Written Answers

15 February 2017 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 19, inclusive, answered orally.

15/02/2017WRA00400Ministerial Meetings

15/02/2017WRA0050020. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he discussed immigration and border security with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, when they met on 30 January 2017. [5772/17]

15/02/2017WRA0060021. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the contact he has had with the Scottish First Minister regarding the United Kingdom invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty since the January 2017 visit to Dublin by the UK Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May. [5822/17]

15/02/2017WRA00700The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.

I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister May when she was in Dublin on 30 Janu- ary. At the meeting and in our press conference after it, we both repeated our desire to keep the Common Travel Area arrangements in place and agreed to continue working together to this end. We also discussed the necessity of ensuring the continued free flow of trade on the island and I made clear to the Prime Minister that in my view any reintroduction of a border would would have very negative consequences.

Ireland and the United Kingdom have always cooperated closely on jointly securing the external border of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and we intend to continue to do so in the future. In this regard, we will continue to maintain and enhance cooperation with the UK in relation to general immigration and border enforcement, recognising of course that Ireland will remain a committed member of the European Union and will continue to uphold the right of free movement for all EU citizens after the UK leaves the Union.

First Minister Sturgeon and I held a meeting last November following the British Irish Council Summit in Cardiff. Minister Flanagan also met with her during her subsequent visit to Dublin. I have not had direct contact with her recently but there is ongoing engagement, at diplomatic and official level, with the Scottish Government, including through the Consul General’s office in Edinburgh and our Embassy in London.

15/02/2017WRA00800Immigration Controls

15/02/2017WRA0090022. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the person or body that will undertake the review of the preclearance agreement in Dublin and Shannon airports; and when he expects it

187 Questions - Written Answers to be completed. [5773/17]

15/02/2017WRA01000The Taoiseach: A review of US Preclearance in Ireland is currently being undertaken by the relevant Departments - the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Foreign Af- fairs and Trade and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, with the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General as appropriate. I expect that the report will be finalised shortly.

15/02/2017WRA01100Cabinet Committee Meetings

15/02/2017WRA0120023. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Arts, Irish and the Gaeltacht last met. [5820/17]

15/02/2017WRA01300The Taoiseach: The Cabinet Committee on Arts, Irish, the Gaeltacht and the Islands last met on the 13th of October 2016. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 27th February.

Questions Nos. 24 to 32, inclusive, resubmitted.

15/02/2017WRA01500Brexit Issues

15/02/2017WRA0160033. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the details of the CSO report on Brexit published on 7 December 2016. [40118/16]

15/02/2017WRA01700The Taoiseach: Following the vote by the United Kingdom to leave the EU in June 2016, the CSO decided to compile a suite of aggregate tables which describes the relationship between Ireland and the UK in numbers. This report “Brexit: Ireland and the UK in numbers” contains 24 tables covering the main areas for which the CSO has data on our engagement with the UK. This report is available on the CSO website - www.cso.ie. An electronic version of the Brexit report, which contains some extra data, was published by the CSO on 20 December 2016.

Question No. 34 resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 35 to 46, inclusive, answered orally.

15/02/2017WRB00200European Defence Action Plan

15/02/2017WRB0030047. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the matters discussed during the December 2016 meeting of the European Council in Bratislava; and if he stated that Ireland would oppose any drive to allow EU grant aid to fund military armaments research and production, as suggested by the European Commission, or to significantly increase spending on armaments and military technology by member states. [7303/17]

15/02/2017WRB0040053. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the proposed European Defence Action Plan put forward by the European Commission in Novem- ber 2016, and in particular the provisions to focus on capability needs and support the European defence industry; his further views on the proposal to allow the use of European Investment Bank finances for investment in the defence industry; his plans to raise any concerns regarding the action plan at an upcoming meeting of the EU Council on defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7137/17]

15/02/2017WRB00500Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 53 together. 188 15 February 2017 The College of Commissioners adopted the European Defence Action Plan on 30 Novem- ber last. This Commission proposal has yet to go through the wide ranging and extensive EU procedures before any part of it becomes a reality.

The aim of the Plan is to explore how EU policies and instruments can ensure that the EU’s industrial and skills base will be able to deliver required defence capabilities in view of current and future security challenges. As part of this Plan, the Commission has proposed the creation of a European Defence Fund. In addition, the Plan aims to offer supports to SMEs, start-ups and other suppliers to the defence industry. There are also proposals in the Plan to increase transparency in relation to Defence procurement under the existing EU Procurement Directives.

The purpose of the Defence Fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European defence technology and industrial base, and to further stimu- late the development of key defence capabilities.

The Taoiseach attended the European Council meeting in Bratislava on 15 December last, where a number of issues including economic and social development, migration, security, Rus- sia and Ukraine, and the situation in Syria were on the agenda. Specifically, in relation to the European Defence Action Plan, the European Council welcomed the Commission’s proposals as its contribution to developing European security and defence policy. The Council stressed the importance of fully involving Member States in the proposals that will be brought forward. In addition, the Commission was invited to make proposals in the first semester of 2017 for the establishment of a European Defence Fund.

The Action Plan proposes that the European Investment Bank may have a role to play in relation to financing certain parts of the European defence supply. The Action Plan notes that the EIB group may already finance investments in research and development by European companies where civilian and dual use technologies are concerned with a view to subsequent commercialisation in civilian applications. The Commission’s Communication also noted that any expansion in the EIB’s current activities in the area could take place within the limitations of the Treaties and subject to the agreement of the EIB’s Governing Bodies.

The most recent European Council in December, invited the European Investment Bank to examine steps with a view to supporting investments in defence research and development activities. I expect that the EIB will now take forward this examination.

For certain member States in the EU, defence is a significant contributor to their economies, representing an EU industry of €100 billion with 1.5 million direct and indirect employees. Ire- land does not have an issue with funding of defence research. As I have stated previously to the House, for Ireland to have a well-equipped and capability driven defence forces we must support the funding of defence research. And as we are all aware, Ireland may not have a defence industry but this does not stop Ireland tapping into this funding through our well established dual-use companies and technologies.

I am satisfied that the proposals in the Action Plan fully acknowledge and reaffirm that -De fence remains a Member State prerogative. Decisions about expenditure, military capabilities, Research and Technology are matters for Member States.

15/02/2017WRB00600Defence Forces Personnel

15/02/2017WRB0070048. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamen- tary Question No. 1733 of 17 January 2017, his views on the low morale in the Defence Forces in view of the high rates of voluntary discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 189 Questions - Written Answers [7337/17]

15/02/2017WRB0080065. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the climate survey follow-on focus groups; and the process of consultation on the findings with the representative associations. [7346/17]

15/02/2017WRB00900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 65 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of the recently published Defence Forces Climate Survey is to inform consideration of the ongoing human resource and strategic needs of the Defence Forces. I have reviewed the Report in detail and have also received a briefing from the University of Limerick (UL) researchers who undertook the project.

The Survey findings clearly point to challenges for the Defence Forces, particularly in the areas of leadership, communication, organisational culture, the working environment and active management of personal expectations. However, many positives emanated from the Sur- vey, especially in relation to the commitment of personnel to the values and mission of the Organisation, high levels of work satisfaction, pride in the Organisation and positive views on culture and work support. Indeed, the UL researchers point out that the findings of the Report and the recommendations are interconnected and caution should apply to reading any one particular finding in isolation.

The responses to the issues raised in the Report of the Climate Survey will involve the engagement of all levels of management within the Organisation. Both RACO and PDFORRA were briefed by the UL researchers on their findings and conclusions. Following that briefing, I met with the Representative Associations to hear their views and listen to their concerns in relation to the Report. It was agreed at the meeting that the Representative Associations would be fully engaged in the response to the Report and proposed Action Plan through the IMG framework, where they could put forward their views on appropriate responses.

Follow up work to the initial findings in the Survey was conducted by the UL researchers via focus groups with a view to establishing qualitative elements behind the quantitative findings of the Climate Survey.

73 Focus Groups were conducted throughout the Defence Forces. The Focus Groups were grouped by rank (Private, Junior NCO, Senior NCO, Junior Officer, Senior Officer), based on the findings of the Climate Survey research and were held at every permanently occupied Post /Barracks in the Defence Forces and on the Golan Heights where a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force are deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

I have been advised that a very significant volume of raw data has been gathered for analysis. UL have informed the Defence Forces that the Focus Group analysis will be provided in Q2/Q3 2017.

15/02/2017WRB01000Air Corps Strength

15/02/2017WRB0110049. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to fill important vacancies across the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7106/17]

15/02/2017WRB01200Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500

190 15 February 2017 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.

I am informed that Air Corps personnel are an attractive employment source for other air- lines and air service providers given their experience and training.

Every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Defence Forces. In the case of the Air Corps, there are 28 cadets, in 3 classes, undergoing the various stages of the Air Corps cadetship to become pilots. There are currently 8 Air Corps cadets in the final stages of their training with commissioning of these cadets likely to take place in Quarter 4 of this year. In addition, a Cadet recruitment campaign is due to commence before the end of Quarter 1, 2017 with a view to the commencement of training in September 2017. Four personnel will complete their Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year. The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, and it is anticipated that up to eight (8) will be selected for training, qualifying in May 2018 and May 2019. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched. It is anticipated that promotions from this competition will commence in Quarter 3 2017. The 2017 Air Corps Apprenticeship competition is due to commence shortly and it is planned that following this process, 25 new Air Corps apprentices will be inducted in late September 2017 to commence their training.

15/02/2017WRB01300Defence Forces Operations

15/02/2017WRB0140050. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of times aid to the civil power functions were carried out by Defence Forces personnel in Shannon Airport with regard to US military aircraft in 2016; his views on whether the ongoing use of Shannon Airport by the US military could make Ireland, in practice, part of a military alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7138/17]

15/02/2017WRB0150061. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the proportion of the total spend on aid to civil power duties by his Department that was spent on performing aid to civil power duties for United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon Airport in 2016. [7340/17]

15/02/2017WRB0160068. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the criteria or protocols in place that enable or allow the Army to operate in Shannon Airport including the person or body that makes the decision to deploy the Army to Shannon, the purposes for same and the circumstances under which; the total cost to the State of the Army operations at Shan- non Airport from January 2016 to date in 2017 by month including the nature of the operations; the number of Army personnel deployed and the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7105/17]

15/02/2017WRB01700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 61 and 68 together.

The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, 191 Questions - Written Answers means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a form C70 to the Defence Forces to request their assistance.

Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shan- non Airport on occasion. The cost of the presence of Defence Forces at Shannon Airport, performing aid to civil power duties with regard to United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon airport in 2016 and to date in 2017 is €201,491.79 for 432 deployments. The following table details a breakdown of this figure.

Month (2016) No. of Deployments Costs € January 36 15,457.23 February 27 13,896.72 March 39 15,492.39 April 47 15,101.14 May 33 15,422.07 June 39 15,007.38 July 22 15,293.15 August 26 15,340.03 September 35 14,960.50 October 46 15,574.13 November 22 14,808.14 December 24 15,316.59 January (2017) 26 15,340.03 February (2017 to date) 10 4,482.29 Total 432 201,491.79 The costs relate to security duty allowance paid to members of the Defence Forces, rations and fuel. The cost of ATCP operations are met entirely from the Defence Vote. There is no separate budget line as decisions are taken in respect of these operations on a case by case basis. Therefore, the information on the proportion of the total spend on ATCP operations that are spent on these ATCP deployments in Shannon is not readily available.

For security reasons it would not be appropriate to disclose the details regarding the number of personnel assigned to each deployment.

The issue of overflights by foreign military aircraft and the use of Shannon Airport by foreign military aircraft is the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Suc- cessive Governments have made overflight and landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States for well over 50 years. These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with t he US and are governed by strict conditions, applied to ensure compat- ibility with our traditional policy of military neutrality.

I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.

15/02/2017WRB01800Defence Forces Properties

15/02/2017WRB0190051. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if consideration

192 15 February 2017 will be given by his Department to the provision of a site for a new school campus for the existing three Curragh schools that currently operate in substandard accommodation; if his officials will engage with the Department of Education and Skills on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7336/17]

15/02/2017WRB02000Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): There are currently three schools operating within the Curragh Camp.

The Post Primary School, the Curragh Boys National School and the Curragh Girls School.

While the provision of schools is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills in the first instance I will of course consider any proposals regarding the development of schools on Department lands which are no longer required for military use. As well as enabling the provision of new schools such a proposal would result in the existing schools being removed from the Camp which would assist with the ongoing refurbishment and modernisation of the Camp facilities.

15/02/2017WRB02100Protected Disclosures Data

15/02/2017WRB0220052. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the length of time it has taken his Department to respond to all protected disclosures made by members of the Defence Forces. [7335/17]

15/02/2017WRB0230054. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the length of time it took his Department to respond to the protected disclosures of members of the Air Corps regarding hazardous working conditions in the paint shop at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7334/17]

15/02/2017WRB02400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 54 together.

Under the provisions of my Department’s customer charter it is policy to acknowledge written and electronic customer correspondence within 3 working days of receipt, unless a defini- tive reply can be issued within 5 days. With regard to the protected disclosures submitted in respect of health and safety issues in the Air Corps these were each delivered to my Department by hand in late 2015 and January 2016 and as such their receipt would have been acknowledged in person at the time they were submitted. In addition, supplementary correspondence has been acknowledged as it was received. The disclosures received were from current and former members of the Defence Forces.

Legal advice was sought at an early opportunity on how best to progress certain elements of the disclosures related to matters which were, and still are, the subject of litigation.

It was decided that an external reviewer should be appointed. I believe that in this instance it is important that I get a clear and independent view of the issues raised by those who have made disclosures.

With some difficulty, an appropriate individual was identified and I appointed him in July 2016 to carry out a review of the disclosures. However, in the event, he was ultimately not in a position to carry out the review.

In September 2016, I appointed an alternative independent third party to review the allegations made in the outstanding disclosures and those making the disclosures were informed of

193 Questions - Written Answers this fact.

In late November 2016, the interim recommendations and observations from the independent third party were submitted to me, and in December, I asked that these be passed to the military authorities for immediate action and response.

On 7 January, 2017, the Department received a response from the military authorities outlining the actions underway and this has been forwarded to the independent reviewer for consideration. I understand that the reviewer has reviewed this material, and has initiated a number of meetings in order to finalise his review.

In addition to the three protected disclosures mentioned above, my Department has received a further 3 disclosures which having been assessed, were deemed protected disclosures under the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. Of these, two have been resolved and the third is ongoing. In addition, I am in receipt of a disclosure received on 27 January 2017 which is currently being assessed.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 47.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 52.

15/02/2017WRB02700Overseas Missions

15/02/2017WRB0280055. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the presence of Defence Forces personnel on the Golan Heights in essence protecting illegal Israeli occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7339/17]

15/02/2017WRB02900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The United Na- tions Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on 31 May 1974 by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 350 (1974), following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights in May 1974.

UNDOF was established to:

- Maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria;

- Supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces; and

- Supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.

Since 1974, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months, most recently renewed in December 2016 until 30 June 2017 under UNSCR 2330 (2016).

A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights since 2013 and operates in the role of a Quick Reaction Force.

Since its temporary relocation from a number of positions in September 2014 and pending the time when UNDOF returns fully to the area of separation, UNDOF has, in line with its mandate from UNSCR 350 continued to maintain credible presence in the Golan and use its best efforts to implement its mandate. On 14 November 2016, UNDOF completed the initial phase of the incremental return of the mission to Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the Area of Separation where Fijian and Nepalese troops are now based.

194 15 February 2017 In this context, UNDOF continues to engage with the parties on practical arrangements to allow the Force to continue to maintain the ceasefire, monitor, verify and report on violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and exercise its critical liaison functions with the parties in order to implement its mandate.

In a recent report on UNDOF, the UN Secretary-General has stated that the continued presence of UNDOF in the area remains essential and that both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and the presence of UNDOF.

Participation by the Defence Forces in UNDOF is reviewed by the Government on an annual basis. On 21 June 2016, the Government approved continued participation in the UNDOF mission for a period of twelve months up to June 2017. The Defence Forces are making a valuable contribution to this important mission. The presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring the continuing ceasefire between Israel and Syria and in the wider Middle East region.

15/02/2017WRB03000Defence Forces Medicinal Products

15/02/2017WRB0310056. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the subject of informed consent has been considered by the working group on Lariam, specifically whether Defence Forces members were in a position to give their informed consent to the taking of the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7341/17]

15/02/2017WRB03200Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As the Deputy is aware the Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Group was established in January 2011 and reported in April 2013. The Group was re-convened in August 2015.

The purpose of the Group is to review, inter alia, issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation. It is to review the De- fence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis. It is also to ensure that the procedures in relation to this continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice.

As with the Group’s original report, the current report is being produced in the context of current and potential litigation and is, therefore, legally privileged. The Group is considering a range of issues relating to malaria chemoprophylaxis and Lariam and has obtained advice from leading medical experts.

15/02/2017WRB03300Defence Forces Medical Services

15/02/2017WRB0340057. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to commission an independent review of mental health services for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7103/17]

15/02/2017WRB03500Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): Mental health services are part of the range of medical services provided so as to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are medically fit to undertake the duties assigned to them and to treat any medical conditions arising which would inhibit their capacity to undertake such duties. The mental health support services, available to members of the Permanent Defence Force, range from psychiatric and psychological services to the Personnel Support Service and cover the diagno-

195 Questions - Written Answers sis and treatment of psychiatric or psychological disorders through to counselling and critical incident stress management.

The Personnel Support Service is a confidential information, education, support and refer- ral service designed to give Defence Forces personnel access to information and services both from within the military system and outside it. The service is also available to the families of serving personnel.

A Confidential Helpline & Counselling Service for serving personnel who are in crisis has also been contracted. This service can refer individuals in crisis for counselling in their local area. The service complements existing Defence Forces personnel support services.

Having regard to difficulties in recruiting medical personnel, and specifically doctors to the Defence Forces, it has been necessary to identify alternative options for the provision of medical services. In this connection a joint civil/military Standing Committee has been set up with a view to advancing the development of a sustainable integrated medical service and to address the appropriate means of delivery of key medical capabilities for the Defence Forces. An integrated model for the provision of the required medical services, involving both the Medical Corps and outsourced service provision, where appropriate, is currently being progressed.

A review of each medical service, including mental health services, is being carried out by the committee in order to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the most appropriate means of delivering key medical capabilities to the Defence Forces.

15/02/2017WRB03600Defence Forces Strength

15/02/2017WRB0370058. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which optimum strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be achieved; the number of personnel who retired in the past 12 months; the extent of any recruitment likely or required in the short and medium term as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7347/17]

15/02/2017WRB03800Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As of the 31 De- cember, 2016 the strength of the PDF (whole-time equivalent) was 9,126 personnel, comprising:

- Army: 7,332 personnel,

- Naval Service: 1,090 personnel and

- Air Corps: 704 personnel.

There were 654 retirements from the Defence Forces in 2016 and 690 new entrants were inducted (590 General Service and 100 Cadets).

The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent De- fence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels. 196 15 February 2017 All efforts are currently being directed at recruitment in order to return the Defence Forces to their approved establishment. Regular competitions are held for recruitment of enlisted personnel, cadets and other staff.

In that regard, General Service Competitions and Cadetship Competitions will be launched in Q1 of this year. I am advised by the military authorities that their planned target is to induct approximately 900 new entrants to the Defence Forces across all services and competition streams in 2017.

15/02/2017WRB03900Air Corps Strength

15/02/2017WRB0400059. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in the Air Corps, by role, in 2016 and to date in 2017; the length of time required to fill each role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7102/17]

15/02/2017WRB04100Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The serving strength of the Air Corps as at 31 December, 2016 was 704 personnel (whole time equivalent). The overall establishment figure for the Air Corps (as set out in Defence Forces Regulations CS4) is 887.

Due to the complexity of the task and the resources required, it is not possible to provide a complete breakdown of vacancies for all roles in the Air Corps for a specific given period of time. The following table is a breakdown of some of the more technical, aviation related current job vacancies. However, it is important to note that these vacancies do not include those on long term detachment to other parts of the organisation and that this is not an exhaustive list of all vacant positions in the Air Corps. The vacancies not accounted for in the table are across all ranks. These vacancies are in appointments pertaining to a variety of different support roles such as administration and ground support services.

ROLE ESTABLISHMENT CURRENT VACANCIES Pilots (Officers) 107 26 Aero Engineers (Officers) 18 1 Air Traffic Controllers (Of- 8 11 4 4 ficers) (Non-Commissioned Officers) Aircraft Technicians (Non- 187 134 28 69 Commissioned Officers) Airmen / Airwomen TOTALS 321 132 In terms of the filling of Air Corps Non-Commissioned Officer vacancies, the 2017 NCO Promotion Competition commenced with effect from 8th February 2017. It is envisaged that as a result of this promotion competition, suitably qualified personnel will fill appropriate vacancies that currently exist.

Currently any Air Corps Officer vacancies that exist are as a result of personnel not being qualified in accordance with Defence Force Regulations. Where vacancies exist and personnel are qualified, the Military Authorities make every effort to ensure that the expedient promotion of such personnel occurs.

Due to the complexity of the task and the variances in qualifications needed to fill differing positions in the Air Corps, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the length of time required

197 Questions - Written Answers to fill every vacant position.

15/02/2017WRB04200Defence Forces Allowances

15/02/2017WRB0430060. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when Naval Service personnel who served in the Mediterranean Sea will receive the additional hazard allowance of €15 per day; the number of personnel eligible for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7342/17]

15/02/2017WRB04400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): PDFORRA, the Representative Association for enlisted personnel, submitted a claim for an Overseas Armed Peace Support Allowance to be paid to personnel deployed to the humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean (Operation Pontus). In discussions, through the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme, with officials from my Department agreement could not be reached on the payment of the claim and the matter was forwarded for third party Adjudication on 26 October 2016.

The Adjudication hearing was adjourned to allow for further negotiations between the parties where agreement was reached on an additional payment to relevant personnel. My Offi- cials are currently in discussions with officials from the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform with a view to bringing this issue to a conclusion.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 50.

Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 40.

15/02/2017WRB04700Health and Safety Regulations

15/02/2017WRB0480063. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if health and safety investigations have been initiated by the other branches of the Defence Forces, whether by themselves or by external health and safety experts, to ensure that no other military personnel are exposed to the dangerous and carcinogenic materials or chemicals without the appropriate protective clothing, adequate training or basic equipment; and if he is satisfied that no other damning report such as that from the Health and Safety Authority into practices at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel will emerge. [7299/17]

15/02/2017WRB04900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and for the Military Authorities. I am advised that it is the policy of the Defence Forces to manage Health and Safety risks to all of its members. This is achieved in line with national Health and Safety regulations. The Defence Forces are committed to continuous risk mitigation and encourage inputs from its stakeholders to ensure that the work environment is as safe as possible.

In addition to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) report following inspections at Case- ment Aerodrome, Baldonnel, I am advised by the military authorities that one other inspection was carried out by the HSA in January 2017 in the Communications and Information Service Corps workshops in the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC), Curragh Camp. The report on this HSA inspection is expected in the coming weeks.

The DFTC Health and Safety Officer will address any findings of this report in an appropriate manner. A follow up visit by the HSA is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.

198 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRB05000Defence Forces Ombudsman

15/02/2017WRB0510064. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to extend the remit of the Defence Forces Ombudsman by removing the restrictions to its remit as per the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 and as highlighted by the Ombudsman in his most recent annual report. [7300/17]

15/02/2017WRB05200Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established as an independent statutory office, under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. The Ombudsman has full independence and autonomy in the discharge of his statutory functions. The function of the Ombudsman is to act as the ultimate point of appeal for, and administrative investigation into, complaints made by members and former members of the Defence Forces against another member or former member of the Defence Forces, or against a civil servant of the Department of Defence.

Under the provisions of section 5 of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, certain actions are excluded from investigation by the Ombudsman. The main categories of exclusion are:

(a) where a complainant has already initiated legal action in respect of the matter complained of;

(b) the matter is or has been the subject of a military legal investigation and the complaint materially concerns the substantial matter, as opposed to administrative delay;

(d) any matter relating to the terms or conditions of employment in the Defence Forces within the scope of the existing statutory schemes of Conciliation and Arbitration;

(e) any matter concerning the organization, structure and deployment of the Defence Forces;

(f) any matter concerning the remission of punishments or forfeitures awarded under the Defence Act, 1954 or the administration of military prisons;

(g) if the complaint was made outside the specified time; or

(h) if the complaint relates to a matter which occurred before the commencement of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004.

In the 2015 Annual Report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces published in Decem- ber 2016, the Ombudsman recommends that elements of the exclusions provided for in section 5 of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 should be reviewed. In particular he questions why, in circumstances where maladministration is a primary consideration for an Ombuds- man, should any administrative aspect of most, if not all, of the excluded matters be outside his jurisdiction. He also questions whether those exclusions are necessary and reasonable in circumstances where his powers are limited to the making of recommendations to the Minister.

As the Deputy is aware, the State’s oversight of the role and administration of the Defence Forces is very often dealt with separately to that of the main element of the public services. Where this occurs, the State has set up specific military related parallel structures as evidenced by matters such as bargaining on pay and conditions, military law and its related ancillary structures. The Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 provides for the investigation of military administrative grievances separately to those of the general public service. While parallel structures exist for military personnel, they are dealt with in no less favourable way, having 199 Questions - Written Answers regard to their unique duties, than their civilian counterparts. The exclusions set out in Section 5 of the 2004 Act reflect in large the exclusions set out in the Ombudsman Act 1980. That said, my Department is reviewing the proposals put forward by the Ombudsman as part of an overall review of the Redress of Wrongs system in the Defence Forces.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 48.

15/02/2017WRC00200Air Corps Operations

15/02/2017WRC0030066. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to bring Baldonnel air traffic control up to full operational capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7343/17]

15/02/2017WRC00400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Air Corps is responsible for the provision of air navigation services in areas of Irish airspace designated for use by the Defence Forces including the management of air traffic at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Air Corps is currently experiencing shortages of trained air traffic control (ATC) personnel. While a plan is in place to return a full level of air traffic control services in Baldonnel which includes ongoing training of ATC personnel, the Depart- ment is also in the process of identifying options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel.

An ATC Captain to Commandant Competition was recently concluded and further targeted recruitment from within the ranks of the Defence Forces will continue in 2017 to address the current shortages.

I have previously advised the Deputy that, at the request of the military authorities, an appropriately qualified individual with significant ATC experience will provide mentorship to certain ATC personnel in Baldonnel. The Irish Aviation Authority has been approached to second an appropriate individual. Agreement, in principle, is in place and this mentorship is expected to commence in the near future.

15/02/2017WRC00500Health Insurance Community Rating

15/02/2017WRC0060067. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the Health Insurance Authority consultation paper with respect to lifetime community rating and its application to Defence Forces personnel; if he has made any representations to the Minister for Health on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7344/17]

15/02/2017WRC00700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As the deputy is no doubt aware, Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) Regulations, S.I. No. 312 of 2014, became applicable with effect from 1 May 2015. Lifetime Community Rating introduced a late entry loading on health insurance premiums for those aged 35 and older taking out private health insurance for the first time. No loading is applied to an insured person if, on 1 May 2015, the person had a continuous period of cover in an in-patient indemnity health insurance scheme prior to that date. The primary purpose of introducing Lifetime Community Rating is to encourage people to purchase private health insurance at a younger age.

200 15 February 2017 The regulation governing the Lifetime Community Rating loadings applies equally to all citizens of the State irrespective of the nature of any health care provided by their employer. It is a matter, therefore, for each citizen to decide whether they wish to take out private health insurance in order to avoid additional loadings for taking out insurance after the age of 34.

Commissioned Officers are currently provided with private health care by the State, i.e., they can be referred by the Defence Forces for private/semi-private treatment in civilian hospitals or private consultants’ rooms, where it is deemed necessary.

Meetings have been held between officials of my Department and the Department of Health on 30 April 2015 and 8 January 2016 to discuss the position of Defence Forces personnel with regard to the Lifetime Community Rating regulations. The Department of Health considers that the arrangements in place for Defence Forces personnel do not comply with health insurance legislation or its key principles of community rating, open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefit. The Department of Health has forwarded to the Health Insurance Authority the concerns relating to members of the Defence Forces regarding Lifetime Community Rating.

The Health Insurance Authority, the statutory regulator for the Irish private health insurance market, has commenced a review of the operation of the Lifetime Community Rating regulations. It has invited submissions from stakeholders and interested parties via a consultation paper. The concerns relating to members of the Defence Forces have been included in the consultation paper. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 3 March 2017.

I welcome the fact that the Health Insurance Authority has issued the consultation paper. I can confirm that my Department will be making a submission to the Health Insurance Authority as part of the review process reflecting the position of the Defence Organisation.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 50.

15/02/2017WRC00800Defence Forces Reserve

15/02/2017WRC0090069. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to launch a recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7333/17]

15/02/2017WRC01000Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): A rolling recruitment campaign for the RDF General Service was launched in September 2015. As of 31 December, 2016 there were a total of 5,891 applicants (of which 726 were female) as set out below:

- Army Reserve – 5,120 applicants (of which were 579 female) and

- Naval Service Reserve – 771 applicants (of which 147 were female).

The Defence Forces will continue to process applicants from this campaign through the various competition stages.

The Defence Forces are reviewing the 2015/2016 RDF Competition and as part of this process are examining the competition model to be used in 2017. I am informed that a new Reserve Recruitment Campaign is planned for Q3 2017.

As the Deputy will be aware, a key challenge is to recruit, train and retain sufficient personnel to meet the reserve establishment provided for in the White Paper. It is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of both PDF and RDF recruitment so as to deliver the 201 Questions - Written Answers desired effects in terms of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned by Government and to advance the single-force structure. However, within that framework and having regard to the training capacity of the Defence Forces, I am anxious to accelerate the rate of recruitment to the RDF.

15/02/2017WRC01100Naval Service Operations

15/02/2017WRC0120070. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the hugely successful Naval Service rescue mission in the Mediterranean was scaled back over the most dangerous winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7338/17]

15/02/2017WRC01300Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): Following Gov- ernment Decisions on 12 May 2015 and 6 April 2016, Irish Naval Vessels were deployed to the Mediterranean from May to November 2015 and from May to December 2016 to assist the Italian Authorities with the migrant crisis.

The number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea in both 2015 and 2016 was higher during these months when weather conditions were more favourable to make the journey. Irish participation in the humanitarian mission in 2015 and 2016 resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants. The deployment of Irish Naval vessels during these months, when the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean was at its highest, was the most effective use of limited resources.

Decisions in relation to the deployment of Defence Forces contingents overseas are considered on the basis of capacity to achieve the mission mandate, resource availability and sustainability. The Naval Service operation in the Mediterranean is considered in the context of existing demands on the Naval Service having regard to their domestic role in fishery protection and as the principle seagoing agency of the State. As the Deputy will appreciate, within a defined resource envelope, an appropriate balance must be struck between the domestic operational demands on the Naval Service and potential overseas deployments. On the basis of such considerations, in 2016, it was decided to deploy three vessels to the Mediterranean for tours of approximately 12 weeks each, similar to that which was deployed in 2015.

The question of deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently being considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources.

15/02/2017WRC01400Defence Forces Properties

15/02/2017WRC0150071. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to develop a schools campus on his Department’s lands. [7098/17]

15/02/2017WRC0160076. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the assistance he will provide to the three schools located in the Curragh Camp to bring their conditions up to an acceptable level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7097/17]

15/02/2017WRC01700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 76 together.

While the provision of schools is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills in the first instance I will of course consider any proposals regarding the development of schools on 202 15 February 2017 Department lands which are no longer required for military use. As well as enabling the provision of new schools such a proposal would result in the existing schools being removed from the Camp which would assist with the ongoing refurbishment and modernisation of the Camp facilities.

There are currently three schools operating within the Curragh Camp, the Post Primary School, the Curragh Boys National School and the Curragh Girls School.

The maintenance and upkeep of the schools are a matter for the Department of Education And Skills.

15/02/2017WRC01800Air Corps Strength

15/02/2017WRC0190072. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress made with filling personnel vacancies in the Air Corps which are urgently required for the transport service for transplant patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7101/17]

15/02/2017WRC02000Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The HSE’s Aero- medical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of transport arrangements for paediatric organ transplant transfers to the UK. Air transport for these patients is currently provided in three ways: Air Corps fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft; Irish Coast Guard rotor-wing aircraft; and private air ambulance providers.

As one of the components of the Defence Forces, the Air Corps contributes to all roles assigned by Government including responsibilities relating to the provision of Aid to the Civil Power and maritime security tasks. Like other elements of the Defence Forces, the Air Corps also undertakes other roles in accordance with agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

In this context, the Department of Defence has an SLA with the Department of Health and the HSE for the Air Corps to use its fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to transport patients and medical teams between hospitals within Ireland and abroad, on an as available basis. In accordance with the SLA, this availability is dependent upon the availability of suitable aircraft, the availability of flying crews and the suitability of weather conditions. The terms of the SLA do not provide for the Air Corps to deliver a dedicated, 24/7 transport service.

This approach was maintained in the White Paper on Defence (2015) which stated that the Air Corps will continue to provide an emergency inter-hospital transfer service in support of the HSE on an as available basis. This means that fixed or rotary wing aircraft are not required to be on standby for this purpose. However, if such aircraft and personnel are available when requested for a mission, they can be deployed.

I can confirm that the level of availability of Air Corps aircraft for inter-hospital transfer tasks has reduced. This is largely because the Air Corp has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel which is outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel. This has led to a shortage of experienced pilots which has reduced the number of available flying crews. Due to these crew shortages, aircraft availability for the inter-hospital air ambulance service is reduced.

Every effort is being made to address the H.R. challenges for the Defence Forces. In the case of the Air Corps, there are 28 cadets, in 3 classes, undergoing the various stages of the Air Corps cadetship to become pilots. In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2017. 203 Questions - Written Answers A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched. Promotions from this competition will commence in Q3 2017.

My officials will continue to keep the Department of Health and the HSE fully informed of the situation in the Air Corps. The Department of Health, the HSE, the Department of Defence and other key stakeholders are working together to optimise availability of air transport within current arrangements and to identify longer term options.

15/02/2017WRC02100Defence Forces Equipment

15/02/2017WRC0220073. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be upgraded in terms of military equipment, transport including aircraft, sea-going vessels and road and land vehicles; the extent to which such equipment remains in line with best practice internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7348/17]

15/02/2017WRC02300Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the De- fence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me, and the White Paper on Defence recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.

In this regard, Budget 2017 secured a capital spending allocation of €74 million, representing an increase of €7 million on the 2017 Defence allocation contained in the 2016-21 capital investment programme. This allocation will facilitate the investment necessary to ensure that the Defence Forces have the equipment and infrastructure to deliver on all their roles as set out in the White Paper.

The Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements both at home and overseas. There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030. A small number of armoured logistical and utility vehicles are also being procured for force protection.

The Air Corps will see the Cessna fleet replaced with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The aircraft specification is currently being prepared and it is expected that the tender competition will be initiated and advertised on the e-tenders website in the near future. The two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft are due for replacement in 2019. The CASAs will be replaced with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft to enhance maritime surveillance and to provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.

The current Naval Service Ship replacement programme has already seen the replacement of three Naval Service vessels. The White Paper underpins the ongoing replacement of the 204 15 February 2017 Naval Service fleet. An agreement was reached in June 2016 for the provision of an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built to the same specifications as the three newest vessels. This ship is scheduled for delivery in mid 2018. Future Naval Service capabilities are being planned as part of the White Paper project planning process which will determine the Defence Organisa- tion’s maritime capability requirements.

I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped, in line with international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 42.

15/02/2017WRC02400Defence Forces Recruitment

15/02/2017WRC0250075. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to initiate a new recruitment campaign for the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7332/17]

15/02/2017WRC02600Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 31 December, 2016 was 9,126 personnel, comprising: - Army: 7,332 personnel, - Naval Service: 1,090 personnel and - Air Corps: 704 personnel.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Plans are being put in place to run a new General Service recruitment competition in the coming weeks. The intake of Cadets into the Permanent Defence Force is normally carried out on an annual basis, taking into consideration the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and the resource envelope allocated to Defence. It is planned to launch the 2017 Cadetship competitions shortly. Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. General Service recruitment and recruitment of further apprentices is also planned for 2017.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 71.

