that these discussions are at a preliminary stage and therefore I am unable to give an indication as to when these discussions will be completed or the likely outcome.

13/02/2018WRDD05100Housing Policy

13/02/2018WRDD05200668. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if funding is provided to assist an approved housing body to develop; if so, the mechanism to apply for such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6934/18]

13/02/2018WRDD05300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is focused on accelerating the delivery of housing, with an investment of more than €6 billion to deliver 50,000 social housing units through build, refurbishment, acquisitions and leasing, over the period to 2021. Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have an important role to play under Rebuilding Ireland, with the capacity to contribute around a third of the new social housing units targeted over the period to 2021, using a range of delivery methods including the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) and leasing (via Payment and Availability (P&A) agreements).

In 2016, my Department also established an Innovation Fund to support Tier 3 AHBs in their development of innovative financial models that would assist in improving the capacity of the sector. Six AHBs applied to this Fund and the following four proposals were deemed eligible:

1. The Irish Council for Social Housing are establishing a sector-led financial vehicle to allow AHBs to expand and to facilitate the delivery of additional housing units.

2. Clúid is developing a set of procedures, guidelines and templates for mergers and acquisitions.

3. Oaklee is working on securing off-balance sheet funding.

4. Túath has engaged with external experts to undertake research on two schemes relating to affordable rental.

The total amount of funding approved for these four proposals was €104,044.

While I have no plans at present to provide further supports under this Innovation Fund, pending the evaluation of the outcomes from the initiatives that are currently being funded, I will keep the matter under review, in consultation with the Housing Agency and AHBs.

13/02/2018WRDD05400Water Charges Refunds

371 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WRDD05500669. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the number and amount of water charge refunds paid to date; the plans of Irish Water for further repayments; the way in which unspent funds will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6972/18]

13/02/2018WRDD05600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department issued total payments of €177,535,103 to Irish Water in 2017 to cover the costs involved in issuing a refund to some 995,000 domestic customers of Irish Water, who paid water charges in full or in part. This includes a provision of €5,869,630 in respect of administration costs.

I understand that as of as of 31 January 2018, Irish Water has issued cheques to approximately 947,000 customers at a total value of approximately €165 million. Work to identify and refund remaining customers is continuing through February. In keeping with the spirit of the provisions for the refund of domestic water charges under the Water Services Act 2017, and the earlier recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services on the matter, every reasonable effort continues to be made to ensure that all domestic customers are refunded in full the amounts due to them.

In line with the Direction issued by me under Section 3C of the Water Services Act 2014, which provided for the refund of domestic water charges, Irish Water has furnished a draft report to my Department setting out details of the total payments issued and any outstanding payments at the end of January 2018. I expect to receive a final status report on the programme for the refund of domestic charges at the end of February 2018. Arrangements will be put in place at that stage to deal with any outstanding matters, such as unspent funds and future liabilities for outstanding refunds.

13/02/2018WRDD05700Local Authority Expenditure

13/02/2018WRDD05800670. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the funding allocated to each local authority in 2017 for older persons, disabled persons and mobility grants for council tenants, in tabular form; when it is expected the next allocation of such funding will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7022/18]

13/02/2018WRDD05900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I refer to the reply to Question No. 526 of 26 September 2017 which sets out, in tabular form, the funding allocated to each local authority in 2017 under the Disabled Persons Grants Scheme.

My Department will shortly be asking local authorities to submit details of their work proposals and related funding requirements for this scheme in 2018. Funding allocations will be determined following assessment of the local authority returns.

13/02/2018WRDD06000Local Authority Expenditure

13/02/2018WRDD06100671. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the funding allocated to each local authority in 2017 for older persons, disabled persons and mobility grants for privately owned homes, in tabular form; when it is expected the next allocation of such funding will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7023/18]

13/02/2018WRDD06200Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for

372 13 February 2018 Older People and People with a Disability, in respect of private houses. There are three separate grants available and local authorities receive an overall allocation, with responsibility for the apportionment between the schemes being a matter for each local authority.

The funding provided in 2017 for the schemes was €60.5m, comprising €48.4m exchequer funding with €12.1m provided by the local authorities. Information on the exchequer funding provided by my Department to each local authority under the three schemes is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and- affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.

Notification of the 2018 funding allocations to individual local authorities in respect of these schemes will issue shortly. Ahead of these notifications, local authorities can continue with a commitment of up to 65% of their 2017 allocation. This interim funding provision will com- fortably allow local authorities to advance the work for the early part of this year, ahead of full year allocations for 2018 being confirmed shortly.

13/02/2018WRDD06300Departmental Reports

13/02/2018WRDD06400672. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Lo- cal Government if a report (details supplied) will be removed from his Department’s website. [7103/18]

13/02/2018WRDD06500673. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if, following a High Court judgement (details supplied), he will revoke his predecessor’s public statement of 24 April 2013, which included a quoted excerpt from a report. [7104/18]

13/02/2018WRDD06600674. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to rescind a report (details supplied); and his plans to establish a new independent investigation regarding the compulsory acquisition of land at Charlesland, County Wicklow, by Wicklow County Council in 2004. [7105/18]

13/02/2018WRDD06700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 to 674, inclusive, together.

The conclusions and recommendations of the report referred to by the Deputy are the opinions of a specialist senior counsel who was commissioned by the then Minister for the Environ- ment, Community and Local Government to undertake an independent review on a non-statutory basis of the acquisition of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow by Wicklow County Council.

The report, dated 8 February 2013, notes that the reviewer did not have the benefit of statutory powers to compel the production of documents or to make any binding determinations of facts. It notes also that any findings or conclusions made should be viewed in that context. However, the report further notes for the record that the reviewer obtained the full cooperation of all parties that participated in the review.

