Written Answers

12 December 2019 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 7, inclusive, answered orally.

12/12/2019WRA00400European Capital of Culture

12/12/2019WRA005008. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the status of preparations for the launch of Galway 2020; the consideration given to the legacy of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51889/19]

12/12/2019WRA00600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Galway 2020 cultural programme was launched on 18 September last and I was delighted to officiate at the occasion. More recently, following the recent third and final review by the EU Expert Monitoring Panel, Galway 2020 was also recommended for the prestigious Melina Mer- couri Prize of €1.5 million. The EU Commission will make an announcement on the award of the Prize early next year.

Under the terms of the Performance Delivery Agreement between my Department and Gal- way 2020, a quarterly financial and management report is received in advance of a formal monitoring meeting between the Department and senior management in Galway 2020. All aspects of Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture are discussed at both the monitoring meetings and in regular communication that takes place between my Department and Galway 2020.

The legacy of Galway 2020 it is considered a very important aspect by all the main funders. The legacy sub-committee of the board of Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture was proposed and set-up at a board meeting in July 2019. The terms of reference of the committee is to advise the board on the best model to deliver on legacy of Galway 2020. I have been advised that the legacy sub-committee of the Board of Galway 2020 has met once since being established and has reported back to the most recent meeting of the Board. No formal reports have been published as of yet.

On 11 September last, senior officials from my Department met with the Chair and Chief Executive of Galway 2020 for a general update on the project in advance of the launch of the Cultural Programme on 18 September, and to complete the quarter two monitoring meeting for this year. Legacy plans and the work of the legacy sub-committee was one of the items discussed at the meeting, and my Department and Galway 2020 agreed to engage further on the work of the legacy sub-committee as it progresses.

It should be noted that legacy plans have been, and will continue to be part of the normal quarterly monitoring meetings between the Department and Galway 2020, as well as an agenda item at regular meetings between the Department and the Chief Executives of Galway City

1 Questions - Written Answers Council and Galway County Council.

As we are now a little over 50 days out from the Opening Ceremony for Galway 2020, I am looking forward to a truly memorable, once in a lifetime year for all concerned.

Questions Nos. 9 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.

12/12/2019WRA00800Oideachas Gaeilge

12/12/2019WRA0090013. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici athruithe a dhéanamh ar an scéim deontas le haghaidh ollscoileanna thar sáile ina múintear an Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [51124/19]

12/12/2019WRA01000Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Seán Kyne): Tá mo Roinn ag cur maoinithe ar fáil ó 2006 mar thacaíocht le forbairt agus múineadh na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn in ollscoileanna tríú leibhéal thar lear. Is iad aidhmeanna an chiste dea-thoil i leith na Gaeilge agus an chultúir gaelaigh a chothú trasna na hEorpa, Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, Ceanada agus níos faide ó bhaile agus an teanga a chur i láthair mar the- anga idirnáisiúnta. Tríd an tionscnamh seo, cruthaítear ardán don Ghaeilge trínar féidir eolas a chur uirthi ar bhonn idirnáisiúnta. Cruthaíonn sé seo tuiscint níos fearr ar an teanga agus ar chultúr na hÉireann lasmuigh d’Éirinn agus cothaíonn sé naisc idir Éirinn agus na tíortha ina bhfuil na hinstitiúidí lonnaithe. Chomh maith leis sin, cuireann sé go mór le scoláireacht na Gaeilge i measc an phobail acadúil idirnáisiúnta agus méadaítear stádas na teanga dá réir.

Faoi láthair tá maoiniú á fháil ag os cionn 40 ollscoil/institiúid tríú leibhéal. Níos túisce i mbliana, cheadaigh mé ós cionn €1.3m do ós cionn 20 ollscoil ar fud na hEorpa don tréimhse acadúil 2019/20-2021/2022. Ciallaíonn sé seo go bhfuil ós cionn 40 ollscoil/institiúid tríú leib- héal ag fáil maoinithe nuair a chuirtear ollscoileanna Cheanada agus Mheiriceá san áireamh.

D’fhreastal ós cionn 2,500 dálta ar chúrsaí sa mbliain acadúil atá thart agus thug suas le ós cionn 100 de na daltaí seo cuairt ar Ionaid Ghaeltachta. Cruthaíonn sé seo deis iontach do na scoláirí na canúintí éagsúil a bhlaiseadh ag braith ar an ionad a roghnaíonn siad chomh maith le suim a mhúscailt in oidhreacht agus i gcultúir na tíre seo.

Ina theannta sin, tá mo Roinn ag comhmhaoiniú an tionscadail, Fáilte ar Líne, a bhfuil mar bhunaidhm aige cúrsaí ar líne go leibhéal céime don Ghaeilge agus do Chultúr na hÉireann a chur ar fáil. Tá tionscadal á fhorbairt in Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath le Fiontar agus Scoil na Gaeilge agus an Ideas Lab san Instititúid Náisiúnta don Fhoghlaim Digiteach. Tá coiste idirnáisiúnta ag an tionscadal freisin, a dtarraingíonn ar an saineolas atá timpeall na cruinne sa bhfoghlaim digiteach agus sa teagasc ar-líne.

Ó seoladh an chúrsa anuraidh, tá os cionn 40,000 duine ó os cionn 100 tír timpeall na cruinne tar éis an deis a thapú an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim ar-líne. Ceann de na príomhsprocanna atá ag an tionscadal seo ná an deis a thabhairt don Diaspora nasc leanúnach a choinneáil leis an tír seo agus leis an oidhreacht uathúil a thugann ár dteanga dúinn.

Question No. 14 answered orally.

12/12/2019WRA01200Insurance Costs

12/12/2019WRA0130015. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the assistance her Department can provide to cultural festivals and venues that are faced with 2 12 December 2019 closure due to spiralling insurance costs; if she has raised the challenge to cultural life with the insurance industry representatives and the Ministers for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Finance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51908/19]

12/12/2019WRA01400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The issue of insurance, in the first instance, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Due to recent changes in cover provided by insurance companies, many service providers across the State, including those in the tourism, leisure, children’s play facilities and arts organisations are experiencing significant difficulties in securing insurance. In addition, to difficulties in procuring insurance, there is a further issue where service providers are facing dramatically increasing insurance costs. This is also evident in the performing arts sector.

There is a particular impact on arts organisations involved in performance activities that take place in excess of 1.5 metres above the ground which include some arts organisations that engage in aerial and street performance. There are a small number of such companies spread across the State.

The Government is aware of the issues facing cultural festivals and venues and is particularly concerned about the affordability and availability of insurance. The pricing of insurance products is however, a commercial matter for insurance companies. The reality is that neither the Department nor its agencies, has any control over the costs of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance. Government cannot therefore direct insurance companies to cover certain types of risk, such as those in the cultural sector.

In 2016, the Government established a Cost of Insurance Working Group, which is chaired by Michael D’Arcy, T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for insurance issues.

I am advised by the Department of Finance, that the working Group is focusing on implementing the recommendations of two reports that it prepared and published. These reports examined the factors contributing to the increasing cost of insurance in order to identify what short, medium and long term measures could be introduced to help reduce the cost of insurance for consumers and businesses.

The Working Group, as part of its remit, is also examining the issues encountered by the arts performance organisations. Officials from my Department have attended a meeting between Minister Darcy’s Office and representative organisations for arts grouping affected by rising- in surance costs. My Department will co-operate with the Department of Finance with any actions which will assist in the implementation of recommendations to mitigate the insurance issues.

12/12/2019WRA01500Commemorative Events

12/12/2019WRA0160016. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason there has been no announcement of the planned State and State-sponsored Decade of Centenaries 2013-2023 commemorative events for 2020. [51907/19]

12/12/2019WRA01700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Government is committed to ensuring that the State’s approach to remembering this very complex period in our history, and all of those who lost their lives during those years, will be based on the respectful, sensitive, appropriate and authentic approach that has become the hallmark of the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme.

3 Questions - Written Answers We have entered the most challenging and sensitive phase of the Decade of Centenaries and the Government’s commemoration planning continues to be informed by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, and consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.

One of the cornerstones of the State’s approach to commemorations over the coming years will be to continue to further reconciliation on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain.

I am consulting widely with stakeholders and partners, including other Government Depart- ments, the National Cultural Institutions and local authorities to best inform and finalise the State programme for 2020 early in the New Year.

To date, local authorities and other core stakeholders have responded very effectively to the themes of the State commemorative programme by developing inclusive, appropriate and citizen-focused initiatives, to encourage people of all ages to explore significant aspects of the political, historical, social and cultural context of that period. Funding allocations from my De- partment for local authorities and others in 2020 are currently under consideration and I expect to make an announcement shortly in this regard.

I further expect that local authorities and State partners will continue to have a key role in supporting engagement and facilitation with communities in developing appropriate commemorative initiatives as part of the Decade of Centenaries. This is particularly important, given the significance of and the need to be sensitive to the local historical context as per the principles expressed by the Expert Advisory Group.

12/12/2019WRA01800Hare Coursing Regulation

12/12/2019WRA0190017. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht if the definition of regulated coursing matches requires clubs to comply with rules 11 and 13 of a club (details supplied) specifically in respect of the open seasons order for which she has sole responsibility. [51892/19]

12/12/2019WRA02000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The legislative base for both parkland and open hare coursing is the Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) Order 2005 which allows the hunting of hares, including coursing with dogs for “coursing at regulated coursing matches”. The Wildlife Acts defines a regulated coursing match as “regulated coursing match means a coursing match held in accordance with the rules for such matches which are for the time being both published and approved by the Irish Cours- ing Club pursuant to the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958.”

The rules of the club referred to by the Deputy state that coursing clubs can only hold meetings on dates allocated by the club.

The majority of coursing meetings organised by the club relate to regular park coursing where hares are captured under licence by my Department and are kept in a hare park, are released to course over a designated track and then re-released back into the wild. It is my understanding that in open coursing hares are not captured but are already present in the countryside. Clearly, a licence to capture hares is not required from my Department for Open coursing events where hares are not captured and as such there is no requirement for all such events to be listed on the schedule to the licences issued to the club in question.

In its opening statement delivered to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food 4 12 December 2019 and the Marine on 9 July 2019, the club to which the Deputy refers made a distinction between Affiliated Clubs and Associated Clubs. My Department was not aware of the distinction. It is a matter for the club in question to clarify the legal status of such Associated Clubs and my Department is continuing to pursue this matter with the club.

As you know, I suspended the licences issued to the club in question on 9 August this year to capture and tag hares for the 2019/20 hare coursing- until a clearer understanding of the extent, spread and implications of the RHD2 virus emerges.

I issued revised licences in mid October to allow the netting and tagging of hares but there are specific restrictions and conditions explicitly attached to the issue of those licences. The capturing of hares and coursing activity is prohibited in areas within a 25-kilometre radius of where wild rabbits or hares have tested positive for the virus.

12/12/2019WRA02100National Monuments

12/12/2019WRA0220018. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the reconfigured Moore Street advisory group as recommended in the second Moore Street progress report, which she received in August 2019 will be announced. [51906/19]

12/12/2019WRA0230027. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she plans to reconvene and reconstitute the Moore Street advisory committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51125/19]

12/12/2019WRA02400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 27 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the Moore Street Advisory Group (MSAG) was established to represent and work with all stakeholders (including the owner of the development site sur- rounding the State owned National Monument at Nos. 14 - 17 Moore St) to help broker regeneration solutions that can be supported by all concerned.

I received the report of the MSAG - Securing History 2 - in August and would like to sin- cerely thank the members for their invaluable contributions during their time on the Group.

One of the key recommendations in the report is that the MSAG should be reconfigured to a smaller more focussed group in order to move the process forward as quickly as possible.

I am delighted to be in a position to confirm that Dr Tom Collins has kindly agreed to take on the role as Chair of the newly reconfigured MSAG. His knowledge of the issues and sensi- tivities is invaluable and I would like to put on record my thanks to him for accepting the role as well as for chairing the previous group.

On foot of this I have written to all the representative groups to ask them for their nomina- tions to the reconfigured and more focussed MSAG. I would expect to receive these nomina- tions over the coming weeks and the group will convene early in the new year.

I regard the Securing History 2 report as a significant milestone in the revitalisation of this crucial part of our capital city. The proposals put forward by Hammerson are sympathetic to and embrace the history and heritage of O’Connell Street and the Moore Street area and can be aligned with the objectives of protecting the national monument at Nos. 14 -17, opening it to the public and resonating the mercantile, social and political heritage of the area as a 1916 commemorative quarter. I understand that a statement from the Moore Street Traders Associa-

5 Questions - Written Answers tion has expressed its members’ full backing for the proposals which it sees as providing an important opportunity for their businesses to become viable again.

I welcome the prospect there now is for reviving the Moore Street area and its market and to give Dublin a national main street and historic area to be proud of.

12/12/2019WRA02500Traveller Culture

12/12/2019WRA0260019. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the resources being given to Traveller culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52147/19]

12/12/2019WRA02700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As I have previously advised the House in my response to Dáil Question No. 689 of 19th November last, the Travelling Community has a rich culture, with unique traditions and crafts which are an integral part of the heritage of this community.

On 18 July last, I launched the permanent National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heri- tage, celebrating living cultural heritage practices in Ireland. This initiative represents official State recognition of cultural practices all around Ireland, two of which are Traveller Tinsmith- ing and Cant/Gammon, the traditional language spoken by Irish Travellers.

The development of the National Inventory of Ireland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage is an integral part of my Department’s work under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguard- ing of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which requires signatory States to recognise, protect and promote the living cultural heritage of their countries.

Examples of other initiatives promoting Traveller Culture awareness by bodies under the aegis of my Department include:

The development and realisation of the Travellers’ Journey Exhibition at the National Mu- seum of Ireland - Country Life in County Mayo. €150,000, was allocated to the development and realisation of the exhibition, which ran for a year, was opened in July 2018 by President Michael D. Higgins and included a series of events and talks on aspects of Traveller Culture and Identity. A further €10,000 was provided by the NMI to support projects arising from the Travellers’ Journey Exhibition including:

- CAMP. An art project led by artist Aideen Barry in which she and her students from Lim- erick School of Art and Design worked with members of the Traveller community in the west of Ireland to produce a series of visual art pieces. The resultant art pieces will be installed as part of this exhibition. This project ran from November 2018 – February 2019 in the Museum of Country Life.

- A talk entitled ‘I am Traveller: Our Histories and Heritage’ chaired by Senator Collette Kelleher held in February 2019 for which Traveller groups from Cork, Donegal, Meath, Mayo and Dublin formed the panel and shared their insights on traditional and contemporary Travel- ler culture and interesting community initiatives.

- The launch in April 2019 of the Travellers Journey Children’s Book. This was a partnership project between the National Museum, Kids’ Own Publishing, Involve, and Scoil Iosa, Ballina and funded by the National Museum, Department of Justice and Equality and Mayo North East under SICAP and PEIL.

6 12 December 2019 The Crawford Art Gallery in partnership with Cork Traveller Women’s Network & Cork Visibility Group also hosted a number of events in the Gallery as part of Cork Traveller Pride 2019 Festival; -

Talking with Travellers: Workshop for people interested in knowing more about the journey, history, culture and real lived experience of Irish Travellers.

- Looped Film Screenings: Traveller Oral history film “Would you like to Suni at the Vardo” by Cork Traveller Women’s Network and UCC Folklore Dept. Film “Beady Pocket” is based on a poem by Traveller writer Rosaleen McDonagh, film by Mahon Traveller women with Frameworks Films.

- Craft Workshops: Workshops on the traditional Traveller craft of paper flower making.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department and f the bodies under its remit, will continue this proactive support for the recording and celebration of Traveller Culture and Heritage.

12/12/2019WRA02800Commencement of Legislation

12/12/2019WRA0290020. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she plans to commence the National Archives (Amendment) Act 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52151/19]

12/12/2019WRA03000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Na- tional Archives Act 1986 provides for the transfer and release to the public of the records of Government Departments to the National Archives when they are 30 years old. Following a Cabinet decision in October 2015, my Department introduced legislation to amend the National Archives Act, 1986 to give the Minister power, by order, to reduce the 30 year period to 20 years on a phased basis , subject to the agreement of the Taoiseach, the Minister for Public Ex- penditure and Reform and the relevant Minister in each case. The National Archives (Amend- ment) Act was signed into law in July 2018.

The new Act introduced a provision that allows records to be transferred when they are over 20 years old in certain circumstances. It is anticipated that the 2018 Act will be commenced next year which will allow for a partial move to a 20-year rule. This partial move will allow for the gradual build-up of the necessary resources to operate a full 20-year rule over the coming years. The approach taken in the National Archives (Amendment) Act 2018 is to release classes of records which have historical significance or to allow for the balance of reporting. This approach is different to that adopted by the UK.

Officials from my Department in conjunction with other Departments are examining the classes of records that are more than 20 years old but less than 30 years which might be released as the first tranche under the “20-year” rule. An order will be required for the release of records showing the clear delineation of the records intended for release so that there is absolute clarity around which records can be released under the order.

The commencement of the National Archives (Amendment) Act 2018 and its implementation will require additional resources within the departments affected and these are being put in place. The appropriate staffing for the implementation of the new legislation will be provided in advance of the commencement of the Act. It is also expected that some of the initial records to be released under the new legislation will be of considerable interest to historians, requiring their retention onsite at Bishop Street rather than offsite storage.

7 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRA03100National Biodiversity Plan

12/12/2019WRA0320021. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of funding to promote biodiversity in County Kildare, including supports for Kildare County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51905/19]

12/12/2019WRA03300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My De- partment is responsible for developing and publishing Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan. The most recent Plan (Ireland’s 3rd) was published in October 2017 and includes a number of actions aimed at assisting local authorities throughout the country in their efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity in their areas. Local authorities undertake much valuable work in this sphere and several have produced local Biodiversity Action Plans which are an important element in the overall approach to halting biodiversity loss.

The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme, operated by my Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service, seeks to raise awareness of the important role our peatlands have in contributing to our biodiversity and our natural and cultural heritage. The scheme encourages local communities, groups, schools and other interested parties to engage in the conservation and revitalisation of our raised bogs. Under this scheme, the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council was awarded funding to hold a ‘My Raised Bog’ education program, which provided field study experience for 300 young people from schools local in Co Kildare. Maynooth Uni- versity, in conjunction with Lullymore Heritage Park, received support under this scheme to collect, analyse and radio carbon date core peat samples on Lullymore Bog and to hold workshops for interested community groups.

As part of the Seeds for Nature campaign which was launched at the 2019 National Biodi- versity Conference, the Community Foundation for Ireland established a fund to engage ecologists to develop Community Biodiversity Action Plans. Grants from this fund support community groups across all 26 counties, including County Kildare, who wish to carry out ecological studies in their local areas, the goal of which is the development of a Community Biodiversity Plan with the support of a qualified Ecologist.

12/12/2019WRA03400National Biodiversity Plan

12/12/2019WRA0350022. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her plans related to biodiversity and nature; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51122/19]

12/12/2019WRA03600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My De- partment is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland and is the National Focal Point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an overarching international agreement underpinning the global biodiversity framework. In this context, my Department is the lead authority for the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

The current National Biodiversity Action Plan, Ireland’s 3rd, runs from 2017 to 2021 and

8 12 December 2019 captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity to be undertaken by a wide range of government, civil society and private sectors to achieve Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity.

The Plan is an all-of-Government document and progress is monitored through the Biodi- versity Working Group which meets at least twice a year, and also by an independent advisory group, the Biodiversity Forum.

My Department is currently preparing an interim review of the Plan and is in the process of gathering data from other Departments, agencies and stakeholders to inform that review.

Since the its launch in 2017, there have been a wide range of measures implemented on foot of actions contained in the Plan, including the introduction of a new grant scheme for local authority led biodiversity projects in their respective areas. The 20 Seeds for Nature initiative is also a significant step forward.

Following completion of the interim review, my Department will begin the process of setting out a new Plan which will be developed in the context of the outcomes of CBD-COP15, due to take place in China next October, where a new ‘Global Biodiversity Framework’ will be agreed by Parties to the Convention.

The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, a mechanism for engaging with individuals in a joint conservation efforts, will continue in 2020 to support measures to protect biodiversity and assist farmers with lands designated as SACs or SPAs in their role as custodians of nature. I have doubled the allocation for the Farm Plan Scheme to €1m.

The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, published by my Department in December 2017, aims to maintain active raised bog habitat and restore degraded raised bog habitat to active raised bog habitat. This programme can now be accelerated due to the announcement in Budget 2020 of €5m for peatlands restoration. This funding will allow for restoration measures to be undertaken on approximately 1,800 hectares in 2020 on up to 9 raised bog designated sites across 7 counties.

12/12/2019WRA03700European Capital of Culture

12/12/2019WRA0380023. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of times the legacy committee of Galway 2020 has met; the progress made in securing long-term arts infrastructure for the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51991/19]

12/12/2019WRA0390032. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 12 June 2018, the steps she has taken to ensure that a circus (details supplied), which is due to play a critical role in a showpiece event of the Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture celebrations, will not close; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51993/19]

12/12/2019WRA04000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 32 together.

The legacy sub-committee of the board of Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture was set-up at a board meeting in July 2019. The terms of reference of the committee is to advise the board on the best model to deliver on legacy of Galway 2020. I am advised that the legacy sub-committee of the Board of Galway 2020 has met twice , in August and December. The committee is due to report back to the board again at the next board meeting which is scheduled

9 Questions - Written Answers for Friday 13 December. No formal reports have been published as of yet.

Legacy is an important aspect of everything that we do for the European Capital of Culture project. It is the ambition to deliver a year that leaves a lasting legacy that will benefit Galway for many years to come. The Board of Galway 2020, is working with partners to provide leadership as to the most appropriate mechanism for delivering the legacy in all its different forms and NUI Galway have announced their strategic partnership with Galway 2020 as the official legacy partner for the European Capital of Culture.

The Galway project to which the Deputy refers in question 51993 is part of the Galway 2020 Cultural Programme and has been developed as a partnership across 10 European countries and is supported by European funding.

I am aware that owing to recent changes in cover provided by insurance companies, many service providers including those in the tourism, leisure, children’s play facilities, as well as arts organisations that engage in aerial and street performance are experiencing significant difficulties in securing insurance. The board of Galway 2020, on which I am represented, is concerned to ensure full cover is in place so that next year’s programme is not affected.

In 2016, the Government established a Cost of Insurance Working Group, which is chaired by Minister of State Michael D’Arcy, who has special responsibility for insurance issues. The Working Group, as part of its remit, is also examining the issues encountered by the arts performance organisations.

12/12/2019WRA04100Hare Coursing Regulation

12/12/2019WRA0420024. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 19 September 2019, the status of the report on the assessment of the hare population here; if full protection will now be granted to the Irish hare; the status of the RHD2 outbreak and the control of the outbreak; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51121/19]

12/12/2019WRA04300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The hare is protected in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts and is included on Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) although there is a short Open Season when hunting is permitted and the capture of hares for coursing is permitted under license.

Article 17 of the Habitats Directive requires Ireland to make a detailed report every six years on the conservation status of all listed species, including the hare. Ireland’s most recent report in 2019 included a comprehensive assessment of the range, population status, habitat and threats for the Irish hare. The report can be downloaded at https://www.npws.ie/publications/article- 17-reports/article-17-reports-2019.

The 2019 Article 17 report states that the hare is found throughout the country from coastal habitats to upland heath and bog. The hare is widespread and common in Ireland with a broad habitat niche and its overall conservation status at that time was assessed as favourable.

In addition, my Department also commissioned a new survey of the status of hare’s popula-

10 12 December 2019 tion in Ireland which took place using camera traps, over the winter of 2018/2019. It is intended that this survey report will published shortly.

The RHD2 virus was discovered in a number of rabbits and hares in the wild around the country during the summer and appears to be widespread in Ireland. The virus is known to be highly contagious and easily spread and environmental contamination presents significant difficulties in terms of any biosecurity responses.

The scientific advice available to me at that time indicated that the catching of hares in nets, their transportation in boxes and their keeping in confined areas like coursing hare parks can all be considered to increase the risk of disease spread. In these circumstances, given my responsibility in relation to the conservation status of the Irish hare, I decided to suspend the licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club on 9 August to capture and tag hares for the 2019/20 hare coursing- until a clearer understanding of the extent, spread and implications of the RHD2 virus emerges.

Since these initial incidents, a request for public involvement has led to more than 75 reports of dead rabbits and hares across the country. Each report has been followed up vigilantly by the local National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) rangers. RHD2 has been confirmed in five hares found in Dublin and Wexford and 29 rabbits found in counties Carlow, Clare, Cork, Dub- lin, Kildare, Kerry, Leitrim, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow. Since the suspen- sion of Irish Coursing Club licences on 9 August, discussions have been ongoing between the NPWS of my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Irish Coursing Club on the impact of this virus.

I recently issued revised licences last month to allow the netting and tagging of hares but there are specific restrictions and conditions explicitly attached to the issue of those licences. The capturing of hares and coursing activity is prohibited in areas within a 25-kilometre radius of where wild rabbits or hares have tested positive for the virus. New zones will be added on an ongoing basis if further positive tests arise and, in these new zones, the capturing of hares will have to cease immediately and coursing will only be possible with already captured hares, where the hares are certified in writing by a veterinary surgeon as being healthy, as such hares will only be released on foot of such certification. This has already impacted on some coursing events. In tandem with the granting of revised licences I have required a number of field studies to be undertaken at some coursing clubs, which will involve veterinary and virology expertise and input.

These studies, which are currently underway, are being carried out to supplement existing knowledge of the prevalence and nature of RHD2, are undertaken with co-operation between the NPWS of my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Irish Coursing Club. The field studies involve the microchipping and swabbing of all captured hares and the testing of swabs in DAFM laboratories for RHD2. My decisions in this regard were taken following extensive liaison with DAFM officials and officials of my Depart- ment.

12/12/2019WRA04400Aerfoirt Réigiúnacha

12/12/2019WRA0450025. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta an stádas agus sonraí, an praghas san áireamh, an chonartha maidir le ceannach Aerfort na Mine i gContae na Gaillimhe; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [51990/19]

12/12/2019WRA04600Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy

11 Questions - Written Answers Seán Kyne): Is féidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta gur cuireadh clabhsúr le ceannacht Aerfort Chonamara ar 6 Nollaig agus go bhfuil an aerfort faoi úinéireacht an Stáit anois. Chosain an t-aerfort €2.75m chun é a cheannach.

12/12/2019WRA04700National Biodiversity Plan

12/12/2019WRA0480026. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of support for biodiversity projects in counties Longford and Westmeath. [51896/19]

12/12/2019WRA04900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My De- partment is responsible for developing and publishing Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan. The most recent Plan (Ireland’s 3rd) was published in October 2017 and includes a number of actions aimed at assisting local authorities throughout the country in their efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity in their areas. Local authorities undertake much valuable work in this sphere and several have produced local Biodiversity Action Plans which are an important element in the overall approach to halting biodiversity loss.

In support of the work carried out by local authorities, a pilot grant scheme was introduced in 2018 to assist local authority led biodiversity, with funding for this scheme doubled in 2019. Westmeath County Council and Longford County Council received funding under this scheme in support of a number of initiatives during the last year, such as the Westmeath Wetlands Survey, Crayfish plague awareness and biosecurity training, pollinator infomercials andthe production of a Habitat Management Plan for council-owned land around Lough Ennell in Westmeath. In County Longford, funding was received for thee Pallas Pollinator Project, the County Longford Public Biodiversity Awareness Project 2019 and the North Longford Native Tree Nursery.

My Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service are managing ‘The Living Bog’ project, which is co-funded under the EU LIFE 2014-2020 programme. Garriskil Bog, County Westmeath and Ardagullion Bog, County Longford (both Special Areas of Conservation) are two of 12 bogs that are part of this restoration programme. Whilst most of the restoration works are complete at Garriskil Bog and Ardagullion Bog, the project is continuing to carry out ecological and hydrological monitoring as well as ongoing engagement with local stakeholders.

Cloncrow Bog in Westmeath is part of CARE-Peat, an EU-funded Interreg restoration project of c.25ha of state-owned bog that was previously operated as a commercial bog moss operation. My Department and members of the project team are working closely with members of ETHOS, a local community group in Tyrellspass, with restoration works due to start in 2020.

As part of the Seeds for Nature campaign launched at the 2019 National Biodiversity Con- ference, The Community Foundation for Ireland established a fund to engage ecologists to develop Community Biodiversity Action Plans. Grants from this fund support community groups across all 26 counties, including Longford and Westmeath, who wish to carry out ecological studies in their local areas with a view to developing a Community Biodiversity Plan with the support of a qualified Ecologist.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 18.

12/12/2019WRA05100Maoiniú d’Fhoras na Gaeilge

12/12/2019WRA0520028. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael-

12 12 December 2019 tachta míniú a thabhairt ar chaiteachas na Roinne ar Chlár na Leabhar Gaeilge agus a mbaineann leis trí Fhoras na Gaeilge. [51910/19]

12/12/2019WRA05300Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Seán Kyne): I dtosach báire, ba mhaith liom a mheabhrú go mbaineann saincheisteanna maidir le scéimeanna Chlár na Leabhar Gaelge le gnóthaí oibríochtúla Fhoras na Gaeilge agus, dá bharr sin, níl ról sonrach agam féin mar Aire Stáit ná ag mo Roinn i gclár oibre Chlár na Leab- har Gaeilge.

Cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú bliantúil ar fáil d’Fhoras na Gaeilge i ndáil le Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge. Ceadaíodh maoiniú €1,061,165 in 2019.

Is é misean Chlár na Leabhar Gaeilge ná scríbhneoireacht, foilsitheoireacht agus lé- itheoireacht na Gaeilge a chothú agus a chur chun cinn agus déantar sin trí na scéimeanna seo leanas a chuirtear chun cinn:-

Scéim na Foilsitheoireachta

Faoi Scéim na Foilsitheoireachta, cuirtear tacaíocht maoinithe ar fáil d’fhoilsitheoirí na Gaeilge sna réimsí táirgeachta, forbartha agus margaíochta bunaithe ar phlean cuimsitheach bliana a bheith curtha ar fáil acu. De thoradh an mhaoinithe:

- cinntítear saothair Gaeilge ar ard-chaighdeán a bheith ar fáil don phobal agus do léitheoirí Gaeilge i ngach aois-ghrúpa;

- foilsítear 90-100 leabhar in aghaidh na bliana i réimse leathan seánraí; agus,

- foilsítear leabhair i bhormáidí difriúla – leabhair chlóite, closleabhair agus ríomhleabhair .

Scéim na gCoimisiún

Is é aidhm na scéime seo ná ciste coimisiúnaithe a dháileadh i measc lucht liteartha na Gaeilge sa chaoi is go gcinnteofar soláthar sásúil sna réimsí éagsúla léitheoireachta. Dáiltear an ciste coimisiúnaithe trí na comhlachtaí foilsitheoireachta. Cuirtear an scéim chun cinn de ghnáth gach dara bliain. Bronntar idir 15 agus 20 coimisiún faoin scéim agus bítear ansin ag súil go bhfoilseofaí saothair de thoradh na gcoimisiún sin.

An Scéim Meantóireacht

Is é aidhm na scéime seo deis a thabhairt do scríbhneoirí i dtús a ré scríbhneoireachta comhairle faoina gcuid scríbhinní agus faoi cheird na scríbhneoireachta i gcoitinne, a fháil ó scríbhneoirí aitheanta. Cuirtear an scéim seo chun cinn gach dara bliain. Maoinítear suas le 10 bprintíseacht faoin scéim. Mar thoradh ar na printíseachtaí seo bítear ag súil le húdair nua a theacht chun cinn.

Scéim na dTionscadail Litríochta

Is é aidhm Scéim na dTionscadail Litríochta aird an phobail a dhíriú ar leabhair Ghaeilge agus ar litríocht na Gaeilge. Cuirtear litríocht na Gaeilge agus leabhair Ghaeilge chun cinn ar bhealaí éagsúla tríd na tionscadail litríochta mar a mbíonn:

- Léimh le húdair agus léimh fhilíochta;

- Tionscadail a chuimsíonn ceol agus damhsa chun aird an phobal a dhíriú ar litríocht na Gaeilge;

13 Questions - Written Answers - Clubleabhar ar líne agus fóram plé faoi leabhair Ghaeilge; agus,

- Léirmheas ar leabhair léite agus blagáil faoin litríocht i measc daltaí meánscoile

Scríobh Leabhar

Is tionscadal é Scríobh Leabhar le scríbhneoireacht agus léitheoireacht na Gaeilge a chothú i measc páistí bunscoile. Cuirtear an tionscadal chun cinn tríd na hIonaid Oideachais agus an tÁisaonad ó thuaidh. Bíonn thart fá 8,000 páiste páirteach sa tionscadal gach bliain agus 5,000 leabhar scríofa, deartha agus clóite. Tá rogha de na leabhair ar suíomh www.scriobhleabhar.ie.

12/12/2019WRA05400Cultural Policy

12/12/2019WRA0550029. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the night-time cultural policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52154/19]

12/12/2019WRA05600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): On April 17, I held a symposium to investigate the possibility of creative nightlife and cultural activity after hours as an alternative and complementary option to Ireland’s existing rich night time experience.

This work has significant potential to create a family friendly vibrant cultural night life to add to cultural events already taking place and to complement existing night life across the country. This topic has been one of interest in Ireland in light of a demand for a more varied night landscape and a recognition of the cultural, economic and social value of Ireland’s eve- ning experiences. It is also building on the back of movements across Europe such as Museum Night and, for example, the appointment of a “night tzar” in London.

My Department has been working with key partners to develop an approach to support a sustainable and forward looking infrastructure to facilitate the development of after-hours cultural events. In addition to local pilot projects and a national forum to consider the matter of night time culture in a comprehensive way, I am finalising plans to engage with local authorities and arts groups with regard to a mapping exercise of existing venues and civic spaces which may be suitable for night time cultural events to identify both gaps and opportunities, building on work done in this area to date. The exact methodology and approach to this mapping exercise is also being finalised.

Officials in my Department have recently written to selected local authorities with a view to establishing local interest groups to examine the potential for night time cultural events. The matter was the subject of a meeting between my Department and Dublin City Council on 4 December.

The main goal of these local groups will be to produce a report on what supports and im- pediments are currently impacting on opportunities for creative and cultural activity at night, both positive and challenging. The report will also propose practical locally-based initiatives to improve night-time culture. This report will then feed into a National Forum which is envisaged to comprise relevant Government Departments and Agencies. It is intended that this National Forum will meet upon receipt of local reports to consider matters arising for referral to the relevant Government Department or agency.

On foot of these engagements, consideration will be given to the development of Ireland’s first Night-Time Cultural Policy.

14 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRA05700National Biodiversity Plan

12/12/2019WRA0580030. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to promote biodiversity conservation and restoration to stop the current trajectory of biodiversity loss; her plans to ensure 30% of the territory of the State consists of natural areas by 2030 and for 30% of degraded ecosystems to be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52067/19]

12/12/2019WRA05900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I refer the Deputy to my previous extensive answers in this House on this matter and to the two day debate on biodiversity related issues in this House last July. My Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland and is the National Focal Point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an overarching international agreement underpinning the global biodiversity framework. In this context, my Department is the lead authority for the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

The current National Biodiversity Action Plan, Ireland’s 3rd, runs from 2017 to 2021 and captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity to be undertaken by a wide range of government, civil society and private sectors to achieve Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity.

My Department is currently preparing an interim review of the Plan and is in the process of gathering data from other Departments, agencies and stakeholders to inform that review.

Over the course of the last year I have listened very carefully to the debate on biodiversity loss and the threats to nature. Actions for biodiversity in 2019 have included the National Biodiversity Conference in Dublin, which I hosted; the development of the Seeds for Nature initiative; the wide ranging public consultation on the Heritage Ireland 2030 Plan; as well as the extensive engagement across Government on Climate Action. These measures were instru- mental in my securing an overall 15% budget increase in the Heritage sector in Budget 2020.

Total funding for our Built and Natural Heritage sector in 2020 will amount to €62.5m, up from €54m last year – an increase of over €8m. This funding includes €7m in funding to embark on an accelerated programme of peatlands restoration and conservation works. This programme will result in 1,800 hectares of restored peatland in 2020, generating 100 jobs in the Midlands. It is part of a multi-annual programme which aims will ultimately lead to the storage of 28 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Restoration and rehabilitation of raised bogs will provide multiple additional ecosystem services such as water and air quality improvements, flood mitigation, enhancing biodiversity, opportunities for tourism development, and contribute to the social and economic well being of local communities.

Additional funding is also being provided to accelerate key nature conservation and biodiversity programmes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service, including the expansion of the NPWS Farm plan scheme to protect biodiversity and assist farmers with lands designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in their role as custodians of nature.

At a local level, my Department continues to provide grant funding for local authority projects that promote actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2017- 2021. This funding is aimed at enhancing biodiversity awareness, education and action through local authority led projects and initiatives.

The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 15) is to be held in Kunming, China, from 19 October to 1 November 2020. The aim of COP15 will be to update

15 Questions - Written Answers the Convention’s strategic plan and adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The post- 2020 biodiversity framework is still under consideration and final targets remain subject to ongoing discussion and agreement among the Parties.

The Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee of the EU Parliament approved a resolution setting out their proposals for the 30% target for the Parliament’s position for CBD-COP15. The Committee has called for legally binding targets at global and EU level to increase ambition and ensure that post-2020 action on global biodiversity will be effective. Specifically, they want 30 % of the EU territory to consist of natural areas by 2030 and 30 % of degraded ecosystems to be restored.

However, the negotiating position for the EU and its Member States, including Ireland, at COP15 has not yet been finalised. Further discussions will take place in the run-up to COP15 and my Department will fully participate in these to ensure that Ireland’s interests are considered and represented in the final positions adopted in China next year.

12/12/2019WRA06000National Peatlands Strategy

12/12/2019WRA0610031. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider the establishment of a peatlands national park and nature reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51971/19]

12/12/2019WRA06200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Na- tional Peatlands Strategy provides a long term framework within which all of the peatlands within the State can be managed responsibly in order to optimise their social, environmental and economic contribution to the well-being of this and future generations. The 10 year strategy sets out a cross-governmental approach to managing issues that relate to peatlands, including compliance with EU environmental law, climate change, forestry, flood control, energy, nature conservation, planning, and agriculture. The strategy has been developed in partnership between relevant Government Departments/State bodies and key stakeholders through the Peat- lands Council.

Action 28 of the National Peatlands Strategy sets out that a peatlands strategy implementation group would be tasked with considering the creation of a national peatlands park. As a starting point for such consideration, an examination was undertaken in 2017 of existing and potential visitor facilities in the ownership of public, semi-state and voluntary bodies. It was found that there were fifteen peatlands sites in Ireland with features to be expected in a peatlands park ranging from community sites such as Abbeyleix Bog in County Laois to larger peatlands parks such as Lough Boora, in County Offaly which is managed by Bord Na Móna.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department intends to undertake a feasibility study in 2020 in relation to the creation of a national peatlands/wetlands park and will continue to engage with the relevant agencies and other stakeholders on the matter.

The consideration of peatlands as an amenity forms part of my Department’s EU LIFE programme funded raised bog restoration project and the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022. The EU LIFE funded raised bog restoration project is supporting amenity development in a number of raised bog special areas of conservation. Planning is at an advanced stage for community based amenity developments in Ferbane, County Offaly and Mountbellew, County Galway, subject to the granting of planning permission.

The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme, administered by my Department, has sup- 16 12 December 2019 ported the development of a number of community led walking trails and looped walks, local area amenity improvements, education programmes along with a photographic exhibition, environmental surveys, an oral history project, signage, interpretative infrastructure and promotional material in relation to raised bogs in 2018 and 2019.

Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 23.

12/12/2019WRA06400National Monuments

12/12/2019WRA0650033. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the Hill of Tara. [51895/19]

12/12/2019WRA06600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Hill of Tara is one of Ireland’s premier national monuments and is of international prominence and importance. In recent years, it has been subject to extensive research by the Discovery Pro- gramme, funded by my Department, through which our knowledge and understanding of the site has been greatly increased.

Against a background of high visitor footfall, my Department has been developing a conservation management plan for the state-owned lands at the Hill and is leading a working group of relevant stakeholders, including the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for day to day management, the Heritage Council and the Discovery Programme. This work has been undertaken with the objective of securing consensus among stakeholders and progressing, completing and publishing an updated Management Plan.

The preparation of the Plan has included a monument condition survey to inform the conservation needs of the monuments on the State-owned lands. An online visitor survey, as well as a visitor profile, was also undertaken by the Dublin Institute of Technology at the request of the Discovery Programme and Heritage Council. My Department is now reviewing all relevant documentation with a view to bringing the draft Plan to completion as soon as possible.

The Plan will focus on conservation issues and will inform a list of priority conservation and site management actions and measures to be implemented over its lifetime. It will also guide future interventions on the site, aided by the ongoing monitoring of visitor numbers by the OPW. It will concentrate on the lands that are in the ownership of the State and as such, it will not, nor is it intended to, address land use and planning issues in the wider environs of Tara.

Officials from my Department’s National Monuments Service and OPW Heritage Services provided an update on the plan at a meeting of the Ashbourne Municipal District of Meath County Council earlier this week

12/12/2019WRA06700Hedge Cutting Season

12/12/2019WRA0680034. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to promote the protection of hedgerows during the upcoming hedgerow maintenance period to ensure they are maintained in terms of their biodiversity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52066/19]

12/12/2019WRA06900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.

17 Questions - Written Answers There is provision in the legislation for some restricted exemptions from the prohibition during the closed period, for example, for works undertaken in the ordinary course or agriculture or forestry, for health and safety reasons, the destruction of noxious weeds, during works permitted under statute and for works undertaken for road safety reasons under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1983.

Ireland’s National Biodiversity Plan 2017-2021 recognises that hedgerows provide important habitats for a variety of species and there is a commitment in the Plan that hedgerow surveys will be continued by local authorities. My Department will continue to remind local authorities of the need to ensure that the scheduling and carrying out of necessary work to maintain hedgerows and vegetation growing on roadside banks and ditches should be completed outside the nesting season.

12/12/2019WRA07000Commemorative Events

12/12/2019WRA0710035. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht if she has considered the merits of having a more advanced announcement of the national Famine memorial day and location in order to allow many of the diaspora who are citizens of other states as a direct result of the impact of the Great Famine to travel to the commemoration and book in advance; if she will progress a specific famine museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51893/19]

12/12/2019WRA07200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As I have previously informed the House in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Numbers 3023 and 3025 of 23 July 2019, the Government, on 1st May 2018 approved the designation of the third Sunday of May each year as the National Famine Commemoration day, with the arrangements for the holding a of State commemoration on this day or the preceding Saturday to be decided each year following consultation with the relevant local authority and host community.

An announcement in relation to the designation of the location for the National Famine Commemoration 2020 will be made in the New Year.

Finally, as I have previously advised the House, decisions in relation to the curation and presentation of temporary or permanent exhibitions within national cultural institutions are operational matters for the relevant cultural institutions. However, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the Deputy that there are many local museums and other entities around the country that display material relating to the famine, such as the very significant Irish National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, County Roscommon.

12/12/2019WRA07300Caiteachas Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta

12/12/2019WRA0740036. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta an léireoidh sí, i bhfoirm tábla, caiteachas na Roinne ar áiseanna pobail agus spóirt sna Gaeltachtaí éagsúla do na blianta 2014-2019, agus na blianta sin san áireamh; agus an ndéan- faidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [52145/19]

12/12/2019WRA07500Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Seán Kyne): Is faoin gClár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga, a cuirtear cúnamh caipitil ar fáil chun áiseanna pobail agus teanga a athchóiriú nó a fhorbairt sa Ghaeltacht. Tacaíonn an clár sin go praiticiúil le cuspóirí comhaontaithe a bhaineann leis an nGaeltacht mar a leagtar amach iad sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge 2018-2022 . 18 12 December 2019 Tugann an tábla thíos léargas ar chaiteachas mo Roinne faoin gclár ó 2014:

Contae 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 to Iomlán data € € € € € € € Dún na 155,036 342,416 413,310 813,707 574,937 337,233 2,636,639 nGall Maigh Eo 0 36,729 27,104 150,369 170,589 12,769 397,560 Gaillimh 243,108 338,376 380,015 676,986 345,092 382,609 2,366,186 Ciarraí 966,043 488,928 59,959 81,892 103,499 103,147 1,803,468 Corcaigh 40,867 163,674 24,627 122,510 87,533 7,500 446,709 Port Láírge 8,197 0 6,117 11,537 2,515 37,893 66,259 An Mhí 3,749 17,006 10,763 0 0 0 31,518 An Chláir 0 0 0 0 8,528 0 8,528 Níos mó ná 3,000 46,143 0 43,000 40,710 40,850 173,703 Gaeltacht amháin Iomlán 1,420,000 1,433,273 921,895 1,900,000 1,333,403 922,000 7,930,570

12/12/2019WRA07600Artists’ Remuneration

12/12/2019WRA0770037. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the precarious nature of work in the arts means that many artists, writers, musicians and actors are particularly affected by the housing crisis and are often part of the hidden homeless phenomenon (details supplied); her views on the important role that these workers play; if she will work with artists to address the housing and other issues of poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51891/19]

12/12/2019WRA07800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I can assure the Deputy that I am acutely aware of the long standing difficulties faced by artists and I have put in place a number of initiatives and additional supports to the arts that I believe will, over time, make a significant difference to the income of people working in the arts.