15/02/2017WRD00300Defence Forces Training

15/02/2017WRD0040077. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the development of a peace and leadership institute at the Curragh Camp; the next steps relating to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7350/17] 205 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRD00500Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Programme for a Partnership Government and the White Paper on Defence published in 2015 include a commitment to evaluate the potential development a new Institute for Peace Support and Lead- ership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh. It is foreseen that the new Institute will have international standing and contribute to the overall development of knowledge and experience in the areas of peace support, leadership and conflict resolution.

Scoping work was carried out on the proposal throughout 2016 and still continues. A concept paper has been developed and some initial consultation with national and international third level and research institutes and potential philanthropic contributors has also taken place. The evaluation is expected to be completed in 2017.

15/02/2017WRD00600Proposed Legislation

15/02/2017WRD0070078. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider introducing legislation similar to the Defence Forces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity) Act 2013 to pardon Free State troops who were executed or imprisoned by the State for switching allegiance to the IRA during the Civil War. [7301/17]

15/02/2017WRD00800Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Act referred to in the legislation was introduced so as to provide for the granting of an amnesty and, as appropriate, an immunity from prosecution, to those members of the Defence Forces who served with Forces, (including the Armed Forces of a country) fighting on the Allied side during the Second World War and were subsequently found guilty by a Military Tribunal of, or who were or who still are liable to be prosecuted for, desertion or being absent without leave, or who were dismissed from the Defence Forces. The circumstances giving rise to that legislation are very different to those which relate to what the Deputy now seeks.

As the Deputy will appreciate, commemoration and remembrance of the events leading up to the establishment of the State and of the immediate period thereafter will require detailed and empathetic consideration. The Government will continue to mark significant events throughout the Decade of Centenaries. This will be based on the inclusive, open and consultative approach that has worked so well for last year’s commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Rising. At all times, the Government has been supported in its plans by the guidance and advice of the Ex- pert Advisory Group on Commemorations, which was established by the Taoiseach in 2011 and which is chaired by Dr Maurice Manning. The role of the group is to advise the Government on historical matters relating to the Decade of Centenaries and to ensure that significant events are commemorated accurately, proportionately and appropriately.

At this time no proposals in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy or events related thereto have been brought forward.

15/02/2017WRD00900Appointments to State Boards

15/02/2017WRD0100079. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the number of non-Irish nationals who have been appointed to State and semi-State boards. [7536/17]

15/02/2017WRD01100The Taoiseach: I make appointments to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) in accordance with the provisions of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006, and the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010 - SI 603/2010. 206 15 February 2017 The legislation provides that I appoint up to 20 members on the nomination of the organisations and interests set out, up to 6 public servants, and up to 8 independent members. Of the 8 independent appointees, members are mainly from the academic sector and nationality is not a specific criterion for appointment. The five year term of the NESC has expired and consideration of the arrangements for a new Council is ongoing.

The Statistics Act 1993 gives me authority to make appointments to National Statistics Board (NSB). I have delegated this authority to the Minister of State at my Department and Government Chief Whip, Regina Doherty TD.

The Statistics Act 1993 provides for an eight member National Statistics Board, the Director General of the CSO, ex officio; one representative each from my Department and the Depart- ment of Finance, two nominated by the Minister of State and three by organisations representative of the users of official statistics and providers of information under the Act. The term of the NSB ended on 31 December last. Nationality is not a criterion for appointment to the NSB.

I do not have any information in relation to the nationality of members on both boards but the names of each member is available on www.stateboards.ie which is managed by the Depart- ment of Public Expenditure and Reform.

15/02/2017WRD01200Appointments to State Boards

15/02/2017WRD0130080. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the gender breakdown on State and semi-State boards since 2011. [7537/17]

15/02/2017WRD01400Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): While I have a lead and coordinating role, it is a matter for each Minister to ensure that each State board under his or her aegis has the appropriate gender balance. From the information provided to my Department, in August 2016 43.0 per cent of State boards had met the target of 40 per cent representation of each gender. Overall 37.8 per cent of places on State boards were held by women. This is a positive step forward over December 2011, when female representation on State boards was 33.9 per cent and 31.3 per cent of State boards had met the 40 per cent target.

As the Deputy will be aware, the achievement of gender balance of 40 per cent on State boards is a target in the Programme for a Partnership Government and will be pursued as part of the forthcoming National Women’s Strategy.

15/02/2017WRD01500Legal Services Regulation

15/02/2017WRD0160081. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the Legal Services Regulatory Authority will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7462/17]

15/02/2017WRD01700Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The setting-up of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority has been under way since 19 July 2016 when, under S.I. No. 383 of 2016, I commenced those provisions of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 as necessary to get the new Authority up and running, particularly in terms of its membership and appointment. On 29 September 2016, I signed the Or- der appointing 1 October 2016 as the official “establishment day” of the Regulatory Authority as provided under section 7 of the 2015 Act - S.I. No. 507 of 2016 refers. In conjunction with

207 Questions - Written Answers these initial steps the nomination, approval and appointment procedures for the members of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority set out in Part 2 of the 2015 Act were also completed. This has included the required resolutions approving such appointment having been passed by each House of the Oireachtas. Dr. Don Thornhill has also been appointed as Chairperson of the Regulatory Authority in accordance with the Act.

The Authority, which has eleven members including a lay majority and lay-Chairperson, held its inaugural meeting on 26 October 2016 and has been meeting monthly since then with its most recent meeting having taken place on 19 January 2017. Initial office accommodation has been provided for the Authority by my Department along with the secondment of an officer at Assistant Principal level in support of its start-up phase. Funding support of €1 million has also been provided to the new Authority by my Department in December on a strictly recoupable basis as the new Authority will be self-funding by levy. In the building up of capacity and resources to become fully operational, the Legal Services Regulatory Authority has recently appointed a person to fulfil the duties of its Chief Executive on a solely interim basis to drive the initial start-up phase. At the same time this will enable the Authority to prepare the way for the public recruitment of a full-time Chief Executive in the coming months having had the opportunity to more clearly identify its existing and future management needs and capacities in real time.

As part of the commencement of Part 2 of the 2015 Act, the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Honourable Society of the King’s Inns have furnished the Legal Services Regulatory Authority with copies of their professional codes as required within one month of the Author- ity’s establishment under section 23(6)(a). On 5 December 2016, under S.I. No. 630 of 2016, I also commenced sections 118 to 120 of the 2015 Act. These provisions set statutory delivery deadlines for the completion of public consultations and reports by the new Regulatory Author- ity on the specified matters concerned. These relate to Legal Partnerships, Multi-Disciplinary Practices and certain restrictions on barristers in relation to direct access on contentious matters and the holding of clients’ monies. The working focus right now is on the managed roll-out of the Authority’s remaining functions in tandem with the phased commencement during the year of the various remaining Parts and provisions of the 2015 Act.

The current focus includes the phased commencement of respective sections or Parts of the 2015 Act such as those dealing with the introduction of a more transparent legal cost regime, the establishment of a Roll of Practising Barristers and the separate introduction under the Act of Pre-Action Protocols. It also includes the transition of the Office of the Taxing-Master to that of the new Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator which is a substantial structural reform of an office of the High Court and for which I have also introduced and commenced additional supporting measures under the Courts Bill which was enacted on 28 December 2016. Follow- ing these steps the key provisions centred around Part 6 of the Act dealing with the new public complaints and professional conduct and disciplinary procedures, and the appointment of the new Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, will be commenced.

These are substantial tasks involving detailed preparation for which I know the new Author- ity, with the direct engagement of its interim Chief Executive, is actively building up its working resources in the short term. My Department and the new Regulatory Authority will, therefore, continue to liaise closely to ensure that we can successfully coordinate the identification of necessary steps and commencement, from my side as Minister, and delivery, by the Authority as the new independent statutory regulator, of the various provisions concerned.

15/02/2017WRD01800Court Judgments

208 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRD0190082. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equal- ity the number of persons who received custodial sentences for the non-payment of fines broken down by period of sentence, for example, less than one week, more than one week and less than one month, one to three months and other, for each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7504/17]

15/02/2017WRD02000Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I wish to inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has provided the following information:

Warrant Overall Year 2013 Year 2014 Year 2015 Length Grp Less than 1 week 3,568 3,856 4,230 1 week to less than a 3,959 4,570 5,211 month 1 month to less than 413 395 306 3 months 3 months to less than 180 157 134 6 months 6 months to less than 1 1 1 12 months 12 months to less 0 0 1 than 24 months Total 8,121 8,979 9,883

For all fines imposed up to 10th January, 2016, the Judge, in fixing the fine, also fixed the period of time to be spent in prison if the fine wasn’t paid.

The Deputy will be aware that with effect from 11 January, 2016 the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 was commenced with the new system for the payment and recovery of fines being implemented on that date. Under this Act the law has been radically reformed in relation to the payment and recovery of fines. The Act provides an appropriate response to the problems of the refusal or failure of some people to pay fines and the inappropriateness of imprisonment as the automatic response where this happens. The system that is now in place is logical and proportionate and provides an option for persons to pay fines by instalment along with other changes in the way those who fail to pay fines are dealt with.

15/02/2017WRD02100Court Judgments

15/02/2017WRD0220083. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equal- ity the number of persons who received a custodial sentence for possession of a proscribed substance that was clearly intended for their own personal use, broken down by period of sentence, for example, up to one month, one to three months, three to six months, six to 12 months and greater than one year, for each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7505/17]

15/02/2017WRD02300Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy may be 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.

209 Questions - Written Answers However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that court statistics do not define or categorise cases in relation to possession of a proscribed substance intended for personal use and therefore the Courts Service is not able to provide the information requested by the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRD02400Child Abuse

15/02/2017WRD0250084. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Question No. 1682 of 17 January 2017, the role the Garda will have in the process of creating a national service model for sexual abuse services for children and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7508/17]

15/02/2017WRD02600Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The Dep- uty will appreciate that the development of the national service model which she refers to is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made enquiries with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and am advised that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is currently leading a national, multiagency process to implement a national service model for sexual abuse services for children and their families. Tusla has advised that An Garda Síochána are represented on the National Steering Committee for Sexual Abuse Services which has been established to facilitate and promote integration and coordination of the key stakeholder agencies in the development of sexual abuse services for children in Ireland. I understand that other agencies involved in this process are Tusla, the HSE, the Children’s Hospital Group, the Probation Service and the CARI Foundation.

15/02/2017WRD02700Youth Justice Strategy

15/02/2017WRD0280085. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the annual reports of the committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the diversion programme for 2015 and 2016 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7509/17]

15/02/2017WRD02900Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The An- nual Reports of the Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the statutory Diversion Programme provide an overview of youth crime in the particular year in question. As such, the reports include details of, inter alia, the number of incidents and individual children and young people referred to the Diversion Programme and the outcomes of such referrals, including a geographical breakdown by Garda region and division.

Section 44 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) requires the Garda Commissioner to submit the Committee’s reports to me for laying before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The 2015 Annual Report of the Committee has been laid before the Houses and a copy is also available on the Irish Youth Justice Service’s website at www.iyjs.ie.

The 2016 Annual Report is not yet available to me for publication from the Garda Commis- sioner.

15/02/2017WRD03000Probation and Welfare Service

15/02/2017WRD0310086. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the 210 15 February 2017 details of the budgets provided to the Probation Service for dealing with graffiti in the Dublin region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7548/17]

15/02/2017WRD03200Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The Pro- bation Service operates two graffiti removal projects as part of the Community Service Scheme. One project is based in Dublin and one in Cork. The Probation Service does not have a dedicated graffiti removal project budget. The funding for the graffiti projects is included in the overall community service budget which for 2017 is €2.897 million.

15/02/2017WRE00150Residency Permits

15/02/2017WRE0020087. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of an application for stamp 4 on the basis of de facto relationship with an Irish citizen in the case of a person (details supplied) who recently submitted their application for consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7556/17]

15/02/2017WRE00300Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has submitted an application for De Facto Partner Permission which was received on 30 January 2017. This office is currently awaiting further documentation to enable the application to be considered.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email 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 email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

15/02/2017WRE00350Garda Deployment

15/02/2017WRE0040088. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a requirement for any security by An Garda Síochána at a hotel (details supplied) since President Trump was elected; and if so, the cost of any such security costs. [7562/17]

15/02/2017WRE00500Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The Dep- uty will appreciate that I have no direct role in the determination of whether Garda security is required. This is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.

15/02/2017WRE00550Prison Service

15/02/2017WRE0060089. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to establish an office of the prison ombudsman. [7649/17]

15/02/2017WRE00700Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): It is my intention to agree to the extension of the remit of the existing Ombudsman to prisons.

This is in line with the report of the Inspector of Prisons, R.I.P., on the prisoner complaints system “Review, Evaluation and Analysis of the Operation of the present Irish Prison Service Complaints Procedure”.

211 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRE00750Court Accommodation Refurbishment

15/02/2017WRE0080090. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for a building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7659/17]

15/02/2017WRE00900Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I wish to refer the Deputy to reply given to Parliamentary Question no. 120 of 14 February 2017 from Deputy Mattie McGrath, the text of which is as follows: ‘’As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the courthouse in Tipperary town was closed in 2010 due to it being in very poor condition and consequential health and safety concerns. Since then District Court sittings have been held in accommodation at the Excel Centre in Tipperary town while Circuit Court sittings are held at Clonmel, County Tipperary.

The Courts Service has also informed me that it has no plans to return sittings to the courthouse in Tipperary town which is not in its ownership. The Courts Service has advised that it keeps the provision of court services in Tipperary under review, including how the needs of court users in Tipperary town and county can best be met into the future.”

15/02/2017WRE00950Garda Investigations

15/02/2017WRE0100091. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will establish an inquiry into the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7667/17]

15/02/2017WRE01100Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have received a copy of the correspondence referred to and I am very conscious of the seriousness of the matters which have been raised in this case. I am also mindful of the considerable distress experienced by the person in question over an extended period.

I understand that the initial complaint related to a physical assault which occurred in 2006, and for which a person was charged and convicted. Further serious complaints relating to the incident in 2006 were brought to my attention late in 2014. An Garda Síochána has since conducted a detailed investigation of the matters raised. Following the submission of an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2016, a decision was taken not to initiate a further prosecution in this matter.

I am further advised that additional complaints made by the same person were referred by the Garda Commissioner to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). GSOC subsequently submitted a file to the DPP who directed that there be no prosecution in relation to these additional complaints. However, I understand that the consideration by GSOC of some aspects of the case is ongoing.

As the Deputy will appreciate, GSOC is the independent body charged with the investigation of complaints against members of An Garda Síochána, and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to make any further comment on these matters at this time.

15/02/2017WRE01150Ministerial Travel 212 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRE0120092. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of trips outside the State taken by either her or her Minister of State, in tabular form; the locations they were to; the purpose of each trip; the duration of each trip; the officials who accompanied any Minister on each trip; and the costs of flights, accommodation and any other expenses incurred per person on each trip. [7732/17]

15/02/2017WRE01300Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I wish to inform the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the information required in the time available. The information is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.

15/02/2017WRE01350Direct Provision System

15/02/2017WRE0140093. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Gov- ernment’s ongoing rationale for preventing persons in direct provision from working in gainful employment. [7734/17]

15/02/2017WRE01500Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Section 16(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015, provides that applicants for international protection shall not seek, enter or be in employment or engage for gain in any business, trade or profession during the period before the final determination of their application.

There is an effective visa and immigration system in place for those who wish to lawfully migrate to the State for employment purposes. The key concern in this regard is that both the asylum process and the wider immigration system would be undermined by giving people who secure entry to the State, on foot of claims to asylum yet to be determined, the same access to employment as legal immigrants who follow the lawful route to employment.

The International Protection Act, commenced on the 31 December, 2016, provides for the introduction of a single application procedure for international protection, which is specifically aimed at addressing the length of time persons spend in the protection process. The new procedure will streamline and speed up the processing of protection applications, allowing all relevant matters to be submitted at the time of application for consideration. This will significantly reduce the length of time that persons spend awaiting a decision on their protection application. This will bring certainty of status at a much earlier stage to qualified applicants. Any applicant subsequently granted refugee status is entitled to enter the labour market.

15/02/2017WRE01550Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Staff

15/02/2017WRE0160094. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the type of training members of her Department or those working with asylum applicants have received in cultural awareness when dealing with foreign nationals; the proportion of her departmental staff and outside staff in front-line roles dealing with asylum seekers and refugees who have received training in dealing with survivors of rape, torture or those suffering from PTSD; if her attention has been drawn to any kind of cultural awareness training that is provided to staff members, including staff not directly employed by her Department in hostels and accommodation used for those in direct provision. [7736/17]

15/02/2017WRE01700Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Due to the nature of their work, a number of divisions within the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department receive regular cultural awareness training, which encom- 213 Questions - Written Answers passes training on how to sensitively deal with persons in the protection process who may have suffered various types of degrading treatment.

Extensive training is provided to staff in the International Protection Office (IPO) and Inter- national Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) who have responsibility for investigating applications for international protection and deciding on protection appeals respectively. Such training is based on national experiences as well as best practice approaches developed internationally by agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). The training includes interviewing skills techniques which encompass awareness of the needs of vulnerable groups such as children and victims of torture and of other types of degrading treatment. Training on cultural awareness as well as the effect of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues is also provided. Caseworkers are also trained to deal sensitively with applicants from different cultural backgrounds in the assessment of their applications including when conducting interviews. It is also the policy to ensure that each individual international protection applicant is treated with courtesy and professionalism at all times.

Training is provided by in-house trainers and, from time to time, by outside experts such as the UNHCR, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture (SPIRASI).

Members of the Office for the Promotion and Integration Office (OPMI), Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), and the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) have received anti-racism and diversity training. In addition, senior members of staff within the relocation side of the IRPP have received child protection training from Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) and training in dealing with unaccompanied minors and victims of human trafficking through the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). It is also worth noting that in advance of any refugees being resettled or relocated, staff of the IRPP carry out research into the ethnic and cultural aspects of the new communities before they arrive and also consult with the new refugees on aspects of their culture which might differ from our norms in order to prepare the receiving community for their arrival.

The HSE has also developed a suite of training programmes for persons working with refugees which includes modules dealing with persons experiencing trauma and sexual violence. This training also includes a specific module on ‘minding your own health’ for staff working in reception centres and for those working with refugees in the receiving communities.

To ensure that applicants in Direct Provision centres are treated with sensitivity to their cultural and psychological needs, RIA, along with COSC (the National Organisation for the Pre- vention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) engaged in a working group with a number of non-governmental organisations including Akidwa and the Dublin Rape Crisis Cen- tre to develop a RIA policy around incidences of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and harassment within Direct Provision Centres. Prior to the implementation of this policy in 2015, a number of two-day training programmes were delivered to centre staff by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in conjunction with Women’s Aid. The agreed policy is now operational in all centres and is available on the RIA website.

The training needs of all staff working with vulnerable migrants are kept under continual review in order to ensure that the Department and its agencies working in the area are fully equipped to deal with the various challenges that emerge when dealing with diverse cultural mores.

214 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRE01750Immigration Controls

15/02/2017WRE0180095. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with waiting times at passport control in Dublin Airport; and if she has been in contact with the authorities such as the DAA regarding making practical changes to procedure and staffing to avoid a repeat of the hour long wait. [7738/17]

15/02/2017WRE01900Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Informa- tion supplied by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in relation to queue times for arriving passengers at Dublin Airport shows that over 90% of all travellers are processed through immigration control in a matter of minutes with the figures being even higher for passengers of EU nationalities. This is in the context of passenger numbers at Dublin Airport reaching record levels last year with almost 28 million passengers using the airport. On the rare occasions that passengers may experience delays this can be for a variety of reasons including congestion arising in the terminal building due to the number of passengers disembarking from flights at peak daily periods, delayed flights due to weather conditions, or other factors including the conducting of enhanced checks on passengers or current building works in one of the immigration areas which has reduced the space available. The Irish immigration authorities have an excellent relationship with the DAA and work closely together to address queue management issues where they arise.

The Deputy will appreciate that the protection of our borders is a matter of the utmost priority and that checks undertaken on passengers must be thorough and appropriate. Issues may arise that require further processing and checks of individual passengers but every reasonable effort is made to minimise the impact on travellers. In this context, and in line with developments in other EU Member States, my Department and An Garda Síochána continues to progress a broad series of initiatives to strengthen border security. For example, since November 2016 an automated connection to INTERPOL’s Lost and Stolen Travel Documents database was rolled out to all international airports and seaports. In the first eight weeks of operating systematic checks against this Database over 700,000 documents were searched, with a number of people having been refused entry to Ireland on the basis of an alert on the system having been triggered. This has not had any significant impact on immigration processing times.

Later this year the Irish immigration authorities will begin to process Advance Passenger Information on flights into the State from outside the EU and preparations are also under way to implement the EU Directive on Passenger Name Records (PNR). These systems will provide further protection for our borders against crime, terrorism and illegal immigration threats. In addition, I expect to be in a position to award a contract for the provision of automatic border control (ABC) gates in the next few months and to begin installation at Dublin airport later in the year. This facility will be available for EU nationals with e-passports to effectively self- immigrate through the airport.

Furthermore, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will this year take on the front line checks in Terminal 2 at Dublin airport (they already carry out this function in Terminal 1 and the Transit area of Terminal 2) which will release further Gardaí for core policing duties.

15/02/2017WRE01950Garda Resources

15/02/2017WRE0200096. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is considering additional resources to allow gardaí to issue summonses to cyclists found

215 Questions - Written Answers to break road laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7739/17]

15/02/2017WRE02100Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.

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 deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Re- serve of approximately 300.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, 838 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed by the Commissioner that another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end. This acceler- ated recruitment is complemented by substantial investment in resources that will support the delivery of An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 which sets key strategic objectives for Roads Policing and will inform and guide An Garda Síochána’s road policing plans over the next 5 years.

The 2017 Garda Policing Plan has indicated a commitment to increase the number of personnel dedicated to traffic duties by 10% to reflect the increasing numbers of personnel across the entire organisation. Given that there was no recruitment for a period of five years it will take some time before there are fully trained officers available to replace the number of personnel that have retired across the entire organisation, including traffic. However, the Commissioner has confirmed that the personnel requirements of the Garda Traffic Corps is currently being assessed to identifying the most vulnerable areas in regard to serious traffic collisions and the level of compliance to Road Traffic Legislation. Combined with this data I am informed that the Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing and Major Event/Emergency Management is currently assessing the capacity of Divisions and Districts to identify and target areas where An Garda Síochána could accelerate the deployment of personnel to traffic in 2017. The filling of the vacancies identified will be conducted on a structured basis and will be further enhanced with the recently renewed recruitment campaigns to An Garda Síochána.

Road traffic legislation is, of course, also enforced as part of the day to day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. Both targeted and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána’s enforcement programme, which targets locations with a view to preventing the commission of offences, detecting errant motorists, changing their behaviour and ultimately reducing death and injuries on our roads. As roads policing is the duty of every Garda member, this duty is not reserved for Garda members of the Traffic Corps. Similarly, members of the Traffic Corps are required to engage in the core activity of An Garda Síochána concerning the prevention and detection of crime.

216 15 February 2017 The Road Traffic (Fixed Charge Offences — Cyclists) Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 331 of 2015) provide for the issuing of Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) to cyclists. I have requested details of the number of FCNs issued to cyclists in 2016, from the Garda Commissioner and I will arrange for this to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as this is to hand.

15/02/2017WRE02150Human Trafficking

15/02/2017WRE0220097. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the safeguards and supports in place for persons found to be the victims of trafficking; the procedure in place for persons residing here illegally who have been tricked by people traffickers and are therefore without documentation and reluctant to make themselves known to authorities. [7740/17]

15/02/2017WRE02300Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Ireland endeavours to achieve best practice in its victim-centred approach to combating human trafficking and provides a wide range of services to victims of trafficking. These include accommodation (where necessary), medical care and planning, psychological assistance, material assistance, legal aid and advice, security advice, vocational training and education. The Gov- ernment recognises that Human Trafficking is a hidden crime, and that victims may be reluctant to make themselves known to authorities. In making determinations as to whether a person is a suspected victim of human trafficking, An Garda Síochana takes into account any information provided by NGOs. In circumstances in which persons have no legal basis to remain in the State, the Administrative Immigration Arrangements for the Protection of Victims of Traffick- ing provide for the granting of a 60 day recovery and reflection period. This may be followed by a 6-month renewable temporary residence permission, where the trafficked person wishes to assist An Garda Síochána or other relevant authorities in any investigation or prosecution in relation to the alleged trafficking. Ireland’s approach to the issue of Human Trafficking is further set out in the Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland which was published in October 2016.

15/02/2017WRF00200Prisoner Releases

15/02/2017WRF0030098. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way a person (details supplied) was allowed to leave the State and travel to Egypt in 2009 while under the supervision of the Prison Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7741/17]

15/02/2017WRF00400Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the person in question is serving a sentence of life imprisonment. Having served 15 years in prison, he was released in 2007 in the context of a carefully structured and tightly controlled temporary release programme to live in the community under the supervision of the Probation Service, while subject to strict conditions and a schedule of weekly appointments in the prison.

In December 2008, the application to travel to Egypt was communicated to the Irish Prison Service by the person’s supervising Probation Officer in the community and was fully supported and recommended by the Probation Officer. The application to travel was approved, which included a condition that all travel arrangements and comprehensive contact details while abroad be disclosed to the Irish Prison Service in advance of the travel date.

The granting of permission for a life sentenced prisoner to travel with family on a holiday 217 Questions - Written Answers is regarded as an essential step in the re-integration process, particularly in the context of reso- cialisation and normalisation. It is important to emphasise that any applications received from life sentenced persons to travel outside of this jurisdiction are carefully judged on their own individual merits.

Finally I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that the person completed the journey without incident.

15/02/2017WRF00500Visa Applications

15/02/2017WRF0060099. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the restriction on applications for Irish visas from Libyan nationals has been in place from 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7751/17]

15/02/2017WRF00700Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I can confirm that certain restrictions on consideration of Irish visa applications from residents of Libya have been in place since August, 2014 due to the political and security situation in Libya. In doing so, all relevant considerations including the ongoing security situation in Libya and the potential economic impact of the restrictions were taken into account.

There is provision for a small number of exceptions relating to the beef industry where applications may be accepted from persons who are known to and sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and/or An Bord Bia and who have a good travel history to Ireland, the UK or the Schengen countries. Certain applications in relation to the oil industry and which are supported by the internationally recognised Government in Libya are also considered.

The position continues to be kept under review by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department.

15/02/2017WRF00800Visa Data

15/02/2017WRF00900100. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of D join family visas refused for visa applicants applying from Syria, Iraq, Af- ghanistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Yemen to join family members here in 2016 and to date in 2017 by country in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7752/17]

15/02/2017WRF01000Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Applica- tions for D Join family visas are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in my De- partment’s Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification published in December, 2013. Each visa application is decided on its own merits taking all relevant factors into account.

As with all visa services worldwide, the central concern in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country’s vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of intending visitors.

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service of my Department that the number of “join family” visas refused for nationals from the countries referred to is set out in the following table.

As the Deputy will be aware the Government is committed to taking up to 4,000 persons 218 15 February 2017 into Ireland under the International Refugee Protection Programme. Taking account of the situation in the Middle East, and the plight of the refugees, I announced that Ireland would accept 520 persons for resettlement over an 18-month period to the end of 2017. This was almost double the figure proposed for Ireland by the European Commission and was delivered a year ahead of the Commission deadline. In addition, the Government recently announced that it is extending the resettlement programme to take in a further 520 refugees from Lebanon in 2017, most of whom are of Syrian origin. 260 refugees have already been selected during a selection mission to Lebanon in October 2016 and are expected to arrive in Spring 2017. Most of these refugees are also Syrian. A further selection mission to Lebanon will be arranged in the coming months to select the remaining refugees due to come to Ireland in 2017 under the resettlement programme.

In relation to the EU Relocation Programme, Ireland has to date taken in 241 people from Greece. In November, IRPP officials travelled to Athens and interviewed a group of 84 people who once cleared for travel, are expected to arrive over the next two weeks. An IRPP mission to interview 80 people took place in Athens from 12 – 16 December. A further mission has already taken place in January which interviewed 61 people. An IRPP team are currently on the ground in Athens interviewing another group of over 90 asylum seekers. The intention thereafter is to sustain the pace of intakes throughout 2017 at the levels required to allow Ireland to meets its commitments to Greece within the time frame envisaged by the Programme.

Country ‘D’ join family visas refused D’ join family visas refused for visa applicants2016 for visa applicants2017 to date Afghanistan 4 4 Iraq 16 2 Jordan 4 0 Lebanon 3 0 Syrian Arab Republic 24 3 Turkey 5 0 Yemen 3 0

15/02/2017WRF01100Visa Data

15/02/2017WRF01200101. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equal- ity the number of visa applications made pursuant to Directive 2004/38EC from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Yemen which have been pending for six months or longer by country in tabular form; the numbers refused in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7753/17]

15/02/2017WRF01300Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

More generally, the Visa Office is currently experiencing delays in processing such applications due to the large volumes of applications of this type received particularly since the second quarter of 2015. Legal proceedings in relation to a number of similar such applications are currently before the courts, and accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that I am somewhat limited in what I can say on the matter. However, I can say that there has been an exponential increase in the number of such applications and with it increasing concerns around potential abuse of the Directive in relation to such cases. This has given rise to a current caseload in the region of

219 Questions - Written Answers 10,500 applications overall which have to be assessed very carefully to ensure that any fraudu- lent applications or potential abuses of the Directive are detected and dealt with appropriately.

While every effort generally is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of applications, their complexity, the possible need for the Visa Office to investigate, enquire into, or seek further information in relation to certain applications, and the resources available. The State has an obligation in that regard to take into account the overall integrity of its immigration system in dealing with applications.

Country Refused in 2016 Refused in 2017 Undecided applications (received more than 6 months) Afghanistan 4 1 2,671 Iraq 12 6 893 Jordan 0 0 0 Lebanon 0 0 2 Syrian Arab Repub- 6 0 1 lic Turkey 5 0 0 Yemen 1 0 25 Total 28 7 3,592

15/02/2017WRF01400Road Traffic Offences Data

15/02/2017WRF01500102. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fines issued to motorists apprehended having more than 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood but less than 80 mg, for each year since the measure was introduced under the Road Traffic Act 2012 in tabular form. [7768/17]

15/02/2017WRF01600Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): With effect from 27 October, 2011 certain offences contrary to Sections 4 and 5, Road Traffic Act, 2010 (i.e. driving, or attempting to drive, or in-charge of a vehicle while, under the influence of an intoxicant) may be dealt with by way of Fixed Penalty Notice, in lieu of the commencement of criminal proceedings, for persons deemed suitable by the Regulations.

The following table shows the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued to persons arrested having been recorded as having in excess of 50mgs of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, but less than 80mgs, for the period 2011 (October) to date in 2017 (valid to 12 February 2017).

Year No. of Fixed Charge Notices issued for Alcohol / Blood level 51-80mgs 2017 1 2016 69 2015 62 2014 47 2013 68 2012 111 2011 7

220 15 February 2017 These figures include both specified drivers (i.e. learner, novice and ‘professional’ drivers) and non-specified drivers. The penalties provided for by way of Fixed Penalty Notice for of- fenders detected in this category is €200 fine + 3 penalty points affixed to your licence in the case of non-specified drivers, and €200 fine + disqualified from driving for a period of 3 months for specified drivers.

The Deputy may be aware that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with the intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will, in future, receive a mandatory disqualification. Specifically, it is intended that those non-specified drivers detected driving between 50mg and 80mg will receive a 3-month disqualification from driving instead of 3 penalty points currently provided for in Section 29. Replacing the 3 penalty points with a 3-month disqualification is considered appropriate and proportionate in line with the other disqualification periods provided for in Section 29. This option would allow for the continuation of the administrative option for penalising drink driving offences but would result in all drink driving offences under section 29 receiving a disqualification of 3 – 6 months. I support Minister Ross’s intention to amend section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which should assist us in ensuring more effective enforcement of road traffic offences and making our roads safer. My Department will continue to assist the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in bringing these changes forward.

15/02/2017WRF01700Brexit Issues

15/02/2017WRF01800103. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been discussions between his officials and officials of the British Government regarding policing borders after the Brexit negotiations in view of the fact that justice issues now ap- pear to be a sovereign issue for the British government. [2734/17]

15/02/2017WRF01900Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): It has always been the case that Ireland and the United Kingdom cooperate closely on immigration and border matters, in particular as they relate to securing the Common Travel Area (CTA) and we will continue to cooperate, and to strengthen that cooperation, in the future. Both Governments have publicly declared their commitment to ensuring no return to a so-called ‘hard border’ on the island of Ireland. There are excellent relations at official and political level in relation to enhancing the operation of the Common Travel Area and we are committed to that continuing.

In that regard, a central feature of the operation of the CTA has been that each State enforces the other’s conditions of landing for non-EEA nationals, thus protecting each other’s borders. In addition, cooperation extends across a number of other areas including the sharing of information and at an operational level on enforcement. For example, on the information front, earlier this year new arrangements to allow for the sharing of Advanced Passenger Information between Ireland and the UK in order to further enhance the integrity of the Common Travel Area were introduced. The development of the British-Irish Visa System was facilitated by this arrangement and indeed could not have happened without the electronic sharing of information such as biometrics.

The practical impact of Brexit on the operation of the CTA is being considered between officials of the Department and the UK Home Office, including at meetings of the Common Travel Area Forum jointly chaired by the Director General of the INIS and his UK counterpart. Of course, any negotiations on Brexit itself can only commence when Article 50 is triggered. While we will continue to maintain and enhance cooperation with the UK in relation to general immigration and border enforcement, Ireland remains a committed member of the European Union and will continue to uphold the right of free movement for all EU citizens after the UK 221 Questions - Written Answers leave the Union.

15/02/2017WRF02000Stardust Fire

15/02/2017WRF02100104. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the commitment in the programme for Government on setting up an inquiry into the Stardust tragedy. [3074/17]

15/02/2017WRF02200Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The ‘Pro- gramme for a Partnership Government’ committed the Government to have full regard to “... any new evidence which emerges which would be likely to definitively establish the cause of the fire at Stardust”.

Since the passing of a motion by Dáil Éireann on 26th January 2017 which called on the Government “...to meet with the Stardust Relatives’ and Victims Committee regarding the new and updated evidence they have uncovered...”, a meeting took place between the Stardust Rela- tives and Victims’ Committee and officials from my Department on 9th February. A further meeting involving the Taoiseach and myself will be arranged with the Stardust Relatives and Victims’ Committee as soon as possible.

In addition, discussions are underway to secure an appropriate independent person to undertake the task of assessing whether or not new evidence exists that would justify establishing a Commission of Investigation. As these discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

15/02/2017WRF02300Programme for Government Initiatives

15/02/2017WRF02400105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the commitment in the programme for Government on extending Garda oversight and accountability. [4121/17]

15/02/2017WRF02500Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Since my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have overseen a significant programme of reform in Garda oversight and accountability.

The establishment of the Policing Authority represents one of the most significant and pro- gressive reforms to the justice sector over recent years and the recent transfer of the appointment function in relation to the senior ranks is a particularly important signal of this reform.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has a hugely important role in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded. I am committed to ensuring that we have in place the most effective possible mechanism for the investigation of complaints. GSOC has been operating for 10 years now, and I believe it is time to examine fundamentally the legislative provisions relating to the manner in which complaints are made to and dealt with by GSOC. Accordingly, it is my intention to seek Government approval to prepare Heads of a Bill to amend the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to enable GSOC to carry out its functions more effectively and efficiently and help continue to ensure proper accountability of the Garda Sío- chána in providing a service to the public.

The Garda Inspectorate performs a very valuable service in seeking to ensure that the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness in the operation and administration of the Garda Sío- chána is maintained. The Garda Inspectorate report ‘Changing Policing in Ireland’, published 222 15 February 2017 in December 2015, is a comprehensive report into all aspects of the administration of An Garda Síochána. Last July the Government approved my proposals for a Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána which combines the Government’s response to the report of the Garda Inspectorate and the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government to increase the visibility, effectiveness and responsiveness of An Garda Síochána. In this regard it sets out an overall vision of a Garda workforce of 21,000 comprising 15,000 Gardaí, 2,000 Reserves and 4,000 civilians to be to be achieved incrementally over five years in tandem with the delivery of reforms. The delivery of this overall vision is supported by the provision in Budget 2017 for the recruitment of 800 trainee Gardaí, up to 500 additional civilian staff and 300 Reserves.

The Garda Commissioner’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published in June 2016, is the vehicle for the implementation of the Inspectorate’s wide range of recommendations aimed at her organisation. I have asked the Policing Authority to monitor implementation of these agreed recommendations by An Garda Síochána and to report to me on progress on a quarterly basis.