It is important to acknowledge that the report in question was not the subject of the High Court judgment referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy. The reference to a particular element of the report in that judgment reiterates, for the purpose of context, what is actually stated in the report itself, i.e. that it is a statement of opinion rather than a legally established fact.

Against that background, I see no basis for taking the steps referred to.

373 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WREE00300Social and Affordable Housing

13/02/2018WREE00400675. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if he will initiate a meeting between the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the chairperson of the board of Horse Racing Ireland and the chief executive of Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council with a view to releasing an unused vacant site (details supplied) to the local authority for the provision of mixed tenure, social and affordable housing. [7198/18]

13/02/2018WREE00500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I assume the Deputy is referring to the site VS.0001 listed on the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Vacant Site Register.

As the owner of the site, Horse Racing Ireland has primary responsibility for any future plans for its development. My Department will continue to work with all State bodies, including local authorities, to ensure, where appropriate, housing is delivered from publicly owned sites that are available for development.

I anticipate that there is significant potential for the delivery of social and affordable homes from local authority lands, and indeed from the broader State land bank. Following on from the Housing Summit on 22 January, I have asked local authority Chief Executives to submit, in the coming weeks, an outline of their respective affordable housing programmes, with a particular emphasis on Dublin, Galway, and Cork, where there is the greatest affordability gap. As part of this exercise, I have also asked local authorities to consider State-owned sites in their areas that would be strategically important for them, in terms of the delivery of housing. The overall scale of delivery, and timescales, will be informed by these responses.

The delivery of additional social and affordable homes, to buy or rent, will rely on the State developing the full potential of its residential land bank. In the context of my Department’s role in driving and co-ordinating housing delivery, I am establishing a dedicated Residential Land Management and Development Group to oversee this important work.

13/02/2018WREE00600Housing Assistance Payment

13/02/2018WREE00700676. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the steps he has taken to ensure the housing assistance payment rates are in line with market rents in Cork city; if a review has been conducted recently (details supplied); if there is a review scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7271/18]

13/02/2018WREE00800677. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to extend the 50% homeless rate of HAP to support those leaving homelessness available in the Dublin region to the Cork and other regions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7272/18]

13/02/2018WREE00900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 676 and 677 together.

The Homeless HAP Place Finder Service operating in the Dublin local authorities, and in Cork City Council, is a targeted support for homeless households who are finding it difficult to secure HAP tenancies. The Place Finder Service has been successfully utilised by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) across the Dublin local authorities since February 2015, with more than 2,000 households currently being supported by the Homeless HAP scheme. A 374 13 February 2018 similar service began operating in Cork City in 2017.

In order to further assist homeless households in exiting emergency accommodation the Homeless HAP Place Finder Service is now available in each of the 31 local authorities. All local authorities are now being provided with the options to pay deposits and advance rental payments for any households in emergency homeless accommodation, in order to secure accommodation via the HAP scheme.

From available data, at the end of Q4 2017, approximately 22% of the total number of households being supported by HAP were benefitting from the additional flexibility that was provided to local authorities to exceed the maximum rent limits. When the additional discretion available to homeless households in the Dublin Region is removed, 16.7% of households nationally were benefitting from the additional flexibility. In those cases, the average rate of discretionary payment being applied was 15.7% above rent limits provided. In the case of Cork City Council, at the end of Q4, 2017, 34.3% of households had benefitted from additional discretion with the average rate being 14% above the rent limits provided.

My Department and I are constantly monitoring HAP data, as well as other key information relating to the private rental market. Indications are that the current HAP rent limits and the flexibility to exceed those rent limits provide local authorities with sufficient capacity to assist households in securing rented accommodation that meets their needs. Increasing the HAP rent limits in particular local authority areas could have further inflationary effects on the private rented sector, which could have a detrimental impact on the wider rental market, including for those households who are not receiving HAP support.

In cases where a tenant, currently on a local authority waiting list, wishes to access rented accommodation with HAP support in another local authority area, I have directed local authorities to provide that HAP tenants continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits will be those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated. The originating local authority will engage with the relevant new local authority to facilitate eligible requests for inter-authority movement. Where homeless households have sourced or been assisted by the Place Finder Service in sourcing accommodation outside the Dublin area, the relevant rate of support is based on the rent limits that apply in the local authority where the property is situated. The DRHE have been advised to consult with the new local authority in relation to the appropriate level of support that should be provided. However, the Place Finder Service can still pay a deposit and rent in advance on behalf of the tenant.

In order to maintain the equitable treatment of all housing applicants, inter-authority movement for HAP applicants is based on the current social housing eligibility income bands, i.e. movement will only be facilitated across local authorities with income bands that are equal or higher; or where shared areas of choice are already operated.

I am satisfied with how the HAP scheme is currently operating and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under Rebuilding Ire- land. My Department will, of course, continue to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.

13/02/2018WREE01100Repair and Leasing Scheme

13/02/2018WREE01200678. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of persons who have taken up the vacant housing repair and lease scheme by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7304/18]

375 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WREE01300679. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the budget expenditure for the vacant housing repair and lease scheme, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7305/18]

13/02/2018WREE01400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 679 together.

The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) has been developed to assist private property owners and local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in certain vacant dwellings across Ireland. The RLS was established on a pilot basis in Waterford and Carlow local authorities in October 2016 and expanded nationwide from 23 February 2017.

The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant dwellings who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their dwellings up to the required standard for rental property. Subject to the suitability of the dwelling for social housing, and the agreement of the property owner, the cost of the necessary repairs will be met upfront by the local authority or an approved housing body (AHB).

Provisional 2017 outputs, across the range of delivery methods available to local authorities and approved housing bodies, were published on 15 January 2018 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers- statement.