Primary support for the Arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased in recent years and now stands at €80 million in 2020, and increase of some €5m or 6.3% over 2019. The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Mak- ing Great Art Work. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people’s engagement with the arts.

Total funding for the arts and culture sector in 2020 will increase by over 2% from €189m to almost €193m. My Department and I will continue to work rigorously with all of my Govern- ment colleagues towards delivering on the commitment to increase Government spending in the arts and culture sector on a trajectory that will see funding doubled by 2025. In this context, I am already delivering additional supports to the arts and culture sector, building on the €1.2 billion earmarked for culture, heritage and the Irish language under Project Ireland 2040, thus leading to increased activity and employment across all sectors under the remit of my Depart- ment.

Last summer Minister Regina O’Doherty and I announced the extension of the Social Wel- fare Scheme for Self-Employed Artists on Jobseeker’s Allowance on a permanent basis to other self-employed professional artists such as those working in theatre and music. 19 Questions - Written Answers My Department has also worked to address conditions and employment rights in the performing arts and screen industry in conjunction with the relevant agencies under its remit. Cen- tral to this is the Arts Council policies on the remuneration of artists which strives to ensure that organisations in receipt of Arts Council funding offer fair and equitable remuneration to artists.

In addition, on 10 July last, I announced new, significant measures aimed at increasing funding for public art and artists. Following completion by my Department of a review of the Percent for Art scheme, which allocates up to one percent of public capital projects to the commissioning of new works of art, changes are being introduced from 1 January next to the scheme’s bands and limits. This will result in increased funding being made available to the creative community and will ensure that the investment in public art projects will be closer to one percent.

12/12/2019WRA07900Arts Funding

12/12/2019WRA0800038. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available for promoting and translating Irish literature abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52150/19]

12/12/2019WRA08100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The remit of Culture Ireland, a division of my Department, is to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide thus strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation and increasing career opportunities for Irish artists globally. Culture Ireland supports and works with Literature Ireland to bring the best of Irish literature in translation to readers around the world through the award of translation grants to publishers, the hosting of literary translators in Ireland and by representing Irish writers at international showcases, book fairs and festivals. Culture Ireland works with resource organisations and Ireland’s key international cultural centres, on an annual funding basis, to deliver these key objectives.

Funding has also been provided to Literature Ireland by the Arts Council. Literature Ireland has funded the translation of over 2,000 works of Irish literature into 56 languages around the world.

Literature Ireland’s services include:

- Running a translation grant programme for publishers to fund the translation of literature from Ireland into foreign languages, and the translation of foreign literature into English or Irish.

- Operating a residential bursary programme for literary translators.

- Attending international book fairs and festivals and managing the Irish national stands at the London and Frankfurt book fairs.

- Support for international author and translator events.

- Providing information to publishers, agents, translators, writers and other interested parties.

-Publishing and distributing New Writing from Ireland and other publications.

- Participating in international literary translation projects.

- The Arts Council also provides funding to Words Ireland, which is an umbrella group

20 12 December 2019 of seven literature organisations whose purpose is to strengthen the literature sector in Ireland and to offer professional development support and opportunities to writers. The organisations which make up the network are: Children’s Books Ireland, Literature Ireland, Poetry Ireland, The Stinging Fly, Irish Writers Centre, Publishing Ireland and Munster Literature Centre.

Words Ireland’s remit includes the provision of professional development opportunities, with a particular focus on mid-career and advanced career practitioners. It provides mentoring opportunities, creating meaningful employment for professional writers and opportunities for emerging writers to advance their creative practice. Words Ireland receives funding from the Arts Council

Books for young people can be translated into Irish in Foras na Gaeilge, by An Gúm and their books are sometimes translated into other languages. Their Translation Scheme also provides funding for translations from other languages into Irish under certain arrangements.

12/12/2019WRA08200Wildlife Conservation

12/12/2019WRA0830039. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she proposes to focus on the protection of endangered species of birds and animals for the future, with particular reference to the possibility of preventing further endan- germent of such species; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52085/19]

12/12/2019WRA08400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I refer the Deputy to my replies to his recent questions, PQs 37724/19 and 45449/19.

My Department is responsible for implementing the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018, the primary legislation underpinning the protection of biodiversity and nature in Ireland. The Wildlife Acts afford protection to a range of habitats and species and provide for regulation and control of activities that impinge on biodiversity, such as hunting and trade.

The legislative framework in place to protect our natural heritage is further strengthened by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 SI No 477/2011, which also fall under the remit of my Department. These Regulations transpose the EU Birds Directive and the EU Habitats Directive into national law, and provide for protection of certain habitats and species across the European Union, giving a framework for specific measures to be taken to target areas of concern in each Member State. The main instruments provided for are the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPA), aimed at the protection of threatened species of birds, and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), aimed at protecting other animal species and habitats.

Ireland’s 3rd assessment on the status of listed habitats and species was submitted by my De- partment to the European Commission in April 2019. A summary report has also been published and is available on the NPWS website (https://www.npws.ie/publications/article-17-reports).

My Department drives targeted conservation work throughout the country and co-ordinates a number of EU-funded LIFE nature projects. KerryLIFE, a project worth over €5 million to support two local communities in the Caragh and Kerry Blackwater areas, for instance, is focussed on helping restore populations of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel.

The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme offers a mechanism for engaging with individuals in a joint conservation effort. The scheme will be enhanced in 2020 to support measures to protect biodiversity and assist farmers with lands designated as SACs or SPAs, in their role as custodians of nature. 21 Questions - Written Answers My Department’s NPWS continues to monitor and assess the status of vulnerable species in Ireland, and takes into consideration any appropriate responses possible, within their remit and the resources available, including specific schemes to address particular threatened species.

12/12/2019WRA08500National Orchestras

12/12/2019WRA0860040. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress to date on the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra to the remit of the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52065/19]

12/12/2019WRA08700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Follow- ing the publication of the report by RTÉ that it commissioned from independent consultants Helen Boaden and Mediatique on the RTÉ Orchestras entitled RTÉ Orchestras Ensuring a Sus- tainable Future, the Government agreed in principle that the RTÉ National Symphony Orches- tra (NSO) should come within the remit of the National Concert Hall (NCH), and authorised the initiation of discussions on the implementation of the recommendations of the report.

The overall aim of the Government decision in relation to the proposed transfer of the RTÉ NSO is to enable the orchestra to be established as a world class orchestra which would, with the NCH, provide a creative and imaginative programme strategy that would greatly enhance the offering of the combined organisation to the public.

In the recent Budget, I secured an allocation of €1 million to allow for the start of the process of transferring the National Symphony Orchestra to the remit of the National Concert Hall.

Discussions are ongoing between this Department, the NCH, RTÉ and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in order to resolve practical issues arising from the transfer.

In addition, engagement continues with the members of the National Symphony Orchestra.

I look forward to further progress on this important issue.

12/12/2019WRA08800Ministerial Meetings

12/12/2019WRA0890041. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met recently with a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52152/19]

12/12/2019WRA09000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The group to which the Deputy refers, has a “Wires Crossed” project as part of the Galway 2020 Cultural Programme. which has been developed as a partnership across 10 European countries and is supported by European funding. I am aware that owing to recent changes in cover provided by insurance companies, many service providers including those in the tourism, leisure, children’s play facilities, as well as arts organisations that engage in aerial and street performance are experiencing significant difficulties in securing insurance. The board of Galway 2020, on which I am represented, is concerned to ensure full cover is in place so that next year’s programme is not affected.

12/12/2019WRA09100Interdepartmental Committees

12/12/2019WRA0920042. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the interdepartmental committee on the islands; the consideration given to having island communities directly represented on the committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51992/19]

12/12/2019WRA09300Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Seán Kyne): The Interdepartmental Committee for Island Development, in which a number of Government Departments are participating, was set up earlier this year with the aim of drafting a National Islands policy. To date the committee has met twice, and further to their meetings, a consultation paper has been prepared and published.

The consultation paper, which was launched by both An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney T.D., and me on Sherkin Island recently is now available on my Department’s website www.chg.gov for viewing and for download by the public. This consultation document will form a central part of the consultation process where senior officials from my Department will visit the islands to meet and obtain input from the island communities into the process. A timetable for these visits is currently under discussion with relevant parties.

My officials will also meet other relevant stakeholders and the islands’ representative bodies with a view to gaining further insights into relevant issues that they wish to be considered for inclusion. The end result will be a comprehensive cross-Government policy document which will inform the delivery of public services to island communities over the coming years.

I can, therefore, assure the Deputy that the island communities will have a central voice throughout this entire process.

12/12/2019WRA09400Irish Language

12/12/2019WRA0950043. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to make the Irish language more viable in County Meath. [51894/19]

12/12/2019WRA09600Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Seán Kyne): The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 represents the foundation stone of the Government’s policy on the Irish language. The Strategy outlines an integrated approach to the Irish language, in which 9 areas of action are specified, namely Education; The Gaeltacht; Family Transmission of the Language - Early Intervention; Administration, Services and Community; Media and Technology; Dictionaries; Legislation and Status; Economic Life; and Cross-cutting Initiatives.

Last year, my Department published an action plan for the period 2018-2022 which contains specified strategic priorities for the next five years along with a timeline for their implementation. The focus of the Plan is on the measures to be implemented in the period to 2022 to further support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in the overall context of the nine areas for action as set out in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language.

The Plan outlines over 180 specific measures that will be implemented in conjunction with approximately 60 stakeholders on a cross-Departmental basis in support of the Irish language 23 Questions - Written Answers and the Gaeltacht from now until 2022.

Regarding County Meath, Foras na Gaeilge, an agency of the North South Language Body, is the agency charged with promotion of the Irish language on an all-island basis. In carrying out its legislative mandate, Foras na Gaeilge provides support, advice and financial assistance to many groups who promote the language in County Meath, including provision of courses and activities to help people improve or learn the language.

As I indicated in my reply to PQ No. 592 of 12 November 2019, the Gaeltacht Act 2012 gives statutory effect to the language planning process under which language plans may be prepared at community level in areas to be recognised under the Act as Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns or Irish Language Networks.

In that regard, the language plan in respect of Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib was submitted to my Department in July 2018 and approved in October 2018. In line with the support arrangements in place under the overall stewardship of my Department, a Language Planning Officer has since been appointed to implement this plan at community level. Annual funding of up to €100,000 is being made available in support of this.

To further underpin the Language Planning Process in the Gaeltacht a number of further actions in support of early years, the family, the traditional arts and youth were initiated in 2018. Three-year funding programmes were agreed with the organisations, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta and Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta in support of early years and the family respectively. In further support of the traditional arts in Gaeltacht areas, a three year programme was recently agreed with the organisation Ealaín na Gaeltachta. These supports will be available to all Gaeltacht areas, including Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib.

Finally, I should remind the Deputy that I recently launched the Meath Gaeltacht Enterprise Forum Report at an event in Ráth Chairn and the key outcomes from the report include the need to further capitalise on the wealth of Irish language, culture and heritage of this Gaeltacht community, to promote this Gaeltacht area to potential entrepreneurs and support their development and growth through the provision of modern workspaces and facilities.

In order to meet the needs of the Meath Gaeltacht, the report makes a series of recommendations such as the development of a gteic innovation and digital hub as part of Údarás na Gael- tachta’s Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta to accommodate entrepreneurs, innovators, concept developers, start-ups and especially remote workers in the Meath Gaeltacht. It is also recommended to develop, support and promote bespoke cultural and linguistic tourism in conjunction with local providers, Meath County Council, Fáilte Éireann and other agencies.

12/12/2019WRB00200Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRB0030044. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52208/19]

12/12/2019WRB00400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): Under the Na- tional Development Plan, as part of Project Ireland 2040, the Defence Vote was allocated €541 million in capital funding for the period 2018 to 2022 and the capital funding position for the years 2020 to 2022 is as outlined in the table below.

No additional capital funding figures have been provided beyond 2022.

24 12 December 2019 Defence Capital Expenditure Ceilings

2020 2021 2022 Defence Group €113 million €120 million €125 million This level of capital funding allows the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructure development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas.

12/12/2019WRB00500Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRB0060045. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52399/19]

12/12/2019WRB00700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): There are four business credit cards issued to my Department. The table below provides details of the expenditure on these cards and the bank interest paid in respect of these cards from 1 January 2016 to 31 October 2019.

Year Amount Spent Interest 2016 €20,004.38 Nil 2017 €15,603.86 €11.53 2018 €23,967.94 Nil 2019 (to 31 October) €15,951.59 Nil I can confirm that my Department has a credit card policy in place that sets out the conditions for the use of the Department’s business credit cards. This policy requires each cardholder to certify that any expenditure on the card assigned to them was incurred for official purposes only and was in accordance with the Department’s guidelines on the use of credit cards. I can also confirm that all expenditure on the Department’s business credit cards is subject to continuous monitoring by the appropriate authority.

12/12/2019WRB00800Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRB0090046. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52212/19]

12/12/2019WRB01000Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): The National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 includes, in Annex 1, the capital allocations for De- partments up until 2022. My Department will have a capital allocation of €13 million in 2020, across its two Votes: Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade, as published on Budget Day in October. The Department’s total capital allocations for 2021 and 2022 are projected to be €13 million and €14 million respectively. The capital allocations for the period 2023-2025 remain to be decided as part of the annual Estimates process. 25 Questions - Written Answers The main focus of capital investment by the Department for 2020, and for the period ahead, will be the cost of constructing and maintaining State-owned properties overseas under Global Ireland 2025, the on-going Passport Reform Programme, the continuing investment in ICT to support the Department’s global ICT network and Ireland’s participation at EXPO 2020.

The projected breakdown of the total 2020 capital allocation of €13 million, across the various areas referred to above, is as follows:

2020 State properties overseas € 5 million Passport Reform Programme € 4 million ICT € 2 million EXPO 2020 € 2 million Total €13 million Decisions on the breakdown of the capital allocation by area of expenditure for the years 2021-2025 will be made in due course.

12/12/2019WRB01100Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRB0120047. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52403/19]

12/12/2019WRB01300Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): There are currently just three official credit cards in use in the Department’s Headquarters. Two are held by designated officials in the Finance Division offices of the Department in Dublin and in Limerick and are generally used only for emergency purchases or purchases that can only be made by credit card. An official credit card was also issued to the Private Office of the Office of the Tánaiste in February 2019 but the card is only used to make and hold hotel and other reservations. There have not been any transactions on this card since it issued earlier this year. There are no official credit cards held by the Department in the Offices of the Minister of State for European Affairs or the Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development. In 2016 and 2017 an official credit card was held in the Office of then Minister of State for In- ternational Development but the card was cancelled in 2017.

My Department’s policy on the use of official credit cards is restrictive and credit cards are only authorised for officers who, due to the nature of their work or for particular circumstances, have a compelling business need for an official credit card. Official credit cards may only be used for necessary transactions arising in the course of official business and the credit limit is €5,000. Issue of official credit cards must be authorised by the Department’s Chief Financial Officer.

Official credit card bills are analysed and each transaction certified as in order before -pay ment is made. Personal expenditure is not allowed on official credit cards. All relevant supporting documentation is retained for internal and external audit purposes. Procedures on the use of official credit cards are reviewed regularly to ensure that the controls in place are sufficiently robust. 26 12 December 2019 Where colleagues claim for official expenditure incurred on personal credit cards the same controls are in place including the need to submit full invoice/receipts for the relevant expenditure. All expenditure claims are approved by a line manager.

The total amount spent on credit cards in the Department’s Headquarters in the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and to end-November 2019 was:

2016 - €5,294

2017 - €6,590

2018 - €3,224

2019 - €5,286

The amount of bank interest paid was:

2018 - €3.38

2019 - €0.86

Bank interest was not paid in the years 2016 or 2017.

In addition, twenty nine Missions abroad, out of a total of ninety overseas diplomatic Mis- sions, have credit card facilities for use for the official business of the Mission. These credit cards may only be used for transactions arising in the course of official business e.g. to pay for air and train travel, hotel bookings, etc on behalf of diplomatic officers based at the Mission. The same strict controls and guidelines regarding use that apply to official credit cards held at Headquarters apply to official credit cards held at Missions abroad. The Department’s financial management system does not allow for the information sought in respect of credit cards used in overseas Missions to be extracted in the time available to finalise the PQ reply.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not have any agencies operating under its aegis.

12/12/2019WRB01400Tax Incentives

12/12/2019WRB0150048. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the examination undertaken of the use of tax instruments to support investment by general practitioners, dentists and other professionals in primary care centres, technology and service developments. [52255/19]

12/12/2019WRB01600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): My Department put in place published guidelines for the evaluation of potential tax expenditures in October 2014 (http://budget.gov. ie/Budgets/2015/Documents/Tax_Expenditures_Oct14.pdf). Drawing on economic evidence, these make clear that it is important that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances where there are demonstrable market failures and where a tax-based incentive is more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.

An examination from a tax policy perspective of the issues mentioned by the Deputy in current circumstances has yet to be carried out by my Department.

12/12/2019WRB01700Departmental Budgets

27 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRB0180049. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52211/19]

12/12/2019WRB01900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Capital expenditure allocations for 2020 to 2022 were published for each Ministerial Vote Group in Budget 2020. The Finance Vote Group allocations are set out below, and these allocations will be verified in the 2020 Revised Estimates Volume.

- 2020 2021 2022

€million €million €million Finance Group 22 18 19 Allocations beyond 2022 have not yet been fixed by the Government.

Within the Finance Vote Group, allocations are generally made under two Votes, with the vast majority going to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and the Department of -Fi nance receiving a smaller allocation. By way of illustration, in the 2020 estimates, the Depart- ment of Finance has been allocated €1 million.

With regard to the areas in which funds will be allocated, my Department’s capital allocation provides for the routine acquisition of IT equipment and systems, and for certain premises expenses relating to the buildings it occupies. Aside from these types of expenditure, my De- partment does not have any long or medium term capital projects.

12/12/2019WRB02000Banks Recapitalisation

12/12/2019WRB0210050. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the investment made by the State in banks (details supplied) during the financial crisis by institution; the amount recouped to date from the institutions; the value of the residual investment by the State in the institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52288/19]

12/12/2019WRB02200Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Over the course of 2009 and 2010 Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society were recapitalised at a cost of €34.7 billion. Of this €5.4 billion was injected into INBS and €29.3 billion into Anglo Irish Bank by way of equity and promissory notes.

These entities were merged in July 2011 to become the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) which was subsequently liquidated in February 2013. Please see table below which sets out the current net position of that capital support.

IBRC €bn Cost of capitalising IBRC, through invest- (34.7) ments Fees received under liability guarantee 0.5 schemes Claims paid under guarantee schemes (1.1) Exchequer funds received from IBRC Spe- 1.5 cial Liquidators to date Net position (33.8) To date the State has received payments of €1.5 billion from the Special Liquidation of

28 12 December 2019 IBRC. The recovery of further funds from the liquidation of IBRC will depend on the resolution of outstanding legal actions and the realisation of the remaining assets which is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2021. All surplus funds that remain in IBRC at the conclusion of the liquidation will be returned to the State as the sole shareholder.

Further information in relation to the cost of banking stabilisation measures for IBRC is contained in Chapter 2 of the Accounts of the Public Services for 2018 published by the Comp- troller and Auditor General in September 2019.

12/12/2019WRB02300Credit Union Data

12/12/2019WRB0240051. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the investment by the State in credit unions during the financial crisis; the amount recouped to date; the value of residual investment by the State in the credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52289/19]

12/12/2019WRB02500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): To answer the Deputy’s question there has been no investment by the State in credit unions during the financial crisis.

However, my Department put in place a number of financial measures, supported by Exche- quer funds, to assist the credit union sector since 2011. These measures include:

- establishment of the Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo) supported by the availability of €250 million in the Credit Union Fund for voluntary restructuring of credit unions facilitated by ReBo; and

- availability of €250 million for resolution purposes to ensure the safety of members’ savings.

The Credit Union Fund

The Credit Union Fund was established under the Credit Union and Co-operation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012 (2012 Act) primarily to provide a source of financial support for the restructuring of credit unions under ReBo.

The Government provided €250m? to the Credit Union Fund specifically for restructuring, approximately €22.6m of which was drawn down. €11m of funding was provided by the sector through levies from 2014-2017, which resulted in a net cost to the fund of €11.6m.

On 28 November 2018, €238m was returned to the exchequer leaving approximately €0.4m in the fund which will be transferred to the exchequer following formal dissolution of ReBo. Legislation formally dissolving ReBo is expected to be finalised shortly.

Resolution Fund

The Credit Institutions Resolution Fund (CIRF) was established under the Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) Act 2011 (2011 Act). In December 2011, the Minister for Finance contributed €250m to the CIRF. On 29 November 2018, at my request, the CIRF repaid €240m leaving an outstanding balance due to the exchequer of €10m. To date circa €30m has been used to support resolution actions in the credit union sector.

12/12/2019WRB02600Revenue Documents

29 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRB0270052. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the way in which taxpayers who do not have access to a computer or are not computer literate and do not have a Revenue Commissioners myAccount will be able to access their employment detail summaries for 2019 under PAYE modernisation; if they will be able to obtain the information by writing to the Rev- enue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52291/19]

12/12/2019WRB02800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Since January 2019, employers and pension providers report pay and statutory deductions to Revenue in real-time on or before each pay date. The introduction of PAYE Modernisation also removed the requirement for employers to complete the various forms that were part of the previous reporting regime, for example forms P30, P35, P45 and P60.

As a replacement for the form P60 (certificate of total annual pay and deductions), Revenue will provide an online ‘Employment Detail Summary’ for each employee. This service will be available from early January 2020 in respect of 2019. The online Summary will include the pay and statutory details as reported to Revenue in real-time by employers and pension providers during 2019.

Employees can access their individual ‘Employment Detail Summary’ through Revenue’s myAccount service and can view, download or print the relevant information as required.

For customers who do not have access to myAccount or experience any difficulties using the system, the ‘Employment Detail Summary’ information can be sourced by contacting Revenue at telephone number 01-7383636 or by writing to ‘Freepost’, PAYE Services, P.O. Box 327, Cork.

12/12/2019WRB02900Insurance Costs

12/12/2019WRB0300053. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number and date of meetings held in 2019 with childcare providers or the childcare sector regarding increasing insurance costs in the sector. [52374/19]

12/12/2019WRB0310054. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number and date of meetings held in 2019 with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs regarding increasing insurance costs in the childcare sector. [52375/19]

12/12/2019WRB0320055. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the actions he will take to respond to increasing insurance costs in the childcare sector and the inability of certain childcare providers to access insurance cover for 2020. [52376/19]

12/12/2019WRB03300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 to 55, inclusive, together.

Let me say at the outset that I am very aware of the issues facing many businesses and organisations in various sectors in relation to the cost and availability of insurance. However, neither Minister of State D’Arcy nor I have had any dedicated meetings with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, or childcare providers or their representative bodies, on the specific issue raised in the Deputy’s question. I would also add that since the start of 2018 my Depart- ment has not received any representations from relevant childcare organisations or childcare providers. This would seem to indicate that there were not any significant problems in relation to the general availability or cost of insurance within the childcare sector during this period. In this regard, it should be noted in other sectors where there have been problems with insurance costs and availability of cover, there has been significant engagement with Minister of State 30 12 December 2019 D’Arcy and my Department on such matters.

Notwithstanding this, I have recently become aware, through media coverage, that some childcare providers may face difficulties in obtaining insurance, as a result of the apparent withdrawal of a particular insurer operating in that sector. This may, in particular impact those providers that have open insurance claims against them, for example, and are unable to secure an alternative provider. This is a worrying development and is not too dissimilar to the withdrawal of other operators in the leisure sector earlier this year. From Minister of State D’Arcy’s dealings with some of these insurers, including his meetings in London in September, it is likely that the overall unstable claims environment in Ireland as well as uncertainty created by Brexit have been factors in the decision of the company in question.

As the Deputy is aware however, there are significant constraints on what the Government can do to immediately resolve issues around the cost and availability of insurance. In this regard, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have any influence over the pricing of insurance products, and neither can we compel any insurer operating in the Irish market to provide cover to any sector of the market, as this is a commercial matter for insurers. A further constraint is the fact that for constitutional reasons, the Government cannot direct the courts as to the award levels that should be applied.

Notwithstanding these constraints, reducing the high cost of insurance generally and making Ireland more attractive to new entrants has been a priority for the Government. The Cost of Insurance Working Group (CIWG) was established in July 2016 and undertook an examination of the factors contributing to the increasing cost of insurance in order to identify what short, medium and long-term measures could be introduced to help reduce the cost of insurance for consumers, businesses and the voluntary and arts sectors. The CIWG has produced two reports the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance and the Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance.

Many reforms have been made already including amendments to the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act, and the establishment of Na- tional Claims Information Database in the Central Bank of Ireland. However it is clear that the single biggest challenge that still needs to be addressed and which is having the most impact in the general public liability area is the level of awards that exist in Ireland, for relatively minor injuries, as compared to other jurisdictions. In this regard, the key recommendation arising from both of the CIWG’s reports was the establishment of the Personal Injuries Commission (PIC) and the publication of its two reports. The PIC conducted a benchmarking of award levels between Ireland and other jurisdictions for the first time and this has been very helpful in identifying the scale of the problem that is faced. This research showed that award levels for soft tissue injuries in Ireland were 4.4 times higher than in England and Wales. The PIC recommended that a Judicial Council be established and that it should compile guidelines for appropriate general damages for various types of personal injury. In carrying out this exercise, the PIC believes that the Judiciary will take account of the jurisprudence of the Court of Appeal, the results of its benchmarking exercise, etc. On foot of this recommendation, the Government with the support of all parties in the Oireachtas prioritised the passing of the Judicial Council Act 2019. This Act provides for the establishment of a Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee upon the formal establishment of the Judicial Council. This Committee is tasked with introducing new guidelines to replace the Book of Quantum.

Work to establish the Judicial Council is well underway. With regard to the Personal Inju- ries Guidelines Committee and the subsequent publication of its new guidelines to recalibrate award levels and replace the Book of Quantum, it is a matter for the Judiciary to put in motion the necessary process to expedite these. The first important step in this process was the recent 31 Questions - Written Answers announcement by the Chief Justice of the names of the seven “members designate” of the Per- sonal Injuries Guidelines Committee (PIGC), which will be chaired by Ms Justice Mary Irvine of the Supreme Court. This is a significant step forward as I believe it is a recognition of the prioritisation that the Judiciary are giving to this issue.

I am hopeful that the creation of personal injury damage guidelines by the Judiciary can result in the lowering of award levels. Were this to happen, I would expect a lowering of the costs of insurance generally. I would also expect that insurers operating in Ireland would widen the areas of risk they will cover, as I believe that cherry picking only the most profitable areas of insurance, which appears to be happening at the moment, does not serve anyone’s overall economic interest over the medium to long term. I note the comments made by the Interim In- surance Ireland CEO Gerry Hassett recently that if award levels come down so will premiums. I believe that this is a very reassuring commitment and it is one the Government intends holding the insurance industry to. I would hope that they will also widen the areas of risk they are willing to cover.

Finally, as the Deputy will know, the Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance, Mr. Michael D’Arcy TD, operates an open-door policy regarding meeting any stakeholders that approach him about difficulties they are encountering in securing insurance. Therefore, if there is a significant underlying problem in the childcare sector, I would encourage its representative associations or other key stakeholders to meet with Minister D’Arcy to outline the issues that their members are experiencing in respect of insurance.

12/12/2019WRB03400Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRB0350056. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 14 November 2019, when he will propose to Dáil Éireann that he will not invest €500 million into the rainy day fund in accordance with section 6 of the National Surplus (Reserve Fund for Exceptional Contingencies) Act 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52392/19]

12/12/2019WRB03600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Deputy is correct that under Sec- tion 6 of the National Surplus (Reserve Fund for Exceptional Contingencies) Act 2019, in any given year, the Minister for Finance may make a proposal to the Dáil not to transfer the annual €500m contribution into the National Surplus (Exceptional Contingencies) Reserve Fund.

Given that a disorderly Brexit was the baseline scenario for Budget 2020, on Budget Day, 8 October 2019, I announced my intention not to transfer the €500 million from the Exchequer to the National Surplus (Exceptional Contingencies) Reserve Fund in 2019.

By reason of the exceptional circumstances posed by the UK’s proposed withdrawal from the European Union, I am still satisfied that the making of the payment would place an undue burden on the public finances.

Therefore, I have proposed a Motion seeking a Dáil Resolution not to pay the prescribed annual contribution into the Fund in 2019. I have been advised that this motion will be listed for debate in the Dáil Schedule for Wednesday, 18 December next.

12/12/2019WRB03700Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRB0380057. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number of credit cards issued

32 12 December 2019 to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52402/19]

12/12/2019WRB03900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): In response to the Deputy’s question, information relating to the first three points contained in the Parliamentary Question are presented in tabular form below:

Department of 2016 2017 2018 2019 Finance No. of Credit 8 9 7 7 Cards issued to Ministers and Officials working in Depart- ment The amount €29,599.64 €37,490.64 €28,340.94 €26,370.51 spent on Credit Cards The Bank €154.44 €0.00 €0.00 €0.00 Interest paid on Credit Cards The issuing and expenditure thresholds and the monitoring of Departmental credit cards is governed by (a) The Department of Finance’s Office Notice no. 9 of 2009 “Application and Guidelines for use of Official Credit Cards” and (b) the associated Revised Expenditure Ap- proval Procedures as set out in the Department’s Office Notice no. 2 of 2013 which was issued by the Secretary General of the Department (copies attached).

The final element of your question relates to “the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work- related expenses”.

There are 17 bodies under the aegis of my Department. For 4 of these bodies, the issue of work-related expenditure incurred on personally held credit cards does not arise. These are the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC), Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo), Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) and the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT).

CUAC is an advisory committee set up to advise the Minister on credit union matters and therefore has no staff by whom credit card claims would be made. ReBo has been wound down since mid-2017 and is awaiting completion of legislation to formally dissolve the entity and therefore has no staff by whom credit card claims would be made. IBRC has one remaining staff member for whom there is no requirement to incur work-related expenditure on their personal credit card. IFSAT does not have any employees and therefore, the issue of expenditure on work-related expenses does not arise.

The remaining 13 bodies have provided the following in relation to work-related expenditure incurred on personally held credit cards bills and that are subsequently recouped:

Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General

33 Questions - Written Answers Use of personal credit cards for business purposes has to be pre-approved by senior management (Deputy Director (PO equivalent) or higher). A recoupment claim can only be submitted on receipt of goods/services purchased, has to be signed by the budget holder and approved for payment by the relevant Deputy Director. Itemised receipts listing all items purchased, inclusive of all relevant taxes (VAT), have to be attached to a recoupment claim. A credit card statement for the period payment is to be made, or was made, must be attached to the recoupment claim. Statements are returned to the claimant on inspection of correctness of claim.

Central Bank

The Central Bank operates a Corporate Credit Card scheme and staff who have need to incur credit card type expenditure on behalf of the Bank are expected to apply for a card to be issued through this scheme. Although usage of staff’s own personal credit cards is not expressly prohibited, the Central Bank expect that staff only use their cards in very limited circumstances.

In order for any member of staff to recoup expenses as a result of business expenditure incurred, regardless of the method of payment, the staff member must complete an expenses claim form. All expense claims need to comply with the Central Bank’s expense claim policy and be submitted within 3 months of the expense being incurred. Claimants are required to provide a description of the spend and a business rationale for same. All expenses are required to be accompanied by proof of spend (i.e. relevant receipts). The expenditure requires approval at a Head of Division/Head of Function level or above.

Credit Review Office

The Credit Reviewer submits receipts for approval to the Department of Finance in respect of any work related expenses to be recouped that were incurred as a result of carrying out his/ her duties.

Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA)

With the exception of one medical doctor, ordinary board members receive locum expenses which the Chairperson of the Board signs off on at the clinics. Other expenses, such as travel or accommodation costs when travelling to external clinics, may be claimed by board members for which receipts must be provided.

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

When a staff member uses their personal credit card for travel and expenses, this is reclaimed back in accordance with the FSPO’s travel and subsistence procedure. Staff who incur travel and/or subsistence expenses, having had travel and/or subsistence approved in advance by their line manager, must complete a Travel & Subsistence Claim form. When signed by the relevant Line Manager or budget holder, this form is then submitted to the Finance Officer for payment.

Investor Compensation Company DAC (ICCL)

The ICCL adhere to Central Bank of Ireland policies in relation to recoupment of work-related expenses. ICCL staff, when seeking reimbursement of work-related expenditure including those incurred on personally held cards, must submit all vouched requests for reimbursement through the Central Bank of Ireland travel desk.

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC)

Work-related expenses recouped by staff in the Fiscal Council is on a vouched basis only. IFAC’s Payments Procedures Policy details the procedure and controls in respect of the use of

34 12 December 2019 the Fiscal Council debit card and in relation to the processing of Travel & Subsistence claims.

National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), including National Asset Manage- ment Agency (NAMA), Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) and Strategic Banking Corporation Ireland (SBCI)

The NTMA has an expenses policy applicable to all NTMA employees, including NAMA, HBFI and SBCI, which governs the claiming of work-related expenses. This policy provides, amongst other things, that when claiming an expense, including work-related expenses from a personal credit card, a detailed receipt should be submitted. Expense claims require manager approval. Claims may be rejected by the relevant approver where he/she is not satisfied that sufficient backup has been provided. In this regard, the approver may refuse to accept a credit card statement or card receipt as sufficient evidence.

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

If a work related expense is incurred on a personal credit card, a claim must be submitted through the Payroll Shared Service Centre’s Travel & Subsistence system and receipts must be provided.

Tax Appeals Commission (TAC)

To date, there have been no payments in respect of work-related expenses incurred on personally held credit cards. Should such a situation arise, a staff member must submit all relevant receipts and recoupment is managed in accordance with the current Civil Service guidelines in relation to travel and subsistence.

[Expenditure Approval Procedures]

[Credit Card Guidelines]

12/12/2019WRB04000VAT Rate Application

12/12/2019WRB0410058. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the VAT treatment of local concerts and music festivals; and the VAT treatment of alcohol and food sold on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52420/19]

12/12/2019WRB0420059. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the VAT treatment of local concerts and music festivals; the VAT treatment of alcohol and food sold on site in cases in which their price is not included in the ticket base price. [52421/19]

12/12/2019WRB0430060. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the VAT treatment of local concerts and music festivals; and if VAT can be claimed back by artists that perform at concerts or festivals. [52422/19]

12/12/2019WRB04400Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 to 60, inclusive, together.

I am advised by Revenue that in general where a concert takes place in Ireland, the artist’s performance fee is subject to Irish VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%. Where an international performer is engaged by a promoter, it is the responsibility of the promoter to account for VAT due on the performance fees. As with all VAT registered businesses, they can reclaim VAT

35 Questions - Written Answers on their deductible business costs.

I am further advised by Revenue that the VAT treatment of admissions to local concerts and musical festivals is dependent on whether there are facilities available for the consumption of food or drink (including alcohol) during all or part of the performance. Where food or drink are available at the concert or musical festival, the admission tickets are subject to the reduced rate of VAT. However, where food or drink are not available at the concert or musical festival, the admission tickets are exempt from VAT.

In general, the catering of food at these events is subject to the reduced rate of VAT while drink and alcohol are subject to the standard rate of VAT.

Revenue has further information on the VAT treatment of different types of events and on food and drink available on their website (links below).

Admission to events - https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-on-services/exceptions-to-the- general-place-of-supply-rules-for-services/admission-to-events/what-is-an-admission-for-vat- purposes.aspx

Food and drink - https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-on-goods/food-drinks-and-supple- ments/food-and-drink.aspx]

12/12/2019WRB04500Help-To-Buy Scheme Expenditure

12/12/2019WRB0460061. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost in 2019, 2020 and 2021 of the help-to-buy scheme. [52493/19]

12/12/2019WRB04700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Revenue advise me that they publish a monthly update on the cost of the Help to Buy scheme (HTB) for the current year as the data becomes available. The cost of the scheme in 2019 to end November is €93.9 million. This figure will be updated for the entire year in due course and will be available at the following link:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/htb/htb-monthly.aspx

It should be borne in mind that HTB is a demand led scheme which is subject to a broad range of variables, including housing completion rates and prices. However, based on the projected outturn for this year, the estimated Exchequer cost of extending Help to Buy is some €100m per annum for each of the next two years.

12/12/2019WRB04800Living City Initiative

12/12/2019WRB0490062. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the cost in tax forgone of the living cities initiative. [52494/19]

12/12/2019WRB05000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Living City Initiative (LCI) (provided for in Finance Act 2013 and commenced on 5 May 2015) is a tax incentive aimed at the regeneration of the historic inner cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford. The scheme provides income or corporation tax relief for qualifying expenditure incurred in refurbishing/converting qualifying buildings which are located within pre-determined ‘Special Regeneration Areas’ (SRAs).

36 12 December 2019 There are three types of relief available:

1. Owner-occupier residential relief;

2. Rented residential relief; and,

3. Commercial/Retail relief.

The following table outlines the cost/uptake for all 3 elements of the scheme combined between 2013 and 2017 (the most recent year for which data are available).]

Year No. of claimants Max Tax Cost (€M)* Amount claimed (€M) 2017 20 0.1 0.4 2016 15 0.2 0.5 2015 13 0.2 0.5 2014 N/A 0.1 0.2 2013 N/A 0.05 0.1 *assumed at 40% for IT and 12.5% for CT

Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, LCI was due to terminate on 5 May 2020 in accordance with its sunset clause. However, Finance Bill 2019 provides for an extension of the scheme until 31 December 2022. The rationale behind this decision is to allow time for a series of enhancements to the incentive (as provided for in Budget 2017) to take full effect.

12/12/2019WRB05100Exchequer Revenue

12/12/2019WRB0520063. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the surplus recorded in 2018 on a GGB basis; and the expected surplus to be recorded in 2019. [52508/19]

12/12/2019WRB05300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The official outturn for 2018 is com- piled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This is included in Table 1 of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook published as part of Budget 2020. This table also includes the Department of Finance’s projections of the main economic and fiscal variables, including the general government balance.

The following extract sets out the information the Deputy requested.

- 2018 2019 General Government Bal- 0.1 0.2 ance, per cent of GDP Taking into account the November tax receipts, with all else being equal, a surplus of 0.4 per cent of GDP could instead be in prospect for this year.

The CSO will publish the official outturn for 2019 in April of next year.

12/12/2019WRC00200Tax Code

12/12/2019WRC0030064. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of introducing a new rate of capital acquisitions tax of 20% on the first €100,000 over the existing group A threshold in order that the first €335,000 is exempt, the next €100,000 is charged at 20% and 37 Questions - Written Answers then a further increase is at the existing 33% rate. [52510/19]

12/12/2019WRC0040065. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of introducing a new rate of capital acquisitions tax of 20% on the first €200,000 over the existing group A threshold in order that the first €335,000 is exempt, the next €200,000 is charged at 20% and then a further increase is at the existing 33% rate. [52511/19]

12/12/2019WRC0050066. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of introducing a new rate of capital acquisitions tax of 20% on the first €300,000 over the existing group A threshold in order that the first €335,000 is exempt, the next €300,000 is charged at 20% and then a further increase is at the existing 33% rate. [52512/19]

12/12/2019WRC0060067. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of introducing a new rate of capital acquisitions tax of 20% on the first €400,000 over the existing group A threshold in order that the first €335,000 is exempt, the next €400,000 is charged at 20% and then a further increase is at the existing 33% rate. [52513/19]

12/12/2019WRC0070068. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of introducing a new rate of capital acquisitions tax of 20% on the first €50,000 over the existing group A threshold in order that the first €335,000 is exempt, the next €50,000 is charged at 20% and then a further increase is at the existing 33% rate. [52514/19]

12/12/2019WRC0080069. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of introducing a new rate of capital acquisitions tax of 20% on the first €150,000 over the existing group A threshold in order that the first €335,000 is exempt, the next €150,000 is charged at 20% and then a further increase is at the existing 33% rate. [52515/19]

12/12/2019WRC00900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 to 69, inclusive, together.

I am advised by Revenue that the estimated full year cost of reducing the current Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) rate of 33% to 20% on specified amounts over the current Group A threshold amount of €335,000 is shown in the following table.

Specified €50,000 €100,000 €150,000 €200,000 €300,000 €400,000 Amount Annual €12.5m €21.2m €27.6m €32.9m €40.5m €45.7m Cost The Deputy may also wish to note that the estimated cost of other changes relating to CAT are published in the Revenue Ready Reckoner at link;

https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/ index.aspx.

12/12/2019WRC01000Tax Code

12/12/2019WRC0110070. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance his plans in respect of future changes in the rate of DIRT. [52516/19]

12/12/2019WRC01200Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): As the Deputy may be aware, the rate of DIRT will be 33 per cent as respects the year of assessment 2020 having been reduced by 2 per cent per annum from 41 per cent in Budget 2017 and Finance Bill 2016.

38 12 December 2019 As is the case with all taxes, any possible future changes to the rate of DIRT are considered in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill processes.

12/12/2019WRC01300Tax Reliefs Abolition

12/12/2019WRC0140071. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of abolishing the disregard in respect of tax relief on tuition fees for full and part-time students. [52522/19]

12/12/2019WRC01500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Section 473A of the Taxes Consolida- tion Act 1997 provides for income tax relief in respect of qualifying tuition fees paid by an individual for a third level education course, subject to the terms and conditions set out in that section. The relief is granted at the standard rate of income tax (currently 20%), where an individual pays qualifying fees for an approved course, whether on his or her own behalf, or on behalf of another individual. Fees which are met from any other source, from a grant or schol- arship for example, are not allowable. In addition, examination fees, administration fees and registration fees do not qualify for relief.

The maximum amount of fees that can qualify for the relief is €7,000 per course. However, an amount must be disregarded from each claim, whether the claim is in respect of one or more students. “Qualifying fees” for the purposes of the relief mean tuition fees in respect of an approved course, at an approved college, reduced by the amount of the “student contribution”. The disregarded “student contribution” amount is currently €3,000 in the case of a full-time course and €1,500 in the case of a part-time course, and it applies to all third level courses. This means the first €3,000 or €1,500, as appropriate, of all fees claimed by an individual taxpayer does not attract tax relief. As a claim may relate to one or more students, generally claimants will get full tax relief on the tuition fees for each of the second and subsequent students in their claim.

I am informed by Revenue that it is not possible to identify the number of courses per claimant, or the breakdown between full and part time courses, from the available data in relation to the disregard for third-level tuition fees. It is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the tax cost associated with the proposed abolition of the disregard amount, as outlined by the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRC01600Property Tax

12/12/2019WRC0170072. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when the refund of RPT will be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52546/19]

12/12/2019WRC01800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): This matter was previously addressed in reply to Question No. 41543 on 10 October 2019. I am advised by Revenue that following the Deputy’s previous Question, Revenue issued a letter directly to the individual concerned outlining what was required to resolve the matter.

The individual in question has not replied to the letter, has not filed a statutory LPT return and has not provided the documentation requested in support of his claim.

I understand that Revenue is continuing to liaise with the Deputy’s office on this matter but Revenue cannot determine the status of the property until the required documentary evidence is received.