I believe the new Code of Ethics, prepared by the Policing Authority and An Garda Sío- chána in conjunction with a range of stakeholders, is an important milestone. I also welcome the commitments in the Policing Plan 2017 to embed this Code into the day to day thinking and actions of the organisation.

Both I and the Government are committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána continue to provide a modern, efficient and accountable policing service and I have every confidence that the new structures which have been put in place are a significant contribution to that.

15/02/2017WRF02600Programme for Government Initiatives

15/02/2017WRF02700106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the Government’s plans for the referendum committed to in the programme for Government on Article 41.2.1 of the Constitution. [7055/17]

15/02/2017WRF02800Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): The Programme for a Partnership Government, published in May 2016, states that we will hold a referendum on Article 41.2.1 of the Constitution regarding a “woman’s life within the home”. The Tánaiste will in due course bring forward proposals for the Government’s consideration regarding the proposed approach to the referendum. Once approved by Government, the General Scheme of the referendum Bill will be drafted setting out the referendum wording and implementing legislation, if needed. No timing has been decided on yet in respect of a referendum on this matter.

15/02/2017WRF02900US Preclearance Facilities at State Airports

15/02/2017WRF03000107. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 338 of 2 February 2017, if she has received the report requested on a review of US preclearance here. [7027/17]

15/02/2017WRF03100108. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review into the preclearance agreement for Dublin and Shannon airports. [7356/17]

15/02/2017WRF03200109. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the

223 Questions - Written Answers name of the organisation appointed to carry out a review of US preclearance arrangements in Shannon and Dublin Airports; and when she expects it to report. [7048/17]

15/02/2017WRF03300Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 to 109, inclusive, together.

The Taoiseach announced at the end of January that he had ordered that a review be undertaken by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Justice and Equality of the operation of US preclearance in Dublin and Shannon Airports, and work has been continuing on the review since that time. My Department agreed to collate the contributions from the three Departments, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. I can inform the Deputies that the report of the review is close to finalisation and is expected to be submitted to the Taoiseach’s Department shortly.

Motor Tax Exemptions

15/02/2017WRG00200110. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will drop VRT on vehicles specially adapted for disability to assist ongoing access to public transport for those with disabilities and to financially assist taxi drivers looking to purchase such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7690/17]

15/02/2017WRG00300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): VRT is charged on the basis of vehicle type not vehicle use and, for VRT purposes, taxis and hackneys are taxed as passenger vehicles. I am not aware of any taxis or hackneys dedicated solely to servicing the transport needs of the disabled i.e. all such vehicles also accept fares from able-bodied passengers.

Any tax concessions for this group of vehicles would inevitably lead to pressure for the extension of the relief, on competitive grounds, to all taxis and hackneys and this would be impossible to control.

In this regard, it should be recognised that tax reliefs have proved at times to be a blunt, inflexible and expensive means of providing assistance and achieving policy aims which might be more effectively achieved through regulatory or direct expenditure means. VRT on vehicles helps to broaden the tax base and provides an important source of Exchequer revenue. I am regularly asked to introduce tax reliefs for one purpose or another, but to accede to all such requests would lead to an immediate narrowing of the tax base, therefore, I have no plans to reduce or eliminate VRT on taxis including those specially adapted for those with disabilities.

Financial Services Regulation

15/02/2017WRG00400111. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is a limit of the number of live loans that a customer can have with an individual licensed moneylender at any point in time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7516/17]

15/02/2017WRG00500112. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there are rules regarding the loan limit that a selling agent can decide upon during a face to face meeting with a customer with regard to licensed moneylending here; the process of underwriting that must apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7517/17]

15/02/2017WRG00600115. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount currently owed to licensed moneylenders here; the number of customers that are in debt to these moneylenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7520/17] 224 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRG00700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 112 and 115 together.

Anyone wishing to engage in the business of moneylending requires a licence from the Central Bank in accordance with the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Consumers of licensed moneylenders are protected by a range of provisions to which moneylenders must adhere, including but not limited to, the Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders (Moneylend- ers Code), the European Communities (Consumer Credit Agreements Regulations) 2010 and the Consumer Credit Act 1995.

There are currently 39 moneylenders licensed under Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 sector. The 2013 Report on the Licensed Moneylending Industry published by the Central Bank showed that there were around 360,000 customers of licensed moneylenders with outstanding loan amounts in the region of €200 million at that time. I understand that it is the intention of the Central Bank to prioritise a review of the Moneylenders Code with a view to issuing a consultation paper on this in Q4 2017.

The legislation does not prescribe a limit in respect of the number of loans a consumer can have with an individual licensed moneylender at any point in time. Before entering into a loan a licensed moneylender has a statutory duty under Regulation 11 of the European Communities (Consumer Credit Agreements Regulations) 2010 to assess the creditworthiness of a consumer, using sufficient information. In addition, the Moneylenders Code sets out a range of provisions in respect of a licensed moneylender’s engagement with its consumers. For example, the Moneylenders Code requires a licensed moneylender (a) to act fairly, with due skill and care, in the best interests of its consumers, (b) to disclose the high cost nature of loans by way of a pre- scribed “Warning” statement and (c) not to offer unsolicited pre-approved credit facilities. The Moneylenders Code also sets out requirements in respect of how complaints should be handled and requires licensed moneylenders to notify consumers of their right to refer unresolved complaints to and provide the contact details of the Financial Services Ombudsman.

Financial Services Regulation

15/02/2017WRG00800113. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there are limits on the amount of cash that a licensed moneylending agent can have in their possession or in their vehicle in the course of their work; if there are any security concerns arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7518/17]

15/02/2017WRG00900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Anyone wishing to engage in the business of moneylending requires a licence from the Central Bank in accordance with the Con- sumer Credit Act 1995. Consumers of licensed moneylenders are protected by a range of provisions to which moneylenders must adhere, including but not limited to, the Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders (Moneylenders Code), the European Communities (Consumer Credit Agreements Regulations) 2010 and the Consumer Credit Act 1995.

However, the relevant legislation does not prescribe any limits on the amount of cash that a licensed moneylending agent can have in their possession or in their vehicle in the course of their work. Any such limits and any resulting security concerns arising are a matter for the licensed moneylender to consider.

Financial Services Regulation

225 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRG01000114. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the agents that meet with the customers at their home are generally employed by the moneylender or are self-employed with regard to licensed moneylending here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7519/17]

15/02/2017WRG01100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The legislation provides that a moneylender can appoint agents to act on its behalf under Section 97(1) of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (CCA). However, the licensed moneylender is responsible for ensuring its ongoing compliance with the Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders, the European Com- munities (Consumer Credit Regulations) 2010 and the CCA.

The Central Bank is aware that some licensed moneylenders engage both employed persons and self-employed persons/agents to provide moneylending services on their behalf. Pursuant to the Central Bank’s Fitness & Probity Regime all licensed moneylenders are responsible for ensuring that individuals performing Controlled Functions (CFs) meet the Fitness & Probity Standards, both prior to appointment and on an ongoing basis.

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 111.

Data Protection

15/02/2017WRG01300116. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to address a situation whereby any errors in a person’s credit rating as published by the Irish Credit Bureau may remain uncorrected for up to 18 months, which is the length of time it can take for the Fi- nancial Services Ombudsman to deal with a complaint regarding such errors. [7522/17]

15/02/2017WRG01400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Firstly, I must point out that the Irish Credit Bureau is a private company and it is obliged to collect and manage the personal data in its possession in compliance with relevant data protection legislation. By law, financial institutions must ensure that information they hold or give to anyone else, including the Irish Credit Bureau, about an individual is correct and up to date. A person who discovers errors in their credit report should ask the lender to correct these details. If they are not satisfied with the actions of the lender and they fail to resolve the matter through the internal complaints mechanism, they could consider making a complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) about the lender. The FSO does not deal with complaints about the Irish Credit Bureau. Alternatively the matter could be referred to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

Steps are now under way for the establishment of a mandatory credit reporting system on a statutory basis. The Credit Reporting Act 2013 provides that the Central Bank of Ireland shall establish, maintain and operate a statutory central credit register. Under the Act there will be an onus on credit information providers to take reasonable steps to verify that the information it obtains from its customers for the purposes of the register is accurate and complete. Also, in addition to the protections and rights available under the Data Protection Acts, borrowers will also have the right to obtain their credit report at any time and they will also be entitled to request the correction of any information on the register relating to them where it is inaccurate, incomplete or not up to date. As previously indicated, the Central Credit Register is being implemented on a phased basis with phase 1 focusing on lending to consumers and phase 2 focusing on lending to businesses. Data submission by lenders for phase 1 will commence after 30 June 2017.

I should also state that the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) is independent in the performance of his statutory functions.

However, I have been informed by the Financial Services Ombudsman that he has adopted a 226 15 February 2017 new model of Dispute Resolution since February 2016. This new model involves considerably more interaction with the parties, particularly in terms of speaking with the parties at an early stage of the process and attempting to resolve their complaint through mediation. I understand that this approach is delivering a faster, more efficient and effective service and that the majority of complaints are now being resolved through this means. The Financial Services Ombuds- man aims to complete 80% of complaints, resolved through mediation, within a 3 month period.

If a settlement is not reached through mediation, the complaint will be progressed to investigation and adjudication. This is a more formal and lengthy process as all the evidence must be gathered, exchanged and considered in accordance with fair procedures. The adjudication process is more formal than the dispute resolution process and will occasionally require an oral hearing where evidence is taken under oath. The Ombudsman has informed me that the length of time taken to adjudicate will depend on the number of exchanges that take place between the parties. Typically this can take about 4-6 months. The Ombudsman’s aim is to issue a finding within 3 months of when the exchanges between the parties are complete (in 90% of cases).

Revenue Commissioners Powers

15/02/2017WRG01500117. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 24 January 2017, if he will reply in full to the question in view of the fact section 851A(8) of the Tax Consolidation Act 1997 states that a charity cannot avail of the confidential- ity if it fails in its tax obligations. [7561/17]

15/02/2017WRG01600Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by Revenue that section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (whether in subsection (8) or in any other subsection), does not contain the type of provision referred to by Deputy Barry. The right of a charity (or, indeed, of any taxpayer) to have its tax affairs treated as confidential does not depend on whether or not it fails in its tax obligations. The only reference to a charity is contained in subsection (8)(f) which outlines the circumstances in which a Revenue officer may disclose information, i.e. “such information as a Revenue Commissioner may authorise in writing and which is in the possession of a revenue officer in relation to the name of the charity, its objectives, its governing documents and its principal officers,”.

In the circumstances, I have nothing further to add to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 24 January 2017 (Ref No. 2613/17).

Ministerial Meetings

15/02/2017WRG01700118. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the details of the meetings he or officials of his Department have had in each of the years 2011 to 2014 in relation to private equity funds, investment funds and REITs; the dates on which these meetings took place; the meetings listed at which he was personally in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7565/17]

15/02/2017WRG01800Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): In response to the Deputy, I am advised it is not possible within the time allowed to provide the range of information sought and having regard to the time period in question. This information is being compiled and I will arrange for a further reply to be provided in line with Standing Orders.

Legislative Programme 227 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRG01900119. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance when the financial services and Pensions Ombudsman Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/17]

15/02/2017WRG02000Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The Financial and Services and Pen- sions Ombudsman Bill is a priority Bill for the Government and it is one of 31 Bills prioritised in the legislative programme for publication by July of 2017.

The heads of Bill underwent prelegislative scrutiny on 27th October of 2016 and the con- sequent report of the Oireachtas Committee is awaited.

In the meanwhile, officials in my Department are working with officials in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to finalise a draft text of the Bill. It is a fairly lengthy Bill with nearly 60 heads to be drafted coupled with the complexity of amalgamating two different complaints systems. However, it is hoped that the Bill will be published in the coming months.

15/02/2017WRH00200Financial Services Ombudsman

15/02/2017WRH00300120. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his plans to remove the six year rule on financial complaints; if this removal will be retrospective in nature; if so, the way this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7573/17]

15/02/2017WRH00400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The current legislation (section 57BX (3)(b) of the Central Bank 1942 Act) prohibits the Financial Services Ombudsman from examining any aspect of a complaint where the conduct being complained of occurred more than six years from receipt of the complaint in his Office.

The Heads of Bill to amalgamate the Financial Services Ombudsman and Pensions Om- budsman were published on the Department’s website on 5 October of 2016. These heads provided for an amendment to the time limit in which complaints can be made to the Ombudsman.

As outlined at the pre-legislative scrutiny session on 27 October of 2016, I propose to extend the time limits for complaints in relation to certain long-term financial services to the same time limit that currently applies to pension products, namely

- six years from date of the conduct complained of or

- three years from the date the complainant knew/ought to have known about the conduct.

This greatly improves access to the Ombudsman for consumers of long-term financial services, who may not become aware of an issue, until well after the original six years time limit had passed.

For short-term financial services, the time limit for complaints to the Ombudsman is unchanged at six years from the date of the conduct complained of.

The question of the commencement date for new time limits is being considered carefully by the Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General

The Heads of the Bill, as published on the Department’s website on 5 October of 2016, do not provide for any commencement date of the legislation as yet. The appropriate commencement date for particular provisions, such as the new time limit for complaints to the Ombuds- man, is being considered in the course of the drafting and legislative process. This issue of the commencement date involves a range of considerations including: the interface with the statute

228 15 February 2017 of limitations; existing consumer protection laws; complaints mechanisms; and availability of records. In addition, the report from the pre-legislative scrutiny on the draft legislation, including the proposed extension of time limits, is currently awaited.

Officials in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel are drafting the text of the Bill in close consultation with the officials from the Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and other stakeholders. It is hoped that the Bill will be published in the coming months.

15/02/2017WRH00500Banking Sector Regulation

15/02/2017WRH00600121. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the legal and regulatory measures that have been put into place since the banking crash to ensure that the culture of reckless behaviour that contributed to that crash has been changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7578/17]

15/02/2017WRH00700122. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether bankers are more accountable for their actions since the banking crash; if so, the basis on which he is of this view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7579/17]

15/02/2017WRH00800Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.

A comprehensive overhaul of the legal and regulatory framework in the financial sector has been pursued at both domestic and at an EU level since the financial crisis. A whole raft of new European regulations have strengthened controls over the banking system and have resulted in an overhaul of regulation, supervision and resolution regimes.

The Capital Requirements Directive and Regulation which came into force in 2014, brought about significant enhancements in the quality and quantity of capital that banks are required to hold and the setting of minimum liquidity requirements.

The Banking Recovery and Resolution Directive and the Single Resolution Mechanism have transformed the framework for dealing with failing banks and are designed to provide a financial safety net and a means for recovery and resolution with minimum disruption to the sovereign.

The Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) is now responsible for the prudential supervision framework for euro area banks. Building on the single rulebook, the SSM transfers key supervisory tasks for significant banks in the euro area to the European Central Bank. Daily banking supervision is now conducted according to a detailed ECB supervisory manual including frequent and intrusive onsite inspections.

This new regulatory framework is supported by the presence of new European institutions, such as the Single Resolution Board, to address weaknesses in the institutional structures and to improve cross-border cooperation, ensuring consistent enforcement of rules and systemic oversight.

While the reform of our statutory code for the financial services sector has been and continues to be driven by comprehensive reforms brought forward at EU level, a number of significant domestic legislative reforms have been undertaken towards building a strengthened domestic regulatory framework for the financial services sector which complements the strategically important reforms at EU level.

229 Questions - Written Answers The Central Bank Reform Act 2010 created a single fully-integrated Central Bank of Ireland with a unitary board, the Central Bank Commission, chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank. The unitary Central Bank structure gives the Commission members a more complete remit over prudential regulation and financial stability issues. The Central Bank has demonstrated its willingness to use its macro prudential, micro prudential and enforcement powers to strengthen capital and liquidity positions, business model resilience and governance arrangements of the banks operating in Ireland.

The Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 introduced a more assertive supervisory approach and overhauled the Central Banks powers across a wide range of areas and throughout the regulatory life cycle of firms. It strengthened the ability of the Central Bank to impose and supervise compliance with regulatory requirements and to undertake timely assertive prudential interventions. The Act also provided the Central Bank with greater access to information and analysis and underpins the credible enforcement of financial services legislation in line with international best practice.

The 2013 Act provides the Central Bank with early intervention powers including the power to issue directions to regulated entities and their related undertakings to address emerging problems, including where the entity has become or is likely to become unable to meet its obligations to its creditors or its customers, or where it is not maintaining or is unlikely to be in a position to maintain adequate capital or other financial resources.

The 2013 Act also gave the Central Bank extensive powers to make regulations including in relation to areas identified as weak points in the post crisis analysis such as risk management, consumer protection, audit processes and lending, including lending to ‘restricted persons’ such as those who work within the bank or family members.

Measures have also been introduced to address cultural change and behaviour in banking. In 2011, the new Fitness and Probity regime was rolled out by the Central Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Central Bank Reform Act 2010. The regime provides for new powers to be exercised by the Central Bank to ensure the fitness and probity of nominees to key positions within financial service providers and of key office-holders within those providers.

The Central Bank has put in place a pre-approval process for persons who apply for relevant positions, known as Pre-Approval Controlled Functions, in regulated firms, to ensure that they meet the required standards of fitness and probity. If concerns arise that a person or persons in Controlled Functions in a regulated firm do not meet the required standards of fitness and probity, they may be investigated by the Central Bank and could ultimately be prohibited from carrying out a Controlled Function in their firm, or any other regulated firm. These powers enable the Central Bank to ensure that the people in senior roles are capable, competent and act with integrity.

The 2013 (Supervision and Enforcement) Act also provides that if, in the opinion of the Bank, a person has engaged, is engaging or is about to engage in a contravention the Bank may apply to the Court for an order restraining the person from engaging in the conduct.

At present, a one year on report is being prepared for Minister of State Murphy on the findings and recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis. This report will set out the actions taken to date in relation to the Committee’s Report and whether further actions are necessary for consideration by Government and/or other bodies.

15/02/2017WRH00900Banking Sector Regulation

230 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRH01000123. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on the possible re- emergence of a bonus based pay culture in the banking system which could increase the prob- ability of reckless behaviour in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7580/17]

15/02/2017WRH01100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The excesses seen in the banking system prior to 2008 has resulted in significant changes to the regulatory framework facing the industry. This included a number of changes to the framework that applies to bonus payments (including salaries and discretionary pension benefits) to staff of relevant institutions. The aim of these changes is to prevent a re-emergence of the issues we have seen in the past of short- term targets being the focus of institutions due to the remuneration policies implemented for staff resulting in significant risk taking.

The Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV) introduced a remuneration framework to deal with excessive risk taking.

The framework includes a number of criteria to prevent a return to the excesses of the past. These include requirements on individuals within a relevant entity whose professional activities have a material impact on their risk profile, known as ‘material risk takers’.

These material risk takers include senior management, risk takers, staff engaged in control functions and any employee receiving total remuneration that takes them into the same remuneration bracket as senior management and risk takers

The remuneration paid to these material risk takers must consist of the following structure:

- a substantial portion, and in any event at least 50%, of any variable remuneration should consist of equity-linked or other non-cash instruments;

- a substantial portion of the variable remuneration component, and in any event at least 40% to 60% (the latter in the case of a variable remuneration component of “a particularly high amount”) should be deferred over a period of not less than three to five years;

- the variable component of the total remuneration shall not exceed 100% of the fixed component of the total remuneration of material risk takers;

- shareholders, owners or members of the institution, acting by a qualified majority can approve a higher maximum level of the variable component provided that this level does not exceed 200% of the fixed component of the total remuneration; and

- the relevant competent authority in Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland are to be informed of recommendations to shareholders and of the result of any shareholder vote, which shall not conflict with institutions’ obligations to maintain a sound capital base.

- In addition the regulatory regime requires greater transparency on bonuses paid by banks with disclosure requirements relating to the number of individuals earning over €1 million per annum.

The introduction of the framework in 2014 and enforced by the relevant competent authorities across Europe is designed to ensure the excessive risk taking culture and short term focus on targets seen prior to 2008 is not repeated. This is being achieved by the framework outlined above on the structure of bonus payments by the relevant institutions and the increased disclosure requirements as introduced under CRD IV.

15/02/2017WRH01200Banking Licence Applications

231 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRH01300124. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications that have been revived for banking licences in each of the past five years; the number of licences granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7583/17]

15/02/2017WRH01400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am informed by the Central Bank that the number of applications for a banking licence received in the past five years is as follows:

2016 - None

2015 - None

2014 - None

2013 - One - Dell Bank International Limited - licence granted

2012 - None

In December 2015, Credit Suisse AG, a credit institution authorised in Switzerland was granted authorisation under section 9A of the Central Bank Act, 1971 (the “Act”) to operate in the State through its Dublin branch for the purpose of carrying on banking business in the State. This was the first authorisation granted by the Central Bank under section 9A of the Act.

It should be noted that the Central Bank operates an internal two-step process to bank licensing. Step 1 is whereby the potential applicant submits a proposal for authorisation. This is then reviewed by the Central Bank and if it is considered that the proposal meets the criteria for the granting of a banking licence then, under Step 2, an application is submitted. If the proposal does not meet the criteria then it is returned to the potential applicant. The data contained above refers only to applications received at Step 2.

15/02/2017WRH01500Bank Restructuring

15/02/2017WRH01600125. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to attract a greater range of banks here to ensure consumers have a choice of banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7584/17]

15/02/2017WRH01700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The Government is committed to continuing to work to improve the attractiveness of the Irish market to new entrants. I have said before that open market competition represents the best method of driving better rates, offers and choice in financial services for customers. This can be fuelled both by competition between existing lenders and that introduced by new entrants. In this regard, as part of a range of competition measures agreed with the European Commission under their respective EU-Restructuring plans AIB and Permanent TSB are required to provide funding to a public awareness campaign (such campaign to be facilitated by Ireland through an appropriate state body) to raise awareness and promote customer switching. As such my Department is currently managing a contract for the provision of the first phase of a public awareness campaign which is due to go live on a variety of media channels in Q1 2017. This is being funded in its entirety by the two banks.

In addition, we must be careful that we do not deter new entrants from coming in, meaning that, ultimately, consumers have less choice and will end up paying a higher price or, worse, having no access to credit at any price.

Furthermore, it is worth pointing out that initiatives to improve competition in the market have already been introduced, such as the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. The SBCI continues to make low cost, flexible finance available to SMEs across all sectors of the 232 15 February 2017 economy and all regions of the Country. To the end of September 2016, over 10,600 SMEs, operating across all business and economic sectors of the Irish economy, have benefited from €458 million of SBCI loans.

The Programme for a Partnership Government also sets out a number of important and practical measures which can be taken to improve the position of variable rate mortgage holders. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been asked to work with the Central Bank to set out options for Government in terms of market structure, legislation and regulation to lower the cost of secured mortgage lending and to improve the degree of competition and consumer protection. This work has commenced and draft options are expected to be available for discussion within the coming months. In addition, the Central Bank has commenced a programme of research into switching in the mortgage market which will, inter alia, inform its consideration of the need for a mortgage switching code.

On the subject of competition in this sector, the Deputy will be aware that I welcomed the announcement on 9 February that KBC Group had carried out a strategic review of the bank’s operations in Ireland and confirmed its long standing commitment of almost 40 years to the Irish market. I understand that Ireland will be designated as one of the group’s core markets, alongside Belgium, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary. The Bank said that it will pursue a “fully-fledged sustainable growth strategy based on implementation of a ‘Digi- tal First’ customer-centric strategy.” It is worth highlighting that KBC Bank Ireland has 15 branches and provides important competition in the Irish domestic banking market. KBC said that it believes that “Ireland is a sound and attractive market which presents opportunities and in which we wish to play a more active role”. I welcome this independent acknowledgement of the progress made under this Government. The bank also referred to “significant improvements in cost competitiveness in recent years, a stronger trend in domestic spending augmented by favourable demographics, a supportive fiscal stance and a favourable borrowing environment” in explaining its reasons for remaining in Ireland.

This is another strong sign of the recovery in Ireland and shows confidence by KBC Ireland in the Irish economy. The fact that KBC is committed to remaining in Ireland ensures continuing competition in the Irish banking market which is good for consumers. Such commitment is also a mark of the recovering market and of its continuing growth potential into the future.

15/02/2017WRH01800Mortgage Schemes

15/02/2017WRH01900126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the staff of banks who are of the view that they were wrongfully moved off or denied a tracker rate mortgage are to be included in the tracker review being carried out by the banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7586/17]

15/02/2017WRH02000Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The Central Bank has confirmed that the scope of the Tracker Mortgage Examination covers all lenders which sold tracker mortgage accounts, including both for the family home and investment properties, up to the end of 2015. This includes mortgages:

- that originated on tracker interest rates;

- that had tracker interest rates applied at any stage during the term of the underlying mortgage agreements; and/or

- where the underlying mortgage agreements provided for contractual rights to or options for tracker interest rates at any stage during the term of the agreements. 233 Questions - Written Answers All tracker mortgage accounts, including staff loans, that fall within this scope are covered by the Examination.

An update on the Examination is available on the Central Banks website at http://www. centralbank.ie/press-area/press-releases/Pages/UpdateTrackerMortgages.aspx.

15/02/2017WRH02100Revenue Documents

15/02/2017WRH02200127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if P60s in each of the years 1984 to 1987 or a similar statement will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) who requires such documents for pension purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7650/17]

15/02/2017WRH02300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by Revenue that arrangements have been made to provide the person concerned with the details sought.

15/02/2017WRH02400Budget 2016

15/02/2017WRH02500128. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the reason his Department did not pursue positive steps to ensure that the clause of the VAT system engaged by penalty pro- cessors was immediately halted, in the context of the recent release of documents to a media organisation (details supplied) which confirmed that the Revenue Commissioners briefed his Department regarding their concerns in January 2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a prominent poultry farmer who refused to participate in the scheme has been effectively closed down with the total loss of business; when the anti-avoidance measures to deal with this issued in budget 2016 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7735/17]

15/02/2017WRH02600Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by Revenue that taxpayers are entitled to structure their businesses and undertake their business activities in the most tax efficient manner permitted by the law. However, where such structures and activities result in an outcome not intended by the legislation, Revenue will raise the issue with this Department and propose a legislative change to neutralise or limit such an outcome if one is possible.

In the context of Finance Bill 2016, Revenue drew to the attention of my Department that the interaction of the flat rate scheme for farmers and the normal VAT system was being exploit- ed in a particular agricultural sector to achieve overcompensation for flat rate farmers on their VAT input costs. As a result, as the Deputy is aware, I introduced a provision in Finance Act 2016 that enables me to exclude by Ministerial Order any specified agricultural sector where the business structures or models employed result in a systematic excess of flat-rate addition payments over input costs borne by flat-rate farmers within that sector.

15/02/2017WRH02700Tax Code

15/02/2017WRH02800129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if there are specific tax incentive schemes available to provide assistance in the refurbishment and upgrading of buildings in town centres or villages for residential or commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/17]

15/02/2017WRH02900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The recently launched “Realising our 234 15 February 2017 Rural Potential: Action Plan for Rural Development” by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Re- gional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs contains a detailed list of actions and priorities with a view to revitalising rural Ireland generally. This effort is being led by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in conjunction with Ministers and officials from other Departments, as well as the Local Authorities and a range of other stakeholders.

A variety of actions included in this plan aim to assist in improving rural towns and making rural Ireland a better place to live. These include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, under which funding of up to €12 million per annum is available to revitalise rural towns and villages, while there is also a commitment to develop and pilot an initiative to encourage increased residential occupancy in town and village centres.

There are currently no specific tax incentive schemes for the refurbishment and upgrading of buildings in town centres or villages. EU State Aid rules make it difficult to introduce tax reliefs that target specific geographic areas while excluding others. In this regard, the Deputy may be aware of the difficulties that my Department encountered in obtaining state aid approval from the European Commission for the Living City initiative.

Notwithstanding the above, the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) provides for an income tax credit for homeowners or landlords of residential property, who carry out repair, renovation or improvement works on their property. It provides for tax relief by way of an income tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure. Qualifying work must cost a minimum of €5,000 (including VAT). The maximum qualifying cost for the purpose of the incentive is (€30,000 including VAT), which equates to a maximum tax credit of €4,050. The tax credit is payable over the two years following the year in which the work is paid for. The Deputy may be aware that I extended the scheme for a further two years in the recent Budget.

15/02/2017WRH03000Adult Education Provision

15/02/2017WRH03100130. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has been reviewing the need for new premises for a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7560/17]

15/02/2017WRH03200Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) has been working with the Trinity Adult Resource Group for Education and Training (TARGET) on the provision of Further Edu- cation and Training programmes in Donaghmede for over 20 years.

Over the years, TARGET have provided a range of education courses to cater for the life- long learning needs of adults in the community as well as a community employment scheme. In addition, TARGET have also provided a range of community services, including a childcare service offering a playgroup and a pre-school facility. They also offer a counselling service.

As a result of an increase in enrolments, St Kevin’s National School, Donaghmede, where TARGET was based, has informed TARGET that the school is not in a position to renew the lease into the future due to a 57% increase in enrolments between 2011 and 2015 and the trend continuing. The school submitted an application to my Department in 2015 to provide for the refurbishment of existing spaces to create two classroom-sized spaces to create a mainstream classroom and a resource room for special education. This application was examined and approved and funding was provided.

TARGET has continued to provide a more limited service from St Kevin’s but I understand that the lease will not be renewed beyond summer 2107. 235 Questions - Written Answers CDETB have been working with TARGET to secure alternative premises. A proposed site was identified locally however it was later deemed unsuitable for the needs of TARGET. CDETB will continue to liaise with TARGET to try to source alternative and appropriate accommodation for the service.

15/02/2017WRJ00150Philanthropy Initiatives

15/02/2017WRJ00200131. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be scope to scale up Music Generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7664/17]

15/02/2017WRJ00300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My department currently supports the Music Generation initiative to the value of €2.5m per year, in respect of the 11 local Music Education Partnerships (MEPs) established under Phase 1 of the initiative and which were initially supported through philanthropic funding.

In January 2016, a commitment was given by the Department of Education and Skills, subject to Exchequer resources, to provide further funding to support a second phase of the Music Generation initiative when philanthropic support for the new MEPS established during this phase ends. This commitment will see Exchequer support increase by a further € 2.1 m year from 2020.

On 23 January 2017, an open call was announced for Music Education Partnerships to apply for inclusion in Phase 2 of Music Generation. A total of €3 m in funding, from philanthropic investment by U2 and The Ireland Fund, is available through this call, which will enable Music Generation’s expansion into new areas of the Republic of Ireland between 2017 and 2021

15/02/2017WRJ00350School Patronage

15/02/2017WRJ00400132. Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Skills whether there are grounds for opening a national school in an area in which a lack of choice has been identified; and if so, the steps a community interest group should take to establish such a school. [7469/17]

15/02/2017WRJ00500146. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider the proposed divestment process and establish an independent working group with representatives of all the patron bodies to formulate a transparent process that puts parents’ wishes at the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7669/17]

15/02/2017WRJ00600147. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider his decision to give the Catholic Church the final say over which patron to divest schools to, in view of the existing disproportionate influence the church has over primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7670/17]

15/02/2017WRJ00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 146 and 147 together.

As the Deputies will be aware I announced last week new plans aimed at providing more multi-denominational and non-denominational schools across the country, in line with the choices of families and school communities and the Programme for Government commitment in this area.

This will involve the Education and Training Boards in the initial phase, as the State’s local education authorities, identifying areas where there is likely to be demand for greater diversity 236 15 February 2017 and they will work with pre-school services to establish evidence of this demand among the cohort of pre-school parents. There will then be discussions between individual ETBs and the existing patrons/landowners concerning the possible transfer of schools to accommodate this demonstrated demand for diversity.

Each ETB will then prepare a report for the Department outlining the levels of demand within their functional areas and the responses of the existing patrons as to how this might be accommodated through the reconfiguration of existing school provision.

In the subsequent implementation phase, where the level of demand for multi-denominational schools is sufficient to justify transfer of a school from denominational to multi-denominational patronage, a process will commence to give effect to that. There will be a role for the existing patron/landowner in consulting with local community and school interests and taking into account proposals from different prospective multi-denominational patrons. It is envisaged that transfers will largely be by way of voluntary transfer of live schools by existing patrons.

This new process for supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local families is based around principles of transparency and cooperation. Therefore, there will be a very substantial level of consultation of local communities in the process, both with the ETBs’ in the initial phase to establish evidence of demand by consulting pre-school parents and subsequently through the requirement for the existing patron to consult with local community and school interests in proposing to transfer patronage of an existing school to an alternative patron body. In that process, the existing patron will also take into account proposals from all prospective multi-denominational patrons that wish to be considered. I would urge all parties to engage in this process constructively, with a view to reaching solutions to meet parental preferences.

In addition to progressing the reconfiguration of existing school provision to provide greater choice to parents nationwide, the Government is committed to ensuring that parental preferences will continue to be key to patronage decisions on new schools established in areas of demographic growth. When it is decided that a new school is required to meet demographic needs in an area, my Department runs a separate patronage process to decide who will operate the school. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of the school under this process and the level of parental preference for each patron in addition to the extent of diversity already in the area, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of the process.

15/02/2017WRJ00750School Patronage

15/02/2017WRJ00800133. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parlia- mentary Question No. 283 of 12 July 2016 to outline the status of the process discussed; his views on the issue of the lack of school places in the Dublin 6 area, with particular reference to non-denominational schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7492/17]

15/02/2017WRJ00900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the patronage process for the nine new post-primary schools which will open in September 2017 and 2018, which I referenced in my July response to the Deputy, has been completed. As I announced in November 2016, the new post-primary school which will open in 2018 to serve the areas of Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 will open as a multi-denominational school under the patronage of Educate Together.

The patronage process for the four new primary schools which will open in 2017 and 2018, including the new primary school to serve the Dublin South City Centre areas of Dublin 2, 4

237 Questions - Written Answers and 6 is ongoing. My Department is currently assessing the applications received. This assessment stage involves very detailed work, including geo-coding each parental preference received to establish if they represent a parent of a child living in the school planning area the school is set up to serve. Following completion of this detailed analysis, my Department will prepare detailed assessment reports in relation to each of these new schools based on the applications received. These will then be submitted to the New Schools Establishment Group for their consideration. Following completion of Group’s work, they will submit a report with recommendations to me for my consideration and final decision.

As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for the Dublin 6 area is being kept under ongoing review by my Department to take account of updated child benefit data and updated enrolment data and also the impact of ongoing and planned capacity increases in these, and adjoining, school planning areas.

The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced new plans aimed at providing more multi-denominational and non-denominational schools across the country, in line with the choices of families and school communities and the Programme for Government commitment in this area.

This will involve the Education and Training Boards in the initial phase, as the State’s local education authorities, identifying areas where there is likely to be demand for greater diversity and they will work with pre-school services to establish evidence of this demand among the cohort of pre-school parents. This provides an opportunity nationwide for the provision of additional multi-denominational and non-denominational schools.

15/02/2017WRJ00950Schools Building Projects Status

15/02/2017WRJ01000134. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Clare will receive approval for construction works to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7501/17]

15/02/2017WRJ01100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).

I understand that tenders for the project were recently received and a tender report is now being prepared by LCETB’s Design Team. When the Tender Report has been received and evalu- ated my Department will be in direct contact with LCETB with regard to further progression of the project.

15/02/2017WRJ01150Weight of Schoolbags

15/02/2017WRJ01200135. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the steps that will be taken to address the issue with regard to the recent survey conducted by the National Parents’ Council Primary regarding the back health of children from carrying heavy school bags; when his Department last issued information to all primary and post- primary schools highlighting the health hazards of heavy school bags; if his Department will consider mandatory weight guidelines for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/17]

15/02/2017WRJ01300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I am aware of the recent

238 15 February 2017 survey carried out by the National Parents Council on the weight of school bags. The matter was discussed by the Oireachtas Committee for Children and Youth Affairs on 25th January 2017. My Department will of course consider any findings or recommendations the Committee may make on this matter.

My Department issued circulars to all primary and post-primary schools in 2005 to highlight the potential health hazard of overweight schoolbags and to outline a range of local measures that could be put in place to help alleviate the problem.

The report of the Working Group on the Weight of School Bags, commissioned in 1997, recognised that many of the solutions to this issue belong at local school level and made various recommendations in this regard, such as optimum use of storage facilities, developing pupil organisation skills and timetabling.

My Department is aware that positive action has been taken by many schools on these issues. Actions consist of a range of measures, including the provision of lockers and in the case of second level school the arrangement of the timetable into double class periods, active liaison with parents and the co-ordination of homework by subject teachers.

