Written Answers

23 January 2018 Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].

Questions Nos. 1 to 14, inclusive answered orally.

Questions Nos. 15 to 65, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 66 to 76, inclusive, answered orally.

Bliain na Gaeilge

23/01/2018WRA0100077. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta cad iad na pleananna atá ag an Roinn do Bhliain na Gaeilge. [3085/18]

23/01/2018WRA01100Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Joe McHugh): Is ar 13 Nollaig 2017 a d’fhógair mé go raibh Bliain Na Gaeilge 2018 faofa ag an Rialtas. Ag tógáil ar rath An Teanga Bheo a bhí mar shraith faoi Éire 2016: Clár Comórtha agus i bhfianaise go mbeidh Conradh na Gaeilge ag ceiliúradh 125 Bliain d’Athbheochan na Gaeilge i 2018, feictear gur togra tráthúil í Bhliain na Gaeilge 2018 chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an teanga, go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta.

Chun tacú le gníomhaíochtaí na Bliana, cheadaigh Foras na Gaeilge pacáiste airgeadais de €450,000 roimh dheireadh na bliana agus tá Meitheal Oibre comhdhéanta d’ionadaíocht ó mo Roinn, Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, RTÉ, TG4 agus Conradh na Gaeilge bunaithe ar mhaithe leis an togra a stiúradh.

Anuas air sin, tá breis agus 50 grúpa ag comhordú féilire d’imeachtaí cruthaitheacha, ealaíne agus pobail atá á n-eagrú ar fud an domhain i 2018, le roinnt tionscadal tábhachtacha a leanfaidh ar aghaidh tar éis 2018.

Tá i gceist go mbeidh cur chuige tras-Rialtais i gceist agus an Bhliain á ceiliúradh. Tá clár imeachtaí Eanáir go Meitheamh foilsithe cheana féin agus is féidir imeachtaí bhreise a chlárú i gcónaí ar gaeilge2018.ie. Ar mhaithe le rannpháirtíocht tras-Rialtais a éascú agus a chur chun cinn, beidh mé ag scríobh gan mhoill chuig mo chomhghleacaithe sa Rialtais ag iarraidh orthu a gcuid Ranna agus na comhlachtaí poiblí faoina gcúram a spreagadh le bheith páirteach sa cheiliúradh agus le himeachtaí a eagrú a thacaíonn leis an gcoincheap. Beidh mé ag déanamh an rud céanna, dár ndóigh, taobh istigh de mo Roinn fhéin.

Teastaíonn uaim go mbeidh na himeachtaí seo ag díríú isteacht ar:

- bheocht na teanga a cheiliúradh;

- úsáid, íomhá dearfach, infheictheacht agus gnáthú na Gaeilge sa phobal a mhéadú;

1 Questions - Written Answers - an obair leanúnach a spreagadh agus aitheantas a thabhairt do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge; agus

- an Ghaeilge a chosaint mar theanga labhartha na Gaeltachta.

Táim cinnte go ndéanfaidh an fócas speisialta ar an nGaeilge dearcadh dearfach i leith na teanga a spreagadh i measc an phobail i gcoitinne, rud a thacóidh le cuspóirí na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 a bhaint amach.

Ba mhaith liom an deis a thapú anseo inniu cuireadh a thabhairt do mo chomhghleacaithe anseo sa Dáil a bheith páirteach freisin agus Gaeilge a labhairt agus muid i mbun ár gcuid oibre.

Question No. 78 answered orally.

23/01/2018WRA01250Cultural Policy

23/01/2018WRA0130079. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for the delay in the publication of the final Culture 2025 policy document; when it is expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3078/18]

23/01/2018WRA01400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In July 2016 my predecessor, Minister Humphreys, published the draft framework policy document Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025. This underwent a round of consultations, with submissions received from Government Departments, local authorities, and cultural bodies and stakeholders in the cultural sector. The draft framework policy was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Com- mittee on Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in July 2016, who published its ‘Report on Culture 2025 – Éire Ildánach, Framework Policy to 2025’ in July 2017.

My Department is now in the process of finalising the framework policy. In this regard, the Joint Oireachtas Committee made a number of very good suggestions including in relation to how the policy document should be reshaped. My Department is giving careful consideration to these suggestions.

In addition, the Creative Ireland Programme, which was launched in December 2016, re- stated the key aims and values set out in the draft Culture 2025 document but took these a stage further in terms of setting out key deliverable actions both in year 1 and over a 5 year period. In effect, the Creative Ireland Programme has become the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in the Culture 2025. In this regard, the main emphasis of the Department during 2017 was to get the Creative Ireland Programme up and running.

It is important however, notwithstanding the significant achievements under the Creative Ireland Programme, that we have a broad overarching policy document for culture which sets out the strategic aims of Government for future years. I am committed therefore, following receipt of the Oireachtas report ,and in light of the significant progress made over the past year under the Creative Ireland Programme to publish a final Culture 2025 policy document.

My intention is to complete this work in the coming weeks and to bring the final policy to Government for approval and subsequent publication.

Museum Projects

23/01/2018WRA0150080. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if

2 23 January 2018 she will liaise with the various historical societies in County Meath and Meath County Council as the lead authority towards the development of a county museum at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3097/18]

23/01/2018WRA01600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The development of a county museum at a location referred to by the Deputy is a matter for Meath County Council in the first instance.

My Department operates various grant schemes which are opened for application from time to time and local authorities can apply under these schemes for funding for projects which they choose to advance. Last year, my Department awarded a large capital grant to Meath County Council for the enhancement and refurbishment of Meath Arts Centre, known as Solstice, in Navan. This grant was awarded under the Arts and Culture Capital scheme 2016-2018. Meath County Council has informed my Department that it hopes to commence work on this project in 2018.

The Arts and Culture Capital scheme 2016-2018 which was announced in 2016 focused on the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts and culture facilities including Museums throughout the country. My Department proposes to re-open this scheme for applications later this year and it would be a matter for the County Council to decide on its priorities in making any applications under the scheme.

The Deputy may also be interested to know that my Department also operates a scheme of small grants which provides funding specifically for local and regional museums toen- hance their services and a Co-operation with Northern Ireland Scheme which provides support for small self-contained projects which seek to enhance, celebrate or commemorate the artistic, cultural, musical, film or heritage of the Island of Ireland on a North/South basis. These schemes may also be of interest.

Limistéir Pleanála Teanga

23/01/2018WRA0170081. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta an bhfuil sí sásta go mbeidh dóthain airgid ar fáil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta agus do na coistí áitiúla éagsúla chun na pleananna teanga a chur i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [2912/18]

23/01/2018WRA0180092. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú maidir leis na 26 limistéar pleanála teanga/pobail ó thaobh stádas na bpleananna teanga sna limistéir éagsúla. [3084/18]

23/01/2018WRA01900109. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta cad é stádas an phróisis maidir leis an aitheantas atá tugtha do Ghaillimh mar bhaile séirbhíse Gaeltachta. [3086/18]

23/01/2018WRA02000Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Joe McHugh): I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 92 and 109 together.

Chun tacú tuilleadh le feidhmiú an phróisis pleanála teanga atá leagtha amach faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 agus faoina gcuimsítear na ceantair Ghaeltachta chomh maith le Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus Líonraí Gaeilge, tá cistíocht faoi leith ar fiú €2.65m curtha ar fáil sa bhliain reatha. Is ardú suntasach é seo thar an €1.25m a cuireadh ar fáil don phróiseas pleanála teanga i 2017.

3 Questions - Written Answers Lena chois sin, is fiú a lua go bhfuil €2.322m curtha ar fáil in 2018 chun cúram a dhéanamh de chlár tacaíochtaí pobail agus teanga na Roinne. Mar a bhí ar bun go dtí seo, bainfear leas as an gclár seo, atá dírithe ar na ceantair Ghaeltachta agus atá ardaithe fá €900,000 thar an soláthar a bhí curtha ar fáil ina leith sna Meastacháin Athbhreithnithe 2017, chun tacú tuilleadh le feidh- miú an phróisis.

Caithfear a chur san áireamh chomh maith an raon leathan clár, scéimeanna agus tionsc- namh eile atá á maoiniú agus á riaradh ag mo Roinn, ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus ag Foras na Gaeilge araon chun tacú go díreach nó go tánaisteach leis an bpróiseas.

Ag cur é seo ar fad san áireamh, táim sásta go bhfuil solathar cuí curtha ar fáil ón státchiste chun cúram cuí a dhéanamh den phróiseas pleanála teanga sa bhliain reatha.

Maidir le staid reatha an phróisis féin, tá sé tosaithe anois i ngach aon cheann den 26 Limis- téar Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta. Tá pleananna i leith na limistéar a leanas faofa agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh tús á chur lena bhfeidhmiú go luath:

- Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir

- Cois Fharraige

- Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach agus Machaire Rabhartaigh.

Tá pleananna teanga á mbreithniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair i leith cúig chinn eile de na li- mistéir faoi leith, eadhon: Múscraí; Na Déise; An Cheathrú Rua; Dúiche Sheoigheach & Tuar Mhic Éadaigh; agus Ciarraí Theas.

Lena chois sin táthar ag súil leis go mbeidh pleananna i leith na limistéar a leanas á gcur faoi bhráid mo Roinne chun críche faofa faoi Acht na Gaeltachta go luath:

- Ceantar na nOileán

- Conamara Láir

- Ciarraí Thiar

Maidir leis an cúig limistéar déag eile, beifear ag súil leis go mbeidh pleananna ina leith á gcur faoi bhráid na Roinne chun críche ceada idir seo agus deireadh 2020 - uair a mbeifear ag súil leis go mbeidh feidhmiú pleananna ar bun i ngach aon cheann de na limistéir.

Maidir le Cathair na Gaillimhe atá aitheanta faoin bpróiseas mar cheann den sé chinn déag de bhailte féideartha a d’fhéadfadh a bheith aitheanta in am trátha mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gael- tachta, tuigtear don Roinn go bhfuil an eagraíocht, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, atá freagrach as plean a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú don chathair i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe, i mbun comhairle phroifisiúnta a lorg faoi láthair chun cabhrú leo le hullmhúchán an phlean. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil súil ag an eagraíocht tús á chur le hullmhú an phlean don chathair gan mhoill.

Arts Funding

23/01/2018WRA0210082. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of her Department’s review of the cap in the percentage for the art scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3077/18]

23/01/2018WRA02200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In 1997 the Government approved the inclusion in budgets for all Exchequer-funded capital con- 4 23 January 2018 struction projects of up to 1% as funding for an art project, subject to an overall cap of €64,000.

Under the terms of the Scheme, funds to commission a per cent for art piece are factored into and funded from the overall budget of each capital project by the public body undertaking it. This is a matter for each project promoter or commissioning body.

My Department has responsibility for the promotion of the Per Cent for Art Scheme and set out guidelines in 2004 to assist project managers to operate the scheme and to provide a common national approach to its implementation. Guidelines on the Per Cent for Art Scheme are available on the Public Art website www.publicart.ie and on the department’s website.

The current cap was set by Government in 1997 and given the period which has elapsed since the cap was last adjusted in 1997, my predecessor asked the Department to conduct a review of the scheme. This review has commenced and I expect to receive proposals on the next steps in advancing the review shortly.

Appointments to State Boards

23/01/2018WRA0230083. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for the delay in appointing a new director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3076/18]

23/01/2018WRA02400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The appointment of a new Director is a matter, in the first instance, for the Board of Irish Museum of Modern Art, subject to my approval after consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department is currently in discussion with IMMA and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the terms and conditions relating to this post. It is hoped to conclude this matter shortly and once it has been finalised the position will then be advertised.

In the interim, an acting Director has been appointed by the Board who will remain in place until the appointment of the new Director.

Bullying in the Workplace

23/01/2018WRA0250084. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views as to the role she and her Department will play in relation to sexual harassment in the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3075/18]

23/01/2018WRA02600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As I have stated publicly, everyone, regardless of their job, is entitled to work in an atmosphere in which respect, dignity, fairness and equality are very much the norm.

My Department is working closely with the Irish Theatre Institute with a view to putting in place a series of actions that will find an appropriate way forward for the Theatre sector on this sensitive topic.

On 16th November 2017, my predecessor met with the group of eight leaders from Irish theatre organisations, who had co-signed a statement condemning sexual harassment and abuse of power in the theatre in Ireland. The meeting focused on how the theatre sector, in particular, could come together to discuss the issues which have arisen. It was agreed that my Department would assist in any practical arrangements in this regard. 5 Questions - Written Answers Following that engagement the Irish Theatre Institute has worked to develop an initiative to provide an opportunity for people in the sector to come together to voice views on recent hap- penings and to consider a respectful way forward for the sector.

Details of this initiative are being finalised and further details will be announced shortly.

I have also asked the Theatre Institute to engage with representatives of the 72 signatories of the open letter which was published in the Irish Times last week with a view to ensuring that the measures proposed can address some of the concerns they expressed, in particular addressing culture and practices in the sector into the future.

I have indicated that I would welcome a meeting with these representatives in due course so that I can hear their concerns first hand and to ensure that any measures we support, address the core of the issues facing the sector and beyond.

It is not appropriate for me as Minister to become involved in, or comment on individual cases, and it is important that due process is followed in each individual case. I am however vigorously following up on the measures announced by my predecessor last month which are designed to work with stakeholders to address culture and practices within the sector. I want to send out a clear message that compliance with the law and a culture of dignity and respect are fundamental and should be the norm for everyone, regardless of where or how they work.

Commemorative Events

23/01/2018WRA0270085. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the detail of her Department’s programme to commemorate the 1918 election and the election of Countess Markievicz; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3070/18]

23/01/2018WRA02800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My De- partment is finalising the State’s commemorative programme to mark the significant historical events and themes of 1918, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and in consultation with the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations. I will be making announcements in this regard very shortly.

Politically, 1918 was a year of profound transformation in Ireland when the focus shifted from the Irish Parliamentary Party towards the rise of radical Irish nationalism and the consolidation of the Ulster Unionist vote. The anti-conscription campaign and the associated general strike were significant milestones in this movement, which culminated in Sinn Féin’s landslide victory in the General Election of 1918 in the South and the consolidation of the unionist vote in the North. International events also impacted upon Irish politics and society during this time and these events, at home and abroad, had a significant impact on all communities across the island of Ireland. Women, played a very significant role in these events.

The 2018 commemorative programme will comprise a number of State-led or State-supported initiatives, including formal commemorations and other smaller scale events organised by local authorities working with local community groups or commemorative committees, academic institutions, the National Cultural Institutions, the artistic community and other interested parties.

I am also exploring new partnerships and initiatives which may arise during the year, given the significance of this centenary anniversary and anticipated public interest. My Department will also liaise closely with the Oireachtas in relation to its commemorative programme over the year. 6 23 January 2018 Creative Ireland Programme

23/01/2018WRA0290086. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht if she will report on the progress of Creative Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3095/18]

23/01/2018WRA03000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Cre- ative Ireland programme was launched in December 2016 and is a five year initiative, placing creativity at the centre of public policy. It is a cross-Government initiative led by my Depart- ment. Significant progress has been made across the five pillars of this Programme and a full report of activity and achievements can be found in the End of Year Report 2017 on my Depart- ment’s Creative Ireland website: https://creative.ireland.ie/en

Some of the important milestones reached include:

- The establishment of Creative Ireland Co-ordinators and Culture Teams in every local authority with the assistance of €2m provided by the Departments of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The local Culture and Creativity Plans listed over 750 projects, events and initiatives which took place nationwide in 2017 of which an estimated 250 were directly attributable to the Creative Ireland Programme. The De- partment will double its funding for this element of the Programme in 2018.

- In December 2017, Creative Youth – a Plan to enable the Creative Potential every Child and Young Person in the country – was launched – a joint effort between the Department of Cul- ture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and the Arts Council. €2m has been allocated to this initiative in 2018 - €1m from my Department and €1m from the Department of Education and Skills.

- A pilot scheme giving professional artists and writers easier access to social welfare supports was launched in June 2017.

- A Creative Ireland Forum “Culture, Wellbeing and the Creative Society” was held in Dub- lin Castle at the end of 2017.

I look forward to building on this progress in 2018.

Creative Ireland Programme

23/01/2018WRA0310087. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount the Creative Ireland Programme plans to spend on marketing in 2018. [3099/18]

23/01/2018WRA03200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Citi- zen Engagement is an important aspect of the work of the Creative Ireland Programme. It is important that citizens have the opportunity to engage with the Programme and can access information on the range and depth of Ireland’s cultural and creative offering. My Department is developing a new citizen engagement plan for 2018 and I will make a decision on specific funding for this element of the Creative Ireland Programme in this context.

Údarás na Gaeltachta

23/01/2018WRA0330088. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an méid cuairteanna a thug an tÚdarás ar shuíomhanna sa Ghaeltacht le linn na bliana 2017; agus 7 Questions - Written Answers an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3102/18]

23/01/2018WRA03400Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Joe McHugh): Ar an tuiscint gur ag tagairt atá an Teachta do chuairteanna a d’eagraigh feidh- meannaigh Údarás na Gaeltachta le linn 2017 ar shuíomhanna atá faoi chúram na heagraíochta, eagraíodh iomlán de 82 cuairt. Seo a leanas na sonraí ar bhonn cheantair Gaeltachta:

Ceantar Gaeltachta Méid Cuairteanna Dún na nGall 31 Maigh Eo 19 Gaillimh 24 Ciarraí 3 Corcaigh 1 Port Láirge 1 An Mhí 3 Iomlán 82

Is ar an údar go bhfuil líon beag spáis oifige/déantúsaíochta i gceantair na Mí, Chiarraí, Chorcaí agus Phort Láirge, go bhfuil an líon cuairteanna a bhaineann leis na ceantair seo níos ísle.

Tuigim ón Údarás gur fiontraithe, bainisteoirí comhlachta, infheisteoirí féideartha agus dao- ine gnó eile go príomha a bhíonn i gceist agus gur de thoradh stocaireachta agus margaíochta leanúnaigh de chuid an Údaráis a bhíonn na cuairteanna ann.

Mar chuid den obair leanúnach a bhíonn ar bun ag an Údarás, bíonn teagmháil agus plé leanúnach ag an eagraíocht le raon leathan fiontraithe agus comhlachtaí a mbíonn spás á lorg acu, i dtreo an leas is fearr is féidir a bhaint as an teagmháil sin mar a bhaineann sé le caomhnú agus cothú fostaíochta sa Ghaeltacht.

National Monuments

23/01/2018WRA0350089. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the agreement to cap visitors to Skellig Michael at 11,100 annually under terms agreed with UNESCO and An Taisce’s concerns regarding the branding of the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3068/18]

23/01/2018WRA03600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The reference to 11,100 visitors in the 2008 - 2018 Management Plan for Skellig Michael published by the then Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2008 is not to a cap or upper limit on visitor numbers.

The 2008-18 Plan set out the approach to site management across a broad range of issues, including the control measures necessary to manage visitor access. The reference to the figure in question was as an indicator of historic visitor numbers. The exact text of the report states that:

“The average number of visitors per season in the period since 1995 is c. 11,100, a figure that, having been monitored over a period of 13 seasons, is deemed sustainable in terms of protection of the National Monument.”

8 23 January 2018 Rather than prescribing a defined annual maximum on visitor numbers, the approach in the Management Plan is to set a limited daily quota. The arrangements have been notified to UNESCO and have not been identified as being in any way inimical to the outstanding universal value of the site.

In tandem with visits to Skellig Michael being subject to a daily limit, local weather and sea conditions also often result in boats being unable to land safely. I understand that the typical experience over several years is that approximately 40% to 45% of landing attempts fail during an average season which also acts as a limiting factor.

In the context of the maintenance of that daily visitor cap and the other natural and built heritage protections in place for the Island, and the ongoing work of my Department and the OPW, I believe that the unique heritage of this important monument is being protected while also allowing visitors from Ireland and across the world to experience this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Irish coast.

23/01/2018WRB00150Film Industry

23/01/2018WRB0020090. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures being taken to boost the domestic and international film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3082/18]

23/01/2018WRB00300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Irish Film Board is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. The Film Board supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.

The Film Board also supports the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals, promotes inward investment, the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. The Board liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination. Information on its funding scheme is available on the Irish Film Board website at www.irishfilmboard.ie.

The Section 481 tax credit system also plays an important role in making Ireland an attractive location for internationally mobile film and TV drama productions and in providing significant high level employment in the audiovisual industry. Recent projects locating in Ireland include the BBC’s Little Women, AMC’s Into the Badlands which returned to Ireland last April to film a third season in Ardmore Studios,Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and the hugely successful Vikings series developed and produced here for the History Channel.

Of relevance for future policy will be the recommendations of the economic analysis of the sector commissioned by my Department in partnership with the Departments of Communica- tions, Climate Action and Environment and Business, Enterprise and Innovation. This analysis, which is being finalised, will provide an input for the development of an industry-wide long term plan for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation in Ireland under Pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland Programme.

Broadcasting Sector

9 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRB0040091. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps her Department is taking to support orchestras; if her attention has been drawn to the publicity regarding the shortages in the RTÉ concert orchestra; the detail of the review RTÉ is carrying out into the provision of orchestra services; if her Department will make a submission or has an input into this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3066/18]

23/01/2018WRB00500Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I understand the Deputy’s concern about the RTE orchestras. As Minister with responsibility for culture, and with oversight of the National Concert Hall, I believe it is important that there is strong provision of orchestral music in Ireland.

The Deputy will appreciate that there are existing legislative obligations on RTÉ in relation to the provision of music and that responsibility for RTÉ is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

However, given my Department’s remit in relation to cultural provision, officials of my Department have met with officials of that Department to discuss the matter. My officials have been informed that RTÉ has acknowledged that the orchestras are integral to RTE’s arts and cultural programming, and form a key part of RTÉ’s arts and culture strategy.

My understanding is that the RTÉ review is an internal review which is to make recommendations regarding the best configuration of the orchestras, and that external submissions have not been sought.

However, my Department will maintain close contact with the Department of Communi- cations, Climate Action and Environment over the coming weeks and both Departments will consider the outcome of the RTÉ review when that is complete. I understand that a final report will be delivered to RTÉ by the end of February.

We await the outcome of that review and my Department will maintain close contact with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in that regard.”

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 81.

Waterways Ireland Feasibility Study

23/01/2018WRB0070093. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 27 September 2017, if Waterways Ireland has studies underway or plans to carry out studies in relation to the feasibility of having some of the Erne waterway from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra made navigable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3072/18]

23/01/2018WRB0080095. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to having at least some of the stretches of the Erne river system made navigable from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3073/18]

23/01/2018WRB00900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 95 together.

As the Deputy will be aware from previous replies to parliamentary questions, there have been a number of studies undertaken since the late 1980’s to examine the feasibility of extending the navigation upstream from Belturbet to Lough Oughter and Killeshandra. Based on the

10 23 January 2018 results of these studies, and review of the environmental information obtained in the process, Waterways Ireland consider that the environmental designations of this lake complex make the feasibility of the proposed navigation unviable.

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are no further plans to carry out feasibility studies in relation to the feasibility of having some of the Erne waterway from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra made navigable.

European Year of Cultural Heritage

23/01/2018WRB0100094. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3069/18]

23/01/2018WRB01100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Eu- ropean Year of Cultural Heritage will see engagement with communities in all Member States, large and small, with activities taking place at national, regional and local level, involving citizens of all ages.

The national coordinator for the year in Ireland is the Heritage Council and my Department has supported the central role of the Heritage Council in the delivery of the European Year of Cultural Heritage by providing additional funding in Budget 2018.

The selected theme for the year in Ireland is ‘Make a Connection’. The Heritage Council is inviting organisations and individuals to take action and respond to the theme. It is open to organisations and individuals to identify initiatives, existing and new, planned for 2018 which meet the objectives of European Year of Cultural Heritage. The aim is to deepen the connection between people and heritage, and build a legacy of increased public engagement.

At the end of this month I will be announcing a number of events which will be taking place throughout Ireland in 2018 as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage and which will serve to highlight Ireland’s heritage both at home and abroad.

Cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives and societies. It surrounds us in the buildings of our towns and cities; our landscapes, natural sites, monuments and archaeological sites, traditions and practices. It is not only made up of literature, art and objects but also by the crafts we learn, the stories we tell, the food we eat, the songs we sing and the films we watch. I welcome the fact that the European Year of Cultural Heritage provides an unique opportunity to bring communities together and build shared understandings of the places we live in.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 93.

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

23/01/2018WRB0130096. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gael- tachta an dtabharfaidh sí léiriú ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta ó thaobh na gcuspóirí atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge. [3087/18]

23/01/2018WRB01400Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Joe McHugh): I dtús báire is mian liom a threisiú uair amháin eile go bhfuil mé thar a bheith sásta leis an méid atá bainte amach go dtí seo chun cúram a dhéanamh d’fheidhmiú céimiúil na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030. Luafainn go sonrach na nithe a leanas: 11 Questions - Written Answers - Tá cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis pleanála teanga a leagtar amach faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 faoi lán seoil anois. Faoin Acht seo, a rinneadh a achtú sé bliana ó shin mar chéim shuntasach le dlús a chur le feidhmiú na Straitéise, tugtar feidhm reachtúil don phróiseas faoina bhfuil pleananna teanga á n-ullmhú ag leibhéal an phobail trasna an sé chinn is fiche de limis- téir pleanála teanga Ghaeltachta atá aitheanta faoin bpróiseas. Ina theannta sin, tá an próiseas tosaithe, nó ar tí tosú i gcás seacht gcinn de bhailte a d’fhéadfadh a bheith aitheanta mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta faoin bpróiseas in am trátha. Lena chois sin, ar ndóigh, tá trí Líonra Gaeilge aitheanta faoin bpróiseas anois. Sa bhliain reatha, cuirfear tús le feidhmiú pleananna faoi leith sa Ghaeltacht agus, chun cabhrú leis an obair seo trí chéile, is fiú a mheabrú go bhfuil ciste faoi leith ar fiú €2.65m in iomlán curtha ar fáil sa bhliain reatha. Is ionann é seo agus ardú €1.4m thar an méid a bhí luaite leis an gciste in 2017. Mar thaca breise don phróiseas, tá ciste ar fiú €2.322m curtha ar fáil faoin gClár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga atá á riaradh ag mo Roinn. Leis an gciste breise ar fiú €900,000 atá curtha ar fáil don chlár seo sa bhliain reatha thar an méid a cuireadh ar fáil sna Meastácháin Atbhreithnithe 2017, táim sásta go mbeifear in ann an dul chun chun cinn cuí a dhéanamh chun tacú le feidhmiu an phróisis trí chéile - próiseas atá ag croílár fheidhmiú na straitéise ar ndóigh mar a bhaineann sí leis an Ghaeltacht

- Tá Polasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta 2017-2022 foilsithe agus á chur i bhfeidhm go rathúil agus tá Straitéis Náisiúnta Litearthachta agus Uimhearthachta á cur i bhfeidhm;

- Tá athbhreithniú déanta ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus d’fhógair mé an tseachtain seo caite go bhfuil Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) i measc na mBillí atá ar chlár reachtaíochta an Rialtais don earrach/samhradh.

- Tá cinneadh déanta deireadh á chur leis an maolú don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach i 2021; agus,

- Tá Plean Gaeilge agus Gníomh Digiteach RTÉ á gcur i bhfeidhm.

Chun an dul chun cinn súntasach seo a threisiú tuilleadh, tá sé i gceist plean gníomhaíoch- ta d’fheidhmiú na Straitéise don tréimhse 2018-2022 a fhoilsiú go luath i gcomhar le forais eile stáit atá ábhartha sa chúram seo. Sa phlean gníomhaíochta, a bhfuil bailchríoch á cur air faoi láthair, leagfar amach raon de bhearta faoi leith a dtabharfar fúthu i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara eile mar a bhaineann siad leis an naoi réimse atá sa Straitéis.

Is iondúil, nuair atá plé ar bun faoi fheidhmiú na Straitéise, nach n-aithnítear mar is cuí, an obair fhónta atá ar bun agus beartaithe i gcaitheamh an ama ag na forais ábhartha stáit, na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta atá ag saothrú leo ar leas na Gaeilge agus chun cúram a dhéanamh d’fheidhmiú na Straitéise ina gcuid oibre laethúil. Is fiú agus is cóir é seo a chur san áíreamh sa phlé maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise.

Ní call a rá go leanfaidh mé, mar Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, chun mo sheacht ndícheall a dhé- anamh chun a chinntiú go n-aithnítear mar is cuí an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge mar chuid lárnach de shaol comhaimseartha na hÉireann agus go dtacaítear lena caomhnú agus lena treisiú laistigh de na hacmhainní atá agus a bheidh ar fail san achar ama atá romhainn.

Irish Coursing Club

23/01/2018WRB0150097. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht if she will ensure all coursing meetings are adequately monitored; the details of correspondence she received in 2017 regarding breaches of licence; the way in which they have been investigated; the results of the investigations; and the action taken to address the said breaches. [3040/18] 12 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRB01600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Where resources allow, local National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conservation rangers and other staff attend coursing meetings, on a spot-check basis, to monitor compliance with licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club and its affiliated clubs. While my Department does not have resources to provide 100% attendance at coursing meetings, it endeavours to attend as many meetings as possible having regard to the various calls on its staffing complement.

During the 2016/17 coursing season, conservation rangers attended seventeen coursing meetings and the same number of meetings was monitored during the 2015/16 season. There has been an increase in the level of monitoring this year. Since the 2017/18 coursing season began, staff of NPWS have already monitored some twenty four coursing events, including trials.

My Department has received some correspondence from individuals and groups alleging breaches of the conditions of the licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club. These allegations are investigated by my Department provided the information can be substantiated. Any issues arising from these investigations will be reviewed and considered in the context of licences for the 2018/19 coursing season.

Legislative Measures

23/01/2018WRB0170098. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration has been given to the development of a separate standalone canals Bill to address the complex issues pertaining to the inland waterways rather than including those items within the Heritage Bill 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3136/18]

23/01/2018WRB01800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 in order to allow for the subsequent making of bye-laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals are contained in the Heri- tage Bill 2016. The Heritage Bill 2016 was passed by Seanad Éireann on 13th April 2017. It is now being considered by Dáil Éireann. The Bill passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 9 November 2017 and is now at Committee Stage.

National Monuments

23/01/2018WRB0190099. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for all stakeholders, including the developer of the Moore Street battlefield site to participate in the ministerial Moore Street advisory forum. [3100/18]

23/01/2018WRB02000101. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht her plans for the national monument 14 to 17 Moore Street and the Moore Street battlefield site; her vision for the area, including the space for the work of the traders; and if she will visit the battlefield site at her earliest convenience. [3039/18]

23/01/2018WRB02100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 101 together.

The Moore Street Advisory Group, which was established on foot of the recommendations in the Moore Street Consultative Committee report, provides a forum where all key stakeholders can have an input into dialogue about the future of the area. I look forward to seeing an outcome that charts a way forward based on broad consensus and support from all interested parties.

13 Questions - Written Answers I am grateful to all the groups and individuals that are contributing to the discussions on the future of Moore Street. The detailed arrangements for engagement between various individual stakeholders and the Advisory Group are a matter for the parties themselves but I would encourage all concerned, including the developer, to avail of the opportunity for discussion and dialogue with a view to moving the process forward in a positive way.

As the Deputies are aware, the applicability of the provisions of the National Monuments Acts to particular buildings, structures and lands in the Moore Street area is the subject of proceedings in the Court of Appeal. A decision on the proceedings is awaited which, when combined with what emanates from the deliberations of the Moore Street Advisory Group, will provide much greater clarity and certainty on what wider options and alternatives there may be for the conservation, development and presentation of the various elements that make up the extensive area encompassed by the legal case. As this is a matter before the Courts I am pre- cluded from further comment at this point in time.

In the meantime, I understand that the issue of traders’ conditions is central to the workings of the Group and I understand that the Chair is proactively engaged with Dublin City Council in relation to this matter.

Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta

23/01/2018WRB02200100. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist go ndéanfar leasaithe ar Acht na Gaeltachta maidir le struchtúr Bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [2758/18]

23/01/2018WRB02300Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Joe McHugh): I gcomhréir leis na forálacha ábhartha Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, cheap mé Bord nua d’Údarás na Gaeltachta le gairid. Mairfidh tréimhse feidhme an bhoird seo go Eanáir 2023.

Faoin socrú reatha a tháinig i bhfeidhm faoin Acht i 2012, tá an bord, a bhfuil dhá chom- halta dhéag air, comhdhéanta de chúigear a ainmníonn na hÚdaráis Áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram acu, chomh maith le seachtar comhalta eile a roghnaítear bunaithe ar chomórtas poiblí a eagraítear faoi scáth na Seirbhíse um Cheapacháin Phoiblí.

Ní miste a lua chomh maith gur ionann líon an bhoird mar atá sé anois agus an líon a mholtar, de réir thaighde idirnáisiúnta, ar chóir a bheith ar bhord den tsaghas seo.

Táim sásta, dá réir, go bhfuil an cur chuige reatha mar a bhaineann sé le struchtúr an bhoird ag feidhmiú go sásúil agus nach gcuireann sé aon bhac ar chumas an Údaráis feidhmiú mar is cuí.

Ach an oiread leis an mbord a chuaigh roimhe, táim cinnte de go rachaidh an bord nua i mbun a chuid dualgas le díocas agus le dúthracht, a bheidh ar leas Údarás na Gaeltachta, phobal na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge araon. Ar an mbunús sin, níl i gceist agam aon mholtaí maidir le hAcht na Gaeltachta 2012 a leasú a thabhairt chun cinn.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 99.

Traveller Culture

23/01/2018WRB02500102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of funding and future plans her Department has to fund specific projects in arts and heri- 14 23 January 2018 tage for the Traveller community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3079/18]

23/01/2018WRB02600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As I detailed in my response to Parliamentary Question 267 of 6th December 2017, my Department’s commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion is reflected in its policies and operations, and in those of the bodies under its aegis. My Department is also represented on the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group.

One of the stated aims of Culture 2025, this Departments national cultural policy document, is to create opportunities for increased citizen participation, especially for those currently excluded or at risk of exclusion, with a key value being the right of everyone to participate in the cultural life of the nation. This right runs throughout people’s lives, irrespective of where they come from, where they live, their religious beliefs or their economic, social or ethnic back- grounds. In line with these policy objectives, my Department’s Creative Ireland programme continues to promote the Traveller Mentoring Program.

With respect to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Arts Council in particular arrange supports for work in the context of the Traveller Community under the Arts Partici- pation Scheme and the Artist in Community Scheme, managed by Create on the Arts Coun- cil’s behalf which, actively encourages artists to work in a culturally diverse context including among the Traveller Community. The Irish Film Board has also agreed funding of €620,000 in relation to a film about a young female Traveller, entitled “Float like a Butterfly”.

The National Library of Ireland is currently in the development phase of a project which centres on the presentation of materials regarding Traveller family history and genealogy, while the National Museum is planning a major exhibition with the Traveller Community to be hosted in the Museum of Country Life from June 2018. The exhibition will focus on the traditions, customs and history of the Traveller community over the years.

I look forward to working with my Department and those bodies under its aegis in developing these important initiatives.

Heritage Council

23/01/2018WRB02700103. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to halt the demise in construction of traditional Slaney cots, in addition to the demise of traditional cot fishing practices on the river Slaney; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3081/18]

23/01/2018WRB02800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Her- itage Council, which was established under the Heritage Act 1995, works to promote interest in and protect our national heritage in all its forms.

The Council works in partnership with local communities, local authorities, voluntary groups, government departments, various agencies and national cultural institutions in order to deliver this vision through supporting a wide range of heritage projects and initiatives at community level.

In 2017 the Heritage Council offered €4,000 under the Heritage Council Community Grants Scheme to the Southend Family Resource Centre to carry out an oral history project to enrich the work done over the past number of years in reviving the building of traditional clinker built Wexford Cots. In this regard, the Heritage Council is best placed to offer practical advise and assistance to local groups. 15 Questions - Written Answers The Deputy may also be interested in the new National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage which is currently being drawn up by my Department. The Inventory is designed to acknowledge and promote living traditions and practices which are part of our unique Irish heritage. It is open to group to submit application to my Department to have traditional practices, including traditional boat building, recognised on the list. Further detail can be found on the website of my Department at https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/culture/projects-and-programmes/ intangible-cultural-heritage/.

Bullying in the Workplace

23/01/2018WRB02900104. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding her Department’s response to recent revelations regarding sexual harassment in the arts. [3101/18]

23/01/2018WRB03000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As I have stated publicly, everyone, regardless of their job, is entitled to work in an atmosphere in which respect, dignity, fairness and equality are very much the norm.

Following that engagement the Irish Theatre Institute has worked to develop an initiative to provide an opportunity for people in the sector to come together to voice views on recent hap- penings and to consider a respectful way forward for the sector.

Details of this initiative are being finalised and further details will be announced shortly.

Bullying in the Workplace

16 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRB03100105. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address the concerns outlined by 70 persons working in theatre regarding the process of inquiry on sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace being undertaken by the Gate Theatre. [3098/18]

23/01/2018WRB03200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As I have stated publicly, everyone, regardless of their job, is entitled to work in an atmosphere in which respect, dignity, fairness and equality are very much the norm.

Details of this initiative are being finalised and further details will be announced shortly.

European Year of Cultural Heritage

23/01/2018WRB03300106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which she and her Department expect to be in a position to continue to utilise events of a cultural and heritage nature to promote the national image at home and abroad, with particular reference to the need to generate increased interest in such matters among young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3083/18]

23/01/2018WRB03400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I am pleased to advise that 2018 has been designated as the European Year of Cultural Heritage. It is anticipated that this designation will engage with communities in all Member States, large and small, and will see activities taking place at national, regional and local level, involving

17 Questions - Written Answers citizens of all ages.

Last December one of my first duties following my appointment as Minister, was to welcome Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport to Ireland to Dublin to outline the threefold aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage. First- ly to encourage the sharing and appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage; secondly, to raise awareness of our common history and values; and finally to involve all citizens, irrespective or age, to promote a sense of belonging to a common European space.

My Department is supporting the Heritage Council as National Coordinator in the delivery of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in Ireland. I will shortly be announcing a menu of events which will be taking place throughout Ireland in 2018 as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage which will serve to highlight Ireland’s heritage both at home and abroad.

With particular reference to generating interest among young people, the Heritage in Schools Scheme provides a panel of 160 Heritage Specialists who visit primary schools throughout the country to encourage awareness of the genius of the natural and cultural world that surrounds us in our daily lives and engage children in a direct experience of their heritage. The Scheme will form a part of Ireland’s programme for the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

The Government’s Creative Ireland Programme also places a special emphasis on unifying our global reputation and aims to capture the overarching narrative of Ireland’s unique creativity and cultural heritage and present a coherent representation of Ireland as a country of creative people. In addition, through Culture Ireland of my Department there is direct support for Irish artists to present their work worldwide. This serves to raise the global awareness of the strong reputation of the Ireland’s arts sector and develop new audiences abroad for Irish artists.

I should also mention the significant success which Ireland recently achieved with Uilleann Piping receiving recognition as being worthy of inscription on the UNESCO Register for Intan- gible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Uilleann Piping is acknowledged as the sound of Ireland, enjoyed and played by young and old across the globe which serves to generate increased interest in Ireland and our cultural heritage.

Hare Coursing

23/01/2018WRB03500107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of coursing clubs that have been sanctioned for coursing sick hares in the 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018 seasons. [2999/18]

23/01/2018WRB03600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My De- partment has implemented sanctions on coursing clubs over recent years. While a sanction was implemented in respect of the 2016/17 season, this was not related to the coursing of sick hares. Officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department have monitored twenty four coursing events to date during the current 2017/18 season, including trials. All issues arising from this monitoring programme, including any issues such as the Deputy raises here, will be reviewed and considered in the context of licences for the 2018/19 season.

Creative Ireland Programme

23/01/2018WRB03700108. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for the decision to allocate €0.9 million of the Creative Ireland Programme budget to

18 23 January 2018 initiatives under the heading, citizen engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3074/18]

23/01/2018WRB03800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As part of the 2017 Creative Ireland Programme my Department undertook a comprehensive citizen engagement programme to:

- Showcase the range and depth of Ireland’s cultural and creative offering;

- Encourage participation in arts and creative activities as a means of individual, collective and societal wellbeing, and;

- Build awareness of the Creative Ireland Programme, particularly in its first year.

The vision of the Creative Ireland Programme is that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential. This represents a new approach to creativity and cultural policy and therefore required a substantial and sustained communications programme in 2017. A combination of approaches and platforms were used to maximise impact, taking account of the diversity of the target audiences.

The development of the citizen engagement programme was very much informed by the positive experience of previous programmes particularly the approach taken in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. In addition, statistics relating to readership of national and regional newspapers, listenership to local radio and increased use of social media, particularly by younger people, all informed the choices made. The Programme was also designed to have as wide a reach as possible, including in rural areas.

A full expenditure breakdown of the €0.937m is provided on my Department’s Creative Ireland Programme website: https://creative.ireland.ie/en/news/creative-ireland-programme- end-year-report-2017.

Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 81.

23/01/2018WRC00200Tourism Employment Data

23/01/2018WRC00300110. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the categories of those employed in tourism directly and indirectly here, in tabular form. [2918/18]

23/01/2018WRC00400111. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed directly and indirectly in tourism here in each of the years 2011 to 2017, in tabular form. [2920/18]

23/01/2018WRC00500Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.

The CSO’s Labour Force Survey (LFS), formerly the QNHS, is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. In line with EU requirements the LFS collects sector of employment data according to the standard EU classification (NACE Rev. 2).

The information requested by the Deputy cannot be specifically identified within this classification as tourism industries and related employment are spread across a number of NACE sectors (primarily wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food service activities, trans- portation and storage and arts, entertainment, recreation and other services activities).

The table below shows the number of persons aged 15 and over in employment classified by

19 Questions - Written Answers NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector for the years 2011 to 2017.

Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Eco- nomic Sector, 2011-2017

‘000

Economic 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 sector A Agriculture, 112.2 113.1 112.1 108.5 111.9 117.0 111.5 forestry and fishing B-E Industry 239.1 232.2 244.4 245.6 259.6 273.0 279.2 F Construc- 86.8 81.3 86.1 90.8 109.2 119.7 127.8 tion G Whole- 276.8 271.3 281.1 283.6 288.8 294.2 300.6 sale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles H Transporta- 88.5 83.7 80.8 86.2 89.8 92.6 92.9 tion & storage I Accom- 116.7 123.7 136.3 143.8 148.3 156.0 160.2 modation & food service activities J Information 90.9 94.8 96.0 98.5 100.6 104.9 114.3 & communication K-L Financial, 106.4 100.2 101.8 101.4 107.8 108.3 106.8 insurance and real estate activities M Profession- 110.1 108.7 116.8 124.9 128.2 128.5 133.8 al, scientific and technical activities N Administra- 82.5 75.6 70.4 79.3 78.3 89.1 94.0 tive & support service activities O Public Ad- 88.6 88.8 86.2 88.6 93.2 97.4 98.9 ministration and defence; compulsory social security P Education 138.9 139.3 145.3 147.0 148.4 149.7 157.0 Q Human 256.4 256.8 258.3 262.3 266.7 270.9 280.5 health and social work activities R-U Arts, 101.8 106.4 109.3 107.8 112.1 119.3 116.9 entertainment, recreation and other services activities Not Stated 4.3 * * * 7.2 7.1 6.9 Total persons 1,900.1 1,877.8 1,926.2 1,970.2 2,050.1 2,127.7 2,181.2 * Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates are too small to be considered reliable.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of

20 23 January 2018 smaller values or estimates of change.

Quarter 2 of each year is the reference quarter for annual estimates.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

23/01/2018WRC00700Cabinet Committee Meetings

23/01/2018WRC00800112. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee E, health, last met; and when it is scheduled to meet again. [3006/18]

23/01/2018WRC00900The Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee E last met on 23 November and will meet again in the coming weeks.

23/01/2018WRC01000Taoiseach’s Meetings and Engagements

23/01/2018WRC01100113. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Prime Minister May since the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. [3008/18]

23/01/2018WRC01200The Taoiseach: I last spoke to Prime Minister May on Thursday 7 December as I reported to the House on 12 December.

There is regular ongoing contact between my Department and the British Government at official level about Brexit and the situation in Northern Ireland. There has also been extensive contact between the Tánaiste and the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Brad- ley and between their officials.

The Tánaiste met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in London soon after her appointment and again in Belfast on Thursday 18 January where they discussed the political situation in Northern Ireland.

The Tánaiste is scheduled to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland later this week.

23/01/2018WRC01300Exports Data

23/01/2018WRC01400114. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the volume and value of exports in euro terms based on the most recent data on a percentage basis in each of the years 2015 to 2017, by county, in tabular form. [2751/18]

23/01/2018WRC01500115. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the volume and value of imports in euro terms based on the most recent data on a percentage basis in each of the years 2015 to 2017, by county, in tabular form. [2752/18]

23/01/2018WRC01600116. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the amount in euro in value of goods only exported from Irish based firms by country in 2016 and 2017, in tabular form; and the percentage share of such exports to each country in this period as a proportion of the total share. [2753/18]

23/01/2018WRC01700Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 to 116, inclusive, together.