39 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRC01900Coastal Erosion

12/12/2019WRC0200073. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the need for a permanent extended scheme (details supplied) in view of the destruction of properties, public amenities and the dune system at the location in recent months; and if funding will be approved for proposals which are due to be submitted by Fingal County Council. [52469/19]

12/12/2019WRC02100Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): I am advised, in respect of coastal erosion at the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin, that Fingal County Council is leading on this issue, as it is a matter for local authorities in the first instance to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas. Where necessary, local authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Depart- ments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.

In 2018, in response to serious coastal erosion problems at The Burrow, Portrane, Fingal County Council implemented temporary interim emergency measures to protect properties at risk. Funding of €456,464 was approved under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for these works.

Since then, Consultants appointed by Fingal County Council are currently assessing options for a longer term permanent solution for the Portrane Peninsula / Rogerstown Outer Estuary area. Fingal County Council have advised that the assessment of options will be followed by extensive public consultation, and environmental assessment and consent processes, which are likely to take several months to conclude. The Council has confirmed that it is probable, therefore, that the study, and the associated approved plan for the peninsula, will take at least until the middle of 2020 to complete.

OPW continues to co-operate and assist Fingal County Council and accordingly met with Fingal County Council and their consultants on 5 November 2019 to receive an update on the progress of the study.

If a viable option is identified, the Council may submit a further application for funding to the OPW or other Government Departments as appropriate.

12/12/2019WRC02200National Development Plan Funding

12/12/2019WRC0230074. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital allocations in each of the years 2020 to 2027 under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. [52196/19]

12/12/2019WRC0240075. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital allocations by Department in each of the years 2020 to 2027 under the National Devel- opment Plan 2018-2027. [52197/19]

12/12/2019WRC0250076. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52216/19]

12/12/2019WRC02600Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 76, inclusive, together.

40 12 December 2019 An extract from Table 3.1, published in the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2018, is set out below for the Deputy’s information. The table sets out the Exchequer investment of €91 billion over the period of the NDP out to 2027. The Exchequer resource allocations are based on projected nominal growth rates in national income (GNI*) averaging 4% over the period 2022 – 2027.

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 5.8 7.3 7.9 8.6 8.9 9.4 10.0 10.5 11.0 11.6 Multi-annual investment allocations were published in Budget 2020 for each Department covering the period 2020 – 2022. These allocations will be verified in the Revised Estimates Volume which will be published next week. A copy of the table is set out below. Allocations beyond 2022 have not yet been fixed by the Government.

2020 2021 2022 Total € million € million € million 2020 - 2022 AGRICUL- 274 265 275 814 TURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE BUSINESS, 632 640 715 1,987 ENTERPRISE AND INNOVA- TION CHILDREN 31 32 33 96 AND YOUTH AFFAIRS COMMUNICA- 372 517 611 1,500 TIONS, CLI- MATE ACTION AND ENVI- RONMENT CULTURE, 81 80 110 271 HERITAGE AND THE GAELTACHT DEFENCE 113 120 125 358 EDUCATION 922 1,006 1,100 3,028 AND SKILLS EMPLOY- 15 16 17 48 MENT AF- FAIRS AND SOCIAL PRO- TECTION FINANCE 22 18 19 59 GROUP FOREIGN 13 13 14 40 AFFAIRS AND TRADE GROUP

41 Questions - Written Answers 2020 2021 2022 Total € million € million € million 2020 - 2022 HEALTH 854 880 880 2,614 HOUSING, 2,230 2,269 2,280 6,779 PLANNING, AND LOCAL GOVERN- MENT JUSTICE AND 265 208 216 689 EQUALITY GROUP PUBLIC EX- 219 223 232 674 PENDITURE AND REFORM GROUP RURAL AND 150 152 175 477 COMMUNITY DEVELOP- MENT TRANSPORT, 1,943 2,613 2,424 6,980 TOURISM AND SPORT TOTAL GROSS 8,136 9,052 9,226 26,414 CAPITAL EX- PENDITURE CEILINGS* UNALLOCAT- 109 109 218 ED RESERVE

*Rounding affects totals

With regard to capital expenditure by my Department, due to the nature of its role, my De- partment has no State Infrastructure projects funded through its own Vote. The main purpose of capital projects and associated investment undertaken by my Department is to support greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service through investing in .ICT

12/12/2019WRC02700Garda Stations

12/12/2019WRC0280077. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter regarding a Garda barracks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52220/19]

12/12/2019WRC02900Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): As part of the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Office of Public Works (OPW) was requested not to dispose of any closed Garda stations pending the outcome of two reviews of closed Garda stations.

Following the conclusion of both reviews, it was confirmed in May 2019 by An Garda Síochána that particular properties remained surplus to its requirements. The Office of Public

42 12 December 2019 Works recommenced the process of identifying alternative State use, in line with the OPW’s disposal policy on surplus vacant property.

The OPW policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property, including the for- mer Garda station at Moyvane is to:

1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.

2. If there is no other State use identified, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.

3. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement. This is subject to a detailed written submission that demonstrates that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.

The OPW is in discussion with Kerry County Council who have expressed an interest in acquiring the property.

If Kerry County Council decide not to proceed with the acquisition and there is no other State requirement identified, the Commissioners of Public Works will then consider the business plan submitted by the Community Group.

12/12/2019WRC03000Garda Stations

12/12/2019WRC0310078. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter regarding a Garda barracks (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52222/19]

12/12/2019WRC03200Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): As part of the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Office of Public Works (OPW) was requested not to dispose of any closed Garda stations pending the outcome of two reviews of closed Garda stations.

Following the conclusion of both reviews, it was confirmed in May 2019 by An Garda Síochána that particular properties remained surplus to its requirements. The Office of Public Works recommenced the process of identifying alternative State use, in line with the OPW’s disposal policy on surplus vacant property.

The OPW policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property, including the for- mer Garda station at Moyvane is to:

1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.

2. If there is no other State use identified, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.

43 Questions - Written Answers maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.

The OPW is in discussion with Kerry County Council who have expressed an interest in acquiring the property.

12/12/2019WRC03300Office of Public Works

12/12/2019WRC0340079. Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a disused oil storage tank on a site (detail supplied) will be decommissioned as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52323/19]

12/12/2019WRC03500Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The Office of Public Works administers real property matters of dissolved companies on behalf of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in consultation with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.

The OPW became aware of the disused oil tank on 22nd October 2019. The property is registered to a dissolved company. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office has recently written to one of the stakeholders with a view to finding a solution.

12/12/2019WRC03600Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRC0370080. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52407/19]

12/12/2019WRC03800Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The number of credit cards in operation in my Department, the amounts paid by credit card for goods and services and the bank interest charged is set out in the table below.

I would highlight for the Deputy that in 2019, for example, 94% of the expenditure by credit card was by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) paying for ICT services online. The OGCIO delivers cross-government ICT services, infrastructure, support and development.

At present, neither Minister of State O’Donovan nor I have a Department of Public Expen- diture and Reform credit card or purchase card.

2016 2017 2018 2019 * Number of 10 10 10 8 Credit Cards in operation

44 12 December 2019 2016 2017 2018 2019 * Goods, Services €30,306.42 €40,586.20 €43,048.14 €70,608.38 and ICT costs paid by Credit Card Bank Interest €80.19 None None None paid on Credit Cards * excluding Purchase Cards

The issuing and expenditure thresholds and the monitoring of Departmental credit cards is governed by an Office Notice on “Application and Guidelines for use of Official Credit Cards”.

In relation to controls in place to monitor expenditure on personally held credit cards to recoup work related expenses, officials in my Department must use the National Shared Service’s Office’s Travel and Subsistence system to seek reimbursement for costs incurred by them while travelling for work. The daily and overnight subsistence rates that can be claimed by officials for the purpose of work travel are set out in the Department’s circulars. Any use of personally held credit cards for other work purposes only occurs in exceptional circumstances and the official in question must supply the receipt or invoice for the goods or services procured on behalf of the State on their own card for reimbursement. In relation to the controls in place in this regard in bodies under aegis of the Department, I wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this aspect of the Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 42A.

Finally, the Deputy may also be interested to note that my Department is in the process of closing its traditional credit card accounts in order to modernise how it pays suppliers. It is currently replacing these with a purchase card system, which utilises enhanced payments technology in its daily operations. This is a new way of working for my Department that is enhancing staff productivity as this system is safely eliminating cumbersome manual processes for low value invoices, thereby freeing up staff time to be spent on the Department’s core public service mission.

12/12/2019WRC03900Capital Expenditure Programme

12/12/2019WRC0400081. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the target of achieving a spend of 4.1% of GNI* in capital expenditure by 2021 and maintaining it thereafter as envisaged in Project Ireland 2040 will be achieved. [52499/19]

12/12/2019WRC04100Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I should first clarify that the National Development Plan projected that public capital investment would reach 3.8% of Gross National Income (GNI*) in 2021 and 4% by 2024. Government intends that public capital investment will be maintained at approximately 4% of GNI* for the remainder of the period of the National Development Plan.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Government has exceeded its forecast and Gross Voted Capital Expenditure will reach 4% of GNI* in 2020.

The NDP sets out the planned spending envelope, out to 2027. While all forecasts are subject to some degree of variation, and factors such as the capacity of the construction sector to deliver will need to be monitored, current indications are that the planned level of spend will be

45 Questions - Written Answers in line with the broad intention to maintain spend at approximately 4% of GNI*.

12/12/2019WRD00200School Patronage

12/12/2019WRD0030082. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a patronage competition has been completed for each of the 42 schools announced in April 2018; if each school has been established; if so, the date on which each was established; if each school opened in September 2019; and if each school has been provided with a permanent location in tabular form. [52192/19]

12/12/2019WRD00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data from the Department of Social Protection and the Department’s own school enrolment databases, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, the Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

Information on school enrolments and Child Benefit data allows the Department to map where children are living or attending school and this information provides a degree of certainty in projecting demand in an area in future years.

Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand (and timing of demand) in an area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, the Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain up-to-date information on significant new residential development. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is aligned with the demographic changes in an area.

The pace of completion of planned housing and occupancy of houses is by its nature less predictable and can vary. Accordingly, while the Department takes into account planned additional residential development, the timing of completion of such development can be subject to change depending on local circumstances.

As the Deputy will be aware, in April 2018 the Government announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country.

From time to time for operational or other reasons the patron of a new school due to open in a certain year may choose to defer the opening.

Of the 18 new schools (primary and post-primary) to be established in 2019, two of the primary schools were deferred by the patron as follows:

A new 8 classroom primary school to serve the Swords/North school planning area - the patron of the new school advised that there were no enrolments for September 2019 and that the opening of the school has been deferred to September 2020. The patron indicated significant parental interest in relation to enrolments for 2020.

A new 8 classroom primary school to serve the Dunshaughlin school planning area - the patron of the new school advised that there are currently no enrolments for the 2019/20 school year and that the opening of the school has been deferred from September 2019. The patron

46 12 December 2019 body expects enrolments from a new local housing development which has been delayed in the area and they have received significant interest for September 2020 enrolments for the new school.

My Department will continue to liaise with the patrons of these schools. In addition, in the context of further strengthening the demographic analysis process, the Department intends to have additional engagement with patron bodies in relation to their local knowledge on school place requirements.

A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required. This patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. Parental preferences for each patron, from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.

The Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) has been developed by my Department to provide objective information to parents and guardians which will allow them to make an informed choice in expressing a preference for their preferred model of patronage for their child’s education.

The patronage process for new schools is overseen by an external independent advisory group, the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). Following their consideration of my Department’s assessment reports, the NSEG will submit a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations are made available on my Department’s website.

The patronage processes for the schools to be established in 2019 have concluded.

For the six post-primary schools to be established in 2020, the Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) closed for parental preferences on the 4th October 2019 . It is anticipated that the successful patrons will be announced shortly. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations will be made available on my Department’s website. The patronage process for the primary schools to be established in 2020 is currently underway for parental preferences.

As the Deputy will be aware, updated quarterly information on the status of the new schools announced to be established from 2019 - 2022 is provided to the Education Committee, including tabular information on interim and permanent accommodation for the schools. The next update to the Committee will be provided in January.

In addition, the current status of projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on my Department’s website at www.education.ie and updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

12/12/2019WRD00500Schools Building Projects Status

12/12/2019WRD0060083. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the 70 major school building projects in advanced architectural planning; and the expected completion date of each project in tabular form. [52193/19]

12/12/2019WRD00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The current status of large- scale projects being delivered under the National Development Plan is listed on a county by county basis on the Department’s website and updated on a monthly basis to reflect progress

47 Questions - Written Answers through design, tender and construction stages.

Details of the 70+ major school building projects currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design are included in this listing.

Stage 2(b) Detailed Design is arguably the most complex and detailed of all the stages in Ar- chitectural Planning. In addition to securing the necessary statutory approvals it also includes the preparation of complex and detailed tender documents.

Pre-qualification of contractors generally occurs at the end of Stage 2(b) and involves the compiling of a shortlist of contractors.

Thereafter a tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.

The construction period varies from project to project depending on its size and complexity.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as the period of time to progress through each of these steps varies from project to project, it is not possible to provide an expected completion date for each project currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

12/12/2019WRD00800Special Educational Needs Service Provision

12/12/2019WRD0090084. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if autism spectrum disorder units will be allocated to single sex secondary schools; and if it is a condition that ASD units can only be assigned to co-education secondary schools. [52198/19]

12/12/2019WRD0100097. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if autism spectrum disorder units can be allocated to single sex secondary schools; if not, if it is a condition that ASD units can only be assigned to co-education secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52369/19]

12/12/2019WRD01100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 97 together.

The provision of education for children with special needs, including those with Autism, is an ongoing priority for Government.

Currently, almost 20% of the total Education Vote or €1.9bn is invested in supporting children with special needs.

Since 2011 investment in Special Education supports has increased by 50%, which is significantly above the 7% increase in total student numbers over the same period.

As a result the numbers of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.

The majority of children with Autism attend mainstream class, where they may access additional supports if required.

But some students may find it difficult to manage full-time placement in mainstream and so placement in a Special Class or Special School setting may be deemed appropriate where placement in mainstream class is not in the best interests of the child.

The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide and has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and 48 12 December 2019 parents.

There is no policy restricting the establishment of ASD Special Classes to co-ed schools and a number of special classes have been established in single sex schools. When establishing special classes, consideration will be given to their long term sustainability and the extent to which such classes can support the needs within a local area. In some cases a co-ed school may be better placed than a single sex school to respond to a range of needs locally.

The SENO may approach individual schools to discuss the matter with a view to finding the optimal location in terms of convenience and sustainability.

Nationally, 167 new special classes opened this school year, which means there are 1,618 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011.

Of these 1,355 are ASD special classes, including 133 ASD Early Intervention classes, 852 Primary ASD classes and 370 Post Primary ASD classes.

Provision in our 124 special schools has also increased from 6,848 placements in 2011 to 7,872 this year.

The NCSE has planned a further expansion of special class and school places nationally for next year.

The extent of new classes being opened in recent years shows the willingness of schools to open special classes and normally this is the case.

However there are some parts of the country where the Council has faced challenges in getting schools and their Patrons to voluntarily agree to provide special class or school places.

I know that this can cause much anguish for parents and families involved.

As Minister I have a power under Section 37A of the Education Act 1998 to direct a school to provide additional provision where all reasonable efforts have failed.

The law contains a procedure through which the NCSE can test the capacity of schools in an area to provide more special education places and through which ultimately a Ministerial direction can be made requiring a school to make additional special education places available.

12/12/2019WRD01200Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRD0130085. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52209/19]

12/12/2019WRD01400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): My Department’s Capital Pro- gramme continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector nationally, in order to meet demographic and other demands.

Capital planning and budgeting is undertaken on a multi-annual basis. Under Project Ire- land 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €12 billion over the period 2018-2027. This includes some €8.8 billion for the schools sector and €2.2 billion for higher education infrastructure. The specific allocations in each area are closely monitored and may be adjusted from year to year to take account of project progress and other factors.

My Department’s capital allocation for 2020 is €922m of which the School Capital Pro- 49 Questions - Written Answers gramme is envisaged to be the largest element (€620m). Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly.

12/12/2019WRD01500Disability Services Funding

12/12/2019WRD0160086. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding allocated to the fund for students with disabilities in each of the years 2017 to 2020, respectively. [52219/19]

12/12/2019WRD01700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The funding allocated to the Fund for Students with Disabilities requested by the Deputy are as follows:

2017 - €10,300,000; 2018 - €10,900,000.

The final figures for 2019 are not yet readily available. Figures are not available for 2020.

12/12/2019WRD01800School Transport Provision

12/12/2019WRD0190087. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider introducing a minimum flat rate of payment for bus escorts for children with special needs in cases, for example, the case of a person (details supplied), that are short of a full hours work on a daily basis in order to make it economically viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52281/19]

12/12/2019WRD02000Minister 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 my Depart- ment.

The purpose of my Department’s School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In the 2018/2019 school year over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €200m in 2018.

In accordance with Department of Education & Skills Circular 50/2019 regarding the revision of pay for all staff paid directly by a recognised school or ETB, the hourly rate effective from 1st September 2019 for School Bus Escorts is €13.07. Holiday pay is paid at 8%. This equates to €1.05 (€13.07 x 8%) and is payable for each hour worked with effect from 1st Sep- tember 2019. School Bus Escorts are paid based on the daily hours worked.

The revised salary rates have been introduced as a result of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 – 2020 (Haddington Road Agreement/ Lansdowne Road Agreement) and the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.

12/12/2019WRD02100Irish Language

12/12/2019WRD0220088. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the guidance given 50 12 December 2019 to schools in respect of the granting of an exemption from Irish for a child with autism in primary schools that do not have a special autism class; if the rules have changed recently in this regard; if so, the way in which the change should be applied for children already in school who have not been engaging in Irish classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52283/19]

12/12/2019WRD02300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The Irish language is accorded special status in Ireland and is protected by various pieces of Legislation and in particular Ar- ticle 8 of our Constitution which states that “The Irish Language as the national language is the first official language”. The Education Act 1998 recognises the particular responsibility of the education system with regard to supporting the Irish language. The language has particular social, historical and educational importance and is part of the unique cultural heritage of the Irish people. It is an aim of Government to increase on an incremental basis the use and knowledge of Irish as a community language.

In recognising the linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish and English in Ireland, both languages are included as core subjects in the national curricula for recognised primary and post-primary schools and centres for education in Ireland. This has been the case since the foundation of the State and the importance of the teaching of both languages in this way has been re-affirmed on a number of occasions by the State, including most recently in the 20- Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. Indeed, the most recent curricular changes at primary and junior cycle level have emphasised not only the importance of learning both languages but also the wider benefits of bilingualism. The development of these new language curricula reflects my Department’s reassertion of its commitment to the Irish language and to progressing the language education related actions of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Lan- guage 2010-2030.

It is also the policy of the Department of Education and Skills is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs in mainstream education, other than in circumstances where it would not be in the best interest of the child, or the effective education of children with whom they are to be educated.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide and has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents. Nationally, 167 new special classes opened this school year, which means there are 1,618 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011. Of these 1,355 are ASD special classes, including 133 ASD Early Intervention classes, 852 Primary ASD classes and 370 Post Primary ASD classes. Provision in our 124 special schools has also increased from 6,848 placements in 2011 to 7,872 this year. The NCSE has planned a further expansion of special class and school places nationally for next year.

New circulars on the topic of exemption from the study of Irish came into effect on the 1st of September 2019 whereby applications for an exemption may now only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those circumstances are specifically set out in Section 2.2 of Circulars 0052/2019 – Primary and 0053/2019 – Post-primary. Decisions on the granting of exemptions from the study of Irish were devolved to school management in previous circulars 12/96 and M10/94 and this remains the case in the current circulars. Apart from these exceptional circumstances, Pupils in special schools and in special classes in mainstream schools are considered to be exempt for the study of Irish without the need for parents to apply for an exemption or for the holding a Certificate of Exemption. Children who, under previous circulars, were granted an exemption from the study of Irish, continue to be considered as exempt from the study of Irish. In line with the Department’s policy however, all schools are expected and encouraged to provide all pupils, to the greatest extent possible and in a meaningful way, with opportunities to 51 Questions - Written Answers participate in Irish language and cultural activities at a level appropriate to their learning needs.

Apart from the circulars, The Department of Education and Skills has provided guidelines and FAQs on exemptions from the study of Irish on our website, which will provide further information to parents and schools who may have questions regarding exemptions from the study of Irish. These can be accessed here: www.education.ie/en/Parents/Information/Irish- Exemption/.

Any student who does not meet the criteria for an exemption from the study of Irish should be provided with a differentiated approach to language learning and any other supports in accordance with Guidelines for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools and with Special Educational Needs: A continuum of Support. Also available on the Departments website: www.education.ie/en/The-Education-System/Special-Education/.

12/12/2019WRD02400Soláthar Iompar Scoile

12/12/2019WRD0250089. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil sé sásta ticéid taistil scoile a cheadú do scoláirí ó scoil (sonraí tugtha) le dul ar bhus poiblí Bhus Éireann tar éis 5.00pm ionas go mbeidh deis acu páirt a ghlacadh in imeachtaí iar-scoile, ag cur san áireamh nach bhfuil aon bhus níos luaithe tráthnóna ar an tseirbhís sin agus nach mbíonn mórán paisinéirí ar an mbus atá ar an tseirbhís sin tar éis 5.00pm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [52287/19]

12/12/2019WRD02600Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): Is oibríocht shuntasach é Iompar Scoile atá á bainistiú ag Bus Éireann thar ceann na Roinne.

Is é is cuspóir do Scéim Iompair Scoile mo Roinne, ag féachaint d’acmhainní atá ar fáil, tacú le hiompar leanaí a chónaíonn i bhfad ón scoil is gaire dóibh, chuig an scoil agus ón scoil.

Le linn na scoilbhliana 2018/2019 iompraíodh breis is 117,500 leanbh lena n-áirítear breis is 13,000 leanbh ag a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta, i mbreis is 5,000 feithicil go laethúil chuig bun- scoileanna agus iar-bhunscoileanna ar fud na tíre. Taistealaíodh breis is 100 milliún ciliméadar agus bhí costas breis is €200 milliún air in 2018.

Go ginearálta, cáilíonn leanaí d’iompar scoile má chomhlíonann siad na critéir achair agus má fhreastalaíonn siad ar an scoil is gaire dóibh.

Tá Bus Éireann freagrach as bealaí iompair scoile a phleanáil agus a amchlárú. Déanann Bus Éireann iarracht, laistigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil, ar a chinntiú go bhfuil leibhéal réasúnta seirbhíse iompair scoile ag gach leanbh incháilithe i gcomhthéacs na Scéime go náisiúnta.

Cuirtear suíocháin ar fáil do leanaí a bhíonn ag taisteal faoin scéim iompair scoile ar sheirb- hísí iompair scoile tiomnaithe nó ar sheirbhísí ginearálta poiblí sceidealaithe chuig scoileanna agus uathu. Cuireann an socrú seo ar chumas leanaí freastal ar ranganna le linn gnáthuaireanta scoile. Ní ticéad comaitéara ginearálta é ticéad iompair scoile atá bailí ar gach seirbhís rialta iompair phoiblí gach uile thráth agus ní thairgtear é mar sin. I bhfianaise an líon leanaí a iom- praítear go náisiúnta, níorbh fhéidir an tsolúbthacht a thairiscint do gach leanbh incháilithe taisteal ar na seirbhísí rialta iompair phoiblí ach amháin de réir na dtéarmaí atá sonraithe ar a dticéid, gan caiteachas breise a thabhú.

12/12/2019WRD02700Emergency Works Scheme Applications

52 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRD0280090. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for emergency works being considered. [52295/19]

12/12/2019WRD02900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I wish to inform the Deputy that 114 applications for funding under my Department’s Emergency Works Scheme are currently under consideration.

12/12/2019WRD03000Emergency Works Scheme Applications

12/12/2019WRD0310091. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for emergency works refused to date in 2019. [52296/19]

12/12/2019WRD03200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I can inform the Deputy that a total of 115 applications for funding under my Department’s Emergency Works Scheme have been refused to date.

12/12/2019WRD03300Emergency Works Scheme Applications

12/12/2019WRD0340092. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for emergency works approved to date in 2019. [52297/19]

12/12/2019WRD03500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I am pleased to inform the Deputy that 467 applications for my Department’s Emergency Works Scheme have been approved to date. I would also like to refer the Deputy to the information in this respect that is available on my Department’s website at www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/ Building-Works/Emergency-Works/.

12/12/2019WRD03600Ministerial Meetings

12/12/2019WRD0370093. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has met parents or groups from areas in Fingal, County Dublin, to discuss school place provision; if so, the date and location of the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52302/19]

12/12/2019WRD03800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I have not met with parents or groups from areas in Fingal County Dublin to discuss school place provision.

12/12/2019WRD03900Summer Works Scheme Applications

12/12/2019WRD0400094. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding a summer works scheme application by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52306/19]

12/12/2019WRD04100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced details of the schools that will receive funding in summer 2020 in respect of applications submitted for “Life Safety Systems projects”.

I can confirm to the Deputy that an application for ‘Windows Projects’ has been received, from the school authority in question, under my Department’s multi annual Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2020 onwards.

53 Questions - Written Answers Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications are being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Cir- cular accompanying the Scheme. In this regard, applications submitted for other works will be considered under future rounds of the Summer works Scheme. The school in question will be considered in this regard.

12/12/2019WRD04200Schools Building Projects Applications

12/12/2019WRD0430095. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is in receipt of further correspondence from a school (details supplied); and if the school will be granted additional accommodation in order that it does not have to reduce its intake significantly in 2020. [52360/19]

12/12/2019WRD04400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The school referred to by the Deputy has been approved a project under my Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme 2019. This project will provide for four general classrooms to replace three existing prefabs. It will also provide for one Construction studies room, a Technology room with prep area, one WC for assisted users, a standard toilet, and one special education teaching room.

I can confirm that my Department has received and will consider the correspondence to which the Deputy refers.

12/12/2019WRD04500Teacher Recruitment

12/12/2019WRD0460096. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether section 6.2(d) of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015 to 2019 is being misused to exclude non-probated teachers from application for substitution work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52365/19]

12/12/2019WRD04700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

The procedures set out in 6.2 c) and 6.2 d) of Appendix D of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015-2019 have been superseded by Circular 44/2019. These procedures were agreed in consultation with the relevant Education Partners in accordance with Section 7 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

In accordance with Circular 44/2019 schools are required to employ appropriately qualified and registered teachers and ensure that unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired. These measures were taken in an effort to increase employment opportunities for unemployed teachers.

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 84.

12/12/2019WRD04900Schools Building Projects Status

12/12/2019WRD0500098. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of renting and purchasing portakabins for a school (details suppled); the status of the move to a new per-

54 12 December 2019 manent building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52371/19]

12/12/2019WRD05100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I wish to advise that the school referred to by the Deputy currently rents temporary accommodation classrooms at an annual rental cost of €118,325.84. Since 2009, capital funding in the amount of €348,598.45 has also been allocated to the purchase of prefabricated units.

The move to a new permanent building is awaiting the completion of a major building project for another school which is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b (Detailed Design). All statutory approvals have been secured.

My Department recently carried out a review of a Revised Stage 2(b) submission for this major building project and noted that the estimated Stage 2(b) cost plan had increased substantially from the approved costs at Stage 2(a). In accordance with my Department’s Design Team Procedures, where the approved cost limits have been exceeded, a Brief Change Report is necessary. The design team is currently working on this Report. Only when the Stage 2(b) submission is signed off, will my Department will have a clearer understanding of the timeline for the progression of this project to tender and construction.

In view of the above, it is not possible at this point to indicate when the school referred to by the Deputy will move location.

12/12/2019WRD05200Teaching Council of Ireland

12/12/2019WRD0530099. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the delays being experienced by teachers from Northern Ireland registering with the Teaching Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52377/19]

12/12/2019WRD05400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.

It is a function of the Council under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the compe- tent authority for the recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under this Act for registration as a teacher.

Teachers whose applications meet all the necessary requirements are registered under Sec- tion 31 of the Teaching Council Act and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.

For teachers who qualified within Ireland, the registration process may take up to 6-8 weeks from receipt of complete application including all associated documentation and depending on the time of year (taking into account peak summer processing periods). If all requirements are met, including garda vetting, and fit and proper person requirements, the registration process may be completed in less than the 6-8 week timeframe outlined.

Where a person has obtained their teaching qualifications in another Member State of the EU, Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended, applies. This Directive governs the recognition of professional qualifications across Member States. Where a person has obtained their teaching qualifications and is eligible to practice the profession in another Member State, they may apply to the Teaching Council to seek recognition of their qualifications in accordance with the provisions of the Directive. Assessment of qualifications to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland may take approximately twelve weeks from the date of

55 Questions - Written Answers receipt of all requested documentation, in accordance with the EU Directive timelines. Appli- cants must also meet standard registration requirements in relation to character reference, garda vetting and overseas police clearances.

The Teaching Council has advised me that where a complete application is submitted and fit and proper person requirements including garda vetting/police clearance are met registration can be completed faster than the standard registration timelines set out above.

12/12/2019WRD05500Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRD05600100. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52400/19]

12/12/2019WRD05700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): There are currently four credit cards in operation within the Department Of Education and Skills. Each Minister’s Private Sec- retary has a credit card in name their issued to them, as does the Principal Officer of the IT unit.

The bill for the credit cards is paid in full each month by Direct Debit from the Department’s bank account to avoid the accumulation of interest.

A credit card can only be issued upon request to an Administrator of the Department’s bank account, and must be authorised by two administrators before it can be issued. The number of credit cards in operation is kept to a minimum.

Each cardholder is issued with a copy of the Department’s guidance document on the use of credit cards when their card is issued. They receive monthly statements to allow them to verify the charges to their card, and are required to verify that these charges are correct before payment. Officers holding credit cards are instructed to only use them when other avenues of payment are unavailable.

Year Expenditure on Interest Paid Number of Cards in Credit Cards Operation 2016 €14,587.69 nil 3 2017 €16,398.01 nil *4 2018 €22,021.56 nil 4 2019** €20,449.21 nil 4 * In 2017, an additional Minister of State was appointed to the Department. A credit card was issued to their Private Secretary in August of that year, bringing the total number of cards to four.

** 2019 figures cover the period January to November inclusive

12/12/2019WRD05800Parental Leave

12/12/2019WRD05900101. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the amount paid to teachers under revised parental leave legislation; the way in which the payment will differ to paternity leave pay arrangements; and if he will make a statement on 56 12 December 2019 the matter. [52418/19]

12/12/2019WRD06000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): Parental Leave is regulated by the Parental Leave Acts 1998 - 2019. Parental Leave entitlement has increased from a maximum of 18 weeks to a maximum of 22 weeks from 1st September 2019 in respect of each child. This entitlement will increase to up to a maximum of 26 weeks from 1st September 2020. The purpose of Parental Leave is to allow a relevant parent a period of leave from employment to care for his/her child. Parental Leave may be taken in respect of each child up to the age of 13 years or the age of 16 years in the case of a child with a disability and or/long-term illness. This leave is currently an unpaid leave.

Paternity Leave is regulated by the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016. The purpose of Paternity Leave is to allow a relevant parent 2 weeks leave from employment to provide or assist in the care of the child or to provide support to the mother or adopting parent of the child. Paternity Leave may commence at any time within the first 26 weeks from the date of birth or in the case of adoption, the day of placement of the child. This leave is currently a paid leave. A teacher may be entitled to Paternity Benefit during this period of leave, payable from the De- partment of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Where a teacher qualifies for Paternity Benefit, the Benefit issues directly to the teacher and a deduction, equivalent to the amount of Benefit, is applied to their salary.

My Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019 sets out the details of these schemes for registered teachers employed in recognised primary and post primary schools. The Parental Leave Scheme is set out in Chapter 5 and the Paternity Leave Scheme in Chapter 4 of the Circular Letter.

12/12/2019WRD06100Schools Building Projects Status

12/12/2019WRD06200102. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the tender for the construction of the new school in Kanturk, County Cork, has been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52425/19]

12/12/2019WRD06300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): As the Deputy is aware the project to which he refers is devolved to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for delivery. The OPW is currently preparing and checking the documents for issue to tender. It is envisaged that the tender for this project will be published in the coming weeks.

12/12/2019WRD06400Schools Building Projects Status

12/12/2019WRD06500103. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of building works for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [52429/19]

12/12/2019WRD06600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

My Department submitted an application for planning permission to the Local Authority on 26th September 2019. A Request for Further Information was received on 20th November 2019. My Department’s Project Management team are actively working on this request.

Once all issues have been addressed the RFI response will be issued to the Local Authority and a decision will be awaited. 57 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRD06700School Accommodation Provision

12/12/2019WRD06800104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has had discussions with the authorities at a school (details supplied) recently with a view to meeting the accommodation requirements at the school by way of temporary arrangements in circumstances in which they are appropriate in order to ensure the minimum distur- bance of existing and future students and mitigate the over-reliance of referral to other schools; if the existing site has been deemed adequate to meet temporary accommodation requirements or an ASD unit; if the needs of students will be fully met in 2020; the extent to which he has issued approval for temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52448/19]

12/12/2019WRD06900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): I can confirm to the Deputy that a request for temporary accommodation has been received from the school. It has been advised to incorporate decanting solutions into its design plan for this building project and any identified need for temporary accommodation will be provided in that context.

12/12/2019WRD07000Schools Building Projects Status

12/12/2019WRD07100105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the extension to a school (details supplied). [52484/19]

12/12/2019WRD07200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.

The NDFA is currently preparing tender documents for the second phase of the process of appointment of multi-disciplinary technical advisors (design teams) for these projects. This process will involve a number of call-off competitions for bundles of projects from a framework.

Thereafter, the NDFA will ensure that the project progresses to design stage, obtains the necessary statutory planning permission, and moves the project onward to tender and construction in due course. As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for its completion.

Please be assured that the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

12/12/2019WRD07300Schools Data

12/12/2019WRD07400106. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in existence for 20 years or longer that are still housed in prefab buildings with no permanent building structures, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52485/19]

12/12/2019WRD07500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): My Department can confirm that no there are no schools in rented prefabs in excess of 20-years. My Department does not hold information in relation to purchased prefabricated buildings.

12/12/2019WRD07600Pupil-Teacher Ratio

58 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRD07700107. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost in each of the years 2021 to 2025 of maintaining the existing ratios of teachers to students at post-primary level; if this is provided for in the figures set out within the summer economic statement and budget 2020 financial projections; the number of new teachers that would need to be hired to maintain the ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52491/19]

12/12/2019WRD07800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Joe McHugh): Forecasting the cost implications of demographics is complex with multiple factors impinging on cost projections. In particular, while the school enrolments in any given year can be forecast with relative certainty in the short term, forecasting the implications for teacher numbers required at individual school level to maintain existing ratios of teachers to students is more challenging as any model must have regard to the operation of the teacher allocation process and staffing schedules.

Specific provision is made by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for certain categories of service provision affected by changes in enrolments, namely mainstream teacher provision in the primary and post-primary sectors, capitation costs (i.e. school funding) in primary and post-primary schools and higher education places. Allocations for these categories are usually included within the pre-budgetary Ministerial expenditure ceiling, as set out in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report, though demographics can sometimes form part of the main Es- timates discussion.

The Department’s pre-budgetary Ministerial Expenditure Ceiling for 2021 includes provision for €47 million in demographic costs, across the full school sector and higher education. Of this, €19m is being provided for additional mainstream teachers in post primary schools (403 extra teachers in 2020/21 and 464 in 2021/22).

The detailed expenditure implications of demographics in the post-primary sector for the full period up to 2025 are not yet available. The Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are undertaking a joint programme of work on the demographic and non-demographic drivers of teacher allocations to build a shared understanding of the processes and the implications for future forecasts. This will also be informed by ongoing work by the Department on developing a model for teacher demand and supply.

12/12/2019WRD07900School Transport Eligibility

12/12/2019WRD08000108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a review will be concluded to determine entitlement to access free school transport in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52543/19]

12/12/2019WRD08100Minister 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.

The purpose of my Department’s School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

Under the terms of my Department’s Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are 59 Questions - Written Answers eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann has advised that the child in question is not attending her nearest post primary centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only. Concessionary transport is subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment of the annual charge.

The family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office if they wish to avail of transport on a concessionary basis.

12/12/2019WRE00200Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRE00300109. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52215/19]

12/12/2019WRE00400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The capital allocations for the Justice Sector are set out in the recent Budget Day publication and are as follows;

2020 - €265 million

2021 - €208 million

2022 - €216 million

The 2020 allocation of €265 million is spread across the votes in the Justice Vote Group with the Department’s vote being allocated almost €40 million – mainly for the Forensic Sci- ence Laboratory project; Garda Síochána Vote €116.5m; Prisons Vote €46.7 million and Courts Vote €61.5 million.

The capital allocations for later years have yet to be determined.

Increased levels of public investment in Justice are a critical foundation of the National De- velopment Plan 2018-2027. The plan sets out capital allocations in the Justice sector from 2018 to 2022. The main areas of capital investment for the sector in the period to 2027 are as follows:

- Forensic Science Laboratory

- Garda Divisional Headquarters in Kevin Street and Galway

- Replacement of the Harcourt Square Complex

- Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme

- Garda ICT Programme

- New or refurbished courthouses in a number of provincial cities and county towns

- Redevelopment of Limerick Prison

- Development of Mountjoy Prison Campus

60 12 December 2019 - Family Law and Children’s Court Complex on Hammond Lane

The plan also recognises that increased population growth in the next ten years as envisaged under the National Planning Framework will also create new demands in terms of the current accommodation stock across the sector including in relation to policing, prisons and courts. Hence, the requirement for additional public capital infrastructure for the criminal justice system.

My Department is also developing its analytical capability to be better placed to predict future trends including demographic changes and thus better inform both policy developments and budgetary requirements in the years ahead.

12/12/2019WRE00500Legislative Measures

12/12/2019WRE00600110. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 will be amended to increase the Circuit Court jurisdiction in actions in contract and tort beyond the threshold of €75,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52282/19]

12/12/2019WRE00700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The position is that, with effect from 3 February 2014, the monetary jurisdiction of the Circuit Court increased to €75,000 (€60,000 for personal injury cases) under Part 3 of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013.

While I have no immediate plans to increase the monetary limits of the Circuit Court, the matter will be kept under review by my Department.

12/12/2019WRE00800Traveller Projects Funding

12/12/2019WRE00900111. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the allocation for the special initiative in respect of Traveller employment for the past five years; the allocation for 2020; the amount spent on each project; the number supported by county and year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52290/19]

12/12/2019WRE01000Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): As the Deputy will be aware, in June 2017, the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 (NTRIS) was published. The Strategy represents a whole of Government approach to bring about meaningful change and progress for the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. It brings together Government Departments and Agencies along with representatives from both the Traveller and Roma communities to bring a focus, in a structured way, to the issues which affect them most. I chair the quarterly meetings of the NTRIS Steering Group, which held its most recent meeting on 16 October 2019.

One of the key strategic themes of the NTRIS is Employment and the Traveller Economy. This theme aims to increase employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities in the Trav- eller and Roma Communities. In this regard, the Special Initiative for Travellers (SIT) focuses on job-ready Travellers and supports their access into employment and enterprise development.

SIT is a free service, which is funded by the Department of Justice and Equality. The initiative focuses on meeting the training and employment needs of members of the Travelling community. The attached table outlines the funding allocation and the expenditure for the SIT from 2015 to 2020. 61 Questions - Written Answers [Funding Allocation]

12/12/2019WRE01100Road Traffic Offences Data

12/12/2019WRE01200112. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of e-scooters that have been confiscated by gardaí in the past 18 months in tabular form, by month and by Garda division. [52308/19]

12/12/2019WRE01300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As has previously been noted by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, TD, including in response to parliamentary question 246 of 15 May 2019, the Road Traffic Act 1961 defines a mechanically propelled vehicle as a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including a bicycle or tricycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used. It also includes a vehicle, the means of propulsion of which is electrical, or partly electrical and partly mechanical.

E-scooters and powered skateboards fall into this category, and are therefore considered to be mechanically propelled vehicles. Any users of such vehicles in a public place (as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1961) must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, with penalties under road traffic laws (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements.

As it is currently not possible to tax or insure e-scooters or electric skateboards, they are not considered suitable for use in a public place.

Insofar as the specific statistics sought by the Deputy are concerned, I am advised by An Garda Síochána that, unfortunately, this data cannot be easily collated as PULSE does not allow for the disaggregation of such statistics based on vehicle type. I am informed that a manual search of all road traffic licence/insurance/tax offence records would be required to collate this information. I am advised that this would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources, and, therefore, cannot be justified.

Finally and in relation to such vehicles more generally, I understand that Minister Ross has undertaken a public consultation between 1 September 2019 and 1 November on personal powered transport and this consultation is in review.

12/12/2019WRE01400Freedom of Information Data

12/12/2019WRE01500113. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of freedom of information requests received in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date 2019; the number in each year that were delivered on time, the number in each year that were delivered with an extended deadline; and the number in each year that were not delivered within deadline. [52309/19]

12/12/2019WRE01600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The information requested by the Deputy is being collated and I will be in touch with him when it has been finalised.

12/12/2019WRE01700Closed-Circuit Television Systems

62 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRE01800114. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding CCTV cameras in Duleek and Donore, County Meath, and the implications of a recent decision by the Data Protection Commissioner. [52366/19]

12/12/2019WRE01900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I will look into the matter referred to by the Deputy and will write to him directly very shortly.

12/12/2019WRE02000Garda Data

12/12/2019WRE02100115. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of personnel in An Garda Síochána by rank and vehicles by type and division in the force in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52367/19]

12/12/2019WRE02200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): It is important to be clear that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel and resources including Garda vehicles across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. We now have approximately 14,300 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff. And these numbers are growing, as part of the Government’s plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021.

I understand from the details supplied that the Deputy is interested in the fleet and personnel in Wexford for the years 2016-2019.

Details in relation to the number of Gardaí deployed to all Garda Divisions is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. This information is available at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Sta- tion_2009_to_October_2019.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Sta- tion_2009_to_October_2019.xlsx

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 November 2019 there were 321 Gardaí assigned to the Wexford Division. This represents a significant increase of 66 Gardaí in the Division since the end of 2015, a 25% increase over the past four years. I am informed that these Gardaí are supported by 39 Garda staff, which again represents a significant increase of 11 Garda staff since the end of 2015. This increase in Garda staff numbers supports the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative to operational policing duties, where their training and expertise can be used to best effect. Taken together, this increase in Garda and civilian staff numbers means a significant increase in operational policing hours inWexford in recent years.

63 Questions - Written Answers Information on Garda staff is also available at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff

For more information on the Garda Workforce as well as general information on Garda facts and figures, the Deputy may also wish to see the information on the links below:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures

In relation to the Garda fleet, I would first point out that the very significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána includes a total of €46 million for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. I understand from the Garda authorities that this year’s capital allocation of €10 million for the Garda fleet is being used for purchase and fit-out of over 300 new vehicles for operational use this year. I have recently announced that a further €1 million for the fleet will be included in the additional funding which will be provided to An Garda Síochána before the end of the year. €9 million capital funding has been allocated for the Garda fleet in Budget 2020.

This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that number and type of Garda vehicles assigned to the Wexford Division requested by the Deputy for the years 2016-2019 is set out in the following table.

Year Cars Vans Motor- 4X4 Other Total cycles 2019 (as at 48 11 1 2 0 62 21 Novem- ber) 2018 49 12 2 3 0 66 2017 50 10 1 1 0 62 2016 48 10 2 1 0 61 *The category ‘others’ refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.

12/12/2019WRE02300Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRE02400116. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52406/19]

12/12/2019WRE02500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Credit cards within my Department are utilised as a tightly controlled business tool to facilitate the efficient and cost effective discharge of Departmental business and cover expenditure arising in the performance of official duties. In some instances it is not possible to procure goods and services without a credit card, where for example, suppliers insist upon advance payment or for online purchases.

64 12 December 2019 A Statement of Policy on the use of credit cards issued in January 2016 provides a framework for the appropriate use of official credit cards within my Department. The control process is kept under review but my Department is satisfied that the controls in place restrict the number of such cards to a minimum and that the priority is ensuring best value for money.

A total of three officials working in my Department have been issued with official credit cards, as set out below.