Ultimately it is a matter for each individual school to determine which particular measures are most suited to its individual circumstances and to how the school concerned organises teaching and learning.

The use of digital resources by teachers and students in schools is increasing. While conventional textbooks are still widely used, a number of schools have introduced or are considering introducing e-books and other digital resources to enhance students’ work in school and at home. Schools can use the book grant scheme to purchase a range of digital resources relevant to the curriculum.

It should be also be noted that Scoilnet.ie, the Department funded website, supports Primary and Post-Primary teachers in sharing and finding useful resources for the classroom, including the Britannica School website, and other valuable online content and resources to assist in teaching and learning.

On 5 December 2016, I published the General Scheme of an Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016. The Government have approved the draft outline of a new law, which will require every school to consult with parents and students, and publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter.

The publication of this draft legislation will fulfil a key commitment in the Action Plan for Education to improve information and complaint procedures for parents and students relating schools.

The draft legislation defines the principles that will guide how schools will engage with students and parents. Some of the issues which schools will be required to deal with under the charter include:

- Inviting feedback from students and parents and

- Providing better information about School Management and School Policies.

Following consultation with our education partners, including the National Parents Council (Primary), National Parents Council (Post Primary) and the Irish Second-level Students Union, I will finalise national guidelines on a Parent and Student Charter.

239 Questions - Written Answers The draft Bill will now go to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills for pre- legislative scrutiny.

15/02/2017WRJ01350Junior Cycle Reform

15/02/2017WRJ01400136. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the situation whereby history is not deemed to be a core subject of the new junior cycle. [7515/17]

15/02/2017WRJ01500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Through comparing education internationally, it has been found that in high performing education systems such as New Zealand, Queensland, Estonia and Finland, schools have been given greater autonomy and flexibility in the programmes they offer.

When schools in Ireland are implementing the new Framework for Junior Cycle, they too will have the autonomy and flexibility to design programmes within the parameters ofthe framework, mindful in particular of the needs of their students and their teaching resources. I am in favour of leaving the decisions on what is offered to the discretion of the school, and of students having as broad a range of options to choose from as possible.

Because the total number of full subjects which can be done for assessment in junior cycle is ten, it is likely that schools will retain most or all of their current subjects in their junior cycle.

Currently, over 90% of students choose History, although it is compulsory only in voluntary secondary schools, not much more than half our post-primary schools. Curriculum choice is important in motivating students to learn and to remain in school to completion of senior cycle.

Schools across all sectors offer History. History teachers attract students to their subject through their own love and passion for History, and by engaging the natural curiosity of their students in, for example, the lives of people, the origins of the modern world and in objects and documents from the past. History is generally the 5th most popular subject in the Junior Certificate examination.

I have every confidence that, through the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cy- cle the place of History will be retained and given a new impetus across the junior cycle curriculum. A new specification for Junior Cycle History is being developed by the NCCA. This involved extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the public, which finished recently, during which over 200 submissions were received. The new specification will be available for implementation in all schools from September 2018.

The Leaving Certificate History syllabus attracts about 25% of the total cohort of students. The aim is to make the new specification for Junior Cycle History more attractive, so young people can see it as a realistic option, rather than focusing on learning content by heart. Many people believe that uptake in senior cycle could be improved if the junior cycle History was made more attractive, more relevant and perhaps less of a race against time.

In the new Framework for Junior Cycle, all schools are expected to provide opportunities for students to achieve 24 statements of learning over the period of junior cycle. These statements include valuing local, national and international heritage and understanding the importance of the relationship between past and current events, the forces that drive change, and understanding the origins and impacts of social, economic and environmental aspects of the world around them. Even where students do not take History as a full subject, it is to be hoped that opportuni- 240 15 February 2017 ties to achieve such statements through other forms of historical study can be provided to them.

The minimum time allocated for subjects such as History will be 200 hours over the three years of junior cycle, or the equivalent of three 40-minute periods per week over three years. For many schools, this will lead to an increased time provision for History as a subject, and it will no longer be nominally linked to Geography as previously.

This new minimum time stipulation for History as a subject should allow not only for a deepening of a student’s historical knowledge but also of his or her ability to analyse, interpret, write and develop historical skills more thoroughly. Those very skills, and attitudes, can indeed be hugely important in ensuring that students are able to understand and interpret all forms of history, news and current affairs too.

15/02/2017WRJ01550National Educational Psychological Service

15/02/2017WRJ01600137. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out in tabular form the name of each school in Dublin which does not have direct access to a National Educational Psychological Service psychologist for the purposes of carrying out an educational assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7521/17]

15/02/2017WRJ01700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy may be aware my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides an educational psychological service to schools through the direct assignment of a NEPS psychologist and in some cases by providing schools access to the Scheme for Commissioning Psychologi- cal Assessments (SCPA) where schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. SCPA is utilised, in the main, where as yet unfilled vacancies exist in NEPS staffing provision locally or where staffing resource is lost through extended leave (maternity, sick or carer’s leave).

For the Deputy’s information, there follows a list of schools in Dublin who currently de- rive this service through the above-mentioned SCPA scheme rather than through a NEPS psychologist. In the case of these schools, NEPs psychologists may no longer be assigned to those schools as a result of retirement, resignation or transfer to another NEPs region.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) maintain regional recruitment panels of qualified personnel to fill these vacancies. During 2016, despite my Department’s best efforts the panels did not produce recruits for NEPS in relation to all vacancies, the panels were therefore closed.

A new national recruitment competition was put in place last Autumn by PAS to fill all vacancies within all NEPS Regions. The resulting interview process associated with this competition was recently completed and recruitment panels for each NEPS region, including Dub- lin, will now be formed. PAS will finalise the processing of the candidates, including Garda vetting, and propose each candidate in series to my Department Human Resources Section for contract negotiations and formal job offer.

It is envisaged that the process will produce new NEPS psychologists for assignment to schools, including that to which the Deputy refers in his question, by the end of the current academic year.

However it is important to point out that in cases where NEPS service is not available through staffing vacancy or temporary absence of staff, as described above, the schools affected continue to have access to a psychologist through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychologi- 241 Questions - Written Answers cal Assessments to undertake pupil assessment work.

I would also confirm that all schools are able to access full NEP supports in the event of a critical incident irrespective of their having ongoing access to an assigned NEPS psychologist or not.

List of Dublin City and County Schools who do not currently have access to a NEPS Psy- chologist to undertake pupils assessment but who have instead access to the SCPA Scheme for this purpose. (10/02/2017)

Roll No. TYPE Region County School Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 00697S Primary Dublin Dublin ST BRIGIDS CASTLEKNOCK DUBLIN 15 MXD N S 00729F Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ CLOCHAR GRANGE ROAD RATHFARN- DUBLIN 14 Leinster Lein LORETO N S HAM 09932B Primary Dublin Dublin STANHOPE STANHOPE DUBLIN 7 ST CON- STREET VENT 11583O Primary Dublin Dublin ST AN- MALAHIDE CO DUBLIN DREWS N S 12014D Primary Dublin Dublin ST AN- LUCAN CO DUBLIN DREWS N S 14586M Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ CARYSFORT CONVENT BLACK- CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein NS ROAD ROCK 14717B Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ RATHGAR RATHGAR DUBLIN 6 Leinster Lein N S 14939T Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ RATHFARN- WASHINGTON RATHFARN- DUBLIN 14 Leinster Lein HAM PAR- LANE HAM ISH N S 14980Q Primary Dublin Dublin GLASNEVIN BOTANIC AV- GLASNEVIN DUBLIN 9 N S ENUE 15284B Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ TANEY N S SYDENHAM DUNDRUM DUBLIN 14 Leinster Lein VILLAS 15618E Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SANDFORD Sandford Close Ranelagh Dublin 6 Leinster Lein PARISH NATIONAL SCHOOL 15995L Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Star of the Sea SANDYMOUNT DUBLIN 4 Leinster Lein 16177F Primary Dublin Dublin LINDSAY LINDSAY ROAD GLASNEVIN DUBLIN 9 ROAD N S 16352U Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST BRIGIDS FOXROCK DUBLIN 18 Leinster Lein BOYS N S 16567S Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST BRIGIDS HADDINGTON DUBLIN 4 Leinster Lein CONVENT ROAD N S 16695E Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL NA NORTH BRUNS- DUBLIN 7 MBRATHAR WICK STREET 17148D Primary Dublin Dublin S N EOIN SEAFIELD CLONTARF DUBLIN 3 BAISDE G ROAD SEN 17279S Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL HADDINGTON DUBLIN 4 Leinster Lein MUIRE ROAD 17470I Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST RAPHA- UPPER KILMA- STILLOR- CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein ELAS N S CUD ROAD GAN 17732M Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL CHI- ASCAL UI DOMHNACH BAILE ATHA ARAIN CHOILEAIN CAIRNE CLIATH 5 17785K Primary Dublin Dublin SAN NIO- KINSEALY DUBLIN 17 CLAS MYRA 17820J Primary Dublin Dublin BRIGHDE BAILE ROTH- KILSAL- CO DUBLIN NAOFA LUIS LAGHAN

242 15 February 2017

Roll No. TYPE Region County School Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 17891J Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL MOUNT SACK- CHAPEL- DUBLIN 20 MHUIRE VILLE CON- IZOD VENT 17899C Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL CAR- TEACH GIUISE TALLAGHT DUBLIN 24 Leinster Lein MEL 17928G Primary Dublin Dublin SN N SAILB- MALAHIDE CO DUBLIN HEASTAR NFA 17976R Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL AS- RAHENY DUBLIN 5 SAIM B 17977T Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL AINE RAHENY DUBLIN 5 C 18038B Primary Dublin Dublin ST MARGA- ST MARGA- CO.DUBLIN. RETS N S RETS 18046A Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL BLANCHARD- DUBLIN 15 BRIDE B STOWN 18047C Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL BLANCHARD- DUBLIN 15 BRIDE C STOWN 18323A Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL LOR- PALMERSTOWN DUBLIN 20 CAIN B 18324C Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL PALMERSTOWN DUBLIN 20 BRIDE C 18360G Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL COOLOCK DUBLIN 5 BHREAN- DAIN 18361I Primary Dublin Dublin S N CAITRI- COOLOCK DUBLIN 5 ONA C 18362K Primary Dublin Dublin S N COOLOCK DUBLIN 5 CAITRIONA NAIONAIN 18477E Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL NA FRANCIS DUBLIN 8 Leinster Lein MBRATHAR STREET 18569J Special Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Declans 35 Northumber- Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Leinster Lein Special Sch land Road 18646B Primary Dublin Dublin SPRING- SPRINGDALE LOUGH RAHENY DALE N S NS DERG RD 18682F Primary Dublin Dublin ST CANICES FINGLAS DUBLIN 11 B N S 18683H Primary Dublin Dublin ST CANICES FINGLAS DUBLIN 11 G N S 18817C Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ S N CULLEN- BR FEADHA RAGHNAL- Leinster Lein BRIGHDE SWOOD HOUSE CUILINN LACH 19007S Primary Dublin Dublin EOIN SEAFIELD CLONTARF DUBLIN 3 BAISDE C ROAD NAOIDH 19197D Primary Dublin Dublin ST KEVINS BARRY AVENUE FINGLAS DUBLIN 11 B N S NORTH- WEST 19320W Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ OUR LADY JOHNSTOWN DUN CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein OF GOOD LAOGHAIRE COUNSEL BOYS N S 19321B Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ OUR LADY JOHNSTOWN DUN CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein GOOD LAOGHAIRE COUNSEL GNS 19393D Primary Dublin Dublin MHUIRE VERBENA DUBLIN 13 IOSEF JU- ESTATE NIOR 19396J Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ NA MAIGH- BALLINTEER DUBLIN 16 Leinster Lein DINE MUIRE GIRL 19438W Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL WYATTVILLE BALLY- CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein COLMCILLE BRACK SENIOR 243 Questions - Written Answers

Roll No. TYPE Region County School Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 19446V Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL GRANGE ROAD RATHFARN- DUBLIN 14 Leinster Lein MHUIRE HAM BOYS 19465C Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST KEVINS KILNAMAN- TALLAGHT DUBLIN 24 Leinster Lein BOYS AGH 19466E Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST KEVINS KILNAMAN- TALLAGHT DUBLIN 24 Leinster Lein GIRLS AGH 19471U Primary Dublin Dublin ST PAULS AYRFIELD MALAHIDE DUBLIN 13 JUNIOR RD NATIONAL SCHOOL 19524P Primary Dublin Dublin OUR LADY OUR LADY IM- DARNDALE DUBLIN 17 IMMAC SEN MAC SEN NS N S 19533Q Primary Dublin Dublin S N MUIRE VERBENA AVE BAYSIDE SUTTON AGUS IOSEF 19565G Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL SCOIL TREASA FIRHOUSE DUBLIN 24 Leinster Lein TREASA BALLYCULLEN FIRHOUSE AVE 19574H Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ MARLEY DIVINE WORD MARLEY RATHFARN- Leinster Lein GRANGE NS NS GRANGE HAM 19577N Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL IOSA SCOIL NAIS TYMON TALLAGHT Leinster Lein IOSA NORTH 19583I Primary Dublin Dublin ST JOSEPHS ST JOSEPHS BALCURRIS BALLYMUN SENIOR N S SENIOR NS 19612M Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ DALKEY GLENAGEARY GLEN- CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein SCHOOL LODGE AGEARY PROJECT 19618B Primary Dublin Dublin ST PAULS AYRFIELD MALAHIDE DUBLIN 13 SEN NS RD 19627C Primary Dublin Dublin JOHN PAUL SONESTA MALAHIDE CO DUBLIN II N S 19641T Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL WYATTVILLE BALLY- CO DUBLIN Leinster Lein CHOL- BRACK MCILLE JUNIOR NS 19644C Primary Dublin Dublin ST CIARANS HARTSTOWN DUBLIN 15 N S 19652B Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ AN CHROI KILLINARDEN TALLAGHT DUBLIN 24 Leinster Lein RO NAOFA SOIS 19694R Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL BLAKESTOWN MULHUD- DUBLIN 15 MHUIRE SIN DART 19727G Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST MARYS Jesuit Site Milltown Park Sandford Leinster Lein CENTRAL Road N S 19769W Primary Dublin Dublin SCOIL LAUREL LODGE CAS- DUBLIN 15 THOMAIS TLEKNOCK 19774P Primary Dublin Dublin ST JOSEPHS EAST WALL DUBLIN 3 MXD N S 19834H Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ST AIDANS BROOKFIELD TALLAGHT DUBLIN 24 Leinster Lein NS 19872P Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL CNOC MHUIRE TAM- BAILE ATHA Leinster Lein CHAITLIN HLACHT CLIATH 24 MAUDE 19922E Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ OUR LADYS ST COLUMBA- MILLTOWN DUBLIN 14 Leinster Lein N S NUS ROAD 19929S Primary Dublin Dublin ST BRIGIDS FINGLAS WEST DUBLIN 11 SENIOR GIRLS 19933J Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ SCOIL PETRIE ROAD DONORE DUBLIN 8 Leinster Lein TREASA AVENUE NAOFA

244 15 February 2017

Roll No. TYPE Region County School Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 19945Q Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ RATH- LORETO AV- RATHFARN- DUBLIN 14 Leinster Lein FARNHAM ENUE HAM EDUCATE TOGETHER 19954R Primary Dublin Dublin NORTH BAY GREENDALE KILBAR- DUBLIN 5 EDUCATE AVENUE RACK TOGETHER NS 20010O Special Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Roses Spe- C/O Scoil Balrothery Tallaght Leinster Lein cial School Aengusa Sns 20029M Primary Dublin Dublin ST BRIGIDS WELLMOUNT FINGLAS DUBLIN 11 INFANT N S AVENUE WEST 20056P Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ GAELSCOIL ASCAILL BAILE CO ATHA Leinster Lein PHADRAIG SHILEANN BREAC CLIATH 20059V Primary Dublin Dublin MOTHER HOLY FAITH NS FERNDALE BALLYGALL OF DIVINE AVE GRACE 20131D Primary Dublin Dublin EDUCATE Fitzwilliam Place Grangegor- Dublin 7 TOGETHER North man Lower NS 20152L Primary Dublin Dublin NORTH Ratoath Road Cabra Dublin 7 DUBLIN MUSLIM NS PROJECT 20202A Primary Dublin Dublin BALBRIG- HAMLET LANE MOYLAR- CO DUBLIN GAN AGH EDUCATE TOGETHER NS 20218P Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ ARCH- LOUGHLIN- DUN CO DUBLIN. Leinster Lein BISHOP STOWN LAOGHAIRE MCQUAID NATIONAL SCHOOL 20220C Primary Dublin Dublin GAELSCOIL Bothar Glas an Fionnghlas UI EARCAIN Ein 20247W Primary Dublin Dublin Scoil Phibblestown Dublin 15 Ghrainne Commu- nity National School 20381D Special Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Red Door Monkstown Grove Monkstown Co. Dublin Leinster Lein Special Avenue School 20392I Primary Dublin Dublin Pelletstown P.O. BOX 12664 Dublin 15 ETNS 20397S Primary Dublin Dublin St Louise de Drumfinn Road Ballyfermot Co Dublin Marillac Pri- mary School 20422O Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Scoil Aoife Tallaght Dublin 24 Leinster Lein 20425U Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Gaelscoil Balloyogan Road Stepaside Co. Dublin Leinster Lein Shliabh Rua 20437E Primary Dublin Dublin St Laurence’s Brookstone Road Baldoyle Dublin 13 National School 20441S Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Shellybanks Sandymount/ Dublin 4 Leinster Lein Educate Ringsend Together Na- tional School 20445D Primary Dublin Dublin Malahide / Malahide Road Kinsealy Dublin 17 Portmarnock Educate To- gether N.S. 20453C Primary Dublin Dublin New Primary Cabra Dublin 7 School

245 Questions - Written Answers

Roll No. TYPE Region County School Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 20486R Primary Dublin Dublin New Primary Drumcondra Dublin 1 School 20487T Primary Dublin/Mid Dublin New Primary Goatstown Co. Dublin Leinster School 60021U Post-pri- Dublin Dublin St Marys Baldoyle Dublin 13 mary Secondary School 60081P Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Rockford Stradbrook Rd Blackrock Co Dublin mary Leinster Lein Manor Sec- ondary School 60092U Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Clonkeen Clonkeen Road Blackrock Co Dublin mary Leinster Lein College 60120W Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Mount Sack- Chapelizod Dublin 20 mary ville Second- ary School 60261R Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Benildus Upper Kilmacud Stillorgan Blackrock mary Leinster Lein College Rd 60272W Post-pri- Dublin Dublin The Kings Palmerstown Dublin 20 mary Hospital 60291D Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Árdscoil La Raheny Road Raheny Dublin 5 mary Salle 60320H Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Columba’s Whitechurch Dublin 16 mary Leinster Lein College 60321J Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Rockbrook Edmondstown Rathfarnham Dublin 16 mary Leinster Lein Park School Road 60340N Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Loreto High Beaufort Grange Rd Rathfarnham mary Leinster Lein School 60341P Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Sancta Maria Ballyroan Cres- Rathfarnham Dublin 16 mary Leinster Lein College cent 60361V Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Raphaela’s Upper Kilmacud Stillorgan Co Dublin mary Leinster Lein Secondary Road School 60381E Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Sutton Park St Fintans Road Sutton Dublin 13 mary School 60430O Post-pri- Dublin Dublin St Pauls Christian Brothers Nth Bruns- Dublin 7 mary C.B.S. wick Street 60540V Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Catholic 89 Lower Leeson Dublin 2 mary Leinster Lein University Street School 60562I Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Templeogue Templeville Road Dublin 6W mary Leinster Lein College 60581M Post-pri- Dublin Dublin St Kevins Ballygall Rd East Finglas Dublin 11 mary College 60630W Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Kilian’s Roebuck Road Clonskeagh Dublin 14 mary Leinster Lein Deutsche Schule 60791A Post-pri- Dublin Dublin St Marys Brookwood Killester Dublin 5 mary Secondary Meadow School 60843Q Post-pri- Dublin Dublin St Josephs Stanhope St Dublin 7 mary Secondary School 60892G Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ The Teresian 12 Stillorgan Road Donnybrook Dublin 4 mary Leinster Lein School 60902G Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Pauls Greenhills Dublin 12 mary Leinster Lein Secondary School 60930L Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Rosemont Enniskerry Road Sandyford Dublin 18 mary Leinster Lein School 61010U Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Wesley Col- Ballinteer Dublin 16 mary Leinster Lein lege 68082L Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Coláiste Ghlór Bóthar na hÁille Baile Brigín Co. Átha mary na Mara Cliath

246 15 February 2017

Roll No. TYPE Region County School Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 68083N Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Le Cheile Mulhuddart Dublin 15 mary Secondary School 68161H Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Gaelcholáiste Bóthar na Gráinsí Ráth Fearnáin Baile Átha mary Leinster Lein an Phiarsaigh Cliath 14 68241F Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Ballinteer/ Ballinteer Co. Dublin mary Leinster Stepaside E/T Sec. Sch. 68262N Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Bremore Edu- Balbriggan Co. Dublin mary cate Together Secondary School 76293U Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Kingswood Tallaght Dublin 24 mary Leinster Community College 91302F Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Phobailscoil Palmerstown Dublin 20 mary Iosolde 91325R Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Malahide Broomfield Malahide Co. Dublin mary Community School 91337B Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ Killinarden Killinarden Tallaght Dublin 24 mary Leinster Lein Community School 91338D Post-pri- Dublin/Mid Dublin Mid/ St Aidan’s Brookfield Tallaght Dublin 24 mary Leinster Lein Community School 91339F Post-pri- Dublin Dublin Hartstown Clonsilla Dublin 15 mary Community School

15/02/2017WRJ01750Teacher Data

15/02/2017WRJ01800138. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out in tabular form the gender breakdown of teachers in primary and post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7538/17]

15/02/2017WRJ01900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The figures for Primary teachers is based on the numbers of primary teachers on my Department’s payroll as at 9 February, 2017. The figures for Voluntary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive Teachers are based on the number of teachers on the Department’s payroll which will be paid on 23 February, 2017. It should also be noted that these figures will vary slightly with each payroll run. My Department does not hold statistics on the number of teachers employed in the ETB sector.

- Male Headcount Female Head- Male - Whole- Female – count time Equivalent Whole-time Equivalent Primary Teach- 5431 30617 5360 29446 ers Secondary, 5879 12870 5675 11928 Community and Comprehensive Teachers

15/02/2017WRJ01950School Patronage

15/02/2017WRJ02000139. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the 247 Questions - Written Answers breakdown of primary schools here under the headings of Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Protestant, multi-denominational and non-denominational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7539/17]

15/02/2017WRJ02100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information requested by the Deputy is available in the following table and refers to the current academic year (2016/2017).

Catho- Church Multi Inter Pres- Mus- Jewish Meth- Quaker Total lic Of Ire- De- De- byte- lim odist land nomi- nomi- rian na- na- tional tional 2794 175 109 17 15 2 1 1 1 3115

15/02/2017WRJ02150School Patronage

15/02/2017WRJ02200140. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the status of the process to determine patronage of a new primary school to serve an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7549/17]

15/02/2017WRJ02300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy may be aware, four new primary schools and nine new post-primary schools will open in 2017 and 2018 to cater for increased demographic needs. These schools include a new primary school which will open in September 2017 to serve the area of Dublin to which the Deputy refers.

When it is decided that a new school is required to meet demographic needs in an area, a separate patronage process is conducted to decide who will operate the school. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of a school under this process. Parental preferences for each patron and for Irish-medium or English-medium provision, together with the extent of diversity currently available in the area, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.

The patronage process for the four primary schools is ongoing. The closing date for receipt of applications was 6th January last and my Department is currently assessing the applications received. This assessment stage involves very detailed work, including geo-coding each parental preference received to establish if they represent a parent of a child living in the school planning area the school is set up to serve. Following completion of this detailed analysis, my Department will prepare detailed assessment reports in relation to each of these new schools based on the applications received. These will then be submitted to the New Schools Establish- ment Group for their consideration. Following completion of Group’s work, they will submit a report with recommendations to me for my consideration and final decision.

15/02/2017WRJ02350School Accommodation

15/02/2017WRJ02400141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to a new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/17]

15/02/2017WRJ02500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department met with the school referred to in the context of an application received for a replacement school. The school were advised that, due to the need to prioritise available fund- 248 15 February 2017 ing towards the provision of essential classroom accommodation to meet demographic demand, it would not be possible to progress a major project for the school at this time. The school were also advised that should enrolment numbers justify the appointment of an additional teacher, and if it was not possible to accommodate this teacher within the school, that the school could submit an application to my Department for an additional classroom at that point.

15/02/2017WRK0010015/02/2017WRK00200Teachers’ Remuneration

15/02/2017WRK00300142. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason teachers who work in an ASTI school but choose not to join a union have not received pay increments, with collective bargaining being cited as the reason, as it is not the role of the employer to couple pay parity with union membership; if it is constitutional to treat non-union member teaching staff in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7568/17]

15/02/2017WRK00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The current position is that the Lansdowne Road Agreement as set out in Section 2 of Circular 0045/2016 applies to teachers employed in Designated Community Colleges, Community and Comprehensive Schools and Voluntary Secondary Schools who are TUI members. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2013 and 2015 as set out in Section 3 of the Circular applies to all other teachers employed in such schools. The circular is available on my Department’s website and can be accessed at:

http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0045_2016.pdf

In addition, a comprehensive FAQ document is also available on my Department’s website:

http://www.education.ie/en/Education-Staff/Information/Public-Service-Stability-Agree- ment-Haddington-Road/FAQs-on-the-Lansdowne-Road-Agreement-Post-Primary-Teachers. pdf

As is the norm with public service collective agreements, the Lansdowne Road Agreement was negotiated with trade unions which are recognised as representing staff in the public service (including teachers). It is normal practice in the public service that the decision of the trade union recognised as holding representative rights for a particular grade or sector will determine the position for all relevant staff in that grade/sector. This context does not allow for acceptance or rejection of collective agreements by staff on an individual basis.

Accordingly, there is no proposal at this time to treat teachers separately based on the fact that they are not a member of a trade union. However, since the announcement of the ASTI ballot result my Department has received a number of queries from both ASTI members and teachers who are not members of a trade union about union membership. Therefore, having regard to the circumstances of the dispute with the ASTI, this is an issue that I will keep under review going forward.

15/02/2017WRK00500Schools Mental Health Strategies

15/02/2017WRK00600143. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 18 January 2017 and his commitment to review the proposal to have an advertisement for Pieta House services in school journals, if he will provide an update. [7574/17]

15/02/2017WRK00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department has con- 249 Questions - Written Answers sidered this proposal. I agree that information on a comprehensive range of support services should be available to schools and young people in Ireland. I also believe that suicide prevention should form part of a balanced and age-appropriate strategy to promote mental health and wellbeing among children and young people.

I believe that an appropriate and immediate response should be triggered within schools and from health services when a young person experiences a mental health crisis.

I recognise the valuable services of Pieta House in supporting those in suicidal crisis. It is not possible for me to require schools to include specific information in school journals.

However my Department’s focus remains on assisting schools in the implementation of the guidelines provided and in providing advice and clarity to both staff and pupils on the range of services both statutory and non-statutory which exist outside the school supporting all aspects of mental health and wellbeing.

15/02/2017WRK00800Special Educational Needs Service Provision

15/02/2017WRK00900144. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason no primary schools in an area (details supplied) have an autistic spectrum disorder, ASD, unit; if there has been a review of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7589/17]

15/02/2017WRK01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, prefer- ably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.

In respect of children with ASD who cannot be accommodated in mainstream education, they may be enrolled in special classes or special schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided. Special classes are for students who have a recommendation for a special class placement in their professional reports.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support students with Special Educational Needs, including Autism. It is also the role of the NCSE to make appropriate arrangements to establish special classes in schools in communities where the need for such classes has been identified.

Special classes within mainstream schools are intended for children who, by virtue of their level of Special Educational Needs, cannot reasonably be educated in a mainstream class setting, but who can still attend their local school in a special class with a lower pupil–teacher ratio of 6:1 at primary level and 6:1.5 at post primary level, and also have Special Needs Assistant support normally amounting to 2 SNAs for a class of 6 children.

Progress in developing this network has been significant and in addition to the special school placements there are currently 1,153 special classes throughout the country at primary and post primary level of which 889 are for children with Autism.

The NCSE, in consultation with the relevant education partners, must take into account

250 15 February 2017 the present and future potential need, location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas. In this regard the NCSE has advised that they are continuing to engage with schools in the area referred to by the Deputy in opening special classes to where there is an identified need for special class provision.

The NCSE recently launched guidelines for Boards of Management and Principals of Pri- mary and Post Primary schools which provide information on setting up and organising special classes. These guidelines are available to download from www.ncse.ie.

As details relating specifically to the area referred to by the Deputy are not readily available in my Department, I have arranged for the Deputy’s question to be forwarded to the National Council for Special Education for their attention and direct reply.

With regard to Co. Dublin (city and county), the NCSE has advised that there 119 ASD special classes attached to mainstream primary schools of which 19 are ASD Early Interven- tion classes. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs, including those in County Dublin, are available on www.ncse.ie.

15/02/2017WRK01100Schools Refurbishment

15/02/2017WRK01200145. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when necessary funding will be allocated for essential roof repairs to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7652/17]

15/02/2017WRK01300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for Emergency Works Scheme funding for roof works.

As the scope of the works proposed were outside the terms and conditions of the Scheme, the school was advised to submit a scaled back application. As soon as this is received it will be assessed and the school authority will be notified directly of the outcome.

Questions Nos. 146 and 147 answered with Question No. 132.

15/02/2017WRK01600School Transport Provision

15/02/2017WRK01700148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for a school bus in County Kerry. [7727/17]

15/02/2017WRK01800Minister 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.

Currently in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

Under the terms of my Department’s Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the retention of a school transport service, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

251 Questions - Written Answers Decisions in relation to the retention or establishment of school transport services for the 2017/18 school year will be made when all applications submitted for school transport have been assessed and payments made. However, families should liaise with their local Bus Éire- ann office at 066 7164750 if they require additional information on school transport services.

In general, families of eligible children, for whom there is no school transport service available, will be paid the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.

15/02/2017WRK01900Ministerial Travel

15/02/2017WRK02000149. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of trips outside the State taken by either him or his Minister of State, in tabular form; the locations they were to; the purpose of each trip; the duration of each trip; the officials who accompanied any Minister on each trip; and the costs of flights, accommodation and any other expenses incurred per person on each trip. [7729/17]

15/02/2017WRK02100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Please find the answer in the following table.

No of Trips Ministers Dates Travelled Destina- Purpose of Trip Flight Accommo- T & S Gifts Trips tion Costs dation Costs Claims 1 Minister China Education Richard Trade Mission Bruton incorporating Ireland’s receipt of Country of Honour at an International Conference Minister 19-21/10/2016 China As above Paid by Paid by EI NIL €577.88 Enterprise Ireland (EI) Officials x 2 19-21/10/2016 China As above Paid by EI Paid by EI NIL NIL Officials x 3 16-25/10/2016 China As above €7,801.07 €775.72 €1,900.96 NIL Subtotal €7,801.07 €775.72 €1,900.96 €577.88

2 Minister Brussels Education Richard Council Meet- Bruton ing Minister 21/11/2016 Brussels As Above €152.98 NIL NIL NIL Officials x 2 21/11/2016 Brussels As Above €344.94 NIL €161.20 NIL Official x 1 20-22/11/2016 Brussels As Above €429.97 €299.00 €235.52 NIL Subtotal €927.89 €299.00 €396.72 NIL

TOTAL for €8,728.96 €1,074.72 €2,297.68 €577.88 Minister Bruton

1 Minister of London Meeting with State John the Irish Com- Halligan munity on EU/ UK matters Minister 15-16/06/2017 London As Above €508.10 €542.65 NIL NIL Official x 1 15-16/06/2016 London As Above €597.36 €542.65 NIL NIL Subtotal €1,105.46 €1,085.30 NIL NIL

252 15 February 2017

No of Trips Ministers Dates Travelled Destina- Purpose of Trip Flight Accommo- T & S Gifts Trips tion Costs dation Costs Claims

2 Minister of Tel Aviv Meeting with State John Israeli Minister Halligan for Science Technology and Space and Meetings with Palestinian Ministers for both Education and Labour Minister 7-10/11/2017 Tel Aviv As Above €1,383.42 €474.08 NIL €232.82 Officials x 2 7-10/11/2016 Tel Aviv As Above €2,766.84 €948.14 €674.99 NIL Subtotal €4,150.26 €1,422.22 €674.99 €232.82

TOTAL for €5,255.72 €2,507.52 €674.99 €232.82 Minister Halligan

15/02/2017WRK02200Schools Building Projects Status

15/02/2017WRK02300150. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a promised new school (details supplied) in County Wexford; if the building will still be completed within the timeframe of the five year school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7765/17]

15/02/2017WRK02400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2(b), which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Cer- tificate and the preparation of Tender Documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

The Design team are currently working on the completion of the stage 2(b) submission. Once the Stage 2b (Detailed Design) submission is received and reviewed by my Department and subject to no further issues arising my officials will revert to the school with regard to the further progression of the project at that time.

15/02/2017WRK02500School Staff

15/02/2017WRK02600151. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7766/17]

15/02/2017WRK02700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The staffing process for the 2017/18 school year is currently underway in the Department and the details in relation to same will be published shortly on my Department’s website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally. It currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools.

The staffing arrangements includes the provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing 253 Questions - Written Answers grounds, using projected enrolment for the following September. In the current school year, three developing posts were provisionally sanctioned to the school referred to by the Deputy. The enrolment achieved by the school on 30 September 2016 was sufficient to retain two of these posts. The school submitted a staffing appeal to the October 2016 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. This appeal was refused on the basis that the grounds of the appeal did not warrant the allocation of an additional post under the terms of the published staffing arrangements. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.

The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. Depending on the circumstances of the school, e.g. fluctuating enrolment, accommodation available, there may be a variation in the size of the classes in the school. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any one class is kept as low as possible, taking into account all of the above factors.

Given that the staffing schedule operates to a general average of one classroom teacher for every 27 pupils, if a school has a large class it generally also has a small class.

15/02/2017WRK02800Superannuation Schemes

15/02/2017WRK02900152. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to provide pension entitlements to retained fire fighters who are paying a pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7754/17]

15/02/2017WRK03000Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): In 2008, retained fire-fighters were given the option of joining the Local Govern- ment Superannuation Scheme (LGSS) and receive a pension and retirement lump sum based on their pensionable remuneration and length of service. Retained fire-fighters who opted not to join the scheme receive, on retirement, a gratuity of 1/8th of the annual retainer multiplied by the number of years of actual service (up to a maximum of four times the annual retainer). All retained fire-fighters appointed after 1 January 2013 must join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 states that any public servant who is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme, or receives a payment in lieu of membership of such a scheme, is subject to Pension Related Deduction (PRD) from their remuneration. Additional pension benefits do not arise as a result of this deduction.

The payment of the retirement gratuity to retained firefighters who are not members of the LGSS is a payment in lieu of membership of a pension scheme and, as such, all retained fire-fighters, whether members of a public service pension scheme or not, are subject to the deduction outlined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. Re- sponsibility for this legislation rests with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

15/02/2017WRL00150Capital Assistance Scheme

15/02/2017WRL00200153. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if €86 million was allocated to capital assistance scheme (CAS) projects in 2016; the amount of this allocation that was actually spent on CAS projects; if all CAS ap- 254 15 February 2017 plications received were considered for funding; the areas to which the balance of the allocation for CAS projects not used for CAS projects went; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7464/17]

15/02/2017WRL00300Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): Funding availability under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for 2016 was €86m. Despite there being a substantial pipeline of project approvals in place under the Scheme, progress in 2016 was slower than expected and the final funding drawdown for the year was €37m. CAS applications in 2016 were received up to the end of the year and all are being considered for funding. It is normal that CAS applications received in one year might be funded in a subsequent year or, where construction activity is involved, across a couple of years.

Funding not drawn down under CAS in 2016 was reallocated to other social housing delivery programmes delivered by local authorities and by AHBs. My Department will be continuing to fund CAS in 2017 and I am keen to see as much progress as possible in delivering social housing under the Scheme.