21 Questions - Written Answers The information on the value of Exports and Imports by county or the value of goods exported from Irish based firms as requested by the Deputy is not available. The total value of Exports and Imports is contained in the table below. Please note the 2017 data is from January to November.

Table A : Goods Exports and Imports 2015 to November 2017

Jan - Jan - Dec Jan - Dec Jan - Dec Jan - Nov Jan - Nov Dec2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 Sector Exports €M Imports €M Exports €M Imports €M Exports €M Imports €M Food and live 9,878 6,687 10,096 6,689 10,390 6,510 animals Beverages 1,287 876 1,333 914 1,246 831 and tobacco Crude mate- 1,771 855 1,529 824 1,636 829 rials, ined- ible, except fuels Mineral fu- 773 5,104 691 3,776 937 4,250 els, lubricants and related products Animal and 57 245 78 245 87 245 vegetable oils, fats and waxes Chemicals 64,224 13,978 66,385 14,963 62,352 16,042 and related products n.e.s. Manufac- 2,105 4,698 2,144 4,751 2,098 4,662 tured goods classified chiefly by material Machinery 16,808 27,891 21,420 31,581 17,793 26,141 and transport equipment Miscel- 14,299 8,166 14,645 8,253 13,708 7,534 laneous manufactured articles Commodities 1,205 1,612 969 2,135 999 2,022 and transactions not classified elsewhere Total 112,407 70,111 119,292 74,131 111,246 69,067

23/01/2018WRC02000Small and Medium Enterprises Data

23/01/2018WRC02100117. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of SMEs that account for total exports of goods and services on a percentage basis by country in 2016 and 2017; and the number of persons employed in such SMEs. [2754/18]

23/01/2018WRC02200Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): The data

22 23 January 2018 requested by the deputy is currently not available. The CSO is preparing a statistical publication which will give data on the number of SMEs exporting and importing goods, and the value of such trade for the years 2013 to 2016. This publication will deal solely with trade in goods, and will not include services. It is expected that this publication will be available in the coming weeks. The data requested on number of people employed in such SMEs, or a breakdown by country is not available.

23/01/2018WRC02300Taoiseach’s Meetings and Engagements

23/01/2018WRC02400118. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Taoiseach if he met non-governmental organisations or members of civil society on his recent trip to Hungary; if so, the names of each; the issues he discussed; and if not, the reason therefor. [2756/18]

23/01/2018WRC02500The Taoiseach: I travelled to Budapest on 4 January for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Orbán. My itinerary in Hungary did not include other meetings or official engagements.

23/01/2018WRC02600Strategic Communications Unit

23/01/2018WRC02700119. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if there is a campaign manager employed in the strategic communications unit within his Department; and if so, the responsibilities for same. [2847/18]

23/01/2018WRC02800120. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of campaigns the strategic communications unit is planning for 2018. [2848/18]

23/01/2018WRC02900The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

Staff in the Strategic Communications Unit in my Department work on information campaigns on a rotational basis. This involves liaising with their communications colleagues in the relevant Departments and other stakeholders to plan and develop campaigns that make it easier for citizens to understand the work of Government.

The Unit’s work on campaigns is informed by major Government initiatives that impact on the lives of our citizens, its focus is to streamline communications by working with other departments to deliver on these major cross Government campaigns. It will help to ensure clear simple citizen centred communications, so that it is evident when the Government of Ireland is communicating or delivering a service. This will lead to more coordinated and cost effective communications that will generate efficiencies and increased value for money.

The Strategic Communications Unit will work in partnership with Government Depart- ments on priority campaigns for 2018. These campaigns have been agreed through a series of bilateral meetings between the Minister and Secretary General in each Government Department and the SCU. The list may evolve through the year.

23/01/2018WRC03100Departmental Staff Data

23/01/2018WRC03200121. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in his Department in each division in the past three years. [2849/18]

23 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRC03300122. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the EU division within his Department since January 2016. [2850/18]

23/01/2018WRC03400The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.

The role of my Department is to support my work as Taoiseach and to co-ordinate the work of the Government and Cabinet. In order to provide this service, the staffing and structure of my Department is reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Details of the number of staff employed in my Department over the past three years are as follows:

- 31 December 2015 - 196.1 (whole-time equivalent)

- 31 December 2016 - 188.2 (whole-time equivalent)

- 23 January 2018 - 205.1 (whole-time equivalent)

Currently, my Department is structured around seven work areas. The breakdown of staff assigned to each of these areas is as follows:

Division/Unit Title Whole-time Equivalent International, EU and Northern Ireland Division 24.3 Economic Division 24 Government Secretariat, Protocol and General Divi- 24.2 sion and the Parliamentary Liaison Unit Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division 13 Strategic Communications Unit 15 Corporate Affairs Division 28.4 Information and Records Management Unit 7.1 The remainder of staff in my Department include services staff and those assigned to Private Offices, Constituency Offices, the Government Press Office and InternalAudit.

Due to changes in the structure of my Department over the past three years, it is not possible to provide an accurate comparison of staff numbers by Division for that period.

My Department’s International, EU and Northern Ireland Division is headed by a Second Secretary General, who also acts as the Irish Sherpa for EU business, including Brexit issues. The staffing resources of the Division currently amount to a whole-time equivalent of 24.3 staff across the full range of policy areas. The work of this Division includes supporting the work of Cabinet Committee C, which deals with EU affairs, including Brexit, and supports me in my role as a member of the European Council.

In particular, this Cabinet Committee assists the Government in its ongoing consideration of Brexit issues including input to the negotiation process, both on the issues that are of unique or particular concern to Ireland, and more generally.

The Division prepares me for engagement on a wide range of EU issues, as well as the debate on the future of Europe, and supports efforts to develop our strategic alliances in a post- Brexit scenario.

The Division also supports me in my International role and in all of my international engagements ensuring that they are strategically aligned with, and effectively advance, the Govern- ment’s priorities, with a particular focus on driving job creation, sustainable economic development, trade, tourism and investment and on protecting and promoting our strategic interests 24 23 January 2018 internationally.

The Division also provides advice and support to me in relation to Northern Ireland Affairs and British Irish relations, and Brexit issues in that context. Staff in other divisions also contribute to the work on Brexit. For example, the Economic Division advises me on economic policy aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth, with a particular focus on jobs and competitiveness including possible economic impacts of Brexit.

In all of its work across international, EU and British and Northern Ireland issues, my De- partment works closely with other relevant Departments including, in particular, the Depart- ment of Foreign Affairs and Trade which has lead responsibility for most policy matters in these areas, including Brexit.

23/01/2018WRC03600Taoiseach’s Meetings and Engagements

23/01/2018WRC03700123. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has written or spoken to President Macron regarding his proposals on the digital economy. [2114/18]

23/01/2018WRC03800The Taoiseach: My meeting with President Macron in Paris on 24 October last included discussions on the digital economy. President Macron and I agreed on the enormous potential of the digital economy and the need to ensure Europe provides the right economic environment for it to flourish. The March European Council is expected to include a Leaders’ Agenda discussion on digital issues.

23/01/2018WRC03900Bullying in the Workplace

23/01/2018WRC04000124. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach if there have been bullying or sexual harassment claims lodged within his Department in each year since 2011; if so, the number of either complaints on an annual basis, in tabular form; if these complaints have been investigated; the outcome of each investigation; and the policies in place within his Department to combat bullying and sexual harassment. [2323/18]

23/01/2018WRC04100The Taoiseach: No bullying or sexual harassment cases have been lodged within my De- partment since 2011.

My Department is committed to maintaining a positive working environment for all its employees. My Department has the same duty of care obligations under the Safety Health and Welfare Act 2005 as other employers in the state. Bullying, discrimination and harassment can negatively affect an employee’s psychological as well as physical wellbeing.

My Department ensures that all employees read and sign circular 26/2004 – The Civil Ser- vice Code of Standards and Behaviour. Section 12 of circular 26/2004 outlines the standard expected of all employees in regard to relations with their colleagues. This includes the legal duty on Civil Servants not to discriminate against their colleagues on the grounds outlined in the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2015.

All employees are also asked to read ‘Dignity at Work - An anti bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service’ as part of my Department’s induction process. This document was developed in partnership between the Civil Service management and the staff panel of unions. It prescribes the complaint and investigation process for bullying and harassment in the Civil Service.

25 Questions - Written Answers My Department complies strictly with Circular 19/2016 - Civil Service Disciplinary Code which prescribes the procedure for investigating and disciplining where there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct for a Civil Servant.

In order to promote dignity and equality in the workplace, my Department regularly runs training on related topics, for example Unconscious Bias in the Workplace Training. Uncon- scious Bias is also a module in training given to interview board participants in my Department.

23/01/2018WRC04200Employment Data

23/01/2018WRC04300125. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the number of persons employed in the retail industry nationally by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2423/18]

23/01/2018WRC04400Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for Q3 2017.

In line with EU requirements the LFS collects sector of employment according to the standard EU classification (NACE Rev.2).

Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable county estimates from the LFS. Estimates of employment for economic sector (NACE Rev. 2 economic sector G) Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles are available by NUTS 3 regions.

The two digit NACE Rev.2 classification (47) Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles is part of the overall sector Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles economic sector (NACE Rev. 2 economic sector G). The two digit NACE Rev.2 classification is available at State level only.

According to the LFS there were 210,600 persons employed in two digit NACE Rev.2 classification (47) Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles in Quarter 3 2017.

The table below shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment in the Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles economic sector (NACE Rev. 2 economic sector G) and classified by NUTS3 region in Q3 201 7

Persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NACE Rev.2 economic sector G - (Wholesale and retail trade ; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles economic sector) and NUTS3 Region, Q3 2017

‘000

NUTS3 Region Q3 17 Border 33.5 Midland 17.4 West 28.7

26 23 January 2018

NUTS3 Region Q3 17 Dublin 86.7 Mid-East 36.1 Mid-West 25.1 South-East 32.5 South-West 44.3 State 304.3 Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

23/01/2018WRC04500Employment Data

23/01/2018WRC04600126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the labour force who have constantly variable hours (details supplied); and the corresponding figure in percentage terms; and the breakdown by sector. [2719/18]

23/01/2018WRC04700Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): The CSO Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of Labour Market statistics in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from the beginning of Q3 2017.

The most recent figures available are for Q3 2017.

The LFS publishes estimates of the usual hours of work for persons in employment.

The table shows the number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours (variable hours only) worked and full/time part employment in Q3 2017 and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force.

Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with variable usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force1 in Q3 2017

Q3 17 ‘000 Usual hours worked per week are variable (employees only) Full-time employment 22.2 Part-time employment 13.5 Total employment (employees only) where usual hours worked per week are variable 35.8

Total Labour Force 2,370.4

27 Questions - Written Answers

Q3 17 ‘000 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over in full-time employment with variable usual hours 0.9% worked per week as a percentage of total labour force

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over in part-time employment with variable usual hours 0.6% worked per week as a percentage of total labour force 1 Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

23/01/2018WRC04800Employment Data

23/01/2018WRC04900127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the labour force who regularly work one to eight and nine to 18 hours respectively per week; and the corresponding figure in percentage terms. [2720/18]

23/01/2018WRC05000Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): The La- bour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for Q3 2017.

The LFS publishes estimates of the usual hours of work for persons in employment.

The table below shows the number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force.

Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the total labour force1 in Q3 2017

Q3 17 ‘000 Usual hours worked per week 1-8 hours (employees 33.2 only) Usual hours worked per week 9-19 hours (employees 99.6 only)

Total Labour Force 2,370.4 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual 1.4% hours worked per week 1-8 hours as a percentage of total labour force

28 23 January 2018

Q3 17 ‘000 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual 4.2% hours worked per week 9-18 hours as a percentage of total labour force 1 Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

23/01/2018WRC05100Employment Data

23/01/2018WRC05200128. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of employees in the labour force who regularly work hours per week (details supplied); and the corresponding figure in percentage terms. [2722/18]

23/01/2018WRC05300Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Joe McHugh): The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State.

The LFS replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.

The most recent LFS figures available are for Q3 2017.

The LFS publishes estimates of the usual hours of work for persons in employment.

Usual hours worked are available from the LFS in one hour segments only.

The table shows the number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week* and these persons as a percentage of the labour force.

* Bands (other than 11-14 hours) sourced from the 2016 Hours Contract Bill.

Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by usual hours worked per week and these persons as a percentage of the labour force* in Q3 2017

Q3 17 ‘000 Usual hours worked per week 11-14 hours (employees only) 23.7 Usual hours worked per week 15-19 hours (employees only) 76.2 Usual hours worked per week 20-24 hours (employees only) 175.2 Usual hours worked per week 25-29 hours (employees only) 75.9 Usual hours worked per week 30-34 hours (employees only) 113.5 Usual hours worked per week 35-36 hours (employees only) 107.5

29 Questions - Written Answers

Q3 17 ‘000 Usual hours worked per week 37 hours or more (employees only) 1,190.5

Total Labour Force 2,370.4 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 11-14 1.0% hours as a percentage of the labour force Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 15-19 3.2% hours as a percentage of the labour force Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 20-24 7.4% hours as a percentage of the labour force Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 25-29 3.2% hours as a percentage of the labour force Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 30-34 4.8% hours as a percentage of the labour force Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 35-36 4.5% hours as a percentage of the labour force Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over with usual hours worked per week 37 and 50.2% over hours as a percentage of the labour force *Total labour force = Total employed (self-employed and employees) plus total unemployed.

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q3 = July - September.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Central Statistics Office.

23/01/2018WRC05400Capital Expenditure Programme Review

23/01/2018WRC05500129. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the key priorities of his Department in terms of the forthcoming capital review; the projects it has submitted for priority inclusion in the review; and the status of his Department’s negotiations with the Department of Public Ex- penditure and Reform regarding the review. [2297/18]

23/01/2018WRC05600The Taoiseach: The Review of the Capital Plan has been completed. It was published in August 2017 and it is available at the following link: http://www.per.gov.ie/en/review-of-the- capital-plan-2016-2021/

The Review informed final decision making by Government on the allocation of increased public capital resources in Estimates 2018. It also provided a significant input into the development of the new Ten Year National Development Plan.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will shortly bring proposals for the Ten Year National Development Plan to Government, with a view to publication alongside the new National Planning Framework.

Given its size and role, my Department does not have any capital expenditure allocation. However, as with other national strategies, my Department does contribute to the overall approach and priorities which will be contained in the forthcoming Plan.

30 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRD00200Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRD00300130. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; and the contingency plans that may now be required. [3153/18]

23/01/2018WRD00400The Taoiseach: My Department does not have contracts with the company in question, nor does the only body under the aegis of my Department, namely the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO).

23/01/2018WRD00500Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRD00600131. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; and the names of the bodies in each case. [3411/18]

23/01/2018WRD00700The Taoiseach: No agencies, boards or other such bodies under the aegis of my Department have been disbanded, amalgamated or have had their functions subsumed back into my Depart- ment since 2011 and no such bodies have been established since that date.

23/01/2018WRD00800Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRD00900132. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgement in each of these years; and the nature of the claims. [3428/18]

23/01/2018WRD01000The Taoiseach: My Department paid one claim in respect of personal injury during the years 2010 to 2017. The claim was settled out of court in 2014 and related to an event which took place in 2011. The total cost of the claim was €22,909.30. No claims were made during these years in respect of the National Economic and Social Development Office - the only Agency under the aegis of my Department.

23/01/2018WRD01100Military Neutrality

23/01/2018WRD01200133. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland’s triple lock will apply to all joint military development or procurement initiatives which Ireland undertakes with other countries under PESCO. [2929/18]

23/01/2018WRD01300134. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the triple lock will be used to ensure that multi-country military procurement which Ireland participates in or financially contributes to under PESCO is approved by the Cabinet, agreed by Dáil Éire- ann and subject to a UN mandate. [2930/18]

23/01/2018WRD01400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.

Under the Defence Acts, the deployment of the Defence Forces overseas on peacekeeping 31 Questions - Written Answers missions requires the approval of the Government and Dáil Éireann and the specific mission must be authorised by the United Nations Security Council. This is what is termed the “triple- lock”. The United Nations Security Council has the primary role in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security and, under Chapter VI and VII of the UN Charter, authorises the deployment of military forces in support of international peace and security. However, neither the UN nor the UN Security Council have any role in relation to States’ capability development or equipment procurement.

Ireland will only join PESCO projects to develop a capability that will enhance our interoperability and assist with equipping our troops with the latest and best equipment and training for peace keeping, conflict prevention or the strengthening of international security in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

23/01/2018WRD01600Defence Forces Equipment

23/01/2018WRD01700135. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland purchases weapons from Israel; and if so, the amount of money spent in the past five years. [2760/18]

23/01/2018WRD01800Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The primary focus for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Irish Defence Forces to fulfil the roles as assigned by Government. This includes undertaking overseas Peace Support Operations, and in this regard to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops whilst on all missions.

The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Depart- ment of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition between suppliers through the submission of tenders following advertising of the tender competition on the e-tenders site and on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), where appropriate, in line with the EU procurement directives, including the Directive on the procurement of Defensive and Security Equipment.

Such tender competitions are open to any company or country in accordance with the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargoes or restrictions. There are no such restrictions or embargoes in place on Israeli companies.

I am advised that the Department of Defence has not purchased any weapons from Israel in the last five years. However, other defensive equipment has been acquired from Israeli companies during that timeframe. The expenditure primarily relates to the procurement of Ground Surveillance Radars for the Defence Forces and the upgrade of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles operated by the Defence Forces. A breakdown of expenditure on the purchase of defensive equipment from Israel for the last five years is set out in the table.

Year Expenditure 2013 €374,213.24 2014 €2,483,283.00 2015 €882,469.57 2016 €365,470.00 2017 €3,201,314.06

32 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRD01900Defence Forces Pensions

23/01/2018WRD02000136. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when personal superannuation fund statements for 2015 and 2016, as provided for under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 are required to be issued to members of the Defence Forces recruited since 2012; when they will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2770/18]

23/01/2018WRD02100Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Single Public Service Pension Scheme (“Single Scheme”) generally applies to all new-entrant public servants with effect from 1 January 2013. The rules of the Scheme are set out in the Public Service Pen- sions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (‘2012 Act’).

With regard to Statements of Benefits, the 2012 Act provides that Statements are to be issued;

- on an annual basis to all active (employed) members at 31 December, by end-June of the following year, and

- to individual members whose employment ceases, within 6 months of leaving the job.

I can confirm that my Department has commenced issuing Statements in respect of the years 2013 to 2016 to relevant serving Permanent Defence Force personnel who are members of the Single Scheme. Some 10% of personnel have been issued with Statements to date and the remaining Statements are in the process of being checked prior to issue. The Department aims to issue the balance of Statements for the years up to 2016 by April 2018. If a Single Scheme member in the Permanent Defence Force wishes to have a Benefit Statement in relation to their particular case they can contact the Pensions Administration Section of my Department and ask for a manually calculated Benefit Statement.

It is important to note that the Single Scheme is fundamentally different to all pre-2013 public service schemes as it is based on career-average pay rather than final salary and service. Also, it is one Single Scheme across the entire public service. It is significantly more complex to administer than all preceding schemes. This has presented significant operational challenges with regard to issuing Benefit Statements for large and growing numbers of members. The De- partment of Public Expenditure and Reform is examining various options for the long-term administrative arrangements for the Single Scheme and the Government has decided on a phased approach to addressing the challenges around the administration of the Scheme. This includes the design and development of a Shared Single Scheme Administration Service for the Scheme in the long-term.

23/01/2018WRD02200Defence Forces Equipment

23/01/2018WRD02300137. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if military equipment developed or procured as part a joint initiative between Ireland and other countries under PESCO will only be used under UN mandate. [2933/18]

23/01/2018WRD02400Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The capabilities developed through PESCO will be owned by the Member States who participated in the project. These capabilities can be made available for CSDP Operations, including peacekeeping, crisis management and disaster relief. They will not be owned by the EU.

It is a matter for each participating member State to determine for itself what capabilities it 33 Questions - Written Answers requires, and is prepared to acquire, having regard to its national security and defence policy. The potential use of equipment procured or capabilities developed under PESCO will be a consideration for Ireland when joining a particular project. In that regard, we will only join projects to develop a capability that will enhance our interoperability and assist with equipping our troops with the latest and best equipment and training for peace keeping, conflict prevention or the strengthening of international security in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in accordance with the provisions of the Defence (Miscellaneous Provi- sions) Act, 2009.

23/01/2018WRD02500Naval Service Operations

23/01/2018WRD02600138. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of lives saved in the Mediterranean Sea during each of the Irish naval missions in each of the years 2015 to 2017. [2934/18]

23/01/2018WRD02700Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The deployment of Irish Naval vessels to the Mediterranean to engage in humanitarian search and rescue tasks as part of Operation Pontus from 2015 to 2017, was an important element in Ireland’s response to the migration crisis in the Mediterranean. Overall, 17,509 migrants were rescued under Opera- tion Pontus and details are out in the table below.

Year Deployed Naval vessel Persons rescued 2015 16 MAY - 17 JULY LÉ EITHNE 3,377 10 JULY - 02 OCTO- LÉ NIAMH 4,127 BER 24 SEPTEMBER - 29 LÉ SAMUEL BECKETT 1,088 NOVEMBER TOTAL 8,592 2016 01 MAY – 15 JULY L.É. RÓISÍN 1,264 08 JULY – 30 SEP- L.É. JAMES JOYCE 2,678 TEMBER 23 SEPTEMBER – 16 L.É. SAMUEL BECK- 3,087 DECEMBER ETT TOTAL 7,029 2017 23 MAY – 22 JULY L.É. EITHNE 1,187 14 JULY – 6 OCT L.É. WILLIAM BUT- 701 LER YEATS TOTAL 1,888 As the Deputy will note there is a significant variation in the numbers rescued over similar periods in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the flow of migrants is impossible to predict. There has been a significant fall in the number of migrants coming through the Central Mediterranean Route in 2017, down by 50% which is reflected in the reduced number of rescues by Operation Pontus in 2017.

In July 2017, Government and Dáil approval was secured for the redeployment of Irish Naval Service vessels from primarily humanitarian search and rescue operations, to primarily security and interception operations, as part of EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia.

Operation Sophia specifically seeks to counter human trafficking and smuggling inthe Southern Central Mediterranean by taking action against the criminal networks and disrupting the smugglers business model. The mission is also providing capacity building and training to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy and contributing to the implementation of UN Security Coun- 34 23 January 2018 cil Resolutions No. 2240 and No. 2292. These Resolutions also authorise the interception of vessels suspected of being used for illicit activities and impose an arms embargo on Libya in an effort to prevent the flow of illicit arms and related material into that country.

An Irish naval vessel, L.É. Niamh, deployed on 6 October 2017 to join Operation Sophia and returned to Ireland on 20 December 2017. In the course of its deployment as part of Opera- tion Sophia, the L.É. Niamh was primarily tasked to respond to Safety of Life at Sea (Search and Rescue) events in the area of operation. Over the period of its deployment with Operation Sophia, a total of 613 persons were rescued by the LE Niamh.

As a participant in Operation Sophia, Ireland is now working closely as part of 27 EU Mem- ber States making a contribution to addressing some of the root causes of migration and human trafficking. From a security and disruption perspective, Operation Sophia has been able to dis- pose of more than 520 assets used by smugglers and traffickers. The mission has apprehended 130 suspected smugglers on the high seas who have been handed over to the Italian authorities and are currently either awaiting or facing trial. It has responded to 290 Safety of Life at Sea events and rescued over 42,400 migrants to date.

23/01/2018WRD02800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRD02900139. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3143/18]

23/01/2018WRD03000Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): I can confirm that neither the Department of Defence nor the Defence Forces have contracts with the company referred to by the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRD03100Air Corps Strength

23/01/2018WRD03200140. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps personnel stationed at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel in each of the years 1980 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3223/18]

23/01/2018WRD03300Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available given that it spans a period of thirty five years and the work involved in investigating and extracting records would require significant human resources.

With the support of the Chief of Staff, my focus is on ensuring that the Defence Forces are staffed in a manner that will enable them to continue to deliver the services required of them by Government.

23/01/2018WRD03400Defence Forces Medicinal Products

23/01/2018WRD03500141. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the report of the lariam working group as referenced by him in a Private Memberss debate on the matter in Dáil Éireann on 28 June 2017 has been completed and provided to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3224/18] 35 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRD03600Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Report of the Working Group on Malaria Chemoprophylaxis, which was convened in the context of current and potential litigation, has been completed and provided to me. The Working Group has made a total of twelve recommendations, which are intended to ensure that the Defence Forces medical policies and practices continually develop in light of best practice. I have accepted these recommendations in principle whilst recognising that certain of these recommendations will need to be further developed to allow for their implementation.

Whilst acknowledging that the Report is legally privileged in the context of litigation, I can confirm that many of its recommendations focus on areas including planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a Medical Advisory Group.

As I already indicated, proposals will be further developed in relation to the establishment of this new Medical Advisory Group. This will formalise the provision of on-going expert advice, including external expert medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including malaria chemoprophylaxis.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the heath and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a key priority for me and for the Military Authorities.

23/01/2018WRD03700Permanent Structured Co-operation

23/01/2018WRD03800142. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the benefits for Ireland of the decision to sign up to PESCO; the impact this will have for members of the Defence Forces in County Kildare and nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3264/18]

23/01/2018WRD03900Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): As the Deputy is aware PESCO is a mechanism provided for in the Treaty of the European Union to enable participating member States to come together and, on a project by project basis, jointly develop military crisis management capabilities for use in support of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions in support of international peace and security.

Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and the UN. It is important therefore to remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes. Fully participating in these developments ensures that we have a voice and that we can influence the evolution of these initiatives.

Now that we are participating in PESCO the focus for Ireland will be on identifying key PESCO projects which enhance the capability and capacity of the Defence Forces to successfully undertake modern complex UN mandated missions, including CSDP operations and on supporting interoperability in this regard. Consideration is currently being given to the potential PESCO projects in which Ireland will participate. The work on elaborating the details of these project proposals and potential participants is currently ongoing at EU level and Ireland is playing its full part in those deliberations.

To the extent that PESCO is designed to provide more effective delivery of enhanced military capability for CSDP crisis management operations at the highest level, it will benefit the men and women of our Defence Forces, from all across the country including Co. Kildare.

When the Defence Forces deploy overseas our men and women never do so alone. We always work in close cooperation with other countries deployed on such operations. PESCO is also a means of enhancing interoperability with our future project partners, something that will 36 23 January 2018 be of great benefit for our troops on future missions overseas.

23/01/2018WRD04000Defence Forces Funding

23/01/2018WRD04100143. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the capital investment plan for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3295/18]

23/01/2018WRD04200Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): Following the mid-term review of the capital plan ‘Building on Recovery : Infrastructure and Capital Invest- ment 2016 – 2021’, Budget 2018 provided capital funding of €416 million for Vote 36 – Defence for the period to 2018 – 2021. This funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.

Work is ongoing, under the National Development Plan, on the development of an investment plan for the period 2018 to 2027. In this context, my Department is engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to make appropriate provision in the plan for Defence investment requirements over the period to 2027 taking account of the priorities set out in the White Paper on Defence.

23/01/2018WRD04300Defence Forces Personnel

23/01/2018WRD04400144. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason be- stowing on the Defence Forces the rights contained in the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 has not been progressed over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3371/18]

23/01/2018WRD04500Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The implications of the Working Time Directive and its implementation, in respect of the Defence Forces, under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, have been the subject of an intensive and on-going review by my Department for some time. A blanket exemption in respect of Defence Forces activities under the Act is currently in place.

My Department has concluded an audit of the activities of the Defence Forces, with a view to determining what activities may qualify for a derogation or exemption under the terms of the Directive.

In November 2016, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation advised my Depart- ment that it received Government approval to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, insofar as it provides for a specific exclusion for members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The responsibility for this legislation moved to the Department of Employ- ment Affairs and Social Protection in 2017 and they are currently considering the most appropriate legislative method by which to bring about necessary amendments.

I am constrained as to what further details I can share with the Deputy as there is litigation pending in the High Court on this matter.

23/01/2018WRD04600Departmental Bodies Data

37 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRD04700145. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3401/18]

23/01/2018WRD04800Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): There were three bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2011 - the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. The Civil Defence Board was identified in the Public Service Reform Plan as a body to be abolished and legislation was passed by the Oireachtas in December 2012 for the dissolution of the Board. Its functions and staff transferred back to the Department of Defence from 1 January 2013. Coiste an Asgard was the company set up to manage the National Sail Training Scheme. In September 2008, the company’s sail training vessel ‘Asgard II’ sank in the Bay of Biscay. In December 2009, the then Government announced that the National Sail Training Scheme was to be discontinued and the funding for 2010 was cancelled. The Company was inactive from that date and there were no crew or staff left on the payroll. The formal wind up of the Company including voluntary strike off with the Companies Registration Office was completed in early 2013.

The Army Pensions Board, which is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927, remains in operation.

No new agencies have been established under the auspices of my Department in the period from 2011.

23/01/2018WRD04900Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRD05000146. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgement in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3418/18]

23/01/2018WRD05100Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe): There were two agencies under the Department’s aegis during the period 2010 to 2012 inclusive i.e. the Army Pensions Board and the Civil Defence Board. With effect from 1st January 2013 the functions of the Civil Defence Board and its staff were transferred back to the Department of Defence.

In respect of the Army Pensions Board, there were no personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017. The information sought in respect of Civil Defence could not be compiled within the timeframe for answering the Deputy’s question. The information has been requested and I will write to the Deputy with the information as soon as it is available to me.

23/01/2018WRD05200Foreign Policy

23/01/2018WRD05300147. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government’s position in relation to Israel and Palestine. [2759/18]

23/01/2018WRD05400Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): Ire- land, along with our EU partners, supports the achievement of a two state solution to the Israeli-

38 23 January 2018 Palestinian conflict that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues in order to end the conflict. This issue has a personal priority for me since I took up office as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ireland and the EU support political efforts to encourage a resumption of direct negotiations, which are ultimately the only way to achieve peace. Ireland and the EU also engage in action on the ground on human rights and justice issues affecting Palestinians under occupation, including settlement activity, which is progressively endangering prospects for a peace agreement.

In recent months the new United States administration has been actively exploring the pos- sibilities for re-launching the process to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. This engagement is welcome, and I have met myself with the US team to encourage their work, and to underline to them the key parameters for an agreement which the EU has long espoused.

I was very disappointed at the US announcement recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and initiating steps to move the US Embassy, which I believe was premature and ill- advised, and unhelpful to efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Ireland was one of 128 UN Member States which supported a UN General Assembly resolution stressing that the Holy City “is a final status issue to be resolved through negotiations in line with relevant UN resolutions.”

In discussions with my EU colleagues, at the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday, I again urged the EU to play a positive role in an appropriate US peace initiative. The EU will also continue work on the ground to help preserve and create the political and physical space in which the two state solution can be achieved. I am actively exploring with EU colleagues how this can best be done.

Earlier this month, I visited Israel and Palestine for the second time in my role Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in all of my meetings – with Israelis, Palestinians, and UN partners – I conveyed the importance the Irish people attach to the resolution of the Middle East Peace Process.

In my meetings with the Israeli authorities, I expressed Ireland’s concerns about the impact of the continuing occupation, including settlement construction and the effects on minors who are detained. I had a frank discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the prospects for returning to negotiations between the parties, and how Ireland and the EU can play a constructive role in the MEPP.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Palestinian President Abbas, whom I met again at the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday, and urged him to keep an open mind on any proposal the US may bring forward. In my meeting with Foreign Minister Malki, I discussed the challenges facing the Palestinian people, the prospects for reinvigorating peace negotiations, and efforts to restore the Palestinian Authority to its role in Gaza – work that I encouraged and supported.

23/01/2018WRD05500Election Monitoring Missions

23/01/2018WRD05600148. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with Honduran officials regarding the disputed election results which took place recently in the country and the escalating violence as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2877/18]

23/01/2018WRD05700Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): Of- ficials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring developments in 39 Questions - Written Answers Honduras following elections which took place there on 26 November 2017. I condemn unreservedly the loss of life in the aftermath of those elections and express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Freedom of expression and assembly are the cornerstones of any functioning democracy and those rights must be guaranteed. All sides in Honduras must work within the political system to deliver the political reforms necessary to secure the trust of the Honduran people in the country’s institutions.

While Ireland does not have diplomatic representation in Honduras, officials at my Depart- ment engage closely with the European External Action Service working through its EU delegation in Tegucigalpa, and meet with human rights defenders and civil society organisations active in that country, most recently in Dublin in October 2017 when the elections were discussed in some detail. Furthermore, Irish Aid contributes funding to programmes in Honduras through civil society organisations, chiefly Trócaire, including in support of its important work on human rights.

As the Deputy will be aware, facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland contributed one long-term observer and one short-term observer to the EU Election Ob- server Mission to Honduras, beginning in October 2017. Officials of the Department conducted a debrief with the observers in early January. The EU Observer Mission will deliver its final report on the election in the coming months. In its preliminary statement, the Mission gave a generally positive evaluation of the organisation of the elections, while at the same time noting the negative public perception of the neutrality of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the disparity in resources enjoyed by one candidate compared with competitors.

I urge the Government of Honduras to take on board and adopt any recommendations made by the EU observer mission in order to help to restore much needed public confidence in future electoral processes in the country.

I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain contact with actors on the ground in Honduras in the weeks and months ahead.

23/01/2018WRD05800Foreign Policy

23/01/2018WRD05900149. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on plans to prohibit certain economic activity including the import and sale of goods with settlements in territories deemed occupied under international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2887/18]

23/01/2018WRD06000Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): I am conscious of the need to distinguish in our policies, between third countries in general, and territories that are illegally occupied under international law. This issue arises, for instance, in the case of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory or in occupied Syrian Golan. Ireland and the European Union do not recognise these settlements as legal and do not provide assistance to their development. We maintain very clearly the position that these settlements are illegal, and harmful both to the Palestinian people, and to the prospects for peace between Israel and its neighbours. Ireland supports normal trade access for Israeli goods and services to the EU single market, consistent with the treatment of other countries with which the EU has trade and political agreements (many of which are the subject of very serious human rights concerns). However, Ireland has argued successfully that any rights granted to Israel under these agreements cannot be applied to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, and in response the EU has acted in a number of ways to give effect to its disapproval of, and long standing position of opposition to, illegal Israeli settlements: 40 23 January 2018 - Goods from settlements are excluded from the low tariff rates applied to Israeli goods.

- EU funding may not be disbursed to Israeli entities based in settlements.

- Ireland and a number of EU Member States have published advice to citizens and businesses against investing in, or engaging in any form of economic activity with, settlements.

- EU-wide guidelines on labelling of goods from settlements

In discussions at EU level, I am open to considering in principle any proposal that the Eu- ropean Union should exclude products from illegal settlements from entering the EU market. However, the inescapable fact is that there is no prospect of such a proposal in relation to Israeli settlements gaining wider support at present.

My Department will carefully examine any proposed plans that may be put forward relating to the prohibition, at a national level, of imports from, or the sale of goods to, territories that are under occupation as defined by international law. It is, however, necessary to caution that international trade between the European Union’s Member States and third countries is regulated by the EU’s Common Commercial Policy and is a matter of exclusive Union competence. As a result, the scope which is afforded to a Member State to take such action is both limited and, naturally, governed by EU law including Regulation 2015/478 on Common Rules for Imports.

Any action by one Member State alone would raise not just legal, but also numerous practical problems. In any case, it is my firm view that an action of this type sends an effective signal only when pursued by a group of countries, sending a signal of international opinion on the issue. A coordinated EU policy is the only method that will have the potential to bring about change. The impact which this type of coordinated response can have was evident in the EU’s import ban on goods from, and restrictions on exports to, Crimea and Sevastopol, following their illegal annexation by Russia.

I would like to draw a clear distinction between settlements in occupied territory, and Israel itself, and to reiterate that the Government does not support the policy known as ‘BDS’ in relation to Israel. This has been the position of every Irish Government.

Ireland remains a strong and consistent critic of Israeli policies relating to the occupation, and in particular those connected with the construction of settlements on Palestinian land. We make those criticisms clearly and directly to the Israeli authorities, and in discussions in the EU and other relevant international fora. We do the same in relation to other countries.

23/01/2018WRE00200Human Rights Cases

23/01/2018WRE00300150. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he and his Department have taken in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been sentenced to death due to his Baha’i faith in Yemen; if this matter has been raised with the European Union external action service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2906/18]

23/01/2018WRE00400151. Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); the efforts being made at EU and international level to address this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2917/18]

23/01/2018WRE00500Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): I pro-

41 Questions - Written Answers pose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.

I am aware of the case to which the Deputies refer, which is a cause for concern, in particular as the individual appears to have been sentenced on the basis of his religious beliefs. Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, and attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incite- ment to religious hatred. Ireland consistently raises the issues of racism and intolerance and advocates for inclusive societies at the UN Human Rights Council, as well as at the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Furthermore, Ireland is unequivocal in its stance on the death penalty. We oppose and condemn its use in all circumstances, and in particular in cases where there are allegations of unfair trials preceding its implementation. The abolition of the death penalty is one of Ireland’s international priorities, and my Department regularly conveys our stance on this issue to all countries where the death penalty is still in use.

The conflict in Yemen, now in its third year, has led to grave concerns about human rights and Ireland has worked in the UN system to address these. At the Human Rights Council in September 2017, Ireland joined the small core group of countries that drove forward the adoption of a Resolution on Yemen, which established a group of international experts to investigate the facts in relation to violations of human rights and humanitarian law on the ground. This group will report back to the Human Rights Council, as an important step towards account- ability in Yemen.

Among other pressing issues, this resolution expressed concern at the severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in Yemen, including for members of the Baha’i faith. Ireland calls on all parties to immediately release all Baha’i detained in Yemen due to their religious belief, to cease the issuance of arrest warrants against them and to cease the harassment to which they are subjected.

Officials from this Department also remain in contact with representatives of the Baha’i community in Ireland, with whom they have discussed the situation in Yemen, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

My Department necessarily prioritises its efforts to promote improvements in the general human rights situation, as it does not have the capacity to actively pursue at EU and international level all of the individual cases that arise. Accordingly, my Department will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen, as well as the issues of freedom of religion and the death penalty, and will take every appropriate opportunity to advocate for them.

Finally, a real improvement in the human rights situation in Yemen will require an end to conflict. I would like to assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to support all efforts towards a negotiated settlement to the conflict in that country.

23/01/2018WRE00700Permanent Structured Co-operation

23/01/2018WRE00800152. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the implications of Ireland’s recent endorsement of PESCO with its binding commitment to yearly increases in defence spending for wider international work on disarmament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2956/18]

23/01/2018WRE00900Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): The decision by Ireland to participate in Permanent Structured Cooperation, approved by the Gov- 42 23 January 2018 ernment on 21 November 2017 and endorsed by the Dail on 7 December 2017, in full accordance with the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, has absolutely no implications for Ireland’s wider international work on disarmament.Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is a mechanism provided for in the Treaty of the European Union (Articles 42.6, 46 and Protocol 10), to enable countries to come together and, on a project by project basis, jointly develop military crisis management capabilities for use in support of CSDP Operations. Ireland has been a consistent supporter and full participant in the development of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in particular ensuring ongoing support for the UN and multilateralism and its capacity to contribute to international peace and security operations. As one of the main contributing countries to CSDP missions we have also been fully engaged in developing the PESCO concept. Ireland views the development of PESCO as a mechanism aimed at enhancing the EU’s capacity to engage in peacekeeping and crisis management operations, in line with our own values, and consequently complementing our work in disarmament. Disarmament and non-proliferation remains a high priority for my Department and continues to be a strong focus for our foreign policy. In 2017 we played a lead role in the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Ireland also currently holds the Chairmanship, with Iceland, of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

With regard to PESCO, it is important to reiterate that there is no requirement on Ireland or any other EU member State to achieve any specific target in relation to Defence expenditure, nor is there any agreement at EU level in this regard. The Deputy will be aware that the Lisbon Treaty explicitly provides that it is entirely a matter for Ireland, or any other Member State, to determine the nature and volume of its own defence and security expenditure, as well as the nature of its defence capabilities.

23/01/2018WRE01000Citizenship Status

23/01/2018WRE01100153. Deputy Frank O’Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a decision has been reached on the legal status of a child born here to a mother with subsidiary protection (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3009/18]

23/01/2018WRE01200Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): As the Deputy will be aware, the legal status of the person in question is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for citizenship and immigration matters. I can confirm that the person’s parents have submitted an application for an Irish passport. However that application is on hold, pending the receipt of guidance from the Department of Justice and Equality on the question of the status and citizenship entitlement of persons born in the State to a parent benefiting from subsidiary protection. This clarity is necessary due to the Depart- ment’s legal obligations under the Passports Act, 2008 as amended (“the Act”). The Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him/her. In order to meet this legal requirement, therefore, each person must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship in his/her application.

For those persons who were born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, their entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 as amended (“the 1956 Act”). Section 6A of the 1956 Act provides that a person born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction at the time of that person’s birth may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for an Irish passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four preceding his/her birth.

43 Questions - Written Answers Proof of lawful residence in the State, to determine whether or not a parent has the required three year period of lawful residence, is required in all such passport applications.

In the case in question, the applicant’s parent had been granted Subsidiary Protection by the Department of Justice and Equality (D/JE) shortly before the applicant’s birth. This De- partment has sought confirmation from D/JE on whether such residence is reckonable for the purposes of citizenship under section 6A of the 1956 Act. Pending receipt of the requested guidance by the Department, the passport application submitted for the person in question cannot be finalised, as no entitlement to Irish citizenship has yet been demonstrated.

23/01/2018WRE01300Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRE01400154. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/18]

23/01/2018WRE01500Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): No contracts have been awarded by my Department to the company referred to by the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRE01600Election Monitoring Missions

23/01/2018WRE01700155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department organised a briefing for a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in advance of travel to Azerbaijan in October 2013 to observe the elections there; if so, the name of the person; and the capacity in which he or she travelled. [3300/18]

23/01/2018WRE01800Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): While this would be for the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade to confirm, it appears to be the case that no member of the Joint Committee in October 2013 travelled to Azerbaijan to observe the elections there. I do understand that an Oireachtas member representing Ireland on the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) was part of a monitoring mission organized by PACE, in line with its very long established practice. Our records do not indicate that a briefing was arranged by the Department, though it is always happy to offer such briefings if requested by a member of the Oireachtas.

In accordance with normal practice, the Department nominated ten observers, none of them a member of the Oireachtas, who observed the elections as part of the OSCE’s ODIHR mission.

23/01/2018WRE01900Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRE02000156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3405/18]

23/01/2018WRE02100Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): There are no State agencies, boards or other similar types of bodies under the aegis of my Depart- ment and none have been established, disbanded, amalgamated nor have had their functions 44 23 January 2018 subsumed back into my Department since 2011.

23/01/2018WRE02200Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRE02300157. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount paid out and the number of personal injury claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3422/18]

23/01/2018WRE02400Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): There are no agencies under the aegis of my Department.

23/01/2018WRE02500Human Rights

23/01/2018WRE02600158. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if is attention has been drawn to the threats to the life of a person (details supplied) in Argentina and the ongoing repression, intimidation and delegitimisation of the Mapuche; and if he will raise the issue with his Argentine counterpart. [3439/18]

23/01/2018WRE02700Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney): I am aware of the situation of the Mapuche community in Argentina, and the historic and continued challenges faced by indigenous populations in parts of Latin America. I condemn unreservedly, as I have done on previous occasions, any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous peoples and those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Argentina or elsewhere. I thank the Deputy for bringing this particular case to my attention. I have asked officials at our Embassy in Buenos Aires to monitor the case and to keep me informed of developments. At the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 6 November 2017, Ireland commended Argentina on its record of adherence to international human rights norms and treaties, but expressed our concern that the implementation of legislative processes pertaining to human rights remained weak in some cases, and that this implementation gap disproportionately affected vulnerable members of Argentine society, including members of indigenous communities.

In that regard Ireland recommended that Argentina develop and implement, in close consultation with civil society, a national human rights plan with clear, specific and measurable goals.

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

I can assure the Deputy of this Department’s ongoing engagement with issues affecting indigenous communities in Latin America.

23/01/2018WRE02800Tástáil Náisiúnta Carranna

23/01/2018WRE02900159. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Micheál Martin den Aire Airgeadais cad é a thuairim i dtaca le 45 Questions - Written Answers comhfhreagras a bhaineann leis an Tástáil Náisiúnta Carranna agus cás duine áirithe (sonraí tugtha). [2938/18]

23/01/2018WRE03000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Tá sé curtha in iúl ag na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim dom go bhforáiltear le halt 141(2)(e) agus (f) den Acht Airgeadais, 1992 do na Coi- misinéirí Ioncaim rialachán a dhéanamh maidir le comhdhéanamh plátaí cláraithe ar fheithiclí. Tá rialachán déanta ag na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim ina leith in Ionstraim Reachtúil Uimhir 318 de 1992, Na Rialacháin um Chlárú agus Cánachas Feithiclí, 1992, An Chéad Sceideal. Foror- daítear leis an Sceideal seo an fhormáid nach mór a úsáid ar phlátaí cláraithe, na litreacha ‘IRL’ san áireamh.