Credit Card Holders 2016 - 2019 Private Secretary to Minister for Justice and Equality Head of I.T. Head of Corporate Services

Details of the total annual expenditure over the past four years is set out below.

Year Private Secretary’s IT & Corporate Ser- Total Card vices Cards 2016 €7,829.96 €12,792.58 €20,622.54 2017 €3,865.14 €14,265.65 €18,130.79 2018 €3,326.35 €16,679.02 €20,005.37 2019 €4,742.26 €24,714.53 €29,456.79

The Department’s Financial Management Unit has robust controls in place to monitor expenditure on the cards in use. All statements are processed for payment on a monthly basis and all credit card expenditure must be accompanied by receipts when submitted in support of an expense claim. Expense claims must be approved by a line manager who is senior to the claimant. Individual transactions are scrutinised to ensure they are appropriately charged to the Department’s Vote.

The Financial Shared Services Centre make the necessary payments by the due date of payment and forward the credit card statements to the credit cardholders for reconciliation. No bank account interest has been paid on any Department credit cards in the period under query.

Regarding the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses, I have referred this request to the relevant agencies to provide information to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRE02600Prisoner Data

12/12/2019WRE02700117. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to collect and disseminate national statistics on the socio-economic backgrounds of the prison population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52414/19]

12/12/2019WRE02800118. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the data already collected and collated on the prison population including socio-economic backgrounds, levels of educational attainment, history of contact with other State services and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52415/19]

12/12/2019WRE02900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 117 and 118 together. 65 Questions - Written Answers I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it has no plans to disseminate, as a matter of routine, information beyond that already included in the Irish Prison Service Annual Report or available on its website such as age, sentence length, gender, offence group, address given by county and nationality groupings.

However I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has confirmed that a comprehensive interview takes place at committal stage for all prisoners entering prison. Included in the information gathered at this interview are personal details such as name, date of birth, address, gender, ethnic identifier, marital status, nationality, ethnic origin, next of kin and family details. The information does not include socio-economic backgrounds or history of contact with other state services.

I can further advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has confirmed that data relating to literacy and language competence is collected on committal to prison. People in custody who wish to attend classes provided by the Education and Training Boards in the Prison Educa- tion Centres are interviewed to ascertain their educational attainment, qualifications, training, employment history and education needs. This information is stored on a purpose built Prison Education Management System (PEMS). This system is also used to record their subjects, timetable, class attendances and any qualifications or certificates awarded while in custody. I am informed that the Irish Prison Service has not collated or published any data collected on PEMS and that there is no socio-economic data collected on PEMS.

12/12/2019WRE03100Regulatory Impact Assessments

12/12/2019WRE03200119. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a regulatory impact assessment was conducted for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if so, the detail of same. [52446/19]

12/12/2019WRE03300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can confirm that a regulatory impact assessment was conducted in respect of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.

The assessment is attached for your information and is also available on the Department’s website at the following link:

http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Irish%20Human%20Rights%20and%20Equality%20Commis- sion%20Bill%202014_Regulatory%20Impact%20Assessment.pdf/Files/Irish%20Human%20 Rights%20and%20Equality%20Commission%20Bill%202014_Regulatory%20Impact%20 Assessment.pdf.

[Impact Assessment]

12/12/2019WRE03400Crime Data

12/12/2019WRE03500120. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on detected rates for crimes; the number of crimes that relate to gang activity, murders and assaults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52470/19]

12/12/2019WRE03600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I would first point out that the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data 66 12 December 2019 including data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system.

In light of quality issues in relation to PULSE data, the CSO took the decision in early 2017 to postpone further publication of recorded crime statistics. While the CSO resumed publication of recorded crime statistics, it has done so in a new category entitled ‘Under Reservation’.

The CSO has confirmed that this classification has been applied to reflect the fact that there are data quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics. The CSO has further indicated that this approach of differentiating statistics based on quality concerns associated with the underlying data, is consistent with other jurisdictions.

The CSO is engaging with An Garda Síochána to set out the criteria for the lifting of the reservation. These criteria will address quality concerns across a broader range of issues. They will address issues such as data governance, training, crime data recording procedures and the auditing and monitoring of data quality.

Last week I noted the publication of a new statistical release by the CSO on Recorded Crime Detection 2018, the data of which is categorised as ‘under reservation’. I welcome the fact that improvements in An Garda Síochána, in particular in terms of data governance including upgrade of the Pulse system had facilitated preparation and publication of this report by the CSO. The report provides a snapshot of the extent to which crimes reported to An Garda Síochána in 2018 have been detected. Detection is understood in this context as identification and sanction of at least one suspected offender; or, in a very limited set of circumstances, a verified exception whereby an offender is not directly sanctioned because, for example, the DPP decides that prosecution is not in the public interest or the suspected offender dies prior to any prosecution.

In publishing this report, the CSO explicitly confirmed that the report constituted a ‘significant break’ in the previous series for measuring crime detection rates in Ireland. This means that detection rates set out in the CSO report issued for 2018 are not comparable with figures published in earlier years.

The report is available at the following link:

https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-rcd/recordedcrimedetection2018/

It is important to note that the most recent CSO report was made possible by progress in An Garda Síochána, which has improved the quality and consistency of recording of crime data. This establishes a reliable baseline against which operational decisions can be considered by An Garda Síochána and further progress can be ensured and measured. As the Deputy may be aware, the Policing Authority is responsible for overseeing the performance of An Garda Sío- chána of its functions relating to policing services, and accordingly has the primary oversight role in relation to these matters, including any issues arising from the historical inaccuracies in the recording of detections on PULSE. The welcome clarity which the CSO has brought to this issue through this new and more reliable assessment of detections will be of assistance to the Authority in that independent oversight task and will also be of assistance to An Garda Sío- chána as it continues to improve the policing services it provides nationwide.

12/12/2019WRE03700Garda Expenditure

12/12/2019WRE03800121. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost in 2021 of increasing the number of sworn gardaí to 15,000 by the end of 2021; and the estimated extra cost in each of the years 2022 to 2025 to maintain that level of strength. [52501/19]

67 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRE03900122. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated extra cost in 2021 of increasing the number of civilians working within An Garda Síochána to 4,000 by the end of 2021; and the estimated extra cost in each of the years 2022 to 2025 of maintaining that number. [52502/19]

12/12/2019WRE04000123. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated extra cost in 2021 of increasing the number of the Garda Reserve to 2,000 by the end of 2021; and the estimated extra cost in each of the years 2022 to 2025 of maintaining that number. [52503/19]

12/12/2019WRE04100124. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated extra cost in 2021 of increasing the number of sworn gardaí to 15,000 by the end of 2021; the estimated extra cost in 2022 to increase it to 15,200; the estimated extra cost in 2023 to increase it to 15,400; the estimated extra cost to increase it to 15,600 in 2024; and the estimated extra cost to increase it to 16,000 in 2025. [52504/19]

12/12/2019WRE04200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 121 to 124, inclusive, together.

Under section 43(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is the Ac- counting Officer for the Garda vote. In addition, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under section 26 for management and control of the administration and business of the Garda Sío- chána. This includes responsibility for personnel matters.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy and I will write to the Deputy directly once I receive it.

12/12/2019WRE04600Garda Strength

12/12/2019WRE04700125. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the year in which there was the most ever sworn members of An Garda Síochána; and the strength of the force in that year. [52505/19]

12/12/2019WRE04800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): 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.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the most ever sworn members of An Garda Síochána was 14,716 in September 2009. Garda numbers declined year on year after that point until they reached the level of 12,799 in December 2014.

Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, approximately 3,000 probationers have attested and been assigned to frontline policing duties nationwide, including the 197 new probationers that attested on 29 November. We now have over 14,300 Garda members nationwide and we are on track to reach the Government’s target of a total of 15,000 Garda members, as part of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 by 2021.

In the same period, Garda staff numbers have increased significantly through the ongoing process of civilianisation. Garda staff numbers have increased from 2,055 at the end of 2014 to over 2,900 today. The accelerated recruitment of Garda staff is facilitating the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative to mainstream policing duties where their training and expertise can be used to best effect.

68 12 December 2019 Taken together, this increase in Garda and civilian staff numbers means a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide in recent years.

A record €1.76 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019 and this is increasing further to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for 2020. Significant capital investment is also being made, amounting to a total of €92 million this year and rising further to over €116 million in 2020. This ongoing funding is allowing for sustained recruitment of Garda members and staff. The budget allocated for 2020 will allow for the recruitment of up to 700 new Gardaí and additional Garda staff, the balance of which will be for the Commissioner to decide based on operational needs.

The Deputy may find it helpful to be aware that information in relation to Garda numbers by rank and Division is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. This information is available at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Sta- tion_2009_to_October_2019.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Sta- tion_2009_to_October_2019.xlsx

Information on Garda staff is available at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff

For more information on the Garda Workforce as well as general information on Garda facts and figures, the Deputy may also wish to see the information on the links below:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures

12/12/2019WRE04900Closed-Circuit Television Systems

12/12/2019WRE05000126. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the three-year CCTV community scheme; the number of communities that availed of the scheme in each year of its operation; his plans for a follow on scheme when the current scheme comes to a close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52506/19]

12/12/2019WRE05100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data control- ler, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded and these key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Com- munity CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.

69 Questions - Written Answers Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 22 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants totalling more than €560,000. The location of the CCTV schemes which have been approved for funding since commencement of the grant aid scheme are as follows:

- Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim

- Cranmore, Co. Sligo

- Arklow, Co. Wicklow

- Courttown/Riverchapel, Gorey and Wexford Town, Co. Wexford

- Abbeyfeale, Adare, Askeaton, Caherconlish, Cappamore, Castleconnell, Croom, Foynes, Kilmallock, Newcastlewest, Pallasgreen, Patrickswell, Murroe and Rathkeale, Co Limerick

- Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan

- St Mullins, Co. Carlow

I am pleased to announce that I have recently approved extension of the CCTV grant aid scheme for a further year in 2020.

Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000. Earlier this year I expanded the grant aid scheme to cover not only new CCTV systems but also to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

I must emphasise that grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements for CCTV, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Con- troller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

If the Deputy is aware of groups wishing to avail of the scheme, further details are available to download from my Department’s website - www.justice.ie and support and guidance is available to help interested groups through a dedicated email address fundsadmin-comm- [email protected].

12/12/2019WRE05200Deportation Orders Re-examination

12/12/2019WRE05300127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a review of the decision to deport will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52528/19]

12/12/2019WRE05400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I must inform the Deputy that, under section 47(5) of the International Protection Act 2015 (the 2015 Act), I refused to give the person concerned a refugee or subsidiary protection declaration. Where a person is refused at all stages of the process, and they have no other basis to remain in the State, the making of a Deportation Order is an inevitable consequence.

That decision was based on a recommendation I received from the International Protection

70 12 December 2019 Office, a recommendation which was not appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tri- bunal within the statutory time-frame.

Following my refusal decision, the person concerned had a short window of opportunity within which to exercise the option to return voluntarily to their country of origin and once that option was not exercised, and the relevant person had no other basis to remain in the State, section 51 of the 2015 Act provides that, subject to a refoulement consideration, the Minister shall make a Deportation Order in respect of such a person.

I am satisfied that the case of the person concerned has been appropriately considered at all stages of the process and, as such, I see no justification for a review of that case.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRE05500Residency Permits

12/12/2019WRE05600128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); if they qualify for residency under a case; if they can register at the local Garda station or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52529/19]

12/12/2019WRE05700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child on 15 October 2018. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the interest of fairness to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order. I understand that the application is under consideration at present and my Department will be in contact with the person concerned in due course.

Permission to remain in the State for parents of Irish Citizen Children may be granted where the applicant can show that they are playing an active role in the life of the Irish Citizen Child. The child must also be residing continuously in Ireland. If the person concerned is granted permission as the parent of an Irish Citizen Child, the child will need to attend the Immigration Service when their parent is registering their permission to reside in the State.

The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 my Department is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF00200Residency Permits

12/12/2019WRF00300129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if residency or stamp 4 will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a state-

71 Questions - Written Answers ment on the matter. [52530/19]

12/12/2019WRF00400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that the person referred to has recently submitted an application for renewal of permission to remain in the State. Any information submitted alongside their application will be taken into account when the application reaches examination stage. Applications are dealt with strictly in chronological order. We are unable to provide a timeframe for completion however, the person concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in finalising their case.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF00500Residency Permits

12/12/2019WRF00600130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if residency or stamp 4 will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52531/19]

12/12/2019WRF00700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that the person referred to has recently submitted an application for renewal of permission to remain in the State. Any information submitted alongside their application will be taken into account when the application reaches examination stage. Applications are dealt with strictly in chronological order. I am unable to provide a timeframe for completion however, the person concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in finalising their case.

12/12/2019WRF00800Immigration Status

12/12/2019WRF00900131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) can avail of the appropriate stamp status to facilitate studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52532/19]

12/12/2019WRF01000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): My Department has no immigration record of the person mentioned by the Deputy. In order to apply for permission to study in the State, the person concerned must apply to my Department, in writing.

The person concerned should outline their current circumstances, their future intentions in the State and include any documentation they feel necessary to support the application. The application should be sent, via registered post, to; Immigration Service Delivery, Unit 1 - Resi- dence Division, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my 72 12 December 2019 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF01100Immigration Status

12/12/2019WRF01200132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52533/19]

12/12/2019WRF01300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that there is no record of an active immigration application from the person referred to. How- ever, I can advise that the person referred to has permission to remain in the State on a Stamp 4 basis until 7 September 2020.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 my Department is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF01400Deportation Orders Re-examination

12/12/2019WRF01500133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if short-term or temporary permission to remain will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); if the information will be considered in the request for revocation of a deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52534/19]

12/12/2019WRF01600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that the person referred to instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 4 December 2019. These Judicial Review proceedings are ongoing at present and as the matter is subjudice, I cannot comment further at this time.

Queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made directly to the 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, I inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF01700Immigration Status

12/12/2019WRF01800134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if information sought by Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 10 October 2019 in the case of a person (details supplied) can be made available through freedom of information notwithstanding the privacy of a parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52535/19]

73 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRF01900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that it would be open to the person concerned to submit a Freedom of Information request to my Department, marked for the attention of the FOI Unit and addressed to the Department of Justice and Equality, 51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. A request can also be submitted by email to [email protected].

Any such request must come directly from the person concerned and not on their behalf.

12/12/2019WRF02000Immigration Status

12/12/2019WRF02100135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52536/19]

12/12/2019WRF02200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can confirm that the person referred to by the Deputy was naturalised by my Department on 31 March 2014.

12/12/2019WRF02300Deportation Orders Re-examination

12/12/2019WRF02400136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Depart- ment will facilitate a new application to revoke an order for deportation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52538/19]

12/12/2019WRF02500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 29 September 2017. This Order requires the person to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

As previously advised, representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked including information regarding her marriage. Following the detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, the Deporta- tion Order was affirmed and notified to the person concerned by letter dated 27 November 2018. There are no outstanding correspondence or applications on file for this applicant.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 with- 74 12 December 2019 out 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 my Department is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF02600Immigration Status

12/12/2019WRF02700137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an existing stamp 4 is sufficient to meet immigration requirements while studying in the UK in the case of a person (details supplied); if the person’s stay in the UK for education purposes is likely to affect eligibility for naturalisation; if travel documents will be returned to the person in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52539/19]

12/12/2019WRF02800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The person to whom the question refers was granted Subsidiary Protection on the 16 July, 2014 and has permission to remain in the State on Stamp 4 conditions until 16 June, 2020.

My Department cannot comment on UK immigration rules, therefore the person in question should visit the UK Home Office website at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/ student-visas.

It may also be advisable to contact the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at https://www.ucas.com/.

I can inform the Deputy that the person referred to does not have an application for naturalisation with my Department at this time.

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. However, where an applicant is found to be non- resident for substantial periods of time then those periods will not be reckonable for the purposes of satisfying the residency conditions for naturalisation. This is of particular importance with regard to the requirement to have 1 year continuous residence in the State immediately prior to the date of application, and may also mean the requirement of total residence is not met.

A reasonable and generous period of 6 weeks is allowed to provide for absences for normal holidays and other short absences such as for a family bereavement. Absences totalling 6 weeks or more in any year will be deducted in total when calculating residency.

Full details of the eligibility criteria and extensive guidelines are available on the Immigra- tion Service Delivery website at https://www.irishimmigration.ie/citizenship/.

I confirm that my Department is not in possession of a travel document from the person referred to by the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRF02900Visa Applications

75 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRF03000138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied); if the person’s relationship with an Irish citizen is likely to be considered in the determination of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52540/19]

12/12/2019WRF03100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can advise the Deputy that non-EEA nationals who visit the State may be granted a maximum of 90 days visitor permission by an immigration officer when they enter at the port of entry. This applies to both non- visa required nationals and visa required nationals.

It is a general policy of my Department not to grant an extension of a visitor permission. The visitor is expected to leave the State by the end of the original period for which the permission was granted.

If there is a change of circumstances since the original visitor permission or visa was granted then my Department will consider an application for an extension of the visitor permission. However, it is generally only in cases where unforeseen circumstances arise that my Depart- ment will grant an extension of visitor permission - for example where there is an unexpected illness of the visitor or of a member of the sponsoring family.

If unforeseen circumstances occur which mean that a visitor needs to extend their visitor permission, they must apply in writing by post to:

Extension of Visitor Permission

Residence Division Unit 6

Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service

PO Box 12695

Dublin 2

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF03200Family Reunification Applications

12/12/2019WRF03300139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if this parliamentary question is acceptable as an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52541/19]

12/12/2019WRF03400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Following full consideration of this case, on 3 December, 2019 I decided to refuse the application from the person concerned for permission to remain based on marriage to an Irish national on . The reasons for the refusal were outlined in the refusal letter to the person concerned.

This Parliamentary Question cannot be accepted as an appeal, however, in line with the provisions of the Policy Document on non EEA Family Reunification it is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision in writing within two calendar months of the refusal date. Ap-

76 12 December 2019 peals must be submitted direct to;

Spouse of Irish National Unit (Appeals),

Immigration Service, Residence Division - Unit 6,

P.O Box 12695 ,

Dublin 2

12/12/2019WRF03500Execution of Wills

12/12/2019WRF03600140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases in which siblings objected to wills being made in favour of third parties that appear to have influenced the person making the will at a vulnerable time; if this can be prevented in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52542/19]

12/12/2019WRF03700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with the Courts Service.

On foot of those enquiries, I have been informed that regrettably the information is not maintained in such a way as to provide the response sought by the Deputy. It can only be retrieved by way of a manual examination of each individual court record. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, such a lengthy process would require the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of the Courts Service’s resources and it is therefore not possible to provide the level of detail sought.

With regard to the issue of legislative protection in relation to these matters, the position is that Part VII of the Succession Act 1965 sets out a number of legal requirements for the making of a valid will:

- It must be in writing;

- The testator must be over 18 years of age (the testator may be under 18 if he or she is or has been married);

- The testator must be of sound mind;

- The testator must sign or mark the will in the presence of two witnesses;

- The two witnesses must sign the will in the testator’s presence;

- The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will;

- The witnesses must see the testator sign the will; 77 Questions - Written Answers - The signature of the testator must be at the end of the will.

These statutory provisions, as interpreted by the superior courts in relevant case law, provide robust safeguards in relation to the validity of wills.

It is, of course, possible for a person to commence legal proceedings challenging a will on the grounds of either the diminished capacity of the testator to make a valid will, or the testator’s ability to make decisions freely in disposing of their property by will.

When determining whether or not a testator had the capacity to make a will, courts will generally consider whether they understood the nature of the act of making the will and its effect, and whether the testator understood the extent of the property of which they were disposing.

Where undue influence is alleged, the law places the burden of proving such undue influence on the person alleging it. In order to succeed, the court must be satisfied that:

(a) The person alleged to exert the influence had the power or opportunity to do so;

(b) Undue influence was in fact exerted; and

While I have no current plans to amend legislation in this area, the operation of the relevant legislation is kept under review by my Department.

12/12/2019WRF03800Residency Permits

12/12/2019WRF03900141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when stamp 4 will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52550/19]

12/12/2019WRF04000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy that the person concerned held Stamp 4 permission to remain in the State until 26 September 2019. The person concerned was advised that renewal of this permission was to be applied for two weeks in advance of the expiry date at their local District Headquarters.

The person concerned must make an appointment for renewal of their permission to remain at the Burgh Quay registration office.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 my Department is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

12/12/2019WRF04100Work Permits Applications

12/12/2019WRF04200142. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason a critical skills employment permit application made by a company (details supplied) is taking a long time to process. [52300/19]

12/12/2019WRF04300Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): In 78 12 December 2019 March 2018, following a comprehensive review of the occupation lists for employment permit purposes, the employment permits system was amended to broaden the availability of permits to all chef grades, with the exception of commis chef ,subject to a quota of 610. The Employ- ment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this quota has now exhausted. The application of a quota is to ensure that in the longer-term, strategies are put in place to source labour supply from both the domestic and European labour markets.

The State’s general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the State and other EEA states. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and EEA, the employment permits system offers a conduit into the Irish labour market for non-EEA nationals with in-demand skills and is operated as a vacancy led system.

Before consideration can be given to extending quotas, sectors needs to submit a business case clearly demonstrating that the recruitment difficulties are shortages across the EEA not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Sectors also needs to detail the strategies in place for training/upskilling/career development and show that they are engaging systematically with the employment services of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The views of the lead policy Government Department for the sector, in this case, the Department of Tourism, Transport and Trade is an important part of the decision- making process.

The occupation lists are subject to a twice yearly review and the most recent review is almost finalised. Submissions received, including those from employer representative bodies in the sector, are under consideration as part of that review. I expect to receive the Review Report imminently and will be considering its recommendations, based on available evidence, in relation to possible changes to the lists including an extension to the quota for chefs.

Applications for employment permits remain in the processing queue until they are either withdrawn or processed. The applicant may choose to leave their application in the processing queue pending the outcome of the review of the occupational lists or the applicant may with- draw their application and apply for a 90% refund. Any application that has been withdrawn will lose its place in the processing queue.

12/12/2019WRF04400Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRF04500143. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital allocation of her Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52204/19]

12/12/2019WRF04600Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Expenditure Report published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Budget process set the 2020 capital allocation for my Department at €630m. This represents an increase of €10million on our 2019 capital allocation of €620million. The distribution of this allocation to the various capital programmes on my Department’s Vote will be set out in the 2020 Revised Estimates Volume which is due to be published in the coming days.

Whilst the definitive capital allocations for my Department for the years beyond 2020 will be determined as part of the normal estimates processes, the National Development Plan set out indicative Departmental capital allocations for the period 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocations for my Department for that period are set out in the Table below.

79 Questions - Written Answers Department 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 of Business, Enterprise and Innova- tion Capital Al- €555m €620m €630m €640m €715m location As advised my Department’s definitive capital allocations for the years 2021 to 2025 and the distribution of those allocations as and between the various capital programmes on our Vote will be determined as part of the annual estimates process for each of the years in question.

12/12/2019WRF04700Enterprise Support Schemes

12/12/2019WRF04800144. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants to the regional technology clustering fund by county and academic institution; the approved applications to the fund announced on 6 December 2019; the funding approved for each; the number of applicants not approved by county and academic institution; the reason for refusal; if there is an appeal mechanism in place to appeal refusal decisions; the amount allocated to the fund in 2019 and 2020; and the amount expended to date in tabular form. [52364/19]

12/12/2019WRF04900Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): On 6th December 2019, my colleague Joe McHugh TD and I announced funding to be awarded by Enterprise Ireland under the Regional Technology Clustering Fund. The Regional Technology Clustering Fund provides a platform for engagement between enterprise and regionally-based academic institutions – the Institutes of Technology (IoT) and Technological Universities (TU) – in order to drive productivity and competitiveness in SMEs in and across the regions. The funding very much complements the core ambitions of Future Jobs Ireland, which in 2020 will have clustering as a key theme.

There were 18 applications received under the Regional Technology Clustering Fund Call. Twelve applicants have been approved funding. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to contact Enterprise Ireland for feedback on their applications.

The table below presents the funding awarded to successful projects in the various Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities, such funding to be drawn down as the Initiative progresses:

Applicant Name Project Summary Fund awarded (€) Dundalk IT Development of a Con- 287,928 nected Health & Wellbeing Industry Cluster in the North East, capitalising on internationally recognised research, innovation and business development strengths and expertise at DKIT.

80 12 December 2019 Applicant Name Project Summary Fund awarded (€) Sligo IT A Border Regions Manufac- 297,314 turing Cluster initiative will increase the engagement and connectivity of the three border IoTs – Sligo, Dundalk and Letterkenny. – with the economy and industry overall, and with manufacturing SMEs and micro/small companies throughout Counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Ca- van, Monaghan and Louth. It will help to strengthen productivity, competitiveness and internationalisation tin this exposed manufacturing sector, which is facing the urgent issues of Brexit, internationalisation, automation/industry 4.0 and digitalisation, new technologies and the low carbon economy. TU Dublin Construction is a strate- 354,669 gically important sector for economic growth and employment in Ireland. The proposed project seeks to address current fragmentation with the development of the first national Construction Sector Cluster (positioned as part of the Design & Con- struct at Broombridge). It will place an emphasis on skills development, technology enhancement, productivity and process improvement, sustainable development, knowledge transfer and internationalisation for SMEs.

81 Questions - Written Answers Applicant Name Project Summary Fund awarded (€) Letterkenny IT The establishment of the 297,314 Killybegs Marine Cluster will help boost productivity, increase market share, enhance innovation, and harness the opportunities that the bountiful renewable energy resource off the North West coast presents. Cork IT The proposed Cyber Secu- 406,340 rity SME Cluster will drive the development of indigenous cyber security SMEs and digitally-dependent SMEs with a need for cyber security solutions. It will include a start-up ecosystem, and will foster productivity, drive competitiveness and support internationalisation. It will leverage the connections with industry through the national cyber security cluster organisation, Cyber Ireland. Galway-Mayo IT (A) The Wood and Furniture 363,671 Manufacturing Cluster with help the sector to scale rapidly and sustainably. It will help businesses to improve competitiveness, productivity and collaboration; develop and adopt innovative technologies; efficiently create novel products and services; and enhance access to talent, R&D capacities and international supports.

82 12 December 2019 Applicant Name Project Summary Fund awarded (€) Limerick IT The Irish Digital Engineer- 406,520 ing & Advanced Manufac- turing Cluster (IDEAM) will bring together and support the growth of three individual networks, namely Limer- ick for Engineering, Limer- ick for IT and the Precision and Turned Parts Manufac- turing Association (PTMA) through an overarching cluster. It will become a one- stop-shop for Manufactur- ing SMEs for all aspects of digital transformation. Tralee IT (A) The AgriTech Cluster aims 290,364 to build, develop and maintain a cluster of companies from across Ireland to drive AgriTech SME productivity, competitiveness and internationalisation. Galway-Mayo IT (B) The MedTech and Life 363,671 Sciences Cluster will enable SMEs to scale rapidly through increased engagement in research, development and innovation activities and the efficient creation of novel products and services. It will help them to capitalising on future trends, especially in Digital Health, and to adopt innovative technologies. Athlone IT An Industry 4.0 Cluster 377,520 will support SMEs to capitalise on the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0, maximising their productivity, competitiveness, internationalisation and growth potential.

83 Questions - Written Answers Applicant Name Project Summary Fund awarded (€) Tralee IT (B) Circular BioEconomy Clus- 290,774 ter South West will work to enhance the knowledge, technology, skills, network- ing and innovation to help deliver the transition to a low carbon economy. Carlow IT Development of an industry- 377,520 led Engineering Cluster to expand capability and competitiveness in the South East of Ireland.

12/12/2019WRF05000Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRF05100145. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in her Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52395/19]

12/12/2019WRF05200Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Ministers of my Department have not been issued with credit cards. The Department itself operates a total of three credit cards. These cards have been issued to named senior officials whose areas of responsibility may involve the on-line purchase of goods and services required by the Department.. There are defined procedures for the use of the Department’s credit cards. These procedures stipulate that purchases of goods or services by means of the Department’s credit card must be properly approved and in accordance with prescribed authorisation procedures and relevant procurement rules.

Expenditure on the Department’s credit cards is monitored and reconciled on a monthly basis by my Department’s Finance Unit. All items of expenditure by my Department, including expenditure by means of the Departmental credit cards, is subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Since 2016 to-date, a total of €68,830.32 has been spent on the Department’s three cards broken down as follows:

2016 2017 2018 2019 €10,171.89 €20,466.55 €20,970.95 €17,220.93 The total bank charges paid in that period was €1.18.

As regards the recoupment of work- related expenses on personally held credit cards , all expense claims , including the aforementioned recoupments , are subject to normal verification and authorisation processes, including approval by an officer than the claimant.

The use of credit cards in the Department’s Agencies is an operational matter for the Agen- cies concerned. Information on the use of credit cards by our Agencies is not routinely col- 84 12 December 2019 lected by my Department. The Department does, however, have Oversight Performance and Delivery Agreements in place with all its Agencies as required by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and these oblige the Agencies to comply with the Department’s requirements in relation to financial management, monitoring and control. Such requirements are underpinned by Guidelines on Public Financial Procedures published by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform.

I am satisfied that there are robust controls in place in relation to the use of credit cards in my Department and that the Agencies of the Department are fully aware of the need to ensure that such controls are also in place in relation to the use of credit cards in their respective organisations.

12/12/2019WRF05300Enterprise Support Services Provision

12/12/2019WRF05400146. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the assistance available to a new startup company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52424/19]

12/12/2019WRF05500Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Local Enterprise Offices are the ‘First Stop Shop’ for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office provides advice, information and support to anyone starting up or growing their business. With 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer you a wide range of experience, skills and services.

The LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Train- ing Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates, Public Procurement and other regulations affecting business.

The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (up to 10 employees) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs can provide financial assistance within three main categories

- Feasibility Grants (investigating the potential of a business idea)

- Priming Grants (to part-fund a start-up)

- Business Development grants for existing businesses that want to expand.

Companies may also avail of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme which is administered by the LEOs on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE). An initiative under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, eligible businesses can apply for a voucher of up to €2,500 matched by own funding. The Scheme helps small businesses trade more online to boost their sales and reach new markets. Funding can be used towards eligible costs such as digital marketing strategies, e-commerce websites or app development.

The LEOs may be able to offer ‘soft’ support in the form of training or provide a mentor to work with the business which include courses such as:

85 Questions - Written Answers - The Mentor Programme is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entre- preneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner/ managers who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance.

- The LEO Management Development programmes provide the owner-manager with the management, leadership, business skills and knowledge to achieve sustainability and growth in their business.

- LEAN for Micro is a targeted programme for Local Enterprise Office clients to help small businesses boost competitiveness, increase performance and profitability as well as building resilience within their companies.

I am confident that over the coming year the LEO network will continue their robust and meaningful engagement with their many clients and will remain an integral component in the Government’s toolkit to prepare our SME sector to face any challenges they face by assisting Start-ups and Small enterprises throughout the country. I would strongly suggest that any new Start-up should contact their Local Enterprise Office, which can be found on the LEO Website (www.localenterprise.ie) and enquire as to what supports are available to them.

12/12/2019WRF05600Brexit Data

12/12/2019WRF05700147. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of firms that availed of InterTradeIreland support to secure Brexit advisory services in 2018 and to date in 2019; the cost in both years; and the average grant. [52507/19]

12/12/2019WRF05800Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): In- terTradeIreland (ITI) is playing a major role as part of the Government’s wider Brexit response. It provides a range of Brexit supports and advice through its special Brexit Advisory Service. That service has engaged with more than 5,402 SMEs this year, in addition to the 4,175 SMEs it assisted in 2018. The cost of ITI’s Brexit Advisory Service for 2018 and 2019 was approximately €1 million and €2.1 million respectively.

A key aspect of the Brexit Advisory Service is the provision of Brexit Vouchers, of which there are two types. The “Planning Voucher”, which is valued at €2,250, enables recipient firms to obtain expert advice on specific areas such as tariffs, currency management, regulatory and customs issues and movement of labour, goods and services. There has been strong demand for this scheme, with over 1,799 vouchers approved to date.

ITI expanded its range of Brexit supports in 2019 to include a new “Brexit Implementation Voucher”. Valued at €5,625, with ITI paying 50%, it allows businesses to implement critical changes and strengthen their preparation for the new trading relationship ahead.

The Government has been increasing ITI’s budget steadily in recent years to ensure the body has the resources it needs to support firms preparing for Brexit. My Department provided additional funding to the body – in 2017, 2018 and 2019 – to allow it to undertake a range of initiatives, through its Brexit Advisory Service, aimed at assisting SMEs. I intend to provide an additional €1 million in capital funding to the body in 2020, which will further facilitate this important work.

12/12/2019WRF05900Enterprise Support Services Provision

12/12/2019WRF06000148. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the 86 12 December 2019 amount of the first two rounds of the disruptive technology innovation fund allocated to projects involving third level institutions. [52526/19]

12/12/2019WRF06100Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is a €500 million fund established under Proj- ect Ireland 2040 and forms a key part in the delivery of Pillar 1, embracing innovation and technological change, under the Future Jobs Ireland framework.

A particular focus of the Fund is to encourage research, development and innovation collaboration between enterprises located in Ireland, working with one or more Research Perform- ing Organisations (RPOs), including third-level institutions such as universities and Institutes of Technology. Under Call 2, collaborations were required to have at least three project partners with at least two of these to be enterprises.

On 7 December 2019, I announced details of the successful applicants under Call 2 of the Fund. A total of €65m was awarded to 16 projects which will be drawn down over three years. This is in addition to the €75m awarded to 27 projects under Call 1 in 2018.

In Call 1, the €75 million awarded to 27 projects was split between RPOs and companies (SMEs and multinationals), with RPOs receiving approximately 53% of the funding and companies receiving approximately 47% of the funding.

For Call 2, the €65 million awarded to 16 projects was also split between RPOs and companies with approximately 37% going to RPOs and 63% going to companies.

Of course, companies have to match the DTIF funding that they receive.

RPOs, most of which are third-level institutions, are involved in 41 of the 43 projects that were awarded investment under Calls 1 and 2 of DTIF. Just two These projects have been awarded €137m of the total €140m allocated. In all, 11 of the projects funded to date are led by an RPO.

12/12/2019WRG00200Respite Care Services Funding

12/12/2019WRG00300149. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated for the provision of residential respite in CHO 1 in 2020; when a response will issue to a request for additional funding from CHO 1 learning disability services to deliver a seven-day respite service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52183/19]

12/12/2019WRG00400Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRG00500Services for People with Disabilities

87 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRG00600150. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if matters raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the provision of care for its users will be reviewed; if the concerns will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52184/19]

12/12/2019WRG00700Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRG00800Hospital Consultant Contracts

12/12/2019WRG00900151. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding public health specialists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52191/19]

12/12/2019WRG01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As I outlined in my reply to the Deputy on 5th November, the Government is committed to the establishment of the grade of consultant in public health medicine, taking account of the related proposals in Sláintecare, the recommendations of Dr Gabriel Scally in his report into CervicalCheck and the recommendations in the Crowe Horwath Report concerning the specialty.

This important step is being progressed in conjunction with the development of a new framework and service model for public health that is currently in train. The proposed framework is now being considered by the HSE’s management team. As part of the overall process, my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is also engaged in negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to contractual issues for the proposed grade.

While it is not possible to be definitive in terms of a timeline, given that consideration of the new structures is ongoing within the HSE and having regard to the nature of industrial relations engagement, I would hope that the new structures and the Contract for the grade will be settled by the middle of next year.

12/12/2019WRG01100Community Pharmacy Services

12/12/2019WRG01200152. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the unwinding of FEMPI for community pharmacists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52199/19]

12/12/2019WRG01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of health service reform and modernisation. Community pharmacy is recognised as the most accessible element of our health service with an unequalled reach in terms of patient contact and access.

Regulations governing the current pharmacy fee structure were made under section 9 of the FEMPI Act 2009 and are set to expire at the end of 2019. Under the Public Service Pay and Pen- 88 12 December 2019 sions Act 2017, these regulations must be replaced on 1st January 2020 to maintain a statutory basis for contractor payments and to prescribe the fees payable from that date.

In keeping with my obligations under Section 43 of the 2017 Act, my officials have -un dertaken a process of consultation with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), as the representative body for the profession. My officials have met with an IPU delegation on two occasions where proposed fee restructuring was discussed. A detailed submission was received from the IPU. This consultation process has now concluded.

I met with the IPU on the 5th December, where I reiterated my intention to move beyond the arrangements underpinned by the FEMPI regulations and to commence a comprehensive review of the pharmacy contract. In this context I also communicated my intention to maintain the current fee structure from 1 January 2020.

The comprehensive review of the pharmacy contract in 2020 will address the role to be played by community pharmacy in the context of Sláintecare. It will consider all aspects of pharmacy service provision including delivery of a multi-disciplinary model of service delivery for patients, ensuring clarity of roles and achieving optimum value for money.

However, any publicly funded pharmacy service expansion should address unmet public healthcare needs, improve access to existing public health services or provide better value for money or patient outcomes. Accordingly, any measures to be considered must be evidence based.

New secondary legislation is currently being drafted in order to give effect to the prescribed fee structure, as required under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.

12/12/2019WRG01400Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRG01500153. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year [52213/19]

12/12/2019WRG01600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The total capital funding allocation for the public Health Services in Budget 2020 is €854m, 2021 (€880) and 2022 (€880).

The areas to which capital funds will be allocated each year are

- Health Service Executive - building, equipping and furnishing of health facilities;

- Health Service Executive - Information Communication Technology;

- Department of Health and agencies under the aegis of and directly funded by my Depart- ment such as the Health Research Board and Health Information and Quality Authority.

Multi-annual capital expenditure ceilings for the Health Vote for the period 2023 - 2025 have yet to be formulated.

12/12/2019WRG01700Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme

12/12/2019WRG01800154. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding compensation for the young persons who received the H1N1 swine flu Pandemrix vaccine and subsequently developed narcolepsy in view of a recent case (details supplied); if there are non-legal routes 89 Questions - Written Answers being considered due to the stress this causes young persons and their families and the cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52221/19]

12/12/2019WRG01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The State Claims Agency has statutory responsibility for the management of claims relating to the HSE, including those relating to the H1N1 Pandemrix vaccine and I have no role in determining how these cases are conducted.

An Expert Group was established in June of last year, under Judge Meenan, to examine the law in relation to personal injuries arising in the healthcare context and to explore alternative mechanisms by which claims could be managed more effectively, particularly from the perspective of the person on whose behalf a claim has been made. A report from this Expert Group is expected in the coming weeks, the recommendations of which will be taken into account in relation to the development of any vaccine compensation scheme.

In addition, the Health Research Board recently completed a review of the evidence on vaccine injury redress programmes in other jurisdictions and this report will also be considered in conjunction with the Expert Group’s recommendation.

Since 2012, the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Department of Education and Skills, and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have worked together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those affected. The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services. It has also engaged with representatives of SOUND (Sufferers of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder). Four regional narcolepsy co-ordinators have been appointed as single points of contact to assist patients and their families by providing advice, information and access to local services. The ex-gratia health supports include:

- clinical care pathways to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment;

- multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts;

- counselling services for both the individuals and their families;

- discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed;

- physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments.

12/12/2019WRG02000Hospital Waiting Lists Data

12/12/2019WRG02100155. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting fewer than 13 weeks following a referral for a routine colonoscopy or OGD at the end of November 2019 or the latest date available; and the number waiting more than 13 weeks. [52224/19]

12/12/2019WRG02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): A national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Pro- gramme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clini- cal Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.

The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hos- pital Groups.

90 12 December 2019 In relation to the specific question raised, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRG02300Health Services Staff Data

12/12/2019WRG02400156. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of community intervention teams in each community healthcare organisation; and the number of whole-time equivalent staff on 30 November in each of the years 2017 to 2019 or the latest date available in each year. [52225/19]

12/12/2019WRG02500Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRG02600Health Services Data

12/12/2019WRG02700157. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals for treatment to each community intervention team to date in 2019, in tabular form. [52226/19]

12/12/2019WRG02800Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRG02900Palliative Care Services Provision

12/12/2019WRG03000158. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that received specialist palliative care treatment in their normal place of residence in each month to date in 2019. [52227/19]

12/12/2019WRG03100Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRG03200Hospitals Data

12/12/2019WRG03300159. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of operations and procedures cancelled and postponed in each public hospital to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52228/19]

12/12/2019WRG03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Maintaining scheduled care access for all patients is a key priority for hospitals. I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures.

While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE advise that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand, medical reasons, and patient choice.

91 Questions - Written Answers In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRG03500Hospitals Data

12/12/2019WRG03600160. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of operations and procedures cancelled and postponed in each voluntary hospital to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52229/19]

12/12/2019WRG03700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Maintaining scheduled care access for all patients is a key priority for hospitals. I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures.

In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRG03800Hospitals Data

12/12/2019WRG03900161. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures the HSE has procured from private and independent hospitals to date in 2019; the amount spent by the HSE on procedures in private and independent hospitals to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52230/19]

12/12/2019WRG04000164. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of outpatient appointments the HSE has procured from private and independent hospitals to date in 2019; the amount spent by the HSE on the appointments in private and independent hospitals to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52233/19]

12/12/2019WRG04100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 164 together.

In relation to the particular queries raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRG04200National Treatment Purchase Fund Data

12/12/2019WRG04300162. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures procured by the National Treatment Purchase Fund in each year since its restoration in 2017 by the type and speciality of each procedure in tabular form. [52231/19]

12/12/2019WRG04400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by officials in my Department and will be provided to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.

92 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRG04500Hospitals Data

12/12/2019WRG04600163. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients that have been removed from outpatient lists to date in 2019 as a result of a validation exercise and not as a result of having an appointment with a consultant for each public and voluntary hospital in tabular form. [52232/19]

12/12/2019WRG04700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Validation is the process whereby hospital administration contacts patients on waiting lists at pre-planned intervals during the year to ensure that patients are ready, willing, suitable and available to attend a hospital appointment or wish to be removed from the list. The validation of waiting lists can help provide clean, ac- curate, up to date waiting list data which reflects the true demand for hospital services.

The National Centralised Validation Unit (NCVU) advises that since its establishment in November 2018 and up to the end of October, they have completed 236 validation cycles, across 36 hospitals, resulting in over 229,000 patients being contacted and over 40,500 patients being removed from the Inpatient/Day Case and Outpatient waiting lists.

The outstanding hospitals have engaged with the NTPF and have been allocated a time slot for validation in the next 3-6 months.

In relation to the data requested by the Deputy, the NCVU provided the attached document which outlines outpatient validation figures by hospital.

Name of Hospital & Group: No. of patients removed due to validation exercise from 1st of January to 6th Decem- ber in 2019: IEHG Mater Misericordiae Hospital 2371 St Vincent’s Hospital 1291 Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar 1179 St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny 191 Wexford General Hospital 95 Our Lady’s Hospital Navan 1189 St Columcille’s Hospital 599 St Michael’s Hospital 104 Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital 353 Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital 2012 Total: 9384 RCSI Beaumont Hospital 0 Connolly Hospital 515 Our Lady’s of Lourdes Drogheda 0 Louth County Hospital 0 Cavan & Monaghan Hospitals 0 The Rotunda Maternity Hospital 743 Total: 1258 DMHG St James Hospital 2541

93 Questions - Written Answers Name of Hospital & Group: No. of patients removed due to validation exercise from 1st of January to 6th Decem- ber in 2019: Tallaght Hospital (AMNCH) 2375 Midland Regional Tullamore Hospital 2643 Naas General Hospital 1207 Midland Regional Portlaoise Hospital 892 Total: 9658 ULHG University Hospital Limerick 4244 Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis 72 Nenagh Hospital 40 Croom Hospital 570 St John’s Hospital 50 Total: 4976 SSWHG Cork University Hospital 3165 University Hospital Waterford 4053 University Hospital Kerry 1172 Mercy University Hospital 1000 South Tipperary General Hospital 332 South Infirmary Victoria Hospital 961 Bantry General Hospital 82 Mallow General Hospital 301 Total: 11066 Saolta Hospital Group University Hospital Galway 3099 Sligo University Hospital 678 Letterkenny University Hospital/ 1811 Mayo University Hospital 1090 Portiuncula Hospital 530 Roscommon University Hospital 629 Total: 7837 Children’s Hospital Group Crumlin Children’s Hospital 0 Temple Street Children’s Hospital 5 Tallaght Children’s Hospital 0 Total: 5 Grand Total: 44184

Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 161.