15/02/2017WRL00350Library Services

15/02/2017WRL00400154. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Lo- cal Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 7 February 2017, if he will as- certain directly from the LGMA (details supplied), if any cost benefit analysis was carried out regarding the issuing of a State wide book tendering process which has resulted in the tender contract being signed whereby four of the six available were secured by Irish businesses and two have been secured by businesses based outside of the country; the details of the breakdown of the six lots and the monetary value of the tenders awarded, for example, each lot numbered and the amount of the contract attributed to it stating which are Irish and which are non-Irish, including the duration of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7468/17]

15/02/2017WRL00500Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): As advised in the reply to Question No. 264 of 7 February 2017, the information requested in respect of the national library book-stock tender managed by the Local Government Management Agency is a matter for that body. Arrangements have been put in place by bodies under the aegis of the Department to facilitate the provision of information by those bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for the Local Government Management Agency is [email protected].

15/02/2017WRL00550Capital Assistance Scheme

15/02/2017WRL00600155. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of an application for capital assistance scheme funding (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) submitted a proposal to his Department through Louth County Council in this case in 2016 and has not yet received a reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/17]

15/02/2017WRL00700Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): Louth County Council have just recently furnished to my Department a capital ap- praisal including a feasibility study in order for a full assessment of this project to be carried out. On the basis that the material submitted meets the requirements of the Scheme, a Stage 1 approval shall issue without delay.

255 Questions - Written Answers It should be noted that progress on CAS projects can be considerably slower than expected for a range of reasons, as with any house acquisition or transfer, there can be considerations around legal matters, suitability, costs and value for money etc. It is also important that all ad- aptations suggested are sufficient to meet the needs of the proposed CAS tenants.

My Department is anxious to see as much progress as possible in delivering social housing under the Capital Assistance Scheme and funding will continue to be made available under this scheme in 2017.

15/02/2017WRL00750Tenant Purchase Scheme Eligibility

15/02/2017WRL00800156. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan who applied for Part V of the tenant purchase scheme in the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7493/17]

15/02/2017WRL00900157. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Lo- cal Government the change to the tenant purchase scheme which is excluding Part V applicants in the tenant purchase scheme in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7494/17]

15/02/2017WRL01000Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least 1 year.

The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 governing the Scheme provides for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including units provided to the Local Authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, houses specifically designed for older persons, group Traveller housing and houses provided to facilitate people with disabilities transferring from institutional care to community- based living.

The provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are designed to enable the development of mixed tenure sustainable communities. Part V units are excluded from the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme to ensure that units delivered under this mechanism will remain available for people in need of social housing support and that the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time.

My Department does not hold information on the number of households that have applied to purchase Part V housing through the tenant purchase scheme. The management of the scheme is a matter for individual housing authorities.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government and reaf- firmed in Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of operation of the scheme is currently being undertaken by my Department. Any changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme which are considered necessary based on the evidence gathered will be brought forward. I expect this review to be completed by the end of Quarter 1 2017. 256 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRL01050Housing Policy

15/02/2017WRL01100158. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his Department’s policy relating to the housing of homeless families in family type accommodation; if he has instructed all local authorities, including those in the midlands to offer family specific accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7523/17]

15/02/2017WRL01200Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services, including accommodation, rests with individual housing authorities. I am satisfied that housing authorities are currently making every effort to make the most suitable accommodation possible available to homeless households seeking emergency accommodation.

Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness acknowledges that the use of hotels as emergency accommodation for families for long periods of time is inappropriate and unsustainable. Accordingly, the Plan includes a commitment that, by mid-2017, hotels should only be used in limited circumstances as emergency accommodation for families. Full details and timeframes in relation to the range of actions to address family homelessness are set out in Rebuilding Ireland, which is available on the www.rebuildingireland.ie website.

15/02/2017WRL01250Water Conservation Grant Data

15/02/2017WRL01300159. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Lo- cal Government the number of applications that were received for the water conservation grant since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7526/17]

15/02/2017WRL01400Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): The Water Conservation Grant was introduced in 2015 as part of the Government’s revised package of water measures, announced in November 2014. The scheme assisted in the promotion of water conservation and sustainable use of water services in the homes of both customers and non-customers of Irish Water.

The 2015 €100 Water Conservation Grant was available to all households that satisfied the following criteria:

- the property was registered with Irish Water on or before 30 June 2015;

- the person applying for the grant was normally resident in the property on 30 June 2015; and

- the application was being made in respect of a principal private residence.

The Water Conservation Grant was administered by the Department of Social Protection on behalf of my Department. The 2015 Water Conservation Grant has been paid to 890,104 applicants.

15/02/2017WRL01450Local Authority Boundaries

15/02/2017WRL01500160. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and 257 Questions - Written Answers Local Government if he will provide a detailed explanatory brief and timeline to outline the process of examining the report of the Waterford boundary review committee as part of the overall report on local government matters to be submitted to the Government and the Houses of the Oireachtas in mid-2017, as previously stated; if he will expedite the process of examining the report of the Waterford boundary review committee to conclude the matter as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7595/17]

15/02/2017WRL01600161. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will disregard the recommendations contained in the report of the Waterford boundary review committee, in view of the near 20,000 persons who made submissions against the proposal; if he will discontinue, dismantle and disembowel every element of this process indefinitely with immediate effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7596/17]

15/02/2017WRL01700Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.

The recommendations in the report of the independent committee which reviewed the local authority boundary at Waterford have significant implications and it would not be appropriate to make rushed decisions in that regard. I will be considering the report and its implications very carefully in the context both of ongoing work in relation to the future of local government in Ireland and also the development of Ireland 2040, the new National Planning Framework, over the coming months.

15/02/2017WRL01750Animal Welfare

15/02/2017WRL01800162. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the Revised Draft of Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines, No- vember 2016, which have been published recently apply to dog boarding kennels or just to dog breeding operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7742/17]

15/02/2017WRL01900Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): Section 2 of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 defines a dog breeding establishment as ‘‘a premises at which bitches are kept, not less than 6 of which are:

(a) more than 6 months old, and

(b) capable of being used for breeding purposes, but shall not include a local authority pound”.

The current dog breeding establishment guidelines and the revised draft guidelines, the subject of the current public consultation process, apply to all premises as defined in theAct.

15/02/2017WRL01950Water Services

15/02/2017WRL02000163. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Lo- cal Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 24 January 2017, the annual cost to the Exchequer if the existing subsidy to domestic group and private water users covered the full operating costs of providing water for domestic use; and the number of domestic group and water users who currently benefit from the subsidy [7750/17]

15/02/2017WRL02100Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon 258 15 February 2017 Coveney): I refer to the reply to Question Number 268 of 24 January 2017.

The following table sets out the number of group water schemes, and their associated number of domestic connections, benefitting from subsidy payments in 2014 - 2015. Final figures for the number of group water schemes, and their associated number of domestic connections, benefitting from subsidy payments in 2016 will not be available until mid 2017 (as scheme details are verified in the first half of the following year).

Year No. of Group Water No. of Domestic Connec- Schemes tions 2014 732 93,743 2015 700 95,067

15/02/2017WRM00100Written Replies Nos. 164 to 174

15/02/2017WRM00150Planning Issues

15/02/2017WRM00200164. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Lo- cal Government if he has reviewed the exempted development provisions to ensure that hard landscaping or off street car parking would be exempted only when complying with sustainable drainage principles, as outlined in the 2009 planning system and flood risk management guidelines (details supplied). [7769/17]

15/02/2017WRM00300Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Simon Coveney): Class 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provides for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of works to provide a hard surface within the curtilage of a house for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the house. Under an amendment made to the Planning Regulations in 2011, the exemption for a hard surface to the front or side of a house is subject to a condition related to the extent of the works, requiring that the hard surface must be constructed using permeable materials or otherwise allow for rainwater to soak into the ground.

A consolidated version of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2015 is available on my Department’s website at this link www.housing.gov.ie/planning/bord-pleanala/ planning-legislation. It should be noted that this is an administrative consolidation for ease of reference and is not a legal document. The official versions of all planning legislation are available on the Irish Statute Book website at www.irishstatutebook.ie/.

15/02/2017WRM00350Social Welfare Appeals

15/02/2017WRM00400165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) was disal- lowed and the original decision upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7463/17]

15/02/2017WRM00500Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I am advised by the Social Wel- fare Appeals Office that the jobseeker’s allowance appeal by the person concerned together with the relevant Departmental papers were received by that office on 8 February 2017.

This appeal, together with the supplementary welfare allowance appeal of the person concerned were referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing of both 259 Questions - Written Answers appeals.

Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Pro- tection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM00550Invalidity Pension Applications

15/02/2017WRM00600166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7470/17]

15/02/2017WRM00700Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.

A claim for IP was received from the lady concerned on the 01 December 2016. She was refused IP on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. Specifically, she does not have the required 260 contributions paid since she entered social insurance. She was notified on 12 January 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

Your representations have been treated as a request for a review of the decisions of the deciding officer. Following a review of all the information available it has been decided that there is no change to the original decision. The lady concerned was notified on 13 February 2017 of the outcome of the review and of her right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

The lady referred to is currently in receipt of disability allowance (DA) at a reduced rate from 09 November 2016, based on a review of her means. The decision to reduce her DA payment has been appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and will be dealt with by an Appeals Officer.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM00750Social Welfare Schemes Data

15/02/2017WRM00800167. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons on Tús, the rural social scheme, RSS, and community employment, CE, schemes who carried out duties in community child care facilities for each of the years 2013 to 2016 by county, in tabular form. [7477/17]

260 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRM00900Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The Department introduced a new Community Employment (CE) Childcare Strand in 2013 under which there is a dedicated childcare programme leading to a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education for CE participants who work directly with children. Under the new programme guidelines, CE participants in childcare places may receive up to 3 years continuous duration on the programme in order to achieve the QQI Level 5 qualification, subject to meeting annual review criteria and engagement in intensive job search activities.

These changes are designed to provide a more tailored and valuable support to the provision of community childcare and achieve greater coherence between participation on CE and the job market. This will improve the career path for participants who wish to pursue a career in childcare.

The numbers of CE participants recorded as working in dedicated childcare positions from 2013 to 2016, broken down by county, are set out in table 1.

Table 1

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 Carlow 33 57 48 2 Cavan 54 65 63 61 Clare 25 32 32 31 Cork 175 172 182 173 Donegal 41 63 52 62 Dublin 611 584 548 468 Galway 60 53 31 37 Kerry 91 72 69 52 Kildare 28 33 31 72 Kilkenny 19 36 36 35 Laois 24 32 35 41 Leitrim 6 17 17 21 Limerick 54 94 105 80 Longford 50 69 76 70 Louth 80 79 107 93 Mayo 36 38 32 26 Meath 50 48 57 59 Monaghan 67 89 86 76 Offaly 25 13 2 0 Roscommon 16 26 33 27 Sligo 72 47 35 30 Tipperary 48 52 64 56 Waterford 53 53 60 61 Westmeath 92 84 91 76 Wexford 91 80 72 65 Wicklow 10 16 39 42 Total 1,911 2,004 2,003 1,816 From the records available to the Department, the number of persons on Tús and the rural social scheme (RSS) that were recorded as undertaking some duties in childcare settings in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 by county, is set out in the following tables. These programmes do 261 Questions - Written Answers not have a dedicated childcare strand.

Table 2 - Tús participants recorded as working in childcare 2013 to 2016

Tús Participants Working In Childcare

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 Carlow 15 18 18 26 Cavan 10 17 18 19 Clare 20 20 18 15 Cork 59 66 57 42 Donegal 65 70 73 71 Dublin 186 227 243 207 Galway 33 41 40 41 Kerry 7 10 7 9 Kildare 20 24 19 11 Kilkenny 22 19 18 17 Laois 1 1 3 5 Leitrim 11 8 10 13 Limerick 26 31 39 40 Longford 11 15 15 12 Louth 3 6 4 4 Mayo 31 45 44 36 Meath 23 33 33 27 Monaghan 50 44 46 38 Offaly 13 16 17 17 Roscommon 13 16 20 17 Sligo 2 6 8 10 Tipperary 12 27 40 40 Waterford 25 25 28 30 Westmeath 15 14 19 20 Wexford 23 29 23 15 Wicklow 11 23 27 21 Total 707 851 887 803

Table 3 - RSS participants recorded as working in childcare 2015 and 2016 (information requested prior to 2015 on RSS is not available)

RSS Participants working in Childcare

County 2015 2016 Carlow - - Cavan 1 1 Clare - - Cork 1 3 Donegal - - Dublin - -

262 15 February 2017 County 2015 2016 Galway 2 4 Kerry 3 3 Kildare - - Kilkenny - - Laois - - Leitrim - - Limerick - - Longford - - Louth - - Mayo 22 22 Meath 1 1 Monaghan - - Offaly 3 3 Roscommon 2 2 Sligo - - Tipperary - 1 Waterford - - Westmeath - - Wexford - - Wicklow - 1 Total 35 41 I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM00950Disability Allowance Applications

15/02/2017WRM01000168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7585/17]

15/02/2017WRM01100Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): The application for disability allowance (DA) for this lady, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds. Notification of this decision and the reason(s) for it issued to the person concerned on 12 January 2017.

The person in question has lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the relevant papers requested by that Office are being prepared and will be submitted by the Department shortly. The SWAO will be in touch with the person in due course in relation to the progress of the appeal.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM01150Disability Allowance Applications

15/02/2017WRM01200169. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7588/17] 263 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRM01300Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): I confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from this man on 30 January 2017. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM01350Social Welfare Schemes

15/02/2017WRM01400170. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the pilot scheme for social protection assistance for artists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7666/17]

15/02/2017WRM01500Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Leo Varadkar): One of the initiatives announced as part of the Creative Ireland Programme which was launched by the Taoiseach in December was that the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in conjunction with my Department would devise a mechanism during 2017 to assist self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance.

I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Arts on the matter and officials of our two Departments have already begun working on this initiative in consultation with the Arts Council. Details of the pilot scheme will be announced as soon as possible.

15/02/2017WRM01550State Pension (Non-Contributory) Applications

15/02/2017WRM01600171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for a State non-contributory pension in the case of a person (details supplied) who has submitted all requested documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7711/17]

15/02/2017WRM01700Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Leo Varadkar): An application for a State pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 7 September 2016. A standard information request was sent to the person concerned on 22 September 2016. The applicant requested an extension of time to gather and return the requested information, through their local Social Welfare Local Office on the 26 September. To date, the requested information has not been received.

The deciding officer contacted the applicant on 13 February and has sent a copy of the original information request. On return of the requested information, the application will be reviewed by the Deciding Officer and the person concerned notified of the outcome without delay. If the person is in need of financial assistance in the interim, they should contact their local Community Welfare Service Officer.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM01750Social Welfare Overpayments

264 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRM01800172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Par- liamentary Question No. 186 of 2 February 2017, the length of time of non-payment before 5 October 2016 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7722/17]

15/02/2017WRM01900Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): The person concerned was awarded disability allowance in late September 2016, with effect from 10 August 2016. Disability allowance has been in payment since 05 October 2016. How- ever, arrears were withheld pending agreement on the recovery of an outstanding debt to the Department. The outstanding debt relates to an overpayment of one parent family payment.

My Department is obliged to recoup any debt to it in an appropriate and timely manner and has attempted to contact this customer on multiple occasions regarding proposals for recovery, including the setting off of arrears due against the debt and the commencement of weekly deductions to cover the remaining balance of the debt.

However, there has been no response to any of this correspondence and my Department will now proceed to deduct the arrears of disability allowance from the outstanding debt and commence weekly deductions from 22 February 2017. Notification of this decision issued to this customer on 13 February 2017.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRM01950Ministerial Travel

15/02/2017WRM02000173. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of trips outside the State taken by either him or the Minister of State at his Department, in tabular form; the destinations; the purpose of each trip; the duration of each trip; the officials who accompanied the Minister or Minister of State on each trip; and the costs of flights, accommodation and any other expenses incurred, per person, on each trip. [7731/17]

15/02/2017WRM02100Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have made six trips outside the State since taking up office in May 2016. The details requested by the Deputy in relation to these trips are set out in the following table. In some instances, the figures relating to the costs incurred may not be final, as claims for these trips have still to be submitted by all of those who travelled or may not have not been fully processed.

The Minister of State at the Departments of Social Protection, Justice and Equality and Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, has not made any trips outside the State in his capacity as Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection.

Details of travel outside the State by Minister Varadkar and accompanying Officials from 6 May 2016

Destination Purpose of Duration of Minister/Of- Cost of Cost of Other ex- trip trip ficial flights€ accommoda- penses € tion € Luxembourg Employ- 15/6/2016 Minister (Note 1) 185.00 100.97 ment and –16/6/2016 Varadkar Social Affairs Council (EP- SCO) Assistant 556.88 Secretary 265 Questions - Written Answers

Destination Purpose of Duration of Minister/Of- Cost of Cost of Other ex- trip trip ficial flights€ accommoda- penses € tion € Private Sec- 520.18 376.83 (Note retary 2) Ministerial 492.18 Advisor Slovakia Informal 13/7/2016 Minister 335.02 350.00 61.25 EPSCO –16/07/2016 Varadkar Assistant 206.72 Secretary Principal Of- 279.46 ficer Private Sec- 333.02 533.95 232.75 retary Vienna World Eco- 10/11/2016 Minister 439.80 510.00 nomic Forum –13/11/2016 Varadkar – new leaders for Europe Private Sec- 498.35 510.00 247.50 retary Brussels EPSCO 7/12/2016 Minister 157.57 360.00 –9/12/2016 Varadkar Assistant 103.96 Secretary Private Sec- 157.58 540.00 296.00 retary Ministerial 150.22 Advisor London Meeting with 1/2/2017 Minister 69.04 £156.06(Note UK Secretary –3/2/2017 Varadkar 3) of State for Work and Pensions Assistant 89.98 £327.42 Secretary Principal Of- 126.98 ficer Assistant 89.98 £327.42 Principal Private Sec- 155.73 £156.06 318.83 retary Ministerial 69.04 £156.06 Advisor Peru and Accompany- 8/2/2017 Minister 3,353.51 Columbia ing President –13/2/2017 Varadkar Higgins on official visit Private Sec- 3,353.51 retary

Note 1: No airfare costs – refunded by EU Council. Note 2: Costs include other expenses. Note 3: These figures relate to the costs of accommodation as booked and are therefore, quoted in sterling. Claims for this trip are still to be submitted and processed.

15/02/2017WRM02150Office of Public Works Projects

15/02/2017WRM02200174. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of, and his views on, recent projects completed at Rathfarnham Castle and the Pearse 266 15 February 2017 Museum in Rathfarnham; if further projects are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7541/17]

15/02/2017WRM02300Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Seán Canney): Rathfarnham Castle is a National Monument in State ownership since 1988. The Office of Public Works manages the site and has undertaken a programme of conservation and refurbishment at the castle over the past twenty years.

The most recent (Phase 6) works were completed in 2015 and provided a new lift and stair- case in the south-west tower, new toilet facilities at basement level in the southeast tower, upgrading of doors and floors for fire resistance, and new external ramps and steps to allow level access to a new entrance point. These works have successfully addressed both the fire safety issues, and universal accessibility limitations, that existed at this National Monument.

Future works planned for the Castle will include the refurbishment of four rooms at basement level for exhibition purposes.

An application has already been made to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for Ministerial Consent for these works, and the submission of a planning application to South Dublin County Council will follow shortly. The timelines for the progress of any new works will be dependent on the availability of funding.

At St Enda’s Park, a permanent exhibition on the life and times of Patrick Pearse was in- stalled in the museum basement and opened in July 2016 by President Michael D. Higgins. A public artwork that responded to the historical heritage of the Museum and incorporated the text of Pearse’s last poem, ‘The Wayfarer’, was also unveiled on this date. Carved on 21 pieces of Donegal sandstone and laid along a circular path, the poem now forms a centrepiece in the Walled Garden.

South Dublin County Council has carried out improvement works on Grange Road and Sarah Curran avenue comprising traffic calming, provision of cycle facilities, footpath upgrade, design of open space with new pedestrian and cyclist entrance into the park and the installation of a sculpture.

Follies within the park have been restored over the past 3 years. Landscaping work within the walled garden has led to paths being upgraded, and the final phase of this work will be completed this year.

15/02/2017WRN00200Capital Expenditure Programme

15/02/2017WRN00300175. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions that have taken place to allocate the remaining €2.5 billion left in the capital plan budget ahead of a mid-year review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7483/17]

15/02/2017WRN00400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): My Depart- ment has commenced work on the review of the Capital Plan advising Departments of the content required for their submissions to the review and conducting a formal briefing for all De- partments/Offices on the review process.

Departments are required to make submissions, including proposals for any of the additional capital funding available, by end February 2017. A public consultation will also be initiated in the coming weeks. My Department will assess the submissions received and make recommendations to Government in Q3 2017, to inform decisions by Government on revised capital

267 Questions - Written Answers allocations in the context of Budget 2018.

The Deputy will, therefore, appreciate that any consideration or examination of funding allocations can only commence on the basis of the submissions received from Departments and following the completion of my Department’s assessment and analysis of these proposals, taking into account the outcome of the consultation process.

The Capital Plan sets out a €42 billion framework to address our priority infrastructure needs up to 2021. Government identified an additional €5.14 billion funding for capital in the 2016 Summer Economic Statement.

Last year, €2.2 billion of the additional capital was allocated to the Government’s initiatives aimed at tackling the housing crisis, as detailed in the Action Plan on Housing and Homeless- ness. Taking account of further allocations made in Budget 2017, approximately €2.65 billion remains to be allocated over the period 2018-2021.

The priority for the review is to ensure that this additional capital funding is aligned with national economic and social priorities, consistent with Programme for Government objectives, and helps to underpin sustainable medium-term economic growth and future growth potential.

15/02/2017WRN00500Land Acquisition

15/02/2017WRN00600176. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will fast-track the purchase of land (details supplied) from his Department by Fingal County Council and allow the land to be better utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7571/17]

15/02/2017WRN00700Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Seán Canney): Under Section 28(2) of the State Property Act, 1954, land vested in or held in trust for a body corporate immediately prior to its dissolution, (other than land held by such body in trust for another person) becomes property of the State in the person of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The interest acquired by the Minister is described as a defeasible interest as it may be defeated by restoration of the company up to 20 years after dissolution. I as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have the discretion, under Section 31 of the State Property Act 1954, to waive property that has devolved to the State under Section 28 if I believe it is proper to do so having regard to all the circumstances of the case.

The land referred to by the Deputy is registered to a company that has been dissolved since 2011. If Fingal County Council wish to have the property referred to waived to them then an application for waiver should be made. The waiver application must be accompanied by a standard set of supporting documentation. The property may be waived to Fingal Council, if having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it is deemed proper to do so.

15/02/2017WRN00800Public Sector Pensions Levy

15/02/2017WRN00900177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason public servants in receipt of a public service pension have the pension levy deducted from their pensions; the rate at which it is deducted; his plans to reduce the pension levy in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7598/17]

15/02/2017WRN01000178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reductions that have taken place in public service pensions since 2008; his plans to reverse these reductions in line with the reversal of reductions in public service salaries that is proposed; and 268 15 February 2017 if he will make a statement on the matter. [7599/17]

15/02/2017WRN01100179. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the relationship that exists between increases in public service wages and a consequential increase in public service pensions; if this connection has been broken; the basis on which public service pensions are now increased; the frequency of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7600/17]

15/02/2017WRN01200Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 179, inclusive, together.

The Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR), which was introduced on 1 January 2011, is the only measure which has decreased the pay-out value of public service pensions since 2008.

PSPR applies as a progressively structured imposition on public service pensions under terms set out in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2010, as amended. As such it has been and remains an important element of the pay and pension measures under the financial emergency legislation which have been critical to the stabilisation of the public finances.

When introduced, PSPR applied to all pensions in payment above €12,000, with each affected pension subject to reduction based on a table of money bands and associated percentage reduction rates. It applied in the same way from that time to all new pensions awarded up to end-February 2012, which was the expiry date of a “grace period” during which the 2010 public service salary cuts were not reflected in new-award pension calculations. The PSPR table applying to all of these pensions, as commenced on 1 January 2011 was as follows:

Annualised amount of public service pen- Reduction sion Up to €12,000 Exempt Any amount over €12,000 but not over 6% €24,000 Any amount over €24,000 but not over 9% €60,000 Any amount over €60,000 12%

On 1 January 2012 an adjustment affecting a very small number of pensions was introduced by way of a new top rate of PSPR, of 20%, applied to that portion on any PSPR-affected pension in excess of €100,000.

On 1 July 2013, additional PSPR-based pension cuts were imposed as part of the further re- trenchments of public service pay and pensions legislated under FEMPI 2013. These additional cuts were confined to higher-value pensions, defined as those with a pre-PSPR value exceeding, at least, €32,500, and were implemented in two ways.

First, the existing PSPR rates, which applied to qualifying pensions awarded up to up to end-February 2012, the “grace period” expiry date, were increased for all pensions with pre- PSPR values above €34,132.

Second, post-February 2012-awarded pensions greater than €32,500, which up to then had been exempt from PSPR, were subjected to a new group-specific PSPR rate regime, featuring lower rates than those applied to earlier-awarded pensions. The low-rate regime in respect of these pensions reflected the fact that, unlike earlier-awarded pensions, those pensions reflected 269 Questions - Written Answers actual rather than grace period-protected salary rates.

These 2013 changes effectively instituted three separate PSPR rate tables, differentiated by pension size relative to a threshold value, and by date of pension award. Commencing 1 Janu- ary 2016, PSPR as applied by reference to these three tables is being significantly reversed in three stages under FEMPI 2015. This reversal is proceeding in three stages over the 2016 to 2018 period as follows:

On 1 January 2016, increases in the annual pension thresholds for PSPR application were activated. These exemption threshold increases fully removed PSPR from a significant number of pensions with relatively lower values, while those pensions which continued to be impacted by PSPR received a boost of €400 per year.

On 1 January 2017, additional PSPR amelioration, acting principally via further exemption threshold increases, fully removed PSPR from another significant tranche of public service pensioners, while at the same time boosting those pensions which remain affected by PSPR, in most cases, by up to €500 per year.

On 1 January 2018, the third phase of PSPR amelioration will ensure that all PSPR-impacted pensions with values up to €34,132 will be fully restored, meaning that PSPR will no longer affect such pensions, while those pensions which continue to be impacted by PSPR will get a boost of, in most cases, €780 per year.

Over the 2016-2018 implementation period of these FEMPI 2015 PSPR changes, the PSPR exemption threshold will progressively expand as follows: In 2016, all pensions up to €18,700 were exempt from PSPR; from 1 January 2017, all pensions below €26,000 are now exempt from PSPR; and from 1 January 2018 all pensions up to €34,132 will be exempt from PSPR.

This means that, when fully rolled-out from 1 January 2018, these PSPR amelioration steps will ensure that most public service pensioners are not affected by PSPR. All public service pensions with pre-PSPR values of up to €34,132 will be fully exempt from PSPR from then on, while those pensioners not fully removed from the reach of PSPR will, in the majority of cases, benefit by €1,680 per year. The cost of these changes is estimated at about €90 million on a full-year basis from 2018.

In the past, the ocupational pensions received by public service pensioners were generally adjusted in line with changes in the wages or salary of the pensioner’s grade at retirement. Sometime referred to as “pay parity”, this non-statutory linkage lapsed in 2010 when pensions were left unchanged notwithstanding salary cuts at the beginning of that year affecting all public servants. This pension protection, albeit tempered from 2011 in some cases by the imposition of PSPR, has worked to the benefit of pensioners, as indeed have the “grace periods” in respect of new-award pensions which accompanied the public service salary cuts in 2010 and 2013. PSPR is also being reduced at a faster pace and to a greater degree than the ameliorisa- tion of the pay reductions.

In light of these developments, the issue of how to adjust the post-award value of public service pensions through appropriate pay or other linkages will be considered by Government in due course.

15/02/2017WRN01300Office of Public Works Projects

15/02/2017WRN01400180. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action the Office of Public Works plans to take to address a building (details supplied). [7660/17] 270 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRN01500Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Seán Canney): The Office of Public Works (OPW) is not the owner of the former Courthouse in Tip- perary Town. Consequently, it is not a matter for OPW to carry out any repairs which may be required for this building.

15/02/2017WRN01600Office of Public Works Projects

15/02/2017WRN01700181. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of legal proceedings taken by the Office of Public Works (details supplied). [7688/17]

15/02/2017WRN01800Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Seán Canney): The premises referred to has been vacated since the Summer of 2014. The matter is the subject of legal proceedings which are ongoing at present. On foot of legal advice, it is not appropriate at this time to provide any further detail on this matter so as not to prejudice the outcome of this case.

15/02/2017WRN01900General Elections Expenditure

15/02/2017WRN02000182. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of registered post for ballot papers in the National University of Ireland constituency in the general election to Seanad Éireann in 2016. [7694/17]

15/02/2017WRN02100Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The cost of registered post for ballot papers in the National University of Ireland constituency in the Gen- eral Election to Seanad Éireann in 2016 is €0.636m.

15/02/2017WRN02200General Elections Expenditure

15/02/2017WRN02300183. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of registered post for ballot papers in the University of Dublin constituency in the general election to Seanad Éireann in 2016. [7695/17]

15/02/2017WRN02400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The cost of registered post for ballot papers in the University of Dublin constituency in the General Elec- tion to Seanad Éireann in 2016 is €0.356m.

15/02/2017WRN02500General Elections Expenditure

15/02/2017WRN02600184. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of litreacha um thoghcháin for candidates in the National University of Ireland and Uni- versity of Dublin constituencies in the general election to Seanad Éireann in 2016. [7696/17]

15/02/2017WRN02700Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): In the Gen- eral Election to Seanad Éireann in 2016, the cost of litreacha um thoghcháin for candidates in the National University of Ireland constituency is €1.386m and in the University of Dublin constituency is €0.443m.

15/02/2017WRN02800Land Acquisition 271 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRN02900185. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gael- tacht Affairs the way in which the State proposes to utilise the lands at Glenasmole-Featherbeds which were purchased recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7542/17]

15/02/2017WRN03000Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Michael Ring): The lands referred to will be managed as part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

While the lands will be primarily managed for Nature Conservation, other uses such as rec- reation will be considered where compatible with the Park’s Nature Conservation objectives. Given the high conservation value and sensitivity of the Blanket Bog and Heathland habitats, provision of high volume recreational uses with visitor facilities and other supporting infrastructure is unlikely.

As the lands in question are located in Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) there are already constraints and obligations placed on landowners, the State included, on how the lands are used.

In addition, the legal rights and burdens such as Grazing, Sporting and Turbary rights held by individuals have to be respected and will be considered within the management options available to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

15/02/2017WRO00200Cultural Policy

15/02/2017WRO00300186. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which culture will be defined and the way the arm’s length principle will be maintained in regard to Creative Ireland funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7661/17]

15/02/2017WRO00400Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Creative Ireland is underpinned by the key values identified in the draft framework policy Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach:

- The intrinsic value of culture

- The value of culture to our lives and our communities

- The right of everyone to participate in the cultural life of the nation

- The importance of the Irish language, our cultural heritage, folklore, games, music and uniqueness of our Gaeltacht areas

- The value of cultural diversity, informed by the many traditions and social backgrounds now in Ireland

- The value of culture as a means of fostering a more sustainable future for Ireland, including through economic and social policy

- The value of culture in presenting Ireland to the world

The Creative Ireland Programme will embrace the whole cultural sector, bringing together all those involved in the arts, film, broadcasting, visual arts, cultural heritage, the Irish language and Gaeltacht, with Government Departments and State agencies.

The objects for the Creative Ireland Programme will primarily be delivered through, and 272 15 February 2017 in partnership with, existing agencies, local authorities, cultural institutions and State bodies.

15/02/2017WRO00500Cultural Policy

15/02/2017WRO00600187. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the current status of Culture 2025 and the commitments contained within it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7662/17]

15/02/2017WRO00700196. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of Culture 2025; the way in which it may or may not relate to Creative Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7706/17]

15/02/2017WRO00800Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 196 together.

Last July I published the draft framework policy Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, which was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for input. I understand that the Committee is currently preparing a report on the draft framework policy which I will consider when received. I have also received submissions from various organisations on the draft document. Following receipt of the report from the Commit- tee it is my intention to finalise the Policy.

In the meantime, I believe that it is important to continue momentum in terms of delivery of the priorities set out in the framework policy and to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

To that effect therefore, on December 8th last, the Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme/Clár Éire Ildánach as the Government’s Legacy Programme arising out of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025. The Creative Ireland Programme is a high-level, high-ambition, all-of-Government initiative to mainstream creativity in the life of the nation.

My Department is now working to implement the Creative Ireland Programme with partners across Government and other key stakeholders. This includes an ambitious Year 1 Programme to deliver 10 initiatives by the end of 2017. Details of the Programme can be found on www. creative.ireland.ie.

15/02/2017WRO00900Arts Funding

15/02/2017WRO01000188. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the delivery mechanisms for the individual art forms under pillar 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7663/17]

15/02/2017WRO01100189. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding each local authority under pillar 2 of the Creative Ire- land scheme will receive; and whether it will be ring-fenced. [7665/17]

15/02/2017WRO01200195. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the planned allocation of the €5 million for Creative Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7705/17]

15/02/2017WRO01300197. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural

273 Questions - Written Answers and Gaeltacht Affairs the planned delivery mechanism to achieve the outcomes for the individual art forms under pillar 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7707/17]

15/02/2017WRO01400199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the funding to each local authority, both amounts and rules and guidelines for the spending of these funds under pillar 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7709/17]

15/02/2017WRO01500Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 189, 195, 197 and 199 together.

The Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme – Clár Éire Ildánach 2017– 2022 on 8 December 2016.

This is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national well-being. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme.

The core proposition of this programme is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. The programme is based on five pillars:

- Enabling the creative potential of every child

- Enabling creativity in every community

- Investing in our creative and cultural infrastructure

- Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production

- Unifying our global reputation

The aim of Pillar 1 of the Creative Ireland Programme is to enable the creative potential of every child. The Department of Education and Skills and Arts Council will be key partners in implementing this pillar. My Department has commenced discussions with that Department and the Arts Council on the delivery mechanisms for this pillar and it is intended that a national plan will be in place by the end of 2017.

The second pillar – Enabling creativity in every community – will be implemented primarily through our local authorities. This is because local authorities are the primary instruments of community engagement and second, local authorities have a particular capacity for local programme delivery, especially in the context of citizen engagement.

I have asked local authorities to establish a Culture Team bringing together arts officers, li- brarians, heritage officers, museum curators, archivists and other relevant personnel which will be led by a Director of Services, with a nominated person as ‘Creative Ireland Co-ordinator’. The primary role of the Culture Team will be to develop a Culture and Creativity Plan, reflecting the overall structure and aims of the national strategy programme, and then to drive public participation in creative cultural activity in each local authority area.

I have made a specific allocation of €1 million to the local authorities towards the implementation of the 2017 Creative Ireland Plans out of the overall funding of €5m which I secured in Budget 2017 to underpin this new initiative. I am currently considering the overall allocations under the Creative Ireland Programme and will make further announcements in this regard in due course. 274 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRO01600Community Development Projects

15/02/2017WRO01700190. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gael- tacht Affairs her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a redevelopment project in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7697/17]

15/02/2017WRO01800Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Seán Kyne): My Department administers a scheme under which financial assistance can be provided towards the capital costs associated with developing or improving community and language facilities in the Gaeltacht.

My Department has received an application for funding under this scheme to assist with the development referred to by the Deputy. However, while my Department contributes towards the cost of providing living accommodation for Irish language students attending the facility during the summer months, the facility is not in the Gaeltacht. Accordingly, my Department will not be in a position to fund the substantial capital costs associated with the planned redevelopment.

15/02/2017WRO01900Cultural Policy

15/02/2017WRO02000191. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the plans for setting up Creative Ireland; the person or body that will be making decisions in this regard; the details of the relationship between her Depart- ment and Creative Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7701/17]

15/02/2017WRO02100194. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will provide the terms of reference, the structures and the make up for the planned Creative Ireland advisory committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7704/17]

15/02/2017WRO02200Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 194 together.

The Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme – Clár Éire Ildánach 2017 – 2022 on the 8 December 2016 as the Government’s Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, the draft cultural policy which I published in July 2016.

While the programme will operate under the aegis of my Department it is important to note that this is a cross-Government initiative designed to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national well-being. I have established a dedicated Project Office within my Department that will be responsible for the implementation of this programme. The programme will be overseen by a Cabinet Committee chaired by An Taoiseach and by a Senior Officials Group led by the Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach, comprising civil servants from each relevant Department.

There are no plans at present for setting up Creative Ireland Advisory committees.