Tugadh foráil den chéad uair in Ionstraim Reachtúil Uimhir 287 de 1990, Na Rialacháin um Fheithiclí Bóthair (Clárú agus Ceadúnú) (Leasú) go gcuirfí IRL san áireamh, inar tagraíodh do IRL a bheith mar an siombal náisiúnta aontaithe le haghaidh feithiclí cláraithe in Éirinn, mar a socraíodh ag Coinbhinsiún na Náisiún Aontaithe ar Thrácht ar Bhóithre (Geneva, 1949).

Le Rialachán Uimhir 2411/98 ón gComhairle (AE) de 3 Samhain 1998 ar aithint suaithe- antais an Bhallstáit ina bhfuil mótharfheithiclí agus a leantóirí cláraithe i dtrácht laistigh den Chomhphobal, foráiltear d’uasmhéid trí litir le léiriú cén Ballstát ina bhfuil an fheithicil cláraithe.

Sa Treoirleabhar um an Tástáil Náisiúnta Carranna arna eisiúint ag an Údarás um Shábháil- teacht ar Bhóithre, sonraítear gur cúis chun teipthe i gcás pláta cláraithe “marcanna, seachas iad siúd atá forordaithe” a bheith ar an bpláta cláraithe. Ós rud é gurb é IRL an teideal forordaithe le haghaidh tír chláraithe feithiclí a cláraíodh in Éirinn, tionscnófar teip má fhágtar as an áireamh é, agus/nó má chuirtear leagan malartach ina áit.

Níl aon fhoráil sa reachtaíocht le go gcuirfí an focal “Éire” ná leaganacha eile in áit na litreacha “IRL”, agus níl aon phleananna ann aon athruithe a dhéanamh don reachtaíocht.

23/01/2018WRE03100Primary Medical Certificates Eligibility

23/01/2018WRE03200160. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to widen the criteria to allow a person (details supplied) suffering from a rare syndrome to qualify for the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3161/18]

23/01/2018WRE03300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax, an exemption from motor tax and a grant in respect of fuel expenditure, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a permanently and severely disabled person within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994.

The scheme and qualifying criteria were designed specifically for those with severe physical disabilities and are, therefore, necessarily precise. To qualify for the scheme an applicant must be in possession of a primary medical certificate, which can be obtained from a Senior Medical Officer of the HSE, if an applicant meets one of the following conditions:

- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;

- be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;

- be without both hands or without both arms;

- be without one or both legs; 46 23 January 2018 - be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;

- have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

An applicant who is unsuccessful in applying for a PMC can appeal the decision of the Senior Medical Officer to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal which makes a new clinical decision within the scope of the six qualifying criteria. The Regulations mandate that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions to ensure the integrity of its clinical determinations. After six months, a citizen can reapply if there is a deteriora- tion in their condition.

From time to time representations are received on behalf of individuals who feel they would benefit from the scheme but do not qualify under the criteria. While I have sympathy for these cases, given the scale and scope of the scheme, I have no plans to expand the medical criteria beyond the six currently provided for in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994.

23/01/2018WRE03400Property Tax Administration

23/01/2018WRE03500161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the way in which local property tax is collected; if arrangements for collection are under review; the way these funds are dispersed nationally; the amount of LPT funds collected granted to each of the local authorities in each of the years 2015 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2762/18]

23/01/2018WRE03600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): In regard to the first part of the Deputy’s question, Revenue administers Local Property Tax (LPT) in accordance with the provisions of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended). The Act specifies that LPT is a charge based on the market value of residential properties. The property valuation must be determined on a specific ‘valuation date’ and forms the basis for the LPT charge until the next ‘valuation date’. The first ‘valuation date’ for LPT was 1 May 2013 and the valuation of a property set on that date remains valid until 31 October 2019, following legislative amendments in the Finance (Local Property Tax) Amendment Act 2015. The 1 May 2013 valuation is not affected by any subsequent improvements or extensions to a residential property. Likewise, where a property is sold during the valuation period, and the value of the property has increased, there is no additional liability to LPT providing the initial 2013 valuation was accurate.

To assist with the calculation of LPT liability, valuations are divided into twenty (20) ‘valuation bands’ that incrementally increase by €50,000 per band. The only exceptions in this regard are Band 1 (€0 to €100,000) and Band 20 (greater than €1m). The LPT liability for Bands 1 to 19 is calculated at 0.18% of the mid-point in each band. For example, properties valued in Band 1 pay €90 per year (0.18% of €50,000). The LPT liability on properties valued in Band 20 is calculated at 0.18% up to €1m and 0.25% on the portion above €1m. With effect from 2015, Local Authorities can vary the LPT base rate (rate applied in 2014) by plus or minus 15% on residential properties located in their specific area. This variation is referred to as the ‘Local Adjustment Factor’.

The person who is the liable owner of a residential property on the ‘liability date’ must make all statutory returns and payments in respect of that year. The ‘liability date’ in respect of 2013 was 1 May 2013 and for all subsequent years is 1 November in the preceding year. For example,

47 Questions - Written Answers the liability date in respect of 2018 is 1 November 2017. The statutory payment date for LPT is 1 January in the due year (i.e. 1 January 2018 for 2018). However to ease the payment burden Revenue introduced a wide range of options that facilitate payment in full on the due date, on a phased basis over the course of the year, or by annual debit authority on 21 March in the due year. The phased payment arrangements can operate through direct debits from current bank accounts, through salary deductions, or through deductions from certain Department of Em- ployment Affairs and Social Protection and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine payments.

The LPT Act provides for a number of exemptions from the tax where certain qualifying criteria are met. Properties qualifying for some of the exemptions are not liable to LPT for the full ‘valuation period’ (currently 1 May 2013 to 31 October 2019) while others cease to be available once a change occurs in the status of the property and the qualifying conditions are no longer met.

The LPT Act also provides for a deferral or partial deferral (50%) of LPT where certain specified circumstances exist. These circumstances include ‘Income Level’, ‘Hardship’, ‘Per- sonal Insolvency’ and ‘Personal Representative of a Deceased Person’. Once granted, a deferral normally remains in place for the duration of the ‘valuation period’ (currently 1 May 2013 to 31 October 2019). However a deferral is not an exemption and the outstanding liability remains as a charge on the property and must be paid before a sale or transfer can be completed. Interest is also charged on the deferred amount at a rate of 4% per annum.

In circumstances of non-compliance, Revenue has a number of sanctions available to secure payment. These include mandatory deduction from salary, occupational pension and certain Government payments; withholding of a refund of other tax as payment against LPT; surcharge on income tax, corporation tax or capital gains tax returns; refusal of a tax clearance certificate; application of interest at the rate of 8% per annum; referral to a sheriff or a solicitor for collection; Attachment of a bank account or third party debt. Revenue always makes every effort to engage with the defaulting taxpayer in an attempt to agree a mutually acceptable payment arrangement before any debt collection sanctions are applied.

Revenue publishes detailed statistical information on LPT, including collection at Local Authority level, on its website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/ statistics/local-property-tax/index.aspx.

I recently announced that a review of the LPT will be advanced by my Department during 2018. The review will look in particular at the impact on LPT liabilities of property price developments. It will also include an examination of the outstanding recommendations of the 2015 Thornhill review of the Local Property Tax (LPT). The review will be carried out by the Department of Finance in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners and the Departments of Public Expenditure & Reform and Housing, Planning & Local Government. The review will include a consultation process to enable all interested parties and individuals to submit their views on the future of the LPT.

The purpose of the review will be to inform me in relation to any actions I may recommend to Government concerning the overall yield from LPT and its contribution to total tax revenue. The review will be informed by the desirability of achieving relative stability, both over the short and longer terms, in LPT payments of liable persons.

Distribution of LPT to local authorities is the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. Local retention of LPT began in 2015 and is now established as an important source of funding for the local government sector, thereby reducing reliance on central funding. The Government decided that 80% of the estimated LPT liability in each local 48 23 January 2018 authority area for a given year is retained in that area to fund public services, notwithstanding any local variation decisions. The remaining 20% of LPT is re-distributed to provide equalisation funding to those local authorities that have lower property tax bases, due to the variance in property values and density across the State. This reflects the fact that local authorities vary significantly from one another in terms of size, population, public service demands, infrastructure and income sources.

In accordance with decisions taken by Government regarding the distribution of LPT, every local authority has a minimum level of funding available to it, known as the baseline. There are variances across the country in terms of LPT levels but it is important that all local authorities receive at least this baseline level of funding to ensure they can deliver services. Equalisation is the process that ensures that every local authority’s LPT allocation is brought up to this baseline and there is a finite level of funding available for this purpose. Funding for equalisation purposes is provided via the Local Government Fund. The shortfall between the 20% contribution from all local authorities and the total amount required for equalisation is met by the Exchequer.

LPT allocations amounts and the distribution of equalisation funding are published on Department of Housing Planning and Local Governments’ website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current/sub-type/funding-allocation/type/ publications?query=local%20property%20tax%20allocations.

23/01/2018WRE03700Property Tax

23/01/2018WRE03800162. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the areas and-or elements of the local property tax on which the cross-departmental group on the review of the local property tax is focused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2763/18]

23/01/2018WRE03900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): As I announced on the 16th of Janu- ary, the review of the Local Property Tax (LPT) will look in particular at the impact on LPT liabilities of property price developments. It will include an examination of the outstanding recommendations of the 2015 Thornhill review of the Local Property Tax. It is expected that the review will be completed at the end of August and that the group will provide a number of policy choices for consideration. The review will be informed by the desirability of achieving relative stability, both over the short and longer terms, in LPT payments of liable persons.

The review will also include a consultation process to enable all interested parties and individuals to submit their views on the future of the LPT.

23/01/2018WRE04000Motor Tax

23/01/2018WRE04100163. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the moneys collected in respect of motor tax are dispersed; the amount and the areas funds are allocated to that are collected in respect of motor tax, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2764/18]

23/01/2018WRE04200Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Water Services Act 2017 facilitated the introduction of a budgetary reform measure to, inter alia, reduce the complexity of cash flows between the Exchequer and the Local Government Fund by amending the Local Govern- ment Act 1998. As a result, from 1 January 2018, Local Property Tax is now paid directly into the Local Government Fund, rather than being directed in the first instance to the Exchequer and Motor Tax receipts are now paid directly into the Central Fund instead of to the Local Gov- 49 Questions - Written Answers ernment Fund (LGF).

So prior to the end of 2017, Motor Tax receipts helped to fund the expenditure authorised by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government from the LGF in accordance with Section 6 of the Local Government Act 1998. Further information on this budgetary reform may be found in the Budget 2018 Economic and Fiscal Outlook and in the 2018 Revised Esti- mates Volume.

It is important to point out that the Central Fund comprises tax revenue, non-tax revenue and borrowing. Issues from the Central Fund, as approved by the Dáil, are used in the day- to-day running of the State and it is, therefore, not possible to link specific revenue to specific expenditure.

23/01/2018WRE04300Tracker Mortgage Examination

23/01/2018WRE04400164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance when he is next scheduled to meet with the banks regarding the tracker mortgage scandal; and the position regarding the matter in view of the fact a bank (details supplied) is still awaiting a decision. [2780/18]

23/01/2018WRE04500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Regarding the first part of the Deputy’s question, at my recent attendance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach I indicated that I intend to meet the chief executive officers of the main banks on a regular basis and that I will be aiming to have my next meeting with them in the coming months. However, no date has yet been scheduled for these meetings.

In relation to the second aspect of the question, I understand the Deputy is seeking information on when customers of the specified bank can expect to be informed of the outcome of tracker examination. In terms of the overall examination, the Central Bank has advised that it is of the view that the vast majority of impacted customers have now been identified. However, the Bank has also advised that it will continue to review, challenge and verify the work undertaken by the lenders to ensure that all affected customers are identified and that any emerging issues are addressed. The Central Bank has pointed out that the examination framework requires lenders to contact impacted customers when they are identified and to immediately stop the imposition of further harm. In terms of the payment of appropriate redress and compensation, the Central Bank has indicated that every bank is dead lined to the maximum of their ability to deliver such payments. Unfortunately it will take some banks, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, somewhat longer than some other banks to conclude this process but I have made it clear that I want every affected mortgage borrower to be paid the appropriate redress and compensation as soon as possible. The Central Bank is also very conscious of this and it has indicated that all impacted borrowers who have so far been identified will be repaid and compensated by the end of June.

23/01/2018WRE04600Motor Insurance Costs

23/01/2018WRE04700165. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance the progress made with regard to tackling the cost of motor insurance; the steps that have been implemented to date; the future steps that will be taken in order to reduce premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/18]

23/01/2018WRE04800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Deputy should note at the outset that in my role as Minister for Finance I am responsible for the development of the legal 50 23 January 2018 framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on the risks they are willing to accept.

However, it is acknowledged that pricing in the motor insurance sector has been subject to a lot of volatility in recent years, from a point where some premiums appeared to be priced at an unsustainably low level to the more recent experience of large increases.

Indeed, the problem of rising motor insurance premiums was the main impetus for the establishment of the Cost of Insurance Working Group in July 2016. Its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, which are set out in an Action Plan.

These recommendations were formulated to address the issue of increasing motor insurance costs, whilst taking account of the need to ensure a financially stable insurance sector. This stability aspect is important, as we do not want to find ourselves in a situation again where particular firms drive prices down to a level that is unsustainable and which ultimately results in insolvency.

Work is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations by the relevant Govern- ment Departments and Agencies and there is a commitment within the Report that the Working Group will prepare quarterly updates on its progress. The third such update was published on the Department’s website on 23 October 2017 and shows the progress to date on the overall implementation of the recommendations.

32 actions were due for completion in the first three quarters of 2017 in total and 29 of those actions have been completed to date. Substantial work has also been undertaken in respect of the nine action points categorised as “ongoing”. The fourth quarterly update for 2017 is scheduled to be published within the next few weeks and will focus on the 14 actions which were due for completion in the final quarter of 2017.

I believe that the ongoing implementation of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance, in addition to the implementation of the Working Group’s forthcoming report on employer and public liability insurance, will make a difference to the pricing of insurance premiums over the next 12 or so months. It is envisaged that the implementation of all the recommendations cumulatively, with the appropriate levels of commitment and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders, will achieve the objective of delivering fairer premiums for consumers. I also believe that the Setanta judgment, by finding that MIBI is not liable to meet third party claims, removes a major uncertainty from industry, which I would expect to be reflected in pricing in the short to medium term.

Finally, it should be noted that the most recent CSO data (for December 2017) indicates that private motor insurance premiums have decreased by 16.3% since peaking in July 2016. While the CSO statistics indicate a greater degree of stability on an overall basis, these figures represent a broad average and therefore there are many people who may still be seeing increases. However, I am hopeful that this greater stability in pricing will be maintained and that premiums should continue to fall from the very high levels of mid-2016.

23/01/2018WRE04900Credit Card Interest Rates

23/01/2018WRE05000166. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of interest paid by consumers on credit cards in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2856/18] 51 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRE05100Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The information requested by the Dep- uty is not captured by the Central Bank as part of the Credit and Debit Card Statistics they publish on a quarterly basis.

These statistics provide data in relation to credit and debit card transactions, including a sectoral breakdown of expenditure, E-commerce, spending outside Ireland, and data pertaining to the role of debit cards. A breakdown of the number of credit/debit cards currently issued to Irish residents is also provided.

As it happens, this question is fortuitously timed because this week sees the launch of a public awareness campaign by my Department, aimed specifically at raising awareness and encouraging people to consider switching credit cards. The Deputy may recall the first phase of the switching campaign which also targeted current accounts and mortgages.

The campaign will make it clear to consumers that switching credit card is easy and encourage them to visit the www.switchyourbank.ie website for further information and comparisons of credit cards available in the Irish market. This whole campaign is funded by contributions from AIB and PTSB as a condition of the approval of their restructuring plans by the EU Com- mission and there is no cost to the taxpayer.

23/01/2018WRE05200Tax Code

23/01/2018WRE05300167. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide tax incentives or State support for persons or couples wishing to downsize to a smaller property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2868/18]

23/01/2018WRE05400Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I have no plans to introduce incentives along the lines suggested by the Deputy. The Deputy will appreciate that tax reliefs and exemptions have costs which have to be paid for and their introduction must be considered only where there is a clear economic and social policy need to be addressed.

It should be noted in relation to local property tax (LPT), that where a person downsizes their residential property, assuming they stay in a similar location to the property they are selling, their LPT liability will, most likely, be less than the amount they would have been liable for on their original property.

In relation to what might also be regarded as property-related taxes, Stamp Duties are payable on the acquisition of residential property. The current rates are 1% on values up to €1M and 2% on any balance over that. I do not consider that a rate of 1% on the purchase of a property would represent a serious disincentive to any property owner considering trading down.

In relation to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), an exemption is in place on the disposal of a person’s principal private residence. The exemption applies to any gain made on the disposal of an individual’s dwelling house together with land occupied up to an area of one acre, excluding the site of the house. Full CGT relief applies where the period of occupation matches the period of ownership, and partial relief applies where the house has not been occupied by the individual for the full period of ownership.

23/01/2018WRE05500Corporation Tax

23/01/2018WRE05600168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the effective rate of corporation tax on oil and gas exploration and production in each of the past ten years; and if he will 52 23 January 2018 make a statement on the matter. [2870/18]

23/01/2018WRE05700169. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the yield to the State in terms of profit resource rent tax from the gas fields in Kinsale, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib in each of the years since the inception of the tax, by gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2872/18]

23/01/2018WRE05800170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the yield to the State in terms of corporation tax from the gas fields in Kinsale, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib in each of the past 20 years, by gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2873/18]

23/01/2018WRE05900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.

The effective rate of Corporation Tax on companies involved in oil and gas exploration cannot be provided due to the low number of companies involved in the sector and Revenue‘s obligation to observe confidentiality for taxpayers and small groups of taxpayers. However, most such companies are likely to be recorded in the broader trade sector “Mining and Quarrying”. The effective Corporation Tax rate for companies in the Mining and Quarrying sector for the years 2006 to 2015 (the latest year available), is as shown in the following table. For technical reasons this information is not available for the year 2008.

Tax Year Effective Corporation Tax Rate on Taxable Income of All Mining and Quarrying Companies 2006 16.4% 2007 18.5% 2008 Not Available 2009 15.0% 2010 13.2% 2011 16.5% 2012 14.4% 2013 15.6% 2014 16.7% 2015 17.1% I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to separately identify the Corporation Tax receipts deriving from the gas fields named in Questions 2872/18 and 2873/18. However, the Deputy may wish to note that sectoral tax receipts are available from 2011 on the Revenue website at

www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/receipts/net-receipts-by-sector.pdf.

Tax receipts in respect of activities such as producing gas fields would most likely be recorded in the trade sector “Mining and Quarrying” in this table.

In respect of receipts of profit resource rent tax, no tax liability has been identified on Cor- poration Tax returns filed following the introduction of this tax. Profit resource rent tax applies in respect of profits from operating oil and gas fields in respect of licences/licensing option granted on or after 1 January 2007 to 17 June 2014. It is Revenue’s understanding that there have been no discoveries arising from licences granted during this timeframe.

23/01/2018WRF00300Mortgage Lending

23/01/2018WRF00400171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if a person goes through the bank-

53 Questions - Written Answers ruptcy process in the UK, the way in which this affects their credit rating and future chances of being approved for a mortgage here. [2928/18]

23/01/2018WRF00500Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The European Union (Consumer Mort- gage Credit Agreements) Regulations and the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code requires lenders to carry out an assessment of a mortgage borrower’s credit-worthiness, and the Regulations also provide that lender shall only make mortgage credit available where the result of the assessment indicates that the borrower’s obligations are likely to be met in the manner required under the proposed credit agreement. This assessment must also include the consideration of the results of a test on the personal consumer’s ability to repay the mortgage instal- ments, over the duration of the agreement, on the basis of a two per cent interest rate increase, at a minimum, above the interest rate offered to the personal consumer. (This two per cent test does not apply to mortgages where the interest rate is fixed for a period of five years or more). In order to conduct such an assessment, the lender is required to obtain and record sufficient financial and personal information from the consumer which is necessary, sufficient and proportionate. In due course the lender will also be obliged to access the information held on the Central Credit Register in relation to a mortgage or other qualifying credit application.

The policy responsibility for personal insolvency law, including its cross border aspects, are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. However, from a financial services perspective there is no specific legal requirement or Central Bank guidance to financial institutions on the consideration of evidence of bankruptcy in the UK as part of the mortgage loan application process. Subject to compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, the decision to grant or refuse credit is a commercial decision by the individual regulated mortgage lender.

23/01/2018WRF00600Tax Reliefs Eligibility

23/01/2018WRF00700172. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) is being asked to repay a sum of money that was paid to them in relation to section 22 tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2940/18]

23/01/2018WRF00800Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Rented residential relief and owner occupier relief were introduced by section 23 of the Finance Act 1981 in respect of residential properties in certain designated areas (S. 23 amended Chapter 11 of Part 10 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). The reliefs were granted for a period of 10 years from the year of occupancy of a property. They were discontinued during the previous decade.

I am advised by Revenue that the person concerned purchased a qualifying property in 2006 and relief was granted to her for 2006 and she received owner occupier relief through her tax credits for 2007 and subsequent years. Relief should not have been granted to the person concerned after 2015 (the end of the 10 period for which relief was due) but, due to an oversight on Revenue’s part, this was not the case. Despite contact from the person concerned to Revenue in May 2017, the relief continued to be incorrectly granted.

I am also advised by Revenue that earlier this month, following further contact from the person concerned, Revenue noted its mistake and apologised for its error. The relief is no longer being granted.

I am further advised by Revenue that a review of the case for 2016 has confirmed an underpayment of tax for the year. A review of 2017 must await the pay and tax details for the year that will shortly be submitted on the P35 return by the employer of the person concerned.

54 23 January 2018 Finally, having regard to the circumstances of the case, I am advised by Revenue that it has agreed with the person concerned an approach to recovery of the underpayment of tax for 2016 that minimises the financial burden on the person concerned; any underpayment of tax for 2017 will be handled in a similarly sympathetic manner.

23/01/2018WRF00900Personal Public Service Numbers

23/01/2018WRF01000173. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that in order for a person to withdraw their savings and close their State savings account, they must provide a PPS number even if the account was created before the anti money laundering provisions in the Criminal Justice Acts 2010 and 2013 were enacted and even if the reason the customer is closing the account is in protest at having to provide a PPS number in order to continue using the account. [2979/18]

23/01/2018WRF01100Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The National Treasury Management Agency (“ the NTMA”) has informed me that it is a ‘specified body’ for the purposes of sections 262 to 270 and schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. This provides the power to the NTMA, acting on behalf of the Minister for Finance, to request holders of State Savings products to provide their PPS Number for the purposes of verifying the identity of such holders.

The NTMA, acting on behalf of the Minister for Finance, and its agents, An Post and the Prize Bond Company, use the PPS Number for the sole purpose of the administration of State Savings products and accounts. Personal data provided by holders (including PPS Number) is processed for the purpose of the administration of State Savings products and accounts, including anti-money laundering requirements under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Acts 2010 and 2013.

Under such legislation designated bodies such as An Post, are required by law to verify customers’ identities, irrespective of when the account was opened. The same legislation also requires designated bodies to ensure that customer identity verification information is kept up to date. Therefore, when a person wants to withdraw their savings and close their State Savings account, regardless of when the account was opened, they may be asked to verify their identity in accordance with the Criminal Justice Acts 2010 and 2013.

23/01/2018WRF01200Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRF01300174. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3146/18]

23/01/2018WRF01400Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I can inform the Deputy that my De- partment does not have any contracts with a company named Carillion.

Of the seventeen Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the National Treasury Manage- ment Agency (NTMA) has provided the following information:

55 Questions - Written Answers

Contract Status of contracts Contingency plans Schools PPP Programme – Bundle The Project Agreement is in the The Project Agreement includes 5 Project Agreement dated 21 construction period. The school detailed provisions designed to July 2016 and related ancillary buildings in question are approxi- ensure that the project continues agreements. The project in- mately 90% complete. in the event of the insolvency / liq- volves the construction, finance, uidation of a consortium member. operation and maintenance of 6 schools on 4 sites in Wicklow, Wexford, Meath and Carlow. The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) is responsible for management of the Project Agreement on behalf of the De- partment of Education and Skills. The counterparty to the Project Agreement is ‘Inspiredspaces Bundle 5 (Ireland) Limited’, a consortium in which Carillion is a 50% shareholder. The other 50% shareholder is the Dutch Infra- structure Fund (DIF).

23/01/2018WRF01500Tax Code

23/01/2018WRF01600175. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the situation in which the cap introduced in 2009 which applied to banks that had transferred assets into NAMA restricting their use of deferred tax assets to 50% of their corporation tax and was removed in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3280/18]

23/01/2018WRF01700Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Loss relief for corporation tax is a long standing feature of the Irish Corporate Tax system and is a standard feature of all other OECD corporate tax systems. It allows for losses incurred in the course of business to be accounted for when calculating a business’ tax liabilities.

Section 396C of the TCA 1997 previously restricted losses for NAMA participating institutions to offset losses against 50% of taxable profits in a given year. At the time of its introduction the Government had limited involvement in the banking system. However, by Finance Bill 2013, this measure was considered to have outlasted its initial purpose. Due to the State’s substantial holdings in the banking sector (99.8% AIB and 15% of BOI at the time) it was deemed to be acting against the State’s interests.

Section 396C was repealed to:

- Reduce the State’s role as a ‘backstop’ provider of capital.

- Improve the existing value of the State’s equity and debt investments.

To recognise the part that the banks played in the financial crisis, in 2013, the Government decided that the banking sector should make an annual contribution of approximately €150 million to the Exchequer for the period from 2014 to 2016. In Budget 2017, the payment of this levy was extended until 2021. It was anticipated that the bank levy could be expected to raise €750 million over five years.

As I have previously stated, I do not intend to reintroduce the 50% restriction that was in place until 2014 and that the appropriate way for the banks to contribute to the economy is through the bank levy. However, at Report Stage of Finance Bill 2017, I made a commitment

56 23 January 2018 to provide a technical paper on the matter of bank losses to the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach by June 2018. The commitment was made in the context of the potential impact on capital levels of the banks if changes were made to the manner in which loss relief can be offset, with the stipulation that maintaining the bank levy as the appropriate measure would remain the clear policy standpoint.

23/01/2018WRF01800Tax Reliefs Application

23/01/2018WRF01900176. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding tax concessions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3292/18]

23/01/2018WRF02000Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am advised by Revenue that an online application was submitted by the person concerned on 15th January 2018. Revenue has been in direct contact with the person concerned regarding difficulties with the application and is assisting him with the making of a new application.

23/01/2018WRF02100Banking Sector Investigations

23/01/2018WRF02200177. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the status of the public banking investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3341/18]

23/01/2018WRF02300Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Programme for a Partnership Gov- ernment contains a commitment to “thoroughly investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions”. My Depart- ment, along with the Department of Rural and Community Development, are the Departments tasked with the responsibility for fulfilling this commitment.

Local public banking is where a State, or other public body, has ownership of a financial institution. In Germany, local public banks, called Sparkassen, are only permitted to operate in specific geographic regions. The business model of Sparkassen is not to maximise profits, but rather promote economic development and financial inclusion in the particular regional area in which they operate. In terms of SME finance, Sparkassen tend to build close relationships with SMEs in their locality.

The investigation of local public banking has consisted of a consultation process engaging with stakeholders and interested parties. This consultation process was carried out last year by the Department of Rural and Community Development, assisted by my Department.

Additionally, there has also been consideration of a proposal put forward by Irish Rural Link and the Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation (SBFIC), the international development wing of the Sparkassen group. The proposal outlines a potential model of local public banking, based on the German model, in Ireland. There have been a number of meetings between officials in both departments and representatives from Irish Rural Link and SBFIC.

Officials in my Department and the Department of Community and Rural Development have been working closely together. They have now completed the report on the findings of their investigation and both I, and my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community De- velopment, Michael Ring T.D., have received this report. We are currently reviewing and considering it. We expect to be in a position to bring the joint report on the investigation of local public banking to Government, for approval, in the near future.

The Deputy may be interested to know that there are already significant Government mea- 57 Questions - Written Answers sures in place to support access to finance by Irish SMEs. These include the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), the Supporting SMEs Online Tool, the Microenterprise Loan Fund, Local Enterprise Offices, the Credit Review Office and the Credit and Counter Guarantee Schemes.

Additionally, my Department is working with other Government departments to develop tailored and innovative schemes to meet the evolving needs of Irish SMEs, such as the Agri- cultural Cashflow Support Loan Scheme and the Brexit Loan Scheme I announced in Budgets 2017 and 2018 respectively.

23/01/2018WRF02400Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRF02500178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3404/18]

23/01/2018WRF02600Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Since 2011, one body under the aegis of my Department has been disbanded. Sealuchais Árachais Teoranta (SAT), a statutory company under the Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1985 acted as a non-trading holding company for Icarom plc (formerly the Insurance Corporation of Ireland) which was under administration. The two Directors of the company were officials of my Department. The administration of Icarom came to a close in early 2013. The Office of the Attorney General was consulted at the time about SAT and approved the intention to wind it up under the voluntary strike off procedure. SAT was formally struck off the companies register on 5 October 2014 and is no longer in operation.

Six bodies have been set up under the aegis of my Department since 2011 as follows:

Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society merged in July 2011 following the transfer of all assets and liabilities of Irish Nationwide Building Society to Anglo Irish Bank and subsequently became known as Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC).

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council was established on an interim basis in July 2011 and put on a statutory footing in December 2012 by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo) was established in January 2013. It ceased operations in July 2017 and all board members have resigned. A caretaker board consisting of two Departmental officials and a Central Bank nominee will remain in place until dissolution is effected through primary legislation which will effect the transfer of all of ReBo’s assets and liabilities to the Minister for Finance.

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland is a new company established in 2014.

The Tax Appeals Commission was established in 2016 and replaces the Office of the Appeal Commissioners.

The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 merged the offices of the Pen- sions Ombudsman and the Financial Services Ombudsman into a single office which provides a one stop shop for people with unresolved complaints against financial service and pension providers. The Office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman was established on 1 January 2018. Within that office is the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Coun-

58 23 January 2018 cil. Prior to the amalgamation, the Financial Services Ombudsman’s Council was previously a body under the aegis of my Department and the Pensions Ombudsman was a body under the aegis of what is now the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

23/01/2018WRF02700Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRF02800179. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3421/18]

23/01/2018WRF02900Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Of the seventeen bodies under the aegis of my Department, I am informed that fourteen have had no claims and have made no payments in respect of personal injury claims in the period requested. It was not possible for two bodies to respond to this information request in the time available and therefore I will make arrangements to provide a response in line with Standing Orders.

One further body paid out approximately €130,000 in respect of personal injury claims during the period in question. However, the Deputy will appreciate that in line with Data Protec- tion regulation, I am not in a position to provide further information as requested.

23/01/2018WRF03000Pension Levy

23/01/2018WRF03100180. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the steps his Department is taking to reverse the lifetime reduction in pension benefits for workers in the private and commercial semi-State sector that were brought about as a consequence of the temporary pension levy introduced in 2011. [1909/18]

23/01/2018WRF03200Minister for Finance (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I take it the Deputy is referring to the stamp duty levies applying to the assets of funded pension arrangements introduced in 2011 to pay for the Jobs Initiative, the chargeable persons for which are the trustees of pension schemes and others responsible for the management of pension fund assets.

The stamp duty levy on pension schemes was introduced in the wake of the financial crash and at a time when the economy was in very serious difficulties. Something had to be done to preserve and boost jobs and it is an unavoidable fact that difficult economic situations require hard and very often unpopular decisions. All sectors of the economy had to contribute to the recovery plan and the levy was designed to claw back a small amount of the very generous tax reliefs that those contributing to pension arrangements had benefitted from over many years.

The original 0.6% stamp duty levy on pension fund assets ended in 2014. The additional levy of 0.15% which my predecessor introduced for 2014 and 2015, mainly to help continue to fund Jobs Initiative, also ended in 2015.

The position is that the equivalent value of all of the money raised from the stamp duty levy has been used to fund the wide range of measures introduced in the Jobs Initiative to protect existing jobs and to help create new jobs and the Initiative has been a success in this regard. The measures introduced include expenditure measures such as the JobBridge and Springboard schemes, as well as a number of tax and PRSI incentives such as the reduction in the VAT rate

59 Questions - Written Answers from 13.5% to 9% for the tourism and hospitality sectors and the temporary halving of the lower employer PRSI rate.

Under the legislation, the payment of the levy is treated as a necessary expense of a pension scheme and the trustees or insurer, as appropriate, are entitled where needed to adjust current or prospective benefits payable under a scheme to take account of the levy. It is up to the trustees or insurer to decide whether, when and how the levy should be passed on and to what extent, given the particular circumstances of the pension schemes for which they are responsible. However, the legislation also includes safeguards aimed at ensuring that should the option of reducing scheme benefits be taken, it must be applied in an equitable fashion across the different classes of scheme members that could include active, deferred and retired members. In no case may the reduction in an individual member’s or class of member’s benefits exceed the member’s or class of member’s share of the levy. Where pension scheme trustees or an insurer took the decision to treat the levy as an expense of the pension scheme, they would have adjusted current or prospective benefits payable to members under that scheme. The consequence of this treatment by the trustees or insurer could be a permanent reduction in members’ benefits.

The value of the funds raised by way of the levy have been used to protect and create jobs and this has helped to create the improving financial and economic position of the State. Tax- payers to whom the impact of the levy may have been passed on by the chargeable persons responsible for the payment of the levy (the pension scheme trustees, etc.) will benefit from the changes which my predecessor began in Budget 2015 and which have continued in subsequent Budgets to reduce the tax burden on low and middle income earners.

23/01/2018WRF03300Exchequer Returns

23/01/2018WRF03400181. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of unspent moneys received back into the Exchequer from the Department of Agri- culture, Food and the Marine in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3212/18]

23/01/2018WRF03500Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The effective management of the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is a central responsibility of each Minister and their Departments on an ongoing basis.

In relation to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the underspends for 2015 and 2016 are set out in the Appropriation Accounts, audited by the Comptroller & Auditor Gen- eral (C&AG), and published on the Office of the C&AG’s website. The estimated outturn for 2017 was published earlier this month with the end 2017 Exchequer Statement. The actual outturn will be available when the Appropriation Accounts for 2017 are finalised. The Tables set out the gross and net underspends for the period 2015 to 2017, with the 2015 and 2016 amounts as set out in the Appropriation Accounts and the 2017 amounts as reported with the December 2017 Exchequer Returns.

Gross Expenditure (€ Million)

Year Estimate Provision Outturn Variance 2015 1,325 1,265 60 2016 1,363 1,257 106 2017 1,468 1,391* 78 Net Expenditure (€ Million)

60 23 January 2018

Year Estimated Provision Outturn Variance 2015 895 826 69 2016 1,057 804 253 2017 1,131 1,058* 73 * Includes capital carryover of €23.8 million into 2018.

After taking account of capital carryover into the following year, the surplus to be surrendered to the Exchequer in 2015 was €57 million and in 2016 was €231 million.

23/01/2018WRF03600Garda Compensation

23/01/2018WRF03700182. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a person (details supplied) will be notified of a hearing date in relation to their application for compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2858/18]

23/01/2018WRF03800Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): This case relates to an application under the Garda Compensation 1941 Acts – “Compensation Section” - Michael Kilroy v the Minister for Finance. The role of the Department of Justice and Equal- ity in such cases is to decide if applications of Gardaí (who sustained malicious injuries in the course of their duties) are eligible to be awarded. There are also further criteria which have to be fulfilled. In the case of this individual, the Department of Justice and Equality has already authorised this application.

The case currently rests with the Chief State’s Solicitors Office (CSSO). The CSSO prepares applications for the High Court in relation to Garda Compensation cases. According to the CSSO, this case is ready to be sent to the High Court for a hearing, subject to the availability of the doctors required to give evidence. The CSSO will shortly be in contact with the individual’s solicitor regarding possible dates. The solicitor for the applicant will then be in a position to apply to the relevant judge for a hearing date.

23/01/2018WRF03900Office of Public Works Properties

23/01/2018WRF04000183. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of visitors that availed of guided tours of Maynooth Castle, County Kildare in each of the years 2014 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2983/18]

23/01/2018WRF04100Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The number of visitors to Maynooth Castle for the years in question were as follows:

Year Total Visitor Numbers to May- Numbers that availed of a guided nooth Castle tour. Total Visitor Numbers to Maynooth Castle 2014 25,2682014 15,38425,268 2015 21,8432015 10,81921,843 2016 21,8922016 10,09121,892 2017 (Provisional & subject to 22,7862017 (Provisional & sub- 11,50822,786 change) ject to change) The visitor season at Maynooth Castle runs from mid-May to end September. In recent years the Castle has been open for five days a week for this period. I am pleased to announce

61 Questions - Written Answers that for the 2018 visitor season Maynooth Castle will be open to the public for seven days a week.

23/01/2018WRF04200Flood Risk Management

23/01/2018WRF04300184. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the flood risk management plans including the eastern CFRAM have been finalised; if the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works has submitted them to him for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2984/18]

23/01/2018WRF04400Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.

The CFRAM Programme focussed on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.

The Draft Flood Risk Management Plans were published for public consultation in 2016 and a significant volume of submissions were received for consideration. In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans, including the Eastern CFRAM, and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements.

I am in the process of seeking approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expendi- ture and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process.

23/01/2018WRF04500Flood Risk Management

23/01/2018WRF04600185. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 11 September 2017, the information gathered from the installation of hydrometric gauges in the Hazelhatch and Celbridge areas of County Kildare; the further studies now being arranged based on the data gathered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2985/18]

23/01/2018WRF04700Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran): The data gathered from the recently installed Hydrometric Gauge on the Ha- zelhatch Stream has assisted and informed the OPW and Kildare County Council engineers in analysing and identifying the causes of recent flooding in the area.

The OPW understands that the more frequent flooding experienced in the area was due to a blockage of the culverts at Willow Dale and Willow Avenue respectively. Some interim works already carried out by Kildare County Council will help to address this more frequent flooding but more works are required at the culverts at these locations to provide greater protection from the more frequent flooding that has been experienced. In this regard, I understand that Kildare

62 23 January 2018 County Council is considering lodging an application under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake works or studies, costing less than €750,000, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The Minor Works proposed in this area will involve site investigations and further assessment to examine the current convey- ance capacity of the culvert at Willow Dale, and the replacement of the existing debris screen to the culvert at Willow Avenue. This work is intended to address and alleviate the more frequent flooding experienced at these locations, and will inform the next steps.

In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Manage- ment (CFRAM) Programme. All Plans, including the Eastern CFRAM, were submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval in the coming weeks, in accordance with the statutory requirements.

In relation to further or future measures to address flood risk in this area, Kildare County Council and the OPW will continue to engage constructively in relation to the options for Cel- bridge/Hazelhatch identified in the East CFRAM study.

23/01/2018WRF04800Public Sector Pensions Data

23/01/2018WRF04900186. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the benefits contained in the new public service pay agreement for existing public service pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3018/18]

23/01/2018WRF05000Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, which was ratified by Government and by public service trade unions and representative associations, sets out the policy on public service pension increases adopted by Government for the duration of that agreement (to end-2020).

Specifically, section 6.2 of this agreement indicates that pension increases in the public service will be guided by the following three elements:

- First, the need to adopt an equitable approach to the various public service pensioner cohorts differentiated by date of retirement (in particular pre and post end-February 2012) is affirmed.

- Second, for those who retired or will retire post end-February 2012, to the extent that they retired on reduced salaries for pension award purposes, they will receive pension increases in line with pay increases received by their peers currently in employment in accordance with the terms of the collective agreement.

- Third, when alignment is achieved between pre and post end-February 2012 pensioners, as will happen progressively for salary ranges up to €70,000 in 2020 under the proposed collective agreement, pay increases will continue to benefit pensions in payment for the duration of the agreement.

This means that, in general, the pay increases awarded under the PSSA over the period 2018-2020 will be passed through to qualifying pensions in payment. Those public servants who have retired from 1 March 2012 (post-February 2012 retirees) will benefit from the pay increases awarded under the PSSA in nearly all cases.

63 Questions - Written Answers Public servants who retired before 1 March 2012 (pre-March 2012 retirees) will benefit from the pay increases under the PSSA only where the current equivalent salary (paid to serving staff) is above, or moves above, the salary on which that pension is based.

In addition to this, the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides for the significant further lessening of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR), occurring by way of threshold and rate changes to apply on 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020.

This scheduled further lessening of the PSPR impact on pensions will mean that from 1 January 2019 all pensions up to €39,000 per annum will be exempt from PSPR, removing some 12,000 pensioners from the impact of PSPR.

From 1 January 2020, further PSPR-amelioration will mean that all pensions up to €54,000 per annum will be exempt from PSPR, removing some 10,500 additional pensioners from the impact of PSPR.

When fully in place from the beginning of 2020, these changes will mean that the vast majority of public service retirees - approximately 97% - comprising everyone with occupational pension values up to at least €54,000, will be entirely free of PSPR. For those who retired since end-February 2012 that threshold will be even higher at €60,000.

23/01/2018WRF05100Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRF05200187. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3151/18]

23/01/2018WRF05300Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): My Depart- ment or any of the bodies under its aegis do not have any contracts with the company named in the Deputy’s question.

23/01/2018WRF05400State Claims Agency Data

23/01/2018WRF05500188. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 16 January 2018, the amount of legal fees incurred by the State Claims Agency in respect of personal injuries claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017, by relevant State body, inclusive and exclusive of clinical personal injury claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3382/18]

23/01/2018WRF05600Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): In response to the Deputy’s question, I am advised by the State Claims Agency that the report, available at the following link, has been extracted from the National Incident Management System.

[National Incident Management System (NIMS) Extract].

23/01/2018WRF05700State Claims Agency Data

64 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRF05800189. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 16 January 2018, the number of personal injury claims that the State Claims Agency has paid out on for each of the years 2010 to 2017, by relevant State body, inclusive and exclusive of clinical personal injury claims; the number of claims settled outside of court proceedings in each of these years; the number of claims settled as a result of a court judgement in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3383/18]

23/01/2018WRF05900Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): In response to the Deputy’s question, I am advised by the State Claims Agency that the report, available at the following link, has been extracted from the National Incident Management System.

[National Incident Management System (NIMS) Extract].

23/01/2018WRG00200Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRG00300190. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions have been subsumed into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3409/18]

23/01/2018WRG00400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): In response to the Deputy’s question the first table details the agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of my Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into this Department since 2011. The second table details the bodies set up by this department since that date.

Agencies, Boards or other Bodies disbanded, amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform since 2011:

Name Established Comments Bureau of the Ombudsman 2013 Office of the Ombudsman - Two bodies were merged. - The Ombudsman (Amendment) Act, 2012, which formalised the merger between the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments and the Office of the Ombudsman was enacted on 23 October 2012. The accounting functions were merged with effect from 1 January 2013. From that date onwards, the votes of the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments and the Office of the Ombudsman were merged.

65 Questions - Written Answers

Name Established Comments The Valuation Office In 2015 the Valuation Office was a vote within the Departmental group of votes. In 2016, the Valu- ation Office was moved to the Jus- tice Group of votes. In 2018, the Valuation Office was moved again to the Housing Group of votes. It is planned to merge the Valuation Office, the Property Registration Authority and Ordnances Survey Ireland into a new body called “Tailte Éireann”. Work is ongoing in this regard. Agencies, Boards or other Bodies set up by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform since 2011:

Name Established Comments National Shared Service Office 2018 The National Shared Services Office (NSSO) became a statutory office on 1st January 2018, established under the National Shared Services Office Act 2017. It was originally set up in 2014 on an administrative basis within the Department of Public Expen- diture and Reform. In 2015, the Government approved the establishment of the NSSO on a statutory basis. The legislation was commenced on 1st January 2018, when the NSSO became a separate civil service office and the existing staff and resources moved from DPER to the NSSO. The Office of the National Lottery 2014 The Office of the National Lottery Regulator Regulator was established under the National Lottery Act 2013 and commenced in November 2014 with the appointment of the first Regulator.

23/01/2018WRG00500Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRG00600191. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments made as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3426/18]

23/01/2018WRG00700Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The material requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by the State Claims Agency, on behalf of my Department. Given the large volume of Parliamentary Questions currently with the State Claims Agency, I am advised that the material is not yet available. It will be completed shortly 66 23 January 2018 and my Department will then provide the response directly to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRG00800Departmental Legal Cases Data

23/01/2018WRG00900192. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of complaints and judicial review cases, respectively, taken on by his Department relating to allegations of unfair and or unlawful public procurement procedures for the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3463/18]

23/01/2018WRG01000Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am informed that Departments receive queries/complaints from time to time during the procurement process but these are usually resolved either during the procurement process itself or at pre- litigation stage. However, the following are a list of procurement proceedings (includes ongoing and concluded cases) which have been brought against Government Departments in the last five years and which challenge elements of the procurement process. Case titles only list the primary parties to a case.