12/12/2019WRG04900Hospital Consultant Recruitment

12/12/2019WRG05000165. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant 94 12 December 2019 positions advertised by the Ireland East hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form. [52234/19]

12/12/2019WRG05100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRG05200Hospital Consultant Recruitment

12/12/2019WRG05300166. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised by the RCSI hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form. [52235/19]

12/12/2019WRG05400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRG05500Hospital Consultant Recruitment

12/12/2019WRG05600167. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised by the Children’s Health Ireland hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form. [52236/19]

12/12/2019WRG05700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRG05800Hospital Consultant Recruitment

12/12/2019WRG05900168. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised by the Saolta hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form [52237/19]

12/12/2019WRG06000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRH00200Hospital Consultant Recruitment

12/12/2019WRH00300169. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised by the Dublin Midlands hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form. [52238/19]

12/12/2019WRH00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRH00500Hospital Consultant Recruitment 95 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRH00600170. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised by the South/South West hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form. [52239/19]

12/12/2019WRH00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible

12/12/2019WRH00800Hospital Consultant Recruitment

12/12/2019WRH00900171. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised by the University Limerick hospital group to date in 2019; the speciality of each advertised position; if each position has been filled; and the number of applications for each speciality in tabular form. [52240/19]

12/12/2019WRH01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

12/12/2019WRH01100Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH01200172. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the Ireland East hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52241/19]

12/12/2019WRH01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible

12/12/2019WRH01400Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH01500173. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the RCSI hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52242/19]

12/12/2019WRH01600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRH01700Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH01800174. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the Children’s Health Ireland hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52243/19]

12/12/2019WRH01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRH02000Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH02100175. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the Saolta hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52244/19] 96 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRH02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRH02300Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH02400176. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the Dublin Midlands hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52245/19]

12/12/2019WRH02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRH02600Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH02700177. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the South/South West hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52246/19]

12/12/2019WRH02800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible

12/12/2019WRH02900Nursing Staff Data

12/12/2019WRH03000178. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing positions vacant in the University Limerick hospital group as of 6 December 2019, in tabular form. [52247/19]

12/12/2019WRH03100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

12/12/2019WRH03200Medical Card Data

12/12/2019WRH03300179. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the most recent projection on the number of medical cards to be provided in 2019; and the likely full year costs or savings in 2019 in the case of a variation from the projection. [52248/19]

12/12/2019WRH03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRH03500Care of the Elderly

12/12/2019WRH03600180. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage occupancy rate in public residential care units for the most recent calendar month available and for the previous eleven months in tabular form. [52249/19]

12/12/2019WRH03700Minister 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. 97 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRH03800Home Help Service Data

12/12/2019WRH03900181. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of community healthcare organisations that have established waiting lists for home care on a standardised basis. [52250/19]

12/12/2019WRH04000Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRH04100Patient Safety

12/12/2019WRH04200182. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of serious reportable events being notified within 24 hours to a designated officer. [52251/19]

12/12/2019WRH04300183. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of mandatory investigations commenced within 48 hours of the event occurring. [52252/19]

12/12/2019WRH04400184. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of mandatory investigations completed within four months of notification of the event occurring. [52253/19]

12/12/2019WRH04500185. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of reportable events to date in 2019 that have been reported within 30 days of occurrence to the designated officer. [52254/19]

12/12/2019WRH04600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 185, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters and the data is collated by the HSE, the questions have been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. This reply was taken as a com- posite with 52252/19, 52253/19 and 52254/19.

The Department of Health takes the management of patient safety very seriously. In No- vember 2015, the Government approved a major programme of patient safety reforms which included the establishment of a National Patient Safety Office (NPSO) in the Department of Health. The NPSO was established in December 2016 to oversee a programme of patient safety measures. The programme of patient safety centres on initiatives such as the establishment of a national patient advocacy service, the introduction of a patient safety surveillance system, the measurement of patient experience and extending the clinical effectiveness agenda.

The Department is currently progressing a number of pieces of legislation which seek to enhance the safety and quality of the provision of health care services. This includes the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill which will ensure that providers of health services operate at core standards which are applied in a consistent and systematic way. Under this legislation public and private hospitals and providers of high-risk healthcare activities taking place outside a hospital setting will require a license to operate.

The Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill 2019 was approved by Gov- ernment on 3 December for publication. This Bill provides for the extension of the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority, to private hospitals. HIQA will be able to set standards for the operation of private hospitals, monitor compliance and undertake inspections of the services.

98 12 December 2019 In addition, on 25 October 2017, I launched the National Standards on the Conduct of Re- views of Patient Safety Incidents. These standards, developed jointly by HIQA and the Mental Health Commission, set out a new approach to the way health providers respond to, review and investigate incidents in order to determine as quickly as possible what may have transpired, and why, to ensure that they can immediately implement any improvements necessary to prevent a re-occurrence. The HSE in turn developed the Incident Management Framework (2018) to support implementation of these standards.

12/12/2019WRH05000Primary Care Centres

12/12/2019WRH05100186. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the examination undertaken of the use of incentives to support investment by general practitioners, dentists and other professionals in primary care centres, technology and service developments [52255/19]

12/12/2019WRH05200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I understand that my colleague the Minister for Finance will respond to you on the use of tax instruments to support investment by health professionals.

At this time, no other incentives are offered to health professionals to encourage investment in Primary Care Centres (PCCs).

Under the Primary Care Centre Infrastructure Programme, there are currently 128 centres operational throughout the country which is an indication of the very significant progress made so far. Furthermore, there is a pipeline of nearly 80 PCC projects that are under construction or development or are in the planning stage, with 21 of them expected to come on stream by the end of 2020.

The delivery of these centres in the years ahead will dovetail with other initiatives as part of the Sláintecare plan to ensure that more healthcare services will be available in the community.

12/12/2019WRH05300General Practitioner Services

12/12/2019WRH05400187. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the action taken to support general practitioner practices in disadvantaged urban areas. [52256/19]

12/12/2019WRH05500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Agreement concluded with the IMO in May 2019 on a major package of GP contractual reforms will make general practice a more attractive and sustainable career option, to the benefit of both doctors and patients.

The comprehensive service development and reform agreement will see an increase in expenditure on GP services of €210 million annually by 2023, providing significant increases in capitation fees for participating GPs, as well as additional fees and subsidies for new services.

As part of the deal, it has also been agreed that the GP rural practice allowance will be increased in 2020 and that targeted funding of €2 million will be set aside to provide additional support to practices in deprived urban areas.

The Department, the HSE, and the IMO, are now collaborating to determine how the latter arrangement will operate, including the most appropriate basis on which to identify practices requiring additional supports and how the funding can best be used on an ongoing basis from next year.

99 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRH05600General Practitioner Data

12/12/2019WRH05700188. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners employed by the HSE on a salaried basis in each year since 2016. [52257/19]

12/12/2019WRH05800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRJ00200Health Services Reform

12/12/2019WRJ00300189. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the proposed new structures within the HSE will be put on a statutory basis. [52258/19]

12/12/2019WRJ00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): A clear governance and accountability framework was identified as a key building block of Sláintecare by the Committee on the Future of Healthcare. As part of its recommendations in this area, the Committee called for the HSE to become a more strategic and patient-focused ‘national centre’ carrying out national level functions, and the establishment of regional bodies with responsibility for the planning and delivery of integrated care at a regional level.

As the Deputy is aware, the Government approved the geographies of six new regional health areas which the proposed regional bodies will serve. I intend to return to Government next year with detailed proposals and a supporting business case regarding the respective roles and responsibilities of the regional bodies, the HSE ‘national centre’ and the Department of Health. As outlined in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, these new structures will be underpinned by legislation, to be developed in 2021.

12/12/2019WRJ00500Hospice Services Provision

12/12/2019WRJ00600190. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of hospices in each local health office area in tabular form. [52259/19]

12/12/2019WRJ00700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): At present, there are 213 specialist palliative care or hospice beds in 10 locations nationwide, as set out in the table below. The number of hospice beds has increased by 44% over the past five years.

CHO Service Number of beds 1 North West Hospice, Sligo 8 2 Galway Hospice, Galway 18 3 Milford Care Centre, Lim- 30 erick 4 Marymount Hospice, Cork 44 4 Kerry Hospice, Tralee 15 6 Our Lady’s Hospice and 12 Care Services, Blackrock 7 Our Lady’s Hospice and 36 Care Services, Harold’s Cross 7 St. Brigid’s Hospice, Kildare 7

100 12 December 2019 CHO Service Number of beds 9 St. Francis’ Hospice, Raheny 19 9 St. Francis’ Hospice, 24 Blanchardstown Total 213

In line with the Programme for Government, my Department and the HSE are continuing to work with local communities to provide new or expanded specialist palliative care services. Funding was secured in Budget 2020 to open an additional 55 in-patient palliative care beds next year. 49 of these will be located in three new inpatient units in Mayo, Waterford and Wick- low, with a further 6 beds to be provided as part of an expanded service at St. Brigid’s Hospice, Kildare.

A further three units are planned for development in the coming years, serving people with specialist palliative care needs in the Midlands and Border regions. Once these inpatient units are opened, there will be at least one hospice in every CHO region.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy on the provision of specialist palliative care by LHO area as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRJ00800Hospital Waiting Lists Data

12/12/2019WRJ00900191. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of outpatient appointments outstanding for more than two, three and four years, respectively, at the end of November 2019 for each reporting hospital in tabular form. [52260/19]

12/12/2019WRJ01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In this regard, the Govern- ment is committed to improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures.

Budget 2020 announced that the Government has further increased investment in tackling waiting lists, with funding to the NTPF increasing from €75 million in 2019 to €100 million in 2020.

My Department is working with the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to develop the Scheduled Care Access Plan 2020. The National Service Plan 2020 will set out HSE planned activity level for the year ahead, while the NTPF will work with the hospital system to provide additionality to improve access to inpatient/daycase treatment and with a particular focus on hospital outpatient services.

In this regard, I would encourage all hospital groups and individual hospitals to engage with the NTPF to identify waiting list proposals for the remainder of this year and for 2020.

The data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below. This data is also available on the NTPF website at: https://www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm

Outpatient waiting list 2+ years, 3+ years, & 4+ years

24+ Months 36+ Months 48+ Months 65,732 19,986 3,734

12/12/2019WRJ01100Health Services Access 101 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRJ01200192. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the medical assessment units, urgent care centres and minor injuries clinics that extended their Monday to Friday hours of opening since 2016, in tabular form. [52261/19]

12/12/2019WRJ01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRJ01400Health Services Access

12/12/2019WRJ01500193. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the medical assessment units, urgent care centres, and minor injuries clinics that extended hours of opening to weekends since 2016 in tabular form. [52262/19]

12/12/2019WRJ01600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRJ01700Emergency Services Data

12/12/2019WRJ01800194. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the increases in ambulances, EMTs and paramedics that have taken place in each year since 2016. [52263/19]

12/12/2019WRJ01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

12/12/2019WRJ02000HSE Data

12/12/2019WRJ02100195. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the work of the performance management unit in the HSE; the number of whole-time equivalent staff employed; the number of reports and reviews it has undertaken; and the recommendations made by it to improve performance. [52264/19]

12/12/2019WRJ02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

12/12/2019WRJ02300Hospital Consultant Contracts

12/12/2019WRJ02400196. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when he plans to negotiate a new consultant contract. [52265/19]

12/12/2019WRJ02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): My Department published the de Buitléir Report at the end of August, following on from the establishment of the Group to examine how to give effect to the Sláintecare recommendation on the removal of private practice from the public hospital system. The Group has recommended that all new consultant appointments should be to a ‘Sláintecare Consultant Contract’, resulting in a phased reduction in private practice over time.

The Government is committed to the implementation of Sláintecare. In this regard, my Department, together with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE, recently met with both the IMO and the IHCA, and will be seeking to continue to engage with

102 12 December 2019 both bodies on Sláintecare, the de Buitléir Report and related health service reform.

12/12/2019WRJ02600Health Services Funding

12/12/2019WRJ02700197. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to base health expenditure on multi-year budgeting supported by a five-year health service plan based on realistic and verifiable projections. [52266/19]

12/12/2019WRJ02800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy commits to reforming the funding system to support new models of care and drive value to make better use of resources.

My Department is examining the feasibility of introducing a multi-annual budgeting process including the drafting of a paper to inform the development of proposals for multi-annual budgeting in the healthcare system. Initial discussions in order to establish an interdepartmental working group have taken place during 2019.

12/12/2019WRJ02900HSE Staff Data

12/12/2019WRJ03000198. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of staff at national director level, assistant national director level, general manager level and grade VIII level in the HSE on 6 December 2019 or the latest date available. [52267/19]

12/12/2019WRJ03100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

12/12/2019WRJ03200HSE National Service Plan

12/12/2019WRJ03300199. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is on target to achieve savings, cost reductions or improved income generation in a number of areas set out in the HSE 2019 service plan (details supplied); and the achievements in each to date in 2019 in tabular form. [52268/19]

12/12/2019WRJ03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE in the National Service Plan 2019 presented three ranges of actions/initiatives to address the financial challenge in 2019. These are cost reduction or improved income generation, limit cost growth and technical financial savings.

The National Service Plan set out indicative savings types and targets within the three initiatives from which a savings target level was applied to service areas within the HSE. As part of the HSE’s annual operations planning process for 2019, the individual hospitals and CHO’s managers had responsibility for identifying the specific types of savings to be achieved. This ensured that local managers identified achievable cost savings within their service area. The HSE, therefore, reports monthly progress on savings under the three main ranges of actions rather than the specific proposed types of savings as set out in the Service Plan.

In relation to the cost reduction/improved income generation actions/initiatives the HSE has reported performance to September 2019 as follows.

103 Questions - Written Answers Service Area Profile to Sept’19 Actual to Sept’19 Acute Hospitals €40m €35m Community Operations €30m €30m National Divisions €11m €25m Other including PCRS €16m €5m Total €97m €95m

12/12/2019WRJ03500Hospital Services

12/12/2019WRJ03600200. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in the implementation of the 45 recommendations of the trauma steering group in tabular form. [52269/19]

12/12/2019WRJ03700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRJ03800Cancer Screening Programmes

12/12/2019WRJ03900201. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in the implementation of the recommendations of the Scally report in tabular form. [52270/19]

12/12/2019WRJ04000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Following publication of the Final Report of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme in September 2018, a comprehensive Implementation Plan was developed to support implementation of all recommendations made by the Scoping Inquiry. The Implementation Plan was approved by Government and published on the website of my Department. The Plan was later revised to take account of the two additional recommendations made by Dr Scally’s team in the Supplementary Report of the Scoping Inquiry, in June 2019.

On 10 July, Dr Scally wrote to me and confirmed that the work of the Scoping Inquiry has concluded.

I remain committed to publishing progress reports, on a quarterly basis, to provide details of the work underway across the health system to implement all 58 recommendations arising from the three reports of the Scoping Inquiry. These progress reports are available on my Depart- ment’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/ab552a-implementation- of-recommendations-scoping-inquiry-into-the-cervicalc/

As of the end of Quarter 3 2019, there are 170 actions arising from the 58 recommendations. There has been significant progress by all parties to date, and the number of completed actions as of end Q3 was 112 out of 170. A further 27 actions are in progress, 19 are overdue to finish and 5 are overdue to start, and 7 are not yet due to start. Further detail on the work underway in relation to individual actions is provided in tabular and narrative form in the detailed reports published at the link above.

12/12/2019WRJ04100HSE Agency Staff Expenditure

12/12/2019WRJ04200202. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the amount the HSE spent on agency staff each month in 2018 and to date in 2019; the proportion of the anticipated agency staff expenditure by the HSE for 2019 incurred to date; and if he will make a statement on the 104 12 December 2019 matter. [52271/19]

12/12/2019WRJ04300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

12/12/2019WRJ04400Prescriptions Charges

12/12/2019WRJ04500203. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the amount collected in pre- scription charges for medical card prescriptions in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and the amount projected for 2019. [52272/19]

12/12/2019WRJ04600Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRJ04700Hospital Discharges

12/12/2019WRJ04800204. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of elective inpatient discharges in each public and voluntary hospital to the end of November 2019. [52273/19]

12/12/2019WRJ04900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the specific matter raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRJ05000Ambulance Service Data

12/12/2019WRJ05100205. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency ambulances decommissioned by the National Ambulance Service; the number of new emergency ambulances acquired; the number of intermediate care ambulances decommissioned by the National Ambulance Service; the number of new intermediate care ambulances acquired; the number of rapid response vehicles decommissioned by the National Ambulance Service; the number of new rapid response vehicles acquired; the number of vehicles commissioned and purchased as rapid response vehicles by the National Ambulance Service acquired; the number in use; the number awaiting entry into service to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52274/19]

12/12/2019WRJ05200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

12/12/2019WRJ05300Ambulance Service Data

12/12/2019WRJ05400206. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency ambulances in service by the year in which they entered service, pods and vehicles; the date on which they entered service; the HSE region in which they are based; the number of intermediate care ambulances in service by the year in which they entered service, pods and vehicles; the date on which they entered service the HSE region in which they are based in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52275/19]

12/12/2019WRJ05500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service issue, it has been referred 105 Questions - Written Answers to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

12/12/2019WRJ05600Ambulance Service Data

12/12/2019WRJ05700207. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the distances travelled by emergency, intermediate care ambulances and rapid response vehicles in service in such a capacity by HSE region subdivided by each 50,000 miles and or 80,000 kms, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52276/19]

12/12/2019WRJ05800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

12/12/2019WRJ05900General Practitioner Data

12/12/2019WRJ06000208. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioner vacancies in each local health area in tabular form. [52277/19]

12/12/2019WRJ06100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy

12/12/2019WRK00200Emergency Departments Data

12/12/2019WRK00300209. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency medicine consultants in each public and voluntary hospital with an emergency department; the number of 24-hour emergency departments; and the number that have an emergency medicine consultant available daily on a 24-hour basis public and voluntary hospital with an emergency department in tabular form. [52278/19]

12/12/2019WRK00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRK00500Hospital Services

12/12/2019WRK00600210. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the appropriate stress tests and heart monitoring will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [52280/19]

12/12/2019WRK00700Minister 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, since 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.

106 12 December 2019 In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRK00800Pharmacy Services

12/12/2019WRK00900211. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the possible introduction of inhaler recycling bins in pharmacies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52285/19]

12/12/2019WRK01000Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRK01100Psychological Services

12/12/2019WRK01200212. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of children with an intellectual disability on the school age psychology caseload in the Galway region; the number of psychologists available to provide this service; the number of children on the waiting list for a service in the Galway region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52294/19]

12/12/2019WRK01300Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRK01400Abortion Legislation

12/12/2019WRK01500213. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the progress of legislation to create safe zones in the vicinity of places that provide for termination of pregnancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52299/19]

12/12/2019WRK01600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): It is my absolute intention that people can access termination of pregnancy services safely. I wish to assure women and healthcare staff that there is existing legislation in place to protect them and to protect patients.

My Department and An Garda Síochána have been closely monitoring the situation since termination of pregnancy services commenced in January this year.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is conducting a targeted consultation on safe access to termination of pregnancy services. The consultation is ongoing as it is important that the experiences of service providers in both community and acute hospital settings are included.

107 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRK01700Home Care Packages Provision

12/12/2019WRK01800214. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if home care assistance will be provided for a person (details supplied). [52301/19]

12/12/2019WRK01900Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRK02000Psychological Assessments Waiting Times

12/12/2019WRK02100215. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in arranging an assessment with the autism team for a child (details supplied); and if the assessment will be expedited as requested by the child’s general practitioner and public health nurse in view of the fact the child is waiting for a place with a service but must first complete the assessment. [52315/19]

12/12/2019WRK02200Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRK02300HSE Records

12/12/2019WRK02400216. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if errors made by the HSE relative to payments made to a person (details supplied) will be corrected; the reason the er- roneous payment records were reactivated on 6 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52316/19]

12/12/2019WRK02500Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRK02600Disability Services Funding

12/12/2019WRK02700217. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the additional supports and activities recommended by the professionals taking care of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52317/19]

12/12/2019WRK02800Minister 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, 108 12 December 2019 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.

12/12/2019WRK02900Hospital Appointments Status

12/12/2019WRK03000218. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a date will be set for an operation at St. James’s Hospital for a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [52318/19]

12/12/2019WRK03100Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRK03200Substance Misuse

12/12/2019WRK03300219. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the new schemes developed for socially and economically disadvantaged communities to provide targeted, appropriate and effective services for young persons at risk of substance misuse. [52324/19]

12/12/2019WRK03400220. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the working group established to examine the evidence in respect of early harm reduction responses, such as drug testing, amnesty bins and media campaigns, to current and emerging trends including the use of new psychoactive substances and image and performance enhancing drugs and other high-risk behaviours. [52325/19]

12/12/2019WRK03500221. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the action taken to date in 2019 to strengthen the implementation of the national drugs rehabilitation framework specifically with regard to developing a competency framework on key working, care planning and case management; and if the training programme on the key processes of the framework has been extended. [52326/19]

12/12/2019WRK03600222. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the action taken to date 2019 to expand the availability and geographical spread of relevant quality drug and alcohol services and improve the range of services available based on identified need; and the way in which gaps in identifying and addressing gaps in provision within tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 services have been identified and addressed. [52327/19]

109 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRK03700224. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which the availability of opioid substitution treatments has been improved to date in 2019; and if access to same has been increased through an expansion of general practitioner prescribing, nurse-led prescribing and the provision of such treatment in community-based settings and homeless services. [52329/19]

12/12/2019WRK03800225. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which the quality and safety of care in the delivery of opioid substitution treatment has been enhanced to date in 2019; and the way in which the HSE national clinical guidelines on such treatment are being implemented and reviewed in line with national clinical effectiveness committee processes. [52330/19]

12/12/2019WRK03900226. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which relapse prevention and aftercare drug treatment services have been improved to date in 2019. [52331/19]

12/12/2019WRK04000227. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which the range of progression options for recovering drug users has been increased to date in 2019; and if a new programme of supported care and employment has been developed. [52332/19]

12/12/2019WRK04100229. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which maternity hospitals and units have strengthened their methods of detecting alcohol abuse and supporting women to reduce their intake. [52334/19]

12/12/2019WRK04200230. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which links between maternity services and addiction services have been strengthened to date in 2019. [52335/19]

12/12/2019WRK04300231. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if the need for additional residential placements for pregnant and postnatal women who need inpatient treatment for addiction to drugs and or alcohol nationwide has been quantified; and if so, the action being taken as a result. [52336/19]

12/12/2019WRK04400232. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which he has resourced the national women and infants health programme to provide drug liaison midwives and specialist medical social workers in maternity networks. [52337/19]

12/12/2019WRK04500233. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which he is increasing the range of wrap-around community and DATFs residential services equipped to meet the needs of women who are using drugs and or alcohol in a harmful manner including those with children and those that are pregnant. [52338/19]

12/12/2019WRK04600234. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which he is developing interventions to address gender and cultural specific risk factors for not taking up treatment for drug addiction. [52339/19]

12/12/2019WRK04700235. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the assessment being made of the need for the development of specialist services to meet the needs of older persons with long- term substance use issues. [52340/19]

12/12/2019WRK04800237. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of additional detoxifi- cation, stabilisation and rehabilitation beds provided to date in 2019. [52342/19]

12/12/2019WRK04900238. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the way in which needle exchange programmes have been expanded to date in 2019. [52343/19]

12/12/2019WRK05000240. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the develop-

110 12 December 2019 ment of an overdose prevention strategy. [52345/19]

12/12/2019WRK05100241. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken to date in 2019 to build capacity within drug and alcohol services to develop a patient safety approach in line with the HIQA National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare 2012. [52346/19]

12/12/2019WRK05200242. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if each hospital emergency department includes the monitoring of attendances as a result of alcohol and drugs use in its elec- tronic patient system. [52347/19]

12/12/2019WRK05300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 to 222, inclusive, 224 to 227, inclusive, 229 to 235, inclusive, 237, 238 and 240 to 242, inclusive, together.

Government policy in relation to drug and alcohol addiction services is set out in the national drugs strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025’. It identifies 50 strategic actions to be delivered between mid 2017 (when the strategy was launched) and end 2020.

The strategy is a dynamic process, that is monitored through the key national, regional and local structures charged with implementing the strategy. Each year the bodies responsible for delivering the strategic actions are required to report on progress.

The progress report for 2019 will be presented to the national oversight committee for the drugs strategy in February 2020. Subsequently, the report will be published on the department’s website.

As the Deputy’s questions relate to the progress on a number of the actions in the strategy, I will forward to him the 2019 progress report in due course.

12/12/2019WRK05700Drug Treatment Programmes Data

12/12/2019WRK05800223. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of drug treatment episodes provided to date in 2019 across services (details supplied); and the equivalent figures for 2017 and 2018, in tabular form, [52328/19]

12/12/2019WRK05900Minister 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.

Questions Nos. 224 to 227, inclusive, answered with Question No. 219.

12/12/2019WRK06400Drug Treatment Programmes

12/12/2019WRK06500228. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if the need to provide drug liaison midwives and specialist medical social workers in maternity networks has been assessed to date in 2019; and if so, the outcome of the assessment. [52333/19]

12/12/2019WRK06600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): Expanding addiction services for pregnant and post-natal women is an action in the national drugs strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. Key to this is expanding the role of drug and alcohol liaison midwives across all maternity networks.

111 Questions - Written Answers Pregnant women who use drugs (mainly opioids or methadone) have complex medical and social needs and are at increased risk of having babies with low birth weight (and the likelihood that the babies will require neonatal intensive care). More recently, there are growing concerns about alcohol use during pregnancy, including foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

There are three drug liaison midwives in community addiction services in CHO 6, 7 and 9 who work with the maternity hospitals in the Dublin region (Rotunda, Coombe Women and In- fant University Hospital and The National Maternity Hospital). The midwives work in special clinics in the hospitals and link in with community addiction services. They support pregnant opioid-dependent women throughout their pregnancy and for six weeks post-natal. An assessment of the drug midwife service found that it built effective working relationships between drug-dependent pregnant women, obstetric services and drug treatment services.

In line with action 20 in the national drugs strategy, the Department is supporting the HSE to expand the provision of drug and alcohol liaison midwives in community addiction services and maternity networks across the country. Two drug and alcohol liaison midwife posts are currently being recruited in CHO 3 & 4 in conjunction with South South East and University of Limerick maternity networks. Funding was approved for 2 additional posts in CHO 1 & 8, as part of the Saolta (North West) and Midlands maternity networks in Budget 2020.

I am committed to ensuring there is national coverage of drug and alcohol liaison midwives across all the maternity networks. To achieve this, I am seeking additional funding for two posts in CHO 2 & 5, to work with the Saolta and South South East maternity networks (with particular focus on Galway and Waterford).

The HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme is responsible for driving the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy Creating a Better Future Together 2016 - 2026. The Programme has committed to reviewing the requirement for specialist medical social workers for each maternity network.

Questions Nos. 229 to 235, inclusive, answered with Question No. 219.

12/12/2019WRL00900Mental Health Services Provision

12/12/2019WRL01000236. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the specific actions taken to date in 2019 to improve outcomes for persons with co-morbid severe mental illness and substance misuse problems. [52341/19]

12/12/2019WRL01100Minister 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.

Questions Nos. 237 and 238 answered with Question No. 219.

12/12/2019WRL01400Disease Management

12/12/2019WRL01500239. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if the uptake of hepatitis C treatment has been increased to date in 2019. [52344/19]

12/12/2019WRL01600Minister 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 112 12 December 2019 direct reply to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 240 to 242, inclusive, answered with Question No. 219.

12/12/2019WRL02000Drug Treatment Programmes Data

12/12/2019WRL02100243. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of persons outside prisons in receipt of opioid substitution treatment to date in 2019. [52348/19]

12/12/2019WRL02200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRL02300Drug Treatment Programmes Data

12/12/2019WRL02400244. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of service users admitted to homeless emergency accommodation hostels and facilities to date in 2019 whose health needs were assessed within two weeks of admission. [52349/19]

12/12/2019WRL02500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRL02600Drug Treatment Programmes Data

12/12/2019WRL02700245. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that attended pharmacy needle exchanges to date in 2019. [52350/19]

12/12/2019WRL02800Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRL02900Community Pharmacy Services

12/12/2019WRL03000246. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a moratorium on the changes to the fees paid to pharmacies due to be implemented on 1 January 2020; if he will negotiate with pharmacists with a view of reversing the cuts made to the fees received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52352/19]

12/12/2019WRL03100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of health service reform and modernisation. Community pharmacy is recognised as the most accessible element of our health service with an unequalled reach in terms of patient contact and access.

Regulations governing the current pharmacy fee structure were made under section 9 of the FEMPI Act 2009 and are set to expire at the end of 2019. Under the Public Service Pay and Pen- sions Act 2017, these regulations must be replaced on 1st January 2020 to maintain a statutory basis for contractor payments and to prescribe the fees payable from that date.

113 Questions - Written Answers In keeping with my obligations under Section 43 of the 2017 Act, my officials have -un dertaken a process of consultation with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), as the representative body for the profession. My officials have met with an IPU delegation on two occasions where proposed fee restructuring was discussed. A detailed submission was received from the IPU. This consultation process has now concluded.

New secondary legislation is currently being drafted in order to give effect to the prescribed fee structure, as required under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.

12/12/2019WRL03200National Children’s Hospital

12/12/2019WRL03300247. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason the new national children’s hospital has chosen to install a system (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to plans to make an existing database of facial images available for matching purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52355/19]

12/12/2019WRL03400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The safety of patients, visitors and staff at the new children’s hospital is of paramount importance to everyone working on the new children’s hospital project.

Stanley Security Systems, who have been working in this area for more than 25 years, were successful in the competitive procurement process for the installation of the security systems at the new children’s hospital.

There continues to be significant technological developments and innovation in the area of security systems and, as would be expected, the procurement process undertaken sought to ensure that the equipment procured is fully future proofed.

Less than 3% of the cameras procured for the new children’s hospital have the potential for high definition facial recognition capabilities. These cameras have many capabilities, and can also be used in the same way as remaining 97% of the cameras, which do not have facial recognition capabilities.

It has not yet been decided which aspect of the security systems’ capabilities will be used. This decision will be taken nearer the opening of the hospital by Children’s Health Ireland and will be fully in line with Irish and European data protection and privacy legislation and guidelines, to ensure that the occupants of the hospital have the appropriate protections and security afforded to them, in line with their privacy rights.

114 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRL03500Prescriptions Charges

12/12/2019WRL03600248. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health the details of increased pharmacy charges for blister packs used by elderly and unwell persons nationwide; his plans to ensure that unfair increases are overturned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52356/19]

12/12/2019WRL03700Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRM00200Hospital Waiting Lists

12/12/2019WRM00300249. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when resources will be made available for surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52358/19]

12/12/2019WRM00400Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRM00500Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

12/12/2019WRM00600250. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be issued with a wheelchair that is appropriate to the person’s needs. [52361/19]

12/12/2019WRM00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRM00800Services for People with Disabilities

12/12/2019WRM00900251. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be assigned a social worker as a matter of urgency. [52362/19]

12/12/2019WRM01000252. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the supports available for a person (details supplied). [52363/19]

115 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRM01100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

The Government 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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRM01300Services for People with Disabilities

12/12/2019WRM01400253. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if a psychiatric nurse can work with persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52373/19]

12/12/2019WRM01500Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRM01600Assisted Decision Making

12/12/2019WRM01700254. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the status of the consultation process on the recommendations of the multidisciplinary working group submitted to the director of the decision support services on 21 December 2018; the timeline for the completion of the consultation process and the publication of the final code of practice as prescribed by Part 8 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52379/19]

12/12/2019WRM01800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Part 8 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Ca- pacity) Act 2015 provides a legislative framework for advance healthcare directives (AHDs). An AHD is a statement made by a person with capacity setting out his or her will and preferences regarding treatment decisions that may arise in the future when he or she no longer has capacity. On 17 October 2016 the Minister for Health established a multidisciplinary working group to prepare a detailed series of recommendations for the Director of the Decision Support Service (DSS), in relation to the code of practice under section 91(2) of the Act. In anticipation of the completion of that process, the Minister for Health commenced the remainder of section 91 on 17 December 2018 [S.I. No. 527 of 2018]. This enabled the Director of the DSS to progress the preparation of the code of practice on the AHD provisions, based on the working group’s recommendations, and in accordance with the specific process outlined in the Act. The multidisciplinary working group submitted its recommendations on the code of practice to the Director of the DSS on 21 December 2018.

The Director of the DSS will go out to consultation on the recommendations and once completed the final code of practice can be published by the Director with the Minister’s consent. It is not possible to give a timeline for implementation of Part 8 of the Act at this time but work is ongoing to address the various requirement of this Part before commencement.

116 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRM01900Hospitals Data

12/12/2019WRM02000255. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the type of procedures that were cancelled or postponed in regard to the recent cancellations of elective procedures at the children’s hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52381/19]

12/12/2019WRM02100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Maintaining scheduled care access for all patients is a key priority for hospitals. I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures.

In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

12/12/2019WRM02200Cancer Services Provision

12/12/2019WRM02300256. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if chemotherapy sessions for children are being delayed; if so, the details of the delays; the causes of same; the number of children affected; the length of delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52382/19]

12/12/2019WRM02400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin is the national referral centre for children & teenagers requiring Haematological/Oncological and HSCT (bone marrow /stem cell) treatments and care.

The capacity to admit patients is governed by the number of patients at any one time, and the availability of beds needed to treat these patients. On occasion it is necessary to defer a patient’s admission.

CHI at Crumlin is very aware of the impact on patients and their families that a change in admission for chemotherapy has, and takes every care to avoid a patient’s deferral. When such a decision is made, the priority at all times is to ensure a safe environment, and safe delivery of care to all patients.

Every effort to stay in direct contact with families whose child’s admission has been postponed and to reschedule as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRM02500Cancer Services Provision

12/12/2019WRM02600257. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of acute beds for paediatric oncology; the number that will be available when the national children’s hospital is open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52383/19]

12/12/2019WRM02700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Children’s Health Ireland to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRM02800Commencement of Legislation 117 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRM02900258. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the reason the minimum unit pricing provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 have not been commenced; when they will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52387/19]

12/12/2019WRM03000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The 2013 Government Decision which approved a minimum pricing regime envisaged its introduction in Northern Ireland and in this jurisdiction simultaneously. It is my intention to seek a revised Government Decision so that minimum unit pricing can be implemented as soon as possible in order to address the very significant health harms and financial costs of the way alcohol is currently consumed here.

12/12/2019WRM03100Occupational Therapy Provision

12/12/2019WRM03200259. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be seen for occupational therapy services. [52393/19]

12/12/2019WRM03300Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRM03400Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRM03500260. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52404/19]

12/12/2019WRM03600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Please see below details of both the controls and amounts involved in Department of Health credit card transactions from 01 January 2016 to 30 November 2019.

Credit Cards 2016 – 2019 (30 Nov)

From 2016 until October 2019, the Department had two credit cards, one assigned to the Private Secretary of the Minister for Health and the other assigned to the Assistant Principal in the Accounting Unit. Currently, the Department just has one credit card, held by the Accounting Unit.

All requests for new credit cards have to be approved by the Secretary General. None are issued to the Department without his approval.

When a staff member wishes to use the credit card, they must contact the Accounting Unit for the credit card details. The staff member is then instructed to send the supporting documentation verifying this transaction to the Accounting Unit to reconcile with the monthly statement when it is received.

Since September 2019, the Department are now able to see credit card transactions going through on-line which enables reconciliations to be done on a weekly basis. All credit card transactions relating to business not relating to the Minister’s Office are processed on the credit card held in the Accounting Unit.

118 12 December 2019 Credit Card Year Amount € Interest € Total € Overall To- tal€ Accounting Unit 2016 21,693.76 187.66 21,881.42 Minister’s Private 2016 167.36 0.00 167.36 22,048.78 Secretary Accounting Unit 2017 19,671.47 225.52 19,896.99 Minister’s Private 2017 571.39 15.39 586.78 20,483.77 Secretary Accounting Unit 2018 26,440.13 422.19 26,862.32 Minister’s Private 2018 0.00 0.00 0.00 26,862.32 Secretary Accounting Unit 2019to 30 42,780.02 617.08 43,397.10 Nov Minister’s Private 2019to 30 0.00 0.00 0.00 43,397.10 Secretary Nov

Total 2016 - 2019 112,791.97

12/12/2019WRM03700Disability Services Data

12/12/2019WRM03800261. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children’s disability network teams now established; and the CHO breakdown of same. [52410/19]

12/12/2019WRM03900Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRM04000Respite Care Services Data

12/12/2019WRM04100262. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of new persons with a disability who commenced respite services (details supplied) to date in 2019. [52411/19]

12/12/2019WRM04200263. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with a disability formally discharged from respite services (details supplied) to date in 2019. [52412/19]

12/12/2019WRM04300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in ac- 119 Questions - Written Answers cessing 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.

As the Deputy’s questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy

12/12/2019WRM04500Medicinal Products Availability

12/12/2019WRM04600264. Deputy Frank O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health the reason persons with multiple sclerosis here face significant delays in accessing new medicines and treatments in comparison with other European countries; if there will be engagement with the pharmaceutical industry in order to remedy the situation and to improve market access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52416/19]

12/12/2019WRM04700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medi- cal Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.

HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess a drug’s clinical and cost effectiveness as a health intervention.

As a country, we invest heavily in medicines, to the tune of almost €2 billion annually. In 2019 to date, the HSE has approved 31 new medicines and 5 new indications for existing medicines for reimbursement in the public healthcare system. The approvals to date represent an additional investment by the HSE over five years of approximately €220m in providing access to new and innovative treatment for Irish patients. It is expected that over 3,000 patients will benefit from access to these new medicines over the next 5 years.

Notwithstanding the significant progress on drug costs achieved from price reductions under the pricing framework agreed with industry and commercial negotiations conducted by the HSE, the Health Service is still facing very significant challenges in relation to the affordability of medicines. The industry continues to develop very expensive products, particularly in the high-tech medicines area and the costs involved are a challenge for health systems even in countries with much greater resources than Ireland.

The HSE has received 2 applications for pricing and reimbursement of ocrelizumab (Ocre- vus). Application 1 is for use of Ocrelizumab for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features. Following a number of rounds of commercial negotiations, an agreement was reached in relation to the commercial terms which will apply to this indication. The HSE intends to progress ocrelizumab for the RMS indication, which has been approved for funding from October 2019, on a patient-specific basis for this indication.

Application 2 is for the use of ocrelizumab for the treatment of adult patients with early 120 12 December 2019 primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in terms of disease duration and level of disability, and with imaging features characteristic of inflammatory activity. On 4 October 2018 the NCPE completed its assessment for this indication. They did not recommend that ocrelizumab be reimbursed for this indication.

The HSE and the manufacturer have had a number of rounds of commercial negotiations in relation to this indication. Commercial discussions have concluded and the medicine has been reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group. The HSE Senior Leadership Team have received the Drugs Group recommendation. The HSE’s final decision on reimbursement will take into consideration the criteria contained in the 2013 Health Act.

The HSE has also received an application for reimbursement of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannab- inol/Cannabidiol, THC/CBD (Sativex) which is indicated as treatment for symptom improvement in adult patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy.

The HSE commissioned a full HTA with respect to this indication in April 2018. On 12 Au- gust 2019, the NCPE received the applicant’s submission and the HTA is currently underway.

The Government wants new and innovative medicines to be available to our citizens as quickly as possible but this can only be achieved if medicines are priced by the pharmaceutical industry in a viable and sustainable manner.

In an effort to identify workable solutions to the challenges which we face, I proposed a dialogue with Industry to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. This invitation was built on the premise that any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the context of finite Exchequer resources. It was in this context that an Open Policy Forum took place in 2018 between the Department of Health, the Department of Finance, Public Ex- penditure and Reform and the Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Association (IPHA) in 2018 and an Open Dialogue meeting took place in 2019 between the Department of Health, the HSE and IPHA in relation to new medicines.

12/12/2019WRM04800Hospital Discharges

12/12/2019WRM04900265. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Ques- tion No. 318 of 26 November 2019, the national total of delayed discharges by month to date 2019. [52419/19]

12/12/2019WRM05000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Delayed transfers of care (previously referred to as delayed discharges) occur when patients have been deemed clinically fit for discharge from an acute bed but their discharge is delayed because they are waiting for some form of ongoing support or care following their discharge. There are many reasons for this, such as a patient undertaking the application process for NHSS, awaiting assessment for a home support package, homelessness, ward of court application, and the availability of resources.

When possible, the HSE will use transitional care to accommodate the patient during the period between discharge and the finalisation of new care arrangements, but there can often be a delay, especially in cases where the patient and family are coming to terms with the new circumstances.

This year, services are being stretched more than ever, with demand consistently outstrip- 121 Questions - Written Answers ping supply, and we have seen an increase the number of delayed transfers of care. While the HSE maximises the use of resources, prioritising those requiring discharge from acute hospitals, there is a growing demand for egress support. In response, and in the context of planning and preparing for the challenges of the winter period, the Department and the HSE have been considering a comprehensive approach to the current high-level of DTOCs. However, recognising the urgency of the situation, approval was provided to the HSE to begin actions immediately to the value of €5m in 2019. As part of these measures the HSE released a significant number of funding approvals within NHSS in September, and provided additional home care and transitional care beds.

In addition, the HSE Winter Plan was launched on Thursday 14 November. The aim of the Winter Plan is to ensure that service providers are prepared for the additional external pressures associated with the winter period, including the prolonged holiday period, severe winter weather, seasonal influenza, and the spread of norovirus and other healthcare associated infections.

Nine Winter Action Teams, each aligned to a Community Healthcare Organisation and associated acute hospitals and Hospital Groups, have prepared Integrated Winter Plans. These plans focus on demand management and reduction, staffing availability, timely access to the most appropriate care pathway for patients, and appropriate timely discharge from acute hospitals.

The HSE Winter Plan is supported by an additional €26m in winter funding nationally. This winter funding will support access to the Fair Deal scheme, and will provide additional home support and transitional care to facilitate timely hospital discharge and reduce congestion in EDs over the winter period.

With regard to the Deputy’s specific question, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Dep- uty directly with the requested information.

12/12/2019WRM05100Hospital Charges

12/12/2019WRM05200266. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the date on which the cut to the minor injury unit fee will come into effect; if the fee cut is temporary or permanent; if temporary, the date on which the cut will expire; the estimated cost of the measure; and the estimated full-year cost of implementing such a measure by year. [52430/19]

12/12/2019WRM05300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regula- tions 2017 (S.I. No. 248 of 2017) provides the legislative basis for the €100 charge currently levied by the HSE for out-patient services provided at a number of facilities, including an emergency department and a minor injury unit. Revised regulations are currently being drafted, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, to provide the legislative basis necessary to underpin the introduction of a lower charge for out-patient services provided at minor injury units and will be finalised as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRM05400General Practitioner Data

12/12/2019WRM05500267. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the additional funding being provided to out-of-hours general practitioner services in winter 2020; and the local breakdown of the allocation in tabular form. [52431/19]

12/12/2019WRM05600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): General practitioners contracted under the GMS scheme must make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a lo-

122 12 December 2019 cum/deputy, for emergencies outside normal practice hours. As part of their regular obligations, GPs are contracted to provide all-hours access for GMS patients. Most GPs do this through regional GP cooperatives. GP cooperatives are private companies that provide out-of-hours services (i.e. weeknights, weekends, and public holidays).

The HSE supports the provision of these services in terms of infrastructure, call handling, and recruiting nursing staff. Currently, over 90% of the population has access to an out-of- hours GP services.

The provision of GP Out of Hours services forms an important part of service user needs in the Winter period. Each CHO area has established a Winter Action Team in conjunction with acute hospital colleagues, and each team prioritises the allocation of dedicated additional Win- ter funding based on local service needs and priorities.

The table below sets out the additional funding to be allocated to GP Out of Hours services in 2020 and where relevant in the 2019 Winter Period. CHO Midwest have advised that €60,000 has been allocated from their Winter funding allocation for the enhancement of GP Out of Hours services as provided by Shannondoc.