15/02/2017WRO02300Arts Funding

15/02/2017WRO02400192. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural

275 Questions - Written Answers and Gaeltacht Affairs if Creative Ireland will see an increase in the existing funding for the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7702/17]

15/02/2017WRO02500Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a very important commitment to work to progressively increase funding to the arts, including the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board, as the economy continues to improve.

In Budget 2017, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board. The increase in the Arts Council’s allocation in 2017 is €5 million, or 8%, and will assist the Council greatly in implementing its 10-year strategy Making Great Art Work (2016- 2025). I also secured an increase of €2 million for the Irish Film Board, representing a 14% increase in its annual budget. This increase in funding will allow the Board to invest more in Irish talent in the year ahead and follows on from a very successful year for the Irish film sector, particularly the indigenous film sector.

Budget 2017 also includes:

- increased funding for all of the National Cultural Institutions;

- an increase of €1 million for Culture Ireland;

- an additional €1 million to the Heritage Council; and

- funding of €5m for the implementation of the Creative Ireland Programme.

All of this represents real and substantial funding increases across the arts and cultural area and has been welcomed across the sector. It reaffirms the commitment of this Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves, as set out in the Pro- gramme for a Partnership Government.

15/02/2017WRO02600Social Welfare Schemes

15/02/2017WRO02700193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will provide any reports, research documents or plans regarding the issue of social protection payments for artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7703/17]

15/02/2017WRO02800Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I recently announced that my Department in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection would devise a mechanism during 2017 to assist self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance.

I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection on the matter and officials of our two Departments have already begun working on this initiative in consultation with the Arts Council. The scheme will be a pilot scheme and is part of the Creative Ireland Programme which was launched by the Taoiseach and I on 8 of December last. Details of the pilot scheme will be announced as soon as possible. Any reports which are generated as part of the consideration of the scheme can be released once final decisions are made.

Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 191.

Question No. 195 answered with Question No. 188.

276 15 February 2017 Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 187.

Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 188.

15/02/2017WRP00300Cultural Policy

15/02/2017WRP00400198. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans for Music Generation; if the success of this will mean similar initiatives for other art forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7708/17]

15/02/2017WRP00500Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme – Clár Éire Ildánach 2017 – 2022 on the 8 December 2016.

This is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme.

The core proposition of this programme is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. The programme is based on five pillars:

- Enabling the creative potential of every child

- Enabling creativity in every community

- Investing in our creative and cultural infrastructure

- Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production

- Unifying our global reputation

The aim of Pillar 1 of the Creative Ireland Programme is to enable the creative potential of every child. The Department of Education and Skills and Arts Council will be key partners in implementing this pillar. This will build on many existing initiative in the area of education, young people and the arts, including the work of Music Generation. In this regard, it should be noted that issues in relation to Music Generation are a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills. My Department has commenced discussions with that Department and the Arts Council on the delivery mechanisms for this pillar and it is intended that a national plan will be in place by the end of 2017.

Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 188.

15/02/2017WRP00700Culture Ireland

15/02/2017WRP00800200. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, under pillar 5, she will consider reinstating the board of Culture Ireland and recruiting a new external director when the current director leaves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7710/17]

277 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRP00900Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Culture Ireland was established in 2005 under my Department to promote Irish arts abroad. Following a review in 2012, the Government committed to maintaining Culture Ireland as a division of my Department and to expanding its remit to work on a cross agency basis to ensure maximum impact from investment in Irish arts. An Expert Advisory Committee was established to guide and oversee this work and I am satisfied that this arrangement is working well. Culture Ireland has played an important role in building Ireland’s global reputation through the promotion of Irish artists worldwide and will play a pivotal role in the Creative Ireland Programme.

15/02/2017WRP01000Medicinal Products Availability

15/02/2017WRP01100201. Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle flash glu- cose monitoring system (details supplied) will be made available to persons here through the medical card or through the long-term illness book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7475/17]

15/02/2017WRP01200Minister 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.

15/02/2017WRP01300Home Help Service Provision

15/02/2017WRP01400202. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health if there will be any increase in the number of home help hours provided in 2017 in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7476/17]

15/02/2017WRP01500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

15/02/2017WRP01600General Practitioner Services

15/02/2017WRP01700203. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the position regarding general practitioners charging a person (details supplied) for blood tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7484/17]

15/02/2017WRP01800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): There is no provision under the GP GMS contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP, or the Practice Nurse on behalf of the GP, which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition. The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I understand that in recent times, some GPs are charging GMS patients for these services.

If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incor- rectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient may make a complaint to the HSE Local Health Office, who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE’s Complaints Policy. 278 15 February 2017 In order to achieve clarity on this issue, I have asked that any difference of perspective in relation to the provision of phlebotomy services be addressed in the GP contractual review process. I am pleased that initial meetings with GP representative bodies to progress this work have recently taken place and I look forward to constructive and positive further engagements.

15/02/2017WRP01900Hospital Facilities

15/02/2017WRP02000204. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in hospitals have been reviewed in the context of minimising hospital acquired infections; if any recommendations have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7485/17]

15/02/2017WRP02100205. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the cooling coils for air conditioning systems in hospitals, he will provide information regarding the levels of bacterial and fungal biofilms that are found when the systems are cleaned and decontami- nated; if there has ever been a report of the release of planktonic bacteria and fungi into the conditioned airstream that would add to existing entrained planktonic bacteria and fungi that would get through primary filters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7486/17]

15/02/2017WRP02200206. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the introduction of an enhanced ultraviolet germicidal irradiation within the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in hospitals to eliminate the cooling coil biofilm and entrained microbes which necessitate constant cleaning of cooling coils, drip trays, plenums, ductwork and conditioned air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7487/17]

15/02/2017WRP02300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 206, inclusive, together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

I can assure the Deputy that the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance is a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Gov- ernment. I am advised that Irish hospitals, like other hospitals internationally, are taking steps to reduce healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance including the prudent use of antibiotics.

A wide range of initiatives has been put in place in the Irish health system over several years to tackle healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance, covering improved surveillance of infections and prescribing and infection prevention and control processes.

It also includes antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, public and professional awareness- raising with a significant emphasis on the education and training of healthcare professionals.

Ireland is also developing a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in line with the World Health Organisation’s 2015 Global Action Plan on AMR and the European Council’s 2016 Conclusions: ‘The next steps under a ‘One Health’ approach to combat antimicrobial resistance’.

The National Action Plan is being developed with the oversight and guidance of the Inter- departmental AMR Consultative Committee. The Committee was established in 2014 by my Department’s Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department of Ag- riculture, Food and the Marine in recognition of the need for a ‘whole of Government’ approach to tackling the issue of AMR. This intersectoral approach crosses the health, veterinary and

279 Questions - Written Answers environmental spheres to encompass all stakeholders’ efforts to address what is a world-wide concern. It is intended that the National Action Plan will be published in 2017.

15/02/2017WRP02400HIV-AIDS Programmes

15/02/2017WRP02500207. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he will make pre-exposure prophylaxis available through the health service in order that the risk of contracting HIV is reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7497/17]

15/02/2017WRP02600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The National Sexual Health Strategy 2015- 2020 was launched in October 2015. The strategy was developed in response to a recommendation of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on the need to establish clear leadership within the health sector around the area of sexual health. The Strategy contains 71 recommendations that address all aspects of sexual health and a Sexual Health Action Plan for 2015-2016 that contains 18 priority actions for immediate attention.

One of the priority actions identified in the Action Plan for 2016 is to ‘Prioritise, develop and implement guidance to support clinical decision making for STI testing, screening and treatment and on the appropriate use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV prevention’. An Imple- mentation Group has now been established within the HSE as an outcome of this action. This group will make recommendations on the appropriate use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the overall context of the national approach to HIV prevention. Any decision concerning the availability of PrEP will be made following the completion of this work.

15/02/2017WRQ00200Redundancy Payments

15/02/2017WRQ00300208. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the status of the redundancy payments for employees of a company (details supplied) in County Carlow; his views on the failure of their employer and the HSE to carry out the recommendations of the Labour Court as regards payment of their redundancy package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7499/17]

15/02/2017WRQ00400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accord- ingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

15/02/2017WRQ00500Medical Card Applications

15/02/2017WRQ00600209. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied). [7506/17]

15/02/2017WRQ00700Minister 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 Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which in-

280 15 February 2017 cludes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.

15/02/2017WRQ00800Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration

15/02/2017WRQ00900210. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health his plans to lower the premium placed on land and property assets of persons availing of the nursing homes support scheme from 7.5% to its previous level of a 5% premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7512/17]

15/02/2017WRQ01000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long- term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

The Scheme was amended by the Health (Amendment) Act 2013 which increased the level of asset contribution from 5% to 7.5% per annum. This applied to new entrants to the Scheme after the enactment of the amendment and was required in order to ensure the sustainability of the Scheme in light of the increasing population of older people in Ireland. There are no plans to change the level of asset contribution back to 5% per annum.

A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care. It is important to note that a person’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap. The Scheme has a number of other important safeguards built into the financial assessment which ensures that:

- Nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care;

- An applicant will keep a personal allowance of 20% of his/her income or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater. This is in recognition of the fact that, although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home, such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing;

- If an applicant has a spouse/partner remaining at home, he/she will be left with 50% of the couple’s income or the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater;

- If both members of a couple enter nursing home care, they each retain at least 20% of their income, or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater;

- Certain items of expenditure, called allowable deductions, can be taken into account for the financial assessment, including health expenses, payments required by law, rent payments and borrowings in respect of a person’s principal private residence;

- A person’s eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drug Payment Scheme, is unaffected by participation in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme or residence in a nursing home.

281 Questions - Written Answers In addition to these safeguards, where an applicant’s assets include land and property held in the State, the contribution based on such assets may be deferred and collected from their estate. This is known as the Nursing Home Loan (Ancillary State Support), the purpose of which is to ensure that a person does not have to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for long-term nursing home care. A nursing home resident can apply for this deferral at any stage.

When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. A number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across De- partments and Agencies, including recommendations relating to the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme.

This work is currently underway and the IFA has made a submission in this context to the Interdepartmental Group which is overseeing the implementation of certain recommendations contained in the Review. The proposals put forward by the IFA are currently being considered. Once all of the relevant Review recommendations have been considered, any amendments required to the Scheme will be identified.

15/02/2017WRQ01100Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

15/02/2017WRQ01200211. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of residential properties that have had to be sold at the request of the HSE legal department in order to make a settlement for the health care received by the owner. [7525/17]

15/02/2017WRQ01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Your question relates to operational matters within the HSE and accordingly has been referred to that organisation for direct reply to you.

15/02/2017WRQ01400General Practitioner Data

15/02/2017WRQ01500212. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who are practicing in Dublin South West per capita; the way this compares with other constituencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7546/17]

15/02/2017WRQ01600Minister 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 for direct reply.

15/02/2017WRQ01700Hospital Staff Data

15/02/2017WRQ01800213. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses, doctors and consultants employed at AMNCH, Tallaght since 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7547/17]

15/02/2017WRQ01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRQ02000State Claims Agency

15/02/2017WRQ02100214. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 45 of 1 February 2017 and 207 of 8 February 2017, his views on the fact that the year- 282 15 February 2017 on-year increase in damages claims costs predicted by the actuaries to the clinical indemnity scheme between 2014 and 2015 was approximately 13% from €202 million to €230 million, while in maternity services the actual increase in claims costs was over 100%, from €40.5 million to €84.1 million and in view of the fact that in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 45 it was stated that the growth in maternity-related claims against consultants from 2006 onwards is in line with the actuarial predictions made by the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7552/17]

15/02/2017WRQ02200215. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 1 February 2017, if he will provide the actuarial predictions made regarding maternity damages cases by the State Claims Agency from 2006 to 2013 inclusive; if he will include the yearly number of damages cases predicted and-or the year-on-year increases in costs predicted. [7553/17]

15/02/2017WRQ02300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.

The actuaries to the Clinical Indemnity Scheme provide projections that are part based on historical claims spend and claims activity and reasonably predict foreseeable activity, taking into account relevant risk factors. The State Claims Agency has confirmed to my officials that the growth in related activity and costs around maternity and other related claims is in line with the maturity of the Scheme. Separately the actual cost of claims resolved year on year is related to the actual number of claims that are resolved and the number of those that are resolved on a Periodic Payment Order basis versus a lump sum basis. Because of the high value of a proportion of clinical claims, a small number of such claims in any one year can significantly impact the total spend.

In respect of the settlement of claims it is difficult to accurately predict whether each claim will be settled or adjourned, and when settled, whether settlement will be by means of a Pe- riod Payment Order or a lump sum. More stability will be introduced into the claims system when the Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill, which will legislate for Periodic Payment Orders, is enacted in the coming months, as this will encourage the settlement of all catastrophic injury claims through Periodic Payment Orders.

In reply to question No 45 of 1 February last I had noted that 13 cerebral palsy cases in which Periodic Payment Orders (PPO) were agreed between 2010 and 2013 were returned to Court on subsequent returnable Court dates. Because PPO legislation was not enacted some cases settled as lump sums instead of continuing as PPOs.

In relation to the actuarial predictions for maternity damages cases from 2006 to 2013 inclusive, the State Claims Agency has informed my officials that it first sought a separate actuarial estimate/prediction for these damages for the year 2009, as the Scheme had matured sufficiently at that time such that actuaries could generate such estimates/predictions. This was also the first time that the estimate/prediction exceeded €50m. The figures for the years in question are as follows:

Year Actuarial Estimated Spend - € 2009 55 2010 78 2011 106 2012 128 2013 154

283 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRQ02400Hospital Waiting Lists

15/02/2017WRQ02500216. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have surgery in Kerry University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7554/17]

15/02/2017WRQ02600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRQ02700Hospital Waiting Lists

15/02/2017WRQ02800217. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on waiting lists for diagnostic imaging services at Galway University Hospitals; the length of time these persons have been waiting; if they are waiting for CT, MRI or other types of scans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7557/17]

15/02/2017WRQ02900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRQ03000Hospital Services

15/02/2017WRQ03100218. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health the number of MRI and other scans outsourced to external service providers by Galway University Hospital during each of the years 2014 to 2016; the details of the service providers; the total cost of this service in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7558/17]

15/02/2017WRQ03200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRR00200Hospital Equipment

15/02/2017WRR00300219. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health if the requirement for a second MRI scanner at University Hospital Galway, UHG, has been brought to the attention of his Department; if a request for resources in this respect has been received from UHG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/17]

15/02/2017WRR00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The requirement for a second MRI scanner 284 15 February 2017 at University Hospital Galway has been brought to the attention of my Department.

The Saolta University Health Care Group advises that UHG is undertaking an internal review of waiting list/outpatients management with a view to identifying improvements around process flow.

Saolta advises that a business case for a second MRI scanner has been submitted to HSE Estates and Acute Hospitals Divisions. It also advises that, from 29 November 2016 to 24 Janu- ary 2017, the hospital has outsourced 5 MRI high priority scans to the private sector to free up capacity for inpatient requirements.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRR00500Hospital Services

15/02/2017WRR00600220. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the theatre utilisation rate for each of the acute and non-acute hospitals here for 2017 and for each of the past five years; if data is collected in respect of under booking, turnaround and downtime between patients; if so, if he will provide this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7563/17]

15/02/2017WRR00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRR00725Health Care Policy

15/02/2017WRR00750221. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will announce a date for the publication of the national policy for the development of a trauma network for Ireland in view of the fact that a public consultation took place in autumn 2015 and that according to his Department’s website, the national steering group was scheduled to publish its report in mid- 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7564/17]

15/02/2017WRR00775Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The development of a policy on a trauma system for Ireland is a joint initiative from the Department of Health and the HSE. The primary aim of developing this policy is to improve patient outcomes and to lead to a reduction in pre- ventable death and disability by ensuring that the trauma patient is delivered to the care facility that has the right resources to match his/her often multiple and critical needs in the shortest time possible.

The trauma care pathway encompasses pre-hospital care, Emergency Department resuscita- tion and emergency surgical intervention, reconstruction of injuries and rehabilitation. A Steer- ing Group on a Trauma System for Ireland was established by the Minister (Chaired by Prof Eilis McGovern) in 2015. Five Working Groups were also established to make recommendations to the Steering Group in relation to each of the components of the trauma care pathway and in relation to the configuration of a trauma system for Ireland.

Given its scale, the development of the policy is still work in progress but it is expected the Steering Group’s report will be completed as soon as possible in 2017.

15/02/2017WRR00800Hospital Waiting Lists

285 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRR00900222. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for hip replacement surgery; and the expected timeframe in view of the fact that this person has been on the waiting list a considerable length of time and is in deteriorating health. [7567/17]

15/02/2017WRR01000Minister 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 you directly.

15/02/2017WRR01100Hospital Facilities

15/02/2017WRR01200223. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he will review the decision to cut funding for the centre for narcolepsy in St. James’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7569/17]

15/02/2017WRR01300224. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the reason for the decision to cut funding for the centre for narcolepsy in St. James’s Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7570/17]

15/02/2017WRR01400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRR01500Hospital Appointments Status

15/02/2017WRR01600225. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an orthopaedic consultation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7575/17]

15/02/2017WRR01700Minister 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 scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond 286 15 February 2017 to you directly.

15/02/2017WRR01800Hospital Waiting Lists

15/02/2017WRR01900226. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason an orthopaedic operation was not provided for a person (details supplied) in view of the exceptional medical circumstances in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7577/17]

15/02/2017WRR02000Minister 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.

15/02/2017WRR02100Hospital Appointments Status

15/02/2017WRR02200227. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7587/17]

15/02/2017WRR02300Minister 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.

15/02/2017WRR02400Hospital Waiting Lists

15/02/2017WRR02500228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7592/17]

15/02/2017WRR02600Minister 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

287 Questions - Written Answers scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

15/02/2017WRR02700Nursing Homes Support Scheme

15/02/2017WRR02800229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7651/17]

15/02/2017WRR02900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

15/02/2017WRS00100Hospitals Data

15/02/2017WRS00200230. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the operating budget for Beau- mont Hospital in each of the years 2009 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7654/17]

15/02/2017WRS00300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospitals Data

15/02/2017WRS00400231. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the capital budget or total capital spend at Beaumont Hospital in each of the years 2009 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7655/17]

15/02/2017WRS00500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospitals Data

15/02/2017WRS00600232. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the total agency spend at Beau- mont Hospital in each of the years 2013 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7656/17]

15/02/2017WRS00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Staff Data

15/02/2017WRS00800233. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time 288 15 February 2017 equivalent nursing positions in place at Beaumont Hospital in each of the years 2009 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7657/17]

15/02/2017WRS00900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Beds Data

15/02/2017WRS01000234. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the number of beds operational at Beaumont Hospital in each of the years 2009 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7658/17]

15/02/2017WRS01100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

National Drugs Strategy

15/02/2017WRS01200235. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to drug checking services (details supplied); the amendments to existing legislation that would be necessary to enable a pilot of such a service; and his position on the matter [7699/17]

15/02/2017WRS01300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): Government policy on tackling the drug problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. The Strategy is a cross cutting area of public policy and service delivery, which requires a coordinated response to tackling the drug problem, involving the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.

The Government is committed to putting a new drugs strategy in place this year. A Steer- ing Committee has been established to advise me on a new strategy with a view to developing an integrated public health approach to substance misuse, which is defined as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illegal drugs.

While the format of the new Strategy has not yet been agreed by the Steering Committee, the Strategy will be based on a health-led approach to the drug problem and build on progress achieved under previous drug strategies. Significant progress has been made in developing the evidence-base for the new Strategy. This includes a review of systematic evidence reviews of various interventions to tackle the drug problem. The Steering Committee will consider the various issues highlighted in the evidence review, including harm reduction measures such as drug testing. The nature of such an initiative would require further investigation and elabora- tion.

I understand that the Steering Committee is continuing with its deliberations and is expected to submit its final report to me by the end of March. I hope to be in a position to bring my proposals to Government on the new Strategy thereafter.

Ministerial Travel

15/02/2017WRS01400236. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of trips outside the State taken by either him or his Minister of State, in tabular form; the locations they were to; the purpose of each trip; the duration of each trip; the officials that accompanied any Minister on

289 Questions - Written Answers each trip; and the costs of flights, accommodation and any other expenses incurred per person on each trip. [7730/17]

15/02/2017WRS01500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The information requested by the Deputy is in the following table. Please note that Minister of State Finian McGrath has not taken any trips outside of the State. I have included flight costs where they have been incurred by the Department. Other costs can only be calculated once a claim has been submitted by the individual concerned. You will note that in many instances claims have not yet been submitted and therefore total costs cannot be calculated at this time.

Minister Dates Location Official Department Officials Flights - € Tand S Costs - € Business attending Minister 03/10/2016 Slovakia Health Minister 162.10 Harris Informal - One Day Private Secretary 204.94 113.40 Press Advisor to Min- 314.94 ister Harris (i) Principal Officer 218.06 20.22 International and Re- search Policy Unit 07/12/2016 Lisbon 2nd Round Minister 253.06 Table Meeting Private Secretary 277.00 96.13 Press Advisor to Min- 306.06 ister Harris Principal Officer 384.20 Community, Phar- macy, Dental, Optical and Aural Policy Unit 17/01/2016 Paris Ministe- Minister rial level Health Committee Meeting Private Secretary 139.72 Press Advisor to Min- ister Harris Assistant Secretary 147.97 International and Re- search Policy Unit 23/01/2017 London European Minister 163.69 Medicines Associa- tion Private Secretary 163.69 105.08 Press Advisor to Min- 163.69 ister Harris Special Advisor to 163.69 Minister Harris Assistant Secretary 164.35 Medicines Unit Principal Officer 164.35 Medicines Unit

290 15 February 2017

Minister Dates Location Official Department Officials Flights - € Tand S Costs - € Business attending 06/02/2017 Brussels, European Minister 226.22 Belgium Medicines Associa- tion Dis- cussions Private Secretary 237.24 Press Advisor to Min- 237.24 ister Harris Assistant Secretary 246.98 Medicines Unit Principal Officer 124.76 Medicines Unit Minister 14/11/2016 Venice, Pompidou Minister 0.00 0.00 of State - Italy Sympo- Byrne 16/11/2016 sium on NPS- To- wards a new balanced approach on NPS, Venice, Italy Assistant Principal 283.47 260.00 Officer Drugs Policy Unit 20/11/2016 Copen- Visit to Minister 207.45 - hagen, H17, Drug 21/11/2016 Denmark Injection Centre, Copen- hagen, Denmark Principal Officer 207.45 Medicines Unit Minister 16/06/2016 Luxem- Luxem- Minister 916.90 403.00 of State - bourg bourg: Corcoran 17/06/2016 Council Kennedy Meeting Employ- ment, So- cial Policy Health & Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) Private Secretary 916.90 304.57 Assistant Secretary 863.76 595.06 International and Re- search Policy Unit Assistant Principal 863.76 482.26 Officer International and Research Policy Unit

291 Questions - Written Answers

Minister Dates Location Official Department Officials Flights - € Tand S Costs - € Business attending 26/09/2016 Brussels Public Minister 48.53 216.99 - Health 27/09/2016 Policy & Alcohol related Harm Seminar Private Secretary 48.53 512.33 Principal Officer 350.32 587.51 Tobacco and Alcohol Control Unit (ii) 09/11/2016 Brussels Brus- Minister 125.23 180.00 - sels. Irish 10/11/2016 Permenant Repre- sentation Confer- ence Mini- mum Unit Pricins of Alcohol Private Secretary 125.23 520.67 16/01/2017 Univer- Conference Minister 179.20 398.14 - sity of ‘Taxation 17/01/2017 Liverpool and Other London Economic Campus Incentives as health- Promoting Tools: A Focus on Tobacco, Alco- hol and Unhealthy Diets Private Secretary 179.20 410.01 Assistant Principal 174.72 545.92 Officer Tobacco and Alcohol Control Unit Minister 16/06/2016 Glasgow British Minister 306.98 95.40 of State - - Scot- Irish Coun- McEntee 17/06/2016 land cil Summit Private Secretary 306.98 71.55 Assistant Principal 161.98 215.27 Officer Services for the Elderly Unit 04/08/2016 Edin- Scottish Minister 201.98 0.00 burgh, Young Scotland Carers Festival, Assistant Principal 201.98 119.60 Officer Services for the Elderly Unit

292 15 February 2017

Minister Dates Location Official Department Officials Flights - € Tand S Costs - € Business attending 09/12/2016 Edin- Brit- Minister 118.87 burgh, ish Irish Scotland Council, Ministerial Meeting on Demogra- phy Private Secretary 120.15 85.52 06/02/2016 Brussels, Mental Minister 0.00 0.00 - Belgium Health and 07/02/2016 Active Ageing Confer- ence Private Secretary 0.00 0.00 i The cost of this flight reflects a necessary last minute name change

ii Flight date changed

National Treatment Purchase Fund Waiting Times

15/02/2017WRS01600237. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Ques- tion No. 198 of 9 February 2017, if the information provided within the National Treatment Purchase Fund preplanned list data which was not collected until 2014 is not at variance with the NTPF informing him that the way it classifies its waiting lists has been the same since its inception in 2002. [7743/17]

15/02/2017WRS01700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Last Thursday in the Dáil I clarified that the NTPF published waiting data has consistently excluded patients classified as Pre-Admit and awaiting Planned Procedures. The NTPF published waiting list figures provide an up-to-date and verified picture of patients actively waiting for a date for Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient appointments.

In 2014 the NTPF guidance to hospitals regarding waiting list management advised that hospitals needed to keep a record of patients pre-admission and awaiting planned procedures. The NTPF has been in a position to provide to my Department Pre-Admit patients data since 2011 and Planned Procedures data since 2014.

Indeed, the NTPF regularly reviews its process to ensure best practice and it is currently commissioning a research project examining updated international best practise around publication models and methodologies. I look forward to this work being concluded and to any action arising from its recommendations being taken.

Last Thursday I committed to asking the NTPF to work towards the publication of the Pre- Admit and Planned Procedures Waiting Lists. In this regard, the NTPF will review and advise on clinically appropriate time bands for these two different categories of patients.

Finally, last week, I also announced that the NTPF will audit the practices in the hospitals highlighted by the individual cases featured in the RTE documentary.

Hospital Appointments Status 293 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRS01800238. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to be called for surgery at St. James’s Hospital. [7747/17]

15/02/2017WRS01900Minister 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.

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

15/02/2017WRS02000239. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for an appointment with a speech therapist and with regard to speech therapy services in Dublin South Central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7748/17]

15/02/2017WRS02100Minister 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.

Speech and Language Therapy

15/02/2017WRS02200240. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age on the waiting list for speech therapy in Dublin South Central, in tabular form; the number of children that have been waiting zero to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 18 months and more than 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7749/17]

15/02/2017WRS02300Minister 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.

15/02/2017WRT00150Fish Farming

15/02/2017WRT00200241. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding salmon farms here; if there are any plans for the future regulation of the industry and the current position of sea lice control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7482/17]

15/02/2017WRT00300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Applications for aquaculture licences for the cultivation of salmon are considered by my Department in accordance with the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and related national and EU legislation. My Department’s regulatory regime for salmon farms is also governed by this legislation.

294 15 February 2017 The control of sea lice is managed by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State. The sea lice monitoring and control programme in place in Ireland is comprehensive and transparent with all farms inspected 14 times per annum by independent inspectors from the Marine Insti- tute. The results are circulated to all interested parties monthly and published annually. The Irish monitoring and control programme is unique in that it is completely independent of industry and the full results are published. It is comprehensive in that all farms and all sites are inspected.

These protocols are considered to be more advanced than those operated in other jurisdic- tions for the following reasons:

- The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry.

- Data obtained as a result of inspections is published and made widely available.

- Treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.

The monitoring and control programme in Ireland has been acknowledged by the Environ- ment Directorate (DG Environment) of the EU Commission as representing international best practice.

15/02/2017WRT00350Agriculture Industry

15/02/2017WRT00400242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to selling products overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7524/17]

15/02/2017WRT00500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): There is free movement of plants and plant products within the EU, apart from a number of plants from specific genera, which require a valid plant passport to be moved throughout the Member states indicating their freedom from certain regulated Harmful Organisms.

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/planthealthtrade/transferringofplantstoire- landfromtheeu/

With regard to the product mentioned, turf related products, this can move freely within the EU, however any exporter to a Third Country would need to clarify the import requirements with the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the Importing Country.

The FAO International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) establishes the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, (ISPM 12) on Phytosanitary Certificates. This allows my Departments as the Irish NPPO, following inspection, to issue a Phytosanitary Certificate for the plant products or other regulated articles to attest that the consignment meets the specified the Phytosanitary import requirements, and are in conformity with the requirements of the requirements of the NPPO of the importing country.

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/planthealthandtrade/ QuickGuidePhytocerts141015.pdf

My Department works closely with exporters to facilitate such trade movements.

15/02/2017WRT00550Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta

295 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRT00600243. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a dhéanfar íocaíocht faoi Scéim na Roghanna Agra-Chomhshaoil (AEOS2) le feirmeoir i gContae na Gaillimhe (sonraí leis seo); cén fáth a bhfuil moill leis an íocaíocht seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7461/17]

15/02/2017WRT00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Chuir an duine ainmnithe tús lena chonradh AEOS 2 an 1 Meán Fómhair 2016. Íocaíochtaí a eisíodh do bhlianta na Scéime, 2011-2015. Tar éis imscrúdú a dhéanamh ar an láthair an 27ú Iúil 2016, tháinig fadhbanna chun solais i ndáil leis an ngníomh Cothabhála i dtaobh Ballaí Cloiche Trai- disiúnta. D’eisigh an Roinn litir dar dáta an 12ú Deireadh Fómhair 2016 inar sonraíodh an pi- onós a forchuireadh agus inar tugadh an ceart don duine atá ainmnithe achomharc a dhéanamh in aghaidh chinneadh an Imscrúdaitheora Réigiúnaigh. Ní bhfuarthas aon achomharc.

Faoi na Rialacháin AE lena rialaítear an Scéim agus scéimeanna eile limistéarbhunaithe, ní mór seiceáil chuimsitheach riaracháin a dhéanamh, lena n-áirítear cros-seiceálacha leis an gCóras Aitheantais Dáileachtaí Talmhaíochta. De bhrí go mbeidh iarratasóirí uile AEOS 2 ag fáil a gcuid íocaíochtaí deiridh faoin scéim, ní mór athsheiceálacha ar íocaíochtaí i leith bhlianta uile na scéime a chríochnú sular féidir an íocaíocht deiridh a phróiseáil.

Tá oifigigh ag obair ar na comhaid seo agus déanfar íocaíocht, lúide pionóis agus laghdu- ithe, i ngach cás a luaithe is féidir.

The person named commenced their AEOS 2 contract on 1st September 2016. Payments issued for the 2011-2015 Scheme years. Following an on the spot inspection on 27th July 2016 issues arose in respect of the Traditional Stone Wall Maintenance action. A letter dated 12th October 2016 issued from the Department detailing the penalty imposed and giving the person named the right to appeal the decision to the Regional Inspector. No appeal was received.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identifica- tion System must take place. As all AEOS 2 participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed.

Officials are working through these files and payment, minus penalties and reductions, will be made in all cases as soon as possible.

15/02/2017WRT00750Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

15/02/2017WRT00800244. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) did not receive payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7466/17]

15/02/2017WRT00900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named commenced their AEOS 1 contract on 17 May 2010. Payments issued in respect of the 2010-2014 Scheme years. Following an Inspection on 30 June 2015 issues arose in relation to the Coppicing of Hedgerows, Species Rich Grassland, Wild Bird Cover and the Planting of Tree Whips actions. These issues lead to a reduction in the amount of €1,456.16 for the 2015 AEOS payment plus follow on reductions for previous scheme years amounting to €4,877.63, as detailed in a letter from the Department dated 25 April 2016.

A total of €6,675.88 was recovered which includes the amount of €6,333.79 detailed above, a further debt of €292.10 relating to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, plus associated 296 15 February 2017 interest due on all debts.

The person named appealed the inspection decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office and was partially successful. An Amount of €2,259.40 was reimbursed in two parts: €1,807.52 on 3 November 2016 and €451.88 on 7 November 2016.

15/02/2017WRT00950GLAS Payments

15/02/2017WRT01000245. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive the 2016 GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7472/17]

15/02/2017WRT01100Minister 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 an 85% first instalment payment in respect of the 2015 scheme year.

During the 2015 balancing prepayment checks issues were identified in relation to the Low Input Permanent Pasture action. Department officials have resolved these issues and the application will now be further processed for the balancing payment.

Following the issue of payment in respect of 2015, the prepayment checks will get under way in respect of 2016.

15/02/2017WRT01150GLAS Applications

15/02/2017WRT01200246. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7474/17]

15/02/2017WRT01300Minister 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 full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year.

The 85% advance payment for 2016 has been processed and payment has issued to the person named. The balancing 15% payment for 2016 will be processed in due course.

15/02/2017WRT01350Teagasc Courses

15/02/2017WRT01400247. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken to deal with the backlog of 3,600 young farmers who are seeking places in agricultural colleges to obtain green certificate qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7478/17]

15/02/2017WRT01500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment is working closely with Teagasc to address staffing issues in relation to delivering the adult Green Cert. In conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Teagasc was approved to appoint 70 temporary education officers in the period 2014 and 2016 in order to rapidly expand the number of places. 7 temporary administrators were also approved to address the huge volume of course administration that arose from the unprecedented Green cert demand. The staffing arrangements implemented to date helped Teagasc enrol 4,500 learners

297 Questions - Written Answers since 2014.

As Teagasc continue to experience strong demand for the Green Cert, I understand that they are actively considering a range of resource options to address projected demand on a phased basis from 2017 to 2019. I am pleased to confirm that Teagasc’s request for 15 new temporary posts to meet acute demand pressure points in some geographical locations was recently approved. Assignment of those posts to particular locations is an operational matter for Teagasc.

15/02/2017WRT01550Young Farmers Scheme

15/02/2017WRT01600248. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action that will be taken to assist the young farming community in view of the fact that no young farmer received an entitlement from the national reserve in 2016 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7480/17]

15/02/2017WRT01700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): In 2015 the National Reserve fund was based on a 3% cut to the Basic Payment Scheme financial ceiling and provided some €24 million in funding which was the maximum financing rate available under the relevant EU Regulations. Some 6,300 farmers received an allocation of entitlements under the 2015 National Reserve. There was no National Reserve in 2016 as all available funding had been utilised under the 2015 scheme. In order to provide for a National Reserve in 2017 funding is required to replenish the Reserve. EU Regulations governing the scheme provide that funding for the replenishment of the National Reserve may be obtained by means of surrender of entitlements that remain unused by farmers for two consecutive years and by claw-back derived following the sale of entitlements without land. It is envisaged that funding derived from these two sources in 2017 will be very limited. The Regulations also provide for the application of a linear cut to the value of all farmers’ entitlements to replenish the National Reserve. Under the National Reserve priority access for an allocation of entitlements is given to the two mandatory categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant to farming’.

Consultation between Department officials and the Direct Payments Advisory Committee, comprising members of the main farming organisations and advisory bodies, takes place annually as part of the decision making process for the National Reserve. Decisions relating to the availability of a 2017 National Reserve can only be made following determination of available funding and the consultation process involving the Direct Payments Advisory Committee. The consultation process in relation to the National Reserve in 2017 has commenced and decisions relating to the availability of a 2017 National Reserve will made following the conclusion of the consultation process and the determination of available funding.

15/02/2017WRT01750Aquaculture Licences

15/02/2017WRT01800249. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the claimed separation of duties in his Department between regulation and development was breached in the case of his decision not to revoke the aquaculture licence held by a company (details supplied) for its Lough Altan site, in view of the reasons for the decision set out on his Department’s website. [7488/17]

15/02/2017WRT01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The case referred to by the Deputy was considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and related national and EU legislation.

298 15 February 2017 I am satisfied that the decision in this case is appropriate having regard to all the issues involved.

15/02/2017WRT01950Departmental Bodies

15/02/2017WRT02000250. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 18 January 2017, the division of his Department which has responsibility for governance of the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. [7489/17]

15/02/2017WRT02100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Sea-fisheries Policy and Management Division of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has responsibility for oversight of Corporate Governance of the Marine Institute and The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.

15/02/2017WRT02150Fish Farming

15/02/2017WRT02200251. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether overstocking of salmon farms negates the organic status of the fish produced. [7490/17]

15/02/2017WRT02300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The maximum stocking density for organic salmon production is laid down under EU regulation. Any breach of that would be regarded as a serious infringement and would be fully investigated on a case by case basis. Depending on what emerged from any such investigation, the consequences could include removal of the organic status for the affected product or indeed the suspension of the operator’s organic licence altogether. However, the action taken would be proportionate and would have to take account of the particular circumstances applying in each case.