Case Name Record Number Newbridge Tyre & Battery Co. Limited t/a Auto 2017/964JR Fleet Service Centre v The Garda Commissioner and Corcoran Auto Body Works Limited WordPerfect v Minister for Public Expenditure and 2017/150/MCA Reform BAM PPP PGGM Infrastructure Coöperatie U A v 2015 176/JR National Treasury Management Agency Student Transport v. Department of Education & 2011/1043/JR and Supreme Court Record Number Skills 116/16 Copymoore v. Commissioner of Public Works for 2012 918 JR and Supreme Court Record number Ireland 1 335/13 Copymoore v. Commissioner of Public Works for 2013 211 JR Ireland 2 Word Perfect v Commissioner of an Garda Síochána 2015 149 JR TMS v Geological Survey of Ireland and Depart- 2015 296 JR ment of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

23/01/2018WRG01100Departmental Legal Cases

23/01/2018WRG01200193. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of judicial review cases not taken due to the practice by Departments to seek security for costs, thus preventing a judicial review of possible unfair and-or unlawful public procurement procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3464/18]

23/01/2018WRG01300Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am informed that, aside from the Student Transport v. Department of Education case (2011/1043/JR) (see the response to Question No. 198 for a list of ongoing and concluded procurement cases against Departments over the past five years), the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) is not aware of any other cases against Departments where an order for security for costs was made.

As a Department would only have the opportunity to seek security for costs when a case is brought, it would not be possible to have information relating to cases which were not brought due to a possible concern on the part of a potential applicant regarding the court’s jurisdiction to

67 Questions - Written Answers make an order for security for costs. In any event, I am informed that a security for costs order does not prevent the hearing of the judicial review application by the High Court. Furthermore, the OGP does not have a practice of seeking security for costs in public procurement matters.

23/01/2018WRG01400Schools Site Acquisitions

23/01/2018WRG01500194. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has been waiting for an engineer to inspect the proposed new site for the purpose of building a new school for over three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3184/18]

23/01/2018WRG01600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): A building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s current 6 year construction programme.

Officials from my Department have been working with Galway County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites in order to identify and procure a suitable site for the school. A number of potential site options have been identified and these are currently under consideration.

While the site acquisition process is underway, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

23/01/2018WRG01700School Transport Applications

23/01/2018WRG01800195. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a transfer of school by a person (details supplied) will be decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2774/18]

23/01/2018WRG01900Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Depart- ment.

Currently over 115,000 children, including almost 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they are attending the near- est recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be re- sourced, to meet their special educational needs.

Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Edu- cation (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).

The child in question was eligible for school transport.

Under the terms of the Scheme services may be withdrawn and/or replaced with an alternative service/grant where circumstances change. A change in existing circumstances includes a change of address or attendance at a different school.

School Transport Section of my Department has not received an application for school

68 23 January 2018 transport to the school now being attended by the child.

On receipt of such an application, the matter will be examined.

23/01/2018WRG02000Schools Site Acquisitions

23/01/2018WRG02100196. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe of proposed development for a school building project (details supplied) to solve an inadequacy of facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2833/18]

23/01/2018WRG02200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy is aware, a project for the school in question is included on my Department’s 6 year Construction Pro- gramme.

A site is required to facilitate the construction of a permanent school building and officials from my Department continue to work closely with the local authority under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites in order to identify and procure a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRG02300School Accommodation Provision

23/01/2018WRG02400197. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has engaged with the Department of Health regarding a possible transfer of lands from the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford, which will soon be demolished, to a school (details supplied) which is located to the south east of the site, landlocked and in need of extra space to expand to meet growing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2841/18]

23/01/2018WRG02500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department understands that the lands referred to by the Deputy are associated with the development of a new primary care centre in Wexford town.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently liaising with the school authority in question relating to the school’s accommodation needs.

23/01/2018WRG02600Physical Education Facilities

23/01/2018WRG02700198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for a new sports hall in view of the fact that physical education is to be part of the leaving certificate curriculum. [2842/18]

23/01/2018WRG02800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Two new physical education elements at senior cycle will be introduced to schools on a phased basis from September 2018:

1. Leaving Certificate Physical Education (an optional subject for examination in the Leav- ing Certificate);

2. A Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework (not for examination).

As part of the process of identifying schools to participate in Phase 1 of the implementation

69 Questions - Written Answers of Physical Education in Senior Cycle commencing in September 2018, a circular letter (ref 0080/2017) was recently issued by my Department to all post-primary schools inviting them to apply. The letter advised of the selection criteria that would be used to assist in selecting the Phase 1 schools. These criteria include the requirement that schools have suitable facilities including indoor and/or outdoor spaces for learning in Physical Education.

Phase 1 of the implementation process will involve a small cohort of schools who have the capacity to introduce Physical Education as a Leaving Certificate subject and/or the Se- nior Cycle Physical Education Framework in September 2018. The deadline for applications to participate in Phase 1 is 16 January. Planning for the subsequent rollout of the subject and framework as an option to all schools will require further consideration regarding the capacity of schools to offer these elements.

In relation to the application for indoor sport facilities from the school referred to by the Deputy, my Department has been in contact with the school concerned to advise that it is not possible, at this time, to address its application.

23/01/2018WRG02900Public Private Partnerships

23/01/2018WRG03000199. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the implications for the public private partnership contract in place for school bundle five with the liquidation of a company (details supplied); the number of outstanding payments to be made; the amount paid to date; the progress and status of each individual project in the bundle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2879/18]

23/01/2018WRG03100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): In respect of the Schools Bundle 5 PPP programme, a contract exists between my Department and the Principal contractor, Inspiredspaces. Inspiredspaces is the name of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the programme.

The company referred to by the Deputy has been a 50% shareholder in InspiredSpaces. It is important to note that Inspiredspaces remains in place as the SPV responsible for delivery of Schools Bundle 5. The other 50% shareholder in the SPV is the Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF).

The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) is responsible for management of the PPP contract on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. The NDFA is currently engaging with DIF in relation to next steps. Every effort is being made to ensure delivery of the schools in as timely a manner as possible. The buildings in question are approximately 90% completed, with Loreto College Wexford being the most advanced.

Payment for the construction, operation and maintenance of these schools is made through annual inflation-linked payments called “unitary charges”, the first of which will be made following the completion of the first school building.

Additionally, the contract provides for the payment of a lump sum for the completion of the off-site works and related costs to allow for the delivery of these schools. €4.4 million has been paid to Inspiredspaces in that respect. No further payments have been made in respect of this project agreement.

23/01/2018WRG03200Teacher Retirements

70 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRG03300200. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person who was formerly a teacher in receipt of the occupational retirement pension on medical grounds can be transferred to an occupational retirement pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2926/18]

23/01/2018WRG03400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Entitlement to a teacher’s pension on grounds of ill-health is not automatic. Such a pension is granted under the statutory pension scheme for teachers by my Department where the Occupational Health Service physician, following detailed assessment of the available medical evidence, recommends that the teacher is no longer incapable by reason of infirmity of discharging his or her duties as a teacher and that infirmity is likely to be permanent. The Occupational Health Service provider is tasked with, among other things, providing independent medical advice to my Department in respect of applications for retirement on ill-health grounds by teachers and other school staff.

Where a teacher retires through ill-health on pension, the service on which the benefits are calculated may, under the scheme rules, be augmented to enhance the pension payable.

The pension scheme does not provide for a person in receipt of a pension granted due to ill- health to transfer to any other form of pension payable under the pension scheme.

In the event that a teacher makes a full recovery from the illness in respect of which ill- health retirement was awarded, it is open to him/her to submit medical evidence of this to my Department. The medical evidence would then be assessed by the Occupational Health Service and in the event that the teacher was deemed no longer unfit to discharge the duties of a teacher, s/he could seek employment as a teacher or any other employment. However pension would immediately cease and would not resume until ultimate retirement. Any added service previously awarded would be excluded in the calculation of benefits on ultimate retirement.

23/01/2018WRG03500Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRG03600201. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2950/18]

23/01/2018WRG03700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application to my Department for additional accommodation last week. The application will be assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.

23/01/2018WRG03800Emergency Works Scheme Funding

23/01/2018WRG03900202. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Depart- ment will provide financial support to the board of management of a school (details supplied) to enable it to repair the damage done to the playground and the perimeter fence separating the school from the Donagh river by the severe floods in August 2017. [2974/18]

23/01/2018WRG04000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school to which the Deputy refers applied under my Departments Emergency Works Scheme to carry out works to a damaged fence. My Department is currently awaiting additional information from the school. Once this information is received a decision will issue directly to the Board of Manage- ment.

71 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRG04100Schools Site Acquisitions

23/01/2018WRG04200203. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to visit County Donegal and meet the board of Donegal Education and Training Board and a delegation of parents and teachers regarding delays in securing a site for the three-school campus at Buncrana, County Donegal; and if his officials are treating this matter with urgency and ensuring that all options for securing a site are actively being pursued. [2975/18]

23/01/2018WRG04300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy is aware the project to which she refers is included on my Department’s capital programme.

Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Donegal County Council in relation to the acquisition of a suitable site to accommodate this building project. Given the difficulties encountered in the site acquisition process to date, Council and Department officials are currently assessing and evaluating potential next steps.

In that context I do not believe that a meeting would be constructive at this time. However my officials will keep the ETB and An Foras Pátrúnachta, as school patrons, appraised of ongoing developments as they occur.

I can assure the Deputy that all parties are working to bring this acquisition process to a completion as early as possible, and that all options with regard to acquiring a site are under consideration.

23/01/2018WRG04400Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRG04500204. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delays in progressing the extension works at a school (details supplied); and if these delays will be addressed by his Department. [2976/18]

23/01/2018WRG04600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy may be aware, the project to which she refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB).

The project is currently at pre-stage 1 of the architectural planning process which is the outline sketch stage. The ETB recently submitted the pre-stage 1 report to my Department and this is being examined in my Department in consultation with the ETB. When the pre-stage one submission has been satisfactorily completed, sanction can be given for the project to move to the detailed design stages of the architectural planning process.

23/01/2018WRG04700Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRG04800205. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date with the construction of a school (details supplied) which commenced construction in May 2017; when it is envisaged that construction will be completed; when the new school will be ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2988/18]

23/01/2018WRG04900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I am pleased to inform the Deputy that phase 1 of the project, the construction of the temporary school and decant has been completed at Mercy Convent, Naas.

Phase 2, demolition of the existing school building and construction of the permanent 32 72 23 January 2018 classroom school recently commenced.

The contract period is 24 months.

23/01/2018WRG05000Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRG05100206. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the developments that have been made in relation to a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Lim- erick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3026/18]

23/01/2018WRG05200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school to which she refers is included in my Department’s 6 Year Con- struction Programme.

The project brief is being finalised with a view to progressing the project into architectural planning.

23/01/2018WRG05300Fire Safety

23/01/2018WRG05400207. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received legal advice in relation to significant breaches of fire regulations in schools; his plans to take legal action against the builders of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/18]

23/01/2018WRG05500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Officials from my Depart- ment have had a number of meetings with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. Discussions with the CSSO are ongoing and I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that while this process is ongoing that any such advice sought by my Department is legally privileged. I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

23/01/2018WRG05600Special Educational Needs Service Provision

23/01/2018WRG05700208. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to an application for an additional ASD class in a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [3044/18]

23/01/2018WRG05800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for approving special classes.

Should the NCSE approve a special class unit in the school referred to by the Deputy, it would be open to the school to submit an application for additional accommodation should there be a deficit of accommodation.

23/01/2018WRG05900Teaching Contracts

23/01/2018WRG06000209. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, under his new proposal to allow teachers who are on career breaks to do substitute work, the substitute days will go towards their pension entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3047/18]

73 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRG06100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Teaching Service given by a registered teacher in a substitute capacity, in a recognised school, whether given during a career break or otherwise, and for which salary is paid by my Department, is reckonable for pension purposes. This is regardless of whether the service is given under a pre-existing teachers’ pension scheme or under the Public Service Single Pension Scheme.

Teachers who are considering retirement directly from career break, who have given substitute teaching service during that career break, should consult the Pension Unit of my Depart- ment before applying to retire to ensure that they optimise their pension benefits.

23/01/2018WRH00200Minor Works Scheme Payments

23/01/2018WRH00300210. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills when minor works grant funding will be received by a school (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason the funding for 2017 was delayed; and his plans for 2018 allocations to ensure schools are not put under undue financial strain. [3049/18]

23/01/2018WRH00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Minor Works Grant in respect of the school year 2017/2018 was paid to the school referred to by the Deputy on 12 December 2017.

The payment of the Minor Works Grant is not confined to any particular date and can in fact, if paid, be issued during any month of the school year. For the 2002/2003 school year, part of the grant was paid in May 2003, with the balance in October 2003.

As part of our longer term infrastructural planning, my Department will explore whether it will be possible to give greater certainty to primary schools in relation to the payment of the Minor Works Grant, taking account of the Government’s 10 Year Public Capital Investment Plan, which is currently under development.

23/01/2018WRH00500School Funding

23/01/2018WRH00600211. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out details of the funding that is provided for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3137/18]

23/01/2018WRH00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school referred to by the Deputy is an ETB school.

ETB schools are not funded directly by my Department but are funded via pay and non-pay budget allocations provided to each ETB.

Pay budgets are provided to ETBs in accordance with approved staffing complements. Non- pay current funding is provided as part of a block grant that covers ETB overheads and other activities apart from the second-level programme. ETBs are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to meet the needs of individual schemes. As such, my Department does not earmark allocations for individual schools or for the various activities of ETBs.

The way in which the allocation is distributed among schools is a matter for each ETB in line with its priorities and perceptions of need.

74 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRH00800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRH00900212. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out details of the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit have with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/18]

23/01/2018WRH01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): In respect of the Schools Bundle 5 PPP programme, a contract exists between my Department and the Principal contractor, Inspiredspaces. Inspiredspaces is the name of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the programme.

23/01/2018WRH01100Apprenticeship Programmes

23/01/2018WRH01200213. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the reason for the lack of apprenticeships in areas such as mechanics and HGV; if he will provide a list of the 26 apprenticeship programmes announced during 2017; the locations of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3157/18]

23/01/2018WRH01300Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy John Halligan): As the deputy is aware, the Apprenticeship Council is currently overseeing the expansion of the apprenticeship system in Ireland into a range of new sectors of the economy. The Council has now made two calls for apprenticeship proposals inviting consortia of enterprise, professional bodies and education and training providers to submit proposals for apprenticeship programmes to be developed to meet identified skill needs in their sector.

Following the Council’s first call for proposals in 2015 a proposal for a HGV Driver Ap- prenticeship, with the Irish Road Haulage Association as industry lead, is currently in development and is scheduled to get underway later this year. This programme, which is 3 years in duration, will lead to a level 5 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Resulting from last year’s second call for proposals, last month, I announced 26 new apprenticeship proposals to be further developed into national apprenticeship programmes, including a proposal for a Logistics Associate Apprenticeship, with the Freight Transport Association Ireland as industry lead. This programme, which is 2 years in duration, will lead to a level 6 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications. It is estimated that the development process will take between 12 and 15 months.

These apprenticeship proposals approved for further development include detail on the wider breadth of the delivery of the apprenticeships and a commitment to the delivery of off-the-job training on a national basis with the appropriate resources and facilities. As consortia further progress their proposals, further detail will become available. A list of the 26 proposals is set

75 Questions - Written Answers out in the following table.

With regard to apprenticeships in mechanics, there are a number of apprenticeships currently on offer in the area such as motor mechanic, heavy vehicle mechanic and agricultural mechanic. Details of these and all other apprenticeships currently on offer can be found at www. apprenticeship.ie.

Number Title of proposed appren- Industry lead Proposed coordinating ticeship provider 1. Applied Horticulture Teagasc Teagasc - Level 6 - Duration 2 years 2. Arboriculture Level 5 Caseys Tree Care Ltd, Galway Roscommon Duration 2 years North West Tree Care, ETB Kilcoyne Tree Care, Arborist Ireland 3. Associate Sales Profes- Sales Sense Mayo Sligo & Leitrim sional Level 6 Duration ETB 3 years 4. CGI Technical Artist Screen Training Ireland Dublin IT (Animation, Games, VFX) Level 9 Duration 2 years 5. Equipment Systems SL Controls University of Engineer Level 9 Duration 2 Limerick years 6. Farm Management Level Teagasc Teagasc 7 Duration 4 years 7. Farm Technician Level 6 Teagasc Teagasc Duration 2 years 8. Geo-Driller Level 6 Du- Geological Survey IT Carlow ration 3 years Ireland 9. ICT Associate Profes- FastTrack into Technol- FIT sional in Cybersecu- ogy (FIT) rity Level 6 Duration 2 years 10. Lean Sigma Manager Teleflex University of Limerick Level 9 Duration 2 years 11. Logistics Associate Freight Transport As- Dublin IT Level 6 Duration 2 sociation Ireland years 12. Principal Engineer- SL Controls University of Limerick Professional Doctorate Level 10 Duration 4 years 13. Professional Bar Man- Vintners Association Griffith College ager Level 6 Duration 2 years 14. Professional Hairdress- Hairdressing Council of Limerick & Clare ETB ing Level 6 Duration 3 Ireland & Image Learning and years Development Training Network Ltd 15. Professional Healthcare Kiltipper Woods Care Griffith College Assistant Level 6 Dura- Centre tion 2 years 76 23 January 2018

Number Title of proposed appren- Industry lead Proposed coordinating ticeship provider 16. Quality Assurance Tech- Ibec Biopharma cluster IT Tallaght nician Level 7 Duration 3 years 17. Quality Laboratory Tech- Ibec Biopharma cluster IT Tallaght nician Level 6 Duration 2 years 18. Senior Quantity Surveyor Society of Charted Sur- Limerick Institute of Level 9 Duration 2 veyors Ireland Technology years 19. Recruitment Practitio- National Recruitment National College of ner Level 6 Duration 2 Federation Ireland years 20. Scaffolding Level 6 Construction Industry Laois & Offaly ETB Duration 3 years Federation 21. Software System De- Lero University of Limerick signer Level 9 Duration 2 years 22. SportTurf Management Teagasc Teagasc Level 6 Duration 2 years 23. Stud Farm Management Teagasc Teagasc Level 7 Duration 2 years 24. Supply Chain Associ- IPICS The Supply Chain University of Limerick ate Level 7 Duration 3 Management Institute years 25. Supply Chain Man- IPICS The Supply Chain University of Limerick ager Level 9 Duration Management Institute 2 years 26. Supply Chain Special- IPICS The Supply Chain University of Limerick ist Level 8 Duration 2 Management Institute years

23/01/2018WRH01400Capitation Grants

23/01/2018WRH01500214. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if correspondence has been received from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal in which the board expressed a desire for the capitation grant to be increased; if a reply to this correspondence has issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3198/18]

23/01/2018WRH01600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department replied to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy on 9th January 2018.

I do recognise the need to improve capitation funding for schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years.

Budget 2018 marks the second year of major reinvestment in the education sector, as we continue to implement the Action Plan for Education, which has the central aim to make the Irish Education and Training service the best in Europe within a decade. In 2018, the budget for the Department of Education will increase by €554 million to over €10 billion.

Capitation funding remains a priority for me to address as part of the Action Plan.

The process is underway for restoring grant funding that is used by schools to fund the sala- 77 Questions - Written Answers ries of ancillary staff. Circular 0079/2017 outlines the current rate increases in order to enable schools to implement the arbitration salary increase for grant-funded school secretaries and caretakers and to also implement the restoration of salary for cleaners arising from the unwind- ing of FEMPI legislation.

23/01/2018WRH01700Schools Refurbishment

23/01/2018WRH01800215. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding for the renovation of a school (details supplied) will be considered; the reason for the reluctance of his Department to proceed with this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3201/18]

23/01/2018WRH01900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy is aware, the school in question applied for significant capital funding for various improvement works. The matter of phasing and prioritising the works was discussed with the school during a visit by my Department’s technical division. An area of priority that the school wish to see addressed relates to insulation works.

My Department spoke with the school principal recently and was advised that cost estimates for these insulation works are currently being prepared and that these will be furnished to my Department when available. My Department will be in further contact with the school following receipt and consideration of the cost estimates.

23/01/2018WRH02000School Enrolments

23/01/2018WRH02100216. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the extent to which adequate provision is being made for the high numbers of primary school places required in Naas, County Kildare, in view of the high numbers of new residents settling and due to settle in the town; the plans being put in place to cope with the high demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3202/18]

23/01/2018WRH02200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. My Department uses a Geo- graphical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department’s own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following: utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools; extending the capacity of a school or schools; and provision of a new school or schools.

As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for the Naas area is being kept under ongoing review by my Department to take account of updated data. In addition, my Department is currently engaging with the local authority in relation to additional residential development in Kildare, including the Naas area. 78 23 January 2018 As the Deputy may be aware, there are building projects for Naas included in the Major Capital Programme at St. Corbans Primary School and Mercy Convent Primary School.

23/01/2018WRH02300Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRH02400217. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when construction work will begin on a new school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3208/18]

23/01/2018WRH02500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school building project to which the Deputy refers is currently at tender stage. Tenders for this project are currently being assessed. Assuming no further issues arise and the contract is awarded the project will thereafter proceed to construction in Quarter 1 of 2018.

23/01/2018WRH02600Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRH02700218. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the position regarding the funding and development of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3213/18]

23/01/2018WRH02800Minister 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 2b(Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.

The Design Team has submitted written confirmation that it has completed a final review and is satisfied that the tender documents are complete, correct and in compliance with DoES and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R) tender documentation requirements.

My Department is currently reviewing its programme for capital expenditure in 2018 and 2019. Building projects, including the project for the school to which the Deputy refers, will be considered in that context. Officials from my Department will shortly be in contact with the school regarding a timeframe for progression of this project.

23/01/2018WRH02900Schools Amalgamation

23/01/2018WRH03000219. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the position regarding the amalgamation of national schools in Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3214/18]

23/01/2018WRH03100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I wish to advise the Deputy that the amalgamation process involving the Cahir schools will be finalised with the delivery of the major school building project.

In that regard, the major building project is currently at Architectural Planning, Stage 2A, which is the Developed Sketch Design Stage. The Board of Management and Design Team are currently working on the Stage 2A report for submission to my Department Officials for review. Upon successful completion of Stage 2A and subject to no issues arising the project will be authorised to proceed to Stage 2B – Detailed Design. The Notification of Decision to Grant Planning Permission was received from Tipperary County Council 20th December 2017.

79 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRH03200Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

23/01/2018WRH03300220. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if partial capacity benefit will be included as an eligible payment for the purposes of a SUSI special rate grant award in circumstances in which the appellant’s partial capacity benefit is dependent on the appellant satisfying the underlying eligibility conditions for invalidity pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3222/18]

23/01/2018WRH03400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): To qualify for the special rate of grant under the 2017 scheme, an applicant’s reckonable income has to be less than €23,000 and include on the 31st of December 2016, one of the specified long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the scheme.

Partial Capacity Benefit is a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) payment. To qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit, one needs to be in receipt of either Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension. The payment is a type of activation payment, made to persons who have been assessed as capable of re-entering the workforce, usually on reduced hours. Persons in receipt of Partial Capacity Benefit can retain the right to move back on to Ill- ness Benefit or Invalidity Pension. However, this entitlement is subject to review.

Invalidity Pension is a long-term social welfare payment and therefore a qualifying payment for the special rate of grant. However, Illness Benefit is a short-term payment and not a qualifying payment for the special rate of grant.

Partial Capacity Benefit is not listed as one of the qualifying long-term payments for the special rate of grant in the Student Grant Scheme 2017.

The review of the Student Grant Scheme 2018 is ongoing. The treatment of Partial Capacity Benefit will be considered in the context of the review. It is anticipated that the Scheme will be published in early April.

23/01/2018WRH03500Schools Site Acquisitions

23/01/2018WRH03600221. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a preferred site for a school (details supplied) has been chosen in view of the fact that the building occupied by the school is now up for sale and no leasing arrangement is in place; if his Department has entered negotiations with the site owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3251/18]

23/01/2018WRH03700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers was announced as part of my Department’s Six Year Capital Pro- gramme in 2015.

Officials in my Department continue to work closely with officials from the relevant local authority under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the acquisition of a suitable permanent location for the school to which the Deputy refers and with the assistance of Council officials a shortlist of technically suitable site options was identified.

Engagement with the relevant landowners is ongoing with a view to reaching agreement in principle on the most suitable site acquisition as soon as possible. The school patron will be appraised of developments in this respect and will be informed of the proposed permanent school location as soon as it is possible to do so.

I can assure the Deputy that the acquisition of a suitable site for the school is very active on 80 23 January 2018 the programme of site acquisitions and every effort is being made to secure the suitable site for the school as expeditiously as possible.

23/01/2018WRH03850School Patronage

23/01/2018WRH03900222. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received a report from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will schedule a meeting with the organisation regarding same. [3261/18]

23/01/2018WRH04000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence, including a report, from the group referred to by the Deputy and that a response issued on the 9th November 2017.

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and the Department’s own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.

As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for the South Kildare school planning areas is being kept under ongoing review by my Department to take account of updated data. It is anticipated that decisions based on the nationwide demographic exercises will be announced shortly.

With regard to demand for particular models of school provision, it should be noted that the patronage process for new schools is a separate process which has been in place since 2011. This process is run after it has been decided that a new school is required. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular school model and medium of instruction. Therefore, where, based on de- mographics, it might be indicated that a new school is required, it cannot be guaranteed that this would be a school under a particular type of patronage as this will be dependent to a large degree on parental preferences in the area at the time of a patronage process.

The patronage process has been in place since 2011 and is a fair, transparent and open process and it is open to all patrons to apply. In the context of the ongoing demographic exercises and in light of the process in place to decide who will operate any school(s) which may arise from these exercises, it would not be appropriate to meet with individual campaign groups.

My Department is aware that representatives of Educate Together and the Kildare and Wick- low Education and Training Board entered into discussions regarding a possible partnership to provide Educate Together second-level provision in the Newbridge area of South Kildare, where significant additional places are being delivered. I welcome this development and consider it a great example of constructive co-operation between patron bodies in order to provide greater choice and diversity to the education system.

81 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRH04100School Curriculum

23/01/2018WRH04200223. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the progress to date of his Department’s steering group that was set up to develop and oversee an implementation plan for leaving certificate computer science with a view to commence introduction in schools from September 2018; the group’s findings in terms of cost of infrastructure and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3269/18]

23/01/2018WRH04300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I am delighted to be able to introduce Computer Science as a new optional Leaving Certificate subject. A Computer Science Steering Group, chaired by my Department, has met on six occasions to date and is overseeing an implementation plan for the new specification. 40 schools have been selected for Phase 1 implementation of the new subject from September of this year. My Department’s Teacher Edu- cation support services will be working closely with these schools to prepare for the subject’s introduction.

One of the aims of the phase 1 implementation of the subject will be to assist in ascertaining the likely typical costs in schools of introducing the subject, including infrastructure and equipment costs, as well as the requirement for physical space needed to accommodate students, computers and group work. At this stage it is known that there are likely to be some one-off IT network-related funding requirement for schools. The National Council for Curriculum and As- sessment (NCCA) has also been identifying the likely minimum requirements for computers/ laptops for implementation of the new specification, in terms, for example, of processor size, memory capacity and storage. It is expected that the details of these likely costs will crystallise over the period ahead.

23/01/2018WRH04400School Curriculum

23/01/2018WRH04500224. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his plans to introduce computer coding at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3270/18]

23/01/2018WRH04600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is currently developing a new primary mathematics curriculum which will include elements of creative and computational thinking, which underpin coding and computer science. The NCCA will also be working with a network of schools during this school year to explore different approaches to integrating coding in the primary curriculum.

The Deputy may also be aware of developments regarding coding and computer science at post-primary level. I am introducing Computer Science as a new optional Leaving Certificate subject. 40 schools were selected for Phase 1 implementation of the new subject from Septem- ber of this year. At Junior Cycle, schools are now able at Junior Cycle to offer a coding short course as part of their junior cycle programme.

23/01/2018WRH04700Information and Communications Technology

23/01/2018WRH04800225. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the schools nationally that run voluntary coding programmes through initiatives such as an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3271/18]

23/01/2018WRH04900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department is aware 82 23 January 2018 that a large number of schools are running voluntary coding programmes through initiatives such as Coder Dojo (which has over 200 “dojos” in Ireland), Hour of Code, where over 200 events took place in Ireland, and the annual computer programming Olympiad held at Dublin City University.

However, decisions to participate in such initiatives are decided by individual schools and are not recorded by my Department.

My Department’s STEM Education Policy Statement and Implementation Plan, published in November 2017, highlights the importance of voluntary and informal programmes such as Coder Dojo and include actions to identify methods to more formally recognise student participation in such programmes. At Junior Cycle, it will be now be possible to record such participation as part of the ‘Other Areas of Learning’ section of the new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement. Schools are also now able at Junior Cycle to offer a coding short course as part of their junior cycle programme.

Currently my Department’s PDST Technology in Education service provides training for both primary and post primary teachers in ICT which includes ‘Scratch’ coding. Some 5,800 teachers received ICT training in 2016.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is currently developing a new primary mathematics curriculum which will include elements of creative and computational thinking, which underpin coding and computer science. The NCCA will also be working with a network of schools during this school year to explore different approaches to integrating coding in the primary curriculum.

Additionally, I am introducing Computer Science as an optional Leaving Certificate subject. 40 schools were selected for Phase 1 implementation of the new subject from September of this year.

23/01/2018WRH05000Junior Cycle Reform

23/01/2018WRH05100226. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has examined introducing computer science as a junior certificate subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3272/18]

23/01/2018WRH05200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The implementation of the new Junior Cycle which is well underway brings a renewed focus on ensuring that all students are engaged and making progress in accordance with their potential.

A short course on Coding developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assess- ment (NCCA) is available to schools to implement as part of their Junior Cycle programme. The course aims to develop the student’s ability to formulate problems logically, to design, write and test code, to develop games, apps, animations and websites and, through these learning activities, to learn about computer science.

In broader terms the design of the new Junior Cycle identifies eight skills that are key to learning in every area of Junior Cycle and beyond and which are embedded in the learning outcomes of every Junior Cycle subject. One of these key skills is ‘managing information and thinking’, elements of which include: gathering, recording, organising and evaluating information and data; thinking creatively and critically; and using digital technology to access, manage and share content. Other elements linked to creative and computational thinking are also detailed under additional key skills areas. 83 Questions - Written Answers The Deputy will be aware that I have accelerated plans to implement Computer Science as a new Leaving Certificate subject. Under the first phase of its introduction the new subject will be introduced to students in 40 schools from September of this year.

23/01/2018WRH05300School Curriculum

23/01/2018WRH05400227. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his views on whether the science curriculum is sufficient at primary school level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3273/18]

23/01/2018WRH05500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): At primary school level, the Social, Environmental and Scientific Education area of the curriculum which includes the Science Curriculum enables the child to learn and practice a wide range of skills and to acquire open, critical and responsible attitudes. The content of the Science curriculum is broken into four main strands /areas of learning: Living Things, Energy and Forces, Materials and Environ- mental Awareness and Care. The Science curriculum effectively allows for the evolving nature of the subject by having a programme which is not solely focused on acquiring knowledge and facts but rather promotes skill development. Pupils’ skills of working scientifically and designing and making are developed as work is completed on the four areas. Pupils are provided with opportunities to develop their higher-order skills by applying the knowledge and skills acquired to solving open-ended investigations and to design and make activities.

Therefore the Primary Science curriculum aims to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific and technological concepts through exploration, to develop a scientific approach to problem solving which emphasises understanding and constructive thinking, and to foster children’s natural curiosity.

Other additional opportunities to support pupils’ learning in Science through their involvement in STEM education initiatives in primary schools include: Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards; the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE); SciFest; Co- derDojo; Coolest Projects; RDS STEM Learning; LearnStorm; Smart Futures; and the Green Schools’ Programme.

My Department’s Action Plan for Education for 2016-2019 and the National Skills Strategy contain a clear commitment to supporting and developing Science, Technology, Engineer and Mathematics (STEM). My Department also published a new STEM Education Policy State- ment and Implementation Plan in November 2017. The Implementation Plan, which covers the period 2017-2019, contains a range of actions for primary education, including: providing guidance and support to newly qualified teachers to embed STEM into teaching, learning and assessment; commencing a school-based initiative on coding in primary schools to explore approaches to integrating coding in the primary curriculum; and providing advice and guidance to schools to facilitate teachers and schools working together to improve the quality of STEM teaching and learning.

Additionally, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is in the process of developing a new primary Mathematics curriculum which will include elements of creative and computational thinking, which underpin coding and computer science.

23/01/2018WRH05600Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

23/01/2018WRH05700228. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the reason 84 23 January 2018 the back-to-work family dividend cannot be regarded as a qualifying payment for the special rate of postgraduate grant as administered by SUSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3294/18]

23/01/2018WRH05800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Deputy will be aware that the Back to Work Family Dividend (BTWFD) is a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) payment. The scheme aims to help families to move from social welfare into employment. It is available to jobseekers and lone parents who take up or increase the level of their employment and is payable for up to 2 years only. The payment is not recognised as a long term payment for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme however, it is treated as an income disregard in the scheme and is therefore not included in the calculation of reckonable income.

The BTWFD can be paid with Family Income Supplement (FIS) which is an eligible payment for the special rate of grant.

The Deputy will be aware that additional funding of €4 million was secured in Budget 2017 to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants, from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. A further €3m was secured in Budget 2018.

Postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible for a maintenance grant of up to €5,915. The income threshold for this grant is €23,000. Qualifying postgraduate students may also be eligible to have their tuition fees paid up to a maximum fee limit of €6,270.

Alternatively a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of his/her fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2017/2018 academic year.

My Department also provides funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The fund is available in various publicly funded higher education institutions. The SAF provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. The SAF is open to full-time registered students on courses of not less than one year’s duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.

Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie.

23/01/2018WRH05900Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRH06000229. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his plans to provide replacement or new schools in Clongriffin, Dublin 13; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school population in this area is increasing rapidly; the stages at which these school building projects are listed on the school buildings programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3296/18]

23/01/2018WRH06100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I understand the Deputy is referring to two school projects in Belmayne. It is expected that a contract will be awarded in the first quarter of 2018 and work will commence on site. The construction period is 12 months with anticipated occupation of the permanent accommodation by the schools in Q1 2019. My officials have been in contact with the schools concerned recently to bring them up to date on 85 Questions - Written Answers these Developments.

23/01/2018WRJ00200Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRJ00300230. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if works at a school (details supplied) will be fully completed on time following the collapse of a company in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3324/18]

23/01/2018WRJ00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The school referred to by the Deputy is part of the current Schools Bundle 5 PPP programme. In respect of that programme, a contract exists between my Department and the Principal contractor, Inspiredspaces. Inspiredspaces is the name of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the programme.

23/01/2018WRJ00500School Patronage

23/01/2018WRJ00600231. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for his Department’s decision to limit the intake of a school (details supplied) to 13 students per annum; if this decision is in contradiction to his Department’s own conclusion regarding the school as outlined in the report on the pilot surveys regarding parental preferences on primary school patronage published in December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3387/18]

23/01/2018WRJ00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): As the Deputy may be aware, the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Pri- mary Sector recommended that demand for patronage diversity should be met in areas of stable population by divesting patronage of existing schools where there is evidence of parental demand for change.

In 2012/13, my Department undertook surveys of parental preferences in 44 areas of stable population to establish the level of demand for a wider choice in the patronage of primary schools. Sufficient demand emerged in 28 areas, including the area referred to by the Deputy, and intensive consultations followed with the main Catholic patrons in each of these areas to discuss divesting options.

It is important that school size is monitored and that a balance is preserved among all schools in school planning areas to ensure that one school is not expanding at the expense of another school, particularly in areas of stable population where there is no requirement for additional places.

86 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRJ00800Combatting Cyberbullying

23/01/2018WRJ00900232. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Par- liamentary Question No. 38 of 28 November 2017, if the issue of loot boxes and other in app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age can be included in the discussions his departmental officials have undertaken or will undertake in relation to the protection of children online from a cross governmental perspective. [3393/18]

23/01/2018WRJ01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Policy responsibility for the issue of the regulation of loot boxes and other in app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age is not within the remit of my Department.

23/01/2018WRJ01100Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRJ01200233. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3402/18]

23/01/2018WRJ01300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): For the Deputy’s information, under the Public Service Reform Plan, a number of bodies under the remit of my Depart- ment were identified for rationalization, re-configuration or merger as follows;

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology and Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences were merged in March 2012 to form the Irish Re- search Council (IRC), which is a sub-board of the Higher Education Authority.

Under the provisions of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Train- ing) Act 2012, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Higher Education Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Further Education Training Awards Council (FE- TAC) were amalgamated to form Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

Under the provisions of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013, 16 Education and Training Boards have replaced 33 Vocational Education Committees.

The Students Grants Appeals Board was established on 7th September 2011 in line with Section 25(5) of the Student Support Act, 2011. The Student Grants Appeals Board is an independent statutory body which considers appeals against decisions made by the Appeals Officers in Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and other awarding authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of the Student Support Act 2011.

Following the enactment of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012, the Edu- cation Finance Board was dissolved in March 2013 and the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board (Caranua) has been established.

The Educational Research Centre was established as an agency of the Department on 9th September 2012 under the Educational Research Centre Establishment Order, 2015. The Cen- tre carries out independent research on many aspects of education including the conduct of national and international assessments of attainment and achievements, the evaluation of initiatives and programmes and critical analysis of issues in education.

87 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRJ01400Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRJ01500234. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3419/18]

23/01/2018WRJ01600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The information requested by the Deputy with regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for each agency and is not collated centrally. Information details of agencies under the remit of my De- partment are available on the Department’s website at www.education.ie.

23/01/2018WRJ01700Schools Building Projects Status

23/01/2018WRJ01800235. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact of the collapse of a company (details supplied) on the opening of schools in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3435/18]

23/01/2018WRJ01900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The schools referred to by the Deputy form part of the current Schools Bundle 5 PPP programme. In respect of that programme, a contract exists between my Department and the Principal contractor, Inspiredspaces. Inspiredspaces is the name of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the programme.

It is important to note that Inspiredspaces remains in place as the SPV responsible for delivery of Schools Bundle 5. The other 50% shareholder in the SPV is the Dutch Infrastructure Fund, DIF.

23/01/2018WRJ02000Public Private Partnerships

23/01/2018WRJ02100236. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the contracts with subcontractors and service level agreements impacted by the collapse of a company (details supplied) working on projects, by school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3436/18]

23/01/2018WRJ02200237. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the quantum of payments to Irish registered contractors that will be impacted by the collapse of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3437/18]

23/01/2018WRJ02300238. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to put in place a mechanism to ensure that subcontractors working on projects related to the construction of schools impacted by the collapse of a company (details supplied) will be compensated in case that payments due to these contractors are not made; and if his Department will provide funding for such a programme. [3438/18] 88 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRJ02400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, together.

Building projects under the PPP programme are a complex arrangement of contractual relationships between the client, the main contractor, specialist sub-contractors, domestic sub- contractors, supplier of materials, suppliers of plant etc.

In the case of the Schools Bundle 5 programme a contract (called a project agreement) exists between my Department and the Principal contractor, Inspiredspaces. Inspiredspaces is the name of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the programme.

Sub-contractors on the project are employed by Inspiredspaces in that respect or indirectly by Inspiredspaces through other sub-contractors. It is a matter for all sub-contractors to agree terms and conditions and a schedule of payments with Inspiredspaces as their direct employer.

The company referred to by the Deputy has been a 50% shareholder in InspiredSpaces. However, it is important to note that Inspiredspaces remains in place as the SPV responsible for delivery of Schools Bundle 5. The other 50% shareholder in the SPV is the Dutch Infrastruc- ture Fund (DIF).

The National Development Finance Agency manages the Project Agreement with Inspired- spaces on the Department’s behalf. It is currently engaging with DIF in relation to next steps. Every effort is being made to ensure delivery of the schools in as timely a manner as possible in that context.

The enforcement of contractual rights is a matter for individual suppliers. As such the De- partment has no authority to intervene.

23/01/2018WRJ02700Migrant Integration

23/01/2018WRJ02800239. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the research contained in ‘Roma in Ireland: a needs assessment’ (details supplied) regarding the Roma community’s experience in the education system; the action he will take to improve the Roma community’s experience and educational achievements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3462/18]

23/01/2018WRJ02900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): I am aware of the recently launched research Roma in Ireland: a needs assessment. My Department was consulted during the research process and assisted with the drafting of the report.

I note the positive impacts of education on the lives of Roma identified in the report, in addition to the considerable challenges which exist in terms of engagement with education for this group.

The education of Roma is one of a number of policy areas included in two new national strategies published in 2017 by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality in 2017. The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion strategy and the Migrant Integration Strategy both have specific education related actions. Officials from my Department contributed extensively to the development of these actions and are represented on the monitoring and implementation groups for both strategies to ensure their delivery. The Roma Needs Assessment report will be an important source of information in the implementation of the strategies.

In terms of the education-related recommendations arising from the research, the Deputy 89 Questions - Written Answers may be aware that those in relation to early years’ education and school attendance come within the policy remit of my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Back-to school costs for school-age children are provided to eligible applicants by my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. My Department provides funding to schools to assist with the purchase of school books. My Department also works closely with Tusla to assist with its efforts to improve school attendance, retention and progression for all children including Roma. Modules on diversity and interculturalism are already compulsory components of teacher training, as is the requirement for schools to develop and publish anti-bullying policies.

My Department supports an inclusive education system and additional resources are allocated on the basis of identified individual educational need rather than that of ethnic or cultural background.

23/01/2018WRJ03000Minor Works Scheme

23/01/2018WRJ03100240. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills when primary schools across the country will be notified of their allocations due pursuant to the minor works grant scheme in order that they can undertake works; when a school (details supplied) will be notified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3486/18]

23/01/2018WRJ03200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Minor Works Grant in respect of the school year 2017/2018 was paid to all primary schools including the school referred to by the Deputy on 12 December 2017.

23/01/2018WRJ03300Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRJ03400241. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of offences committed in respect of illegally parking in a disabled parking bay in each of the past five years by area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/18]

23/01/2018WRJ03500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I have requested the statistics sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of this information.

23/01/2018WRJ03600UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRJ03700242. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for ratification of the UN Convention of the Rights for Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2972/18]

23/01/2018WRJ03800Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Finian McGrath): Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met.

As you will be aware, Government, at a meeting last month, agreed to ratify the Conven- tion. The next step will be for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to bring forward a Memorandum for Government on the formal ratification process which will happen 90 23 January 2018 in the coming weeks. The Attorney General has advised that a Dáil resolution will be required in the context of a charge upon public funds arising from the ratification of the convention. This will be a welcome opportunity for debate in the House on the position of people with disabilities in our society and the importance of this convention.

The Government also approved the publication of draft legislation relating to deprivation of liberty for public consultation. The draft legislative provisions outline proposed safeguards for older people, persons with a disability and certain categories of people with mental health issues to ensure that they are not unlawfully deprived of their liberty in residential facilities.

Deprivation of liberty is a sensitive and important matter which goes to the heart of fundamental freedoms and human rights. Legislative proposals in this area will have significant implications for families, the operation of the health services and the courts. It is important that people fully understand what is being proposed. For this reason, Minister Harris and I are inviting submissions from stakeholders and the general public by way of public consultation up until March before these are finalised for drafting.

This Government is making good progress with regard to making the Convention’s requirements operational in Ireland in an appropriate and timely manner. Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s full implementation of the Convention as set out in the 2015 roadmap.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform on the law of decision–making capacity. Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 was reformed through a 2017 Act of the same name to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights.

There are two further priority implementation issues: these are the enactment of the Dis- ability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 and the commencement of the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act 2015 which requires the Decision Support Service to be operational and ready to roll out the new –decision making support options. The 2018 Budget has provided an allocation of €3 million for the establishment of the Decision Support Service.

Finally, I am continuing to take a wide range of practical measures to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Report of the ‘Make Work Pay Group’ was published in April of last year and already action, as announced by Minister Harris has been taken on its recommendations.

We have a Comprehensive Employment Strategy in place and 2017 saw positive action measures being taken to support public service recruitment of people with disabilities. I also published the Disability Inclusion Strategy in July of last year containing a wide range of practical commitments to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

23/01/2018WRJ03900Public Sector Pensions

23/01/2018WRJ04000243. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when personal superannuation fund statements for 2015 and 2016 as provided for under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 are required to be issued to prison officers recruited since 2012; when they will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2769/18]

23/01/2018WRJ04100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can inform the Deputy 91 Questions - Written Answers that the new Single Public Service Pension Scheme (“Single Scheme”) commenced with effect from 1 January 2013. All new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after 1 January 2013 are, in general members of the Single Scheme.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform-led project entails, as part of the next phase, the building of a Single Scheme Databank that will hold key data centrally. This will be complemented by the Shared Services Centres and Human Resources areas which will continue to have a critical role in providing payroll and other information. The last phase of this project will involve designing the long-term solution so all relevant authorities including the Irish Prison Service are compliant with all legal requirements of this new scheme.

I am advised that the Irish Prison Service will issue Benefit Statements when the project as outlined above has progressed to roll out phase.

23/01/2018WRJ04200Garda Station Opening Hours

23/01/2018WRJ04300244. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of Garda stations that are opened on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2781/18]

23/01/2018WRJ04400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for operational decisions in respect of the effective and efficient use of resources available to An Garda Síochána including the opening hours of Garda stations and I, as Minister, have no role in relation to the matter.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.

23/01/2018WRJ04500Garda Deployment

23/01/2018WRJ04600245. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a report into the circumstances surrounding the transfer of a garda to County Donegal following the arrest of an employee of the Department of the Taoiseach will be commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2783/18]

23/01/2018WRJ04700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am aware of media reports concerning the purported transfer of a Garda as referred to in the Deputy’s question. 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 role in the matter. It is, correctly, a matter entirely for the Garda Commissioner.