GP out of hours Geographic Cover- Additional Funding Winter Action Fund- Service/s age of GP out of ing 2019 hours Service Both Caredoc and The Caredoc GP out €250,000 NoWDOC cover GP of hours service cov- out of hours services ers the geographical within the Com- areas of Sligo, North munity Healthcare Leitrim and West Organisation. Cavan Shannondoc & Lim- Limerick, Clare and €60,000 to Shannon erick Doc cover GP North Tipperary. Doc out of hours services Engagement is ongo- within the Commu- ing with a GP in the nity Healthcare Mid West who is not a member of either of co-op. The South West Counties of Cork €450,000 Doctors on Call Ltd. and Kerry (SouthDoc) cover GP out of hours services within the Community Health- care Carlow Emergency Carlow, Kilkenny, €238,000 Doctors on Call South Tipperary, (Caredoc CLG) Wexford, Waterford cover GP out of hours services within the Community Healthcare

123 Questions - Written Answers GP out of hours Geographic Cover- Additional Funding Winter Action Fund- Service/s age of GP out of ing 2019 hours Service KDOC cover GP Kildare & West €340,000 out of hours services Wicklow within the Commu- nity Healthcare Midoc and NEDOC Cavan, Monaghan, €342,188 cover GP out of Meath & Louth (ex- hours services within cluding Dundalk and the Community Cooley Peninsula) Healthcare and Longford / West- meath and Laois / Offaly DDOC cover GP Any GP who is not €179,812 out of hours services registered with the within the Commu- Northdoc Coop is nity Healthcare not covered by this service or if they live in DNCC and their GP is in a different Coop they are not covered by this service Total €1.8 m €0.06m

12/12/2019WRM05700National Maternity Hospital Status

12/12/2019WRM05800268. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the plan to relocate the National Maternity Hospital to the grounds of St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin; the timescale for a response from the Vatican for the divesting of the site; if the site and hospital building will be publicly owned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52434/19]

12/12/2019WRM05900269. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the proposed governance structure that will apply in the new national maternity hospital in view of his commitment that it will be a public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52435/19]

12/12/2019WRM06000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.

The Government is fully committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) on the campus of St Vincent’s University Hospital at Elm Park. As such, this project is encompassed within Project Ireland 2040, as well as the HSE Capital Plan 2019-2021.

My Department continues to engage with the NMH and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG) to develop a legal framework to protect the State’s significant investment in the new hospital. SVHG has agreed to provide the State with a 99-year lease of the land upon which the new maternity hospital will be built, and this will allow the State to retain ownership of the new facility.

The governance arrangements for the new NMH will be based on the provisions of the Mul- 124 12 December 2019 vey Agreement. That Agreement provides for the establishment of a new company - National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC - which will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services. The Agreement ensures that a full range of health services will be available at the new hospital without religious, ethnic or other distinction.

My Department has not had any engagement with the Religious Sisters of Charity or the Vatican in this matter; however, at a recent meeting, the Chair of SVHG advised the Department that the Sisters have requested the Vatican to approve their decision to transfer their sharehold- ing and they are confident that such approval will be forthcoming

12/12/2019WRN00300Medical Card Reviews

12/12/2019WRN00400270. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card review for a person (details supplied) is on hold in view of the fact the person is automatically entitled to a card due to being on a rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52438/19]

12/12/2019WRN00500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRN00600Home Help Service Expenditure

12/12/2019WRN00700271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding for home support in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52439/19]

12/12/2019WRN00800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): In line with Pro- gramme for Government commitments we have made improved access to home support services a priority. We have committed to an additional investment of €52 million in Budget 2020 for home supports and next year the HSE plans to deliver over 19.2 million hours of home support. This represents a substantial increase of 1 million hours more than this year’s target.

This investment is focused on enabling older people to remain at home and reducing the current waiting lists for the service being experienced in almost all areas. As appropriate, provision of hours will also be targeted at times of peak demand in Winter 2019-2020, at the beginning and end of the year, to ensure more timely egress from hospital for our older citizens.

The HSE National Service Plan 2020 has been submitted and is under consideration in my Department. The allocation of hours and targets to Community Healthcare Organisations is currently underway and will be finalised in the coming weeks.

12/12/2019WRN00900Home Help Service Expenditure

12/12/2019WRN01000272. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a substantial increase in funding will be ensured for home support hours in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2020 in view of delays in having such support provided for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52440/19]

12/12/2019WRN01100Minister 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

125 Questions - Written Answers possible.

12/12/2019WRN01200Disabilities Assessments

12/12/2019WRN01300273. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when additional personnel will be recruited and vacant positions filled in respect of a backlog (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52441/19]

12/12/2019WRN01400Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRN01500Hospital Appointments Status

12/12/2019WRN01600274. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be admitted to the Mater Hospital as soon as possible to have surgery carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52473/19]

12/12/2019WRN01700Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRN01800HSE Planning

12/12/2019WRN01900275. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the National Treatment Purchase Fund has agreed to fund up to 200 additional beds over the winter; if so, the hospitals in which the beds are to be located, in tabular form; when the beds will be opened; if it is planned that the beds will remain available throughout 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52488/19]

12/12/2019WRN02000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE Winter Plan was launched on

126 12 December 2019 Thursday 14 November. The aim of the Winter Plan is to ensure that service providers are prepared for the additional external pressures associated with the winter period, including the prolonged holiday period, severe winter weather, seasonal influenza, and the spread of norovirus and other healthcare associated infections.

The HSE Winter Plan is supported by an additional €26m in winter funding nationally. This winter funding will support access to the Fair Deal scheme and will provide additional home support and transitional care to facilitate timely hospital discharge and reduce congestion in EDs over the winter period.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has agreed to support the funding of additional beds for three months over the winter period. This initiative will support the commitment by the HSE and my Department to alleviate winter pressures. Hospitals have been invited to make submissions to the NTPF and the NTPF are currently examining these proposals.

12/12/2019WRN02100Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Provision

12/12/2019WRN02200276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a required residential programme will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52544/19]

12/12/2019WRN02300Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRN02400Speech and Language Therapy Provision

12/12/2019WRN02500277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when speech and language therapy will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52545/19]

12/12/2019WRN02600Minister 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.

12/12/2019WRN02700Basic Payment Scheme Applications

12/12/2019WRN02800278. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

127 Questions - Written Answers the status of a payment under the basic payment scheme for a person (details supplied); the reason many farmers are still waiting on farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52185/19]

12/12/2019WRN02900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named submitted a 2019 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint Schemes application on the 14th May 2019. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing Eligibility inspection. The outcome of this inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise, officials in my Depart- ment will be in contact with the person named.

12/12/2019WRN03000Afforestation Programme

12/12/2019WRN03100279. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided for the native woodland establishment scheme in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of additional hectares supported per year under the scheme; the expenditure on the scheme in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the projects supported in each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52194/19]

12/12/2019WRN03200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment operates a package of measures under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, aimed specifically at promoting the proactive protection and expansion of Ireland’s native woodland resource. These measures represent a key biodiversity component within Ireland’s national forest policy as well as contributing to our climate change objectives. Native Woodland Establishment (NWE) (as represented by Grant & Premium Categories 9 and 10 under the Afforestation Grant & Premium Scheme), which funds the establishment of new native woodland on open “greenfield” sites.

In order to further encourage the planting of native woodlands, my Department has launched a Woodland Environmental Fund (WEF) initiative. This provides an opportunity for businesses to partner with the Government and Irish landowners to support the national effort to plant additional native trees. The WEF involves an additional once-off top up payment of €1,000 per hectare paid by the business to the landowner. There has been a positive reaction from the business community to this scheme, with An Post and Accenture already signed up and other businesses submitting formal expressions of interest in participating in the scheme. At a recent event to promote the WEF, there was substantial interest amongst businesses in attendance in investing in the Fund.

Furthermore, my colleague Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and I recently announced that Coillte Nature and Bord na Móna are collaborating on a new project which will see bogs that are no longer being used for peat production, transformed into rich native woodlands.

Following on from this, we plan to actively engage with other public bodies in the near future to encourage them to identify possibilities within their land bank for the establishment of native woodlands.

Funding for the scheme is included in overall Forestry Programme. Under the mid-term 128 12 December 2019 review of the Programme, I increased grants and premium rates to encourage planting. The grant available for Native Woodland Establishment is €5,620 per hectare and land owners can receive an annual premium of €665/ha or if over 10 hectares, €680/ha for 15 years.

The new hectares planted, expenditure (grants and annual premiums) and the number of sites for the years indicated are given in the table below. Please note that expenditure reflects payments in respect of new planting each year, in addition to planting in previous years for which second grants and annual premiums fall due.

Year New Hectares Expenditure € Number of New Planted Sites 2011 29.88 €828,965 5 2012 16.51 €276.542 4 2013 72.92 €845,244 13 2014 125.17 €514,106 23 2015 137.60 €211,118 20 2016 158.76 €194,359 41 2017 265.54 €288,944 65 2018 374.18 €365,328 83 2019 * 293.70 €596,092 79 * to end November

12/12/2019WRN03300Woodland Improvement Scheme

12/12/2019WRN03400280. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure on the NeighbourWood scheme for new projects in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [52195/19]

12/12/2019WRN03500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Neigh- bourWood Scheme, which is operated by my Department under the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 is an innovative package aimed at developing amenity woodlands for local access and enjoyment, to deliver directly to local communities many of the important social benefits associated with our woodlands and forests. The Scheme brings communities and woodlands together, by helping local authorities and other landowners, both public and private, to create ‘close-to-home’ woodland amenities in partnership with communities, for local people to use and enjoy.

Funding is available under three separate elements:

- NeighbourWood (NBR) Establishment funds the establishment of new neighbourwood

- on open ‘greenfield’ sites.

- NBR Enhancement funds the silvicultural enhancement of existing woodland already

- used as neighbourwood, or proposed for development as neighbourwood.

- NBR Facilities funds the installation and upgrade of appropriate recreational facilities within an area submitted under NBR Establishment or NBR Enhancement, or within an existing woodland suitable for recreation but not submitted under NBR Enhancement. 129 Questions - Written Answers The expenditure on the NeighbourWood Scheme from 2016 to 2018 is shown below. There has been no expenditure to date in 2019, although my Department has received five applications for the Scheme this year, three of which have been approved and the remaining two are currently being processed.

Year Amount Paid (€) 2016 166,775 2017 129,948 2018 115,903

12/12/2019WRN03600Woodland Improvement Scheme

12/12/2019WRN03700281. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1137 of 8 May 2019, the allocation to forestry support schemes, forest road works, the reconstitution scheme, the neighbourwood and native woodland conservation and woodland improvement scheme in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and the amount expended in each year. [52200/19]

12/12/2019WRN03800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The current Forestry Programme provides a range of support schemes, that are voluntary and demand-led. Financial support for the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme is 100% Exchequer-funded under EU State Aid rules.

These schemes include, inter alia, the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS), the Neigh- bourWood Scheme (NBR) along with supports for forest roads, Reconstitution of Woodlands (Recon) and Native Woodland Conservation (NWC), along with other expenditure items.

The overall allocation for forestry support schemes and the expenditure under each of the schemes in the years requested is given in the table below.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Overall Al- €9,200,000 €8,000,000 €5,450,000 €4,375,000 €4,700,000 location WIS €917,444 €913,806 €1,274,525 €1,022,763 €741,688 Recon €973,368 €827,265 €567,067 €950,018 €1,527,313 Roads €3,693,987 €4,203,983 €3,077,494 €2,708,941 €2,793,611 NBR €179,692 €351,300 €434,503 €146,475 €5,593 NWC €818,760 €828,965 €1,221,094 €845,244 €514,106

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 * Overall Al- €6,000,000 €9,380,000 €10,550,000 €11,516,000 €9,400,000 location WIS €497,093 €614,993 €632,271 €458,371 €632,391 Recon €909,484 €693,899 €940,994 €2,367,752 €1,476,721 Roads €2,381,407 €2,560,729 €3,888,887 €3,037,883 €3,620,104 NBR €0 €166,776 €129,949 €115,903 €0 NWC €211,118 €194,359 €288,944 €365,328 €596,092 * to end November 2019

130 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRN03900Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRN04000282. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52203/19]

12/12/2019WRN04100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The capital allocations for my Department for the years 2020 to 2022 are set out in the table below:

Year €m 2020 274 2021 265 2022 275

These allocations will provide for investment in line with the priorities described in Project Ireland 2040 including allocations for

- On farm Investment

- Afforestation and forestry development

- Support for investment by the food industry, the seafood sector and horticulture sector

- Research and other facilities and equipment for Teagasc, BIM, the Marine Institute and SFPA including research vessel for the Marine Institute

- Facilities and amenities for Horse racing and greyhound racing

- Investment in Fisheries Harbour Centres

- Improvements in my Department’s laboratories, and other facilities and its information management and communications infrastructure and equipment

The distribution of the 2020 allocation will be set out in the Revised Estimates Volume which will be published next week. Allocations for 2023, 2024 and 2025 have not yet been determined.

12/12/2019WRN04200Basic Payment Scheme Applications

12/12/2019WRN04300283. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment under the basic payment scheme for a person (details supplied); the reason farmers are still waiting on farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52322/19]

12/12/2019WRN04400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named submitted a 2019 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraints Schemes application on the 11th May 2019. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing Eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise, officials in my Department will be 131 Questions - Written Answers in contact with the person named.

12/12/2019WRN04500GLAS Payments

12/12/2019WRN04600284. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment under the GLAS scheme (details supplied); the reason farmers are still waiting on farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52351/19]

12/12/2019WRN04700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received payments in respect of scheme years 2015-2018.

The Department is aware of an issue that has affected processing of the 2019 Advance payment. Officials are currently working on a solution and it is expected this issue will be resolved shortly. Once this issue is resolved, the 2019 payment will issue.

GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

12/12/2019WRN04800Agriculture Scheme Payments

12/12/2019WRN04900285. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment under the basic payment scheme, ANC and GLAS for a person (details supplied); the reason farmers are still waiting on farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52353/19]

12/12/2019WRN05000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named is a member of a Farm Partnership. In relation to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, an application for participation in these schemes was received from the Farm Partnership on the 10th of May 2019.

Advance and balancing payments have issued to the Partnership under the 2019 BPS. Ad- vance payment has also issued to the Partnership under the 2019 ANC Scheme. The balancing payment under this scheme is currently being processed and will issue to the Partnership shortly.

According to records held by my Department, there is no GLAS application associated with the named individual on file.

12/12/2019WRN05100Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRN05200286. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52394/19]

12/12/2019WRN05300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): There are currently 13 credit cards held by officials within my Department for business purposes.

132 12 December 2019 The total spend by year is as follows:

Year Spend Interest Paid 2016 €40,087.28 0 2017 €46,625.80 0 2018 €52,010.76 0 To date in 2019 €42,843.75 0

My Department, where necessary, will authorise the exclusive use of an official credit card by a member of staff for payment of expenses relating to foreign travel and for the payment of goods or services provided to the Department in specific circumstances.

These credit cards are provided strictly for official business use only and all applications must be made through the applicant’s Head of Division and must be approved by an officer of at least Assistant Secretary level or equivalent.

Statements for all official credit cards are billed centrally to my Department’s Accounts Division which in turn issue each Cardholder with a copy of their monthly statement. The Cardholders must then check the statement to ensure that all charges incurred are correct and are of an official nature. Cardholders are required to reconcile the balance on their statements on a monthly basis.

In the case of foreign travel, cardholders record all details of the trip as soon as possible on the on-line Travel System and submit receipts, where applicable, to facilitate the timely reconciliation of the expenditure on the credit card. In the event of undue delay in reconciling items charged on the official credit card, the matter is brought to the attention of the relevant Manage- ment Board member.

Recoupment claims of work-related expenses on personal credit cards are made and approved through the online PSSC portal. These claims are subject to agreed civil service guidelines.

12/12/2019WRN05400Agriculture Scheme Payments

12/12/2019WRN05500287. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of farm payments under the basic payment scheme, ANC, BDGP, BEAM and knowledge transfer for a person (details supplied); the reason farmers are still waiting on farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52413/19]

12/12/2019WRN05600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named submitted a 2019 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraints Schemes application on the 9th March 2019. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing Eligibility inspection. The outcome of this inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that queries arise, officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.

The person named is also a participant in the Beef Data and Genomics programme (BDGP). Payments under this scheme, including the person named, are currently being processed and 133 Questions - Written Answers will issue in the coming days.

An application under BEAM was received from the person named on the 20th August 2019 and a scheme acceptance letter issued on the 11th October 2019. Payments under this measure are currently being processed and will issue in the coming days.

With respect to the Knowledge Transfer (KT) programme, the participant’s group was selected for random quality inspection on the Farm Improvement Plan Element (including Animal Health Measure) in line with EU requirements. This inspection has now been concluded and has been cleared for payment in the next round of KT Beef Participant payments which is expected to issue shortly.

12/12/2019WRN05700Beef Industry

12/12/2019WRN05800288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the inaugural meeting of the beef task force; when the task force will meet again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52442/19]

12/12/2019WRN05900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The inaugural meeting of the Beef Taskforce took place on 3rd December. The Taskforce, which I established on foot of the Beef Sector Agreement, will provide for a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into as part of the Agreement.

Agreed minutes of the meeting and relevant update documents will be made available on my Department’s website in due course.

The next meeting of the Taskforce has yet to be scheduled, but I expect that it will take place next month.

12/12/2019WRO00200Agriculture Scheme Payments

12/12/2019WRO00300289. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of payments made to date to farmers in County Cavan under the ANC, single farm payment and BEEP; his plans to issue outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52443/19]

12/12/2019WRO00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information below shows the number of applicants paid and the amount paid to date to farmers in Coun- ty Cavan under the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme, the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP).

Scheme Number of Applications Amount Paid Paid BPS 4,652 €34,034,033 ANC 4,457 €10,431,438 BEEP 803 €672,280 Regular payment runs are in place to ensure that, as additional cases become eligible for payment, payment issues to the applicants as soon as possible. I would urge any farmers who have outstanding queries from the Department to respond as soon as possible in order to facilitate payment.

134 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRO00500Agriculture Scheme Payments

12/12/2019WRO00600290. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of payments made to date to farmers in County Monaghan under the ANC, single farm payment and BEEP; his plans to issue outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52444/19]

12/12/2019WRO00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information below shows the number of applicants paid and the amount paid to date to farmers in County Monaghan under the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme, the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP).

Scheme Number of Applications Amount Paid Paid BPS 3,901 €26,395,031 ANC 3,666 €7,772,498 BEEP 541 €425,040 Regular payment runs are in place to ensure that, as additional cases become eligible for payment, payment issues to the applicants as soon as possible. I would urge any farmers who have outstanding queries from the Department to respond as soon as possible in order to facilitate payment.

12/12/2019WRO00800Brexit Supports

12/12/2019WRO00900291. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue under BEAM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52445/19]

12/12/2019WRO01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) is to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. Applications for BEAM were accepted from 19th August to 20th September 2019.

Payments under the scheme are scheduled to start this week.

12/12/2019WRO01100Felling Licences Applications

12/12/2019WRO01200292. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe to approve and issue forestry thinning licences in view of the concern of some applicants regarding long delays in finalising such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52447/19]

12/12/2019WRO01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I accept that delays in issuing tree felling licences, whether for thinning or clear fell, is impacting forestry companies in terms of harvesting operations and sawmills in terms of a supply of raw material. I acknowledge that changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP) has resulted in delays to many files, which is beyond my Department’s control.

Officials are obliged to implement changes to AAP that were required following important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by

135 Questions - Written Answers the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These changes have been implemented, but it will take time to work through the backlog created, while new procedures were developed.

All forestry licences issued by the Department undergo a legal consent process. Since 2017, all forestry licence applications received have been subject to a statutory public notification system and are subject to a statutory appeal system operated by the FAC.

Most appeals have been in connection with our Appropriate Assessment (AA) procedures. The Habitats Directive (Article 6.3) requires that where a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura site, either individually or in-combination with other plans or projects, it must undergo an appropriate assessment of its implications for that Natura site.

AA procedures have been amended to introduce a robust and workable system which will address the issues now faced. Introducing this system involved the recruitment of additional ecological expertise and changes in procedures for the forestry inspectorate. Interviews are taking place for additional ecologists under a recently advertised competition and I expect the successful candidates will be deployed early in the new year. Forestry district inspectors have undergone training and are continuing to receive support in delivering the new procedures. A categorisation of files affected by these requirements is underway in order to best assess further action needed and by whom. Officials of my Department have met bilaterally with forestry companies, to examine the applications on hand and to assess their backlogs with a view to moving applications forward.

The Deputy should be aware that, notwithstanding the above, my Department has issued over 3,900 tree felling licences so far this year.

12/12/2019WRO01400Basic Payment Scheme Eligibility

12/12/2019WRO01500293. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the legislative process required at EU level for the 3,000 forgotten farmers in order to be eligible for inclusion in the national reserve further to correspondence from him (details supplied); and if it is technically possible for member states to make this change under the current CAP regulations or as proposed by the new CAP proposals and accompanying strategic plans as published by the EU Commission in June 2018. [52461/19]

12/12/2019WRO01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): EU Regula- tion 1307/2013 governs the operation of the Basic Payment Scheme National Reserve. This regulation provides that the two categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’ must receive priority access to the Reserve. In the context of the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government, Ireland consulted with the EU Commission regarding the possibility of including the group commonly referred to as Forgotten Farmers under the ‘specific disadvantage’ category of the 2017 National Reserve, which had been established using funding derived from a linear cut to the value of all farmers’ payment entitlements. The EU Commission confirmed at the time that Member States could not use the proceeds of a linear cut to fund a specific disadvantage category of the National Reserve.

The Commission confirmed at the time that the only funding option for the ‘specific disadvantage’ category was natural replenishment of the Reserve, such as from unused entitlements or the proceeds of clawback, but only after the two priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’ had been catered for.

EU Regulation 2393/2017 (Omnibus Regulation) came into effect in January 2018 and introduced a new possibility for the inclusion of ‘specific disadvantage’ categories into the Na- 136 12 December 2019 tional Reserve. From 2018, Member States may use the proceeds of a linear cut to fund ‘specific disadvantage’ categories of the Reserve, but only if a linear cut is required to fund the two priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’ in that particular year. As there was sufficient funding available in the National Reserve in 2018 and 2019 from natural replenishment of the fund in order to cater for the two priority categories, the issue of a linear cut did not arise.

The option of a linear cut to fund the National Reserve involves a cut to the value of all farmers’ payment entitlements in order to provide for the reallocation of such funds to National Reserve beneficiaries.

Proposals regarding new regulatory arrangements for CAP post-2020 are still subject to ongoing negotiations. In this regard, the position in relation to the National Reserve post-2020 cannot be confirmed until such time as the regulatory provisions for CAP post-2020 are agreed and in place.

12/12/2019WRO01700Agriculture Scheme Applications

12/12/2019WRO01800294. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of applications to the 2019 national reserve and young farmers scheme by county in tabular form; the number of approved and not approved applications, respectively; the number of applications not approved that were appealed; the number of advance and balancing payments that have issued to date; and the value by county. [52462/19]

12/12/2019WRO01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The number of applications received under the 2019 National Reserve and the 2019 Young Farmers Scheme, by county, is set out in the following table:

2019 National Reserve ap- 2019 Young Farmers plications Scheme applications County CARLOW 12 127 CAVAN 41 421 CLARE 43 424 CORK 103 1,183 DONEGAL 51 386 DUBLIN 2 44 GALWAY 96 918 KERRY 62 540 KILDARE 8 144 KILKENNY 22 346 LAOIS 14 304 LEITRIM 18 249 LIMERICK 58 418 LONGFORD 18 176 LOUTH 2 98 MAYO 74 842 MEATH 31 300 MONAGHAN 32 259 137 Questions - Written Answers 2019 National Reserve ap- 2019 Young Farmers plications Scheme applications OFFALY 20 295 ROSCOMMON 33 389 SLIGO 38 250 TIPPERARY 48 579 WATERFORD 10 256 WESTMEATH 15 213 WEXFORD 31 389 WICKLOW 9 159 In addition to the figures in the table above, there are a small number of applications to the 2019 National Reserve and the 2019 Young Farmers Scheme which were submitted under temporary reference numbers (where an application for a herd number has been made but not finalised). Therefore, the figures in the table above may be subject to change.

To-date, 85% of 2019 National Reserve applications and over 94% of 2019 Young Farmers Scheme applications have been finalised. The applications that remain outstanding are cases where the Department is working with individual applicants where outstanding information is required to finally process the application or where the necessary administrative and on-farm checks are required to be completed.

To-date, just over 500 applications to the 2019 National Reserve have been approved, while some 250 have been unsuccessful or withdrawn. With regard to the 2019 Young Farm- ers Scheme, to-date some 8,250 applications have been successful while some 950 have been unsuccessful or withdrawn.

So far, the number of unsuccessful applicants under the 2019 National Reserve to submit an appeal is 48, while the number of unsuccessful applicants under the 2019 Young Farmers Scheme to submit an appeal is 95.

There is no advance payment made under the National Reserve or the Young Farmers Scheme. Payments in full under both schemes commence in early December to coincide with payment of Basic Payment Scheme balancing payment. The total value of payments to-date to successful applicants under the 2019 National Reserve and the 2019 Young Farmers Scheme, by county, are set out in the following table:

County 2019 National Reserve pay- 2019 Young Farmers ments Scheme payments CARLOW €39,226.21 €222,243.22 CAVAN €119,168.27 €714,080.35 CLARE €82,051.32 €763,110.31 CORK €206,033.89 €2,279,458.88 DONEGAL €167,290.03 €717,554.14 DUBLIN €5,371.69 €74,507.62 GALWAY €211,673.21 €1,600,971.19 KERRY €171,635.28 €1,037,740.67 KILDARE €8,008.76 €282,580.85 KILKENNY €26,264.04 €677,481.96 LAOIS €46,859.77 €585,067.48

138 12 December 2019 County 2019 National Reserve pay- 2019 Young Farmers ments Scheme payments LEITRIM €68,161.34 €410,458.73 LIMERICK €95,778.42 €807,404.23 LONGFORD €54,572.08 €265,485.85 LOUTH €18,081.68 €183,575.52 MAYO €182,060.80 €1,216,460.74 MEATH €72,065.35 €514,498.64 MONAGHAN €66,399.93 €367,506.12 OFFALY €48,684.19 €565,074.10 ROSCOMMON €102,765.50 €656,500.59 SLIGO €77,449.50 €387,634.94 TIPPERARY €79,543.86 €1,119,467.61 WATERFORD €10,983.62 €508,284.17 WESTMEATH €73,617.13 €385,243.79 WEXFORD €37,747.10 €784,232.07 WICKLOW €24,267.13 €300,241.17

12/12/2019WRO02000Agri-Environment Options Scheme Data

12/12/2019WRO02100295. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of farmers enrolled in the AEOS scheme whose contracts ceased on 31 Decem- ber 2018, by county in tabular form; if he will consider permitting such farmers to apply to join GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52463/19]

12/12/2019WRO02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Participants in both REPS and AEOS were eligible to transfer to the GLAS scheme under Section 7.4 of the Terms and Conditions of all three GLAS tranches, which stated:

“ All participants currently in the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) may apply to join GLAS... AEOS and REPS participants must exit their existing contracts before a new GLAS contract can commence.”

Information meetings were held at the launch of GLAS in 2015 and attendees were informed of details of the scheme including the option to transfer to GLAS. Information on the option to move from AEOS to GLAS was also provided at various forums including by Department staff at the Ploughing Championships each year after GLAS was launched.

Agri-environment policy is included in the CAP reform negotiations currently under way and any future schemes will be dependent on the outcome of these negotiations.

The table below shows the number of AEOS contracts that ceased on 31 December 2018 by county:

COUNTY AEOS contracts with end date of 31 De- cember 2018 Carlow 8 Cavan 74 Clare 118 Cork 85 139 Questions - Written Answers COUNTY AEOS contracts with end date of 31 De- cember 2018 Donegal 294 Dublin 3 Galway 351 Kerry 164 Kildare 5 Kilkenny 19 Laois 18 Leitrim 150 Limerick 52 Longford 18 Louth 12 Mayo 340 Meath 23 Monaghan 45 Offaly 21 Roscommon 129 Sligo 88 Tipperary 33 Waterford 15 Westmeath 29 Wexford 10 Wicklow 13 Total 2,117

12/12/2019WRO02300GLAS Payments

12/12/2019WRO02400296. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of persons in receipt of GLAS 1, 2 and 3 who received the 85% advance payment of their 2019 payments by county, in tabular form; the number of persons who have passed the payment approval checks and are awaiting their 85% portion of their 2019 payments; the number of GLAS recipients that have yet to receive this portion of payment by county; if the same information for 2019 balancing payments will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52464/19]

12/12/2019WRO02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): To date, 43,051 GLAS participants have received their 2019 advance payment. In addition, GLAS Plus payments have also been paid to 1,617 GLAS farmers. This amounts to over €152m paid since 2019 payments commenced on 4 November 2019 and equates to 93% of eligible cases paid.

My Department is working closely with GLAS farmers and their advisors to ensure that payments issue to compliant farmers as quickly as possible. I would encourage any GLAS applicants who have been contacted by the Department with queries in relation to their applications or have outstanding documentation, such as Low Emission Slurry spreading and Rare Breeds forms, to ensure these issues are resolved without delay so that payments can be processed. GLAS payments will continue to issue on a weekly basis.

In accordance with the EU regulatory requirements, GLAS balancing payments can only 140 12 December 2019 commence when the Member State has verified that all on-farm inspections required have been carried out. It is currently anticipated that GLAS balancing payments at the rate of 15% will commence before the end of May 2020.

GLAS payments will continue to issue on a weekly basis.

Advance payments for 2018 to date are as follows in the attached link

[Table].

12/12/2019WRO02600Basic Payment Scheme Data

12/12/2019WRO02700297. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of applications to the 2019 basic payment scheme by county in tabular form; the number of approved and not approved applications, respectively; the number of applications not approved that were appealed; the number of 2019 advance and balancing payments to the 2019 basic payment scheme that have issued to date; and the value by county. [52465/19]

12/12/2019WRO02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRO02900Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Data

12/12/2019WRO03000298. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of applications to the 2019 ANC scheme by county in tabular form; the number of approved and not approved applications, respectively; the number of applications not approved that were appealed; the number of 2019 advance and balancing payments to the 2019 ANC scheme that have issued to date; and the value by county. [52466/19]

12/12/2019WRO03100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRO03200Brexit Data

12/12/2019WRO03300299. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine the number of applications to the BEAM scheme by county in tabular form; the number of approved and not approved applications, respectively; the number of applications not approved that were appealed; the number payments under the BEAM scheme that have issued to date; and the value by county. [52467/19]

12/12/2019WRO03400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Payments under the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) are currently being processed and any data provided to the Deputy at this stage will be incomplete.

I will arrange for the information requested to be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.

12/12/2019WRO03500Agriculture Scheme Applications 141 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRO03600300. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment under the basic payment scheme and ANC for a person (details supplied); the reason farmers are still waiting on farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52468/19]

12/12/2019WRO03700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named submitted a 2019 Basic Payment Scheme/Areas of Natural Constraints schemes application on 8th May 2019. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including, in some cases, Ground Eligibility inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a Ground Eligibility inspection. The outcome of this inspection has been finalised. The person named has been notified of the outcome of the inspection by letter dated 11th December 2019 and officials in my Department have also been in contact with him by phone.

Processing of any payments due, under both the Basic Payment Scheme and the Area of Natural Constraints scheme, will now be finalised and will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named shortly.

12/12/2019WRO03800Environmental Policy

12/12/2019WRO03900301. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to revise the corporate governance framework in view of the fact the current framework does not explicitly commit his Department to engagement with environmental interests and stakeholders in comparison with extensive provision for economic interests and other internal and external stakeholders; his views on whether environmental sustainability requires the inclusion and participation of environmental interests at each stage of the policy process; and his plans to ensure environmental interests and appropriate environmental expertise will be re- flected in each policy process, board, conference and working group that falls under his remit. [52478/19]

12/12/2019WRO04000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment regularly engages with the Environmental Pillar on all aspects of policy and the Deputy should be aware that the Pillar have been invited to be represented on the new Stakeholder Committee to develop Ireland’s Agri-Food Strategy to 2030.

My Department’s Corporate Governance Framework reiterates the Department’s mission, which is to “lead, develop and regulate the sustainable development of the agri-food, forestry and marine sectors, to optimise their contribution to national economic and social development and to the natural environment and to the protection of public health”. The Framework also sets out our commitment to “effective public consultation processes and comprehensive engagement with domestic and international stakeholders”.

I am satisfied that the document, which was reviewed in September of this year, reflects the importance of environmental considerations and provides for an appropriate consultative approach.

12/12/2019WRO04100Broadband Service Provision

12/12/2019WRO04200302. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and

142 12 December 2019 Environment the number of individual homes in each of the four Dublin local authority areas that do not have access to fibre broadband. [52182/19]

12/12/2019WRO04300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.

The NBP State Intervention contract is the Government’s plan to rollout high speed broadband to the 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, along with 695 schools where commercial operators will not commit to deliver the service.

As required by the State Aid Guidelines for Broadband, the NBP procurement process adopted a technology neutral approach. It did not mandate the delivery of service by any specific material or infrastructure. However, it is noteworthy that all bidders in the process proposed a predominantly fibre to the home solution.

The Deputy’s Question relates to premises which are located in the AMBER area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department’s website at www. broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed on 19 Novem- ber with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

Work has already begun and a deployment plan will be made available by NBI shortly. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years.

The attached table below shows the breakdown of the 12,145 premises across the four Dublin local authority areas, which do not have access to high speed broadband, based on my Department’s premises database from Q3 2019. Please note that the Department holds data in county and constituency format, rather than by local authority area.

LOCAL AUTHORITY CONSTITUENCY NUMBER OF PREMISES IN AMBER AREA Dublin City Council & Fin- Dublin Bay North 425 gal County Council Dublin City Council Dublin Bay South 24 Dublin City Council Dublin Central 401 Fingal County Council Dublin Fingal 6,050 South Dublin County Coun- Dublin Mid-West 1,490 cil Dublin City Council & Fin- Dublin North-West 273 gal County Council Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Dublin Rathdown 735 County Council South Dublin County Coun- Dublin South-Central 284 cil & Dublin City Council South Dublin County Coun- Dublin South-West 665 cil Fingal County Council Dublin West 1,121

143 Questions - Written Answers LOCAL AUTHORITY CONSTITUENCY NUMBER OF PREMISES IN AMBER AREA Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Dún Laoghaire 677 County Council 12145

12/12/2019WRO04400Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRO04500303. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52206/19]

12/12/2019WRO04600Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): Multi annual capital allocations are agreed and published on a rolling three years basis. Annual capital expenditure ceilings for my Department for the three-year period 2020- 2022 were published in the Budget 2020 Expenditure Report and are set out in the table below:

Year €m 2020 371 2021 517 2022 611 Detailed programme allocations for each of these years will be agreed as part of the annual Estimates process and published in the Revised Estimates Volume, subsequent to each Budget Day.

During this period, my Department will oversee significant capital investment amounting to some €1.5 billion and will continue to progress capital investment programmes in areas of strategic national importance, encompassing climate action, energy efficiency, communications, environment, waste management and natural resources.

In the Communications area, the rollout of the National Broadband Plan will ensure that the opportunities presented by the digital transformation are available to every home and business in the country. There will be continued support for digital entrepreneurship and digital adoption among businesses and citizens.

Increased investment in the Energy area will deliver significant energy savings and reductions in CO2 emissions in the transition to a low carbon economy and society, in line with the all of Government Climate Action Plan. Key funding priorities include energy efficiency upgrades in the residential, commercial and public sectors, the rollout of the Support Scheme for Renew- able Heat, continued incentivisation of electric vehicles, as well as funding for energy research to accelerate the diversification away from fossil fuels to green energy.

In the Environment area, my Department will continue to provide grant funding for the EPA to ensure it can deliver on its mandate, funding to Local Authorities in relation to the remedia- tion of landfill sites, as well as supports for the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy. Ongoing investment in the INFOMAR and Tellus mapping projects will underpin the sustainable development of Ireland’s natural resources.

12/12/2019WRO04700National Broadband Plan Implementation

144 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRO04800304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the areas in counties Cavan and Monaghan that will benefit from the extension of broadband infrastructure in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52370/19]

12/12/2019WRO04900Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): The National Broadband Plan is the Government’s plan to rollout high speed broadband to the 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, along with 695 schools, where commercial operators will not commit to deliver the service.

Following the contract signing on 19 November, work has already begun and a deployment plan will be made available by NBI shortly. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years.

By the end of 2021, NBI plans to pass approximately 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. NBI has indicated that the network rollout will take an estimated 7 years from the beginning of deployment.

The planned rollout will provide access to high speed broadband to 16,200 premises and 15,125 premises located in the Intervention Area in Cavan and Monaghan, respectively, through a combined investment of approximately €125m over 25 years.

Approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs), including schools, library hubs and local sports halls in every county in Ireland, including counties Cavan and Monaghan, will be connected to high speed broadband during 2020, to enable communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband. 11 BCPs are planned for deployment in Cavan and 12 for Monaghan. The BCP locations are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

The BCPs have been specifically selected by the local authorities so that they can provide public Wi-Fi and other facilities to support mini digital/enterprise hubs to the local community in advance of the main NBP deployment. Broadband Officers in each Local Authority were tasked with consulting with local communities and business to find the appropriate mix of locations to reap the maximum benefits.

All BCPs will have a free public Wi-Fi connection, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised. The 23 BCPs planned for deployment in Cavan-Monaghan are:

Cavan

- Bunnoe Community Centre, Bunnoe, Lisboduff, Cootehill, Co. Cavan, H16P031

- Castlerahan Hall, Cormeen, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, A82NP99

- Cornafean Community Centre, Corr, Cornafean, Co. Cavan, H12X8X0

- Drumavaddy Community Centre, Drumavaddy, Carrickaboy, Co. Cavan, H12YF88

- Killenkere GAA Club, Killenkere Leisure Centre, Beagh, Virginia, Co. Cavan, A82H9F6

- Knocknalosset Orange Order Hall, Knocknalosset, Canningstown, Co. Cavan, H16XY10

- Maudabawn Cultural Centre, Maudabawn, Cootehill, Co. Cavan, H16FH33

145 Questions - Written Answers - Mullahoran Community Centre, Grousehall, Loughduff, Co. Cavan, H12AF43

- Saint Patrick’s Community Centre, Mully Upper, Glangevlin, Co. Cavan, N41Y661

- Scouting Ireland, Castle Saunderson International Scouting Centre, Castlesaunderson, Belturbet, Co. Cavan, H14X650

- Templeport Community Centre, Cloneary, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, H14YX29

Monaghan

- Ballybay Development Association, Clones Road, Derryvalley, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, A75HF78

- Carn Resource Centre, Carn, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan, H18YW40

- Tanagh Outdoor Education & Training Centre, Dartrey, Cootehill, Co. Monaghan, H16HC83

- Corcaghan Community Centre, Corcaghan, Stranooden, Co. Monaghan, H18PK31

- Corduff Gaels G.F.C., Corduff, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81KA61

- Drum School, Cortober, Drum, Co. Monaghan, H16AK79

- Drumgossatt National School, Drumgossatt, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81X827

- Drumhawan Community Centre, Drumhawan, Tullynahinnera, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, A75YV81

- Latton Resource Centre, Latton, Co. Monaghan, A75E771

- Mullyash Community Centre, Camaghty, Mullyash, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, A75W923

- Saint Alphonsus Community Hall, Clontask, Drummully, Clones, Co. Monaghan, H23XV08

- Tullycorbet Parish Hall, Patrician Hall, Corvoy, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, A75YW53

12/12/2019WRO05000Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRO05100305. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Depart- ment; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52397/19]

12/12/2019WRO05200Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): There are three official credit cards in my Department at present. One is held by my Private Secretary and two held by Departmental officials working in the Finance and Accounts area.

The card held by my private secretary is used to facilitate expenditure associated with of- 146 12 December 2019 ficial Ministerial duties, particularly when travelling abroad, where the use of a credit card is necessary. Every Ministerial credit card bill is checked, certified and signed off for payment at Principal Officer Level.

The two Departmental corporate credit cards, which were introduced in 2018, facilitate the purchase of goods and services items where cards are the only accepted payment method. Staff must complete an application form, signed off by a Division budget approver for each credit card purchase.

Details of expenditure on credit cards, and associated interest paid for each of the years from 2016 to date, is set out in the table below:

Year Ministerial Cards Corporate Cards Interest Expenditure € Expenditure € € 2016 10,729 0 15 2017 11,783 0 10 2018* 13,758 39,463 209 2019 (To Date) 2,307 59,416 1 * The increase in spend arises from the introduction of the two additional credit cards in 2018.

The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.

12/12/2019WRO05300National Broadband Plan Implementation

12/12/2019WRO05400306. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be provided to the greater Ballinagore area, County West- meath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52472/19]

12/12/2019WRO05500Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government’s plan to rollout high speed broadband to the 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, along with 695 schools where commercial operators will not commit to deliver the service.

The Deputy’s Question relates to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department’s website at www. broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed on 19 Novem- ber with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

Approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs), including schools, library hubs and local sports halls in every county in Ireland, will be connected to high speed broadband during 2020, to enable communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband. The BCP locations are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. 147 Questions - Written Answers The BCPs have been specifically selected by the local authorities so that they can provide public Wi-Fi and other facilities to support mini digital/enterprise hubs to the local community in advance of the main NBP deployment. Broadband Officers in each Local Authority were tasked with consulting with local communities and business to find the appropriate mix of locations to reap the maximum benefits.

All BCPs will have a free public Wi-Fi connection, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised. 12 BCPs are planned for deployment in Westmeath and they are:

- Ballycomoyle GAA Club, Robinstown, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, N91VY92

- Castledaly Community Centre, Kilcleagh, Castledaly, Co. Westmeath, N37YF54

- Clonkill Hurling Club, Clonkill, Monilea, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91HX78

- Dalystown National School, Dalystown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91W207

- Milltown Emper Community Centre, Sean Doolin Park, Milltown, Rathconrath, Co. West- meath, N91VA06

- Moyvoughly Community Centre, Moyvoughly, Co. Westmeath, N37FW50

- Rahugh National School, Rahugh, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, N91XF20

- Saint Michael’s National School, Castletown Lower, Finea, Co. Westmeath, N91FN29

- Scoil Bhríde, Emper, Ballynacargy, Co. Westmeath, N91PP71

- Streete Parish Park & Community Centre, Kilmore, Streete, Co. Westmeath, N91RC43

- The Downs National School, Greatdown, The Downs, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91T229

- Whitehall Community Centre, Whitehall, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, N91T85V

With regard to the fibre installation close to the premises referred to by the Deputy, eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and not part of the planned State Intervention network. It is not funded by the State and is not planned, designed or directed by the Department in any capacity. The decision as to what areas and premises are served was made by eir internally and on a commercial basis. The Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that process.

12/12/2019WRO05600EU Directives

12/12/2019WRO05700307. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the official or group in his Department responsible for calculating and reporting the obligations of Ireland under the land use, land use change and forestry, LULUCF, regulation, that is, EU Regulation 2018/841; if Ireland will be a net emitter over the period the regulation covers; and the implications of this information for the obligations of Ireland under the effort-sharing regulation and targets for 2030 if the LULUCF flexibilities cannot be used. 148 12 December 2019 [52477/19]

12/12/2019WRO05800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): The State’s obligations to report greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas removals in the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector are set out under Regu- lation 525/2013, while accounting obligations are set out in Directive 529/2013 up to 2020 and Regulation 2018/841 (“the LULUCF Regulation”) for the period 2021-2030. These relate to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the associated Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepares inventories of past, and projections of future, greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland on an annual basis and also reports on Ireland’s compliance with its EU climate targets. According to Ireland’s National Inventory Report 2019, Ireland’s LULUCF sector was a net source of emissions in the period 1990-2017. This is largely due to grasslands and wetlands, which are major sources of emissions due to drainage of organic soils. Forest Land and Harvested Wood Products are the main carbon sinks in the LULUCF sector.

The EPA does not publish LULUCF emissions projections in its annual projections report as these sources are not currently in the scope of Ireland’s non-ETS targets for 2020 under the EU Effort Sharing Decision. However, from 2021 onwards these emissions will be integrated into the EU framework for compliance with national emissions targets. It is, therefore, essential that Ireland has robust policies in place to manage emissions and enhance removals from relevant LULUCF sectoral categories.