15/02/2017WRU00200Aquaculture Development

15/02/2017WRU00300252. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to commissioning an independent analysis of the benefits of onland closed containment systems for fish farms in view of the risks to the environment from marine-based salmon farms. [7491/17]

15/02/2017WRU00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Ireland’s Na- tional Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development, published in 2015, proposes 24 actions to drive the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector and grow production in the sector by 45,000 tonnes by 2023. The Plan targets a 30% increase in production derived from onshore close containment recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Considerable international developmental effort is being put into land based RAS systems. A number of tech- nological challenges need to be overcome to make RAS economically viable. The National Strategic Plan identified the need for additional applied research and development to improve the performance of RAS in terms of reduced water usage, more effective treatment of return water in terms of key enrichment parameters, reduction of energy usage in water pumping and treatment, improvement of system reliability to avoid stock losses and animal welfare and dis- ease management issues.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) funded a 2015 study by the Irish Salmon Growers Associa- tion entitled ‘Potential for Land Based Salmon Growout in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems 299 Questions - Written Answers (RAS) in Ireland’. The report describes in detail all technical aspects of RAS production and system design and operations. It also covers important biological aspects of land based salmon production. The Report states that its main aim is to assess the viability of land based salmon production in RAS under Irish conditions. This includes detailed information of capital expenditure and operational costs as well as the market situation for salmon. The report concludes that the capital cost of setting up a large scale RAS unit is very high and that there are still technical difficulties to be overcome to achieve reliability in land based facilities.

As part of my Department’s €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Opera- tional Programme, a new Aquaculture ‘Knowledge Gateway Scheme’ was launched in 2016. I have provided BIM with a budget of €8.2 million for that Scheme over the course of the Programme. In close collaboration with aquaculture enterprises and researchers, the Scheme aims to develop knowledge, innovation and technology in the aquaculture sector to ensure its sustainable development. An important part of the focus of the Scheme will be the applied research and development on RAS identified in the National Strategic Plan. This may take the form of applied research undertaken by BIM on behalf of the sector, but BIM will also welcome applications from universities or other public research institutions.

To incentivise the establishment of RAS aquaculture enterprises, I recently increased grant rates for RAS projects under the EMFF Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme to the maximum possible 50% rate. The Scheme supports the capital cost of establishing, modernising and improving aquaculture sites. This 50% support rate recognises the higher capital costs associated with RAS developments and can greatly assist in enhancing the viability of such enterprises.

15/02/2017WRU00500Basic Payment Scheme

15/02/2017WRU00600253. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number and value of penalties imposed on farmers under the basic farm payment scheme in County Cork in 2015 and 2016. [7496/17]

15/02/2017WRU00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The information requested is not yet available but is currently being compiled. It will be forwarded to the Deputy directly as soon as it is finalised.

15/02/2017WRU00800GLAS Payments

15/02/2017WRU00900254. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7502/17]

15/02/2017WRU01000Minister 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 full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year.

The 85% advance payment for 2016 has been processed and payment has issued to the person named. The balancing 15% payment for 2016 will be processed in due course according to the regulatory requirements.

15/02/2017WRU01100Teagasc Courses

300 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRU01200255. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on reports that the green certificate course is being discontinued for the 2017-18 academic year; the steps he is taking to ensure that Teagasc will provide a comprehensive syllabus in 2017 and thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7550/17]

15/02/2017WRU01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The adult Green Cert is delivered on a part-time and distance education basis by Teagasc education staff. Enrolments trebled in the period 2014 to 2016 - from 500 in a typical year to over 1,500 - arising from the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve, which required successful applicants to hold a Green Cert or equivalent in order to qualify for payment.

It was agreed that Teagasc could appoint 70 temporary education officers to rapidly expand the number of available places. 7 temporary administrators were also approved to address the huge volume of course administration that arose from the unprecedented demand. The staffing arrangements implemented to date helped Teagasc enrol 4,500 Green Cert learners since 2014.

I understand that Teagasc continue to experience strong demand for the adult Green Cert from people who have registered an interest with Teagasc in completing a future course. It is not known what proportion of that demand will materialise into formal applications in due course. However, Teagasc are actively considering a range of resource options to address projected demand on a phased basis from 2017 to 2019.

I am pleased to confirm that Teagasc’s request for 15 new temporary teaching posts was recently approved. I understand that Teagasc intend to deploy a substantial number of these posts to alleviate acute demand pressure points in the Northwest and Northeast. Overall Teagasc would hope to offer up to 1,000 Green Cert places at a number of locations in 2017, and therefore my understanding is that there is no question of the green cert being discontinued in the current academic year.

15/02/2017WRU01400TAMS Eligibility

15/02/2017WRU01500256. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a farming query in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7576/17]

15/02/2017WRU01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): To be eligible under the TAMS II scheme of investments an applicant has to have overall ownership or a valid lease for the site of investment works. An applicant who wants to erect a grant aided fence must have full ownership/lease of the land where the proposed fence is planned for. In the case of a commonage, a farmer or share holder does not own a defined area of land, he/she typically holds a defined fraction of the total undivided area. However, all shareholders on a commonage have use of the commonage. Therefore, since the Department cannot clearly identify the owner of a defined area, commonage cannot be deemed eligible under this scheme.

15/02/2017WRU01700Greyhound Industry

15/02/2017WRU01800257. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the closing of Shelbourne Park on certain dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7726/17]

301 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRU01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established in 1958, under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chief- ly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The matter of closing Shelbourne Park on the various dates referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord na gCon.

15/02/2017WRU02000TAMS Eligibility

15/02/2017WRU02100258. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for young qualified farmers, less than 25 years of age, being prevented from availing of the 6% grant for fencing and so on available under the TAMS programme, due to the fact they hold a herd number for a period in excess of five years with the grant reduced to 40% for such applicants; if same will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7737/17]

15/02/2017WRU02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): TAMS is funded under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020. The relevant EU Regula- tion governing Rural Development states that applicants wishing to qualify for the higher rate of aid for capital investment must be set-up for the first time within five years of the date of receipt of an application for aid. This requirement is reflected in the Terms and Conditions of the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II.

Younger farmers who do not meet this five year eligibility requirement are prioritised under the other TAMS II measures where they can avail of grant aid at the rate of 40%.

15/02/2017WRU02300Agriculture Schemes

15/02/2017WRU02400259. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/17]

15/02/2017WRU02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I was pleased to announce the launch of the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” on 31st January. One of my priorities has been to address the impact of the change in the sterling exchange rate and lower commodity prices in some sectors, which have caused cash flow difficulties for farmers. The Scheme, which was developed in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), makes €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland at interest rates of 2.95%.

Distributed through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, the Scheme provides farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital and will allow them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises. I can confirm that the loans are for amounts up to €150,000 for up to six years. The loans are flexible with interest only facilities of up to three years. However normal lending criteria apply and the terms and conditions of each individual loan is agreed between the financial institutions and the applicants according to their individual circumstances.

For information, the Credit Review Office provides an independent review process for SMEs, sole traders and farm enterprises that have had requests for credit refused or had exist-

302 15 February 2017 ing credit facilities reduced or withdrawn.

15/02/2017WRU02600Environmental Protection Agency

15/02/2017WRU02700260. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the granting of an EPA licence to a person (details supplied). [7479/17]

15/02/2017WRU02800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment seeks to promote environmental protection through putting in place the fiscal policy and statutory frameworks within which the Department and its agencies operate. The Environmental Protection Agency was established as an independent body to, inter alia, monitor the quality of the environment and to ensure overall compliance with environmental protection legislation.

The legislation passed by the Oireachtas to establish the EPA provides that the Agency is entirely independent of the Minister in the exercise of its functions. I am therefore constrained by the provisions of Sections 79(3) and 86(5)* of the Environmental Protection Agency Acts from becoming involved in any way with the licensing of installations under the EPA Acts or in the control of installations so licensed.

I would therefore encourage the correspondent on behalf of the piggery to contact the EPA directly at 053 9160600. Further information on the licensing process can be found on the EPA website at http://www.epa.ie/licensing/.

15/02/2017WRU02900National Broadband Plan Implementation

15/02/2017WRU03000261. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address the persistent lack of progress in the provision of broadband to a location (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, to date, two companies have cited lack of broadband provision as the primary reason the site was not chosen as the location for their business; the action he will take to prevent further decline in companies locating to Inishowen by targeting any prohibitive costs involved in rolling out broadband to specific sites in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7495/17]

15/02/2017WRU03100Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services has not been fully demonstrated.

This commitment by Government to deliver the NBP has also served as a catalyst for industry in bringing forward investment in new infrastructure in towns, villages and rural areas of Ireland. Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband from commercial service providers and investment by the telecoms sector is continuing to expand this footprint.

The Broadband Intervention Strategy sets out a detailed service specification that the State- funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30 megabits per second download and 6 megabits upload to all citizens, be capable of providing for higher performance in the future so as to keep pace with consumer demand and ensure the

303 Questions - Written Answers availability of high quality wholesale services to allow retail competition to develop.

The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area:

- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered.

- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention which are the subject of the current procurement process.

The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Donegal. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@ dcenr.gov.ie. Based on information provided by commercial operators and represented on our broadband map, coverage in this area is mixed. 65% of the area of Lisfannon Business Park in Lisfannon, Buncrana, Co Donegal falls within the BLUE area i.e. within the commercial operator(s) coverage area. The remaining 35%, falls within the AMBER area and will be covered by the State Intervention.

A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map to finalise the Intervention Area for the Procure- ment process, taking into account industry investments that have not materialised in Blue areas, together with new industry investments within the proposed State Intervention Area, along with concrete and credible commitments by industry for further new investments within the Intervention Area.

The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.

The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department’s extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP.

As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/ or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.

Insofar as the issue of cost is concerned, this network will be made available to service pro-

304 15 February 2017 viders on a wholesale basis and it is the intention that the wholesale prices for comparable services within the intervention area will be no more than the average published wholesale prices that prevail in other more competitive areas of the country or, in the absence of such published prices, prices already set or approved by the Regulator, ComReg.

The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded.

In this regard, I and Minister Humphreys established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task- force in July 2016. The findings of this Taskforce recommends practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to and improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/ en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.

Minister Humphreys has established two regional action groups, working with Local Au- thorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. Since July, there has been significant progress made in discussions with the key stakeholders including local authority management representation, Government Departments and State agencies, as well as interaction with ComReg and telecoms operators.

I have signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band, in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.

These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.

15/02/2017WRU03200Ministerial Meetings

15/02/2017WRU03300262. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Ac- tion and Environment when he will next meet the director general and board of RTE; the issues that are likely to form the agenda of that meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7582/17]

15/02/2017WRU03400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): As a matter of course I, as Minister, meet, from time to time, with the Boards and CEOs of bodies under the aegis of my Department. I can confirm that I have a meeting scheduled with the Chair and CEO of RTÉ next week. As is general with such meetings, there is no set agenda for discussion.

15/02/2017WRV0010015/02/2017WRV00200Mobile Telephony Services

15/02/2017WRV00300263. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Ac- tion and Environment the reason Irish mobile telephone customers are paying more than other European customers for making calls when abroad; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to ComReg the average surcharge applied by Irish operators is 98c per minute compared with just 69c across the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/17]

15/02/2017WRV00400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The regulation of electronic communications services, including the regulation of 305 Questions - Written Answers mobile charges, occurs within a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Com- munications Regulation (ComReg), which is independent in the exercise of its regulatory functions. I therefore have no statutory authority to regulate charges or ComReg in the exercise of its independent regulatory functions.

However, I have asked ComReg to provide comment on the Deputy’s question.

Calls made within the EU account for the vast majority of roaming calls made by Irish mobile customers. Prices for calls made within the EU are capped under EU Regulation 2015/2120. Those caps will be reduced even further from 15 June 2017 with the introduction of EU Roam Like At Home rules. The EU market is fully regulated.

ComReg estimates that non-EU roaming accounts for less than 3% of all roaming calls made by Irish mobile customers. The average surcharge applied to Irish customers in this context in 2016 was €0.98 per minute. This average price is a function of commercial agreements which individual EU-based mobile operators have with non-EU based mobile operators. Such international commercial agreements occur in an unregulated market. The overall EU average is €0.69, however this EU overall average encompasses a range of charges, including for example, surcharges as high as €2.10 per minute for Malta-based customers and €0.24 for Lithuania- based customers when roaming outside the EU.

The collection of this type of data for monitoring purposes by ComReg and other EU Na- tional Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) is a requirement of the current EU roaming regulations. The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) of which ComReg is a member, coordinates the regular collection of that data across all EU member states, on the basis of self-reporting by individual operators to each NRA.

15/02/2017WRV00500Mobile Telephony Services

15/02/2017WRV00600264. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the outcome for roaming charges between Ireland and the UK post-Brexit (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is a serious issue for persons living in the Border regions in which mobile operator service providers automatically switch over and back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7593/17]

15/02/2017WRV00700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The EU Roaming Regulations aim to abolish retail roaming charges within the EU on 15 June 2017, subject to Fair Use Policy. At that point in time, the UK will still be a member of the EU and will thus be required to abide by EU law in place at that time.

It is not yet possible to say what impact Brexit will have on cross border roaming charges. This will be largely dependent on the future relationship between the EU and UK. I can assure the Deputy however that my Department will continue to engage with the key stakeholders on this matter, and will use the structures put in place by Government for managing Brexit, to ensure that any progress made at EU level in reducing roaming charges applies also in any new relationship with the UK.

15/02/2017WRV00800Rail Services

15/02/2017WRV00900265. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase rail services along the Maynooth-Connolly line at peak commuter times; his further

306 15 February 2017 plans to increase the number of carriages on rail services on this line to prevent overcrowding; if he will ensure rail services are delivering for commuters and are an attractive mode of transport for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7467/17]

15/02/2017WRV01000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

15/02/2017WRV01100National Driver Licensing Service

15/02/2017WRV01200266. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered utilising the network of post offices across the State as locations for the National Driving Licence Service. [7473/17]

15/02/2017WRV01300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is operated under statute by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). It consists of four components, a central unit in the RSA itself and three outside contractors. The three contractors are the ‘front office’ network, the ‘back office’ for processing applications, and the producer of the plastic card licence.

All of the contracts were put out to tender by the RSA in 2013, and neither I nor my Depart- ment have any role in that process. I do understand that An Post applied for the front office contract at the time but was not successful. An Post may also apply in any future tendering process.

15/02/2017WRV01400Road Improvement Schemes

15/02/2017WRV01500267. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the reintroduction of the local improvement scheme to facilitate local authorities such as Donegal County Council to carry out the necessary road repairs in view of the fact the current arrangement by which local authorities can use a percentage of their budgets on such repairs is currently unsustainable; if he will consider its reintroduction in the near future as part of rural revitalisation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7500/17]

15/02/2017WRV01600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority’s own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Maintenance of private laneways/roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the landowners concerned. Due to the major cutbacks in roads funding it was necessary for the Department to cease making separate allocations to local authorities in respect of LIS. The approved scheme remains intact and local authorities can use a proportion of State grant funding for LIS should they wish to do so.

While there is a modest increase in funding for roads this year, it will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore “steady state” funding levels for regional and local roads. The primary focus has to continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads. Local authorities can continue to use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant for the Local Improve- ment Scheme in 2017.

307 Questions - Written Answers In light of the provision in the Programme for Government indicating that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Community Involvement and Lo- cal Improvement Schemes, I will review the scope for making a separate grant allocation once the planned Review of the Capital Plan is completed.

15/02/2017WRV01700Military Aircraft Landings

15/02/2017WRV01800268. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 8 February 2017, the details of the standard consultation procedure carried out regarding the applications in question. [7513/17]

15/02/2017WRV01900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The standard consultation procedure for applications for permits under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 is outlined below.

For each application my Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in relation to foreign policy matters, and the Department of Justice and Law Reform, in relation to security matters. The views of the Irish Aviation Authority are also sought in relation to aviation safety aspects if the weapons/munitions are classified as ‘dangerous goods’ in accordance with instructions stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Each application is also sent to the Department of Defence for its information.

15/02/2017WRV02000Bus Services

15/02/2017WRV02100269. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus operators, including private operators, that are operating on regular commuter routes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7527/17]

15/02/2017WRV02200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

The Deputy may be aware that the NTA’s website contains a “database of holders of licences for public bus passenger services” which details licence holders and the type of services they provide. The database is available to view at https://www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi-and-bus- licensing/bus/database-of-licence-holders/

15/02/2017WRV02300Dublin Bus Fleet

15/02/2017WRV02400270. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the passenger capacity of the Dublin Bus fleet for each of the years 2010 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7528/17]

15/02/2017WRV02500271. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buses in the Dublin Bus fleet for each of the years 2010 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7529/17]

15/02/2017WRV02600272. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the different models of buses operating in the Dublin Bus fleet; and if he will make a state-

308 15 February 2017 ment on the matter. [7530/17]

15/02/2017WRV02700273. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the age profile of the Dublin Bus fleet, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7531/17]

15/02/2017WRV02800274. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the gender balance in terms of drivers in the Dublin Bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7532/17]

15/02/2017WRV02900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 274, inclusive, together.

The issues raised are matters for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

15/02/2017WRW00200Dublin Bus Fleet

15/02/2017WRW00300275. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any proposals to redesign the livery of the Dublin Bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7533/17]

15/02/2017WRW00400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

15/02/2017WRW00500National Transport Authority Funding

15/02/2017WRW00600276. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding provided by the NTA towards projects in Dublin South-West in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7543/17]

15/02/2017WRW00700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.

Noting the NTA’s responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

15/02/2017WRW00800Tourism Project Funding

15/02/2017WRW00900277. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of any tourism initiatives being undertaken in south Dublin county and Government funding being provided for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7545/17]

15/02/2017WRW01000Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Patrick O’Donovan): Decisions on tourism initiatives undertaken in South Dublin are a matter for the 309 Questions - Written Answers tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy’s Question to both agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

15/02/2017WRW01100Rail Services

15/02/2017WRW01200278. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) under 18 years of age cannot receive a valid student card when travelling on Irish Rail; the reason they must pay the full adult price despite being a student; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7555/17]

15/02/2017WRW01300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

In relation to the issue of second level student ID cards, I note that the Student Leap Card is available for second level students and functions as both a Leap Card for those who can avail of Leap enabled services and also as a valid form of ID for the purchase of student fares on other Iarnród Éireann services. Iarnród Éireann’s website also provides further details in relation to other acceptable forms of identification for second level students.

15/02/2017WRW01400State Airports

15/02/2017WRW01500279. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the review of the capacity at the three State airports will be completed; the details of the terms of reference of this review; the persons or body that is undertaking it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7581/17]

15/02/2017WRW01600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): In November last year, my Department issued a request for tenders to procure consultants to undertake a review of the future capacity needs at Ireland’s State Airports. The terms of reference are published on my Department’s website and may be accessed using the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/ aviation/publications/english/capacity-review-request-tenders-2016.

Tenders to undertake this review have been received and are currently being assessed within the Department. It is expected that the contract to undertake the review will be awarded to the preferred bidder shortly. It is intended that the review will be completed by the middle of this year.

15/02/2017WRW01700Road Safety Authority Staff

15/02/2017WRW01800280. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all employees in the Road Safety Authority have access to the cycle to work scheme; if there are employees without access to the scheme; if he will ensure that employees wishing to avail of the scheme will receive access to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7668/17]

15/02/2017WRW01900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within ten days. 310 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRW02000Motor Tax

15/02/2017WRW02100281. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason, despite the closure of many motor tax offices, 20,000 SPSV motor tax licence holders cannot tax their vehicles online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7689/17]

15/02/2017WRW02200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The overall objective of my Department’s online motor tax service is that the facility to renew motor tax online should cover as wide a range of motor tax transactions as possible and the Department is always keen to explore the potential for including more ‘complex’ online applications for a small number of vehicles which include small public service vehicles.

Licensing authorities have an obligation under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing)(Amendment) Regulations 1992 to be satisfied that a vehicle is correctly taxed and the authority must have adequate documentation to support a claim for a particular rate of tax. In order to avail of the small public service vehicle rate of tax, which at €95 annually is a concessionary rate, the owner is required to submit a current public service vehicle licence when applying for a motor tax disc. The public service vehicle licence is a paper based process and consequently it is currently not possible to facilitate the taxing of small public service vehicles through the online motor tax service.

In this regard, as custodians of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and the online motor tax infrastructure, my Department is continuing to work closely with the National Trans- port Authority, who are the regulatory authority for the licensing and regulation of small public service vehicles, with a view to enabling these vehicles be taxed online.

15/02/2017WRW02300Motor Insurance

15/02/2017WRW02400282. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific proposals he has to deal with the particular and extreme difficulties facing taxi drivers who face rises in their car insurance that threaten their livelihood if they make any claim whatsoever against their motor insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/17]

15/02/2017WRW02500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I am acutely aware that the rising costs of motor insurance for drivers generally are also affecting the taxi industry. The implications of the current insurance difficulties faced by those in the taxi sector are of concern to me and the Government.

The Working Group established last year by the Minister for Finance to review the factors which are influencing the increase in cost of motor insurance considered issues raised by particular sectors including taxi drivers in relation to both the availability and cost of SPSV insurance.

In its Report, published by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD and Minister of State for Financial Services, Eoghan Murphy TD on 10 January 2017, the Working Group states that the starting point for its consideration of the issues in relation to the overall motor insurance area, including the taxi sector, is that it is not possible for it to make recommendations on pricing as this is primarily a commercial matter for insurers. The Working Group indicated to all stakeholders throughout the process, that there is no immediate solution to the issue. How- ever, the Working Group believes that the implementation of the Report’s 33 recommendations and 71 associated actions will lead to greater stability in the pricing of motor insurance and will

311 Questions - Written Answers help prevent the volatility that we have seen in the market in the past (both up and down) and should also better facilitate potential new entrants to the market.

My Department, together with the appropriate bodies, will work towards implementing the recommendations in the Report that are relevant to the taxi industry within the required timelines.

15/02/2017WRW02600Public Service Vehicles

15/02/2017WRW02700283. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allow for appeals to the rule that PSV licences lapse after one year and one day as many taxi drivers have legitimate reasons such as health, civil cases and other personal issues for not renewing a licence in a given year but want to return to taxi driving subsequently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7692/17]

15/02/2017WRW02800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues pertaining to Licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

15/02/2017WRW02900Wild Atlantic Way Project

15/02/2017WRW03000284. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a village (details supplied) in County Kerry will be incorporated into the Wild Atlantic Way route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7700/17]

15/02/2017WRW03100Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Pat- rick O’Donovan): While my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten days.

I am aware that the route of the Wild Atlantic Way was developed using a collaborative approach and regional steering groups were convened to inform route development. The steering groups comprised Fáilte Ireland, Local Authorities, local LEADER and Development companies and other key agencies such as Udarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commis- sion and others as relevant to each particular region.

For those communities that are not directly on the route, it is important to note that the Wild Atlantic Way is not simply a touring route but is rather a means to guide and attract visitors, and that all villages, businesses and geographic areas within close proximity of the route are in essence part of the geography of the Wild Atlantic Way. The purpose of the Wild Atlantic Way is to give guidance to visitors as to what there is to see on our western coast and provide easy access to a range of experiences.

15/02/2017WRX00150Ministerial Travel

312 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRX00200285. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of trips outside the State taken by either him or his Minister of State, in tabular form; the locations they were to; the purpose of each trip; the duration of each trip; the officials that accompanied any Minister on each trip; and the costs of flights, accommodation and any other expenses incurred per person on each trip. [7728/17]

15/02/2017WRX00300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Minister Shane Ross and Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan is given in the following table. The requested information relating to Departmen- tal officials is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working Days.

Minister- Purpose of Duration Accomoda- Flight Costs Travel & Shane Ross travel/Loca- tion cost subsistence tion 18/6/16 Ireland V 1 Night 313.30 784.72 Belgium Bordeaux Euros 2016 26/6/16 Ireland 1 Night Not finalised 654.51 V France Lyon Euros 2016 14 – 18/8/16 Olympic 4 Nights 1,893.54 7,098.45 Games – Rio de Janeiro 3/11/16 Ireland V 2 Nights Not finalised 1,532.65 New Zea- land Rugby gameTour- ism Ireland Chicago 06/06/16 Transport 1 Night Not notified 597.03 (EU Council Lux- Recoupable) embourg 7th June 2016 18/11/16 NSMC Ple- ½ day N/A N/A 66.00 nary - Ar- magh 12/12/16 Transport ½ day N/A N/A 66.00 Sectoral meeting - Armagh

Minister of Purpose of Duration Accomoda- Flight Costs Travel & State Patrick travel/Loca- tion cost subsistence O’Donovan tion 13/6/16 Paris Euros 1 day N/A N/A (Govt. 2016 Jet)

313 Questions - Written Answers Minister- Purpose of Duration Accomoda- Flight Costs Travel & Shane Ross travel/Loca- tion cost subsistence tion 26/6/16 Lyon Euros 1 Night Not finalised 654.51 2016 14 – 18/8/16 Olympic 4 Nights 1,577.95 4,526 (1) Games – Rio de Janeiro 6 – 10/9/16 Paralympic 4 Nights 573.28 5,726 (2) Games – Rio de Janeiro 5 – 6/10/16 Flavours 1 415 108 of Ireland, London 7 – 8/11/16 World Travel 1 N/A (Em- 373 Market, Lon- bassy) don 9/11/16 Womens’ N/A N/A N/A Rugby World Cup Draw, Belfast 14/11/16 Bi-Lateral N/A N/A 212 Meeting with Minis- ter Crouch, London Flight Details

1. - 4/8/16 Dublin to Paris AF1117; 4/8/16 - Paris to Rio de Janeiro AF4429/8/16 - Rio de Janeiro to Paris AF 443

10/8/16 - Paris to Dublin AF1716

2. - 6/9/16 Dublin to Paris AF1117; 6/9/16 - Paris to Rio de Janeiro AF442

9/9/16 - Rio de Janeiro to Paris AF 443

10/9/16 - Paris to Dublin AF1716

15/02/2017WRX00350Company Law

15/02/2017WRX00400286. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 7 February 2017, if she will provide the date that Article 3(2) of Regulation 1606 of 2002 was first amended to allow for the adoption of international accounting standards that delay the recognition of loan losses in view of the fact that the concept of prudence, as defined in Article 31 (c) of Directive 78/660 requires the immediate recognition of losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7465/17]

15/02/2017WRX00500Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): Reg- ulation (EC) No 1606/2002 was adopted on 19 July 2002. Article 3(2) has not been amended since then. 314 15 February 2017 Article 1(9) of Directive 2003/51/EC of 18 June 2003 amended Article 31 of Directive 1978/660/EEC of 25 July 1978 by replacing the existing text of paragraph (1)(c)(bb) and by inserting a new paragraph (1a). The new text of paragraph (1)(c)(bb) made no reference to losses. The provisions of paragraphs (1)(c)(bb), as amended, and (1a) of Article 31 of the re- pealed Directive 1978/660/EEC are now reflected in paragraphs (1)(c)(ii) and (5) of Article 6 of Directive 2013/34/EU of 26 June 2013.

15/02/2017WRX00550Health and Safety Regulations

15/02/2017WRX00600287. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the severe restrictions imposed on community and voluntary groups and community work placement initiatives by the need to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005; if she will make it mandatory that all persons employed under these schemes will receive proper training, proper clothing and work materials under the Act to allow them carry out the full range of tasks associated with the job; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that participants in these schemes are prevented from reaching their full potential and training experience due to restrictions being put in place under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7723/17]

15/02/2017WRX00700Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005) provides for the securing of the safety, health and welfare of persons at work. Specifically that Act places a duty on employers to ensure as far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of their employees. This duty includes the assessment of the risks at that place of work and the implementation of the necessary controls to minimise these risks so that the safety and health of the employees is ensured. The duties also include, amongst other things, the provision of information, instruc- tion, training and supervision necessary to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees. There is a further requirement for the employer to have regard to the general principles of prevention, including the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment where risks cannot be avoided, eliminated at source or controlled through collective protective measures.

Section 2 (5) of the 2005 Act, states that for the purposes of the relevant statutory provisions, a person who is training for employment or receiving work experience, other than when present at a course of study in a university, school or college, shall be deemed to be an employee of the person whose undertaking (whether carried on by him or her for profit or not) is for the time being the immediate provider to that person of training or work experience, and “employee”, “employer” and cognate words and expressions shall be read accordingly. The 2005 Act does not place any restrictions on those who are training at work but requires as indicated in section 2(5) that they there must be regarded as employees and therefore the relevant duties of an employer apply.

The provisions of the Act apply to all places of work and there are no plans to reduce this coverage

15/02/2017WRX00750Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

15/02/2017WRX00800288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding and financial supports that are available for a small business with fewer than ten employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7481/17]

315 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRX00900Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first-stop-shop for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business.

The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) 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, i.e., Feasibility Grants (investigating the potential of a business idea), Priming Grants (to part-fund a start-up) and Business Development grants for existing businesses that want to expand. Soft supports in the form of training and mentoring can also be provided to anyone wishing to expand their business.

Micro enterprises can also avail of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, which is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, from the LEOs. The Scheme is designed to assist micro businesses to establish an on-line trading presence by offering training and advice, along with financial assistance of up to €2,500. Details are available on the LEO website at www.localenterprise.ie.

In addition, any business can use the LEOs to help them to access finance from Micro Fi- nance Ireland (MFI), which offers loans of up to €25,000 to start-up, newly established or grow- ing microenterprises (employing less than 10 people) with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks. Applications for the Microfinance Fund should be channelled through the local LEO. Further information is also available on the LEO website.

The LEOs also provide a signposting service in relation to all relevant state supports available such as Enterprise Ireland for High Potential Start-Ups; Revenue; the Department of Social Protection; and the Credit Review Office.

Businesses can also access the ‘Supporting SMEs’ online search tool. By answering eight questions, a small business will be able to:

- find out which of the over 80 Government business supports from 27 different Govern- ment Departments, Agencies and Initiatives are available to them;

- obtain information on the range of Government supports for accessing credit;

- identify their nearest Local Enterprise Office where they can discuss the outcomes of the guide further;

- download all these filtered results into a document for their further use.

The ‘Supporting SMEs’ Online Tool is available at: www.actionplanforjobs.ie.

15/02/2017WRX00950Enterprise Support Schemes

15/02/2017WRX01000289. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the details of the projects supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in the constituency of Dublin South-West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7540/17]

15/02/2017WRX01100Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): The Action Plan for Jobs for the Dublin Region was launched in January 2016, the last of 8 Regional Action Plans to be published. The core objective of the Plan is, through the delivery of 90 collaborative actions, to increase employment in the region by 10-15% to 2020, resulting in the 316 15 February 2017 delivery of 66,000 additional jobs to the region in that period. The first Progress Report was published last December and reflects the good work made to date, with an implementation rate of 94%.

South West Dublin is part of the Dublin Regional Enterprise Strategy which was developed by the four local authorities of the Dublin region. This Strategy builds on the work of the Dublin Action Plan for Jobs and provides a coherent and coordinated approach to promoting enterprise, employment and entrepreneurial activities in the Dublin region for 2017-2019.

Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in Dublin employ 70,365 people including 7,579 new jobs created in 2016.

In 2016, projects and initiatives supported by Enterprise Ireland in the constituency of Dub- lin South West include:

Supporting Innovation: Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with the Institutes of Technol- ogy, has established a nationwide network of 15 Technology Gateways one of which is the MiCRA Gateway in Institute of Technology Tallaght. This Gateway provides solutions for companies in the in-vitro diagnostics, environmental, food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Supporting Start-Ups: In 2016 Enterprise Ireland awarded four Competitive Start Funds to new start-up companies based in Dublin South West. In addition, five companies of Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Class of 2016 came from South Dublin.

Fostering Entrepreneurship: Thirteen entrepreneurs participated on the New Frontiers Programme in IT Tallaght in 2016. Three of the companies emerging from this programme became Enterprise Ireland clients. In addition, the Student Enterprise Awards, co-funded by Enterprise Ireland, is run annually in the Institute of Technology Synergy Centre Tallaght.

Driving Regional Enterprise Development: The South Dublin LEO, collaborating with the other Dublin LEOs received funding under Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive LEO Funding Scheme, for a project targeted at the Dublin food producer cohort and focuses on the creation of an online video education platform to enhance knowledge, improve skill sets and develop producer competencies.

In 2016, IDA Ireland supported companies in Dublin employed 82,622 people. Within this, 9,000 new jobs were created.

Foreign Direct Investment: There is an increasing trend of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) locating in larger urban areas. Dublin is an international-scale city and, as such, has a key role in attracting investment. It is critical that the planning and development of Ireland’s capital city creates a world-class urban area that continues to attract not only international investment but also international talent.

Currently, IDA positions Dublin and the Mid East in the market place as an investment location with a strong ecosystem of both indigenous and multinational companies operating across a diverse range of sectors. Complimentary to and supporting this footprint of export orientated enterprise is the large educated population of talent available to companies, physical, educational and digital infrastructure and a business environment that is competitive and fit for purpose.

Dublin is now an internationally renowned cluster for Technology and Financial Services companies but is also home to a number of other companies such as the large Life Sciences such as Pfizer, Takeda, Amgen and Bristol Myers Squibb all of whom leverage the abundance of infrastructure and utilities available in the capital to run their operations. Dublin as an investment 317 Questions - Written Answers location will always be the key economic driver for the East of the country.

15/02/2017WRX01150Job Creation Data

15/02/2017WRX01200290. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs provided by a company (details supplied) at its new facility in Tallaght; the purpose of the facility in Tallaght; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7544/17]

15/02/2017WRX01300Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): This company’s facility in Tallaght is a data centre. Details on the number of positions at the facility are not available.

15/02/2017WRX01350IDA Supports

15/02/2017WRX01400291. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of future developments at a company plant (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7653/17]

15/02/2017WRX01500Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): Ownership of this facility changed recently and IDA Ireland is working with the senior management of the new company in order assess potential future developments.

15/02/2017WRX01550Brexit Issues

15/02/2017WRX01600292. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she had any formal engagement with the scientific community, particularly with SFI, on the potential ramifications of Brexit for co-operation between individual researchers and research entities, HEIs or SFI funded centres, that co-operate on projects between Northern Ireland and here under the North-South research supplement. [7712/17]

15/02/2017WRX01700Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is engaging intensively with all agencies of her Department including Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and with the research community generally on the possible implications of Brexit for research and innovation in Ireland. As part of the Government’s ongoing consultation work on Brexit, a series of dialogues with civic society is taking place and the research community is participating actively in these events. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation hosted a Brexit Stakeholder dialogue in Carrick on Shannon on 30 January 2017 which was attended by a wide range of stakeholders including strong representation by the higher education sector and by a broad spectrum of enterprises and enterprise representative groups. The Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, Prof. Mark Ferguson participated on the one of the panels at this event and addressed a number of key issues for research and innovation associated with Brexit.

SFI has a number of bilateral and tri-lateral programmes to encourage North/South collaborations between both academic and enterprise sector researchers. These bi/tri-lateral arrangements including the US-Ireland R&D Partnership, SFI’s Investigators Programme and the US-Ireland Centre to Centre Programmes are not impacted by Brexit. SFI will continue to work with authorities in Northern Ireland to identify opportunities to strengthen and build on these collaborations which will benefits researchers in Ireland and Northern Ireland irrespective 318 15 February 2017 of post-Brexit scenarios.

15/02/2017WRX01750Science Foundation Ireland

15/02/2017WRX01800293. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of SFI awards that have been made to HEIs for collaborations between the North and South under the CSET, SRC, PICA and PIYRA programmes; the details of the awards for the years 2015 and 2016 showing which HEIs and research teams benefitted from these awards, in tabular form. [7713/17]

15/02/2017WRX01900Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy John Halligan): The SFI programmes referred to are largely legacy programmes that have been replaced by other programmes in recent years. SFI research outputs data for 2015 indicates that there have been 30 Higher Education Institute (HEI) collaborations with academic researchers in Northern Ireland across three programmes: the US-Ireland R&D Partnership, the SFI Inves- tigators Programme and the SFI Research Centres Programme. The following tables provide a breakdown of academic collaboration by HEI and by SFI Programme from the SFI Research Outputs Data 2015. SFI Research Outputs data for 2016 collaborations will be available in June 2017.