The Deputy may be aware that I had previously referred aspects of the events to which the Deputy refers to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission for investigation. GSOC is a statutorily independent body and it is not open to me to interfere, intervene or comment on matters before that body. I will, however, arrange to have the media reports brought to GSOC’s attention for their consideration of whether it is relevant to their investigation.

23/01/2018WRJ04800Tribunals of Inquiry Data

23/01/2018WRJ04900246. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of

92 23 January 2018 staff serving on the unit within An Garda Síochána known as the Charleton liaison unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2807/18]

23/01/2018WRJ05000247. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff serving on the unit within An Garda Síochána known as the Charleton liaison unit that are retired members of the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/18]

23/01/2018WRJ05100248. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff serving on the unit within An Garda Síochána known as the Charleton liaison unit that were appointed to the position by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2806/18]

23/01/2018WRJ05200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 246 to 248, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Garda Commissioner who has statutory responsibility to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, the putting in place of the internal structures to service the Disclosures Tribunal referred to was a matter for the Commissioner without a direct role for the Minister. I am advised that it would be proper for me as Minister to prescribe the approach which is taken by An Garda Síochána towards the Tribunal.

On a general note I would reiterate that the Government has been anxious to ensure that the Tribunal receives the greatest degree of assistance possible from all parties, not least An Garda Síochána. To that end the Government has sought to ensure that the required resources are at the disposal of An Garda Síochána to service the Tribunal in a timely and effective manner.

I am advised that the Disclosure Tribunal Co-ordination Office is currently staffed by two fulltime members of An Garda Síochána, one appointed by the former Garda Commissioner and one by the current Acting Commissioner. There are also a number of additional personnel facilitating the work of the coordination office on an ad hoc basis as requirements dictate. Liai- son persons have been nominated from relevant sections/regions to deal with specific requests from the Tribunal. I am further advised that the Disclosures Tribunal Coordination Office will assist any member of An Garda Síochána, serving and retired, irrespective of rank in relation to the Disclosures Tribunal.

Early last year the former Commissioner identified a need for the re-engagement of a small number of retired persons to meet the needs of the Tribunal and my Department approved this in February, subject to formal sanction, which was conveyed by the Department of Public Ex- penditure and Reform on 5 May. The Tribunal commenced its work in February.

The formal sanction provided for the engagement of three persons (i.e. two retired members of An Garda Síochána and one civilian) for up to nine months for the purposes of servicing the Tribunal. I am advised that the services of two retired senior members of An Garda Síochána (one retired Assistant Commissioner and one retired Chief Superintendent) were engaged initially for a period of six months and then for a further period of three months to 30 November 2017 in accordance with the formal sanction. I understand that both former officers concerned have now left their posts in compliance with the sanction. There are no retired members currently employed with the Disclosure Tribunal Co-ordination Office.

For completeness I would remind the Deputy that the Commissioner made a report to me under section 41(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 on 27 November last. The report forwarded a document that detailed concerns in relation to the operation of the Tribunal Co-ordination Office.

93 Questions - Written Answers This matter is something I treat with the utmost seriousness and in that regard I instructed that the contents of the report be referred to the Tribunal. That was done on 29 November last. The report was also referred to the Office of the Attorney General in order to seek advice in relation to the matters contained in the document and the appropriate course of action.

I wrote to the Commissioner and requested a report under section 41(2) of the 2005 Garda Act 2005 addressing all of the issues raised in the document in so far as it relates to An Garda Síochána and the Commissioner’s responsibilities. In late December, the Commissioner’s interim response was forwarded to my Department. This response does not articulate any concerns in relation to the establishment, staffing or operation of the Disclosures Tribunal Liaison Office. I have however, sought further detail from the Commissioner to allow my Department to assess, independently, the material points contained in document in relation to matters within the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.

23/01/2018WRJ05500Courts Service Properties

23/01/2018WRJ05600249. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received a formal request from a community based organisation (details supplied) regarding proposals to occupy and utilise a disused property for the purpose of delivering its programmes and services; if consideration will be given to such a venture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2795/18]

23/01/2018WRJ05700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): 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 it is not aware of a request from the organisation concerned for the use of the old courthouse building in Letterkenny. The Courts Service in Let- terkenny has recently relocated to the newly constructed Letterkenny Courthouse on High Road and the old courthouse building is being returned to Donegal County Council, the owners the building, in the near future. The future use of the building will therefore be a matter for Done- gal County Council.

Abbey Theatre

23/01/2018WRK00200Asylum Applications Data

23/01/2018WRK00300250. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers given leave to remain here on humanitarian grounds in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2816/18]

23/01/2018WRK00400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the information sought by the Deputy is included in the table.

The number for 2017 is influenced by the introduction of the new International Protection Act which required significant changes to procedures as well as the introduction of the transition provisions of the Act which required a significant number of cases to revert for processing 94 23 January 2018 to the International Protection Office. All of this impacted on the number of cases brought to finality. With the new procedures bedded down the rate of processing is expected to increase significantly in 2018 and beyond.

Year Leave to Remain 2016 465 2017 163 Total 628

23/01/2018WRK00500Deportation Orders Data

23/01/2018WRK00600251. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportation orders issued in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2817/18]

23/01/2018WRK00700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the information requested by the Deputy is as set out as follows.

The statutory criteria which must be considered in relation to a decision to make a deportation order under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 include national security and public policy, the character and conduct of the person concerned and the common good. In determining whether to make a deportation order, in addition to the factors set out in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, I must also consider all relevant constitutional and international human rights arising including those enshrined in the Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture and the European Charter of Human Rights. The question of not returning a person to a place where certain fundamental rights would be breached (or non refoulement as it is referred to) is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order. This involves consideration of whether returning the person would result in the life or freedom of that person being threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or whether the person would be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

A deportation order requires the person concerned to remove themselves from the State and it is only where they fail to do so that the State is forced to remove them and enforce the rule of law.

It is to be noted that the enforcement of deportation orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

The total number of Deportations Orders issued in 2017 was 931.

23/01/2018WRK00800Deportation Orders Data

23/01/2018WRK00900252. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportation orders enforced in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2818/18]

23/01/2018WRK01000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the information requested by the Deputy is as set out as follows.

The statutory criteria which must be considered in relation to a decision to make a deportation order under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 include national security and public

95 Questions - Written Answers policy, the character and conduct of the person concerned and the common good. In determining whether to make a deportation order, in addition to the factors set out in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, I must also consider all relevant constitutional and international human rights arising including those enshrined in the Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture and the European Charter of Human Rights. The question of not returning a person to a place where certain fundamental rights would be breached (or non refoulement as it is referred to) is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order. This involves consideration of whether returning the person would result in the life or freedom of that person being threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or whether the person would be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

A deportation order requires the person concerned to remove themselves from the State and it is only where they fail to do so that the State is forced to remove them and enforce the rule of law.

It is to be noted that the enforcement of deportation orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). However, I can inform the Deputy that the total number of Deportations Orders enforced in 2017 was 140.

23/01/2018WRK01100Asylum Applications Data

23/01/2018WRK01200253. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers granted international protection status in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2819/18]

23/01/2018WRK01300254. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications from asylum seekers for international protection in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2820/18]

23/01/2018WRK01400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

The term International Protection Status encompasses both Refugee Status and Subsidiary Protection Status. In 2017, 668 people were granted Refugee Status and 98 were granted Sub- sidiary Protection Status. This gives a total of 766 persons granted International Protection Status in 2017.

There were 2,930 applications for international protection made in 2017. Of these applications, some 524 were transferred to the State from Greece under the EU Relocation Pro- gramme. Please note that these are provisional figures. The top five nationalities seeking international protection in 2017 (excluding the EU Relocation Programme) were Georgia, Albania, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Nigeria.

23/01/2018WRK01600Irish Prison Service

23/01/2018WRK01700255. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of requests made by the Prison Service for an armed garda escort for prison transfers in 2017; the number of those requests that were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2846/18]

23/01/2018WRK01800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I wish to advise the Dep- 96 23 January 2018 uty that the Irish Prison Service (IPS) made 740 requests for an armed garda escort to facilitate high security prison transfers in 2017. Of this total 289 requests were refused and 434 requests were approved. The remaining 17 applications were cancelled for various reasons.

Prison Management make a request for an armed escort based on a risk assessment of a prisoner due to be escorted outside the prison. Armed garda escorts are requested for prisoners who are deemed to warrant such an escort.

Finally I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that An Garda Síochána has full discretion on whether or not to provide an armed escort to individual prisoners.

23/01/2018WRK01900Human Trafficking

23/01/2018WRK02000256. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he is taking to ensure that modern slave labour or human trafficking does not form part of the supply chain of a company trading here. [2855/18]

23/01/2018WRK02100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): In today’s globalised world, supply chains are characterised by ever greater complexity, which calls for greater vigi- lance on the part of companies, supported by government action where necessary and appropriate. Human trafficking and forced labour can exist in supply chains, in Ireland, or in the overseas supply chains of companies operating here.

Human trafficking is an offence under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, which provides for up to life imprisonment and an unlimited fine. That legislation includes the offence of trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation. The Act defines trafficking broadly, to include both recruitment and the provision of employment in situations of exploitation. The Act includes provisions in respect of extra-territorial jurisdiction.

With regard to workplaces in Ireland, the Workplace Relations Commission is an independent, statutory body, responsible for the inspection of employment rights compliance and the provision of information to employees and the regulation and licensing of recruitment agencies. Inspectors notify an Garda Síochána where there is a concern in relation to human trafficking.

In addition to the deterrent effect of the law, I believe that consumer and investor demand are leading to greater awareness amongst companies of the need for human rights compliance in their supply chains. This includes ensuring trafficked labour does not form part of the chain, whether in Ireland or overseas. The Government supports this work in a number of ways across different Departments and Agencies.

The Department of Justice and Equality, under the Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland, keeps under review the adequacy of all measures aimed at the protection of individuals from labour exploitation. In formulating the Second Na- tional Action Plan, the Department engaged with trade unions and employers’ representative bodies, and will continue to do so with a view to strengthening their preventative role against trafficking and forced labour.

My Department will also work with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation as lead Department, to enable ratification of Optional Protocol No. 29 to the Forced Labour Convention of the International Labour Organisation. That Protocol further strengthens the international legal framework against forced labour, including by supporting due diligence by public and private sectors to prevent and respond to risks of forced or compulsory labour.

97 Questions - Written Answers There are a range of other initiatives supported by Government to address the root causes of trafficking and forced labour in supply chains.

Ireland’s National Action Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility, which is being taken forward by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, includes the promotion of guidance and best practice initiatives relating to sustainable supply chain policies.

Ireland’s National Plan on Business and Human Rights 2017-2020, recently launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aims to give effect to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It includes in its initial priorities for the Implementation Group, the encouragement and facilitation of the sharing of best practice on human rights due diligence, including effective supply chain audits.

Finally, as regards public procurement, various EU Directives which have been transposed into Irish law contain specific provisions excluding tenderers who are guilty of certain human rights infringements, including trafficking in human beings, from participating in public procurement.

23/01/2018WRK02200Garda Compensation

23/01/2018WRK02300257. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will have a decision in regard to their application for compensation in view of the time that has elapsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2859/18]

23/01/2018WRK02400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 and 1945 provide for a scheme of compensation for members of An Garda Síochána who are maliciously injured in the course of their duty or in relation to the performance of their duties as members of An Garda Síochána and for the dependants of members who have died from injuries maliciously inflicted on them.

Under the Acts, I as Minister, have the responsibility to approve or refuse applications for compensation, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the legislation. This assessment is discharged by designated officials of my Department. Before deciding if an applicant should be authorised to apply to the High Court for compensation in respect of the injury, all medical reports submitted by the applicant, together with a report on the incident by the Garda Commissioner and a report on the injury by the Garda Chief Medical Officer are examined. Depending on the details of any particular case, this process may take a considerable amount of time.

The necessary reports in relation to this member’s application were received in my Depart- ment on 8 November 2017. My Department informed the member’s solicitors on 16 November, 2017 that it was proposed to recommend a refusal of this application, but before a final decision is made in the matter, the solicitors have been given an opportunity to forward a further submission and medical reports on the matter.

Once a further submission is to hand, the application will be considered in line with the terms of the above named Acts. A final decision will be reached and the member’s solicitors will be informed of the outcome.

23/01/2018WRK02500Naturalisation Applications

23/01/2018WRK02600258. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of 98 23 January 2018 an application by a person (details supplied). [2888/18]

23/01/2018WRK02700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an acknowledgement to the request referred to by the Deputy was issued by Unit 2 - Residence Division on 20 Novem- ber 2017.

This request is currently receiving attention and Unit 2 should be in a position to write to the person concerned very shortly.

All requests received by Unit 2 - Residence Division are dealt with in chronological order and due to the large volume received, it is not possible to give a specific timeframe for a decision on this particular request.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

23/01/2018WRK02800Irish Prison Service

23/01/2018WRK02900259. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of children born to women in custody in prisons in 2017. [3013/18]

23/01/2018WRK03000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Irish Prison Service has advised that 4 children were born to women in custody during 2017.

23/01/2018WRK03100Asylum Applications

23/01/2018WRK03200260. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the avenues available to an Afghan refugee who is also an unaccompanied minor, and is currently in Greece and cannot return to Afghanistan for fear of being murdered on grounds of their religious and sexual orientation to seek asylum here. [3021/18]

23/01/2018WRK03300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I refer the Deputy to the response provided to question (PQ Ref No. 2580/18) on 18 January, 2018 which sets out the position. In summary, a person in Greece who wishes to seek asylum should apply for Interna- tional Protection to the Greek authorities.

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in South- ern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from areas of conflict in the Middle East and Africa. Ireland is the only EU country that specifically chose to voluntarily opt in to participate in the EU relocation programme and the IRPP was the body responsible for delivering on our commitments in that regard. While the EU relocation programme ran until September 2017, Ireland continues to transfer asylum seekers from Greece who have been approved and who fall within an eligible nationality. Under the provisions of the EU relocation programme, persons considered for relocation had to be from countries with an EU-wide recognition rate for international protection of at least 75%. As Afghanistan did not meet this criterion, persons from there would not have been eligible for transfer to any other EU Member State, including 99 Questions - Written Answers Ireland, under the relocation programme.

In common with other EU Member States, Ireland is not in a position to accept direct requests for asylum from individuals in another state.

23/01/2018WRK03400Citizenship Applications

23/01/2018WRK03500261. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the length of residency affects the cost of applying for citizenship; if there are fee waiver schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3103/18]

23/01/2018WRK03600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): It is open to any individual who may wish to become an Irish citizen to lodge an application for citizenship through naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions for naturalisation as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie.

The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil.

There is no provision in the Regulations for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees, or for differing fees to apply to different nationalities, or based on length of residency. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act are kept under on-going review by my Department; however, there are no plans to amend the fees.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.

23/01/2018WRK03700Immigrant Investor Programme Data

23/01/2018WRK03800262. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and value of immigrant investor programme applications for social housing investment and nursing home investment in 2017; his plans to review thresholds to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3112/18]

23/01/2018WRK03900263. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and value of immigrant investor programme applications per annum since 2012 under each investment option; his plans to review thresholds to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3113/18]

23/01/2018WRK04000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- 100 23 January 2018 tions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced by the Government in April 2012 to encourage inward investment so as to create business and employment opportunities in the State.

The programme provides investors with the opportunity to invest in Ireland. Key to the programme is that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest. In that context, where applications for social housing investment or nursing home investment related projects are submitted they are evaluated against these criteria and approval granted where the criteria are met.

In 2017, applications to the value of €45 million have been received in respect of social housing projects while applications valued at €95 million have been received in respect of nursing home developments. These applications are at various stages of processing.

Overall, in 2015, the number of applications received was 67, this increased to 317 in 2016, an almost 500% increase. This rate of applications continued in 2017, with 334 applications received, despite the investment threshold being returned to the original level of €1 million. Given this fact, I have no plans to review the thresholds to the programme at this time; however, I am keeping the programme under review.

A breakdown of the number and value of immigrant investor programme applications per annum under each investment option is as follows:

Year Endowment Enterprise Mixed Invest- Bond Other ment 2012 2 (€1.0m) 3 (€3.0m) - - - 2013 2 (€1.0m) 9 (€4.5m) 7 (€ 5.25m ) 2 (€2.0m) - 2014 - 26 (€13.0m ) 3 (€2.25m) 1 (€1.0m ) - 2015 1 (€0.5m) 56 (€28.0m) 4 (€3.0m) 3 (€3.0m ) 3 (€1.5m) Fund 2016 5 (€2.0m) 249 (€124.5m) 28 (€21.0m) 10 (€10.0m) 24 (€24.0m) Fund1 (€2.0m) REIT 2017 46(€19.2m) 261(€261.0m) - - 26(€26.0m) Fund 1 (€2.0m) REIT

23/01/2018WRK04200Visa Applications

23/01/2018WRK04300264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a holiday visa can be extended in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3123/18]

23/01/2018WRK04400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy has not submitted an application for an extension of visitor permission.

It should be noted that it is not the general policy of INIS to extend visitor permission in the State. This applies to both visa and non-visa required nationals. It is only in cases where the person’s circumstances have changed since the grant of the visa or entry to the State that an application for an extension of visitor’s permission would be considered.

Further information can be found on the INIS website at http://inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Ex

101 Questions - Written Answers tension+of+Visitor+Permission+in+the+State

Per the above if the applicant wishes to apply they should make a written application to:

Extension of Visitors Permission

Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service

PO Box 12695

Dublin 2

In order to ensure efficient processing the person concerned must include the following in their application:

1. A full copy of the person’s current passport showing how they entered the State and the entry stamp

2. A detailed account of the reason for the request including documentary supporting evidence e.g. medical reports

3. How much extra time is required?

4. Any family members resident in the State and their current circumstances i.e. studying or working

5. Any other information you would consider important to your application

6. Evidence of private medical insurance (if request on medical grounds)

7. Contact telephone number and contact e-mail address.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

23/01/2018WRK04500Money Laundering

23/01/2018WRK04600265. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that have been taken on foot of EU directive EU 2015/849. [2587/18]

23/01/2018WRK04700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2018, which will transpose most provisions of Directive 2015/849/EU (the Fourth EU Money Laundering Directive) has been prepared by my Department and the Office of the Attorney General, in consultation with relevant Departments and agencies. That Bill is in the final stages of drafting and is expected to be published shortly.

The Department of Finance is engaged in transposing Articles 30 and 31 of the Directive, which require each Member State to establish central registers of beneficial ownership information for corporates and other legal entities (companies) and for trusts which generate tax con- sequences. The provisions of these articles are currently being transposed by way of statutory

102 23 January 2018 instruments and are at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that these will be largely concluded by the end of March 2018.

23/01/2018WRK04800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRK04900266. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the contracts his De- partment or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3150/18]

23/01/2018WRK05000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I can confirm that my officials have reviewed the financial records of the Department of Justice and Equality Vote since 2012 to date and I have been advised that no contracts have been awarded to the company in question.

I have requested that the relevant bodies and agencies under the remit of my Department contact the Deputy directly in the event that any such contracts exist within their specific areas of responsibility.

23/01/2018WRK05100Garda Expenditure

23/01/2018WRK05200267. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding allocated to Garda information and communication technology under the capital plan 2016 to 2021; the amount spent in 2016 and 2017 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3192/18]

23/01/2018WRK05300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will be aware, the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including the procurement of ICT products and services, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, and I as Minister, have no role in the matter.

Some €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Sío- chána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the detail in the Deputy’s question and I will provide the information requested when that report is to hand.

23/01/2018WRK05400Irish Prison Service

23/01/2018WRK05500268. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding allocated to the Prison Service under the capital plan 2016 to 2021; the amount spent in 2016 and 2017 respectively; the breakdown of the expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3193/18]

23/01/2018WRK05600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I wish to inform the Deputy that the total capital provision for the Justice Sector over the remaining four year period of the existing Capital Plan is €822 million after technical adjustments for transfer of functions and reclassification of expenditure between current and capital.

103 Questions - Written Answers The final breakdown of the capital allocation across the individual votes in the Justice sector over the remaining four years of the period of the Plan to 2021 will depend on priorities and the progress made on the various projects across the sector. However, it is likely that the capital budget for the Prisons vote will be in the region of €120 million.

This will enable continued investment in the Prisons Building Programme including the construction commencing in 2018 of a new modern wing in Limerick Prison with in-cell sanita- tion and a dedicated stand-alone female prison for the Munster region.

The Prisons Service has spent €21.5 million in 2016 and €22.8 million in 2017 in capital expenditure. The expenditure broadly relates to the Prison Building Programme (2016 €18.7 million, 2017 €19.2 million), ICT (2016 €1.3 million, 2017 €1.5 million) and the Transport Fleet (2016 €1.5 million, 2017 €2.1 million).

23/01/2018WRK05700Courts Service

23/01/2018WRK05800269. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding allocated to the Courts Service under the capital plan 2016 to 2021; the breakdown of the amount spent in 2016 and 2017 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3194/18]

23/01/2018WRK05900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The total capital provision for the Justice Sector over the remaining four year period of the existing Capital Plan is €822 million after technical adjustments for transfer of functions and reclassification of expenditure between current and capital.

The final breakdown of the capital allocation across the individual votes in the Justice sector over the remainder of the period of the Plan to 2021 will depend on priorities and the progress made on the various projects across the sector. However, it is likely that the capital budget for the Courts vote will be in the region of €214 million.

This will enable continued investment in the ICT and Courthouse Capital Programmes as well as the annual repayments for the Criminal Courts of Justice and Regional Building Projects which are being delivered under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

The Courts Vote incurred total capital expenditure of €36.3 million and €54.4 million in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Expenditure on the ICT programme was €9 million in 2016 and almost €10 million in 2017. The Courthouse capital expenditure was in the region of €4 million for each of the years; the unitary charge payments in relation to PPP for the Criminal Courts of Justice were in the region of €23 million in 2016 and just over €22 million in 2017.

The capital expenditure in relation to the Courts Regional Building PPP Projects commenced in 2017 and totalled almost €18.5 million including an up-front vat payment to the Revenue Commissioners.

23/01/2018WRL00200Garda Divisional Headquarters

23/01/2018WRL00300270. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding provided under the capital plan 2016 to 2021 for construction of the divisional headquarters at Kevin Street, Dublin 8; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on 104 23 January 2018 the matter. [3195/18]

23/01/2018WRL00400271. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding provided under the capital plan 2016 to 2021 for construction of the divisional headquarters in County Wexford; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3196/18]

23/01/2018WRL00500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 270 and 271 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the Deputy’s question and I will provide the information requested when that report is to hand.

23/01/2018WRL00700Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory

23/01/2018WRL00800272. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding provided under the capital plan 2016 to 2021 for the construction of the forensic science laboratory in County Kildare; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3197/18]

23/01/2018WRL00900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The construction of the new Forensic Science Laboratory is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department.

In the region of €1.33 million has been spent to date on a package of enabling works at the Backweston site.

I am pleased that significant financial provision has been made for the completion of the laboratory. However, the Deputy can appreciate that the cost of construction and fit-out will only be known once the tendering process is complete.

The submission date for tenders for the main construction works has recently been deferred as, owing to the complexity of the project and recent changes in international Forensic Labora- tory Standards, it will be necessary to add further material to the tender documentation.

Forensic Science Ireland and the Project Design Team are currently examining the issues involved which relate primarily to laboratory interior finishes and mechanical and electrical adjustments. The relevant contractors have been apprised of the situation and the objective is to progress the tender competition as soon as possible.

There will be substantial construction work carried out over the next two years or so and I would expect the new laboratory to be ready in early 2021.

23/01/2018WRL01000Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRL01100273. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 138 of 21 March 2017, 469 of 26 July 2017, 556 of 7 November

105 Questions - Written Answers 2017 and 115 of 13 December 2017, if the Garda report is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3229/18]

23/01/2018WRL01200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): A report has again been requested from the Garda authorities in relation to statistics on drivers detected with blood alcohol content levels of between 50mg and 80mg for the years in question and I can assure the Deputy that I will provide this information directly on receipt of a Garda report.

23/01/2018WRL01300Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRL01400274. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that failed to pay a fixed penalty notice (FPN) for drink driving offences within the time limit in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the number of manual summonses for court appearance that were issued by An Garda Síochána for the non-payment of a drink driving FPN in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3230/18]

23/01/2018WRL01500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I have requested the statistics sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of this information.

23/01/2018WRL01600Road Safety Strategy

23/01/2018WRL01700275. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the detail of information in the recent Crowe Horwath report in which it stated that 6,881 manual summonses for court appearance for non-payment of fixed penalty notices were not issued by An Garda Síochána; the number of those 6,881 that were unissued for the non-payment of a drink driving fixed penalty notice; the implications for the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3231/18]

23/01/2018WRL01800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I have already put on record my deep concern regarding the serious failures of An Garda Síohána in relation to the fixed charge notice offence/road traffic summons issues that came to light last year.

The road traffic enforcement function performed by An Garda Síochána is one of its key functions and, together with my officials, I will continue to maintain ongoing, close contact with An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority in relation to the matters referred to in the Deputy’s question, and I welcome the continuing oversight of the Policing Authority in this respect.

In the meantime, the Government’s priority, and that of An Garda Síochána, is the continu- ation of effective road safety enforcement. 2017 witnessed the lowest number of road traffic fatalities in Ireland (159) since statistics were first recorded almost 60 years ago. This Govern- ment has put in place significant Garda resources, both human and financial, but, as the Policing Authority has emphasised, cultural change within An Garda Síochána is of critical importance.

The Road Safety Authority published its mid-term evaluation of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 earlier this month, and the consensus of all stakeholders involved in the evaluation was that the focus must be on the main killer behaviours on Irish roads. 22 new actions were drawn up, including 12 key actions for priority implementation, which include the extension of the Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) System and an increase in penalties associated with a number of road traffic offences, such as speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt use. As such, the op-

106 23 January 2018 eration of an effective FCN system continues to be a central tenet of road traffic enforcement and, by extension, national road safety.

I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistical information sought by the Deputy and I will be in contact directly with the Deputy immediately on receipt of a Garda report.

23/01/2018WRL01900Garda Operations

23/01/2018WRL02000276. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the control measures which have been put in place by An Garda Síochána to ensure that the practice of non- issuance of manual summonses for fixed charge notices and fixed penalty notices has ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3232/18]

23/01/2018WRL02100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy is aware that An Garda Síochána carried out internal examinations into (i) a range of issues relating to Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) and road traffic summonses and (ii) the recording of breath tests at Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) (now Mandatory Intoxicant Testing/MIT) checkpoints, cul- minating in the production of reports by Assistant Garda Commissioner, Michael O’Sullivan, on 11 August 2017. These reports were submitted to the Department on 31 August and published on 6 September.

Following the consideration of these reports by the Department, further clarification was sought from An Garda Síochána in relation to the implementation of the proposed solutions relating to the issue of manual summonses. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that an IT solution has been deployed to enable the Manual Summons Report to be delivered directly to the mailbox of each relevant District Officer with effect from 1 November 2017 and to the investigating member with effect from December 2017.

An Garda Síochána has also indicated that it has been considering an IT solution that would reduce the number of FCN offence codes that require manual summonses/manual intervention. The Garda National Roads Policing Bureau has been reviewing the number of FCN offence codes currently in use in view of the significant volume of codes in existence (614), however if the number of codes is reduced, this will increase the number of FCNs that proceed to manual summons and will increase the number of summonses that will require manual intervention. I have asked my officials to seek a further update on this matter fromAn Garda Síochána.

As the Deputy will be aware, Crowe Horwath was selected by the Policing Authority to undertake a quality assurance review on the remedial actions taken by An Garda Síochána in response to the FCN/summons and MAT issues and the ensuing report was published in November 2017. The Crowe Horwath report recommended that the Criminal Justice (Fixed Charge Processing System) Working Group (the Working Group) should examine its FCN/ summons’ recommendations to identify and bring forward further improvements to the FCPS that can be made. Prior to the publication of the Crowe Horwath report, An Garda Síochána formally requested the Working Group to examine the findings of its internal FCN/summons’ examination and I understand that the recommendations/findings contained in both reports relevant to the Working Group’s remit will be discussed at the Working Group’s next meeting on 31 January 2018.

My Department continues to maintain ongoing, close contact with An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority in relation to these road traffic enforcement issues.

107 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRL02200Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRL02300277. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 86 and 87 of 17 May 2017, 528 of 26 July 2017, 559 of 7 Novem- ber 2017 and 116 of 13 December 2017, the number of those summonses not served in 2015 and 2016 that were reissued; further to the statement that a summons struck out not served can be reissued at the request of An Garda Síochána, the details of same; the policies in place to enable a garda to decide to have a summons reissued or not; if that report is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3233/18]

23/01/2018WRL02400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I have again requested a Garda report on the matters referred to in the Deputy’s questions and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.

23/01/2018WRL02500Road Traffic Offences

23/01/2018WRL02600278. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 713 of 20 June 2017, 548 of 26 July 2017, 562 of 7 November 2017 and 118 of 13 December 2017, if the report is now available; when a number (details supplied) will be included on the C(T)68 form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3234/18]

23/01/2018WRL02700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will be aware, the enforcement of road traffic legislation is an operational matter for An Garda Sío- chána, in which I have no direct role.

I am informed that the collision report form C(T) 68 currently has a field within it to note the number of drivers breathalysed at the scene of a collision. I understand that a change request has been made by the Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Major Event/Emergency Management and IT design to ensure that Dräger Devices numbers and readings are captured.

My Department has sought an update from the Garda authorities, as to whether this change request has been actioned, and I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report in relation to this matter.

23/01/2018WRL02800Garda Reports

23/01/2018WRL02900279. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 577 of 26 July 2017, 567 of 7 November 2017 and 119 of 13 De- cember 2017, if the appropriate reimbursements have now been made by An Garda Síochána to each of the 28 persons that were wrongly charged for abstracts since 1 January 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3235/18]

23/01/2018WRL03000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and is responsible for setting the level of fees applicable in relation to certain services. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the Deputy’s question and I will provide the information requested when that report is to hand.

108 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRL03100Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRL03200280. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of learner drivers driving unaccompanied by a qualified driver that died in road traffic collisions (RTCs) in each of the years 2014 to 2017; the number of other persons that were killed in those RTCs involving an unaccompanied learner driver in those years; the number of persons that were seriously injured in those RTCs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3236/18]

23/01/2018WRL03300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy and I will be in contact directly with the Deputy on receipt of a Garda report.

23/01/2018WRL03400Garda Data

23/01/2018WRL03500281. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of the Garda forensic traffic investigations team nationally and by district in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3238/18]

23/01/2018WRL03600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commis- sioner and I will write to her on receipt of same.

23/01/2018WRL03700Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRL03800282. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will request a report from An Garda Síochána on the forensic collision investigation of each fatal collision involving a cyclist in 2016 and 2017; if he will request that the report include whether each collision was investigated by a member of the Garda forensic traffic investigations team; the process of such an investigation and resulting reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3239/18]

23/01/2018WRL03900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am deeply conscious of the serious issue of road safety and mindful of the traumatic impact of road traffic collisions on those directly affected and their families, as well as the impact of dangerous driving more generally on the quality of life of residents in local communities across the country.

As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have no role in the investigation of such collisions, nor do I have a role in the review of such investigations.

23/01/2018WRL04000Road Traffic Offences Data

23/01/2018WRL04100283. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will request a report from An Garda Síochána on the forensic collision investigation of each fatal col- 109 Questions - Written Answers lision involving a pedestrian in 2016 and 2017; if he will request that the report include whether each collision was investigated by a member of the Garda forensic traffic investigations team; the process of such an investigation and resulting reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/18]

23/01/2018WRL04200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am deeply conscious of the serious issue of road safety and mindful of the traumatic impact of road traffic collisions on those directly affected and their families, as well as the impact of dangerous driving more generally on the quality of life of residents in local communities across the country.

As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have no role in the investigation of such collisions, nor do I have a role in the review of such investigations.

23/01/2018WRL04300Garda Complaints Procedures

23/01/2018WRL04400284. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the body to which a member of the public can go with a complaint against An Garda Síochána when the complaint has been rejected by GSOC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3257/18]

23/01/2018WRL04500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) was established as a statutory independent body, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, to provide independent oversight of complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána.

GSOC has a hugely important role to play in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded. It has extensive powers under the 2005 Act to enable it to carry out its responsibilities. The Garda Síochána Act stipulates that GSOC is independent in the exercise of its functions and indeed, it is this guarantee of independence which is the hallmark of effective oversight.

Respecting the independence of bodies such as GSOC is of paramount importance. It would be a travesty if, having established such bodies, this House was then to seek to undermine their decisions.

Once GSOC has received a complaint it is a matter for it alone to carry out any investigation and arrive at a conclusion. Where a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation devolved to the Garda Commissioner under section 94 of the Act that person may request the Commission to review the investigation. In all other respects where a person is unhappy with a decision of the Commission they may take it up with the Commission itself. Alternatively such an individual may wish to obtain independent legal advice on any other options available to them.

There is, as the Deputy is probably aware, a mechanism in the Act for an independent inquiry into the conduct designated officers of GSOC. Section 109 of the Act permits the Minister, having consulted with GSOC, to invite the Chief Justice to nominate a judge of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal or the High Court to inquire into the conduct of a designated officer of GSOC while performing functions under section 98 or 99 in relation to an investigation. Given the nature of such an inquiry, one which is carried out by a judge of the superior courts it can not be considered to be an ordinary complaints or grievance procedure and I would emphasise the point. Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that the purpose of such an inquiry is to inquire into the conduct of a designated officer either on a particular occasion or in general in performing functions under the relevant sections. Nevertheless, the section may be invoked in appropriate circumstances. 110 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRL04600Irish Prison Service

23/01/2018WRL04700285. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent in 2017 on transferring prisoners on remand to courts for the purpose of attending for mention dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3287/18]

23/01/2018WRL04800286. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times prisoners on remand were transferred to court for the purpose of attending for mention dates in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3288/18]

23/01/2018WRL04900287. Deputy Jim O’Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times the video link facility was used for remand hearings in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3289/18]

23/01/2018WRL05000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 285 to 287, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service is not in a position to provide the exact information requested. The Irish Prison Service only record if a prisoner has a court appearance but not the exact nature of that appearance.

The Irish Prison Service facilitated 29,917 court appearances during 2017. The majority of these were escorts carried out by the Prison Service to court. In certain instances An Garda Síochána will undertake the transfer of a prisoner to court.

A further 3,094 court appearances were facilitated via video link. The majority of these instances related to remand prisoners.

The cost of escorting prisoners to court is determined by staff costs and transport vehicle costs. It is influenced by the number of staff required for the escort, the duration of the escort and the distance travelled etc. therefore it is not possible to provide the amount spent on transferring prisoners to courts

23/01/2018WRL05300Ministerial Meetings

23/01/2018WRL05400288. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he met with persons (details supplied) to discuss their campaign for legislative reform; the outcome of the meeting; and if he will raise the matter directly with the Minister for Health. [3335/18]

23/01/2018WRL05500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will be aware, I met with the persons concerned on 17 January, 2018 to hear their concerns concerning the medico-legal investigations surrounding the tragic death of their son in 2013.

Our meeting was arranged following an earlier, very brief meeting, after the Seanad debate on a Private Member’s Bill promoted by the Deputy’s colleague Senator Padraig Mac Lo- chlainn on Wednesday 18 October, 2017. The Bill proposed to insert a new section 29A in the Coroners Act 1962 to:

(i) provide for the possibility of a verdict of Iatrogenic Suicide,

(ii) define Iatrogenic Suicide as “the ending of one’s own life where the effect of medical treatment undertaken by the deceased, including any prescribed medication, is the primary cause of such an action”, and

111 Questions - Written Answers (iii) provide a safeguard clause so that this verdict does not contravene section 30 of the Act of 1962 as far as they apportion of civil or criminal liability is concerned.

As I explained then to the Seanad, the Government’s position on introducing a verdict of iatrogenic suicide was and remains that:

- while the proposal is well intentioned, it cannot be supported primarily for the reason that acceptance of the definition and, of a verdict of ‘iatrogenic suicide’, would risk the inquest ap- portioning some liability on the medical practitioner who may have prescribed the treatment or medication for the deceased person,

- the coroner’s inquest cannot consider questions of civil or criminal liability and section 30 of the Coroners Act 1962 specifically provides against such consideration,

- a sufficient range of verdicts is available to coroners including of suicide, open or medical misadventure.

I intend, in the forthcoming Coroners (Amendment) Bill to provide for a wider scope at inquests from investigating the immediate cause of death to looking also at the wider circumstances in which the person died. However, this Bill will not propose any change to coroners’ independence, nor to the existing rule that the coroner’s verdict may not seek to decide any question of civil or criminal liability. Liability in that regard must remain a matter for the courts.

I had the opportunity again at the meeting with the persons concerned to express my deepest sympathies over their loss. However, I had also to explain why it was not possible to support their campaign concerning a verdict of iatrogenic suicide. In addition, the Office of the Attorney General had advised that it would be legally unsound since such a new verdict would be capable of ascribing criminal liability to a person or persons who would be readily identifiable.

The Coroners Society of Ireland was also opposed to the proposal on iatrogenic suicide.

With regard to non-coronial medical matters, I would be happy to assist the persons concerned to arrange a meeting with the Minister for Health.

23/01/2018WRL05600Combatting Cyberbullying

23/01/2018WRL05700289. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Par- liamentary Question No. 38 of 28 November 2017, if the issue of loot boxes and other in app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age can be included in the discussions his departmental officials have undertaken or will undertake in relation to the protection of children online from a cross governmental perspective. [3395/18]

23/01/2018WRL05800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I wish to advise the Dep- uty that the issue raised by her can be included in the discussions referred to between Depart- mental officials.

As advised by Minister Zappone in parliamentary question number 38 of 28 November 2017, she and I met last November on this issue, together with Minister Naughten. It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate on the issue of online safety would be the most appropriate way to progress further developments in the area. The key objective of the Open Policy Debate will be to raise awareness of cross-departmental actions already taking place to deal with harmful online content and to identify gaps in the Government’s approach and steps to address them. The emphasis in the Open Policy Debate will be on children and

112 23 January 2018 young people.

I can also advise the Deputy that following on from that meeting, the Department of Com- munications, Climate Action and the Environment established a Steering Group which has met on two occasions to plan the proposed event. Officials from my Department, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs are represented on the Steering Group.

23/01/2018WRM00200Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRM00300290. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/18]

23/01/2018WRM00400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I wish to inform the Deputy the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of this department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into this Depart- ment since 2011 are outlined in the following table.

Name of Agency/Board/ Was it (a) disbanded Year Any other relevant Other Bodies or(b) amalgamated or(c) information , e.g. action functions subsumed back taken as a result of Gov- into the Department or(d) ernment Decision set up by the Depart- ment. Prisons Authority Interim (a) 2011 Board The Independent Inter- (a) 2011 The Independent Inter- national Commission national Commission on Decommissioning on Decommissioning (IICD) (IICD) was responsible for overseeing the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons. It was established by an agreement between the Irish and British Govern- ments, signed on 26 August 1997, and by legislation enacted in the two jurisdictions. It was dissolved on 31 March 2011.

113 Questions - Written Answers

Name of Agency/Board/ Was it (a) disbanded Year Any other relevant Other Bodies or(b) amalgamated or(c) information , e.g. action functions subsumed back taken as a result of Gov- into the Department or(d) ernment Decision set up by the Depart- ment. Independent Monitoring (a) 2011 The Independent Commission Monitoring Commission (IMC) was responsible for monitoring and reporting on paramilitary activity across Ireland and also for monitoring the security normalisa- tion measures undertaken by the British Govern- ment in the North. It was dissolved on 31 March 2011. Internet Safety Advisory Expired 30/11/11 2011 The Internet Safety Advi- Council sory Committee succeed- ed the previous Internet Safety Advisory Council and it held its first meeting on 12 April 2012 Property Services Regu- (d) 2012 Established under Prop- latory Authority erty Services (Regula- tion) Act 2011 Property Services Ap- (d) 2012 Established under Prop- peals Board erty Services (Regula- tion) Act 2011 Insolvency Service of (d) 2013 Under Personal Insol- Ireland vency Act 2012 Commission for the Sup- (c) 2014 port of Victims of Crime Charities Regulatory (d) 2014 Departmental & Authority Ministerial responsibility transferred to aegis of Department of Rural and Community Devel- opment in accordance with Charities (Transfer of Departmental and Ministerial Functions) Order 2017 (S.I. 348 of 2017) Human Rights Commis- (b) Into Irish Human 2014 Irish Human Rights and sion Rights and Equality Equality Commission Commission Act 2014 Equality Authority (b) Into Irish Human 2014 Irish Human Rights and Rights and Equality Equality Commission Commission Act 2014

114 23 January 2018

Name of Agency/Board/ Was it (a) disbanded Year Any other relevant Other Bodies or(b) amalgamated or(c) information , e.g. action functions subsumed back taken as a result of Gov- into the Department or(d) ernment Decision set up by the Depart- ment. Garda Síochána Com- (a) 2015 Garda Síochána Om- plaints Board budsman Commis- sion established 2005 to take over receipt of complaints concerning members of An Garda Síochána. Complaints Board retained until 2015 in order to deal with historic cases which were still under investigation at that time. Garda Síochána Com- (a) 2015 Garda Síochána Om- plaints Appeal Board budsman Commis- sion established 2005 to take over receipt of complaints concerning members of An Garda Síochána. Complaints Appeal Board retained until 2015 in order to deal with historic cases which were still under appeal at that time. Charity Appeals Tri- (d) 2016 Departmental & Min- bunal isterial responsibility transferred to aegis of Department of Rural and Community Develop- ment in accordance with Charities (Transfer of Departmental and Min- isterial Functions) Order 2017 (S.I. 348 of 2017) Office of the Refugee (a) 2016 The functions of ORAC Applications Commis- were replaced by the sioner International Protection Office with functions under the Department. Under Section 74(4) of the International Pro- tection Act 2015, “an international protection officer shall be independent in the performance of his or her functions”. Refugee Appeals Tri- (a) 2016 The functions of the bunal RAT were transferred to the International Protec- tion Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal is a statutorily independent body. Legal Services Regula- (d) 2016 Under Legal Services tory Authority Regulation Act 2015 115 Questions - Written Answers

Name of Agency/Board/ Was it (a) disbanded Year Any other relevant Other Bodies or(b) amalgamated or(c) information , e.g. action functions subsumed back taken as a result of Gov- into the Department or(d) ernment Decision set up by the Depart- ment. Property Registration Transferred to the Dept. 2018 Departmental & Min- AuthorityValuation Of- of Housing, Planning & isterial responsibility ficeValuation Tribunal- Local Government transferred to aegis of Ordnance Survey Ireland Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in accordance with:Property Registration Authority (Transfer Of Departmen- tal Administration And Ministerial Functions) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 574 of 2017)Valuation Office And Valuation Tribunal (Transfer Of Departmen- tal Administration And Ministerial Functions) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 575 of 2017)Ordnance Sur- vey Ireland (Transfer Of DepartmentalAdmin- istration And Ministerial Functions) Order 2017

23/01/2018WRM00500Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRM00600291. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount paid out and the number of claims the pay-outs related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/18]

23/01/2018WRM00700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The Deputy will wish to be aware that I have referred the attached question to all of the relevant agencies and bodies under the remit of my Department and have asked them to contact you directly with the relevant information sought.

Separately I am now including a table which sets out claims made under the Criminal Proce- dure Act 1993 and claims which fall under the Garda Compensation Scheme and the Ex-Gratia Scheme for members of An Garda Síochána.

In respect of the specific schemes, which are administered by my Department, the Deputy will wish to note that Garda compensation claims are currently dealt with under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts 1941 to 1945 which provides for all compensation claims to be determined by the High Court and for all costs to be borne by the State. The General Scheme of Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2017, which was approved by Government on 9 May 2017, aims to:

- repeal and replace the current legislative framework for Garda compensation with a more effective and efficient scheme giving rise to reduced legal and administrative costs, 116 23 January 2018 - make provision for an independent assessment of quantum by the Personal Injuries As- sessment Board having due regard to the Book of Quantum, and

- provide for the management of claims by the State Claims Agency which will also facilitate a risk assessment facility to afford An Garda Síochána the opportunity to avoid risks identified.

As the Deputy may be aware, the NTMA is a State body which operates with a commercial remit to provide asset and liability management services to Government and is designated as the State Claims Agency when performing the claims and risk management functions delegated to it under the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2000.

NTMA reports directly to the Minister for Finance in the performance of its State Claims Agency functions. The SCA’s principal objectives are:

- To ensure that the State’s liabilities in relation to personal injury and property damage claims, and the expenses of the SCA in relation to their management, are contained at the lowest achievable level.

- To implement targeted personal injury and property damage risk work programmes to mitigate litigation risk, in State authorities and healthcare enterprises, in order to reduce the costs of future litigation against the State.

The State Claims agency holds much of the relevant information sought by the Deputy, in respect of all Government Departments and Agencies.