My Department is currently validating data from local authorities in order to report detailed progress by local authority on the RLS in the final quarter of 2017. This will be published shortly. However, I can confirm that at the end of 2017, a total of 820 applications had been received under the scheme. Local authorities were engaging with the property owners in relation to 573 properties, 31 agreements for lease had been signed and 9 homes had been delivered and tenanted. A detailed breakdown of the RLS scheme data up to end Q3 2017 is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing- provision.

While my Department is currently finalising detailed output data across each of the social housing delivery programmes in 2017, it is already clear that the RLS has not yet delivered the level of new social housing homes envisaged. I have reviewed the operation of the scheme, as part of the review of Rebuilding Ireland, and I have concluded that the scheme has significant potential but there are areas where it can be improved to make it more attractive and effective. At the Housing Summit held on 22 January 2018, local authority Chief Executives were advised that, from 1 February 2018, a number of key changes are being made to the scheme. These include:

- a reduction in the minimum lease term required from 10 to 5 years;

- increasing the proportion of market rent available to property owners where they take on more responsibilities under the tenancy, meaning that up to 92% of market rent will be available; and

- provision of additional funding for property owners, over and above the current €40,000 limit, where the dwelling is a bedsit type dwelling being brought into compliance with the Stan- dards for Rented Houses Regulations and made available for social housing. 376 13 February 2018 In total, my Department spent €196,385 on the Repair and Leasing Scheme in 2017. I am making €32 million available for the scheme in 2018 and I expect local authorities and approved housing bodies to continue to implement the scheme locally and to achieve the target of 800 new properties this year.

13/02/2018WREE01600Water and Sewerage Schemes

13/02/2018WREE01700680. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if relief measures will be put in place for members of group water schemes in view of the discontinuation of the domestic water charging regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7306/18]

13/02/2018WREE01800Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): In late 2017, my Department conducted a review of group water scheme subsidies. The review involved discussions with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the representative body of the group water sector. Discussions concluded in December, when I approved revised subsidy levels. The new subsidy arrangements, endorsed by a special delegate conference of the Federation on 13 December 2017, came into effect on 1 January 2018.

The changes implement the recommendation contained in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services (JOCFFDWS), endorsed by both Houses of the Oireachtas in April 2017, that there be equity of treatment and equivalent financial support between households using public water services and those availing of private water services. The subsidy scheme is demand-led and available to all eligible group water schemes irrespective of county location.

The revised subsidy levels are as follows:

1) For the annual subsidy towards the operation and maintenance costs of group water schemes providing a supply of water for domestic purposes (known as ‘Subsidy A’):

The maximum subsidy per house in private group water schemes has increased from €140 per household to €231. An increased maximum subsidy of €281 per household is available for small schemes of less than 100 houses that are willing, in the interests of providing in the long- term a more sustainable water supply to their members, to progress towards rationalisation or amalgamation with other schemes.

The maximum subsidy per house for public group water schemes has increased from €70 per household to €115. These are schemes that supply their members with water that is provided by Irish Water.

The portion of costs than can be recouped by group water schemes has also increased. Typi- cally up to 60% of costs have been covered by the subsidy payments. This has increased to 85%. There are also changes and simplifications to how these costs are assessed.

2) For the additional subsidy that is paid towards the costs of group water schemes that have long-term Operation and Maintenance Contracts (for example, as part of a Design Build Oper- ate project) for the delivery of water (known as ‘Subsidy B)’:

There has been an increase in the level of volumetric costs incurred by group water schemes operating under these contracts that is recoupable, from 60% to 85%. This will allow for a greater portion of costs to be included within the subsidy payment.

377 Questions - Written Answers In addition to the above, my Department is currently finalising proposals to increase the level of grant support for users of private wells, details of which I will be announcing shortly.

Separate to the initial review of group water scheme subsidy levels and also in fulfilment of the JOCFFDWS recommendations, I will shortly be establishing a working group to conduct a wider review of investment needs in rural water services. The review will focus on issues such as governance, supervision and monitoring of the sector, and capital investment requirements. It is anticipated that this group would engage with relevant stakeholders and will aim to complete its work by mid-2018.

Cognisance will be taken in this regard of any required measures to support the implementation of the finalised River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021, which I plan to finalise and publish early this year.

13/02/2018WREE01900Water Charges

13/02/2018WREE02000681. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an initial free water allowance for agricultural holdings that are subject to the water charging regime will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7307/18]

13/02/2018WREE02100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Farming households using a public water supply, like other domestic users, do not pay domestic water charges, save for excessive use as provided for in the Water Services Act 2017. The Act provides for the discontinuance of water charges for domestic customers and a threshold of free water supply for domestic households.

In respect of non-domestic water use, the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, as amended, provides that Irish Water shall collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and the CRU has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers. With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. All non-domestic customers were transferred to Irish Water under the existing charging regime of each local authority with no changes, as instructed by the CRU.

From 2001, national water pricing policy required local authorities to recover the costs of providing water services from all non-domestic users of these services. This policy provided for charges based on actual metered consumption and is consistent with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The existing arrangements for all non-domestic customers are remaining in place with no changes for the time being.

I understand that the CRU is conducting a review of all aspects of non-domestic water tariffs and in conjunction with Irish Water will establish an enduring non-domestic tariff framework. Information Notes are published by the CRU from time to time to inform and update stakeholders on the broad approach being pursued and setting out the proposed timeframe for the overall project and outlining details of papers to be published by the CRU for public consultation and corresponding timelines.

13/02/2018WREE02200Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

13/02/2018WREE02300682. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov-

378 13 February 2018 ernment the projects considered under the local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, in 2016 and 2017; the projects approved; the locations of each; the funding which was provided to each project; if the funding has been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7312/18]

13/02/2018WREE02400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): 74 proposals for funding under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) were submitted by 21 local authorities in October 2016, of which 34 projects received preliminary approval in March 2017, at a total cost of €226 million. A list of the 74 proposals submitted is set out in the table below. Details of the 34 projects that received preliminary approval are available on the Rebuilding Ireland website at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/lihaf/. Local authorities were allowed to proceed to design phase on all of these projects, pending final approval and sign-off of a grant agreement between my Department and local authorities.