Table 1 – Number of Collaborations by HEI from SFI Research Outputs 2015

HEI Collaborations Cork IT 1 DCU 1 DIAS 2 Marine Institute 1 NUIG 1 RCSI 1 TCD 7 Tyndall National Institute 3 UCC 5 UCD 5 University of Limerick 3

Northern Ireland institutions involved in these collaborations are Queens University Bel- fast; University of Ulster and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

Table 2 – Collaborations by SFI Programme from SFI Research Outputs Data 2015

SFI Award Programme Collaborations US/Ireland R&D 6 SFI Investigator Programme 17 SFI Research Centre 7

Note further awards were approved under the SFI Investigator Programme 2016 and the US Ireland R&D Programme in partnership with the Department of Economy in Northern Ireland but this data is not included in the Table above as it will be reported as part of the 2016 SFI

319 Questions - Written Answers Research Outputs Data which will be available in June 2017.

15/02/2017WRX01950Science Foundation Ireland

15/02/2017WRX02000294. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of researchers who will attend the awarding of the SFI St. Patrick’s Day medal in Wash- ington during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations 2017; if there are scientists who are members of Irish research teams in SFI funded centres who have been invited and who are the subject of the US executive order list of seven countries and may not be able to travel by virtue of their dual citizenship with one of those seven countries, which are now the subject of judicial proceedings in the US. [7714/17]

15/02/2017WRX02100Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy John Halligan): Travelling arrangements have yet to be finalised but it is envisaged that between 15- 20 representatives from SFI Research Centres will attend meetings in Washington including the awarding of the SFI St. Patrick’s Day Medal. No SFI Researchers attending have indicated that they will be unable to travel due to the US executive order on travel.

The SFI St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal celebrates the achievements of individuals who are of Irish citizenship, descent or those who have a strong and enduring connection to Ireland. These individuals are outstanding in their fields of expertise and have also made significant contributions to developing the research ecosystem in Ireland or have demonstrably assisted researchers in Ireland in either academia or industry. The presentation of the Medal in Wash- ington provides a unique opportunity to engage with the US scientific community including representatives from research funding agencies, industry, academia and the wider scientific diaspora.

15/02/2017WRX02150Science Foundation Ireland

15/02/2017WRX02200295. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of times she and her Minister of State have met with the director general of SFI; the nature of those discussions; and if Brexit was discussed during the course of those conversa- tions. [7715/17]

15/02/2017WRX02300Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has met formally with the Director General of SFI on three occasions since her appointment. The Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation has met formally with the Director General of SFI on six occasions since his appointment. The possible implications of Brexit has been a discussion point during some of these meetings as have mechanisms to develop increased collaborative arrangements with the UK research community, options for potential new joint appointments for senior researchers between Irish and UK HEIs and joint approaches regarding PhD studentships. Other topics discussed have included:

- the role of SFI in the innovation system in Ireland;

- implementation of the Government’s strategy - Innovation 2020;

- SFI’s budget;

- Research Infrastructure;

320 15 February 2017 - EU Horizon 2020 research programme;

- Action Plan for Jobs;

- Attracting world-class researchers to Ireland;

- SFI programmes to support research collaboration with industry;

- SFI role in supporting STEM Education & Public Engagement;

- Role of SFI Research Centres; and

- Ireland’s international scientific reputation.

15/02/2017WRY00200Brexit Issues

15/02/2017WRY00300296. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the departure of the UK from the EU will have a negative impact on successful funding applications by Ireland to the Horizon 2020 programme. [7716/17]

15/02/2017WRY00400Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): Ireland has won €337 million in competitive EU funding under Horizon 2020 from 2014 to September 2016. Higher Education Institutes accounted for €198 million or, 59% of the total. Companies won €104 million or, 31%, with €74 million of this going to SMEs. This result indicates that Ireland is on track to achieve its national target of securing €1.25 billion over the lifetime of Horizon 2020.

The full implications of the UK vote to leave the EU for the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation have yet to be determined. Exit negotiations will not commence until Article 50 has been triggered by the UK and will probably take the maximum allowed period of two years to complete. Given that the UK Government has committed to triggering Article 50 during March, the earliest likely departure date for the UK is March 2019. There will be no change in the situation regarding the UK’s entitlement to participate in Horizon 2020 during that period. This point has been confirmed by the EU Commissioner for Research and Innova- tion, Carlos Moedas.

In August 2016 the UK Government announced that the UK Treasury will underwrite the payment of EU funding to all UK organisations bidding for Horizon 2020 projects while the UK is still a member of the EU, even when specific projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU. This guarantee provides a measure of certainty both to UK applicants and their prospective partners in other member states.

Ireland’s international collaborative links in Horizon 2020 are well diversified across the EU: only 13% of Ireland’s collaborative links are with the UK. In addition, less than 5% of the funding won to date has come from UK led projects. Therefore, Ireland does not have a critical reliance on the UK as a partner in Horizon 2020 in order to secure funding.

In the light of these considerations, it is unlikely that the UK’s departure from the EU will have a significant impact on Ireland’s success in securing funding from Horizon 2020.

15/02/2017WRY00500Brexit Issues

15/02/2017WRY00600297. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the 321 Questions - Written Answers discussions the director general of Science Foundation Ireland has had with his counterparts or other relevant officials in the UK on the permutations for Ireland on research collaboration between the two states when the UK exits the EU; and if funding for pre-existing awards will be guaranteed. [7717/17]

15/02/2017WRY00700Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy John Halligan): Over the last five years, SFI has put significant effort into enhancing Ireland’s scientific collaborations with the UK. SFI co-funds with Wellcome, the Biotechnology and Biologi- cal Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and the Royal Society and more recently has agreed collaborative arrangements with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Centre (EP- SRC). SFI also fosters collaborations between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the US through the US-Ireland Partnership programme. This programme invites researchers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the US to work together on research projects that are then co-funded by SFI and the Health Research Board in Ireland, the Dept. of the Economy in Northern Ireland and the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation in the US. These collaborative arrangements are bilateral/trilateral and are, therefore, not impacted by Brexit. A key objective for SFI is to strengthen its research funding partnerships including with the UK with the goal of supporting further and stronger scientific collaboration. This will help to ensure that the Irish research community is well-positioned for all post Brexit scenarios. Funding from SFI for pre- existing awards is not impacted by Brexit.

15/02/2017WRY00800Ministerial Travel

15/02/2017WRY00900298. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of trips outside the State taken by either the Minister or Ministers of State in her Department, in tabular form; the locations they were to; the purpose of each trip; the duration of each trip; the officials who accompanied the Minister or Minister of State on each trip; and the costs of flights, accommodation and any other expenses incurred per person on each trip. [7733/17]

15/02/2017WRY01000Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor): The table shows the costs borne by my Department to date for the official foreign engagements that I and my Ministerial colleagues, Minister Breen and Minister Halligan, have undertaken since our appointments in May 2016.

In a number of instances, the columns which show “Not applicable” indicate that travel undertaken was either on a single day and did not involve overnight accommodation costs or that certain costs were borne by other parties such as the EU, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.

Minister / Of- Location Purpose Dates Cost of flights Cost of accom- Travel & Subsis- ficials modation tence costs Minister Mitch- Brussels, Trade Council 12.05.2016 - €572.93 €168.25 €126.57 ell O’Connor Belgium Meeting 13.05.2016 Private Secre- 12.05.2016 - €1,010.85 (for 3 €504.75 [for 3 €468.53(for 3 tary + 2 Senior 13.05.2016 return flights) people] people) Officials Minister Mitch- Brussels, Trade Council 26.05.2016 €405.97 Not applicable €72.33 ell O’Connor Belgium Meeting

322 15 February 2017

Minister / Of- Location Purpose Dates Cost of flights Cost of accom- Travel & Subsis- ficials modation tence costs Private Secretary 26.05.2016 €1,517.86 (for 5 Not appli- €897.32 (for 5 + Special Advi- return flights) cable for Private people) sor + 3 Senior Secretary and Officials Special Advi- sor. €149.50 per person x 3 Senior Officials as overnight involved. Minister Mitch- Leeds, Eng- Visit in 07.06.2016 €59.26 per N/A – day trip. €0.00 ell O’Connor land. advance of UK person Referendum Private Secre- €69.36 (for 2). tary + Special Advisor Minister Mitch- Farnborough, Enterprise 12.07.2016 – Costs borne Costs borne €83.68 ell O’Connor England. Ireland clients 13.07.2016 directly by the directly by the @ Farnborough Agency Agency International Air Show Private Secre- €335.19 (total tary + Special for 2 people) Advisor Minister Mitch- Brussels, Meetings with 05.09.2016 €100.98 N/A – day trip €36.16 ell O’Connor Belgium EU Commis- sioner Bien- kowska and EU Commissioner Malmstrom. Private Secre- Brussels, €647.92 (total €111.80 in €340.62 (total tary+ Special Belgium for 4 people ) accommoda- for 4 people) Advisor + 2 tion costs for 1 Senior Officials official as overnight involved. Minister Mitch- Brussels, EU Com- 29.09.2016 €76.48 Not applicable €36.16 ell O’Connor Belgium petitiveness Council Private Secre- Senior Of- €411.94 ( for N/A for Private €531.84 ( for 4 tary + Special ficials 28th & 4 return flights) Secretary and people) Advisor + 2 29th (2 nights) Special Advisor. Senior Officials €164.50 p/p for 2 officials as overnight involved for 2 days of Council meetings. Minister Mitch- San Fran- IDA Market- 17.10.2016 – Costs borne Costs borne €203.05 ell O’Connor cisco + Los ing Pro- 22.10.2016 [6 days] directly by the directly by the Angeles, USA gramme to the Agency Agency West Coast United States of America Private Secre- €453.22 (or 3 tary + Special people ) Advisor + 1 Senior Official Minister Mitch- London, Meeting with 02.11.2016 €171.87 N/A – day trip €67.31 ell O’Connor England Secretaries of State Clark and Fox Special Advisor €432.68 (for 2) €62.64 (for 2 & 1 Official people) Minister Mitch- Shenzhen EI & IDA 14.112016 – Costs borne Costs borne €445.89 ell O’Connor and Beijing, Trade and 19.11.2016 [ 6 days ] directly by the directly by the China +To- Investment Agency Agency kyo, Japan Programme to China and Japan

323 Questions - Written Answers

Minister / Of- Location Purpose Dates Cost of flights Cost of accom- Travel & Subsis- ficials modation tence costs Private Secre- €206.44(for 3 tary + Special people) Advisor + 1 Senior Official Minister Mitch- Brussels, EU Com- 28.11.2016 €181.97 N/A €36.16 ell O’Connor Belgium petitiveness Council Private Secre- Brussels, 28.11.2016 €540.89 ( for 3 N/A for Private €435.82 (for 3 tary + 2 Officials Belgium people) Secretary. Offi- people) cials required for 2 days of meetings. €313.10 (for 2)

Minister Pat Luxembourg EPSCO 1.6.2016/2.6.2016 €1,922.87[Re- €179.61 €134.10 Breen Council turn via London. Flight delayed out of Luxembourg. This necessi- tated purchase of replacement flight at short notice to enable to get home for Ministerial event early the next morning.] Senior Official €589.85 €185 €281.12 Minister Pat Geneva, Interna- 8.6.2016/9.6.2016 €518.70 €231.19 €252.05 Breen Switzerland tional Labour Organisation Conference Senior Official €195.82 €242.32 €252.67 Minister Pat Bratislava, EU Com- 17.7.2016/18.7.2016 €529.28 per €85.51 €24.50 Breen Slovakia petitiveness person Council Private Secre- €429.05 [for 2] €137.24 [for 2] tary + 1 Senior Official Minister Pat Minneapolis, Trade Mission 18.9.16/ 22.9.16 Costs borne by Costs borne by €352.16 Breen USA Agency Agency Private Secre- €550.42[2 tary + 1 Senior people] Official Minister Pat Luxembourg CETA meeting 17.10.16/18.10.16 €804.91 Costs borne by €188.41 Breen EU Private Sec- €804.91 Costs borne by €127.59 retary EU Minister Pat Brussels, EU Trade 10.11.16 /11.11.16 €83.99 N/A €126.58 Breen Belgium Council Private Secre- €374.65 €96.15 per €375.11 (for 3 tary + 2 Senior person people) Officials Minister Pat India Trade Mission 14.11.16/21.11.16 Costs borne by Costs borne by €254.74 Breen Agency Agency Private Secre- Costs borne by Costs borne by €182.65 (for 2 tary + 1 Senior Agency Agency people) Official Minister Pat Warsaw, Trade Event 24.11.16/25.11.16 Costs borne by Costs borne by €174.65 Breen Poland Agency Agency Private Secre- Costs borne by Costs borne by €168.68 [for 2 tary + 1 Senior Agency Agency people] Official Minister Pat Brussels, EPSCO 7.12.16/8.11.16 €135.98 €180 €162.75 Breen Belgium Council 324 15 February 2017

Minister / Of- Location Purpose Dates Cost of flights Cost of accom- Travel & Subsis- ficials modation tence costs Private Secretary €321.94 (for 3) €540(for 3 €674.05 [for 3 + 2 Senior Of- people) people] ficials Minister Pat Dubai, UAE. Trade Mission 29.1.17/1.2.17 Costs borne by Costs borne by €0 Breen Agency Agency Private Secre- Costs borne by Costs borne by €0 tary + 1 Senior Agency Agency Official

Minister John Bratislava, European 22.9.16 /23.9.16 €90.19 Costs borne by €296.05 Halligan Slovakia Co-operation EU Presidency in Science & Technol- ogy Ministerial Conference Private Sec- €90.19 Costs borne by €180.25 retary EU Presidency Minister John Kyoto & (i)EU-Japan 1.10.16 / 8.10.16 [8 €1,474.73 €1,675.10 €1,017.94 Halligan Osaka, Ja- Science Policy days ] pan+ onward Forum(ii) leg toSeoul, Meeting of South Korea the Science & Technol- ogy Forum(iii) RD&I Col- laboration Mis- sion n Science & Technol- ogy Ministerial Conference Private Secre- €2,949.46(for 2 €3,350.02(for 2 €1,505.96(for 2 tary + 1 Senior people) people) people) Official Other Costs €1,082.33[8 incurred Room days] Hire (for some meetings) and Car Hire for delegation in Japan & South Korean Minister John Trento, Italy International 23.10.16 – 25.10.16 €585.97 €230 per person €523.19 (in- Halligan Space Forum cludes London (Ministerial) trip 25/26th Oct below) Private Secre- €1262.93(for 2 €614.43 (for 2 tary + 1 Senior people) people) (T&S Official also includes London trip 25/26th Oct below for Private Secretary) Return trans- €610 port from Verona to Trento for Ministerial delegation Minister John London, Enterprise 25.10.16 – 26.10.16 Costs borne by Costs borne by - Halligan England Ireland Trade Agency Agency Mission Private Sec- Costs borne by Costs borne by - retary Agency Agency Minister John Vietnam + Accompany- 7.11.16 – 11.11.16(5 Costs borne by Costs borne by €441.75 Halligan Laos ing President days) DFAT DFAT Higgins Private Sec- Costs borne by Costs borne by €324.34 retary DFAT DFAT

325 Questions - Written Answers

Minister / Of- Location Purpose Dates Cost of flights Cost of accom- Travel & Subsis- ficials modation tence costs Minister John Lucerne, European 30.11.16 – 2.12.16 €300.98 €544 €85.44 Halligan Switzerland Space Agency Ministerial Council Private Secre- €398.94(for 2 €1,329.87(For 2 €589.71 (for 2 tary + 1 Senior people) people. Official people) Official required to stay additional night)

15/02/2017WRY01100LGBT Issues

15/02/2017WRY01200299. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the LGBT youth strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7498/17]

15/02/2017WRY01300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Programme for Government (2016) gives a commitment to develop a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Youth Strategy. This is a key commitment for my Department in the Programme for Government and also makes a contribution towards the Government’s broader commitment to continue to strive for full inclusion of LGBT people in Ireland.

Better Outcomes Brighter Futures, The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 – 2020 and The National Youth Strategy 2015 – 2020 provide a framework within which the National LGBT Youth Strategy will be developed with a focus on appropriate measures to ensure that young people identifying as LGBT are supported in achieving their full potential. The LGBT Youth Strategy will build on the National Youth Strategy (2015) which aims to enable all young people to realise their maximum potential by respecting their rights, hearing their voices and addressing their concerns.

The five national outcomes that we want for all our children and young people are that they:

- Are active and healthy, with positive physical and mental well-being.

- Are achieving their full potential in all areas of learning and development.

- Are safe and protected from harm.

- Have economic security and opportunity.

- Are connected, respected and contributing to their world

The National Youth Strategy identifies Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender young people as a specific group to be considered in the context of focused provision for marginalised young people; the National LGBT Youth Strategy will identify the additional measures that are required to ensure that young people identifying as LGBT can achieve the same outcomes as all children and young people.

In December 2016 I announced the establishment of an Oversight Committee with an Inde- pendent Chair. The LGBT Youth Strategy Oversight Committee met for the first time earlier this month in my Department. The Committee is comprised of officials from relevant departments and agencies along with stakeholders from the LGBT community and headed by an In- dependent Chair. This includes representatives from various government departments, Tusla, Sport Ireland, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, BeLonG To, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network and the Transgender Equality Network Ireland.

It is important to me that the voices and the experiences of young people are front and centre 326 15 February 2017 in forming the strategy – and a consultation will be a key part of the work. The strategy will be informed by youth and stakeholder consultation, situation analysis to include review of current policy, strategy and service provision and relevant existing data.

The consultations will target young people, both those identifying as LGBT and those not in order to ensure the voice of young people is respected and contributes to this strategy. The consultations will also seek to include those working with young people on a regular basis and the general population at large.

It is my intention to ensure that the consultation process and completion of the strategy are progressed in a timely fashion throughout 2017.

15/02/2017WRY01400Child Abuse

15/02/2017WRY01500300. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1682 of 17 January 2017, the reason the Garda is not an agency involved in the process of creating a national service model for sexual abuse services for children and their families, particularly since she mentions Garda investigation as a key element in her reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7507/17]

15/02/2017WRY01600Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I can confirm that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is currently leading a national, multiagency process to implement a service model for sexual abuse services for children and their families. Tusla has advised that An Garda Síochána are represented on the National Steering Committee for Sexual Abuse Services which has been established to facilitate and promote integration and co-ordination of the key stakeholder agencies in the development of sexual abuse services for children in Ireland. Other agencies involved in this process are Tusla, the HSE, the Children’s Hospital Group, the Probation Service and CARI.

15/02/2017WRY01700Children in Care

15/02/2017WRY01800301. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when refurbishment works currently being carried out to a children and young person’s residential care unit (details supplied) are likely to be completed; if the centre will continue to be used to accommodate minors in care post-works; if so, when the facility will re-open for service users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7566/17]

15/02/2017WRY01900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I have been advised by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that they are giving due consideration to the demands on the Children’s Residential service and how best the centre can exist in meeting the demands of the limited number of children in Donegal who may require such a service. The needs of this group of children will be the determining factor in the decision as to what the role and function of the centre can be. Within this context, the purpose and function of the Chil- dren’s Residential Centre in Letterkenny remains under consideration while the premises are being upgraded.

15/02/2017WRY02000Child and Family Agency

15/02/2017WRY02100302. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the allocation of funding will be approved for the new Tusla building in Carrick-on-Shannon in 327 Questions - Written Answers view of the current state and condition of the older building and the previous commitments on this development; when progress will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7591/17]

15/02/2017WRY02200Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Tusla, the Child and Family agency is in receipt of capital funding of €13.5m in 2017. Tusla has made provision, within its Capital Plan, for the Carrick-on-Shannon project.

I can confirm that Tusla is committed to the leasing of new modern office space at Shannon- side Retail Park in Carrick-on-Shannon. These new premises will provide easy access to the public and will accommodate the expansion of Tusla staff and services for local communities. While there have been some delays in the development of this office space due to issues in relation to procurement, a design team has been engaged and the project is at detailed design stage. When that work is complete Tusla will be in a position to sign the lease.

15/02/2017WRY02300Child Care Services Funding

15/02/2017WRY02400303. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she plans to announce funding that will be allocated to preschool providers nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7597/17]

15/02/2017WRY02500Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Budget 2017 provided for additional funding for childcare providers nationwide under several different headings. I will be providing, for the first time, an additional payment for providers at the end of the ECCE year to take account of the administrative work they are required to complete - some providers refer to this as ‘non-contact time’. This will be equivalent to seven days’ ECCE payment at the peak (post-April) enrolment. I will also be providing a similar payment to providers of the CCS and other targeted childcare schemes. €14.5million is provided for these payments.

In addition to this, I have secured funding for Capital projects for Early Years and after- school childcare provision. The criteria for application for these are in the final stages of development and I hope to open this grant programme for applications in the coming weeks. The total funding available under these two capital schemes will be €7.5 million.

A small number of providers will also be provided additional funding in the coming weeks, where their sustainability has been challenged by the full implementation of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.

15/02/2017WRY02600Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children

15/02/2017WRY02700304. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1709 to 1712, inclusive, of 17 January 2017, her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7686/17]

15/02/2017WRY02800Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I have asked Tusla to expand the Separated Children’s team to progress the Dail resolution on unaccompanied minors who were previously in unofficial camps near Calais. Tusla is putting in place a project office and increasing the number of staff on this team. The additional staff will include a senior social work practitioner, social workers and social care staff. I understand that Tusla is examining how best to manage the required psychological support for the young people, including the recruitment of a psychologist into the team. I have been assured that residential

328 15 February 2017 accommodation being sourced will be homely in nature and in line with national standards.

I have committed to making sure that this service is properly resourced, and that the high standard of the current service continues. The estimates of the cost involved will be kept under review as the situation evolves. I am closely monitoring the emerging situation to ensure this humanitarian effort will be successful.

Tusla’s most recent estimate is that an additional €8 million in a full year will be required to expand the Separated Children Seeking Asylum team. The estimate is likely to be reviewed as more information about the individual needs of the young people become known. The thera- peutic needs can only be determined once the children have been assessed after arriving here. The estimated legal costs will depend on the complexity of the care order that is required and may be an overestimate overall. As the children will arrive on a phased basis it is expected that the cost in 2017 will be considerably less than €8 million.

15/02/2017WRY02900Child and Family Agency Investigations

15/02/2017WRY03000305. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the false information in Tusla relating to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7724/17]

15/02/2017WRY03100306. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the false information in Tusla related to a person (details supplied). [7725/17]

15/02/2017WRY03200Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.

I can advise the Deputy that I have met with the person concerned, and heard for the first time of their experience with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I was extremely concerned for their individual situation and the serious impact it has had on the person concerned, his wife and their family.

This individual case, and the public response to the mistakes made, has shown again the necessity that agencies invested with responsibility for such important, sensitive and complex work can be trusted to be both competent and fair in their procedures and practices. I am concerned to know, and the public requires reassurance, that the mistakes acknowledged in this case cannot arise again in Tusla’s Child Protection and Welfare Services.

I have asked HIQA, the Health Information and Quality Authority, to undertake an independent Statutory Investigation, under Section 9 of the Health Act 2007, into how Tusla manages allegations of child abuse.

I will be making the Terms of Reference public as soon as possible and I will be seeking to have the investigation concluded as quickly as possible.

15/02/2017WRZ001015/02/2017WRZ00150Air Corps Operations

15/02/2017WRZ00200307. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he has taken to increase the capacity of the Air Corps in view of the fact that eight cadets are in training and ten are retiring in 2017 and that already there is such a shortfall that the Air Corps cannot fulfil its obligations regarding air patient transfer for children from Our Lady’s Hospital 329 Questions - Written Answers Crumlin awaiting heart and liver transplants in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/17]

15/02/2017WRZ00300Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The HSE’s Aero- medical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of transport arrangements for paediatric organ transplant transfers to the UK. Air transport for these patients is currently provided in three ways: Air Corps fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft; Irish Coast Guard rotor-wing aircraft; and private air ambulance providers.

Every effort is being made to address the H.R. challenges for the Defence Forces. In the case of the Air Corps, there are 28 cadets, in 3 classes, undergoing the various stages of the Air Corps cadetship to become pilots. In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2017. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched. Promotions from this competition will commence in Q3 2017.

15/02/2017WRZ00350Defence Forces Recruitment

15/02/2017WRZ00400308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which promotional vacancies remain to be filled in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7755/17]

330 15 February 2017

15/02/2017WRZ00500Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service personnel, as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31 December 2016 was 9,126 personnel, comprising 7,332 Army, 704 Air Corps and 1,090 Naval Service, whole time equivalent.

The table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 December 2016, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services.

Plans are being put in place to run a new General Service recruitment competition in the coming weeks. The intake of Cadets into the Permanent Defence Force is normally carried out on an annual basis, taking into consideration the operational requirements of the Defence Forc- es and the resource envelope allocated to Defence. It is planned to launch the 2017 Cadetship competitions shortly. Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. General Service recruitment and recruitment of further apprentices is also planned for 2017.

I am advised by the military authorities that their planned target is to induct approximately 860 new entrants to the Defence Forces across all services and competition streams in 2017. In 2016, 690 new entrants were inducted (590 General Service and 100 Cadets). Promotions are ongoing within the Officer ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill vacancies to the ranks of Sergeants and above, has been launched. Promotions from the Order of Merit Lists from this competition will commence in Q3 2017.

In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2017 so as to maintain the serving strength at or close to 9,500 personnel. It is my intention that promotion, along with targeted recruitment, will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.

= Lt Maj Brig Col Lt Com- Capt Lt SM BQMS CS CQMS Sgt Cpl Pte/ Gen Gen Gen Col dt Cadet Army 1 2 6 3 4 110 257 306 167 29 32 115 169 973 1,438 3,880 Rank Estab- lishment Army 1 2 6 3 2 104 256 260 138 29 31 93 155 846 1,349 Strength 4,030 Vacan- 0 0 0 2 6 1 46 29 0 1 22 14 127 89 -150 cies by Rank Air 0 0 1 3 14 36 65 48 8 4 56 14 131 183 324 Corps Rank Estab- lishment Air 0 0 1 3 12 32 49 22 8 3 55 12 110 151 Corps 246* Strength Vacan- 0 0 0 0 2 4 16 26 0 1 1 2 21 32 78 cies by Rank Naval 0 0 1 2 13 45 81 41 6 7 75 15 226 180 402 Service Rank Estab- lishment

331 Questions - Written Answers

= Lt Maj Brig Col Lt Com- Capt Lt SM BQMS CS CQMS Sgt Cpl Pte/ Gen Gen Gen Col dt Cadet Naval 0 0 1 2 13 51 49 34 6 7 68 13 173 129 544 Service * Strength Vacan- 0 0 0 2 0 -6 32 7 0 0 7 2 53 51 -142 cies by Rank Total 0 0 0 2 8 -1 94 62 0 2 30 18 201 172 -214 Vacan- cies by Rank * Figures include 107 Army Cadets, 26 Air Corps Cadets and 27 Naval Service Cadets.

There are an additional 72 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.

Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks Brigadier General/CommodoreColonel/Captain- Lieutenant Colonel/CommanderCommandant/Lieutenant CommanderCaptain/Lieutenant(NS) Lieutenant/Sub LieutenantSergeant Mayor/Warrant OfficerBattalion Quartermaster Sergeant/ Senior Chief Petty Officer Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty OfficerCompany Sergeant/Chief Petty OfficerSergeant/Petty OfficerCorporal/Leading SeamanPrivate/Able Sea- man.

15/02/2017WRZ00550Defence Forces Reserve Training

15/02/2017WRZ00600309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which all members of the Reserve Defence Forces have access to training on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/17]

15/02/2017WRZ00700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The primary function of training and education in both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve De- fence Force is to develop and maintain capabilities necessary to enable personnel to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021. In addition the White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the Reserve and confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the PDF in crisis situations.

For the current year, Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.15 million in 2017 of which €2.068 million is allocated for a total of 26,000 Paid Training Mandays for members of the Reserve. Of this figure, 25,250 Mandays will provide a minimum of seven (7) days annual paid training for all effective members of the Reserve. It will also provided for fourteen (14) days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2017 and provide for career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training. The remaining 750 Mandays are allocated to provide for Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) business.

In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve Service, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours and at weekends. Reserve training is also organised during academic and traditional holiday periods, in order to maximise attendance of Reserve personnel.

332 15 February 2017 In the Army Reserve, recruits undergo varied training in areas such as combat first aid, military law and tactical training. A major part of Recruit training is training in the Steyr 5.56mm Assault Rifle. After recruit training is complete, personnel are then trained in the operation of basic radio communications, map reading, Nuclear, Biological & Chemical warfare defence and the Light Machine Gun. Each Corps also carries out specialist training in its particular field. For example, the Infantry and Cavalry Corps train in weapons and tactics and the Corps of En- gineers train in engineering tasks, such as demolition, construction and mine warfare.

In the Naval Service Reserve, the two main courses undertaken as a recruit are Sea Survival and Damage Control & Fire Fighting. NSR personnel also undergo training in the operation of various crafts operated by the Naval Service, such as Motor Training Launches and Rigid Inflat- able Boats. As in the Army Reserve, NSR personnel are trained in the use of the Steyr 5.56mm Assault Rifle. NSR personnel also receive full training in VHF Radios, including voice procedure at sea and operation of the VHF systems. Courses are also run for NSR personnel on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

I am satisfied that the extensive and professional training provide to the RDF is a key motivating factor which will encourage more people to join it.

15/02/2017WRZ00750Defence Forces Personnel Data

15/02/2017WRZ00800310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of women currently serving in the Defence Forces; the number that have been promoted over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7757/17]

15/02/2017WRZ00900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The current strength of Females serving in the Defence Forces is 571 personnel (Whole Time Equivalent figure at end January 2017). This represents 6.2% of the total strength of the Defence Forces. Of these, 127 are Commissioned Officers.

In the past 5 years there have been 207 instances of promotion amongst Female members of the Defence Forces. Since 2012, the number of Female Commissioned Officers promoted to a higher rank was 121 and there were a total of 86 promotions amongst Female enlisted personnel.

The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.

15/02/2017WRZ00950Air Corps Equipment

15/02/2017WRZ01000311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which all military aircraft, fixed wing and helicopters remain available and in operational order to the Air Corps in the event of emergency and search and rescue operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7758/17]

15/02/2017WRZ01100313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which all military vessels and equipment remain ready and in operational order in the event of emergency or rescue operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/17]

15/02/2017WRZ01200Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 313 together. My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence 333 Questions - Written Answers is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Gov- ernment.

Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise.

With reference to Search and Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations and a Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.

I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of emergencies and threats under constant review. On an ongoing basis I receive advice in this regard from the Chief of Staff and I am satisfied that every effort is put into maintaining the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including access to equipment and modern technologies and training to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their numerous roles both at home and overseas.

15/02/2017WRZ01250Defence Forces Deployment

15/02/2017WRZ01300312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Irish troops currently serve overseas or are likely to so do in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7759/17]

15/02/2017WRZ01400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As of 1 February 2017, Ireland is contributing 587 Defence Forces personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world. In addition, personnel are deployed to a range of international organisations and National Representations. The main overseas mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 379 personnel. Since 22 November 2016, when Ireland assumed the lead of the joint Battalion in UNIFIL from Finland, Ireland’s contribution to UNIFIL was increased by some 150 personnel. Ireland is also contributing 136 personnel to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UN- DOF) in the Golan Heights. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are shown in the table.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The question of a deployment of further Naval Service vessels to the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently under consideration.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas

As of 1st February 2017

1. UN MISSIONS

(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 30

UNIFIL 109th Infantry Battalion - 341 334 15 February 2017 UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 8

(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 12

(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) - 3

(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) - 4

(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast - 1

(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ - 1

UNDOF Staff Appointments (Camp Ziouani) - 5

UNDOF 54th Infantry Group (Camp Ziouani) -130

TOTAL - 535

UN MANDATED MISSIONS

(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 6

(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 18

(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ - 12

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 571

2. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)

(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina - 1

(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna - 1

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE - 2

3. EU MILITARY STAFF

Brussels - 4

4. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF

(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York - 1

(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna - 1

(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) - 4

(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) - 2

(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium - 1

(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium - 1

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS - 587

Question No. 313 answered with Question No. 311.

335 Questions - Written Answers

15/02/2017WRZ01550UN Missions

15/02/2017WRZ01600314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the United Nations has paid for all deployments of Irish troops overseas in the past five years; the extent of any moneys outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7761/17]

15/02/2017WRZ01700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The UN reim- burses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only missions for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights. The timing of the receipt of reimbursements is dependent on the financial situation at the UN. Reimbursements are received in arrears.

The amounts received from the UN each year since 2012 are set out below.

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 €9.2m €8.5m €6.1m €10.6m €12.9m The amount received from the UN in 2016 included an amount of €3.6m which was received in settlement of a claim relating to costs associated with the withdrawal of equipment from the MINURCAT (Chad) mission in 2010.

The total amount outstanding from the UN at 31 December 2016 was €2.2m and this amount is expected to be received during 2017.

15/02/2017WRZ01750Defence Forces Strength

15/02/2017WRZ01800315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps including Reserves; the degree to which the numbers have fluctuated, in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/17]

15/02/2017WRZ01900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. As of the 31st December 2016, the strength of the PDF (whole- time equivalent) was 9,126.

Table 1 outlines the extent to which the whole-time equivalent strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps has fluctuated over the last five years.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Efforts are currently being directed at recruitment in order to return the Defence Forces to their approved establishment. Regular competitions are held for recruitment of enlisted personnel, cadets and other staff.

As of the 31st December 2016, the effective strength of the Reserve stood at 2,049 personnel.

336 15 February 2017 Table 2 sets out the extent to which the effective strength of the Reserve has fluctuated over the last five years. In this regard, a reorganisation and review of the RDF in relation to the clas- sification of active participation of reservists resulted in a reduction in effective numbers.

The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the Reserve. It also provides that the overarching establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Re- serve (NSR) is to be set at 4,169 personnel, consisting of 3,869 Army Reservists and for the expansion of the establishment of the four NSR Units from currently 200 personnel to 300.

A key challenge is to recruit and train sufficient personnel to meet the Reserve establishment provided in the White Paper. I am committed to accelerating induction into the Reserve, in tandem with expanded recruitment into the PDF.

Table 1 – PDF Strength Fluctuation

Year Army Naval Service Air Corps Total 2011 7650 997 791 9438 2012 7510 1058 791 9359 *2013 7434 1023 779 9236 2014 7457 1057 766 9280 2015 7309 1083 748 9140 2016 7332 1090 704 9126 * Strength figures from 2013 on are Whole Time Equivalents

Table 2 – RDF Strength Fluctuation

Year Reserve Defence Force 2012 4978 * 2013 3655 * 2014 2302 2015 2280 2016 2049 *2012 & 2013 – Due to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force there is a significantly larger margin of error applicable to these figures.

15/02/2017WRZ01950Naval Service Operations

15/02/2017WRZ02000316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Naval Service personnel have been involved in rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/17]

15/02/2017WRZ02100Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): Irish Naval Ser- vice vessels began deployment on rescue mission in the Mediterranean Sea in 2015. Following a Government Decision on 12 May 2015, three Irish Naval Vessels, L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett, were deployed to the Mediterranean between May and November 2015, to assist the Italian Authorities with the migrant crisis. During that period 8,592 people were rescued in the Mediterranean by Irish Naval Vessels. The Government, on 6 April 2016, approved the return of an Irish Naval vessel to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks in the Mediterranean. From May to December 2016, three Naval vessels L.É. Róisín, L.É. James Joyce and L.É. Samuel Beckett were deployed to the Mediterranean. A total of 7,029

337 Questions - Written Answers people were rescued by Irish Naval Vessels in 2016. Irish participation in the humanitarian mission in 2015 and 2016 resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants. The question of further deployment to the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently under consideration.

15/02/2017WRZ02150Defence Forces Deployment

15/02/2017WRZ02200317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service or Air Corps can be deployed to assist the civic authorities in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/17]

15/02/2017WRZ02300Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for terrorist incidents. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to both emergency and security issues. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities. The Ordnance Corps consists of a number of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams which are on standby 24/7 to respond when a request for assistance is received from An Garda Síochána to deal with suspect devices. The Army Ranger Wing is an integral unit of the Defence Forces whose roles include provision of specialist ATCP support to An Garda Síochána. The need for a high level of preparedness to deal with any requests for Special Forces operations is inherent in the unit’s mission. Members are trained to the highest levels of motivation, physical fitness and skill at arms for their specialist role. The ARW is on standby 24/7 to be called upon to undertake duties in any part of the country. I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.

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