Compensa- Year Nature of Amount € Number of Number of Number of tion Scheme Claim claims the claims that payments payouts were settled that were the related to by out of court result of a each agency court judgement Garda Com- 2010 €5.4 m 174 0 174 pensation Scheme * Garda Com- 2011 €6m 175 0 175 pensation Scheme * Garda Com- 2012 €6.8m 111 0 112 pensation Scheme * Garda Com- 2013 €5.9m 124 0 124 pensation Scheme * Garda Com- 2014 €4m 111 0 111 pensation Scheme * Garda Com- 2015 €3.6m 63 0 63 pensation Scheme * Garda Com- 2016 €4.7m 74 0 74 pensation Scheme *

117 Questions - Written Answers

Compensa- Year Nature of Amount € Number of Number of Number of tion Scheme Claim claims the claims that payments payouts were settled that were the related to by out of court result of a each agency court judgement Garda Com- 2017 Compen- €5.7m 98 0 98 pensation sation for Scheme * members of An Garda Síochána maliciously injured in the course of their duty Ex-Gratia 2017 Ex-Gratia €60,000 2 2 0 Scheme for Scheme for members of members An Garda injured or Síochána** killed while driving an official vehicle in the line of duty where no malice was involved Legal Ac- 2015 Miscarriage €525,000 1 tions of Justice case under the Criminal procedure Act 1993 Legal Ac- 2016 Legal costs €294,848.50 1 tions associated with Mis- carriage of Justice case Legal Ac- 2016 Miscarriage €515,000 1 tions of Justice case Legal Ac- 2017 Miscarriage €179,277.90 1 tions of Justice case under the Criminal procedure Act 1993 Notes *The Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 and 1945 provide for a scheme of compensation for members of An Garda Síochána who are maliciously injured in the course of their duty or in relation to the performance of their duties as members of An Garda Síochána and for the dependants of members who have died from injuries maliciously inflicted on them. Under the Acts, the Minister has the responsibility to approve or refuse applications for compensation, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the legislation. This assessment is discharged by designated officials of the Department. Compensation awards are paid from the Garda Vote. **Ex-Gratia Scheme is in place for members injured or killed while driving an official vehicle in the line of duty where no malice was involved. The scheme is set out in the Garda Conciliation Council Agreed Report No. 639. Ex-Gratia payments are paid from the Garda Vote.

118 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRM00800Departmental Reports

23/01/2018WRM00900292. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the report Roma in Ireland: a needs assessment (details supplied); and the action he will take following the publication of this research. [3460/18]

23/01/2018WRM01000Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): I welcome the report, Roma in Ireland - A National Needs Assessment, which provides very useful information and enhances our understanding of the experiences of some members of the Roma community. The Department of Justice and Equality funded this research following a recommendation made by Ms Emily Logan, the then Ombudsman for Children in her Report of the Special Inquiry (the “Logan Report” published on 1 July 2014).

The research provides a complex picture of the Roma in Ireland confirming that they are a diverse group of people. According to this research, the Roma community in Ireland comprises between 4,000 and 6,000 people. The majority of Roma adults here are from Romania – about 80%. Most of the balance of Roma adults are from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Over 60% of Roma children living here were born in Ireland.

Roma have access to mainstream public services in Ireland on the same basis as all other EU citizens. Their children can access education services for instance on the same basis as children of other EU citizens.

However, this research points to barriers that may prevent some Roma from accessing the services to which they are entitled.

There is a need for more targeted awareness raising so that Roma are aware of the documentation needed to access specific services.

Funding will be provided by the Department of Justice and Equality this year for a number of Roma-focussed initiatives which are in the process of being evaluated.

I, as Minister of State at the Department of Justice, with responsibility for Equality, Im- migration and Integration, launched the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021 in June 2017. The strategy provides a whole of Government Framework for addressing the needs of Traveller and Roma communities. It includes 149 actions across a range of themes. The steering group charged with implementing it is being chaired by me.

The recommendations of the research contained in Roma in Ireland - A National Needs Assessment will be examined carefully by the NTRIS Steering Group. The Steering Group includes representatives from Pavee Point and the relevant Government Departments.

The NTRIS for instance includes a number of education-focused actions aimed at improving access, participation and outcomes for members of the Roma community. The aim is to achieve outcomes for Roma that are equal to those of the majority population. Actions include a commitment by the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and TUSLA to develop early intervention education welfare supports to promote and support Roma attendance, participation and engagement with the education system. Similarly, the Government is promoting the Early Childcare Education pre-school scheme to facilitate access for Roma children to free pre-school from the age of three until they start school.

My Department has begun work on an action to fund Traveller and Roma representative groups to implement community based supports to assist the retention of Roma children in the education system.

119 Questions - Written Answers The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is developing targeted initiatives to increase Roma engagement with employment and training services.

The Department of Health and the HSE will support the implementation of the findings of this Roma Needs Assessment. Also, acknowledging the results of the National Roma Needs Assessment for Roma in Ireland, the HSE will support Roma women to access maternal health services in a timely manner.

The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021 may be accessed on my Department’s website www.justice.ie or by clicking on this link: National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, 2017 - 2021

23/01/2018WRM01100Citizenship Applications

23/01/2018WRM01200293. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the citizenship status of a person involved in a scenario (details supplied). [3465/18]

23/01/2018WRM01300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 7 of the Act, which governs Irish citizenship by descent, provides that, with some limited exceptions, a person is an Irish citizen from birth if at the time of his or her birth either parent was an Irish citizen. This, however, does not include the circumstances as outlined by the Deputy.

The Deputy will also appreciate that this is a highly complex area. As the Deputy may be aware, Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provide for parent- age through donor-assisted reproduction. These Parts of the Act are to be commenced in due course by my colleague Simon Harris, T.D., Minister for Health.

23/01/2018WRM01400Policing Issues

23/01/2018WRM01500294. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the experience of An Garda Síochána in the use of or trial of policing models (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3467/18]

23/01/2018WRM01600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided in the time available. I have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.

23/01/2018WRM01700IDA Ireland Portfolio

23/01/2018WRM01800295. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 23 November 2017, the locations of the three IDA sites and one private finance facility available to the market in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2946/18]

23/01/2018WRM01900Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The availability of an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings in advance of demand is a key element in the IDA’s ability to compete for mobile foreign direct investment (FDI). The availability of property solutions allows projects to commence at an earlier date by

120 23 January 2018 diminishing much of the difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It is, therefore, an important means by which the IDA can encourage and attract new investors to the country and especially to regional Ireland.

The tables below show the location of the sites and buildings available for FDI in Wexford. Details are included of a part occupied building which is also available.

IDA Owned Property – Land:

City/Town Business Park/Site Name Available for marketing Wexford IDA Business & Technology Park, 3.14ha/7.76 acres Drinagh Sinnottstown. Wexford Wexford Business Park, Whitemill 0.066ha/0.16 acres Industrial Estate. Enniscorthy IDA Business Park, Enniscorthy. 0.39ha/0.96 acres Property – Buildings:

City/Town Building Name Total Size sq. ft./sq. m. Enniscorthy(Private Finance unit) Unit 3 IDA Business Park En- 3,378/314 IDA Business Park niscorthy. Wexford Business Park,Whitemill AF Building 5, (occupied in part 38,556/3,582 Industrial Estate by Tepak Auto at 417 sq. m) Whitemill Industrial Estate.

23/01/2018WRM02000IDA Ireland Site Visits

23/01/2018WRM02100296. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the work to market counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon as jobs locations; the number of IDA site visits that have taken place in these counties in the past five years; the other initiatives that have taken place to contribute to highlighting the north west as a destination for new businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2971/18]

23/01/2018WRM02200Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): This Government is strongly committed to regional development and my Department and its agencies are working towards ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment are as evenly distributed as possible across the country. This includes in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Done- gal and Roscommon, where there is currently a total of 50 IDA Ireland client companies collectively employing 7,590 people. While the IDA is determined to grow these numbers further in 2018, the current jobs total represents an increase of 19% in employment by multinationals across these four counties since 2011.

IDA Ireland markets Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim, as part of its North-West region. The Agency’s business development strategy for the region includes efforts aimed at increasing investment from high value manufacturing (pharmaceutical, medical devices and engineering) along with the international financial services sector. Roscommon, meanwhile, is marketed as part of the West Region which also includes Galway and Mayo. The IDA emphasises that particular region’s strengths in global business services and high tech manufacturing in its efforts to secure further investment from prospective investors. IDA Ireland also, of course, works closely with its existing clients in both the North-West and West to encourage further employment growth and capital investment.

As regards site visits, the IDA always does its best to highlight suitable sites in regional areas - including in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon - to potential investors.

121 Questions - Written Answers It is sometimes the case, however, that IDA clients will have specific requirements that may pre- clude certain locations. Site visits are also not necessarily indicative of the potential for foreign direct investment in an area, as at least 70% of all new investment comes from existing IDA clients that are already present in Ireland.

Details on the number of site visits to Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon over the past five years are outlined in the table below.

County 2013 2014 2015 2016 Q1-Q3 2017 Donegal 7 6 5 7 2 Leitrim 1 2 8 8 3 Sligo 10 7 15 20 12 Roscommon 4 0 2 1 2

23/01/2018WRM02300Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRM02400297. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contracts her Department or agencies under her remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3139/18]

23/01/2018WRM02500Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): There are no contracts in place between my Department or the agencies under its remit and the company in question.

23/01/2018WRM02600Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRM02700298. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of her Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into her Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by her Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3397/18]

23/01/2018WRM02800Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The bodies under the aegis of my Department that have been established, disbanded or amalgamated since 2011 are set out below.

Shannon Development (the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited) was disbanded in 2014. The existing enterprise support functions carried out by Shannon Develop- ment in relation to both indigenous and overseas enterprises was assumed by IDA and EI.

Following a Government decision on 11th October 2012, the separate Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government was abolished. The Director General of Science Foun- dation Ireland has taken on the role of Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government in addition to his existing role.

Under the Workplace Relations Act 2015, with effect from 1st October 2015, the activities of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), the Equality Tribunal and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Court were merged into a new Body of First Instance, known as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The appellate functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) have been incorporated into an expanded Labour Court. In accordance with the provi- 122 23 January 2018 sions of the Workplace Relations Act 2015, the EAT will be dissolved after it has disposed of all complaints and appeals referred to it before the commencement date of the WRC. However, the EAT cannot be dissolved as an entity until all of the legacy cases have been dealt with.

The Low Pay Commission was established on a statutory basis in July 2015 with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015, having been established on an interim basis in February of that year. Since September 2017, responsibility for the Low Pay Commission rests with the Department of Employment and Social Protection following the transfer of certain employment rights functions from this Department.

The functions and staff of Forfas were integrated into the Department in 2014. The overarching objective was to re-integrate and strengthen the Departments capacity to formulate and develop enterprise policy.

INAB (Irish National Accreditation Board) was formally part of Forfás prior to July 2014. Under the Industrial Development (Dissolution of Forfas) Act 2014, an Act to make provision for the dissolution of Forfás, the functions of INAB were transferred to the Health and Safety Authority, with INAB becoming a Committee of Authority.

In 2014 the Local Enterprise Offices were launched, marking the dissolution of the 35 separate independent State agencies, the County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) which previously provided supports in this area.

Microfinance Ireland is a not-for-profit lender, established in 2012 to deliver the Gov- ernment’s Microenterprise Loan Fund. This fund was put in place to support small businesses with less than 10 employees and with an annual turnover of less than €2m who may be having difficulties in accessing funding for their business from banks and other commercial lenders. Helping to create and sustain employment by providing loans to small businesses.

The Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency were dissolved on the 31st October 2014 which was the same day the Competition and Consumer Protection Com- mission was established.

The Personal Injuries Commission was established in January 2017 on foot of a recommendation from the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance.

23/01/2018WRM02900Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRM03000299. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innova- tion the amount paid out and the number of claims the pay-outs related to by each agency under the aegis of her Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3414/18]

23/01/2018WRM03100Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Heather Humphreys): In time available it has not been possible for provide the information requested. I will forward this to the Deputy once it is available.

23/01/2018WRM03200Mental Health Services

23/01/2018WRM03300300. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the gover- 123 Questions - Written Answers nance structures underpinning the operation of the CAMHS throughout the State is satisfactory and fully transparent. [2775/18]

23/01/2018WRM03400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): I am satisfied that, in common with all the other services provided by the HSE, the Mental Health Care Programme, including CAMHS, complies with relevant Governance policies and structures for the health sector overall. CAMHS is provided by the HSE in line with best practice, from both a clinical and an operational governance perspective. It should be noted that CAMHS comes within the monitoring of policies, performance and procedures, carried out by the Mental Health Com- mission in common with all areas of Mental Health. If the Deputy has any specific concerns in relation to CAMHS, he should bring those to the attention of the HSE.

23/01/2018WRM03500Health Insurance

23/01/2018WRM03600301. Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health his plans to further review health insurance policies in circumstances in which certain policies carry a Gov- ernment levy of almost 50% of the overall cost of the premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/18]

23/01/2018WRM03700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The purpose of the Community Rating Levy is to ensure that everyone in Ireland pays the same amount of money for the same level of health insurance coverage, regardless of their age or status. Older and less healthy people pay the same price as younger and healthier people. In a risk-rated private health insurance market, older and sicker people seeking health insurance would pay much more than others.

Our system of community rating is supported by a risk equalisation scheme. Under our scheme, credits are paid to all insurers for their older and sicker members - these credits are funded directly by a levy on all health insurance contracts written. The scheme redistributes funds between insurers to meet some of the additional cost of insuring older and sicker members. By sharing the cost of insurance this way, we can ensure that older people are treated fairly.

From 1 April 2018, the levy on advanced policies (which represents 90% of the market) will be €444 for an adult, unchanged from last year. The levy on non-advanced policies, those offering less comprehensive coverage for customers, will be €177 for an adult, which is a reduction of €45 from last year. The current average premium paid is €1,188 (as of 30 June 2017).

The price of each premium is a commercial decision by health insurers, who decide how much they wish to charge for the level of coverage in each health insurance contract, taking account of a range of factors in addition to the amount of levy payable. Without the levy, the cost of health insurance for older and sicker members of the insured population would be in excess of current premium prices.

23/01/2018WRM03800Services for People with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRM03900302. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the completion of building improvement works at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3046/18]

23/01/2018WRM04000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you

124 23 January 2018 in relation to the proposed capital works at An Tuath Nua training centre at COPE, Montenotte, Cork.

23/01/2018WRM04100Emergency Departments Data

23/01/2018WRM04200303. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health further to the Taoiseach’s reply to Leader’s Questions on 16 January 2018, if the two thirds of persons who attend an emergency department and exit within nine hours include walkouts from emergency departments. [3250/18]

23/01/2018WRM04300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRM04400Ambulance Service Staff

23/01/2018WRM04500304. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to put ambulance service staff on the same footing as other uniformed services from the point of view of pay, conditions and pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3293/18]

23/01/2018WRM04600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Public Service Stability Agreement includes a commitment for an exercise to be conducted by the Public Service Pay Commission on the issue of recruitment and retention in the public service. The Commission identified recruitment difficulties in the case of some specific and specialist groups across the public service. This included certain areas the health sector, including the ambulance service.

The Commission has commenced the second phase of its work. This work is being carried out in modules. The first module will involve health sector areas of nursing, consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors. The second module will involve further health professions and will look at recruitment and retention issues specific to ambulance grades. This module will start later this year. The Commission will report by the end of this year. The outcome of the Commission’s assessment will then be the subject of discussion between the relevant parties. It is accepted by all parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement that the output from this exercise will not give rise to any cross-sectoral relativity claims.

23/01/2018WRM04700Long-Term Illness Scheme

23/01/2018WRM04800305. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when he plans to add the medication freestyle libre to the long term illness reimbursement scheme; the timeframe of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2767/18]

23/01/2018WRM04900Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRM05000Home Care Packages

23/01/2018WRM05100306. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that no repre-

125 Questions - Written Answers sentatives from organisations (details supplied) or a parent representative will be present at an upcoming meeting of the primary care steering group which will discuss the introduction of the loco parentis rule; if he will request the HSE to include such representatives in the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2772/18]

23/01/2018WRM05200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I understand that the HSE has undertaken significant work in the area of Paediatric Homecare Packages and is progressing a National Quality Assurance process for these packages. I am advised that there has been engagement with families on respite needs and the findings will be included in the final report. Thereafter, the HSE will review the context for ‘Loco Parentis’ in terms of Paediatric Homecare Packages.

I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply on representation on the group referred to.

23/01/2018WRM05300Long-Term Illness Scheme

23/01/2018WRM05400307. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health when he expects the HSE’s primary care reimbursement service will make a decision on the inclusion of the freestyle libre glucose monitor on the long-term illness scheme for persons with diabetes; his views on whether the time taken to date is excessive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2777/18]

23/01/2018WRM05500Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRM05600Services for People with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRM05700308. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can avail of care services. [2782/18]

23/01/2018WRM05800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRM05900Respite Care Services Provision

23/01/2018WRM06000309. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if respite care for a person (details supplied) will proceed. [2789/18]

23/01/2018WRM06100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

126 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRN00200Assisted Human Reproduction Services Provision

23/01/2018WRN00300310. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to allow IVF treatment be made available to persons with a medical card that are unable to afford it; when this treatment will be covered by the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/18]

23/01/2018WRN00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Government approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research in October last year. Officials in my Department are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the process of drafting this Bill. The General Scheme is published on my Depart- ment’s website and the Joint Committee on Health began pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 17 January 2018. The introduction of legislation in relation to AHR and associated research is a priority for me.

In order to support the commencement of the legislation, officials in my Department will work during 2018 with the HSE to develop a model of care for infertility to ensure the provision of safe, effective and accessible services through the public health system as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology. As part of this work officials in my Department are developing policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment.

As such no specific decision has been made at this time in relation the parameters of any potential public funding model, including what eligibility criteria may be included.

It should be noted that any funding model that may ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework set out in the AHR Bill and a model of care for infertility.

While IVF treatment is not currently provided by the Irish public health service, there is some support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.

23/01/2018WRN00500Medical Card Eligibility

23/01/2018WRN00600311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) is eligible for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2796/18]

23/01/2018WRN00700Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRN00800Hospital Waiting Lists Data

23/01/2018WRN00900312. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the inpatient and outpatient wait-

127 Questions - Written Answers ing times across all specialities at Louth County Hospital. [2797/18]

23/01/2018WRN01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The NTPF publishes the Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient waiting list figures by specialty for each hospital on its website each month. This information is available at www.NTPF.ie. The most recent figures published by the NTPF for the end of December 2017 indicate that there is a total of 535 people on the Inpatient/Day case waiting list for Louth County Hospital and a total of 2274 people on the Outpatient waiting list for Louth County Hospital.

23/01/2018WRN01100Hospitals Data

23/01/2018WRN01200313. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed in Louth County Hospital in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [2798/18]

23/01/2018WRN01300314. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the level of funding to Louth County Hospital in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [2799/18]

23/01/2018WRN01400315. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of surgical beds located at Louth County Hospital; the number and type of surgical procedures which have been undertaken in Louth county hospital in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and the comparable surgeries undertaken at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, Drogheda for the same period. [2800/18]

23/01/2018WRN01500319. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the protocol regarding treatment and care for persons hospitalised with COPD in County Louth. [2814/18]

23/01/2018WRN01600322. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update following the recent commitment given to reduce the age limit at the Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, County Louth; if this is still set to proceed in February 2018; if the age limit has been reduced from fourteen years of age to four years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2822/18]

23/01/2018WRN01700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 to 315, inclusive, 319 and 322 together.

As the Deputy’s questions relates to service matters, I have arranged for these questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRN02000Hospital Waiting Lists Data

23/01/2018WRN02100316. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for persons seeking consultation with geriatric consultants at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth. [2801/18]

23/01/2018WRN02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRN02300Hospital Waiting Lists Data

23/01/2018WRN02400317. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for persons 128 23 January 2018 seeking consultation with geriatric consultants at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, County Louth. [2802/18]

23/01/2018WRN02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRN02600Services for People with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRN02700318. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for an intake assessment to the north Dublin early intervention team; the number of children waiting more than a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2804/18]

23/01/2018WRN02800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relate to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 319 answered with Question No. 313.

23/01/2018WRN03000Hospital Waiting Lists Data

23/01/2018WRN03100320. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for persons seeking access to the COPD clinic at Louth hospital, Dundalk, County Louth. [2815/18]

23/01/2018WRN03200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRN03300Hospitals Data

23/01/2018WRN03400321. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that presented at the minor injuries unit, Louth hospital, Dundalk, County Louth in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [2821/18]

23/01/2018WRN03500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

Question No. 322 answered with Question No. 313.

23/01/2018WRN03700Mental Health Services Provision

23/01/2018WRN03800323. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place for access to acute mental health support services and acute psychiatry services while patients are in a hospital on an inpatient basis for medical health or surgical interventions in which they

129 Questions - Written Answers have a dual need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2827/18]

23/01/2018WRN03900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRN04000Mental Health Services Provision

23/01/2018WRN04100324. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place for access to acute mental health support services and acute psychiatry services whilst patients are in a hospital on an inpatient basis for medical or surgical interventions and they are deemed to be resident in a hospital that is outside the catchment area for acute mental health support services and acute psychiatry services; the provision of intervention or care he has made for that cohort of patient; if he has identified the locations in which the cross-over of catchment areas issue arises; the units by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2828/18]

23/01/2018WRN04200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRN04300Mental Health Services Data

23/01/2018WRN04400325. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of admissions of children to adult psychiatric units here; the number of days children spent in adult psychiatric units in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2830/18]

23/01/2018WRN04500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRN04600Mental Health Services Data

23/01/2018WRN04700326. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of child admissions to adult psychiatric units with each readmission to count as a separate admission in each CHO for each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2831/18]

23/01/2018WRN04800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRN04900Mental Health Services Data

23/01/2018WRN05000327. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of child readmissions to adult psychiatric units and the number of readmissions for each child in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2832/18]

130 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRN05100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRN05200Mental Health Services Provision

23/01/2018WRN05300328. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if mental health services will be administered at the new Wexford town primary care centre; if so, the type of mental health services that will be administered there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2834/18]

23/01/2018WRN05400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRN05500Health Services

23/01/2018WRN05600329. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the amount the existing new extension to the north east of the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford cost to construct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2835/18]

23/01/2018WRN05700330. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when the existing new extension to the north east of the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford was completed; when it was officially opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2836/18]

23/01/2018WRN05800331. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the value of the existing new extension to the north east of the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2837/18]

23/01/2018WRN05900332. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if the HSE plans to offer offices within the existing new extension to the north east of the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford to health care providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2838/18]

23/01/2018WRN06000333. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has sought expres- sions of interest regarding the existing new extension to the north east of the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2839/18]

23/01/2018WRN06100334. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if his Department will agree to transfer part of the lands to the south east of the old health centre at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, County Wexford, which will soon be demolished, to a school (details supplied) in view of the fact that the school is landlocked and in need of extra space to expand to meet growing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2840/18]

23/01/2018WRN06200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 to 334, inclusive, together.

Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.

23/01/2018WRO00700Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage 131 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRO00800335. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle Libre will be available under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2845/18]

23/01/2018WRO00900Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRO01000Hospital Waiting Lists

23/01/2018WRO01100336. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some persons are experiencing delays in the outpatient appointment system at Tallaght hospital (details supplied) in relation to the department of gastroenterology; and if the matter will be investigated. [2853/18]

23/01/2018WRO01200Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRO01300Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRO01400337. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a hip operation will be provided for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing a date for this procedure; if the person can undergo the procedure through the treatment purchase fund scheme or in another manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2854/18]

23/01/2018WRO01500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Reducing waiting times for patients is one of the Government’s key priorities. October’s Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the National Treatment Purchase Fund for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles their 2017 total allocation of €20m.

In 2018 the NTPF will continue to arrange the provision of treatment for Inpatient/Daycase patients across a range of specialties including orthopaedic procedures.

The HSE and NTPF are working together to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2018. These plans will see a continued focus on long-waiting patients and overall waiting lists.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of 132 23 January 2018 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 response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRO01600Medical Card Drugs Availability

23/01/2018WRO01700338. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the drug menotonian will be covered under the medical card. [2857/18]

23/01/2018WRO01800Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRO01900Psychological Assessments Waiting Times

23/01/2018WRO02000339. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each CHO waiting for a psychology appointment in primary care; and the numbers waiting from zero to 12 weeks, 12 to 26 weeks, 26 to 52 weeks, and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [2860/18]

23/01/2018WRO02100Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRO02200Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRO02300340. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2863/18]

23/01/2018WRO02400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Reducing waiting times for patients is one of the Government’s key priorities. October’s Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the National Treatment Purchase Fund for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles their 2017 total allocation of €20m.

Cataracts are among the most common procedures carried out in the Ophthalmology specialty and were a key focus of the NTPF initiatives in 2017 with significant progress achieved. Between July and December the overall cataract waiting list was reduced by 2,000 and the number waiting over 15 months was reduced from almost 1,600 to just over 300. NTPF figures for the end of December showed more than half of cataract patients are waiting less than 6 months and 72% are waiting less than 9 months. In 2018 the NTPF will continue to arrange the provision of treatment for Inpatient/Daycase patients across a range of specialties and procedures

133 Questions - Written Answers including the provision of cataract operations and I expect to see further progress due to the increased Government funding being made available.

The NTPF work with public and private hospitals in order to provide access for patients to treatment and the hospitals and initiatives are evaluated in line with standard procurement practice. This criteria consists of a combination of price per treatment and the experience of the hospital in providing similar treatments to its patients.

The HSE and NTPF are working together to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2018. These plans will see a continued focus on long-waiting patients and overall waiting lists.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRO02500Hospital Services

23/01/2018WRO02600341. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason consultant ra- diologists in University Hospital Kerry are carrying out radiographers’ work at night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2867/18]

23/01/2018WRO02700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRO02800Treatment Abroad Scheme

23/01/2018WRO02900342. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on updating the travel policy regarding the treatment abroad scheme implemented in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current travel policy does not cover the reimbursement of the costs to hospital accompaniment stays for parents of minors who have no choice but to be with their children while they are receiving treatment abroad; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in some other European countries this accompaniment cost is covered by some hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/18]

23/01/2018WRO03000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzer- land under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines.

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.

23/01/2018WRO03100Nursing Homes Support Scheme

23/01/2018WRO03200343. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a person whose fair deal contribution plus their prescription charges exceed their weekly pension sum received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2884/18]

23/01/2018WRO03300344. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the problem of nursing homes seeking mandatory contributions from persons who are in the fair deal

134 23 January 2018 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2885/18]

23/01/2018WRO03400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as A Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.

The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:

- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;

- Bed and board;

- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living; and

- Laundry service.

A person’s eligibility for other schemes, such as the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme, is unaffected by participation in the NHSS or residence in a nursing home. In determining the services covered by the NHSS it was considered very important that the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected and would not end up paying for the same services twice. For this reason, medications and aids that are already prescribed for individuals under an existing scheme are not included in the services covered by the NHSS, as this would involve effectively paying twice for the same service.

Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home, such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contrib- utory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme.

Part 7 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract in writing with each resident on their admission to the nursing home. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should never be charged fees which are not set out in the contract. The De- partment of Health and the HSE are not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and the private or voluntary nursing home.

Registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure. Concerns about additional charges should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and, from 24 August 2015, complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.

I have met with both Nursing Homes Ireland and Age Action to discuss this issue in detail. In order to improve the transparency of these additional charges, I outlined that a schedule of

135 Questions - Written Answers charges should be provided to potential residents on enquiry to an individual nursing home, rather than at the point of admission. Nursing Homes Ireland undertook to advise their members to do so. I have also recently met with the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the Office of the Ombudsman and HIQA to discuss this matter further.

I have asked the Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group established to oversee the implementation of certain recommendations contained in the 2015 Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to also consider this matter and examine the options that might be available, as part of its ongoing work. As part of this work, Officials from the Department of Health and the HSE are to preform an examination of the issue of additional charges in nursing homes. They will report their findings and recommendations to the Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group for consideration.

In the past week I have met with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) who are undertaking a project to develop guidelines for the contracts between nursing homes and their residents. I fully support the CCPC in this work and I have already asked my Department to engage with the CCPC as required to assist with its work. In that regard, officials have already met with the CCPC project team to assist with its enquiries.

In relation to the Deputy’s reference to prescription charges, I can confirm that from the 1st January 2018 the prescription charge for all medical card holders is €2, with a monthly cap of €20. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to reduce the cost of medicines for Irish citizens and further reductions in the prescription charge may be considered in the future, having regard to the funding available.

23/01/2018WRO03600Home Care Packages Provision

23/01/2018WRO03700345. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the fair deal scheme to home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2886/18]

23/01/2018WRO03800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Improving home care services so that people can continue to live with confidence, dignity and security in their own homes for as long as possible is a key commitment of the Government. However, the only statutory scheme in place at present to support older people is the Nursing Home Support Scheme. The Government intends to address this by establishing a new stand-alone statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home care services. The Department of Health is currently engaged in a detailed process to progress this.

The statutory scheme for home care will introduce clear rules in relation to the services for which individuals are eligible and in relation to how decisions are made on allocating services. It will therefore be an important step in ensuring that the system operates in a consistent and fair manner for all those who need home care services. It will also help to improve access to the home care services that people need, in an affordable and sustainable way. The system of regulation for home care will help to ensure that the public can be confident that the services provided are of a high standard.

As an initial step in this process, the Department commissioned the Health Research Board to undertake a review of the home care systems in four other European countries. This review, which was published in April 2017, will help us to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions and will inform the debate and future consideration of approaches to formal home care financing and regulation here in Ireland. I, along with Minister Daly, also launched a public consultation process in July 2017 which closed in October 2017. The purpose of this consul-

136 23 January 2018 tation was to allow all those with views on this topic to have their say, including older people themselves, their families, and healthcare workers. There was a very high response rate to the consultation process with approximately 2,600 submissions received. It is intended to publish a report of the findings of the consultation process in the coming months. Further consultation with stakeholders, including service users, will take place later this year.

The development of a new home care scheme is a complex undertaking which will involve significant legislative, operational and financial resources. A considerable amount of detailed work remains to be undertaken before final decisions are taken on the form of a home care scheme and the regulation of these services. This is necessary if reforms are to be successful, affordable and sustainable.

23/01/2018WRO03900Medicinal Products Availability

23/01/2018WRO04000346. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) was used here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2889/18]

23/01/2018WRO04100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for the regulation of medicines in Ireland. The HPRA has stated that Hormonal Pregnancy Tests (HPTs) such as Primodos were never authorised (i.e. licensed) for use in Ireland.

The 1975 annual report of the National Drugs Advisory Board (NDAB, a predecessor of the HPRA) outlined the consideration given by the NDAB to the use of hormonal testing for pregnancy. This report related to hormonal pregnancy testing preparations in general, and did not mention any specific product. In April 1975, the NDAB issued a warning letter to practitioners regarding the use of hormonal pregnancy testing preparations. This letter reminded practitioners that these preparations had not been assessed by the NDAB, and that their use as a means of pregnancy testing had not been accepted by the NDAB. The letter also highlighted that these preparations should be avoided, as a firm statement of safety could not be given and other, more efficient methods of pregnancy testing were available.

Between 1976 and 1980, the NDAB received five reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of HPTs. There is very limited information available in relation to these reports.

In the UK, where HPTs were licensed (and where they were used from the early 1950s to 1978), an Expert Working Group of the UK’s Commission on Human Medicines recently completed a review of this issue and published a report on the use of hormone pregnancy tests (HPTs) and adverse effects relating to pregnancy, including possible birth defects. This report concluded that following an extensive and rigorous review, based on the totality of the available data, the scientific evidence does not support a causal association between the use of HPTs such as Primodos and birth defects or miscarriage.

23/01/2018WRO04200Nursing Staff Recruitment

23/01/2018WRO04300347. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses newly recruited in 2017 across all sectors of the health service; and the net increase in nursing numbers resulting from this recruitment. [2890/18]

23/01/2018WRO04400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the

137 Questions - Written Answers Deputy directly on this matter.

23/01/2018WRO04500Speech and Language Therapy Staff

23/01/2018WRO04600348. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists recruited in 2017; the sectors of the health service under which they have been recruited, that is, primary care and acute disability services; and the net increase in speech and language therapist numbers resulting from this recruitment. [2891/18]

23/01/2018WRO04700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

23/01/2018WRO04800Occupational Therapy Staff

23/01/2018WRO04900349. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists recruited in 2017; the sectors of the health service under which they have been recruited, that is, primary care and acute disability services; and the net increase in occupational therapist numbers resulting from this recruitment. [2892/18]

23/01/2018WRO05000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

23/01/2018WRP00200Health Services Staff Data

23/01/2018WRP00300350. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists newly recruited in 2017; the sectors of the health service under which they have been recruited, that is, primary care and acute disability services; and the net increase in physiotherapists numbers resulting from this recruitment. [2893/18]

23/01/2018WRP00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

23/01/2018WRP00500Physiotherapy Provision

23/01/2018WRP00600351. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a physiotherapist assessment will be carried out for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2894/18]

23/01/2018WRP00700Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRP00800Hospitals Data

23/01/2018WRP00900352. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of nights persons have slept on the floor of or in a chair at hospitals in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2895/18]

138 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRP01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRP01100Mental Health Services Provision

23/01/2018WRP01200353. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to build purpose-built assisted or independent living villages for persons with mental illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2896/18]

23/01/2018WRP01300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRP01400Hospital Procedures

23/01/2018WRP01500354. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if a routine procedure will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2898/18]

23/01/2018WRP01600Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRP01700Neuro-Rehabilitation Policy

23/01/2018WRP01800355. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the timeframe agreed to publish the implementation plan for the national neuro-rehabilitation strategy in view of the fact that the plan was not published by year end 2017 as per his commitment. [2904/18]

23/01/2018WRP01900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Health Service Executive (HSE) Social Care Division and the HSE Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress the implementation of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland. This is in line with the commitment to publish an implementation plan as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government. In order to facilitate further consultation, the HSE has agreed with the key stakeholders, including the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, that the timeframe for the publication of the implementation plan will be mid 2018.

139 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRP02000Home Help Service Provision

23/01/2018WRP02100356. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health the provision that can be made to ensure that the extra two hours home help awarded to a person (details supplied) can be provided in line with the ongoing needs and requirements of the care giver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2907/18]

23/01/2018WRP02200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRP02300Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRP02400357. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be offered an appointment at the ophthalmology clinic in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2908/18]

23/01/2018WRP02500Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRP02600Hospital Transfers

23/01/2018WRP02700358. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can be transferred from Monaghan General Hospital to either Drogheda or NRH, Dún Laoghaire, to continue their treatment. [2909/18]

23/01/2018WRP02800Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRP02900Primary Care Centres Staff

140 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRP03000359. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Ques- tion No. 75 of 28 September 2017, the status of each of the primary care centres, in tabular form; if building has commenced; the stage it is at; the expected completion date; the number of these primary care centres that are public or public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2910/18]

23/01/2018WRP03100398. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Ques- tion No. 75 of 28 September 2017, if an analysis will be provided of the provisions that have been made in the new primary care centres for the primary care staff that are being recruited and for developments and enhancements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/18]

23/01/2018WRP03200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 398 together.

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRP03300Hospital Beds Data

23/01/2018WRP03400360. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of additional beds in each hospital that have now opened or are due to open, further to his recent press statement that additional beds in a number of hospitals, including St James’s, the Mater and Beaumont are opening; and if the beds are new capacity or existing beds that have been closed. [2923/18]

23/01/2018WRP03500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRP03600Medical Card Applications

23/01/2018WRP03700361. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a decision in respect of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2925/18]

23/01/2018WRP03800Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRP03900Vaccination Programme Data

23/01/2018WRP04000362. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the HSE’s expenditure on ‘flu vaccines for each of the past five years, in tabular form. [2927/18]

23/01/2018WRP04100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRP04200Medicinal Products Reimbursement

141 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRP04300363. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on subsidising the cost of implanted contraceptives, such as the IUD, which at present can cost up to €300 for insertion a price which is out of the reach of many women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2931/18]

23/01/2018WRP04400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Contraceptive devices such as IUDs are reimbursable under the community drug schemes, according to a patient’s eligibility. The insertion and removal of long acting reversible contraceptive devices is covered under the General Medical Services Scheme for medical card holders.

A person may also qualify for relief under the Drugs Payment Scheme, in the event that their expenditure on approved prescribed drugs, medicines and certain appliances exceeds €134 in any given month.

General practitioners are private contractors and issues relating to the payment of fees outside the terms of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between clinicians and their patients.

The recently published report by the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution recommends the introduction of a scheme for the provision of the most effective method of contraception, free of charge and having regard to personal circumstances, to all people who wish to avail of them within the State.

My Department has established a group to address and formulate an effective and comprehensive response to this and other issues raised by the Committee in their ancillary recommendations.

23/01/2018WRP04500Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

23/01/2018WRP04600364. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a device can be made available on discretionary terms to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/18]

23/01/2018WRP04700Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRP04800HSE Reports

23/01/2018WRP04900365. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide or publish a 2006 report by a person (details supplied) on behalf of the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2939/18]

23/01/2018WRP05000379. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a 2006 HSE commissioned report by a person (details supplied) regarding the way in which the estates function in Kilmainham was operated and managed; the progress to date regarding implementing the recommendations contained in that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2993/18]

23/01/2018WRP05100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 379 together. 142 23 January 2018 The HSE has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to the matter raised.

23/01/2018WRP05200Services for People with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRP05300366. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing impact the closure of the swimming pool at a facility (details supplied) is having on persons with disabilities and in recovery in County Donegal; his plans to invest in and secure the reopening of the pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2941/18]

23/01/2018WRP05400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRP05500Hospital Facilities

23/01/2018WRP05600367. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to requests to re-open mortuary services at Carndonagh Community Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2942/18]

23/01/2018WRP05700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRP05800Hospital Facilities

23/01/2018WRP05900368. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to invest in minor injuries units in community hospitals such as Carndonagh Community Hospital, County Done- gal, to take pressure off the emergency department at Letterkenny University Hospital at which the numbers of persons on trolleys has doubled from 2016 to 2017, according to a union (details supplied). [2943/18]

23/01/2018WRP06000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRP06100Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRP06200369. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment with a consultant in the department of respiratory medicine, Uni- versity Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2947/18]

23/01/2018WRP06300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. 143 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRQ00200Emergency Departments

23/01/2018WRQ00300370. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the extent to which each of the recommendations of the emergency department task force report has been implemented, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2951/18]

23/01/2018WRQ00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Emergency Department Taskforce (EDTF) was convened in December 2014 to provide focus and momentum in dealing with the challenges presented by ED overcrowding. The EDTF Implementation Group, is co-chaired by the HSE Director General and the INMO General Secretary and meets on a regular basis to oversee implementation of the ED Taskforce Action Plan and monitor ED performance.

The HSE also provides the Secretariat for the EDTF and therefore I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly to provide an update on the status of the recommendations of this group.

23/01/2018WRQ00500Disability Services Data

23/01/2018WRQ00600371. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with physical and sensory disabilities that are on waiting lists for a personal assistance service; the number of hours it will take to clear the backlog; if his attention has been drawn to the lengthy periods persons with disabilities are waiting for a personal assistant service; his views on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2952/18]

23/01/2018WRQ00700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRQ00800Medical Card Drugs Availability

23/01/2018WRQ00900372. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if provisions will be made to include a glucodrate drink on the medical card scheme; if this treatment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/18]

23/01/2018WRQ01000Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRQ01100Medicinal Products Reimbursement

144 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRQ01200373. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the introduction of the drug Ocrevus to the reimbursement scheme; if a date for introduction has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2957/18]

23/01/2018WRQ01300374. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the request to introduce a pilot reimbursement scheme to allow Ocrevus to be brought to persons as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2958/18]

23/01/2018WRQ01400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 374 together.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRQ01600Hospital Staff Recruitment

23/01/2018WRQ01700375. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the policy and process for recruitment of hospital CEOs. [2959/18]

23/01/2018WRQ01800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

23/01/2018WRQ01900Protected Disclosures

23/01/2018WRQ02000376. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to complaints from whistleblowers regarding being penalised after making a complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; if there is a process available for staff that are of the view they are being penalised; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2960/18]

23/01/2018WRQ02100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Without breaching confidentiality, I can confirm I have been made aware of cases where a person who has made a protected disclosure is alleging being penalised or harassed in their workplace as a result of making the protected disclosure.

Government policy is that protected disclosures and the relevant wrongdoings reported therein are taken seriously by public bodies. The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 sets out that a worker making a protected disclosure will receive appropriate protections and cannot be penalised as a result of having reported relevant wrongdoings under the Act.

Section 5 of the 2014 Act provides protection for workers who disclose information in relation to the following wrongdoings:

a) The commission of an offence;

b) The failure of a person to comply with any legal obligation, other than one arising under the worker’s contract of employment or other contract whereby the worker undertakes to do or perform personally any work or services;

c) A miscarriage of justice;

145 Questions - Written Answers d) A danger to the health and safety of any individual;

e) Damage to the environment;

f) An unlawful or otherwise improper use of funds or resources of a public body, or of other public money;

g) An act or omission by or on behalf of a public body that is oppressive, discriminatory or grossly negligent or constitutes gross mismanagement; or

h) Information tending to show any matter falling within any of the preceding paragraphs (a) to (g) has been, is being, or is likely to be concealed or destroyed.

A worker must make a disclosure in the manner set out in the Act to be entitled to the protections of the Act. Different standards apply depending on the person or body to whom the worker makes the disclosure.

There is an onus on employers in public bodies under my aegis to assess any disclosure made, to conduct an investigation where warranted and to address all findings of that investigation that require attention. In doing so they must keep the identity of the individual confidential insofar as is possible and of course the person must not be penalised by their employer for reporting relevant wrongdoings. All public bodies, including the HSE have developed policies and procedures for dealing with protected disclosures.

If employers fail to protect the worker or if worker is penalised for making a protected disclosure, Part 3 of the Act sets out the protections and potential redress available. The De- partment of Public Expenditure’s guidance notes that Procedures should include a commitment that penalisation of workers who make a disclosure will not be tolerated and workers who feel that they are being subjected to adverse treatment should report the matter immediately to management. The Procedures should further contain a commitment to assess / investigate such notifications and to take appropriate action (which may include disciplinary action against supervisors and co-workers) where necessary. The HSE includes this advice to its workers on its website. If a complaint is made by a person to the HSE of penalisation contrary to the 2014 Act, then that complaint will be dealt with, having regard to the continued obligation to protect the identity of the discloser under the Act.

In addition, if an employee feels that the employer has penalised him/her for making a protected disclosure, the employee may refer the matter to an Adjudicator of the Workplace Relations Commission. Generally speaking such action by the employer would encompass any action which could be interpreted as penalisation by the employer against the employee for having made a protected disclosure.

The Workplace Relations Commission has published a Code of Practice on Protected Dis- closures Act 2014. The Code notes that p enalisation is defined in the Act and includes, for example, suspension/layoff/dismissal, demotion, transfer of duties, imposition of reprimand discipline or other penalty, unfair treatment, discrimination and harassment threat or reprisal. An Adjudicator will hear the case and issue a decision. A decision could declare that the complaint was not well founded, or if declared well founded, it could require the employer to take a specified course of action, including payment of compensation. The decision of an Adjudicator may be appealed to the Labour Court.

This Code is accessible at the following website: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/ Good_Workplace_Relations/codes_practice/COP12/.

146 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRQ02200Hospitals Capital Programme

23/01/2018WRQ02300377. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health when capital funding will be allocated for the new endoscopy unit, oncology unit, physical medicine unit, physical therapy unit and day procedure department at Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2989/18]

23/01/2018WRQ02400378. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if funding for phase 3C of Naas General Hospital, County Kildare will be sanctioned in view of the extra bed capacity required in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2990/18]

23/01/2018WRQ02500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.

Health capital funding was outlined in the recently published Public Service Estimates for 2018 and the HSE is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2018-2021.

The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which is expected to be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework, to sustain national economic and social progress over the long term.

As the Deputy knows, my priority is increasing capacity to improve access and I will shortly bring the capacity report to Government to feed into this process.

My Department has also referred your questions to the Health Service Executive and requested the HSE to reply directly to you in relation to capital developments at Naas Hospital.

Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 365.

23/01/2018WRQ02800Hospital Admissions

23/01/2018WRQ02900380. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of involuntary admissions of persons to hospitals in which members of An Garda Síochána have been involved in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2995/18]

23/01/2018WRQ03000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRQ03100Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRQ03200381. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if a procedure for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2997/18]

23/01/2018WRQ03300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRQ03400Dental Services Data

23/01/2018WRQ03500382. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position regarding dental operations for each individual acute hospital or dental facility for each of the past two years, by hospital and facility; the waiting list for dental operations for each such year; the number 147 Questions - Written Answers of operations carried out; the number of persons treated; the number of operations cancelled; the number on the waiting list for children and adults; the waiting times of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3010/18]

23/01/2018WRQ03600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

23/01/2018WRQ03700Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRQ03800383. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when an MRI in University Hospital Limerick will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in order for their surgery to proceed. [3022/18]

23/01/2018WRQ03900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRQ04000Services for People with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRQ04100384. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to provide supports for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3025/18]

23/01/2018WRQ04200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRQ04300Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRQ04400385. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied). [3029/18]

23/01/2018WRQ04500Minister 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.