To date, I have given final approval for 29 of the 34 infrastructure projects, which will ac- tivate supply of almost 18,000 housing units on previously inaccessible sites, and grant agreements in respect of those projects have been signed. The cost of these projects is €177 million, of which €133 million will be funded by my Department and €44 million will be funded by local authorities. Discussions on the remaining projects are being finalised or have been moved for consideration under LIHAF 2 later in 2018. Information regarding the 29 approved projects is detailed in the second table below.

Funding of €1.67 million was drawn down in respect of LIHAF projects in 2017, which was mainly in respect of design costs. It is expected that this will increase substantially in 2018 as projects move to the construction stage. Funding for LIHAF is ring-fenced within the overall housing budget and will be available for local authorities to drawdown over the lifetime of the projects involved. Through proactive management of the broader housing programme, the LIHAF underspend in 2017 was diverted to other housing activities, ensuring that the funding available in 2017 was fully applied to housing priorities.

Table of 74 LIAF Proposals

Local Authority Proposal 1 Clare Ennistymon 2 Shannon Lands East 3 Claureen Ennis 4 Cork City Old Whitechurch Road 5 South Docks 6 Mahon 7 Cork County Midleton 8 Ballincollig 9 Carrigtwohill 10 Carrigaline 11 Glanmire 12 Carrigaline 13 Crosshaven 14 Cobh 15 Charleville 16 Clonakilty 17 Fermoy

379 Questions - Written Answers Local Authority Proposal 18 Mallow West 19 Mallow North 20 Mitchelstown N.E. 21 Mitchelstown S.E. 22 Donegal Windyhall, Letterkenny 23 Dublin City Forbes Street Bridge 24 Dodder Bridge 25 Ballymun Road Infrastruc- ture 26 Belmayne and Clongriffin 27 Grangegorman Energy Centre 28 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Cherrywood 29 Kiltiernan Glenamuck 30 Sandyford: Public Open Space 31 Woodbrook Shanganagh 32 Clay Farm 33 Fingal Donabate Distributor Road 34 Barnhill, Clonsilla 35 Baldoyle Stapolin 36 Oldtown Mooretown 37 Galway City Bothar an Choiste 38 Galway County Athenry 39 Kildare Naas 40 Kildare 41 Maynooth 42 Newbridge 43 Celbridge 44 Leixlip 45 Sallins 46 Kilkenny Western Environs 47 Ferrybank 48 Limerick Adare 49 Castletroy 50 Greenpark 51 Mungret 52 Louth Newtown Drogheda 53 Northern Environs Drogheda 54 Mount Avenue Dundalk 55 Mayo Westport 56 Ballina 57 Meath Farganstown, Navan 58 Stamullen

380 13 February 2018 Local Authority Proposal 59 Dunshauglin 60 Ratoath 61 Kilcock 62 Nevinstown, Navan 63 Offaly Chancery Lane, Tullamore 64 South Dublin Adamstown SDZ 65 Ballycullen Oldcourt LAP 66 Clonburris SDZ 67 Corkagh Grange 68 Tipperary Ardgeeha Lower, Clonmel 69 Twohig, Clonmel 70 Waterford City and County Gracedieu Council 71 Kilbarry 72 Westmeath Brawny Road, Athlone 73 Admore Road, Mullingar 74 Wexford Wexford LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE HOUSING ACTIVATION FUND

LIST OF 29 Projects with Signed Grant Agreements and their total cost

Local Authority Project name Infrastructure Total funding Amount to be funded under LIHAF funded by Dept (75%) Clare Claureen, Ennis • New link road 3.66 2.75 including services• Round- about Cork City Old White- • Re-routing 9.89 7.42 church Road power lines. • Road improvements.• Water and drainage improvements Cork City South Docks • South Docks 15.50 11.63 Transition Zone transport infrastructure • East- ern Gateway Bridge western approach road • Marina Park - District Park• Kennedy Park upgrade

381 Questions - Written Answers Local Authority Project name Infrastructure Total funding Amount to be funded under LIHAF funded by Dept (75%) Cork County Midleton (Wa- • Knockgriffen 5.50 4.13 ter-rock) junction upgrade• New spine link road• Storm water sewer Cork County Carrigaline • Upgrade of 0.60 0.45 Shannonpark roundabout Cork County Glanmire • The Glanmire 5.90 4.43 Sustainable Transport Pack- age• Upgrade of Dunkettle road (northern section)• Other road improvements including new link road and junction upgrades Dublin City Dodder Bridge • New public 15.75 11.81 transport bridge across the Dod- der near the point it empties into the Liffey. Dublin City Belmayne Clon- • Road Improve- 3.00 2.25 griffin ments• New Main Street Dun Laoghaire Cherrywood • Druid’s Glen 15.19 11.39 Rathdown Road (road only), • Druid’s Glen bridge - (short bridge structure trans- versing valley),• New N11 junction ‘Q’ at Druid Glen Road and • Druid’s Glen Road (bridge feature) Dun Laoghaire Clay Farm • Construction 4.70 3.53 Rathdown of 600m of new loop road

382 13 February 2018 Local Authority Project name Infrastructure Total funding Amount to be funded under LIHAF funded by Dept (75%) Dun Laoghaire Woodbrook • Revision of 4.16 3.12 Rathdown Shanganagh the Woodbrook roundabout on the old N11• Road improvements to support housing development• Ac- cess to a future proposed DART station. Fingal Donabate Dis- • Distributor 15.50 11.63 tributor Road Road• Bridge over railway line Fingal Oldtown • Road im- 4.90 3.68 Mooretown provements • Junction works at Rathbeale Road Fingal Baldoyle Sta- • Ramp provid- 6.18 4.64 polin ing pedestrian and cyclist access to Clon- griffin Train Station• At- tenuation areas• Regional Park• ‘Hole in Wall’ staggered junction upgrade works Kildare Sallins • Provision of 0.93 0.70 community and amenity services Kildare Naas • Naas inner 6.00 4.50 relief road Kildare Maynooth • Maynooth 14.50 10.88 Eastern Relief Road• Bridge crossing railway and Royal Canal Kilkenny Ferrybank • Provision of 0.62 0.35 community and amenity services