The Climate Action Plan, published in June, includes 34 individual actions to facilitate the development and implementation of policies to manage emissions and enhance removals from the Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use sectors. These include:

- increasing afforestation rates from their current levels to an average of 8,000 ha per year;

- undertaking further research to assess the potential to sequester, store and reduce emissions of carbon through the management, restoration and rehabilitation of peatlands;

- realising the emissions reduction potential of at least 40,000 ha of grasslands on drained organic soils; and

- creating additional incentives to adopt carbon-positive, post-production management options on Bord na Móna lands, commercial and private peat extraction sites.

The Plan sets out for the first time how Ireland will reach its 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and put Ireland on the right trajectory towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Plan sets out, in Chapter 3, the expected emissions abatement contribution from existing commitments under Project Ireland 2040 and from LULUCF measures. The Plan includes the necessary targets and measures, supported by detailed actions and roadmaps, to close the identified remaining gap of 58.4 MtCO2eq in the non-ETS sector. The relevant table is reproduced below.

Carbon Budget Compliance Gap Effort Sharing Regulation 378.3 Mt - (ESR) Ceiling Projected Emissions (Pre- 479.9 Mt 101.6 Mt NDP)

149 Questions - Written Answers Carbon Budget Compliance Gap Contribution of Project Ire- - 16.4 Mt 85.2 Mt land 2040 NDP Measures Contribution of LULUCF - 26.8 Mt 58.4 Mt Contribution of Climate Ac- - 58.4 Mt 0 Mt tion Plan 2019

12/12/2019WRO05900Renewable Energy Generation

12/12/2019WRO06000308. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he plans to require the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to facilitate private wires between renewable energy generators and energy consumers. [52480/19]

12/12/2019WRO06100Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Electricity Regulation Act,1999, as amended, sets out the current legislative framework for Direct Lines. Specifically, Section 37 of the 1999 Act provides that the Com- mission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) may grant permission to construct a direct line not connected to the transmission system or distribution system but only where an application to connect and use the transmission or distribution system has been refused on the grounds of lack of capacity. Section 37 also provides for dispute resolution by the CRU if a direct line is refused grid connection.

Under Action 22 of the Climate Action Plan my Department is leading consideration to further the facilitation of private networks / direct lines. Working with the CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks, detailed work will be undertaken in the new year to investigate the policy options for the further facilitation of private network/direct lines, with a view to bringing forward any legislative changes deemed necessary in the context of the transposition of the Clean Energy Package. The outcome of that work will lay the legislative foundation for any future changes to the regulatory framework and market rules around direct lines and private networks.

12/12/2019WRP00200Renewable Electricity Support Scheme

12/12/2019WRP00300309. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the rationale for limiting the RESS auction category for solar energy to a maximum of 10% (details supplied). [52481/19]

12/12/2019WRP00400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton): In order to deliver on the ambition set out in the Climate Action Plan, my Department is developing the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The RESS has been designed within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework and the scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of 70% by 2030. The Scheme is subject to state aid approval from the EU Commission. The Climate Action Plan targets the delivery of indicative volumes of up to 1.5 GW of grid scale solar by 2030. Utility scale solar energy farms will be critical to diversifying the renewable technology mix and to deliver gains through connecting hybrid renewable technologies. The volume of connected solar in 2030 may well exceed this target if prices continue to fall and solar projects are successful in the RESS auctions.

The RESS-1 auction will include a preference category for solar energy projects in order to provide for the diversification of the renewable energy mix, subject to EU state aid approval. This preference category will ensure that a minimum quantity of solar is procured, which is expected to be approximately 10% of the overall auction amount subject to a competitive number 150 12 December 2019 of solar energy applications entering the RESS auction.

My Department held a public stakeholder briefing on 22 November 2019 at which officials presented on the RESS detailed design framework and the presentation from the briefing ses- sion is available on my Department’s website. The detailed terms and conditions of the scheme are shortly due to be published for consultation.

12/12/2019WRP00500Taxi Licences

12/12/2019WRP00600310. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application by a person (details supplied); if the NTA will be contacted on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52187/19]

12/12/2019WRP00700Minister 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.

Accordingly, 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.

12/12/2019WRP00800Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRP00900311. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52218/19]

12/12/2019WRP01000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the Deputy may be aware, the capital allocation provided to my Department in Budget 2020 is €1,943m. This represents an increase of more than €357m over 2019 levels.

In the Press Release linked below, Minister of State Griffin and I have listed the investment priorities within my Department for 2020 and also provided information on how the Capital Allocation will be invested.

https://www.gov.ie/en/news/bf4905-ministers-ross-and-griffin-welcome-27-billion-allocation-for-transpo/

As part of the National Development Plan my Department’s expected capital allocation for 2021 is €2,526m and for 2022 it is €2,405m, as set out in Appendix 7 of the Revised Estimates for 2019. An additional €125m of capital re-profiled in the 2020 budget is expected to be allocated in 2021-2023, with the bulk of the capital being allocated in 2021. As of yet we do not have our Capital allocations finalised from 2023 onwards.

The planned increase in the capital ceiling for this Department is to support increasing investment across a range of capital projects managed by the Department mainly in the areas of Public Transport and Roads, as set out in the Project Ireland 2040 Tracker, available at the following link.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6db7c4-investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/

12/12/2019WRP01100Rail Network Expansion

151 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRP01200312. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received the report he commissioned on the western rail corridor from a company (details supplied); if so, when the report will be published; when a final decision on the report will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52293/19]

12/12/2019WRP01300321. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the western rail corridor extension review. [52523/19]

12/12/2019WRP01400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 321 together.

As the Deputies are aware, Project Ireland 2040 committed to conducting an independent review of a possible extension to the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) and provided that, should the outcome of the review be approved by Government, the project would be prioritised during the lifetime of the National Development Plan.

In line with the commitment for a review, an external company was commissioned by Iarn- ród Éireann to prepare a financial/economic appraisal and business case on proposals for extending the existing WRC from Athenry to Claremorris.

That work is now complete and the business case has recently been received by my Depart- ment. It will now be reviewed in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, following which I will bring the findings of the Report to Government.

12/12/2019WRP01500Sports Facilities Expenditure

12/12/2019WRP01600313. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid in respect of the National Indoor Arena since 1 January 2014 by his Department or an agency under his remit; the date of the final payment; the reason the final amount paid exceeded the final tender price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52359/19]

12/12/2019WRP01700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.

Capital funding was allocated to Sport Ireland through my Department’s Vote for the development of a National Indoor Arena at the Sport Ireland Campus. Phase 1 of the National Indoor Arena was officially opened in January 2017 and Phase 2 was officially opened in June 2019.

I have referred the Deputy’s question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to payments for the project. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

12/12/2019WRP01800Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRP01900314. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52409/19] 152 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRP02000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): There are currently 88 credit cards issued in my Department. These Low Value Purchasing Cards comprise of two main accounts, one for Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport officials and one for the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), which includes both Department officials and cards for use across all IRCG volunteer units around our coast.

The total amount spent on these cards each year since 2016 is as follows:

In 2016 - €275,601.63

In 2017 - €247,903.22

In 2018 - €224,671.04

In 2019, up to 30/11 - €202,302.88

There has been no bank interest paid on these credit cards during this time. The controls to monitor the issuing of, and the expenditure on, the cards are set out in the Department’s Low Value Purchase Card Usage Policy and the Department’s Internal Financial Controls procedures (PIFCO).

Within the Department, work-related expenses are recouped through the Core Expense Sys- tem and our Financial Management System on foot of fully receipted claims, which may include copies of personal credit card statements showing any relevant recoupable transactions.

With regard to agencies, this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded your request to the agencies under the remit of the Department for direct reply to you. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my office.

12/12/2019WRP02100Road Projects Status

12/12/2019WRP02200315. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if West- meath County Council will be supported in its plan to progress the N55 Athlone to Ballymahon realignment project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52433/19]

12/12/2019WRP02300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

12/12/2019WRP02400Road Projects Status

12/12/2019WRP02500316. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific funding will be allocated in 2020 towards a road upgrade project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52460/19]

12/12/2019WRP02600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the 153 Questions - Written Answers Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council’s own resources supple- mented by State road grants.

There were major cutbacks in funding for the road network in general during the recession. Project Ireland 2040 provides for a gradual increase in grant assistance for regional and local roads and there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding particularly in the last two years. However, the amount available is not sufficient to achieve “steady state” levels of investment. For this reason, there continues to be very limited scope for funding road improvement projects under the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes.

Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific/Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department’s Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF), including the submission of project appraisals. Given the limited funding available for RLR improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

All applications received from local authorities for grant allocations have to be assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget. No project application has been received in relation to the R178 Shercock to Bailieborough road.

12/12/2019WRP02700Sports Funding

12/12/2019WRP02800317. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding directly to soccer clubs that received assistance previously through the programmes of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52482/19]

12/12/2019WRP02900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.

While funding to the organisation mentioned by the Deputy remains suspended, Sport Ire- land is considering how best to fund relevant programmes in a manner that is aligned with the duty to protect public moneys.

As the Deputy will be aware, Sport Ireland has developed an effective intermediary arrangement for the payment of grant funding for the Women’s National Team. Sport Ireland is urgently examining a similar arrangement in relation to the provision of funding for development officers and it is expected that details of that arrangement would be announced shortly.

12/12/2019WRP03000Sports Funding

12/12/2019WRP03100318. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide financial support to an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52483/19]

12/12/2019WRP03200Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): Last week, Minister Ross and I announced the payment of 2019 grant funding for the Women’s National Football Team, following the development by Sport Ireland of an effec- 154 12 December 2019 tive intermediary arrangement for the payment of grant funding for the team. The core objective of the funding is about raising standards and improving the quality of playing and training environments for the Women’s National Football Team.

The grant of €195,000 will be paid by Sport Ireland to BDO who will oversee the disburse- ment of the funding in line with strict terms and conditions.

It is important to support the players, who have inspired so many young women and girls to get involved in football, as they seek to qualify for the Women’s EURO Championships in 2021.

12/12/2019WRP03300Sports Funding

12/12/2019WRP03400319. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure on high-performance sport in advance of the 2020 Olympics; the level of expenditure planned for the period through to the 2024 Olympics; and the expected performance targets for each competition. [52497/19]

12/12/2019WRP03500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): State support of €13.5m. is being provided by Sport Ireland to high performance sport in 2019. A provision of €15.5m. has been made for 2020.

The precise levels of expenditure to be allocated for each of the years 2021 to 2024 inclusive will be determined in the context of the totality of my Department’s allocation for the years in question. However, progressively increasing allocations for high performance sport are envisaged, as part of the overall planned increased investment in sport, which was signalled in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.

A new High Performance Strategy will shortly be published and will contain details of targets for upcoming Olympic and Paralympic cycles. I will arrange to forward a copy of the Strategy to the Deputy upon its publication.

12/12/2019WRP03600Marine Tourism Promotion

12/12/2019WRP03700320. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy measures being deployed in support of marine and maritime tourism. [52518/19]

12/12/2019WRP03800Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): Responsibility for marine matters is spread across several different Government Departments and agencies. Accordingly, a whole-of-Government approach is taken to managing Ireland’s vast and diverse marine resources in line with “Harnessing our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland”. An Inter-Departmental Marine Coordination Group, which comprises senior representatives of Departments with an involvement in maritime or marine affairs including the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is responsible for the supervision, implementation and cross-Government delivery of this Integrated Marine Plan. This Group meets on a regular basis, convened by the Department of the Taoiseach and chaired by my colleague Mr Michael Creed, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

With specific regard to marine and maritime tourism, Ireland’s coastal areas, marine resources and activities are significant components in our overall tourism offering. National tourism policy recognises and endorses cross-organisational collaboration on identifying and developing promising tourism segments. It also highlights the importance of maintaining and 155 Questions - Written Answers enhancing the quality of the place that visitors experience during their stay, through the protection of natural and cultural assets, while adapting to changing visitor requirements, within a context of sustainable development.

In terms of relevant tourism development activity around the country, Action 7 of our Tour- ism Action Plan 2019-2021 tasks Fáilte Ireland with continuing to develop and enhance tourism experiences within the framework of Project Ireland 2040 and by building on existing partnerships. The intention is to optimise key assets for the benefit of tourism and economic development through increasing regional spread, season extension and promoting sustainable growth management.

In the area of coastal and marine tourism, Fáilte Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way” tourism experience brand is a strong example of this approach, as it adopts both a national and regional approach to tourism development and involves multiple stakeholders – including the tourism agencies, local authorities, the tourism industry and communities. Working collaboratively, they can advance common tourism, environmental and other coastal-/marine-specific goals. The Wild Atlantic Way is designed to highlight and leverage Ireland’s unique geographical positioning along the Atlantic Ocean. By allowing tourists engage with and understand how the sea shaped our coastal communities, our lifestyle and our traditions, its key goal is to entice even more visitors to Ireland’s shores and, most importantly, to give them a reason to stay longer and spend more.

Question No. 321 answered with Question No. 312.

12/12/2019WRP04000Rail Services Provision

12/12/2019WRP04100322. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review into high-speed rail options between Dublin, Belfast and Cork. [52524/19]

12/12/2019WRP04200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Project Ireland 2040 commits toward an evaluation of the economic benefits and value for money of high-speed rail on the main inter-urban rail network (including the lines referred to by the Deputy) against improvements to existing and planned line speeds along the lines.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has commenced preparatory work in relation to the evaluation with the study due to commence in 2020.

12/12/2019WRP04300Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRP04400323. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the capital allocation of her Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52205/19]

12/12/2019WRP04500Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The nature of the Department`s capital investment programme is that of multiannual discreet projects and capital expenditure generally involves the following programme areas:

- Child and Family Agency (Tusla)

- Youth Justice – Oberstown Children Detention Campus

- Early Learning Care and School Age Childcare

156 12 December 2019 - Youth Organisations and Services

The National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 (NDP) published in February 2018 set out the multi annual capital allocations for all Departments out to 2022. The capital allocation for my own Department is as follows:

- 2019: €32 million

- 2020: €31 million

- 2021: €32 million

- 2022: €33 million

The Deputy should note that the capital envelope for my Department has only been allocated up until the end of 2022.

There will be a significant requirement for early learning and care capital investment over the next number of years. This is currently recognised in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027.

The NPF highlights the contribution of early childhood care and education to the important role of childcare provision in terms of underpinning future patterns of labour force participation which will be crucial to sustaining employment growth and to the realisation of the economy’s growth potential over the period of the National Development Plan.

The Government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of this strategy and its objectives is demonstrated by the commitment of €250 million of resources under the National Development Plan for investment in additional childcare provision.

It is likely that €150 million will be required in 2023 and 2024 and used to address immediate capacity issues in available childcare places through targeted, large-scale capital investment and any remaining capital actions required on foot of the Early Years Strategy that have not been addressed by the single-annual capital programmes. The remaining €100m is proposed to be expended between 2025 and 2027 to address remaining demand for capacity and any further emerging concerns.

12/12/2019WRP04600Draft Childminding Action Plan

12/12/2019WRP04700324. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of submissions received on the draft childminding action plan; when a final plan will be published; if the implementation of this plan will require primary or secondary legislation; if so, when such legislation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52292/19]

12/12/2019WRP04800Minister for Children and Youth Affairs(Deputy Katherine Zappone): On 29th August, I launched the Draft Childminding Action Plan, for the purpose of public consultation. The Draft Childminding Action Plan aims to bring all childminders within the scope of public funding, supports, and regulations. Up to now most childminders have been exempt from regulation and therefore would be excluded from public funding such as the National Childcare Scheme. Central to the Draft Childminding Action Plan is a proposal to develop new Regulations that are specific to childminders and that are proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work.

157 Questions - Written Answers The Draft Action Plan is firmly based on the recommendations of the Working Group on Reforms and Supports for the Childminding Sector, which I established in 2016 and which submitted its report to me last year. The Working Group was chaired by a representative of childminders, indicating my commitment to putting childminders front and centre of decisions on their future and the future of the service they offer children and families.

The public consultation process on the Draft Childminding Action Plan began on 29th Au- gust 2019 and ran until November. The process involved several elements: a call for submissions which had 14 responses, an online survey which had 467 responses, 32 Focus Group meetings with childminders at county level (with 205 childminders participating in total) and an Open Policy Debate (with 55 participants).

The findings of the consultation process are currently being analysed. Once the analysis is complete, the Childminding Action Plan will be finalised and then published, in the early part of 2020, once approved by Government.

The final plan will require both primary and secondary legislation. Amendments to primary legislation will be required in order to allow childminders to register with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, as early years services. Secondary legislation will be required in the form of new Regulations that are specific and appropriate to childminders.

The Draft Childminding Action Plan proposes a phased approach to reform. It proposes that amendments to primary legislation and development of new, childminder-specific Regulations will be developed during Phase 1 of the Action Plan. The Draft Action Plan suggests that it is likely to take two to three years before new Regulations come into force.

12/12/2019WRP04900Foster Care Expenditure

12/12/2019WRP05000325. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding allocated to an association (details supplied) in each of the past four years; the mechanisms in place to ensure value for money for the taxpayer; if she is satisfied with the governance of the organisation; the number of senior managers who have left the organisation; if a company covers Tusla and the association for all of their insurance requirements; if the cover extends to each foster carer; if the insurance issue relative to foster carers is resolved; if the changes in the structure at regional level involving volunteers and other management structure changes have been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52320/19]

12/12/2019WRP05100Minister for Children and Youth Affairs(Deputy Katherine Zappone): I thank the Dep- uty for his question. The information requested is being sought from Tusla by officials in my Department and I will revert to the Deputy in due course.

12/12/2019WRP05200Services for People with Disabilities

12/12/2019WRP05300326. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of independent reports carried out on residential care and disability services that relate to private providers in each year since 2016; the outcome of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52389/19]

12/12/2019WRP05400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

158 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRP05500Child and Family Agency Reports

12/12/2019WRP05600327. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of mandated reports or CPWRS that were carried out in 2018 and to date in 2019 by professionals for those in receipt of private or disability services for those in care; the findings in each; if they were acted on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52390/19]

12/12/2019WRP05700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRP05800Children in Care

12/12/2019WRP05900328. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in State care placed with private providers of disability services; the number that Tusla has a service level agreement for; the number of private providers that provide such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52391/19]

12/12/2019WRP06000Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ00200Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRQ00300329. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in her Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52396/19]

12/12/2019WRQ00400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs(Deputy Katherine Zappone): The information requested is being collated by officials in my Department and I will revert to the Deputy in due course.

12/12/2019WRQ00600Child and Family Agency Data

12/12/2019WRQ00650330. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of cases of non-historical abuse reported to Tusla under the mandatory reporting requirements of an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52428/19]

12/12/2019WRQ00700331. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of active investigations that have arisen from referrals to Tusla from an organisation (details supplied) relating to cases of non-historical abuse that have been reported in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52427/19]

12/12/2019WRQ00900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together. 159 Questions - Written Answers The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ01000Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRQ01100332. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52217/19]

12/12/2019WRQ01200Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Expen- diture Report 2020, which was published as part of Budget 2020, sets out proposed capital allocations in respect of my Department to 2022. These proposed allocations are presented in the following table and mirror those detailed in the National Development Plan.

The capital allocation of €150 million for 2020 represents a €12 million increase on the 2019 capital allocation. Further detail on the allocation of capital funding for 2020 across programmes and schemes will be set out in the Revised Estimates to published shortly by the De- partment of Public Expenditure and Reform.

All future capital allocations for 2021 and beyond in respect of my Department will fall to be considered as part of the annual estimates processes.

2020 2021 2022 DRCD €150m €152m €185

12/12/2019WRQ01300Community Services Programme Expenditure

12/12/2019WRQ01400333. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current and capital expenditure allocated to the community services programme in each of the years 2016 to 2019; the amount expended in each year in tabular form; and the number of participants and approved projects by county each year. [52384/19]

12/12/2019WRQ01500Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Com- munity Services Programme (CSP) transferred to my Department on 1 January 2018. It supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Funding is provided towards the costs of employing a manager and a specified number of full- time employees(FTEs). Almost €47 million will be available to support community organisations under the programme in 2020.

CSP funding is current with no capital expenditure. The 2016-2019 allocations and outturns are set out in Table 1 below. This allocation also includes the fee paid to Pobal to administer the CSP on behalf of my Department.

Table 2 below sets out the number of organisations, managers and full-time equivalents (FTEs) per County for 2016 - 2018 and with an estimate for 2019.

Table 1 - 2016-2019 Allocations and Outturn

Year Allocation Outturn 2016 €45.19m €43.644m 2017 €46.19m €42.455m 160 12 December 2019 Year Allocation Outturn 2018 €46.19m €43.525m 2019 €46.19m -

Table 2 - Expenditure per county with the number of organisations, managers and FTEs.

2016

County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Carlow 4 3 18 Cavan 3 1 29 Clare 10 8 51 Cork 25 15 95 Donegal 38 31 117.5 Dublin 68 54 365 Galway 20 17 70 Kerry 16 13 83 Kildare 5 3 18 Kilkenny 6 4 15 Laois 5 3 13 Leitrim 16 11 47 Limerick 16 9 48 Longford 6 3 20 Louth 11 6 63 Mayo 33 28 128 Meath 9 7 37 Monaghan 10 8 44 Offaly 13 10 42 Roscommon 19 15 77 Sligo 8 6 24.5 Tipperary 10 6 26 Waterford 12 7 33 Westmeath 12 11 47 Wexford 17 13 99.5 Wicklow 12 11 76 Total 404 303 1687

2017

County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Carlow 5 3 13 Cavan 3 1 23 Clare 10 7 49

161 Questions - Written Answers County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Cork 27 15 101 Donegal 36 30 114 Dublin 64 52 357 Galway 19 17 72 Kerry 19 12 80 Kildare 5 3 18 Kilkenny 7 4 15 Laois 5 3 13 Leitrim 15 11 47 Limerick 15 9 49 Longford 6 3 20 Louth 11 6 62 Mayo 31 27 124 Meath 9 8 37 Monaghan 10 8 44 Offaly 13 10 41 Roscommon 18 15 77 Sligo 8 6 25 Tipperary 10 6 25 Waterford 12 7 31 Westmeath 12 10.5 43 Wexford 17 13 99 Wicklow 13 11 77 Total 400 298 1656

2018

County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Carlow 4 2 11.5 Cavan 4 2 7 Clare 10 7 46 Cork 28 16 99 Donegal 36 31 115 Dublin 71 55 366 Galway 18 17 71 Kerry 18 11 75 Kildare 5 3 17.5 Kilkenny 6 4 17.5 Laois 5 4 13 Leitrim 16 11 45 Limerick 18 10 51 Longford 6 3 20

162 12 December 2019 County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Louth 10 5 61 Mayo 34 27 124 Meath 9 7 37 Monaghan 10 8 44 Offaly 12 9 40.5 Roscommon 17 15 77.5 Sligo 8 6 26.5 Tipperary 10 6 24.5 Waterford 15 8.5 39 Westmeath 12 10.5 40.5 Wexford 18 13 98 Wicklow 13 11.5 78.5 Total 413 302.5 1645.5

2019 Estimates

County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Carlow 4 2 13 Cavan 4 2 8 Clare 11 7 46 Cork 30 17 102 Donegal 36 31 115 Dublin 71 54 376 Galway 19 16.5 75 Kerry 18 9.25 71 Kildare 5 3 18 Kilkenny 7 4.25 19 Laois 5 4 13 Leitrim 17 13 47.5 Limerick 20 12.5 59 Longford 6 3 18 Louth 12 5.5 62 Mayo 35 27 126 Meath 9 7 40 Monaghan 11 8 44 Offaly 13 11 42.5 Roscommon 18 15 80 Sligo 9 6 29 Tipperary 10 6 24 Waterford 14 9 36 Westmeath 11 10 37.5 Wexford 18 13 97

163 Questions - Written Answers County Number of Service Managers FTE’s providers Wicklow 13 10 65.5 Total 426 306 1664

12/12/2019WRQ01600Community Services Programme

12/12/2019WRQ01700334. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of the community services programme; and when it will be completed. [52385/19]

12/12/2019WRQ01800Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Com- munity Services Programme, or CSP, supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model, with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions. Almost €47 million will be available to support community organisations under the programme in 2020.

Indecon Consultants, who are carrying out an independent review of the CSP, are currently finalising their report which I expect to receive in the coming weeks. This will help inform my decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme. I will be examining the recommendations in the report, early in the new year, with a view to beginning the process of making any necessary changes during 2020.

Pending the revision of the Programme, I announced recently that I will be providing €1m under the CSP Support Fund in 2020 to those organisations struggling financially.

12/12/2019WRQ01900Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRQ02000335. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52408/19]

12/12/2019WRQ02100Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The De- partment of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017. The De- partment issued two corporate credit cards in June 2018; one to the Minister’s Office and the second for use by the Department’s Finance Unit. Total expenditure on the cards amounted to €7,777.12 in 2018 and €19,621.92 to date in 2019. No interest expense has accrued to date as the account has been cleared on a monthly basis.

Robust internal financial control procedures are in place in the Department to ensure that expenditure on departmental credit cards is strictly limited to official expenditure in accordance with a departmental credit card policy. Approval is required from the relevant budget holder prior to incurring expenditure. Credit card statements are closely monitored to ensure that cards are used for official purposes only and that any expense is necessarily incurred in the performance of official duties. Receipts are retained and matched against individual credit card transactions following receipt of the monthly statement. Finally, credit card expenditure is subject to both internal audit, and external audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General 164 12 December 2019 With regard to agencies of the Department, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies requires that effective systems of internal financial controls are established as part of governance arrangements within each body. This requirement has been brought to the attention of agencies under the aegis of the Department. In line with the Code of Practice, the development of and compliance with effective internal control procedures, including policy on credit card expenditure, is a matter for each agency.

12/12/2019WRQ02200Disability Allowance Applications

12/12/2019WRQ02300336. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52180/19]

12/12/2019WRQ02400Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): I confirm that an application from this gentleman for disability allowance (DA) was received by the Department on 26 September 2019.

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.

The application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. Once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on the application and this gentleman will be notified directly of the outcome.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ02500Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRQ02600337. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection the capital allocation of her Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52210/19]

12/12/2019WRQ02700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): The Department’s capital allocation for the years 2020 to 2022 is outlined in the following table. To date, there is no allocation for 2023-2025. However, this is subject to ongoing review in the context of the annual Estimates process.

It is intended that the allocation will primarily assist the Department in delivering additional IT modernisation and allow for the refurbishment of Departmental buildings in the coming years.

2020 2021 2022 €15m €16m €17m

12/12/2019WRQ02800Carer’s Allowance Appeals

12/12/2019WRQ02900338. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal of the decision made in the case of a person (details supplied) will be commenced regarding the payment of a carer’s allowance for their spouse; and if an oral hear- 165 Questions - Written Answers ing will be arranged. [52279/19]

12/12/2019WRQ03000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Carer’s allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.

Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement. Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may only concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.

I am advised that following a review of means, it was determined that the person in respect of whom CA was being paid, was entitled to a lower rate of payment from 8 January 2015 to 12 June 2019, as means from a pension income for his spouse had not been disclosed to my department. As a result it was determined that he had been overpaid €11,578.60 during this period.

The person concerned was notified on 21 November 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal. A breakdown of the calculation of the debt was enclosed. My department received a request for review and on 4 December 2019 the person concerned was notified that the decision remained unchanged.

To date, no request for an appeal has been received by my Department. If the person wishes to pursue an appeal, they should contact the Social Welfare Appeals Office setting out the grounds of their appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ03100State Pension (Contributory) Applications

12/12/2019WRQ03200339. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a pro-rata UK and Irish contributory pension. [52284/19]

12/12/2019WRQ03300Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): The person concerned applied for state pension (contributory) on 15 October 2019. According to the records of my Department, they have a total of 360 full-rate paid Irish contributions. Based on their Irish contribution history only, they do not qualify for an Irish state pension (contributory). A minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions is required. Written notification of this decision issued to the person concerned on 29 October 2019.

Under European Union Regulations, a person’s social insurance record in one or more EU countries can be combined with their Irish social insurance record, to determine entitlement to a proportional or pro rata pension. As the person concerned has a UK social insurance record, details of their UK contribution history have been requested from the UK pension authority.

My Department has been in ongoing contact with the UK Department of Work and Pensions to obtain the relevant UK contribution record. The person’s entitlement to an EU pro rata pension state pension (contributory) will be determined when this record is made available. The person will then be notified in writing of the outcome without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ03400Partial Capacity Benefit Scheme Applications 166 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRQ03500340. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the status of a partial capacity benefit claim by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52298/19]

12/12/2019WRQ03600Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): An application for Partial Capacity Benefit from the person concerned was received on the 3rd December 2019.

This application is currently being processed. I am advised that this is being dealt with as a matter of urgency and that the person concerned will be notified as soon as a decision has been made.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ03700Carer’s Allowance Applications

12/12/2019WRQ03800341. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied). [52304/19]

12/12/2019WRQ03900Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Carer’s allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

An application for CA from the person concerned on 12 July 2019, in respect of two care recipients.

In the case of the first care recipient, the application was awarded to the person concerned on 11 December 2019 with effect from 4 April 2019. The first payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 2 January 2020.

In the case of the second care recipient, the application was awarded to the person concerned on 11 December 2019 with effect from 4 October 2018. The first payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 2 January 2020.

Arrears of allowance due from 4 October 2018 to 1 January 2020 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified on 11 December 2019 of these decisions, the reasons for them and of his right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ04000Carer’s Allowance Applications

12/12/2019WRQ04100342. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52305/19]

12/12/2019WRQ04200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Carer’s allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

167 Questions - Written Answers The person concerned has been in receipt of payment for one care recipient since 2 May 2014. I confirm that my department received an application for CA for a second care recipient from the person concerned on 15 July 2019.

The application was awarded to the person concerned on 11 December 2019 and the first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 19 December 2019.

Arrears of allowance due from 18 July 2019 to 18 December 2019 will also issue to her nominated bank account on 19 December 2019.

The person concerned was notified on 11 December 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ04300Social Welfare Overpayments

12/12/2019WRQ04400343. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a proposal to deal with an overpayment of a pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the offer to settle will be accepted. [52310/19]

12/12/2019WRQ04500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): So- cial welfare legislation provides that the personal representative of a deceased person, who at any time received a social assistance scheme payment, such as state pension (non-contributory), is obliged to give notice to my Department of their intention to distribute the deceased’s estate and to provide a schedule of the assets of the estate. On examination of the schedule of assets, if it is found that not all of the deceased’s means had been disclosed, or if the values of previously assessed means had changed, my Department will seek to recover any monies overpaid from the estate.

The deceased person concerned was a recipient of state pension (non-contributory). On examination of the schedule of assets of their estate, a review of their state pension entitlement was undertaken and an overpayment assessed. An agreed repayment amount has been accepted by the Recovery Officer on 28 November 2019. A letter of clearance issued on that date to the deceased’s personal representative, and a copy issued to the solicitor representing the estate.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ04600Carer’s Allowance Appeals

12/12/2019WRQ04700344. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision will be issued relative to an application for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [52311/19]

12/12/2019WRQ04800Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that two appeals were registered in the name of the person concerned as they had applied for carer’s allowance in respect of two carees. I am also advised that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, including that adduced at the oral hearing, decided to allow the appeals of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decisions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment

168 12 December 2019 Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ04900Social Welfare Appeals Status

12/12/2019WRQ05000345. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a payment under appeal in the name of a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [52312/19]

12/12/2019WRQ05100Minister 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 26 November 2019. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.

I have also been advised that if this person’s family is experiencing financial hardship it is open to them to visit their local Community Welfare Officer and discuss their circumstances with them in respect of the availability of supplementary welfare allowance.

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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ05200Social Welfare Benefits

12/12/2019WRQ05300346. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the maximum State pension and free schemes are being paid to a person (details supplied); and if they are in receipt of all benefits. [52313/19]

12/12/2019WRQ05400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): The person concerned is in receipt of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory), together with fuel allowance, increase for living alone and telephone support allowance.

They are also in receipt of the Household Benefits Package and FreeTravel.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ05500Social Welfare Appeals Status

12/12/2019WRQ05600347. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if payment of a State pension will resume in the case of a person (details supplied). [52314/19]

12/12/2019WRQ05700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person

169 Questions - Written Answers concerned took place on 3 December 2019 and that the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all of the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision when the appeal has been determined.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRQ05800Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRQ05900348. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in her Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52401/19]

12/12/2019WRQ06000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): My Department currently has five credit cards issued to officials in the Department.

The amount spent on credit cards in each year from 2016 to 2018 and to date in November 2019 is set out below in tabular format:

Year Amount € 2016 €135,620 2017 €120,216 2018 €159,729 2019 YTD November €165,192 The bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016 is set out below:

Year Amount € 2016 €9.68 2017 €1.24 2018 €113.60 2019 YTD November Nil

The following controls are in place to ensure the issuing of credit cards are necessary and duly approved:

(i) A business case requesting the credit card is put forward in writing for approval;

(ii) The Principal Officer in the Department’s Accounts Branch approves all new credit card applications before they are issued;

(iii) Copies of signatories from the staff member receiving the credit card and their approver

170 12 December 2019 is obtained and kept on file in Accounts Branch;

(iv) Finally, a credit card usage compliance form is signed by the staff member stating that the credit card is for business use only.

The following controls are in place to ensure expenditure is controlled and monitored:

(i) All transactions appearing on credit card bills must be signed off and payment sanctioned by the relevant staff member’s Principal or Assistant Principal (whoever is appropriate) before Accounts Branch will issue a payment on the card.

Credit card issue and corresponding expenditure are wholly and exclusively for Departmen- tal business.

12/12/2019WRR00200Disability Support Services Funding

12/12/2019WRR00300349. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection the amount allocated to and spent from, respectively the reasonable accommodation fund in each of the past five years. [52423/19]

12/12/2019WRR00400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): The Reasonable Accommodation Fund aims to assist both jobseekers with disabilities and private sector employers seeking to employ or retain a person with a disability, by providing a range of grants.

The scheme in particular seeks to assist jobseekers with disabilities to gain access to the open labour market by providing grants to support private sector employers.

In summary the grants available are:

Workplace Equipment /Adaptation Grant, which provides funding to make the workplace more accessible.

Job Interview – Interpreter Grant, which is a grant for an interpreter to accompany, for example, a person with hearing loss to a job interview.

Personal Reader Grant, which provides funding for a personal reader to assist someone who is blind or visually impaired in their work.

Employee Retention Grant Scheme, which aims to help employers retain employees who acquire a disabled.

The Reasonable Accommodation Fund is a demand-led scheme in that expenditure arises in direct response to applications received. The value of the grants provided in the past five years is set out in the table below.

It is important to note, that the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities revised action plan was published recently by the Department of Justice and Equality. Within the plan there is a commitment by my department to undertake a focused policy review of the reasonable accommodation fund and this has commenced.

Table: Value of the grants provided under the Reasonable Accommodation Fund 2015 to 2019.

171 Questions - Written Answers Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 to Nov Workplace €58,108 €54,041 €69,254 €100,023 €70,506 equipment and adaptation grant Personal €11,866 €16,537 €31,619 €12,338 €6,720 reader grant Job interview €3,950 €7,244 €5,714 €6,361 €10,571 interpreter grant Employee re- €0 €0 €0 €1,900 €0 tention grant Total €73,925 €77,822 €106,587 €120,622 €87,796

12/12/2019WRR00500Social Welfare Benefits Data

12/12/2019WRR00600350. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection the estimated cost of setting up an administrative regime in order that the approximately 150,000 qualified adults who receive the qualified adult payment at the same rate as at present directly from her Department rather than through the payment of another person. [52498/19]

12/12/2019WRR00700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): An Increase for a Qualified Adult is an additional payment made to social welfare recipients in respect of a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant who is financially dependent on them. This additional payment is means-tested.

The Department estimates that payments will be made in respect of an average of 150,000 Qualified Adults per week in 2020, across various working age schemes, as well as pensions.

Making payments directly to Qualified Adults and, as such, treating them as social welfare customers in their own right, would have administrative cost implications across various functions of the Department.

The Department’s various schemes are operated through a network of Intreo offices and centralised scheme areas. The main components of workflow in the Department’s processing sections are claim processing, maintenance, control activity and dealing with enquiries. These functions are supported by inspectors and employment services, as appropriate, and by shared infrastructure and IT systems. The latter systems deliver various aspects of claim processing and payments, including means assessment. In addition, certain scheme administrative costs are also incurred centrally including accounts, payment costs by external agencies such as An Post, policy development, social welfare appeals, medical assessors and training.

I am advised that it is not possible to disaggregate the specific administration costs for particular schemes, or specific groups of recipients, given the level of costs which are borne centrally and the number of staff who are engaged, on one level or another, in the administration and support functions of more than one scheme, and for more than one group of recipients.

As such, it is not possible to provide an estimated cost for amending the current system to ensure that Qualified Adults across all schemes receive the payments currently made to their spouse, cohabitant or civil partner directly.

172 12 December 2019

12/12/2019WRR00800Parental Leave

12/12/2019WRR00900351. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection the estimated cost of increasing parent’s benefit by one week in each of the years 2021 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52500/19]

12/12/2019WRR01000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): In Budget 2019 I announced the introduction of a new social insurance based parent’s benefit scheme, which took effect in November 2019. The new scheme provides two weeks leave to both parents, including those who adopt a child, who are employees or self-employed and who take parent’s leave from their employment to care for their child. This is in addition to existing maternity, paternity and adoptive leave entitlements. The scheme supports parents during the first year of the child’s life, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

Based on existing take up of maternity and paternity benefit, two weeks parent’s benefit is estimated to cost approximately €32m in a full year. It estimated that each additional week of parent’s benefit will cost €15.8m in a full year. The estimated full year cost of increasing parent’s benefit by one week in each of the years 2021 to 2025 is provided in the following table. The Deputy is advised that there would also be additional costs for employers covering substitution pay costs.

Year Weeks € 2020 2 Weeks €31.6m 2021 3 Weeks €47.4m 2022 4 Weeks €63.2m 2023 5 Weeks €79m 2024 6 Weeks €94.8m 2025 7 Weeks €110.6m This Government values families and I intend to build on this new parent’s benefit and gradually extend the amount of benefit available up to nine weeks for each parent.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRR01100Social Welfare Benefits Data

12/12/2019WRR01200352. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing the contributory and non-contributory pensions by €5 in each of the years 2021 to 2025. [52519/19]

12/12/2019WRR01300Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): The estimated year-on-year cost of increasing all contributory and non-contributory pensions by €5 per week (with proportionate increases for qualified adults), based on the projected number of recipients in each year is detailed in the following table.

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total Cost Cost of €5 €172.0m €172.8m €189.9m €199.7m €219.7m €954.1m increase It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of beneficiaries each year to 2025.

173 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRR01400Social Welfare Benefits Data

12/12/2019WRR01500353. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated additional cost in 2021 if the pension age remains at 66 instead of 67 years of age; and the estimated additional cost in each of the years 2022 to 2025 as a result of that decision. [52520/19]

12/12/2019WRR01600354. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the estimated additional cost in 2021 if the pension age remains at 66 years of age and the contributory and non-contributory pensions also increase by €5; and the estimated additional cost in each of the years 2022 to 2025 of a further €5 increase with the pension age remaining at 66 years of age. [52521/19]

12/12/2019WRR01700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.

In order to provide for sustainable pensions and to facilitate a longer working life, succes- sive Governments have considered the sustainability challenges faced by the Pensions system as a result of changing demographics in Ireland.

In 2007, Minister Cullen launched the Green Paper on Pensions, which proposed raising the Pension Age. This was followed by a major public consultation exercise.

Three years later, in 2010, Minister Hanafin launched the National Pensions Framework which, following a Government decision, set out the agenda of changes in the State Pension Age in 2014, 2021 and 2028.

This strategy was enacted via legislation introduced by then Minister Burton and passed in 2011 which provides for an increase in the State pension age in three separate stages. In 2014, the State pension age was standardised at 66. This will be increased to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028. The Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023 has stated that future changes in State pension age after 2035 will be based on research into life expectancy. This is in keeping with similar measures introduced by most EU and OECD countries.

This sustainability is vital, if the current workers, who fund State pension payments through their PRSI, are to receive a pension themselves when they reach retirement age. It is the only feasible solution which does not involve reducing pension rates to pensioners (which would result in an increase in the rate of poverty among older people), or reducing other significant areas of Government expenditure (such as other payments made by my Department).

It is estimated that the gross cost to the State Pension (Contributory) of postponing the increase in State Pension Age would be approximately €430m per annum, but the net cost is closer to €217.5 million per annum, and is expected to increase. The estimates factor in secondary costs such as foregone PRSI receipts and additional Household Benefit payments.

Therefore the additional estimated net cost to the SIF of a decision to retain State Pension Age at 66 for the period 2021 - 2025 would be around €1.1 Billion.

We further estimate that an increase of €5 per week to recipients of the SPC and the SPNC would cost c. €160 million in 2021.

Given the long timeframe and prospective demographic changes it is very difficult to estimate the cumulative cost of further €5 annual increases over the period 2021 - 2025 for SPC and SPNC recipients but would certainly be in the order of €3 Billion.

174 12 December 2019 I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRR01900Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

12/12/2019WRR02000355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding an application for a domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52547/19]

12/12/2019WRR02100Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): The lady concerned is in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) for two children, one since 2015 and one since 2017; there is no other application for DCA pending at this time.

The child who is in payment since 2015 was amongst a number of DCA cases randomly selected earlier this year for a review of their continued entitlement to the payment. Those selected were asked to complete a review form and return it to the department within 5 months, which this lady has recently done.

The review of the child’s continued eligibility to DCA will be completed as soon as possible, payment will continue as normal while this review is completed. Notification of the outcome of the review process will issue to her in due course.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRR02200Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

12/12/2019WRR02300356. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if information will be noted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52548/19]

12/12/2019WRR02400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection(Deputy Regina Doherty): Ac- cording to the records of my Department the rent supplement claim for the person concerned was reviewed in April 2019. In this application the landlord confirmed a monthly rent of €400 per month and this was assessed against a State Pension Non-Contributory of €237 per week.

In several answers to Parliamentary Questions raised by the Deputy the person concerned was advised that if there had been a change in circumstance since the last review it was open to him to seek a review of his Rent Supplement entitlement.

On 28/11/19 the necessary review documents were received in my Department from the person concerned. Following completion of a review the monthly Rent Supplement rate was increased to €370 per month.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRR02500Carer’s Allowance Eligibility

12/12/2019WRR02600357. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a carer’s allowance in lieu of the discon- tinued ADA on the pension of their spouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52549/19] 175 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRR02700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Carer’s allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.

The department informs me that there is no application by the person concerned for CA registered. If the person in question wishes to make an application, she should complete and return an application form (CR1) to CA section in the social welfare services office, Longford, as soon as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

12/12/2019WRR02800Defective Building Materials

12/12/2019WRR02900358. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if he is considering establishing a redress scheme for faulty apartment developments in which there are fire hazards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52181/19]

12/12/2019WRR03000Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): I want to acknowledge the very stressful circumstances which owners and residents face when defects occur in their homes. In general building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved, that is the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme.

The State has no general statutory role in resolving defects in privately owned buildings, including dwellings. Nor could the taxpayer afford such a role. It is not possible for the State to take on responsibility/liability for all legacy issues nor would it send the right message to the industry regarding their responsibility for compliance.

Local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Building Control Acts, the Fire Services Acts, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, to ensure that parties discharge their statutory responsibilities.

In relation to developments where concerns over fire safety issues arise, when a building is constructed and occupied, statutory responsibility for safety is assigned by section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts, 1981 & 2003, to the ‘person having control’ of the building. The person having control is required to take reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of persons in the event of fire. In multi-unit developments, the “person having control” is generally the Owner Management Company.

Under the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011, (which is under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality), the owner management company must establish a scheme for annual service charges and a sinking fund for spending on refurbishment, improvement or maintenance of a non-recurring nature of the multi-unit development.

In the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, it was agreed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application. In August 2017, the Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in Dwellings was published, which is intended to be used as a guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. The Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors, both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary 176 12 December 2019 works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. The Framework is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/framework_for_enhancing_fire_ safety_in_dwellings.pdf.