148 23 January 2018 In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRQ04600Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

23/01/2018WRQ04700386. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the waiting list position of a person (details supplied) who is awaiting a long-term bed at a residential facility in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3033/18]

23/01/2018WRQ04800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

23/01/2018WRQ04900Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

23/01/2018WRQ05000387. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if treatment for haemochromatosis will be considered for inclusion in the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3042/18]

23/01/2018WRQ05100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The LTI Scheme was established under Sec- tion 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibro- sis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinson- ism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.

My Department is currently examining arrangements for patients with hereditary haemochromatosis in the context of the recommendations set out in the HSE’s Model of Care Report for Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Patients with Hereditary Haemochromatosis.

23/01/2018WRQ05200Treatment Abroad Scheme

23/01/2018WRQ05300388. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement the recommendations of the Ombudsman in relation to the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/18]

23/01/2018WRQ05400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) which is operated by the HSE is undoubtedly a vital service for Irish patients as it enables them to access health services in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland where access to those services is generally not available in Ireland. The ability of consultants to access a scheme that can harness the expertise and specialist services in other EU/EEA Member States on behalf of Irish patients is particularly important given the relatively small size of our population.

The recently published Ombudsman Report highlights that in the vast majority of cases the administration of the TAS works well but the Report does however highlight areas where the administration of the TAS can be enhanced and has subsequently made a number of recommendations in that regard.

149 Questions - Written Answers The HSE has committed to establish a working group, that will include key stakeholders such as patient advocates, in order to progress these recommendations, and will remain in contact with the Ombudsman’s office throughout the process. My Department will also liaise with the HSE following our examination of the findings of the Ombudsman’s Report, which is currently underway.

23/01/2018WRQ05500Medical Card Applications

23/01/2018WRQ05600389. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a decision in respect of a medical card application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3121/18]

23/01/2018WRQ05700Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRR00200Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRR00300390. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3148/18]

23/01/2018WRR00400Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): My Department does not hold any contract with, nor has made any payments to the Company in question. I have referred your question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. Details for other bodies under the aegis of the De- partment are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

23/01/2018WRR00500HSE Donations

23/01/2018WRR00600391. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the amount in donations received by the HSE by hospital or service for each of the past five years through the HSE donation fund form process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3158/18]

23/01/2018WRR00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): This matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

23/01/2018WRR00800HSE Donations

23/01/2018WRR00900392. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of complaints that have been received regarding dissatisfaction with the HSE donation fund process in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3159/18]

23/01/2018WRR01000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): This matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

23/01/2018WRR01100Hospital Staff Data 150 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRR01200393. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of dietitian posts in a hospital (details supplied) in tabular form; if this is the full complement available to the hospital; if not, the reason all the posts are not filled; when the posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3162/18]

23/01/2018WRR01300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRR01400Disability Services Provision

23/01/2018WRR01500394. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if a business case (details supplied) has been sanctioned; when the post will be advertised; the expected commencement date of the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3163/18]

23/01/2018WRR01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relate to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRR01700Speech and Language Therapy Data

23/01/2018WRR01800395. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists for adults, children, children with an intellectual disability or ASD and adults with and intellectual disability or ASD which cover a region (details supplied) in tabular form; if new posts have been sanctioned; when these new posts will commence; his plans to recruit additional speech therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3164/18]

23/01/2018WRR01900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRR02000Hospice Services Provision

23/01/2018WRR02100396. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health his plans to further develop the relationship between Altnagelvin hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3165/18]

151 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRR02200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRR02300Suicide Incidence

23/01/2018WRR02400397. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if research or investigations have been undertaken or commissioned into the occurrence of murder suicide or familicide here; his views on whether it is important to develop some understanding of the factors driving these behaviours; and if he will direct his Department to undertake or commission research and investigations into such difficult occurrences. [3189/18]

23/01/2018WRR02500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): Murder and familicide are criminal acts and fall under the remit of the Department of Justice. Policies aimed at prevention and reduction of suicide are the responsibility of my Department.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is part of the HSE’s Mental Health Division and its role is to support, inform, monitor and co-ordinate the implementation of Ire- land’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide Connecting for Life.

NOSP is currently participating in a collaborative literature review with the European Net- work of Psychiatrists. This review is in its early stages, extracting data for collation, so publication of its findings are expected to be in 2019 at the earliest.

Question No. 398 answered with Question No. 359.

23/01/2018WRR02700Speech and Language Therapy Staff

23/01/2018WRR02800399. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health when a speech and language therapist will be appointed in St Patrick’s hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3216/18]

23/01/2018WRR02900Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRR03000Hospital Appointments Delays

23/01/2018WRR03100400. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be provided for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing a date for this procedure; if the person can undergo the procedure on the treatment purchase fund scheme or another way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3218/18]

23/01/2018WRR03200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Reducing waiting times for patients is one of the Government’s key priorities. October’s Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the National Treatment Purchase Fund for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles their 2017 total allocation of €20m.

In 2018 the NTPF will continue to arrange the provision of treatment for Inpatient/Daycase patients across a range of specialties.

The HSE and NTPF are working together to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2018. 152 23 January 2018 These plans will see a continued focus on long-waiting patients and overall waiting lists.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRR03300Medical Card Eligibility

23/01/2018WRR03400401. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) was assessed on a discretionary basis for a medical card; the reason this person was only issued with a general practitioner card in view of the medical circumstances which bring considerable expense to the person; if the decision made on this application will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3220/18]

23/01/2018WRR03500Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRR03600Hospital Appointments Administration

23/01/2018WRR03700402. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he has received correspondence regarding a person (details supplied); if an appointment will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3228/18]

23/01/2018WRR03800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRR03900Hospital Waiting Lists Data

23/01/2018WRR04000403. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting appointments at the urology outpatient department of University Hospital Waterford from 2015 to 2017 in excess of six, 12, 18 and up to 24 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3258/18]

23/01/2018WRR04100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The NTPF publishes the Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient waiting list figures by specialty for each hospital on its website each month. This information is available at www.NTPF.ie.

153 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRR04200HSE Funding

23/01/2018WRR04300404. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided in 2018 for home help, home support and home care packages; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties caused to persons and families when delays occur in providing such support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3262/18]

23/01/2018WRR04400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): Homecare is an increasingly important part of the supports we offer to older people, and will continue to increase in importance into the future, as our ageing population grows.

The Department is currently engaged in a detailed process to develop plans for a new statutory scheme and system of regulation for home care services. While this is under development, both the Department and Health Service Executive (HSE) are continuing efforts to incrementally improve the existing home care services. As detailed in its National Service Plan, the HSE has begun work on streamlining home care services by moving towards a single funded home support service. This brings together the funding for home help and standard home care packages which will operate as a single home support service from 2018 onwards. The additional resources made available in 2018 bring the total budget for the direct provision of home support services to €408m. This new approach will provide significant benefits for the service users, the public and the health system including:

- making the services easier to understand;

- streamlining the application processes resulting in only one application and decision being required for home support services for older people; and

- facilitating service users to move to changed levels of services as their assessed needs change, without the need for an additional application process.

The HSE’s National Service Plan provides for a target of some 17.094m home support hours to be provided to 50,500 people, which compares with 16.34m hours delivered to 50,000 people (home help and home hours combined), an increase of 754,000 hours to 500 more people. In addition 235 intensive home care packages will provide 360,000 home support hours for people with complex needs.

Despite this significant level of service provision, the demand for Home Care continues to grow. It is important to note that the allocation of funding for home care across the system, though significant, is finite and services must therefore be delivered within the funding available. Home care is monitored on an on-going basis, to ensure that activity is maximised relative to individual clients’ assessed care needs and within the overall available resources for home care and having regard to demand throughout the year.

23/01/2018WRR04500Hospitals Funding

23/01/2018WRR04600405. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the funding proposal for a new endoscopy unit at Naas General Hospital has been considered under the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3263/18]

23/01/2018WRR04700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Health capital funding was outlined in the recently published Public Service Estimates for 2018 and the HSE is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2018-2021.

154 23 January 2018 The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which is expected to be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework, to sustain national economic and social progress over the long term.

My Department has also referred your question to the Health Service Executive and requested the HSE to reply directly to you in relation to capital developments at Naas Hospital.

23/01/2018WRR04800Hospital Charges

23/01/2018WRR04900406. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the HSE’s policy in relation to the operation of car parks within hospital grounds; the amount of revenue collected in respect of those car parks nationally, by hospital; his views on the charges persons must pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3265/18]

23/01/2018WRR05000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRR05100Hospital Waiting Lists Data

23/01/2018WRR05200407. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of children on a waiting list for scoliosis surgery at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin in January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3277/18]

23/01/2018WRR05300Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRR05400HSE Funding

23/01/2018WRR05500408. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if as part of the 2018 capital plan the HSE has made funding available for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3278/18]

23/01/2018WRR05600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Catherine Byrne): The Mid Term review of the Capital Plan was published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 13 September 2017. The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which is expected to be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework, to sustain national economic and social progress over the long term.

Health capital funding was outlined in the recently published Public Service Estimates for 2018 and the Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2018- 2021. There is a process in place for the agreement and prioritisation of projects that are proposed for inclusion in the Capital Plan for 2018. Any proposals must be considered in the context of the capital funding available. Priority for funding must be based on verified service needs. The HSE will continue to apply the available funding for capital developments in the most effective way possible to meet current and future needs, having regard to the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place.

I am informed that the HSE in currently engaging directly with the agency, to which the Deputy refers, in relation to their proposal.

155 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRR05700Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

23/01/2018WRR05800409. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the funding which was allocated to each drugs task force in 2017; the level of funding to be provided to each drugs task force in 2018 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/18]

23/01/2018WRR05900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The budget allocation for the twenty four Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces from the Drugs Initiative of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive for 2017 to 2018 is set out in the table:

LDATF 2017 DOH 2017 HSE 2018 DOH 2018 HSE Ballyfermot €255,446 €1,231,286 €255,446 €1,231,286 Ballymun €422,958 €697,957 €422,958 €697,957 Blanchardstown €179,305 €913,589 €179,305 €913,589 Bray €573,860 €916,271 €573,860 €916,271 Canal Communities €338,605 €1,141,309 €338,605 €1,141,309 Clondalkin €388,114 €1,007,948 €388,114 €1,007,948 Cork €411,988 €1,108,299 €411,988 €1,108,299 Dublin 12 €70,397 €993,750 €70,397 €993,750 Dublin NE €239,971 €777,116 €239,971 €777,116 Dun Laoghaire €94,676 €786,755 €94,676 €786,755 Finglas Cabra €263,277 €627,960 €263,277 €627,960 NIC €394,856 €1,834,723 €394,856 €1,834,723 SIC €176,043 €1,868,014 €176,043 €1,868,014 Tallaght €336,022 €898,930 €336,022 €898,930 Total LDATF €4,145,518 €14,803,907 €4,145,518 €14,803,907

RDATF 2017 DOH 2017 HSE 2018 DOH 2018 HSE East Coast Area €58,200 €508,500 €58,200 €508,500 Midland €136,816 €662,491 €136,816 €662,491 Mid-West €147,982 €1,260,007 €147,982 €1,260,007 North East €0 €927,813 €0 €927,813 North West €258,633 €461,730 €258,633 €461,730 North Dublin City €266,245 €511,019 €266,245 €511,019 & Co. South East €0 €1,065,760 €0 €1,065,760 South West €102,820 €696,497 €102,820 €696,497 Southern €0 €973,178 €0 €973,178 Western €136,994 €524,155 €136,994 €524,155 Total RDATF €1,107,690 €7,591,150 €1,107,690 €7,591,150 Overall Total €27,648,265 €27,648,265 In recognition of the key role Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play in providing a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities, I will shortly be announcing details of a range of new funding initiatives to strengthen the capacity of Task Forces to support the implementation of Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery during 2018.

23/01/2018WRS00200Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRS00300410. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3291/18] 156 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRS00400Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRS00500Vaccination Programme

23/01/2018WRS00600411. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the short- age of the BCG vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3299/18]

23/01/2018WRS00700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The HSE continues to experience on going delays with the supply of BCG vaccine. BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015 and as of today this continues to be problem for Ireland and other countries in Europe that use the this licensed BCG vaccine. Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) has been in regular contact with the manufacturer of BCG vaccine to ascertain when the vaccine might be available. There is only one licensed supplier of BCG vaccine to Ireland and this vaccine manufacturer has informed the NIO that the BCG vaccine will not be delivered into Ireland until late 2018 at the earliest. The NIO and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have sought an alternative supply of BCG vaccine that meets safety, quality and effectiveness standards and that could be used in Ireland. To date no appropriate alternative manufacturer has been found. When there is confirmation of the date of new supply, the HSE will be guided by the recommendations of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on its administration.

23/01/2018WRS00800Hospitals Data

23/01/2018WRS00900412. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency department attendees and return attendees in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St. James’s Hospital, in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3327/18]

23/01/2018WRS01000413. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient beds and outpatient beds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St. James’s Hospital, in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3328/18]

23/01/2018WRS01100414. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons removed from waiting lists at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St. James’s Hospital, in 2017, in tabular form; the reason for removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3329/18]

23/01/2018WRS01200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 to 414,

157 Questions - Written Answers inclusive, together.

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

23/01/2018WRS01500Hospitals Funding

23/01/2018WRS01600415. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the operational budget and actual spend for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St. James’s Hospital, in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/18]

23/01/2018WRS01700416. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the agency spend for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St. James’s Hospital, in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/18]

23/01/2018WRS01800417. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the total staffing budget for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and St. James’s Hospital, in each of the years 2012 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/18]

23/01/2018WRS01900Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 to 417, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRS02200Services for People with Disabilities

23/01/2018WRS02300418. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the waiting time to access the early intervention team covering Dublin 11; if he will put plans in place to increase the capacity of the early intervention team to meet the growing demand for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3342/18]

23/01/2018WRS02400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Finian McGrath): The Govern- ment is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy’s question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRS02500Health Services

23/01/2018WRS02600419. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason the waiting time for treatment by the school-age team for a person (details supplied) will not be adjusted to take into account their successful appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3345/18]

23/01/2018WRS02700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): My Department has sought clarification from the Deputy and on receipt of same I will arrange for a reply to issue. 158 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRS02800Patient Transport Provision

23/01/2018WRS02900420. Deputy Louise O’Reilly asked the Minister for Health the process for transporting persons in wheelchairs, particularly specially modified and designed wheelchairs, to and from hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3361/18]

23/01/2018WRS03000Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRS03100Medical Card Eligibility

23/01/2018WRS03200421. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if travel reimbursement for home support workers is deducted when calculating income for the purpose of medical card assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3362/18]

23/01/2018WRS03300Minister 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.

23/01/2018WRS03400Medical Records

23/01/2018WRS03500422. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can obtain their medical records from a Dublin hospital. [3367/18]

23/01/2018WRS03600Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRS03700Combatting Cyberbullying

23/01/2018WRS03800423. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 38 of 28 November 2017, if the issue of loot boxes and other in-app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age can be included in the discussions his departmental officials have undertaken or will undertake on the protection of children online from a cross- governmental perspective. [3394/18]

23/01/2018WRS03900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): The protection of children online is primarily a matter for the Minister for Children in collaboration with the Min- ister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Justice and Equality. I also have a special and personal interest in this issue and I am in ongoing dialogue with the Taoiseach and ministerial colleagues in an effort to bring focus to this most important issue. I will forward the Deputy’s request to the Minister for Children for her consideration and comments on the matter.

23/01/2018WRS04000Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRS04100424. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bod-

159 Questions - Written Answers ies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3406/18]

23/01/2018WRS04200Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Since 2011, four statutory bodies were dissolved and their functions transferred to other bodies as set out in the table.

Body dissolved Body to which functions were subsumed National Council for the Professional Development Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland of Nursing and Midwifery National Social Workers Qualifications Board Health and Social Care Professionals Council Children Acts Advisory Board Department of Children and Youth Affairs Drug Treatment Centre Board Health Service Executive

Under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 a number of registration boards that have responsibility for registration of members for each profession named in the Act have been set up. Since 2011 the following registration boards have been established:

Registration Boards: Psychologists Registration Board Optical Registration Board Physiotherapists Registration Board Dietitians Registration Board Occupational Therapists Registration Board Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board Social Care Workers Registration Board Radiographers Registration Board Medical Scientists Registration Board On 31 October 2015 persons previously registered with The Opticians Board/Bord na Rad- harcmhastóirí saw their registration transfer automatically to the Optical Registration Board.

Following the signing of Commencement Order S.I. No. 385 of 2012, under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 the name of An Bord Altranais changed to Bord Altranais agus Cnáimh- seachais na hÉireann, or, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). This change of name reflects the recognition of midwifery as a separate and distinct profession to that of nursing.

23/01/2018WRS04300Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRS04400425. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the amount paid out and the number of claims related to those payouts by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/18]

23/01/2018WRS04500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The multi-annual data sought by the Deputy is not collected by my Department.

I have referred the question about personal injury claims relating to the HSE and HIQA to the State Claims Agency for compilation as it manages general insurance claims for both agencies. My Department will forward the data received from the State Claims Agency to the 160 23 January 2018 Deputy.

Details of claims for other bodies under the aegis of the Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

23/01/2018WRS04600Ambulance Service Data

23/01/2018WRS04700426. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency ambulances serving Dublin; the average call-out time for ambulances to reach the location of the emergency; his plans to increase the number of emergency ambulances serving the city in view of the projected population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3431/18]

23/01/2018WRS04800Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

23/01/2018WRS04900Health Care Infrastructure Provision

23/01/2018WRS05000427. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects in the health area that have undergone design stage or nearly undergone design stage and are awaiting further funding to be allocated to them before proceeding further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3458/18]

23/01/2018WRS05100Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to this matter.

23/01/2018WRS05200Community Care Provision

23/01/2018WRS05300428. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the policy regarding accessing community health-care facilities for a person who has had an operation in a private hospital and also has a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3459/18]

23/01/2018WRS05400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly): The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that the HSE shall make available in-patient services for persons with full eligibility i.e. medical card holders and persons with limited eligibility. This includes the provision of in-patient services in a hospital or convalescent home.

As the HSE has operational responsibility for the provision of these services, including determining how patients are referred for access to these services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this specific case.

23/01/2018WRS05500Hospital Appointments Status

23/01/2018WRS05600429. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will have an appointment for gallstone surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/18]

23/01/2018WRS05700Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser-

161 Questions - Written Answers 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.

23/01/2018WRT00200Maternity Services Provision

23/01/2018WRT00300430. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the HSE to account for the quality of care they provided to a person (details supplied). [3483/18]

23/01/2018WRT00400431. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the HSE to provide prompt and adequate support for pregnant women that suffer a condition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3484/18]

23/01/2018WRT00500Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 431 together.

I understand that officials in my Department have contacted the Deputy’s office and have sought additional information and clarification to enable the HSE address this query appropriately. Receipt of the requested information will enable the HSE to respond to these two questions, and Question No. 225 posed on 18 January, all of which concern service matters.

23/01/2018WRT00700Control of Horses

23/01/2018WRT00800432. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken by An Garda Síochána to ensure that section 37 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 is being properly enforced in order to deter horse owners from using canals, public fields and sides of roads to keep horses on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3441/18]

23/01/2018WRT00900433. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken by local authorities to ensure that section 37 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 is being properly enforced in order to deter horse owners from using canals, public fields and sides of roads to keep horses on; the funding which is provided for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3442/18]

23/01/2018WRT01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to Local Authorities to deal with stray and abandoned horses and for the designation by each Local Authority, via byelaws that are appropriate to the respective functional areas, of control areas in which horses cannot be kept without a licence. Members of An Garda Síochána have also been assigned powers commensurate with 162 23 January 2018 those of Authorised Officers under the Act. Officials of my Department regularly assist the Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána in their operations where animals have been welfare compromised.

My Department provides financial assistance towards the expenses incurred by the Local Authorities in operation of the Act, namely in seizing straying horses or horses causing a danger to persons or property. Details of such funding for the period 2013 to 2017, as currently held by my Department, is provided in the following table.

Separately, my Department also provides funding for the development of new structures to provide shelter for the urban horse population with the aim of reducing the number of straying animals and encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses.

My Department continues to stress that it is the responsibility of individuals to ensure the welfare of horses in their ownership and/or their care.

City/County Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure 2015 Expenditure Expenditure Seizures Seizures Seizures Sei- **Sei- Co’s 2013 2014 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 zures zures 2016 2017

Carlow Co. € 79,077 € 44,011 € 18,600 € 32,725 € 82 95 69 76 15 Council 8,100

Cavan Co. € 100 € 2,920 € 1,425 € 0 3 25 4 1 Council 100

Clare Co. € 68,437 € 12,243 € 22,437 € 6,375 € 47 35 47 11 16 Council 5,575

Cork Co. € 113,993 € 90,988 € 43,700 € 29,375 € 227 176 155 91 65 Council 23,475

Cork City € 75,014 € 43,271 € 13,209 € 16,152 € 173 87 54 47 30 Council 11,950

Donegal Co. € 29,070 € 12,600 € 2,440 € 5,100 € 40 13 10 19 9 Council 2,425

Dublin City € 239,471 € 158,135 € 58,900 € 59,825 € 332 328 145 193 85 Council 48,920

Sth Dublin € 220,583 € 196,683 € 90,200 € 103,625 € 322 469 231 266 176 Co. Council 71,882

Dun € 41,468 € 10,600 € 10,425 € 10,350 € 61 19 25 29 6 Laoghaire/ 2,650 Rathdown Co Council

Fingal Co. € 65,889 € 101,725 € 45,400 € 47,375 € 117 206 145 161 134 Council 64,200

Galway City € 92,346 0 28 81 64 6 Council

Galway Co. € 282,082 € 35,400 € 10,410 € 327 239 94 40 26 Council 6,075

Kerry Co. € 41,241 € 13,334 € 5,325 € 9,375 € 37 19 24 28 12 Council 6,375

Kildare Co. € 160,256 € 189,945 € 79,875 € 78,801 € 322 465 273 155 90 Council 42,963

Kilkenny € 81,907 € 39,659 € 33,750 € 17,575 € 99 89 75 52 14 Co. Council 4,750

Laois Co. € 184,868 € 106,861 € 31,800 € 30,675 € 215 213 111 66 42 Council 11,925

Leitrim Co. € 8,142 € 27,700 € 4,575 € 3,430 € 20 76 26 16 9 Council 1,850

Limerick € 115,937 130 109 0 0 0 Co. Council

Limerick € 208,500 222 304 0 0 0 City Council

Limerick € 202,192 € 141,003 € 83,465 € 0 0 343 209 117 City and 56,300 County

Longford € 8,480 € 9,400 € 7,175 € 5,300 € 25 56 41 19 20 Co. Council 1,975

Louth Co. € 63,217 € 31,051 € 11,900 € 5,450 € 145 91 43 23 32 Council 7,150

Mayo Co. € 92,479 € 152,253 € 5,569 € 202 339 0 0 2 Council 1,400

Meath Co. € 90,448 € 48,425 € 33,465 € 20,625 € 175 107 40 80 51 Council 15,600

163 Questions - Written Answers

City/County Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure 2015 Expenditure Expenditure Seizures Seizures Seizures Sei- **Sei- Co’s 2013 2014 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 zures zures 2016 2017

Monaghan € 27,947 € 20,972 € 18,762 € 5,850 € 96 66 35 29 11 Co. Council 2,140

Offaly Co. € 35,101 € 66,848 € 35,700 € 24,000 € 60 162 101 66 46 Council 28,500

Roscommon € 106,549 € 66,888 235 64 0 0 0 Co. Council

Sligo Co. € 39,733 € 28,500 € 1,050 € 1,875 € 89 160 14 19 4 Council 38,375

Tipperary € 60,385 € 68,625 € 51,200 92 193 54 0 0 (North Riding) Co. Council

Tipperary € 73,598 € 64,500 € 23,425 123 131 43 0 0 (South Riding) Co. Council

Tipperary € 47,775 € 0 0 55 129 66 Co. Council 31,250

Waterford € 23,315 € 10,251 € 450 € 3,375 18 26 13 0 0 Co. Council

Waterford € 47,284 € 19,985 € 1,740 60 34 19 0 0 City Council

Waterford € 10,088 € 4,950 € 0 0 7 32 10 City & 7,375 County Council

Westmeath € 77,723 € 45,502 € 18,786 € 10,644 € 115 81 61 50 32 Co. Council 10,410

Wexford Co. € 76,992 € 104,244 € 29,075 € 24,800 € 162 187 86 89 25 Council 9,275

Wicklow € 186,416 € 168,402 € 70,084 € 18,900 € 357 253 138 65 25 Co. Council 10,875

Totals € 3,025,599 € 2,248,236 € 952,860 € 725,171 € 4,727 4,923 2,683 2,128 1,177 533,839 ** These figures have not been finalised, based on latest available to DAFM.

23/01/2018WRT01200Agriculture Scheme Appeals

23/01/2018WRT01300434. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appeals and reviews with his Department by year in which the appeal or review was lodged and the scheme to which it relates, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2823/18]

23/01/2018WRT01400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The statistics requested for the number of appeals received by the Agriculture Appeals Office by scheme by year for the years 2013 to 2017 are included in Table 1.

The statistics requested for the number of requests for reviews received by the Agriculture Appeals Office by scheme by year for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 are included in Table 2. The information requested regarding the number of requests for reviews received by the Office by scheme and by year for the years 2013 and 2014 is not readily available and is currently being collated by the Agriculture Appeals Office. A reply will issue directly to the Deputy with the details of the requests for reviews received in 2013 and 2014.

164 23 January 2018

Table 1 Number of appeals per scheme per year received in AAO - 2013 to 2017 Scheme ID 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 AEOS/OFS 2 2 Afforestation 2 5 14 15 Grant and Pre- mium Scheme Agri-Environ- 155 86 62 114 39 ment Options Scheme Areas of Natu- 3 52 41 ral Constraint Basic Payment 7 28 30 Scheme Basic Payment 70 Scheme/ANC Inspection Beef Data 37 51 110 Genomics Pro- gramme Beef Data Pro- 14 28 14 gramme Beef Genomics 5 Scheme Bio Energy 2 2 4 Scheme Bovine Viral 1 Diarrhoea Scheme BPS - Admin - 30 Nitrates BPS - National 79 Reserve BPS - Review 11 of Entitlements 2015 BPS - Scottish 47 Derrogation Scheme - 2015 BPS/ANC - 58 Cross Compli- ance BTAP 2 1 Burren Farming 1 for Conserva- tion Programme Dairy Equip- 3 16 1 ment Scheme Dairy Equip- 1 ment Scheme (TAMS) 165 Questions - Written Answers

Table 1 Number of appeals per scheme per year received in AAO - 2013 to 2017 Scheme ID 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Development 4 of the Organic Sector Scheme Disadvantaged 16 29 42 7 1 Areas Scheme Early Retire- 6 6 4 ment from Farming Scheme EU Basic Pay- 1 ment and Areas of Natural Constraints Farm Improve- 1 ment Scheme Farm Safety 5 Scheme Farm Waste 4 1 1 Management Scheme Forest Environ- 1 ment Protection Scheme (FEPS) Forest Road 1 1 1 Scheme GLAS 4 60 79 Grant-Aid for 1 Development of Organic Sector Grant-Aid for 3 the Dev. Of the Organic Sector Grassland 2 4 Sheep Scheme Greening Pay- 4 ment Installation Aid 3 Scheme Native Wood- 1 land Scheme Non-Valuation 7 5 2 6 Aspects of Re- actor Scheme Organic Farm- 16 11 10 18 6 ing Scheme Rural Environ- 109 72 80 23 7 ment Protection Scheme (REPS)

166 23 January 2018

Table 1 Number of appeals per scheme per year received in AAO - 2013 to 2017 Scheme ID 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Scheme not on 1 15 2 our Schedule SFPS - Con- 3 3 solidation of Entitlements SFPS - Cross 1 Compliance - Nitrates 2014 SFPS - Cross- 159 88 69 30 12 compliance SFPS - Cross- 197 144 158 37 compliance NITRATES SFPS - Late 24 13 7 submission of applications SFPS - Other 11 9 2 1 SFPS - Over 43 62 64 13 3 declaration of land/setaside SFPS - Surren- 22 11 1 1 der of unused entitlements to Nat Res SFPS - Transfer 2 3 10 3 4 of Entitlements SFPS - Under 1 4 1 declaration of land SFPS - Value of 1 Entitlements Sheep Fencing/ 2 7 5 Mobile Han- dling Equip- ment Scheme Sheep Welfare 11 Scheme - 2017 Single Farm 1 Payment Scheme 2014 Sow Housing 2 (Animal Wel- fare) Suckler Welfare 76 3 1 Scheme TAMS - Dairy 5 Equipment Scheme

167 Questions - Written Answers

Table 1 Number of appeals per scheme per year received in AAO - 2013 to 2017 Scheme ID 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 TAMS - Farm 5 1 Safety Scheme TAMS - Dairy 1 Equipment Scheme TAMS - Sheep 3 9 Fencing/Mobile Handling Equip. Scheme TAMS II - Ani- 1 2 mal Welfare, Safety & Nutri- ent TAMS II - 1 3 Dairy Equip- ment Scheme TAMS II - Low- 1 Emission Slurry Spreading TAMS II - 1 Organic Capital Investment Scheme TAMS II - Pig 2 & Poultry Investment Scheme TAMS II - 7 9 Young Farmers Capital Invest- ment Scheme Woodland 2 Improvement Scheme Young Farmers 28 17 Scheme Grand Total 886 610 619 598 638 Table 2 Number of requests for reviews received per scheme per year - 2015, 2016 and 2017 Scheme 2015 2016 2017 Afforestation Grant and 2 Premium Scheme Agri-Environment Op- 2 4 9 tions Scheme

168 23 January 2018

Table 2 Number of requests for reviews received per scheme per year - 2015, 2016 and 2017 Scheme 2015 2016 2017 Areas of Natural Con- 2 1 straint Basic Payment Scheme 5 Basic Payment Scheme/ 1 2 ANC Cross Compliance BPS - Review of Entitle- 1 ments Disadvantaged Areas 1 1 1 Scheme GLAS 1 Non-Valuation Aspects 1 1 of Reactor Scheme Organic Farm Scheme 1 Rural Environment Pro- 4 2 tection Scheme (REPS) BPS Scottish Derroga- 1 tion Single Farm Payment 2 Scheme SFPS - Cross-compliance 9 14 6 SFPS - Cross-compliance 1 3 2 NITRATES SFPS - Over declaration 6 8 3 of land/setaside SFPS - Under Declara- 1 tion of land/setaside SFPS - Value of Entitle- 1 ments TAMS - Sheep Fencing/ 1 Mobile Handling Equip. Scheme Young Farmers Scheme 2 Grand Total 21 40 41

23/01/2018WRT01500Agriculture Scheme Appeals

23/01/2018WRT01600435. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding is set aside for appeals and reviews that are with his Department’s appeals office should they be successful; if so, the monetary value of these appeals and reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2824/18]

23/01/2018WRT01700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Specific funding is not set aside in respect of cases which are subject to appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office. Any payments which may arise where appeals are successful are made from the funds allocated to the relevant schemes.

169 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRT01800Nitrates Usage

23/01/2018WRT01900436. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine if persons who have the low-emission slurry spreading, LESS, scheme as one of their actions in the GLAS programme and who have slatted sheds with full tanks may use the rain gun; if he will extend the slurry season to accommodate these persons whose land is currently too wet to facilitate the spreading of slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2851/18]

23/01/2018WRT02000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Under the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Water Regulations it is not permitted to apply slurry by means of a rain gun or an upward trajectory splash-plate as these application methods do not provide for an efficient and accurate application of slurry. Slurry may only be applied by means of a downward trajectory splash-plate or by low emission slurry spreading (LESS) equipment.

Implementation of the Nitrates Directive falls under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. Under the Directive, closed periods are required for the application of chemical and also organic fertiliser such as slurry. Under Ireland’s NAP the closed period for the spreading of slurry commences on 15 October and ends between 12–31 January, depending on location.

Research, including that from the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP), has found that there are disproportionate high nutrient losses to waters during winter months when grass and crop growth has ceased and high rainfall is a probability. The current closed period coin- cides with the time when the risks of losses to water are the highest. The closed period was agreed after extensive public consultation including discussions with farming bodies.

There is no flexibility as regards the dates of the closed period.

23/01/2018WRT02100Basic Payment Scheme Payments

23/01/2018WRT02200437. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason payments under the basic payment scheme and GLAS for a person (details supplied) have not been issued; his plans to ensure that the issues are dealt with in order to allow payment to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2880/18]

23/01/2018WRT02300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): An application in respect of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 3 May 2017. Advance payment issued to the person named on 16th October. Processing of this application is now complete and the balancing payment has issued to the nominated bank account of the person named.

The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 Oc- tober 2015 and has received all payments in respect of 2015 and 2016.

Each GLAS claim must clear all validation checks before the 2017 advance payment can be made. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks required in this case. Once this case clears the validations, the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.

23/01/2018WRT02400Basic Payment Scheme Payments

170 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRT02500438. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2994/18]

23/01/2018WRT02600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): An application in respect of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) was received from the person named on 18 April 2017. An advance payment in respect of the eligible land declared issued on 16 October with the balancing payment issuing on 1 December 2017.

In addition to the eligible land on which payment has been made, the application also includes a declaration of afforested land. Under EU Regulations, land which was afforested since 2009 will be eligible to draw down a BPS payment provided that certain requirements are met. In particular farmers who afforest part of their holding from 2009 onwards and wish to benefit under the BPS must retain at least 10% of the eligible hectares declared in 2008 (by the farmer or their predecessor) in an agricultural activity subject to a minimum of 3 hectares. This requirement has been outlined annually in the BPS Terms & Conditions booklet circulated to all farmers.

As the person named did not retain the required 10% of the hectares declared in an agricultural activity the recently afforested land is not eligible to draw down payment under the BPS.

23/01/2018WRT02700GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT02800439. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2996/18]

23/01/2018WRT02900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The above named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received payments in respect of the 2015 scheme year as well as the 2016 advance payment.

An inspection was carried out in relation to the GLAS participation of the above mentioned. Once the issues relating to the inspection have been finalised the case will move forward for payment.

The above named have also been advised that, if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of the inspection, they have the option to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

23/01/2018WRT03000Single Payment Scheme Payments

23/01/2018WRT03100440. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3000/18]

23/01/2018WRT03200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The applications received from the person named under the 2014 Single Farm Payment, the 2015 and 2016 Basic Payment Schemes have been reviewed. The payment due under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme issued on 19 January. A supplementary payment due under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme will issue in the coming weeks to the nominated bank account of the person named.

An official from my Department has been in touch with the person named to clarify the position. 171 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRT03300GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT03400441. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3002/18]

23/01/2018WRT03500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.

Administrative checks take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear these checks before payment can issue.

This case has now cleared all validation checks and the 2017 advance payment will issue shortly. GLAS 2017 advance payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

23/01/2018WRT03600GLAS Data

23/01/2018WRT03700442. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS applications that were scheduled for payment in 2017 that have not issued; the number of these applications which were received from persons in County Mayo; the average time for processing such applications; the general issues that cause applications to be delayed and-or extend beyond this time in County Mayo and nationally, respectively, in tabular form; the average length of time that the delays add to such applications; when outstanding GLAS payments in County Mayo will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3012/18]

23/01/2018WRT03800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): GLAS payments cannot issue until all regulatory requirements are met. 2017 advance payments commenced on schedule in November 2017.

Each GLAS payment claim must be put through a suite of checks for each action and where any individual check fails the issues must be investigated and resolved before being cleared for payment. Applications are not processed on a geographic basis and payments are issuing weekly as cases are cleared for payment. In addition to the checks outlined above, in approximately 3,000 of the outstanding cases, applicants remain ineligible for payment until they complete the steps they must take before the Department can process their payment. The general issues preventing payments taking place include the non-submission of nutrient management plans, commonage management plans, low-emission slurry spreading forms, rare breeds forms and 2017 BPS application issues that remain to be resolved.

The table below sets out the number of 2017 scheme year advance payments made to date both in Co Mayo and nationally.

County Cases Advance paid Advance not paid Mayo 5,537 4,303 1,234 TOTAL 49,734 41,154 8,580

Payruns will continue on a weekly basis and all applicants who have passed validations will continue to have payments processed.

172 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRT03900GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT04000443. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3028/18]

23/01/2018WRT04100Minister 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. All 2015 and 2016 payments have been paid.

While this case has passed most of the validation checks there are still outstanding issues to be clarified. Department officials have been in direct contact with the applicant regarding what is required. The applicant is advised to discuss these issues with the advisor.

Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS 2017 advance payments are being made on a weekly basis.

23/01/2018WRT04200GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT04300444. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a GLAS payment; the date on which the application was received; if further information was required from the person in order to proceed with the payment; the dates connected with same; when the payment will be processed and issued to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3030/18]

23/01/2018WRT04400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The above named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.

All GLAS claims must clear all validation checks before payment can be made. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks and to issue payments in cleared cases. Once this case clears the validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments continue to issue on a weekly basis.

23/01/2018WRT04500GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT04600445. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a GLAS payment; the date on which the application was received; if further information was required from the person in order to proceed with the payment; the dates connected with same; when the payment will be processed and issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3031/18]

23/01/2018WRT04700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016. All 2016 payments have been paid to the applicant.

Administrative checks take place on all actions on each GLAS claim. All cases must clear these checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks and to issue payments in cleared cases. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments continue to issue on a weekly basis.

173 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRT04800GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT04900446. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a GLAS payment; the date on which the application was received; if further information was required from the person in order to proceed with the payment; the dates connected with same; when the payment will be processed and issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3032/18]

23/01/2018WRT05000Minister 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. All 2015 and 2016 payments have been paid to the applicant.

Validation checks must be passed on all actions on GLAS claims and all cases must clear these checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete these checks to allow for the issue of payments. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

23/01/2018WRT05100Agriculture Scheme Payments

23/01/2018WRT05200447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3124/18]

23/01/2018WRT05300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named submitted an application under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) on 5 April 2017.

In addition, the person named submitted a 2016 Transfer of Entitlements application to my Department seeking the transfer of entitlements by way of gift. Additional information pertaining to the transfer of these entitlements has been requested from the parties concerned on two occasions. As the additional information has not been received, the 2016 Transfer of Entitle- ments application has been deemed unsuccessful and the parties concerned have been notified.

As the 2016 scheme year position has now been finalised, the processing of applications for 2017 BPS and ANC are being finalised. Any payments due will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

23/01/2018WRT05400Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRT05500448. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit have with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3138/18]

23/01/2018WRT05600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has no contracts with the named company.

As regards the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, this is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. Accordingly I have referred the Deputy’s question to the agency for direct reply.

In accordance with the new procedures effective September 2016, as notified by the Clerk 174 23 January 2018 of the Dail, my Department has provided contact details for all of our agencies, details of which are available for Oireachtas members through the Clerk of Dáil Éireann.

23/01/2018WRT05700GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRT05800449. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3168/18]

23/01/2018WRT05900Minister 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 payments in respect of the 2015 and 2016 scheme years.

The participant’s 2017 advance payment is being processed for payment this week.

23/01/2018WRU00200GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRU00300450. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3169/18]

23/01/2018WRU00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016. All 2016 payments have been paid to the participant.

The 2017 GLAS advance payment has now cleared all validations and it is expected that the payment will issue shortly.

23/01/2018WRU00500GLAS Payments

23/01/2018WRU00600451. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3170/18]

23/01/2018WRU00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.

Validation checks must be passed on all actions on GLAS claims and all cases must clear these checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete these checks on all claims to allow for the issue of payments. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

23/01/2018WRU00800Legislative Measures

23/01/2018WRU00900452. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amendments proposed or being considered to the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006; the efforts being made to ensure that fishermen are afforded procedural fairness at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3190/18]

175 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRU01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The main purpose of the possible legislative amendments currently being considered is to provide for a points system for masters of fishing vessels for serious infringements of the rules of the Com- mon Fisheries Policy, as required by Council Regulation 1224/2009. The draft amending legislation under consideration would also affirm that fishing quotas are a publicly-owned resource, that sea fisheries can be managed in compliance with EU environmental directives or food safety law. Finally the draft amending legislation would resolve some typographical errors in the Principal Act of 2006 and introduce other miscellaneous and technical amendments. The contents of the draft amending legislation, which has not yet been approved or finalised, will provide for appropriate procedures to ensure fairness in any relevant provisions.

The Heads of this are currently being finalised. Thereafter, it will be necessary to submit a Memorandum to Government seeking approval for the drafting of a Bill along the lines of the General Scheme, and forwarding the General Scheme for consideration to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of Pre-legislative Scrutiny prior to its submission to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.

A Regulatory Impact analysis (RIA) was prepared to analyse the key areas of inter alia the Points System for Masters, the legislative underpinning of the policy of quota as a national asset and marine environmental regulations. This was published on the Department’s website in September 2014 and used as a discussion document throughout autumn and winter 2014 during consultations with fishermen, fish processors, producer organisations and other stakeholders.

23/01/2018WRU01100Origin Green Programme

23/01/2018WRU01200453. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether his Department has brought the organic food label into disrepute in view of the findings of the 2017 EU audit of controls on organic food production and the continued application of the organic label to salmon farmed by a company (details supplied) despite the numerous investigations by his Department of licence breaches by that producer and the refusal of his Department to release details of fish mortalities at salmon farms. [3243/18]

23/01/2018WRU01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The audit undertaken last year by the EU of the controls applied by Ireland in the organic sector was extremely detailed and was one of a series being undertaken in Member States across Europe.

Overall, the audit team concluded that Ireland had a control system in place which laid down a clear division of tasks between competent authority and the various control bodies and made some recommendations for further improvements. It recognised that some of these had already been identified by my own Department as part of its ongoing management of the sector. In fact, the audit team pointed that there were aspects of our management system here in Ireland which could usefully serve as examples for control regimes elsewhere. I am satisfied that the integrity of the organic label in Ireland is fully intact.

As regards the release of information relating to fish mortalities at farms operated by the company named, the initial decision was indeed to refuse the request, in accordance with the applicable legislation which in this case was the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2014. I understand that this decision is currently under review following an appeal by the applicant. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

176 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRU01400Aquaculture Licences

23/01/2018WRU01500454. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commission research on Irish shellfish sites in view of research findings in the UK and elsewhere showing the presence of microplastics in shellfish grown for human consumption; and if he will initiate a moratorium on shellfish licensing pending the outcome of that research. [3244/18]

23/01/2018WRU01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment has asked the Marine Institute to review the research referred to by the Deputy and to revert on the matter.

In relation to a possible moratorium on licensing applications, aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions for the 1997 Fisheries (Amend- ment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. All licensing decisions are taken following the fullest consideration of all environmental, technical and public interest elements of each application.

In the circumstances, and in the absence of a legislative provision for a moratorium, I do not consider it appropriate to initiate a moratorium on licensing.

23/01/2018WRU01700Organic Farming

23/01/2018WRU01800455. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 7 December 2017, if his Department is unable to cite legislation or a legal basis for withholding publication of the audit report on the organic status of the aquaculture sites operated by a company (details supplied) and is thereby protecting the commercial interests of the operator at the expense of the overriding public interest in having a bona fide organic food programme. [3245/18]

23/01/2018WRU01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): My Depart- ment, as the Competent Authority, delegates the task of certification and inspection, to which organic operators producing, preparing, storing or importing produce from third countries are subject, to approved Organic Control Bodies. This is in accordance with the governing EU regulations. Since 2005, the associated services and obligations of the Organic Control Bodies are formalised by service agreements between the Department and the Organic Control Bodies concerned.

Under the Service Agreement referred to, there is a confidentiality clause whereby the parties to the Service Agreement agree to hold confidential all information, documentation and other material received, provided or obtained arising from the aforementioned agreement. This confidentiality clause includes an undertaking not to disclose any such information to any third party.

However, in the case in question I have already confirmed that the outcome of these inspec- tions indicated that the sites examined were compliant with the rules governing the organic sector. While I cannot release the actual data collected as this would be commercially sensitive, as well as protected under the explicit terms of the Service Agreement mentioned above, I am quite happy to share the detail of what is inspected in every case, the result of which provides the basis for determining whether or not an operator is compliant.

177 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRU02000Aquaculture Development

23/01/2018WRU02100456. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 7 December 2017, his views on the public perception that maintaining control of both the development and the regulation of aquaculture in the same seafood branch of his Department is detrimental to the public interest; and his views on whether the effects of this maladministration can be seen in the actions of his Department on breaches of licence conditions by a company (details supplied). [3246/18]

23/01/2018WRU02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): The Depart- ment has five Marine Divisions. These are the Sea Fisheries Administration Division, Sea Fish- eries Policy & Management Division, Marine Programmes Division, Marine Engineering Divi- sion and the Aquaculture and Foreshore Management Division.

The Marine Agencies Governance Unit, located within the Sea Fisheries Policy & Man- agement Division of my Department, is responsible for corporate governance oversight of the Marine Institute (MI), Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the independent Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB). The oversight role of the Department in this respect is to ensure that each of the marine agencies is and remains compliant with the revised code of practice for the Governance of state bodies (2016).