383 Questions - Written Answers Local Authority Project name Infrastructure Total funding Amount to be funded under LIHAF funded by Dept (75%) Kilkenny Western Envi- • Distributor 6.76 5.07 rons Road from the N76 Callan Road to the Circular Road• Upgrade of the Circular Road to the Kilmanagh Road• Upgrade the Kilman- agh Road on the Northern Boundary of the Western Environs Area• Linear park and internal amenity areas Limerick Mungret •Provision of 10.50 7.88 new road infrastructure Louth Newtown • Access Road 1.22 0.92 Drogheda Louth Mount Avenue • Road Improve- 3.33 2.50 Dundalk ments Meath Ratoath • Phase 1 - Ra- 3.15 2.37 toath outer relief road Meath Farganstown, • Access road 5.68 4.26 Navan South Dublin Kilcarbery / • Spine access 4.39 3.29 Corkagh Grange road, including junction upgrade• Pumping station and rising foul main to existing sewer network• Foul sewer outfall South Dublin Clonburris SDZ • Surface wa- 3.00 2.25 ter upgrade improvement scheme Waterford City Gracedieu • Access Road 1.32 0.99 and County Council

384 13 February 2018 Local Authority Project name Infrastructure Total funding Amount to be funded under LIHAF funded by Dept (75%) Waterford City Kilbarry • Distributor 3.39 2.54 and County road Council Westmeath Brawny Road, • Access Road 1.83 1.37 Athlone

13/02/2018WREE02500Registration of Title

13/02/2018WREE02600683. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the status of a deed of rectification (details supplied) in County Kildare. [7316/18]

13/02/2018WREE02700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

The Deputy will be aware of the service for Oireachtas members introduced in 2006 through which information can be obtained on the current status of applications, such as the case referred to, which was introduced in May 2006. This provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.

The Deputy’s query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

13/02/2018WREE02800Rental Accommodation Standards

13/02/2018WREE02900684. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the targets he has set to improve the rate of inspections for privately rented properties by local authorities; the monitoring system in place to ensure persons that rent substandard accommodation can expect to be held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/18]

13/02/2018WREE03000687. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of rental property inspections expected to be carried out in each local authority as a result of the provision of €2.5 million of funding for this purpose, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7354/18]

13/02/2018WREE03100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 684 and 687 together.

As I outlined in my reply to Question No. 1825 of 16 January 2018, the Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, set out a series of measures to be introduced to ensure the quality of private rental accommodation by strengthening the applicable standards and improving the inspection and enforcement systems.

Since the establishment of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), over €34 million has been paid to local authorities to assist them in the performance of their functions under the 385 Questions - Written Answers Housing Acts, including the inspection of rented accommodation. Over 185,000 inspections were carried out during this period.

However, the Rental Strategy recognises the need for additional resources to be provided to local authorities to facilitate increased inspections of properties and ensure greater compliance with the Regulations. Provision has been made for an allocation of €2.5 million in 2018, with the intention of providing further increases each year in the period to 2021 to enable targeted inspection coverage to reach 25% of rental properties annually.

The Working Group on Rental Standards, comprising representatives of my Department, local authorities and the RTB, will be examining resource and performance management issues, including budget allocation, target setting and performance monitoring and reporting, as part of its work programme for the first half of 2018.

13/02/2018WREE03200Social and Affordable Housing Provision

13/02/2018WREE03300685. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) raised in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7328/18]

13/02/2018WREE03400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department has already approved the delivery of new social housing in the area in question on a turnkey basis, following a proposal made by the County Council based on a local selection process managed by the Council.

I understand that subsequent to the selection process, a developer has been unable to advance one of the selected projects under the conditions of the local selection process to date. However, negotiations are continuing between the Council and the developer, which it is hoped will be successful in providing a way forward for the delivery of completed units, on a phased delivery basis.

13/02/2018WREE03500Vacant Sites Data

13/02/2018WREE03600686. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to establish and maintain a central register of vacant sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7353/18]

13/02/2018WREE03700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 introduced a new measure, the vacant site levy, which is aimed at incentivising the development of vacant, under-utilised sites in urban areas. Under the Act, planning authorities are required to establish a register of vacant sites in their areas, beginning on 1 January 2017. Planning authorities will be issuing notices to owners of vacant sites by 1 June this year in respect of vacant sites on their respective registers on 1 Janu- ary 2018, indicating that the levy will apply to those sites on 1 January 2019.

My Department does not maintain a central register of vacant sites. Under the 2015 Act, each local authority is responsible for administering the vacant site register in respect of their functional area. I have no plans to change these arrangements.

However, my Department has actively engaged with local authorities in relation to the implementation of the vacant site levy, holding information seminars for local authorities on 25 May 2016 and 8 November 2017, and issuing a circular letter to planning authorities on the 386 13 February 2018 detailed arrangements in relation to implementation of the levy on 1 July 2016.

My Department will continue to monitor implementation of the levy to ensure that it is being fully used, in line with its intended purpose of incentivising the development of vacant or under-utilised sites in urban areas and so that the full potential of the measure can be realised.

Question No. 687 answered with Question No. 684.

13/02/2018WREE03900Social and Affordable Housing

13/02/2018WREE04000688. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the steps he is taking to maximise the use of State-owned lands to deliver affordable rental and purchase homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7355/18]

13/02/2018WREE04100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The active management of the publicly-owned housing land bank is a key part of a range of complementary actions being progressed under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, designed to accelerate and increase housing output.