12/12/2019WRR03100Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRR03200359. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the capital allocation of his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52214/19]

12/12/2019WRR03300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The capital allocations for my Department over the period 2020-22, as announced in Project Ireland 2040: National Development Plan 2018-2027, are set out below (no specific Depart- mental allocations were made in respect of 2023-25):

Capital Allocations 2020 2021 2022 2020-22 (€m) Department of 2,226 2,269 2,280 Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment The recently published Budget 2020 Expenditure Report which details the DHPLG Abridged Estimates (PART III), including Capital Expenditure by programme can be viewed at the following link:

http://budget.gov.ie/Budgets/2020/Documents/Budget/Parts%20I-III%20Expenditure%20 Report%202020%20(B).pdf.

Details of the DHPLG Capital Expenditure for 2020 by programme are set out in the following table:

2020 Gross DHPLG Capital Expenditure €000 (Abridged Estimate) A - HOUSING 1,455,937 B - WATER SERVICES 628,412 C - LOCAL GOVERNMENT 14,542 D - PLANNING 118,494 E - MET ÉIREANN 9,000 TOTAL 2,226,385 These funding allocations will be used to advance capital investment across a range of programme areas within my Department’s remit, including local authority housing, voluntary housing, estate regeneration, the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, urban regeneration and development, water and wastewater services, and fire and emergency services. Details of specific allocations towards individual programmes will be finalised as part of the annual Estimates processes, as normal.

177 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRR03400Planning Issues

12/12/2019WRR03500360. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 25 September 2019, if progress has been made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52307/19]

12/12/2019WRR03600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department is currently drafting Regulations to further amend the exempted development provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, which are required to be made prior to the commencement of section 8 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 in order to facilitate the operation of this amendment. Due to the complexity of some of the issues arising, my Department has had to seek legal advice regarding the draft Regulations, which it is considering and progressing. I expect to be in a position to sign the Regulations and Commencement Order in early 2020.

My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the associated amendments to the Forestry Regulations 2017, to be made by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

12/12/2019WRR03700Architects Register

12/12/2019WRR03800361. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 268 of 23 January 2019 and 873 of 5 Feb- ruary 2019, if transparent income and expenditure accounts have been received from an organisation (details supplied); and if so, when overdue registration accounts will be made available for independent scrutiny. [52372/19]

12/12/2019WRR03900Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): The RIAI publishes an annual report each year which is available on its website at the following link:

www.riai.ie/about/riai_annual_reports/.

This includes a certified financial report with details of income and expenditure. In addition, its annual return is filed with the Companies Registration Office.

Earlier this year my Department engaged with the RIAI on this matter and they have since provided a more detailed Directors’ report and financial statements which have been independently audited. These have been provided to all RIAI members (over 3,000). In addition, these reports have also been provided to those architects who are members of the registration body and are not RIAI members.

My Department is satisfied that the RIAI is fulfilling its’ role as the registration body for architects in accordance with the requirements of the Building Control Act 2007.

12/12/2019WRR04000Valuation Office

12/12/2019WRR04100362. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the level of delay being experienced in the Valuation Office appeals system; the steps being taken to address backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52378/19]

12/12/2019WRR04200Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): 178 12 December 2019 The Valuation Tribunal is an independent body under the Valuation Acts of 1988 and 2001. It deals with appeals against decisions of the Commissioner of Valuation on the valuation of commercial properties for rating purposes and appeals against determinations of market value on derelict sites or vacant sites made by local authorities under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015.

The Tribunal currently comprises 31 members.

The tribunal has experienced unprecedented levels of appeals in recent years in the context of the National Revaluation Programme being carried out by the independent Commissioner for Valuation. This has resulted in a significant number of appeals on hands at the tribunal. A number of measures have been taken in order to support the processing of appeals by the Tribu- nal and more are planned. The Tribunal has recently updated its rules and a new Registrar has recently been appointed to, inter alia, lead on this modernization agenda.

Furthermore, one of the new provisions introduced under the Valuation (Amendment) Act, 2015 is that appeals may be determined by a single member of the Tribunal based on written documentation obviating the need to holding a hearing. The Tribunal has identified a number of appeals suitable for disposal in this manner which should ensure that many appeals can be dealt with expeditiously. This process has commenced.

The Tribunal introduced a call over system to facilitate a more efficient listing of appeals and ensure better use of the Tribunal time. The call over system alerts the Tribunal to appeals that may be resolved, identifies cases that are ready to proceed so that hearing dates can be assigned and affords the chairperson or deputy chairperson an opportunity to discuss the progress of appeal with the parties’ representatives and give to such directions as may be warranted to the parties to progress the appeal. The introduction of the call over system has made a positive impact on the efficient listing of appeals and is kept under constant review.

The further streamlining of appeals is a major priority for 2020.

12/12/2019WRR04300Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRR04400363. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52405/19]

12/12/2019WRR04500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department does not have any credit cards issued to Ministers or officials. My Department -op erates a Purchase Card system, which was implemented in July 2019 and was drawn down from the Office of Government Procurement framework agreement for the provision of purchasing card programmes to the Irish Public Sector. The Purchase Cards replaced credit card use in my Department.

The information requested is set out in the following table:

2016 2017 2018 2019 (Nov) Credit Cards

179 Questions - Written Answers 2016 2017 2018 2019 (Nov) Number of 5 3 5 5 Cards Card Charges €130 €128 €172 €193 Amount Spent €23,778 €15,418 €12,632 €26,732

Purchase Cards Number of N/A N/A N/A 20 Cards Card Charges N/A N/A N/A €0 Amount Spent N/A N/A N/A €6,416 The credit card information in this table is up until September 2019 at which point all credit cards were cancelled. The purchase card information only begins in July 2019. There was an overlap period of 3 months during the purchase card implementation process. There was no interest charged in the period concerned.

My Department has a Purchase Card Policy which includes, inter alia, an application process for issuing purchase cards that must be approved by senior management and an expenditure monitoring and approval process.

The monitoring and controlling of credit cards in agencies under the aegis of my Depart- ment is a matter for the individual agencies concerned. 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 as below:

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] Pyrite Resolution Board [email protected] Residential Tenancies Board [email protected] Valuation Office [email protected] Land Development Agency [email protected] Office of the Planning Regulator [email protected]

12/12/2019WRR04600Vacant Sites Data

12/12/2019WRR04700364. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the number of notices issued by each planning authority regarding the vacant site tax in tabular form; if the progress of each planning authority in identifying vacant sites is being monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52437/19]

12/12/2019WRR04800Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): While application of the vacant site levy is a matter for individual local authorities, my Depart- 180 12 December 2019 ment monitors the implementation of the levy with a view to ensuring that it is being effectively applied, in line with its intended purpose of incentivising the development of vacant or under- utilised sites in urban areas.

To support this work, my Department issued Circular PL 09/2019 on 13 November 2019 requesting a second progress report on implementation of the Vacant Site Levy, including information on the number of notices issued, to be completed by the Director of Planning in each Local Authority and returned to my Department by 4 December 2019.

My Department has received the majority of these progress reports and is currently following up on any outstanding returns in order to obtain a complete national picture. At the same time, information received to date is being collated and reviewed. The information requested by the Deputy will be made available once all outstanding returns have been received, collated and examined by my Department.

My Department will continue to engage proactively with local authorities with a view to ensuring that the vacant site levy achieves its full potential in terms of bringing concerned sites into productive use.

12/12/2019WRR04900Planning Issues

12/12/2019WRR05000365. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment when he plans to remove the planning restrictions on roof-top solar for households and businesses. [52479/19]

12/12/2019WRR05100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.

With regard to exemptions for solar panels, Class 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regula- tions provides an exemption for “the installation or erection of a solar panel on, or within the curtilage of a house or any buildings within the curtilage of a house”, subject to certain siting and size conditions.

Class 56 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for “the installation or erection on a business premises or light industrial building, or any ancillary buildings within the curtilage of such premises or building, of solar panels (thermal collector or photo- voltaic)”, subject to certain siting and size conditions.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of the solar panel exemptions, and is actively engaging with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and other key stakeholders, with a view to finalising a proposal for draft amending Regulations - to reflect technical developments in the sector - before the end of 2019. As required under planning legislation, any such proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made.

181 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRR05200Housing Finance Agency Funding

12/12/2019WRR05300366. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the cost in 2018 and to date in 2019 as a result of the Housing Finance Agency drawdown of long-term debt to fund the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and the expected future cost. [52490/19]

12/12/2019WRR05400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) raises long-term fixed rate finance, as needed, for on- lending by local authorities for Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans (RIHL). The HFA advanced €62m and €178m in RIHL to local authorities in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Borrowing costs relating to the financing of the RIHL scheme by the HFA are included in the lending rate to local authorities (1.50% for 25-year fixed), which includes an administrative margin of circa 0.10-0.15%. Any future RIHL business is likely to be lent on the same basis.

12/12/2019WRR05500Local Authority Staff Recruitment

12/12/2019WRR05600367. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost to a local authority of hiring a grade seven member of staff in year one and then for four subsequent years. [52492/19]

12/12/2019WRR05700Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy John Paul Phelan): The pay scales for a Grade 7/Administrative Officer, with effect from 1st September 2019, are outlined in the following table. Incremental credit is generally given for each year of service in the role, on the anniversary of appointment. Additional costs that are borne by the employer include Employers PRSI and Superannuation contributions.

Grade 7 - Administrative Officer Point 01/09/2019 1 €49,835 2 €51,054 3 €52,479 4 €53,906 5 €55,336 6 €56,611 7 €57,918 8 €59,184 9 €60,445 LSI 1 €62,611 LSI 2 €64,786

12/12/2019WRR05800Repair and Leasing Scheme

12/12/2019WRR05900368. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the cost of the repair and leasing scheme in 2018; and the expected cost in 2019 and 2020. [52495/19]

12/12/2019WRR06000369. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of extending the repair and leasing scheme to properties for long-term private 182 12 December 2019 rent. [52496/19]

12/12/2019WRR06100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 368 and 369 together.

The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) was 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. RLS has both capital and current funding streams. The capital element funds the repairs to the property; the current element funds the lease payment to the property owner with the cost of the repairs being recovered from the property owner by offsetting it against the lease payment - annual payments include the ongoing cost of lease payments and costs of new properties brought into the scheme over the course of the year.

At the end of Q3 2019, a total of 1,510 applications for the Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) had been received from property owners; 129 homes had been brought back into use and were tenanted; and 155 agreements for lease had been signed. These statistics as well as year- end current and capital spends, broken down by LA, can be found on my Department’s website at the following link:

www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing- provision.

Data in relation to full year RLS activity in 2019 will be available and published on my Department’s website early in 2020.

The budget allocation for RLS in 2020 is €10.7 million and I expect local authorities and approved housing bodies to continue to operate the scheme locally. I have no plans to extend the scheme to the private market at this time.

12/12/2019WRS00300Planning Issues

12/12/2019WRS00400370. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment if his attention has been drawn to the delays in many local authority areas in arranging pre-planning meetings with developers of residential schemes; if an analysis has been undertaken of local authority performance in this regard or the wider planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52551/19]

12/12/2019WRS00500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that any person intending to apply for planning permission for development on land in which he or she has an interest may request a pre-application consultation with the relevant planning authority about the proposed development. This consultation is held subject to the agreement of the planning authority, with the duration of the consultation a matter for each planning authority.

Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned, including pre-application consultations.

The specific information identified in relation to pre-planning meetings is not collated or available within my Department’s statistics. However, a planning authority keeps a record in writing of any consultations that relate to a proposed development and a copy of this record is kept with the documents to which any planning application in respect of the proposed develop-

183 Questions - Written Answers ment relates.

12/12/2019WRS00600Creative Ireland Programme

12/12/2019WRS00700371. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of Creative Ireland funding committed for 2020, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52201/19]

12/12/2019WRS00800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The matter of funding proposals for measures under the Creative Ireland Programme for 2020 are being examined at present in the context of Programme priorities for next year and will be finalised shortly.

It is anticipated that, as in 2019, funding will be made available to local authorities in 2020 to enable them to implement their Culture and Creative Strategies. In addition, each local authority was also allocated funding in 2019 by my Department to support organisation of the national day of free creative activities for children and young people, Cruinniú na nÓg. I understand this event is already being planned by my officials for June 2020 and I expect a similar degree of collaboration between the Creative Ireland Programme and each Local Authority to deliver this.

Details of allocations to individual local authorities will be announced shortly.

12/12/2019WRS00900Waterways Ireland Funding

12/12/2019WRS01000372. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to Waterways Ireland and projects committed to by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52202/19]

12/12/2019WRS01100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The capital expenditure by Waterways Ireland to the end of November 2019, is outlined by county in the following table.

The body’s 2020 commitments will be published in the 2020 Business Plan.

County Value €’s All Counties 715,901 Carlow 65,152 Cavan 76,606 Dublin 527,978 Greenway (Dublin/Kildare/Meath/West- 337,127 meath/Longford) Galway & Offaly 2,071,105 Kildare 171,779 Kildare & Meath 671,011 Limerick 7,085 Longford 162,224 Offaly 20,613 Roscommon 495,175

184 12 December 2019 County Value €’s Westmeath 64,445 Total 5,386,202

12/12/2019WRS01200Departmental Budgets

12/12/2019WRS01300373. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital allocation of her Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each year. [52207/19]

12/12/2019WRS01400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Under Project Ireland 2040 - the National Development Plan €1.188 million in capital expenditure has been allocated to my Department for the period 2018 to 2027. Annual capital allocations were provided for the first five years of the plan covering the period 2018 to 2022. For my Department, the annual capital allocation under Project Ireland 2020 for the coming years are as follows:

- €76 million in 2020,

- €80 million in 2021, and

- €110 million in 2022.

A further €793 million has been allocated for the years 2023-2027, however, this has not yet been disaggregated by year.

In addition to this Project Ireland 2040 investment provision, Budget 2020, also saw €5 million being allocated to my Department as part of this Government’s commitment to climate action. This additional funding will be used to support peatlands restoration projects.

In terms of our investment under Project Ireland 2040, my Department has developed a detailed sectorial investment plan, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage, which sets the high-level, strategic capital investment priorities for the Department to 2027.

The investment plan sets out three strands of activity, capital investment and infrastructure programmes, capital grant schemes and major capital projects, across the following programme areas:

- €725 million towards enhancing our cultural infrastructure, incorporating,

- A €460 million investment in our National Cultural Institutions and,

- €265 million for a national Culture and Creativity Investment Programme;

- €285 million towards a heritage investment programme; and,

- €178 million towards investment in our language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands.

In 2020, we will support a broad range of projects and initiatives under these three strands. Key outputs for the year are as follows:

- Progress the next phases of the National Library of Ireland and National Archives redevelopment projects

- Progress projects at the Crawford Art Gallery, National Museum of Ireland - Natural

185 Questions - Written Answers History, National Concert Hall, Abbey Theatre, and others through the appraisal stages of the Public Spending Code

- Deliver Galway 2020 - EU Capital of Culture project

- Invest in regional arts and cultural centres

Continue to invest in our programme of trails and visitor centre upgrades across our Na- tional Parks and Nature Reserves

- Protect our built heritage through an investment of €4.3 million under our Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund

- Support proposals for the development of a flagship language and culture hub in Dublin City.

- Support our agencies and partners in delivering culture, heritage and language projects across the country including Screen Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Waterways Ireland and local authorities.

12/12/2019WRS01500Cross-Border Projects

12/12/2019WRS01600374. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of CANN and CARE funding in a case (details supplied); the status of the provision of local projects under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52388/19]

12/12/2019WRS01700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): With €9.4 million funding from the INTERREG VA programme, the Collaborative Action for the Natura Network (CANN) is a cross-border environment project which aims to improve the condition of protected habitats and to support priority species found within the Border Region of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, allowing the region as a whole to meet key EU biodiversity targets and ensuring the future of these internationally important habitats and species.

The CANN project team is made up of local authorities, research institutions and charities from across the three jurisdictions, and is supported by the lead government departments, and overseen by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) with the aim of working together with local communities and stakeholders towards a common goal of improving the environmental condition of these sites.

Actions include delivering educational and outreach programmes and raising awareness of the significance of the habitats and species found on the sites, with the aspiration of safeguard- ing the conservation of these key sites and ensuring their sustainability beyond 2021 and the lifespan of the CANN project.

In Ireland, the CANN project is focused on seven protected wetland habitats and seven species, including marsh fritillary, freshwater species and breeding wader species. Slieve Beagh SPA (004167) is included as one of the project sites.

My Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service sits on the steering group of the CANN project, as the national statutory body for nature and biodiversity in Ireland. However, the lead partner for CANN is Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and questions relating to site management by the project and its staff, including for sites in Ireland, should be directed to them.

186 12 December 2019 CatchmentCARE (Community Actions for Resilient Eco-systems) is an EU-funded project that aims to improve freshwater quality in cross-border river basins across three cross-border catchments through development of water quality improvement projects in the Finn, Blackwa- ter and Arney catchments and installation 50 boreholes across the region.

Partners in the CARE project are local authorities Donegal County Council (who are the Lead Partner), Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Ulster University, as well as the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, British Geological Survey, the Loughs Agency, Geological Survey Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The consortium will develop three policy actions, six catchment actions and three community actions, based on three critical criteria: (i) measurable impact on water quality; (ii) transfer- able beyond the three catchments; and (iii) contribute to a project legacy.

Donegal County Council is the lead partner for this project and matters relating to progress with the project should be directed to the Council. My Department is not a partner in the CARE project and does not have a role in this matter.

12/12/2019WRS01800Departmental Expenditure

12/12/2019WRS01900375. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in her Department; the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016; the bank interest paid on credit cards in each year since 2016; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on the cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52398/19]

12/12/2019WRS02000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): A total of 3 departmental credit cards are currently in use by officials working in my Department.

There was €10 bank interest paid on credit cards in 2018. No bank interest was paid on credit cards in the years 2016, 2017 and 2019.

The Credit Card Usage Policy outlines the controls in place to monitor the issuing of, and the expenditure on, the cards. Each credit cardholder signs this policy, agreeing to abide by the rules outlined in the Policy, before the credit card is issued to them.

The following table below details the amount spent on credit cards in each year since 2016:

Year Expenditure 2016 €8,532 2017 €12,071 2018 €13,143 2019 ytd €23,270

12/12/2019WRS02100Inland Waterways Development

12/12/2019WRS02200376. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital investment proposed for the Shannon-Erne waterway in 2020; the projects that will benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52432/19]

187 Questions - Written Answers

12/12/2019WRS02300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Water- ways Ireland continue to invest in Blueways and Recreational trails for the benefit of the local community and tourists alike.

During 2020 there are plans for substantial investment on the Shannon-Erne waterway, with funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme being match funded from Cavan and Leitrim County Councils, and Waterways Ireland.

The development of these trails provides a unique opportunity to deliver off-road walking and cycling as a means to attract new visitors to rural areas and also provide new recreational opportunities for local people.

As well as the provision of infrastructure, Blueways provide a model for partnership between the private, community and voluntary sectors and local and national state bodies. The Blueway model has worked successfully on the North Shannon, and Shannon-Erne, with all of these bodies working in partnership to provide rural regeneration in areas where the tourism potential was underdeveloped. The partners work together to enhance capacity building among the private sector and provide and promote tourism packages for the visitor. Experience has shown that such packages and marketing of a Blueway attracts new visitors resulting in real economic benefits and job creation through increased tourism and recreational spend. The Blueways also provide other benefits in terms of increased health and well-being among users. The community and social benefits should not be underestimated as local people derive an increased sense of pride in their area from the additional investment, regeneration and growth the Blueway brings.

Blueway and recreational trail development planned for the Shannon-Erne in 2020 include:

- Ballyconnell to Bellaheady Bridge Recreational trail - 5.5km recreational trail from Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan to Bellaheady Bridge, Co. Cavan primarily along the banks of the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

- Belturbet to Lock 1 Corraquill Recreational Trail - 6km recreational trail from Belturbet, Co. Cavan to Lock 1 Corraquill, Co. Cavan

- Leitrim Village to Kilclare Blueway - 3.9km Blueway trail from Lock 16 – Lock 14 & Lock 12 – Lock 9 in Co. Leitrim

- Aghoo Bridge to Lock 4 Aghoo Recreational Trail - 360m recreational trail and bridge underpass from Aghoo Bridge to Lock 4 Aghoo, Co. Leitrim

In addition to these developments, capital investment in 2020 will include upgrading of the current lock operating system for the 16 Locks in the counties of Fermanagh, Cavan & Leitrim, and enhancement of the mechanical fleet on the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

12/12/2019WRS02400Inland Waterways Development

12/12/2019WRS02500377. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a new facility (details supplied) will be available for use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52436/19]

12/12/2019WRS02600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Water- ways Ireland has progressed on delivering on the 2015 Government approval to create a 2.5km stretch of the Ulster Canal from the Erne Navigation to the International Scout Centre at Castle- saunderson, Co. Cavan. 188 12 December 2019 The project has been fully funded by my Department.

The navigation channel on the River Finn up to Castlesaunderson is now open to waterway users, the channel having been dredged where required. Approximately 1 km downstream of Castlesaunderson a new navigation bridge, together with a new short lateral canal, beside Der- rykerrib Bridge has been constructed.

Waterways Ireland has worked with Cavan County Council in relation to recreational amenities at the Council site at Castlesaunderson, including a public jetty.

A contract for the construction of this new floating jetty was substantially completed in Oc- tober 2019. The jetty will be operational for the 2020 boating season once reinstatement works are complete.

12/12/2019WRS02700Film Industry Promotion

12/12/2019WRS02800378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which she continues to encourage film making here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52449/19]

12/12/2019WRS02900382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the steps she continues to take to promote Ireland as an attractive film location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52453/19]

12/12/2019WRS03000384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which overseas filmmakers continue to interact with her Department with a view to use film locations here; the interactions which have already taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52455/19]

12/12/2019WRS03100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 378, 382 and 384 together.

Screen Ireland, which is under the aegis of my Department, is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. Screen Ireland 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. Screen Ireland has a vision for a vibrant, creative and sustainable Irish film, television and animation industry, with diverse voices, talent and opportunities which speaks to and connects Irish film culture with audiences at home and abroad. The allocation of funding to Screen Ireland in 2020 will be over €21m.

Screen Ireland works in conjunction with the enterprise agencies to support the development of the film sector to make a substantial contribution to inward investment. It promotes Ire- land as a location for international production by providing advice and support for international companies seeking to locate production activity here, organising inward and outward trade missions on an annual basis and working in partnership with EU counterparts on co-productions. Earlier this year, in the course of the Taoiseach’s trade mission to LA, Screen Ireland announced its intention to establish a presence in Los Angeles

The Government’s ‘Global Ireland 2025’ initiative, which was launched last year, lists film as a high-impact way of promoting Ireland on the global stage. Under the initiative ‘Bring- ing our Culture and Heritage to the Wider World’ also committed to boosting Screen Ireland’s

189 Questions - Written Answers presence in Los Angeles and Screen Ireland will establish a new base in Los Angeles in 2020. Strengthening the base in Los Angeles will allow for the building and managing of relationships with major US studios and content producers, communication of the opportunities available in Ireland, and identifying upcoming, portable productions that could locate in Ireland. It also delivers on an aim in the Audiovisual Action Plan for Screen Ireland to provide a stronger presence in key markets such as Los Angeles.

The Audiovisual Action Plan is an industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme and part of Government policy to support the audiovisual industry. In April 2018, I joined with the Taoiseach and Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, in launching my Department’s capital investment plan: ‘Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027’. This plan incorporated an amount of €200m to be invested in media production and the audiovisual industry over the next 10 years and represented a first step in the Government’s ambitions to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of film, TV drama and animation. The investment will be delivered through Screen Ireland.

Other Government supports to the sector include international film co-production treaties, an annual international programme of Irish film festivals, through engaging high-profile talent to project a positive image of Ireland and reflect Ireland as a creative place and the Section 481 tax relief,. Earlier this year, I was pleased to welcome EU Commission approval in respect of two aspects of Ireland’s tax credit: the extension of the Section 481 credit until 2024 provides certainty for film production companies on the future availability of the credit, ensuring the continued growth of our film industry. It is a key recommendation in the Audiovisual Action Plan. A further key measure under the Plan saw the introduction of the Regional Film Devel- opment Uplift which offers an additional tapered tax credit over a period of 4 years. This is an important step in support of this Government’s ambition to make Ireland a global hub for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation in supporting creative talent in Ireland and helping to develop a vibrant creative audio-visual sector throughout the country.

I will continue to work to support the development and expansion of the film and television production sector. In that regard my Department will continue both to work with Screen Ireland to ensure that Ireland is maximised as a location for both indigenous and international film production and to work with colleagues across Government and the industry on the implementation of the Audiovisual Action Plan.

12/12/2019WRS03200Arts Promotion

12/12/2019WRS03300379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which she has been able to assist directly or through other bodies the arts at local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52450/19]

12/12/2019WRS03400380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the degree to which she continues to have ongoing contact with local community groups with a view to promoting interest in the arts in its various forms at local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52451/19]

12/12/2019WRS03500383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which she has contact with the arts section of Kildare County Council with a view to promotion of the arts in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52454/19]

12/12/2019WRS03600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I pro-

190 12 December 2019 pose to take Questions Nos. 379, 380 and 383 together.

Under Budget 2020, total funding for the arts and culture sector in 2020 will increase by over 2% from €189m to almost €193m.

Primary support for the Arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased in recent years and will reach €80 million in 2020. This is an increase of €5m or 6.7% over 2019. The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Mak- ing Great Art Work. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people’s engagement with the arts.

Local authorities are the second-biggest funding organisation for the arts in Ireland. Ac- cording to the Arts Council’s 2018 Annual Report, their net investment was almost €40.1 million, an 8% increase on 2017 (€37.1 million), which in turn was a 7% increase on 2016 (€34.65 million). The Arts Council’s relationship with Local Authorities is based on the ten-year strategic partnership agreement entitled A Framework for Collaboration 2016–2025. On the basis of this document, in 2018 both partners collaborate on various initiatives overseen by the Arts Council/Local Government Management Liaison Group and a Working Group. In 2018, the Arts Council provided up to €1.8 million to local authorities to support key partnership arrangements. Local authority funding to venues was maintained in 2018 and increased in some instances and were broadly maintained in 2019. Further details of these initiatives with local authorities arts offices including Kildare can be accessed on the Arts Council’s website under “local arts “ at the following link www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-in-Ireland/Local-arts/.

The Creative Ireland Programme is a five-year all-of-government, culture-based initiative, led by my Department, that emphasises the importance of human creativity for individual, community and societal well-being. The vision of the Creative Ireland Programme is to position creativity at the heart of public policy, to enable, encourage and enhance collaboration and innovation, and to create opportunities for all citizens to engage with all forms of creative activity

The main source of funding for local community events and activities under the Creative Ireland Programme is Pillar 2: Creative Communities’. In 2019, total funding of €3m was allocated to all 31 local authorities (approximately €96,000 each) to enable them to support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county. Each local authority has established a Creative Ireland Co-coordinator and a local Culture Team to manage and al- locate this funding in accordance with local needs and in line with their own, individual 5-year Culture and Creativity Strategy. Nearly 1,500 projects were funded nationwide in 2019 covering a broad range of topics including archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, crafts, heritage, drama, dance, literature, music, storytelling and the visual arts.

In addition to this core funding, the Creative Ireland Programme allocated approximately €15,000 to each local authority outside of Dublin and €75,000 each to the four local authorities in Dublin to develop a special programme of events for Cruinniú na nÓg – the national day of creativity for children and young people which was held in June.

I also announced my intention, in context of Budget 2020, to provide funding of €250,000 for the amateur drama sector in 2020. Details of that scheme will be announced shortly.

12/12/2019WRS03800Arts Promotion

12/12/2019WRS03900381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- 191 Questions - Written Answers tacht the number of stage productions supported by her Department in respect of music and drama; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52452/19]

12/12/2019WRS04000385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the degree to which she continues to support drama and musical productions in each area both urban and rural; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52456/19]

12/12/2019WRS04100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 385 together.

Primary support for the Arts including theatre, stage productions, drama and music is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased in recent years and now stands at €80 million in 2020, and increase of some €5m or 6. 7% over 2019.

The Arts Council is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003 and arts organisations, artists, and groups working with the arts are entitled to apply for funding. The Arts Council’s strategic framework Making Great Art Work was published in 2015 and sets out the Arts Council plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade 2016–2025, setting out is mission which includes the investment of public monies allocated by the Government in supporting artist and arts organisations. The strategy also sets out the Arts Council’s commitment to monitor its funding to ensure there is a good balance between supports for established artists and organisations and for new and emerging artists and organisations. There are five priority areas contained within this strategy that include the artist, public engagement, investment strategy, spatial and demographic planning and developing capacity.

The Creative Ireland Programme is now in its third year and it provides significant support to Local Authorities to enable them curate a programme of local events and activities each year. The Creative Ireland Programme is a five-year all-of-government, culture-based initiative, led by my Department, that emphasises the importance of human creativity for individual, community and societal well-being. The vision of the Creative Ireland Programme is to position creativity at the heart of public policy, to enable, encourage and enhance collaboration and innovation, and to create opportunities for all citizens to engage with all forms of creative activity

It is anticipated that funding will be made available to local authorities in 2020 to enable them to further implement their Culture and Creative Strategies.

In addition to the above, in support of music, funding is provided by my Department:

- for the purchase of equipment under the Music Capital Scheme to performing groups and individual talented musicians on an annual basis throughout the country. The Scheme is man- 192 12 December 2019 aged by Music Network on behalf of my Department; and

- to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann which is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music both at community and national level.

I also announced my intention, in context of Budget 2020, to provide funding of €250,000 for the amateur drama sector in 2020. Details of that scheme will be announced shortly.

Question No. 382 answered with Question No. 378.

Question No. 383 answered with Question No. 379.

Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 378.

Question No. 385 answered with Question No. 381.

12/12/2019WRS04600Arts Promotion

12/12/2019WRS04700386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the number of jobs available through the medium of the arts in its various forms; the extent to which the activity encourages job creation and interest from outside the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52457/19]

12/12/2019WRS04800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has been increasing steadily in recent years and it will reach €80 million in 2020. The increase in 2020 is €5m or 6.7% over 2019. The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people’s engagement with the arts.

The Arts Council supports over 600 artists and over 650 arts organisations that are in receipt of core and programming funding on an annual basis. The Arts Council reported in their 2018 Annual Report that, it spent €62.1 million in grant aid directly to organisations and artists. Bursaries totalling €1.8 million were given to individual artists and a further €1.8million went to local authorities to support key partnership arrangements. The Annual Report which is published on its website contains details of these allocations. I understand that this approach was maintained in 2019 and represents an investment in the work and development of artists.

Local authorities are the second-biggest funding organisation for the arts in Ireland. Ac- cording to the Arts Council’s 2018 Annual Report, their net investment was almost €40.1 million, an 8% increase on 2017 (€37.1 million), which in turn was a 7% increase on 2016 (€34.65 million). The Arts Council’s relationship with local authorities is based on the ten-year strategic partnership agreement entitled A Framework for Collaboration 2016–2025. On the basis of this document, in 2018 both partners collaborate on various initiatives overseen by the Arts Council/Local Government Management Liaison Group and a Working Group. In 2018, the Arts Council provided up to €1.8 million to local authorities to support key partnership arrangements. Local authority funding to venues was maintained in 2018 and increased in some instances and were broadly maintained in 2019.

Film is one of the art forms that is in receipt of funding through Screen Ireland which is under the remit of my Department. In June 2018, I launched the Government’s Audiovisual

193 Questions - Written Answers Action Plan. The Plan drew heavily on a Study prepared by international audiovisual consultants Olsberg SPI with Nordicity entitled Economic Analysis of the Audiovisual Sector in the Republic of Ireland which was also published in June. The report measured the economic value of the Irish audiovisual industry, and proposed policy changes to support its future growth. The report showed that the Irish audiovisual sector generated €1.05 billion in gross value added in 2016 and supported employment of 16,930 full-time equivalents of which 10,560 was direct employment. The largest contribution to employment came from the film, TV, and animation sub-sector, which generated 11,960 full-time equivalent jobs (FTEs) of employment of which just over 7,000 was direct employment such as cast and crew.

The audiovisual sector supports thousands of jobs of Ireland and there is significant potential for further growth in the years ahead. I recently published the First Progress Report on Implementation of the Audiovisual Action Plan.

This Government highly values the cultural, creative and economic potential of Ireland’s audiovisual industry and the report sets out the initiatives undertaken to date to make Ireland a global hub for TV drama, film and animation. Key achievements since the plan’s launch in June 2018 include: the extension of Section 481 Film tax relief until 2024, along with changes to improve the administration of the relief; the introduction of the Regional Film Development Uplift, which offers additional tax reliefs to incentivise film production in the regions; increased funding for Screen Ireland which has increased to over €21m for 2020 and will support increased investment in feature film and TV drama. These initiatives, together with a renewed emphasis on training and skills development in the audiovisual industry will continue to contribute to the growth of jobs in the sector.

The remit of Culture Ireland, a division of my Department, is to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide thus strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation. Strategic priorities include providing support for the international presentation of Irish artists and arts organisations, developing new and diverse international audiences and markets for Irish arts, and linking culture into the Government’s international promotion strategy in tandem with other relevant Government Agencies. Critically, the work of Culture Ireland is focused not just on promoting Ireland but also increasing career opportunities for Irish artists.

Project Ireland 2040 is the Government’s long-term overarching strategy to make Ireland a better country and supports business and communities across all of Ireland in realising their potential. €1.2 billion of Project Ireland 2040 is allocated to the Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht sectors and has the potential to deliver very significant direct and indirect employment under the following investment proposals.

- €460 million for our National Cultural Institutions.

- €265 million for cultural and creativity investment programme

- €285 million for natural and built heritage

- €178 million for the Gaeltacht. The Irish language and the Islands.

The funding increase in 2020, despite the challenging economic and political climate, is testament to the Government’s commitment to the arts, culture and heritage sector.

12/12/2019WRS04900Arts Funding

12/12/2019WRS05000387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael-

194 12 December 2019 tacht the extent of the philanthropic support received by the arts in the past 12 months to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52458/19]

12/12/2019WRS05100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Private support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills.

The Arts Council, which is funded by my Department, operates a programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector’s sources of funding. The programme is called RAISE and is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland.

In terms of other capital investment, I recently announced a new €4.7m Capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres. This new scheme will run from 2019-2022. Its objective is to enhance the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country with a clearly defined arts and culture focus such as theatre spaces. The funding, which is being made available as part of the Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021, is dependent on matching funding being secured by project promoters and therefore provides an opportunity for philanthropic support.

In addition, Project Ireland 2040 provides for investment of €460m in a significant number of capital projects in our National Cultural Institutions over the next 10 years and states that individual cultural institutions will be raising their own contributions (typically around 10%-15% of project costs) through philanthropic effort.

My Department does not have a breakdown of the total flows of philanthropic funding to the sector.

12/12/2019WRS05200Inland Waterways Development

12/12/2019WRS05300388. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to extend the blueways programme in 2020; the particular schemes in this regard; the level of investment in each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52486/19]

12/12/2019WRS05400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Wa- terways Ireland continue to invest in Blueways and Recreational trails for the benefit of the local community and tourists alike. During 2020 there are plans for substantial investment in Blueways with financial support from the Local Authorities and funding from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Blueway and recreational trail development planned for 2020 includes:

- Ballyconnell to Bellaheady Bridge Recreational trail - 5.5km recreational trail from Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan to Bellaheady Bridge, Co. Cavan primarily along the banks of the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

- Belturbet to Lock 1 Corraquill Recreational Trail - 6km recreational trail from Belturbet, Co. Cavan to Lock 1 Corraquill, Co. Cavan

- Leitrim Village to Kilclare Blueway - 3.9km Blueway trail from Lock 16 – Lock 14 &

195 Questions - Written Answers Lock 12 – Lock 9 in Co. Leitrim

- Aghoo Bridge to Lock 4 Aghoo Recreational Trail - 360m recreational trail and bridge underpass from Aghoo Bridge to Lock 4 Aghoo, Co. Leitrim

Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy

46km recreational Blueway trail

Capital funding will also be utilised to take forward further Blueway developments in 2020 including:

- Shannon Blueway Lough Allen to Hotel

- Shannon Blueway Roosky Canal Loop

- Inner Lakes Canoe Trail

- O’Briensbridge Canoe Trail

- Killaloe Blueway

These projects are currently at differing stages of concept design, environmental studies, planning and identification of suitable funding mechanisms in order to bring to fruition. They are all partnership projects between local communities, the Local Authorities and Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland has set aside a budget of €60,000 to take forward these projects in 2020.

Waterways Ireland are planning to continue a programme of marketing and promotional activities aimed at activating, animating and encouraging users to the existing Blueways in 2020.

Such a programme will include:

- Undertaking a “Head into the Blue” marketing campaign to promote water activity;

- Working towards a common goal with Fáilte Ireland through their Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands propositions;

- Forming and growing other Strategic Partnerships to leverage marketing impact through e.g. Local Authorities, NGBs, National Tourism and Sporting Bodies in Ireland and NI, IAAT, etc.;

- Bringing a focus on Blueways Events and Education that focus on participation in active water sports;

- Working in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism NI, Sport Ireland and Sport NI to support quality and consistency of Blueway development across the island of Ireland through independent accreditation system; and

- Developing an approach towards assessing and quantifying the return on investment for Blueway development, in terms of not only visitor numbers but also health and well-being impacts.

12/12/2019WRT00200Arts Funding

12/12/2019WRT00300389. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her 196 12 December 2019 plans to increase funding for projects (details supplied) in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52487/19]

12/12/2019WRT00400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Under Budget 2020, total funding for the arts and culture sector in 2020 will increase by over 2% from €189m to almost €193m.

Primary support for the arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased in recent years and will reach €80 million in 2020. This is an increase of €5m or 6.7% over 2019. The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Mak- ing Great Art Work. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people’s engagement with the arts.

The Creative Ireland Programme is a five-year all-of-government, culture-based initiative, led by my Department, that emphasises the importance of human creativity for individual, community and societal wellbeing. The vision of the Creative Ireland Programme is to position creativity at the heart of public policy, to enable, encourage and enhance collaboration and innovation, and to create opportunities for all citizens to engage with all forms of creative activity

It is anticipated that funding will be made available to local authorities in 2020 to enable them to further implement their Culture and Creative Strategies and to deliver Cruinniú na nÓg. Details of allocations to individual local authorities will be announced shortly. Further information on the Creative Ireland Programme can be found on its website as follows: www. creativeireland.gov.ie/en.

The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016 - 2018 focused on the refurbishment and en- 197 Questions - Written Answers hancement of the existing stock of arts and culture facilities throughout the country. Funding of €10.214m was allocated to 134 projects under three complementary grant streams. Funding was provided to a range of facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. A number of grants were allocated to the projects within the regions to which the Deputy refers.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently announced a new €4.7m capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres across the country. Applications are now being invited for the Cultural Capital Scheme which will run from 2019-2022. The Scheme will focus on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres that operate as not-for-profit organisations throughout the country and that have a clearly defined arts and culture focus. Full details of this scheme including detailed guidelines can be found on my Department’s website

A particular focus of the new scheme will be its emphasis on the reduction of carbon foot- prints to dovetail with the Government’s action on climate change. Projects providing additional capacity for artists and artistic production particularly in arts centres will also be fa- voured. This funding is provided from a €40m capital investment allocation for local arts and culture infrastructure contained in Project Ireland 2040 “Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018-2027’.

This scheme has been informed by the recently published strategic Review of Arts Centres and Venues by the Arts Council & the County and City Management Association as well as the Arts Council’s published Arts Centre Policy and Strategy 2019 which sets out its funding criteria for arts centres from 2020 onwards.

12/12/2019WRT00500Budget Targets

12/12/2019WRT00600390. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of expenditure that will need to be achieved in budget 2025 to deliver upon the commitment that such expenditure will be doubled relative to outrun in 2017. [52517/19]

12/12/2019WRT00700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As Min- ister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I greatly welcome the commitment to increase Government spending in the arts and culture sector on a trajectory that will see funding doubled by 2025. My Department and I continue to work rigorously with an Taoiseach and all of my Government colleagues towards delivering on this commitment.

In general, funding allocations fall to be determined annually as part of the Estimates process. The Budget 2020 allocation for my Department of €354.3 million represents a cumulative increase of 23% on the comparable 2017 REV allocation of €288.408 million.

Current funding for 2020 as per the Budget Estimates will exceed €273 million. This represents an increase of 15% on 2017 current funding.

Capital funding for 2020 will be €81 million representing an increase of 59% compared to 2017. The commitment by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040 to invest €1.2 billion in our culture, our language and our heritage over the 10-year implementation of the NDP will allow for further significant increases in the capital allocation for my Department over the coming years.

Details of the total expenditure (current and capital) incurred by my Department in 2017 are available in the Annual Appropriation Account for my Department which is published on the website of the Comptroller and Auditor General at: 198 12 December 2019 www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/Appropriation%20Accounts/.

The 2017 total outturn figure as per that account is €294.138m but that figure includes expenditure of €13.548m in respect of capital monies carried over for specific projects from 2016. In real terms, the total expenditure from the 2017 REV allocation of €288.408m for my Department was €284.438m.

12/12/2019WRT00800National Parks

12/12/2019WRT00900391. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will give consideration in the forthcoming Heritage 2030 document to considering the merits of creating a maritime national park providing an opportunity to explore and develop the maritime heritage. [52525/19]

12/12/2019WRT01000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The 6 existing National Parks of Ireland account for circa 65,000 hectares with another almost 22,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites. The existing National Parks are managed from a conservation perspective, and attract in excess of 4 million visitors annually. Given the resources available for capital investment within our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am ever mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the existing Parks and Reserves lands and have no plans at present to increase the number of National Parks in the country.

As far as our marine heritage is concerned, it is protected by such designations as Spe- cial Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA). It is worth noting that roughly 53% of SACs is land, the remainder being marine or large lakes. Ireland’s SPA Net- work encompasses over 570,000 hectares of marine and terrestrial habitats. The marine areas include some of the productive intertidal zones of our bays and estuaries that provide vital food resources for several wintering wader species including Dunlin, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit. Marine waters adjacent to the breeding seabird colonies and other important areas for seaducks, divers and grebes are also included in the network.

As part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to protecting our heritage and improving our tourism and recreation product, we have been exploring ways to optimise the sustainable potential of heritage sites under our control in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives.

In this context, it should be noted that in late 2016 my Department negotiated the extension of Wicklow Mountains National Park by purchasing almost 4,900 acres of Dublin Uplands at Glenasmole in 2016 at a cost of €800,000. The purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.

In 2017 the entire Wild Nephin area was consolidated into the ownership of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This creates a State – Owned wilderness project of over 11,000 hectares and aims to provide increased nature conservation benefits and biodiversity as well as enhanced recreational and social benefits through the ‘re-wilding’ of the forest which adjoins the National Park. Thanks to the acquisition, we will be returning the area to a natural wilderness state.

My Department, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, launched a strategic partnership in 2017 with a view to growing tourism revenues in the rural areas where the parks are located and increasing Ireland’s appeal as a recreation destination. One of the outputs from the partnership 199 Questions - Written Answers with Fáilte was “Experiencing the Wild Heart of Ireland ” – an interpretative masterplan for the development of our National Parks and Reserves, which was published last year and sets out a road map for investment at these important nature conservation, public amenity and tourism sites and underpins the objectives of Project 2040 as well as Heritage 2030.

The investment in our National Parks will create memorable and meaningful experiences of Ireland’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. This will be done though sensitive design and the development of authentic experiences, providing better access to nature and an increased understanding of society’s conservation responsibilities, as well as supporting significant investment in recreational facilities, including upgrading and development of the trails network, increased visitor facilities and improved signage and branding. These will be designed and delivered with a strong emphasis on conservation and allow us to protect and preserve our most fragile environments and, by investing in our culture, language and heritage, provide a well- being benefit for all. In this regard, a provision of some €5million in funding, for 32 individual projects across the network of NPWS sites, was announced earlier this year as part of the Rural Regeneration Development Fund.

A whole host of proposals are currently under consideration for Heritage 2030, including increased investment in our heritage, improved access, and better quality of information, guidance and advice as a resource for stakeholders, visitors, researchers and general public. As a result, in the context of protecting marine biodiversity, we will certainly keep under consideration further maritime designations.

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