To this end, details of some 1,700 hectares of land in local authority and Housing Agency ownership were published on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map, with the potential to deliver some 42,500 homes nationally. The map also includes details of some 300 hectares of land in ownership of other State or semi-State bodies, with the potential to deliver a further 7,500 homes. All of the mapped sites can be viewed at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/.

A new Affordable Purchase Scheme is being introduced. It will be governed by the relevant provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which will be commenced shortly. It will be targeted at households with annual gross income below €50,000 for a single applicant or €75,000 for joint applicants. The maximum discount permissible under the Act is 40% and the sale prices will vary, depending on costs, the discount given and other relevant factors.

Once the relevant legislative provisions are commenced, I will develop detailed regulations covering the operation of the Scheme, including the full eligibility criteria. The elected members of each local authority will then determine the order of priority for the sale of affordable homes to eligible households.

In addition, I am providing funding of €25 million over 2018 and 2019 for a targeted programme, where the local authority will make low-cost serviced sites available for affordable housing, within the parameters of the overall affordable purchase scheme that will be set down in Regulations. My Department is currently drawing up the criteria for access to this fund, taking account of broader policy on affordable housing, and will be seeking submissions from local authorities in the coming weeks.

The Government is also determined to make affordable cost rental a major part of the Irish housing system. Under this approach, rents are set at levels to recover construction costs and to facilitate the management and administration of developments. Accepting that this innovative concept will take time to test and deliver, a pilot cost rental project is currently being progressed in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, in conjunction with the Housing Agency and Ap- proved Housing Bodies, on publicly-owned land. The pilot project is providing significant les- sons to the State in terms of the delivery of cost rental and in parallel, discussions are ongoing with the European Investment Bank regarding experiences in delivering cost rental and other 387 Questions - Written Answers affordable models in other jurisdictions that could also work in Ireland.

The delivery of additional affordable homes, to buy or rent, will rely on the State developing the full potential of its residential land bank. In the context of my Department’s role in driving and co-ordinating housing delivery, I am establishing a dedicated Residential Land Manage- ment and Development Group to oversee this important work.

I anticipate that there is significant potential for the delivery of affordable homes on local authority lands. Following on from the Housing Summit on 22 January, I have asked local authority Chief Executives to submit, in the coming weeks, an outline of their respective affordable housing programmes, with a particular emphasis on Dublin, Galway and Cork, where there is the greatest affordability gap. The overall scale of delivery, and timescales, will be informed by these responses.

Question No. 689 answered with Question No. 658.

13/02/2018WREE04300Negative Equity Mortgages

13/02/2018WREE04400690. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the measures being taken to assist families, such as a person (details supplied), that are stuck in properties in negative equity; the schemes available for them to avail of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7394/18]

13/02/2018WREE04500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): A key aim of the Government’s Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is to increase housing supply, across all tenures, to achieve total housing output of at least 25,000 homes per year by 2020 and to deliver housing at more affordable price points. However, the range of supports put in place under the Plan is primarily focused on helping those households most in need of support in meeting their housing costs and, therefore, social housing and addressing homelessness have been the key priorities.

Similarly, insofar as mortgage holders are concerned, the priority has been to provide supports for those borrowers experiencing most difficulty in meeting their mortgage repayments. In that regard, I refer to the reply to Question No. 149 to the Minister for Finance on today’s Or- der Paper. In addition, for those homeowners whose mortgage position is unsustainable, there are two Mortgage to Rent schemes in place, one for homeowners with mortgages from a private financial institutions and the second for those with a local authority mortgage, under which an Approved Housing Body or the relevant local authority can take over ownership of the home, while the household is allowed to remain in their home as a social housing tenant.

13/02/2018WREE04600Commercial Rates

13/02/2018WREE04700691. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if he has had discussions with other Departments with a view to reducing commercial rates on city and town centre businesses in order to revitalise core urban centres, which are frequently losing out to edge-of-town shopping; his plans to consider such measures in conjunction with his Cabinet colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5959/18]

13/02/2018WREE04800Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy John Paul Phelan): Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valu-

388 13 February 2018 ation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015.

Commercial rates form an important element of the funding of all local authorities. How- ever, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. Many of the provisions are outdated and not suitable for business trends in the modern era. My Department has developed legislative proposals to modernise and consolidate the legislation governing commercial rates. Among the measures included in the General Scheme of the Bill are provisions to allow a local authority to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support the implementation of policy objectives, including: local economic and community plans; objectives contained in Development Plans and Local Area Plans; and national planning policies.

In this regard, the Government has approved the drafting of a Rates Bill. The General Scheme of the Bill is currently with the Attorney General’s office for drafting, with a view to its introduction as soon as possible.

13/02/2018WREE04900Seaweed Harvesting Licences

13/02/2018WREE05000692. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress made in resolving the regulatory licensing issues that pose an impediment to the development of the seaweed industry; the research carried out on the production of a sustainable management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7116/18]

13/02/2018WREE05100Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): There are two Departments with responsibility for the regulation of seaweed. My Department has responsibility under the Foreshore Act for the regulatory regime applying to the harvesting of wild seaweed while responsibility for the licensing of seaweed cultivation, and policy in this area is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

While I have responsibility for licensing under the Foreshore Act, I have no statutory role in the development of the seaweed industry from an economic development perspective. How- ever, I do recognise that regulatory issues may be inhibiting growth in the sector. My aim is to bring clarity to the regulatory regime applying to wild seaweed harvesting, seeking to balance existing rights and commercial potential, while also ensuring sustainability of the resource and compliance with the State’s obligations under domestic and EU environmental law.

A number of applications for licences to harvest wild seaweed are on hand in my Depart- ment. While examining the possibility of issuing licences for wild seaweed harvesting it became apparent that rights to harvest wild seaweed may already exist in some areas to which these applications apply.

In this regard, my Department has engaged with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) to attempt to establish the extent of these existing appurtenant rights specified in Land Registry folios to harvest wild seaweed. On foot of this engagement, the PRA has provided my Depart- ment with data detailing the extent of the rights in seven of the western seaboard counties, namely Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Donegal.

My Department has also met with the Attorney General’s office on several occasions to examine the implications of the interaction between the existing seaweed harvesting rights and the applications for licences by companies. My Department is continuing to work on this complex legal issue, with a view to making substantial progress as quickly as possible. 389 Questions - Written Answers

13/02/2018WREE05200Constituency Boundaries

13/02/2018WREE05300693. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to initiate a boundary commission on European Parliament boundaries, in view of a recent European Parliament decision to extend the number of MEP seats here from 11 to 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7447/18]

13/02/2018WREE05400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The composition of the current 2014-2019 European Parliament was established by European Council Decision 2013/312/EU of 28 June 2013 establishing the composition of the European Parliament which, in the case of Ireland, provided for the election of 11 MEPs. The current number of MEPs in the European Parliament is 750 plus the President with each Member State having between 6 and 96 Members.

Council Decision 2013/312/EU provided that it would be revised again in advance of the 2019-2024 parliamentary term upon an initiative of the European Parliament to be presented before the end of 2016. The launch of this process was, however, postponed by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (i.e. the AFCO Committee) until after the referendum in the United Kingdom on its withdrawal from the European Union.

On 7 September 2017, a draft report on the composition of the European Parliament for 2019-2024 was published by the AFCO Committee. This draft report was adopted, with some amendments, at a plenary meeting of the AFCO Committee on 23 January 2018. In broad terms, the revised report adopted proposes, among other things, that:

- when the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union becomes legally effective, 27 of the United Kingdom’s 73 seats would be re-distributed among 14 Member States, of which 2 would go to Ireland, increasing Ireland’s MEPs from 11 to 13 in number. This would mean a reduction in the overall size of the European Parliament from 751 to 705 members;

- however, if the date on which the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union becomes legally effective takes place after the European Parliament elections are held in May/ June 2019, the number of MEPs to be elected from each Member State for the 2019-2024 parliamentary term would remain the same as that of the current parliament. The additional seats would only be filled on the date after which the United Kingdom’s withdrawal becomes legally effective.

These proposals were approved at a plenary of the European Parliament on 7 February 2018. My Department understands that it will now be put to the European Council for a unani- mous decision, and then returned to Parliament for a final vote.

In the event that Ireland’s total number of seats in the European Parliament is changed in respect of the 2019-2024 parliamentary term, it will be necessary to review our European constituency arrangements. Section 5(1A) of the Electoral Act 1997 makes provision for the establishment of a committee to make a report in relation to European Parliament constituencies. This was done in 2013 prior to the last elections to the European Parliament.

13/02/2018WREE05500Departmental Expenditure

13/02/2018WREE05600694. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount spent by her Department on photography by photographer and-or agency, public rela-

390 13 February 2018 tions or communications advice external to the media officers of her Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by her Depart- ment by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6744/18]

13/02/2018WREE05700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the level of expenditure by my department on photography, public relations or communications advice during the period in question is set out in the tables below.

The hiring of photographers for Ministerial or Departmental events is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of the engagement, the expected level of media interest and the national/regional scope of the subject. Certain costs included relate to the photographic documentation of important heritage sites, a key function of my Department, rather than to specific occasions. At all times, value for money is a critical consideration in the context of the booking of photographers.

2016 Total: €9,819

Engagement Photographers Expenditure Launch of design phase for archives storage in Conor McCabe €431 National Archives Launch of website of compensationclaims for prop- Conor McCabe €431 erty losses during 1916 Rising Commemorating Women of 1916 Conor McCabe €431 2016 Post Primary Schools Flag Ceremony Robbie Reynolds €553 Launch of Action Plan for Historic Houses Lorraine Teevan €310 EU Language Jobs Announcements, RHA Gallery Maxwell Photography €395 Centre of Excellence for EUIrish Language Careers Andrew Downes €250 meeting with Minister of State Moneen Cave Excavation Thorsten Kahlert €1,300 Ireland 2016 Peace Proms Big O €400 Wreath Laying at South Dublin Union, Easter Mon- Big O €212 day State Ceremonial for Women of 1916 Maxwell Photography €775 2016 - Last Flag for School Delivery, Tallaght Maxwell Photography €689 Hospital 2016 - images for Participating Children and Staff Maxwell Photography €499 2016 - Liberty Hall (additional images) Maxwell Photography €138 Opening screening of 1916 Documentary, National Maxwell Photography €590 Concert Hall LEADER Programme Launch Lorraine TeevanPho- €564 tography Roger Casement Event Maxwell Photography €590 Thomas Kettle Memorial Service Maxwell Photography €486 Ionad an Phiarsaigh Offical Opening Táin Bó Media Teo €221 St Enda’s Rathfarnham Conor McCabe €554 2017 Photography: €10,640

391 Questions - Written Answers Engagement Photographers Expenditure Recording of interim conservation works at Moore Con Brogan €4,200 Street Culture Ireland - Launch of Edinburgh Fringe Maxwell Photography €516 Festival Dave Pollock book launch Fota Foto €123 Opening of Killarney House Valerie O’Sullivan €950 Opening of Shekina exhibition Con Brogan €325 Thomas Ashe commemoration Maxwell Photography €630 Biodiversity Week Burren National Park Conns Cameras €484 National Biodiversity Action Plan launch Maxwell Photography €621 Launch of ‘Centenary’ book at GPO, Dublin Maxwell Photography €695 Launch of Action Plan for Rural Development GPhotos €150 “The Moore Street Report – Securing History” Maxwell Photography €121 presented to the Minister by the Moore Street Consultative Group Launch of online genealogy toolkit for schools Maxwell Photography €499 Cruinniú na Cásca Maxwell Photography €689 Announcement that Jesse Jones to represent Ire- Maxwell Photography €465 land at 57th International Art Exhibition in Venice Sean Cassidy “Buttons and Bows” artwork Maxwell Photography €172 2018 Photography €352.20

Engagement Photographers Expenditure Photographs for the Depart- Táin Bó Media Teo €73.80 ment’s site “Whodoeswhat. ie” Launch of new App by Min- Táin Bó Media €98.40 ister of State at Oireachtas na Samhna 2017 Official meeting with the Pat Byrne Photographer €180 Scottish Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop.

Similarly, the engagement of external groups for the provision of specialised services, including public relations firms, is dependent on a number of factors, including the expertise and resources available within my Department. In this context, value for money is at all times a critical consideration.

Public Relations €19,988

Year Amount 2016 Q4PR Publicity campaign for Irish Language €17,000 employment opportunities in the Euro- pean Institutions 2017 Nicho- Public Relations - Creative Ireland €2,988 las Programme Quaife

392 13 February 2018

Finally, in light of the large volume of information requested by the Deputy, arrangements are being made for information in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department to be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy, in accordance with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.

13/02/2018WREE05800Film Industry

13/02/2018WREE05900695. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of indigenous films and foreign films, respectively, that have been made each year with the assistance of Irish Film Board funding over the past five years; and the number of these films that were profit making. [6798/18]

13/02/2018WREE06000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Irish Film Board (IFB) is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. The Film Board supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. Production funding is only available to Irish production companies with the focus on supporting Irish creative talent. Therefore all films have significant Irish production content and the Film Board does not categorise its films as “indigenous” or “foreign”. Of course, given the nature of the film industry many films also include an element of co-production with other States.

Whether a film makes a financial return is dependent on a range of factors including the nature of the funding sources and terms and conditions attaching to it. The IFB provides limited recourse production loans to Irish production companies. This means that if the film achieves a certain level of commercial success the IFB participates in a share of the revenue from that success. The amount that the IFB recoups on an annual basis from those films it supported is published in its Annual Reports which are available on its website www.irishfilmboard.ie/ about/ifb-annual-reports.

13/02/2018WRFF00200Heritage Sites

13/02/2018WRFF00300696. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding funding for heritage sites in County Louth; the sites in the care of the OPW, local authority or otherwise; the funding provided by her Department for same in 2017 and proposed for 2018; if St. Laurence’s Gate in Drogheda is funded by her Department; if an application for funds for this gate was received from Louth County Council or another body or organisation; if so, the works requested to be carried out; if her Department has been requested to take over and manage this historical gate; if not, the process by which this could happen; the person or body that owns St. Laurence’s Gate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7107/18]

13/02/2018WRFF00400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In 2017, my Department provided funding of some €73,000 for nine projects in Co Louth under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. A further two projects were funded under the Structures at Risk Fund to a value of €59,000. The funding related to churches, houses and thatched structures. The closing date for 2018 applications under both schemes has now passed and the assessment process is underway. The successful projects will be announced in due course.

A total of 22 National Monuments are in State care in Co. Louth, including St Laurence’s 393 Questions - Written Answers Gate. Data in relation to the numbers of heritage sites in the care of the local authority or otherwise are not held by my Department. Funding for the upkeep of National Monuments in State care is provided through the Office of Public Works (OPW) which maintains approximately 1,000 structures on 768 sites nationwide. I am advised by the OPW that the funding is not allot- ted on a county basis and the overall national outturn and allocation figures for 2017 and 2018, respectively, are set out in the following table.

€’000 2017 Outturn €’000 2018 Provision National Monuments (In- 15,932 15,487 cludes maintenance personnel pay, works and materials costs, utilities, etc.) Visitor Services(Includes 9,583 9,308 costs of presentation, guide staff pay, advertising, website, etc.)

St. Laurence’s Gate is a National Monument in the guardianship of the State and as such it is maintained and managed by OPW; it is owned by Louth County Council. Funding for the upkeep of the monument is provided through the relevant allocations set out in the table. My Department has been advised by OPW that, while it is generally satisfied from a conservation point of view that the monument is in reasonable order, there are some structural issues that need to be addressed. Though they do not represent an imminent threat, OPW state that the issues must be dealt with before any long term decisions are made about the future use of the Gate. The necessary corrective works will be undertaken as resources allow. In the meantime, OPW personnel monitor the structure on a regular basis and routine maintenance needs are dealt with as they arise.

St. Laurence’s Gate is a particularly striking structure and a significant local landmark, being a remnant of the former town walls and dating from the 13th century. I am aware that there is significant interest in having it opened to the public. Before the local authority closed the arch to vehicular traffic, visitors could only be admitted on an occasional basis or for special events when OPW provided personnel to supervise access to and within the monument in order to comply with health and safety requirements. However, I understand that OPW also intends to carry out a detailed assessment of the interior of the monument to establish the areas that can be accessed safely and to plot those parts of the structure where regular visitor access may be facilitated in future.

13/02/2018WRFF00500Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Payments

13/02/2018WRFF00600697. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a payment on the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7203/18]

13/02/2018WRFF00700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. With respect to 36 raised bog natural heritage area sites, the qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:

- The applicant must have had a legal interest (ownership or a turbary right (right to cut turf)) in one of these sites on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf 394 13 February 2018 from the property on that date;

- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period up to 14 January 2014;

- The turf resource on the site has not been exhausted; and

- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.

My Department is examining the application in view of the qualifying criteria for the scheme. I am advised that an inspection of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation is to be undertaken and my Department will be in a position to further process the application when this inspection has been completed.

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