The marine related policy functions which fall under the aegis of this Department are managed in accordance with relevant applicable legislation. Marine policy functions are located within a number of Divisions within the Department. Aquaculture policy is within the remit of the Marine Programmes Division, a separate Division to the Division that is responsible for corporate governance. Aquaculture licence applications are considered by the Aquaculture and Foreshore Management Division of the Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The legislation provides for a period of statutory and general public consultation in respect of every application. Decisions on applications are made following the fullest consideration of all environmental, technical, legislative and public interest aspects of each application. In addition, it is open to any member of the public to appeal the Minister’s decision to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB), an independent authority for the determination of appeals against decisions of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on aquaculture licence applications. A person aggrieved by a decision of the Minister on an aquaculture licence application, or by the revocation or amendment of an aquaculture licence, may make an appeal within one month of publication (in the case of a decision) or notification (in the case of revocation/amendment). The secretariat of the board is located in Kilminchy Court Dublin Road Portlaoise Co. Laois. Email: [email protected]

As referred to above, my Department operates five Marine Divisions dealing with the various marine policy functions assigned to it. I am satisfied that the issue of any conflict of interest or maladministration does not arise.

The regulation of aquaculture is managed by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. My Department is currently examining possible breaches of licence conditions in respect of a number of licences held or operated by the Company referred to by the Deputy. Such examinations by my Department are strictly evidence based in accordance with the applicable legislation.

23/01/2018WRU02300Origin Green Programme 178 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRU02400457. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 7 December 2017, if he will commission an independent review of the operation of An Bord Bia’s origin green programme in view of the inclusion in the programme of salmon farms operated by a company (details supplied) despite multiple investigations by his Department for breaches of licence conditions; and if this situation is representative of other food producers covered by the programme. [3247/18]

23/01/2018WRU02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Origin Green is the national sustainability programme for the Irish food and drink industry.

Participating companies within the programme sign up on a voluntary basis. As part of the membership requirements, companies must develop a multi-annual sustainability plan with time-bound targets. This plan is then independently assessed and verified by a third party au- diting and conformance body. It is then reassessed annually to ensure minimum performance requirements are being met. Should a company fail to meet these minimum standards, membership of Origin Green is revoked.

All members of Origin Green must comply with legislative requirements and evidence is sought from the independent programme auditors to ensure compliance.

23/01/2018WRU02600Aquaculture Licences

23/01/2018WRU02700458. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will cease the licensing of shellfish production on Braade Strand, County Donegal, pending the outcome of appeals against licences he approved for the area that are under consideration by the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board. [3248/18]

23/01/2018WRU02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): Applications for aquaculture licences, including the renewal of licences, are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The legislation requires that valid applications for new licences or the renewal of existing licences must be processed.

In accordance with standard practice, my Department has been notified by the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) that the Board has received appeals against decisions to grant aquaculture licences for the cultivation of oysters on Braade Strand, Co. Donegal.

ALAB is an independent statutory body established for the purpose of determining appeals against aquaculture licensing decisions. As the Board is currently considering the appeals in question as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.

23/01/2018WRU02900Single Payment Scheme Data

23/01/2018WRU03000459. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of area aid and subsidy payments issued in respect of lands (details supplied) at Carbury, County Kildare in the past six years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3334/18]

23/01/2018WRU03100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): A total of 4 claimants have been paid in respect of some of the lands contained in the above mentioned folios over the past 6 years from 2012 to 2017 under the Single Payment and Basic Payment 179 Questions - Written Answers schemes.

23/01/2018WRU03200Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRU03300460. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3396/18]

23/01/2018WRU03400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I wish to inform the Deputy that no agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of my Department have been disbanded, amalgamated or had functions subsumed back into my Department since 2011. In addition, no such bodies have been set up by my Department during the period in question.

23/01/2018WRU03500Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRU03600461. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years from 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/18]

23/01/2018WRU03700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): I wish to inform the Deputy that this is an operational matter for the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Accordingly I have referred the Deputy’s question to the agency for direct reply.

In accordance with the new procedures effective September 2016, as notified by the Clerk of the Dáil, my Department has provided contact details for all of our agencies. Details of dedicated email addresses for State Bodies are available for Oireachtas members through the Clerk of Dáil Éireann.

23/01/2018WRU03800Equine Identification Scheme

23/01/2018WRU03900462. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to enforce proactively existing laws on the microchipping and passporting of horses in order that stray horses can be identified and the owners found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3440/18]

23/01/2018WRU04000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Michael Creed): EU legislation governing the identification of equines is Commission Regulation 262/2015 (CR 262/2015), as transposed into national legislation via S.I. 62 of 2016.

CR 262/2015 provides that all equine animals must be identified with a passport no later than 12 months from the date of birth of the animal, and in any event, before moving permanently from the holding of origin.

180 23 January 2018 All equines identified with effect from 1st July 2009 must have a transponder implanted by a veterinary practitioner, the number of which is recorded in the equine passport, thereby establishing an unequivocal link between the animal and the passport. However, there is no requirement for equines identified prior to 1st July 2009 to have a transponder implanted.

My Department is working with the various stakeholders in the sector to progressively improve the identification and traceability of equines. In addition to the various pieces of equine identification legislation, a central database for recording horse registrations was introduced by my Department in Ireland in 2012. A requirement to register premises where equines are kept was introduced in 2013, and to date almost 20,000 equine premises have been registered with my Department. A requirement to notify Passport Issuing Bodies of the change of ownership of equines was introduced in 2014.

Information available from the Passport Issuing Organisations suggest high rates of compliance with the identification rules are being achieved. Officials from my Department engage in checks at sales venues including marts and fairs, as well as at horse slaughter plants and at export points including ports and airports. These compliance checks will continue in 2018.

While stray horses are primarily dealt with by local authorities under the Control Of Horses legislation, my Department will continue to work with the various stakeholders, including welfare bodies, local authorities, Gardaí, industry bodies and community groups in relation to any remaining problems that exist in relation to identification and stray horses.

23/01/2018WRU04100North-South Interconnector

23/01/2018WRU04200463. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the stage the report to examine the undergrounding of the North-South interconnector is at; when it will be complete; if it will take into consideration the value lost on property and homes; and if it will take into consideration potential health threats and damage to tourism, agriculture and enterprise in the affected locations. [2793/18]

23/01/2018WRU04300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The independent study to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the North South interconnector began on 22 August 2017. The results of this study are expected in Q1 of this year.

The study will address the central point of the motions that were passed in both Houses in February and March of 2017. Certain impacts such as environmental and health concerns will not be assessed since these were explored in detail in the planning process, in particular in the oral hearing overseen by An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning process is the appropriate method by which such impacts are assessed and evaluated. As Minister, I have an overarching duty, unless lawfully challenging a decision, to respect the decisions of lawfully established bodies.

In discussion with elected representatives from the region, the impact on land and property values, and the level of compensation paid in lieu of such impacts, did come up and in response to these concerns I commissioned a study on the levels of compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines in a European context. The aim of the study is to provide a significant body of independently collated information on comparative practices in a number of jurisdictions. The results of this study is also expected in Q1 this year.

Both reports will be published and available to all parties concerned. 181 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRU04400Renewable Energy Projects

23/01/2018WRU04500464. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and En- vironment the status of the review on solar farms as part of the renewable energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2768/18]

23/01/2018WRU04600Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): A new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is in preparation, which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, including Solar Photovoltaics (Solar PV) at various scales including Utility (farm scale), to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.

In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses have been a high priority and I will ensure that the new scheme is designed in a cost efficient manner.

A public consultation on the emerging principles of the proposed RESS closed on 10 No- vember. Over 1,250 submissions were received, which are being reviewed and will inform the final design of the RESS. Following on from this, a final proposal will be brought to Govern- ment for approval in early 2018, including the overall costs and technologies to be supported. Subsequent to a Government decision, a formal application for State Aid clearance from the European Commission will commence.

To date there have been over 80 applications for a grid connection from solar farms in Co. Wexford.

At this point no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS. I note with interest the falling costs of some renewable technologies over the past year, most notably Solar PV and offshore wind. Increasing renewable technology diversity is one of several policy objectives the new RESS is trying to deliver and falling technology costs may lead to increased diversity of the renewable portfolio over the medium term.

23/01/2018WRU04700Post Office Network

23/01/2018WRU04800465. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the conditions of the €30 million granted to An Post in 2017, in particular the conditions regarding the operation of post offices; the position regarding the future provision of post offices across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2866/18]

23/01/2018WRU04900Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): In response to the challenges facing An Post, the Board has overseen the preparation of a comprehensive strategic plan, the objective of which is to secure the long term viability of both the post office and mails businesses and return the company to a sound financial footing. Government is fully supportive of An Post in its endeavours. Reflecting its commitment to sustaining a nationwide post office network and daily mails service, the Government has made €30m available in State funding to An Post to support the renewal of the post office network and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service. The €30m funding is

182 23 January 2018 subject to stringent conditions and Key Performance Indicators, the delivery of which will be monitored on by the parent Departments and NewERA. The loan from the Minister for Finance is for 5 years with the possibility of two one year extensions. The detailed conditions contained in the loan agreement were agreed between the Minister for Finance and An Post and as they are commercially sensitive are subject to confidentiality.

The strategic plan harnesses the company’s existing strengths such as its nationwide reach, trusted brand and the relationship of postmasters with communities, both rural and urban. At the same time, An Post has recognised that it must embrace the digital agenda. and this is reflected in the plan, especially in the emphasis on growing the parcels business. Enhanced banking services are becoming available through the post office network with the smart bank account. It is expected that further such opportunities will be available across the network, especially as high- speed broadband becomes widely available through the roll-out of the national broadband plan. The Government has also committed to exploring the potential for extra Government business, including motor tax, to be channelled through the network and my Department is engaging with other relevant Government Departments in this regard.

Discussions on the future of the post office network are a matter for An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union. I understand discussions are ongoing between both parties and I continue to encourage the parties to work closely to find an agreed solution to the renewal of the network.

23/01/2018WRU05000Offshore Exploration

23/01/2018WRU05100466. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which production pace forms part of Ireland’s licensing regime for gas and oil production; the extent to which the State has the ability to control production pace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2871/18]

23/01/2018WRU05200467. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the yield to the State in terms of corporation tax from the gas fields in Kinsale, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib in each of the past 20 years, by gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2874/18]

23/01/2018WRU05300468. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the yield to the State in terms of royalties from the gas fields in Kinsale, Bal- lycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib in each of the past 20 years, by each gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2875/18]

23/01/2018WRU05400Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environ- ment (Deputy Seán Kyne): I propose to take Questions Nos. 466 to 468, inclusive, together.

Since exploration began in the Irish offshore, four commercial gas discoveries (Kinsale Head, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib) have been made. There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date.

Once the commerciality of an oil or gas discovery has been established the authorisation holder must apply for a Petroleum Lease. The application must include the outline development and financial plans for the exploitation of the discovery based on the applicant’s considered likely production profile.

Within one year of the date of issue of a Petroleum Lease the lessee is required to submit for approval by the Minister a detailed plan of development including a detailed production profile for the life of the field. The application must also include all such technical, economic 183 Questions - Written Answers and financial information, as will enable the Minister to evaluate the proposals fully and to assess their economic, social and environmental implications. During the period of the Petroleum Lease, no material deviation from the approved plan of development may take place without the Minister’s prior approval.

Profits from the Kinsale, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib gas fields are subject to Cor- poration Tax at a rate of 25%. The operation of the taxation system and the receipt of taxation are matters for the Revenue Commissioners. As a consequence, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with a figure for the Corporation Tax yield to the State in respect of the operation of the offshore gas fields.

Royalties from the Kinsale and Ballycotton gas fields are payable to the Exchequer at a rate of 12.5% of the fair market value of the gas at the well head. Royalties paid in respect of the Kinsale and Ballycotton gas fields over each of the last 20 years are as follows:

Year €m 1998 6.7 1999 4.5 2000 8.8 2001 8.2 2002 7.3 2003 5.1 2004 4.9 2005 5.1 2006 12.2 2007 6.2 2008 8.2 2009 2.1 2010 2.6 2011 3.9 2012 4.0 2013 4.6 2014 2.0 2015 1.6 2016 0.3 2017 0.7 Royalties for the period 1998-2001 have been converted from Irish Punt to Euro.

Royalties are not payable in respect of production from the Seven Heads and Corrib gas fields as Ireland abolished royalties, similarly to the UK and Norway who abolished royalties for new fields in 1982 and 1986 respectively, and moved to a purely tax based system in 1987.

The rate of Corporation Tax that will apply to profits arising from any future commercial discoveries made under an authorisation granted prior to January 2007 will be 25%.

The rate of tax (Corporation Tax and Profit Resource Rent Tax) that will apply to profits arising from any future commercial discoveries made under an authorisation granted from January 2007 to May 2014 will be between 25% and 40% depending on the profitability of the field.

The rate of tax (Corporation Tax and Petroleum Production Tax) that will apply to profits arising from any future commercial discoveries made under an authorisation granted from June 2014 onwards will be between 25% and 55% depending on the profitability of the field. In addition there is a requirement for a minimum Petroleum Production Tax payment at a rate of 5% 184 23 January 2018 of gross revenues in every year that a field is selling production.

23/01/2018WRU05700Waste Management

23/01/2018WRU05800469. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland is on target to meet EU waste recycling, recovery and diversion targets; and if he is satisfied that systems to provide up to date information on key waste indicators are in place. [2902/18]

23/01/2018WRU05900Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government has put in place a range of policy and legislative measures to encourage consumers and commercial sectors to prevent waste and to prepare resources for re- use, recycling and other recovery. Statistics compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency show that we have come a long way in a relatively short period of time in terms of improving our recycling and recovery rates and reducing our reliance on landfill. In this regard, National Waste Statistics - Reports and Bulletins are available to download at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/ reports/waste/stats/ and include a table published in November, 2017 presenting Ireland’s progress towards meeting EU waste targets. Notwithstanding the above, my Department engages regularly with our waste regulatory authorities with a view to ensuring key waste data continues to be fit for purpose.

23/01/2018WRV00200Waste Disposal

23/01/2018WRV00300470. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all household residual waste throughout the State that is exported for recovery abroad is accounted for and disposed of responsibly by importing countries. [2903/18]

23/01/2018WRV00400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The legislative framework for the import and export of waste in the European Union is set out in Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This Regulation implements in EU law the provisions of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal as well as the OECD Decision Concerning the Control of Transboundary Movements of Waste Destined for Recovery Operations. The Regulation includes a ban on the export of hazardous wastes to non-OECD countries as well as a ban on the export of waste for disposal to such countries. The fundamental purpose of this system is to ensure that not only is waste moved to another country with that country’s advance knowledge, but that wastes from the EU are not dumped in less developed countries. Under the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007, Dublin City Council was designated as the National Competent Authority for all waste exports and imports and the National Transfrontier Waste Shipment Office (NTFSO) was established under the auspices of Dublin City Council. The primary aim of the Regulations is to prevent the illegal shipment of waste abroad, and to assist businesses engaged in legitimate waste export activities.

Any proposals for the shipment of waste must first of all be brought to the attention of the National TFS Office by means of the submission of an application, known as a notification, consisting of a notification document and a movement document.

The Notification Document provides the Competent Authorities of countries concerned in the proposed waste shipment with information such as the waste type, waste generator, intended quantity of shipments, disposal/recovery process, expiry date etc. The Movement Document, 185 Questions - Written Answers must accompany the waste shipment at all times through the countries of transit on route to the disposal/recovery facility in the country of destination and only facilities authorised by the competent authority in destination countries are permitted to accept imported waste. This document provides information on the notifier, importer, carriers of the consignment, means of transport etc. The main objective of this document is to track and trace the movement of the waste shipment from cradle to grave, including the certification regarding the acceptance and the completed recovery/disposal operation at the authorised waste recovery/disposal facility.

A Certification of Completion is completed by the disposer or recoverer to certify the completion of the disposal or recovery of the waste. Signed copies of the movement document with this certification need to be sent to the notifier and competent authorities of dispatch, transit and destination as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the completion of the recovery or disposal and no later than one calendar year following the receipt of the waste.

The NTFSO compiles an annual register for movement of both Amber and Green list waste; the latest registers compiled by the NTFSO deal with 2016 and can be accessed on its website at http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-water-waste-and-environment-waste-and- recycling-national-tfs-office/ntfso-waste.

23/01/2018WRV00500National Broadband Plan Implementation

23/01/2018WRV00600471. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to devise a mechanism once a preferred bidder is chosen by his Depart- ment for the roll-out of broadband under the national broadband plan for State-led intervention similar to that of the community involvement scheme whereby a small number of persons that may live on a particular road or area would contribute a percentage of the cost to the overall works in order to fast-track road repairs and resurfacing (details supplied). [3015/18]

23/01/2018WRV00700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The primary objective of the Government ‘s National Broadband Plan (NBP) is to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.

There is currently no plan to put in place a community involvement scheme as envisaged by the Deputy. My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area under the NBP. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. As part of this procurement process, the bidder(s) will be required to submit their strategies, including timescales and connection solutions, for the network build and rollout.

In addition, it is now standard practice across all Local Authorities to provide advice in relation to the provision of telecommunication ducting between new dwellings and the boundary with the public highway for all new planning decisions. This will facilitate more efficient connection to broadband infrastructure under the National Broadband Plan.

23/01/2018WRV00800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRV00900472. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and En- 186 23 January 2018 vironment the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/18]

23/01/2018WRV01000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department has no contracts with the company in question. The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.

23/01/2018WRV01100Waste Disposal Charges

23/01/2018WRV01200473. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to reduce the costs of domestic waste for households with persons with special needs (details supplied). [3160/18]

23/01/2018WRV01300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): In line with the commitments set out in A Resource Opportunity - Waste Manage- ment Policy in Ireland, published in 2012, and in the interest of encouraging further waste prevention and greater recycling, flat-rate fees for kerbside household waste collection are being phased out over the period autumn 2017 to autumn 2018, as customers contracts come up for renewal. The necessary regulatory steps have been put in place to give effect to this measure. It is worth noting that this measure is not ‘new’ for about half of kerbside household waste customers, who are already on an incentivised usage pricing plan, i.e., a plan which contains a per lift or weight related fee.

As announced in mid-2017, mandatory per kilogramme ‘pay by weight’ charging is not being introduced. Allowing for a range of charging options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Consequently, a pure per kilogramme charge for waste collection may not be selected by some households. Instead, some households may use a ‘per lift’ type charge or a ‘weight allowance’ collection service.

An annual support of €75 will be introduced as soon as possible this year and made available for persons with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence. This will help people meet the average annual cost of disposal of medical incontinence products. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive with a view to finalising the details and arrangements of the support as soon as possible, following further consultation with stakeholder groups.

23/01/2018WRV01400Broadband Service Provision

23/01/2018WRV01500474. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and En- vironment if the formal procurement process to select a company or companies that will roll out a new high-speed broadband network in the State intervention area has been finalised; if so, the proposed timeframe by which high-speed fibre broadband will be available to all premises here under the national broadband plan, by region; if it is still the case that this is set to increase to 77% or 1.8 million premises by the end of 2018 and to 90% or 2.1 million premises by the end of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3191/18]

23/01/2018WRV01600Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis 187 Questions - Written Answers Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020. My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area under the NBP. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage.

The “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders last September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.

As part of this procurement process, the bidder(s) will be required to submit their strategies, including timescales, for the network build and rollout. My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.

23/01/2018WRV01700EU Bodies

23/01/2018WRV01800475. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a request for applications (details supplied) was published on his Department’s website or on another Government website; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3209/18]

23/01/2018WRV01900476. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he had correspondence with Commissioner Mariya Gabriel regarding the appointment of an Irish person to the European Union high-level expert group on fake news prior to the closing of the request for applications in December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3210/18]

23/01/2018WRV02000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 476 together.

I had no role in, or correspondence with Commissioner Gabriel regarding the establishment of the High Level Expert Group on Fake News or the appointment of any individual to the group. The European Commission announced that it was seeking applications for individuals to be appointed to this Group on 12 November 2017. This call for applications was advertised directly by the Commission through its website and by media release.

Details regarding the application process are available on the European Commission’s website.

23/01/2018WRV02200National Broadband Plan Implementation

23/01/2018WRV02300477. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the properties and areas in South Dublin County Council to be included in a project (details supplied); the timeframe for the provision of improved broadband to these properties and areas; and if he will provide the same information regarding the additional 90 properties that were forwarded by South Dublin County Council to his Department as part of the additional 20,000 properties to be included under the scheme. [3211/18]

188 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRV02400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020. In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of 2018. Information on eir’s planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

According to my Department’s high speed broadband map, available at www.broadband. gov.ie, less than 1% of premises in South Dublin County Council are in areas which have yet to receive a high speed broadband connection as part of eir’s planned rural deployment.

In October 2017 I asked that local authority Broadband Officers identify candidate premises for inclusion in the eir 300k rollout based on guideline criteria. This information was submitted via my Department to eir on the 13th of November 2017 for assessment, which is ongoing. Decisions on the inclusion of any individual premises remain a matter for eir. Any premises not covered by commercial operators private investment will be included in the State led NBP Intervention.

23/01/2018WRV02500National Planning Framework

23/01/2018WRV02600478. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the roles the three regional spatial economic strategies under the national planning framework will play in mitigating climate change; and the relationship that will be established with the regional climate change adaptation plans which are to be co-ordinated under different geographical regions of local authorities. [3267/18]

23/01/2018WRV02700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The national policy objective to transition by 2050 to a competitive, low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy requires engagement from all levels of Government as well as wider society.

The draft National Planning Framework, which is being prepared by the Minister for Hous- ing, Planning and Local Government, sets out a number of National Policy Objectives (NPOs) to ensure that our 2050 objective is fully integrated as part of national planning policy. These include policies to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by integrating climate action into the planning system in support of national targets; the promotion of renewable energies at appropriate locations to meet the national transition objectives towards a low carbon economy by 2050; and support for integrating climate considerations into statutory plans and guidelines. This is further reflected within the National Strategic Outcomes contained with the draft National Planning Framework, including ‘Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society,’ which I expect to be fully reflected in the final National Planning Framework which is due to be published shortly.

I understand that under the National Planning Framework, each Regional Assembly will be tasked with preparing a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). The principal purpose of each RSES is to support the implementation of the National Planning Framework by providing a long-term strategic planning and economic framework for the development of 189 Questions - Written Answers the regions. Each RSES will be required to be consistent with the National Policy Objectives of the National Planning Framework and assist in the delivery of its National Strategic Outcomes.

In addition, I understand that the preparation of each of the RSES will be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which requires each plan to take full account of relevant EU and national legislative requirements, including in relation to climate change, in accordance with the SEA legislation.

The National Adaptation Framework, which I launched on 19 January, sets out the context to ensure local authorities, regions and key sectors can assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all local, regional and national policy making. The role of spatial planning through the National Planning Framework will be critical in ensuring a successful outcome for implementing the National Adaptation Framework.

Alongside the National Adaptation Framework, I also announced a funding commitment from my Department of €10 million over 5 years to establish four Local Authority Regional Climate Action Offices. This commitment recognises the significant obligation which has been placed on the local government sector to develop and implement its own adaptation and mitigation measures as well as the need to build capacity within the sector to engage effectively with climate change.

The proposed Regional Climate Action Offices will be operated by a lead local authority in four different regions grouped according to shared climate change risks. The Offices are intended to provide a coherent and coordinated response to climate change at local level, both in terms of adaptation and mitigation and they will also be a key enabler in linking effectively with the new National Planning Framework.

23/01/2018WRV02800Environmental Policy

23/01/2018WRV02900479. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or his Department explored the necessary steps needed to encourage coffee vendors to incentivise customers to carry their own coffee cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3274/18]

23/01/2018WRV03000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I am working on several initiatives to deal with a range of single use wastes, including coffee cups. The Deputy will be aware I recently announced that I am considering introducing a levy on disposable coffee cups in an attempt to effect environmental behavioural change and incentivise individuals to use their own cups on the go. While the policy in this regard is at a very early stage in the process, a levy such as this has proved very successful in the past in curbing the use of plastic bags.

I am conscious that in today’s “on the go” culture, there is a demand for disposable cups. In this regard, my Department has been meeting with packaging manufacturers who produce coffee cups to explore options to move away from the traditional non-recyclable coffee cups to compostable and recyclable alternatives. This is in line with the strategy from the EU on plastics released on 16 January 2018 which has set a target date of 2030 by which all packaging placed on the EU market can be reused or recycled in a cost effective manner.

In addition the EU Plastics Strategy encourages industry to come up with voluntary pledges to boost the uptake of recycled plastics. My Department will ensure that the industry is aware of the opportunity to take this voluntary action and at the same time will encourage the vendors 190 23 January 2018 to take other voluntary actions immediately such as rewarding customers who bring their own cup.

Finally, my officials and I have been in consultation with the compost industry to ensure that any significant change in the type of coffee cup placed on the market in Ireland can be treated appropriately.

23/01/2018WRV03100Renewable Energy Generation

23/01/2018WRV03200480. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps and timeframes he plans to undertake in order to establish a system of micro-generation of renewable electricity; the progress made in developing micro-generation in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3283/18]

23/01/2018WRV03300482. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date by which a renewable energy support scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3285/18]

23/01/2018WRV03400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 482 together.

My Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, at various scales including micro-generation, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.

The 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines set the framework and extent of financial support options for national renewable electricity (RES-E) support schemes. In general and except for small scale and demonstration projects, RES-E support levels must be set through competitive bidding processes (renewable electricity auctions) and all new RES-E schemes should provide support in the form of a premium in addition to the market price.

Micro generation, which typically involves an element of self-consumption and the selling of excess electricity to the grid, was also appraised as part of the RESS economic assessment. The appraisal clearly indicated that the costs associated with supporting micro generation of renewable electricity are greater, relative to larger and medium scale renewable electricity projects. In addition, the analysis identified a number of challenges that may need to be addressed before a support scheme for micro generation can be developed. These include a reform of network charges, an assessment of the distributional impact of such a policy decision on the PSO (cost burden sharing), and development of a fair tariff for exported electricity taking the benefits of self-consumption into account. This approach is in line with experience from other EU member states who have attempted to introduce supports for micro generation.

Notwithstanding these challenges, I am committed to further exploring opportunities for supporting micro generation, as I believe that micro-generation could have an important role in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy, in assisting Ireland meet its renewable electricity targets, and in increasing social acceptance of renewable energy projects right across the country. In October 2017 my Department and SEAI hosted a workshop on micro generation 191 Questions - Written Answers which discussed a number of these challenges with relevant stakeholders. A number of potential options to incentivise a greater uptake of micro generation in Ireland were identified and my Department will work with all relevant stakeholders over the coming months to further develop these options.

A public consultation on the emerging principles of the proposed RESS closed on 10 No- vember. Over 1,250 submissions were received, which are being reviewed and will inform the final design of the RESS. Following on from this, a final proposal will be brought to Govern- ment for approval early this year, including the overall costs and technologies to be supported. Subsequent to a Government decision, a formal application for State Aid clearance from the European Commission will commence.

23/01/2018WRV03500Waste Disposal Charges

23/01/2018WRV03600481. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the work, findings and reports of the recently established household waste collection price monitoring group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3284/18]

23/01/2018WRV03700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I established the Price Monitoring Group to track monthly pricing development in the Waste Collection Market as flat fees are phased out in line with the Government’s decision in June 2017.

The Group has so far considered four months of pricing data trends. Statements were released by the Group in November and December and are available on my Department’s website.

The group comprises representatives from:

- Waste Policy & Resource Efficiency Division of my Department,

- An economist from my Department,

- A statistician from the Central Statistics Office.

- Shelfwatch – an independent price monitoring group; and

- Frank Conway, an independent consumer expert (Chairperson).

To date, the Group has met on five separate occasions.

Question No. 482 answered with Question No. 480.

23/01/2018WRV03900Foreshore Licence Applications

23/01/2018WRV04000483. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Ac- tion and Environment further to the extension to the licence that has recently been granted to a company (details supplied) to drill at the Kish bank, if the company would also need a foreshore licence to establish an exploratory rig in this area if it was to activate the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3297/18]

23/01/2018WRV04100Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environ- ment (Deputy Seán Kyne): Standard Exploration Licence 2/11 which is located in the Kish 192 23 January 2018 Bank Basin, off the coast of Dublin, was granted on 18 August 2011. The Licence is operated by Providence Resources Plc. In November 2016 the overall term of this licence was extended by a period of one year to 17 August 2020. This decision was based on the voluntary surrender of 55% of the acreage by the operator. Any proposal to drill a well on the foreshore would require a foreshore licence from the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

23/01/2018WRV04200National Broadband Plan Implementation

23/01/2018WRV04300484. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the national broadband plan formal procurement process has now been completed in respect of rollout to a location (details supplied); the timeframe within which a broadband upgrade will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/18]

23/01/2018WRV04400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020. In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP.

The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:

- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.

- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

- The Light BLUE areas represent eir’s commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.

There are 56 premises in Richardstown. 31 (55%) fall within the AMBER area and will be covered under the State led Intervention. 19 (34%) premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be covered by commercial providers, while 6 (11%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be covered by eir’s planned rural deployment.

My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.

In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.

Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local author-

193 Questions - Written Answers ities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department’s website.

23/01/2018WRV04500Inland Fisheries Ireland

23/01/2018WRV04600485. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and En- vironment the steps Inland Fisheries Ireland is taking to enhance and protect trout fishing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3304/18]

23/01/2018WRV04700Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environ- ment (Deputy Seán Kyne): Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a significant record of protecting, developing and enhancing trout fishing in Ireland. This has recently been augmented by the launch of the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD), which aims at improving the facilities and amenities for fishing and fishery habitats. Over €900,000 was recently awarded to projects for the improvement of habitat. A further €300,000 was awarded for brown trout specific angling access projects.

There are a significant number of staff employed primarily on the seven fisheries, Loughs Corrib, Mask, Carra, Conn, Cullen, Arrow and Sheelin, which are designated, in national policy, to be managed primarily as wild brown trout waters. Stock management is prioritised in line with the special designation of these lakes. I have directed my officials to consider how this designation can be given statutory status as a matter of priority.

Warranted protection officers are based throughout the country and deploy planned and reactive patrols to ensure the protection of fish stocks and habitat. Inland Fisheries Ireland operates a confidential 24 hour hotline to which anglers and members of the public can report incidents of poaching and pollution and other activity. The number is 1890 34 74 24.

IFI is also aware of one particular catchment where recent introductions of another species have led to potential threats to established wild trout stocks. In this regard, while management of predator species has been undertaken in recent years and continues, IFI has recently prepared a specific management plan for this catchment to augment protection of, and underpin the process of restoring, wild trout in the catchment. I will shortly announce the implementation of this specific plan and follow up with plans to manage stocks during this year in other trout waters in the near future.

During 2017 IFI ran the #cprsavesfish campaign which encourages anglers to voluntarily catch, photo and release fish caught. Information on this campaign is available at http://fish- inginireland.info/cprsavesfish/.

An IFI sponsorship scheme is available to support angling and trout clubs and federations have availed of it to support competitions and novice angler programmes. To encourage conservation, the sponsorship programme does not support events where the results/scoring system necessitates the killing of fish.

I am assured by IFI that the Board is committed to developing a comprehensive strategy to meet current and future trout production needs, subject to securing any investment required for their fish farm operations. All stakeholders have agreed to continue to work closely together to deliver this strategy.

194 23 January 2018 I am also developing further protection plans to be published in the near future to further protect wild brown trout fisheries.

23/01/2018WRV04800Inland Fisheries Ireland Investigations

23/01/2018WRV04900486. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will publish a report (details supplied) commissioned by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3305/18]

23/01/2018WRV05000Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Envi- ronment (Deputy Seán Kyne): I am advised that the document referred to by the Deputy is a Board Position Paper prepared for the then Central Fisheries Board (CFB), a predecessor of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The document was prepared internally by two CFB research personnel. I have asked IFI to forward a copy of the document to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRV05100Inland Fisheries Data

23/01/2018WRV05200487. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and En- vironment the amount of revenue brought in each of the years 2014 to 2017 from the midlands permit for the old Shannon region; the number of areas obliged to pay a permit fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3306/18]

23/01/2018WRV05300Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environ- ment (Deputy Seán Kyne): The fisheries referred to by the Deputy are in the ownership of the ESB and are defined as private fisheries. A formal agreement was entered into by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to manage 17 of the ESB’s fisheries in the Midlands. This agreement included an arrangement for IFI to use the permit fees, due to ESB as fishery owners, from these fisheries to fund the management costs which are additional to IFI’s costs for managing State owned fisheries. ESB charge similar fees for the Lower Shannon and Mulkear fisheries.

The practice of charging permit fees is long established and angling clubs that licence a fishery from the State may also charge a permit for anglers who are not a member of the club.

It is important to note that a significant portion of the permit revenue collected by IFI is redistributed into the catchments by way of the Midlands Fisheries Fund, which provides funding to angling clubs, community groups etc., to enhance those fisheries.

Annual permit fees amount to 86c per week for adults, 48c per week for senior citizens and 38c per week for juveniles. Permits for shorter periods are also available. On average, permit fees account for an annual income of €120,000 and the cost to IFI to protect, develop, manage and conserve these fisheries is considerably in excess of this.

The revenue and redistribution of funds under the Midland Fisheries Fund in the years 2014-2017 is set out below.

Permit Revenue and Redistributed Fund to Angling Clubs/Groups

Year Permit Revenue Grant Scheme 2017 €130,597 Not yet available 2016 €134,462 €50,000 2015 €111,975 €40,000

195 Questions - Written Answers Year Permit Revenue Grant Scheme 2014 €110,595 €50,000

23/01/2018WRV05400Electric Vehicles

23/01/2018WRV05500488. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of standard charging points for electric vehicles, by county. [3316/18]

23/01/2018WRV05600489. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of rapid charging points for electric vehicles, by county. [3317/18]

23/01/2018WRV05700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.

The ESB, through its eCars programme, has rolled out both publicly accessible charging infrastructure and domestic charge points for electric vehicles. Up to September 2017, approximately 2,500 home charge points had been installed and there are approximately 900 EV charge points in Ireland of which circa 70 are rapid chargers. A map showing all public charge points in Ireland, including the status and availability of the charge points, is available on the ESB’s website at www.esb.ie/ecars.

The following table, provided by eCars, sets out in tabular form the number of publically available standard and fast chargers available in each county. (This list does not include any hotel installations or private sites.)

County No of standard posts* No of standard charge No of fast stations points Donegal 13 26 3 Sligo 5 10 1 Leitrim 3 6 1 Mayo 10 20 2 Westmeath 10 20 3 Roscommon 8 16 1 Galway 14 28 3 Monaghan 6 12 1 Cavan 5 10 0 Longford 5 10 1 Meath 11 22 2 Louth 12 24 3 Dublin 82 164 17 Kildare 14 28 4 Offaly 7 14 0 Laois 8 16 2 Wicklow 13 26 3 Carlow 6 12 1 Wexford 13 26 4 Kilkenny 7 14 3 Tipperary 9 18 4 Waterford 12 24 2 Clare 8 16 2 Limerick 13 26 4

196 23 January 2018

County No of standard posts* No of standard charge No of fast stations points Cork 29 58 6 Kerry 14 28 2 *Each AC standard post contains two charge points

In addition to the charge points installed by ESB eCars, car manufacturers are also becoming increasingly involved in the provision of charging infrastructure. I understand that Nissan has a number of charge points available through its dealer network and Tesla provides charge points for its vehicles at two locations in Co. Laois and Co. Tipperary. In addition, Lidl Ireland has installed chargepoints in a number of its car parks.

23/01/2018WRW00200Better Energy Homes Scheme Data

23/01/2018WRW00300490. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the energy upgrade work funded by his Department over the past four years, by county and programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3318/18]

23/01/2018WRW00400Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Better Energy Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Author- ity of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The Programme consists of three main schemes: Homes, Warmer Homes and Communities.

Better Energy Homes provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Better Energy Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households who meet the defined eligibility criteria and who are vulnerable to energy poverty. Better Energy Communities supports energy efficiency upgrades to mixed projects of homes, community facilities and businesses in a local community; projects under this scheme can cross county boundaries.

These schemes are supplemented by the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme which was launched as a pilot scheme under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. The aim of the scheme, a joint policy initiative between my Department and the Department of Health, which began in 2016, is to demonstrate the positive effects that making homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people in energy poverty who are living with a chronic respiratory condition. An independent research project is underway alongside the scheme’s delivery and will assess the impact the scheme is having. As a pilot scheme, it is currently available in Dublin as it is critical to build the capacity of the HSE public health team and allow for the level of support required by participants in this innovative project.

Table 1: spend across the Better Energy area 2014-17.

Programme 2014 Spend 2015 Spend 2016 Spend 2017 Spend Better Energy €9.91m €14.33m €17.03m €16.33m Homes Better Energy €20.65m €18.14m €20.68m €22.62m Warmer Homes Better Energy €15.3m €13.57m €16.71m €22.7m Communities Warmth & Wellbe- N/A N/A €0.5m €6.5m ing

197 Questions - Written Answers

Programme 2014 Spend 2015 Spend 2016 Spend 2017 Spend Total €45.86m €46.04m €54.92m €68.15m Table 2: Number of households that availed of grants under the Better Energy Homes scheme and number of measures taken up.

Better Energy Warmer Homes

County Number Number of of homes measures completed 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 Carlow 114 134 142 158 284 318 330 386 Cavan 145 188 193 134 400 480 477 311 Clare 225 233 297 297 619 594 741 723 Cork 1524 1761 2180 1765 4190 4386 5225 4268 Donegal 173 234 158 157 424 542 372 366 Dublin 3235 4341 4814 4791 7665 9790 10688 10778 Galway 558 730 796 811 1556 1945 2004 2050 Kerry 295 333 427 373 805 883 1065 927 Kildare 455 613 650 751 1137 1426 1464 1665 Kilkenny 134 144 224 123 381 373 561 317 Laois 101 139 266 230 268 357 652 560 Leitrim 54 48 40 46 130 117 96 117 Limerick 366 449 1024 965 947 1083 2304 2321 Longford 49 44 35 109 130 118 94 274 Louth 317 387 502 539 797 894 1157 1200 Mayo 231 306 434 386 634 804 1082 1000 Meath 350 459 645 605 866 1065 1463 1341 Monaghan 77 64 81 73 204 161 194 173 Offaly 105 129 154 181 284 320 377 453 Roscommon 78 86 167 120 203 206 419 292 Sligo 94 100 123 108 252 249 298 265 Tipperary 211 358 505 378 563 913 1268 921 Waterford 270 341 423 328 729 800 979 744 Westmeath 144 166 254 211 377 406 596 515 Wexford 338 496 513 480 942 1335 1265 1237 Wicklow 284 329 414 500 701 789 927 1149 Total 9,927 12,612 15,461 14,619 25,488 30,354 36,098 34,353 Table 3: Works provided under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme.

Number of Homes completed

County Carlow 220 234 94 81 Cavan 218 153 91 89 Clare 143 76 119 220 Cork 849 474 465 608 Donegal 460 356 306 252 Dublin 1234 1730 838 1598 Galway 423 319 246 516 Kerry 340 155 127 134 Kildare 287 595 273 151 Kilkenny 189 115 244 66

198 23 January 2018

County Laois 155 85 300 79 Leitrim 292 72 48 54 Limerick 339 87 205 230 Longford 346 129 82 61 Louth 230 159 532 152 Mayo 468 290 287 455 Meath 318 233 685 172 Monaghan 147 76 45 39 Offaly 210 122 336 101 Roscommon 451 115 77 83 Sligo 172 77 131 192 Tipperary 396 154 202 300 Waterford 252 142 108 233 Westmeath 262 416 171 126 Wexford 435 318 295 421 Wicklow 220 185 436 141 Total 9,056 6,867 6,743 6,554

23/01/2018WRW00500Illegal Dumping

23/01/2018WRW00600491. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of funding given to each local authority for the express purpose of cleaning up illegally dumped materials, by county, in tabular form. [3319/18]

23/01/2018WRW00700Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department encourages a multi-facetted approach to tackling the problem of illegal dumping, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. As such and in recognition of the impact of illegal dumping on communities across the country, an anti-dumping initiative was launched by me in 2017. The aim of this initiative is to provide funding for projects tackling illegal dumping, including the provision of support for the clean-up, monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots. I allocated funding of almost €1.3 million from the Environment Fund for this purpose.

These funds have been used to support 229 clean-up and restorative projects led by community, environmental and sporting groups across the country. Funds have also been made available to equip local authority enforcement officers with the latest technologies available to support enforcement of our waste laws. Through the deployment of overt and covert surveillance equipment, the use of drone technology and mobile workforce applications, we are making the risk of detection high enough to deter those prepared to engage in illegal waste practices.

In addition and in recognition of the particular difficulties border counties have experienced in dealing with diesel laundering waste dumping, my Department has also fully reim- bursed the clean-up costs associated with this nefarious practice with payments of €174,906 and €49,307 being made to Louth and Monaghan County Councils respectively in 2017.

The allocations made to each local authority under the 2017 Anti-Dumping Initiative are detailed in the following table.

LOCAL AUTHORITY € CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL 40,333

199 Questions - Written Answers

LOCAL AUTHORITY € CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL 68,975 CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 39,455 CORK CITY COUNCIL 29,500 CORK COUNTY COUNCIL 40,229 DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL 68,728 DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL 20,000 DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY 19,031 COUNCIL FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL 16,728 GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL 67,663 GALWAY CITY COUNCIL 44,579 KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL 35,720 KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL 41,198 KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL 25,741 LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL 40,691 LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL 81,438 LIMERICK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL 39,893 LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 18,892 LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL 44,619 MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL 29,946 MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL 34,219 MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL 40,124 OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL 40,000 ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL 54,659 SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL 34,035 SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL 28,559 TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL 53,449 WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL 29,739 WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL 66,360 WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 38,192 WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL 24,012 Total 1,256,705

23/01/2018WRW00800Departmental Funding

23/01/2018WRW00900492. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the bodies or organisations that are scheduled to receive in excess of €1 million from his Department’s vote of expenditure or the group of votes of expenditure connected with his Department in 2018 for the provision of services, by the body or the organisation concerned; the amount involved in each case; if there is a signed service level agreement in place in respect of the services to be carried out by these bodies or organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3320/18]

23/01/2018WRW01000Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I have set out in the following table the information sought in relation to bodies and organisations that are scheduled to receive in excess of €1 million from my Department’s Vote in 2018 in respect of the provision of services.

200 23 January 2018

Body/Organisation Amount €m Agreement in Place Digital Hub Development Agency 1.0 Service Level Agreement Enterprise Ireland (Trading Online 3.0 Service Level Agreement Voucher Scheme) National Digital Research Centre 1.9 Concession Agreement and Ser- vice Level Agreement RTÉ 191 Oversight Agreement TG4 35.8 Oversight Agreement (with TG4 for signature) BAI 14.7 Oversight Agreement An Post (collection of TV li- 12.5 Service Level Agreement cences) Sustainable Energy Authority of 152.6 Service Level Agreement Ireland Marine Institute (INFOMAR map- 2.0 Service Level Agreement ping project) Inland Fisheries Ireland 30.4 Oversight Agreement and Perfor- mance Delivery Agreement Loughs Agency 2.7 Oversight Agreement and Perfor- mance Delivery Agreement Environment Protection Agency 37.4 Oversight Agreement and Per- formance Delivery Agreement are being finalised following expiry of existing Service Level Agreement Meath County Council (Landfill 2.0 Agreement will be in place prior Remediation) to project commencement Tipperary County Council (Land- 1.25 Agreement will be in place prior fill Remediation) to project commencement Kildare County Council (Landfill 5.5 Memorandum of Understanding Remediation)

23/01/2018WRW01100Air Quality

23/01/2018WRW01200493. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the location and operational status of each air quality monitoring station. [3322/18]

23/01/2018WRW01300Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): Following a public consultation process, the Environmental Protection Agency has published the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme 2017-2022. The new programme is built around three key pillars of an enhanced and expanded national ambient air quality monitoring network; improved modelling and forecasting capability; and citizen science/engagement initiatives to encourage greater understanding and involvement of the public in air quality issues.

I fully support this important initiative by the EPA and have committed funding of some €5 million over the lifetime of the programme.

The new national ambient air quality monitoring network outlined in the programme will provide the following three tiers of data:

- Tier 1: The existing Clean Air for Europe Directive (CAFE) network of monitoring stations, enhanced and fully automated.

201 Questions - Written Answers - Tier 2: This network will, when completed, consist of the CAFE network, extended with the addition of 38 new air monitoring stations.

- Tier 3: “Local” air quality monitoring facilities. This monitoring network will be established in partnership with local authorities, providing local data for communities as well as contributing to the overview national air quality.

The current location and operational status of the Tier 1 and 2 national ambient air quality monitoring stations is outlined in the following table.

Station Name County Operational Status Ennis Clare Operating as part of the national network Southlink road Cork Operating as part of the national network CIT Cork Operating as part of the national network Heatherton Park Cork Operating as part of the national network UCC Cork Currently being commissioned Ballyfermot Dublin Operating as part of the national network Blanchardstown Dublin Operating as part of the national network Clonskeagh Dublin Operating as part of the national network Coleraine Street Dublin Operating as part of the national network Dun Laoghaire Dublin Operating as part of the national network Finglas Dublin Operating as part of the national network Marino Dublin Operating as part of the national network Phoenix Park Dublin Operating as part of the national network Rathmines Dublin Operating as part of the national network Ringsend Dublin Operating as part of the national network Swords Dublin Operating as part of the national network Tallaght Dublin Operating as part of the national network Winetavern Street Dublin Operating as part of the national network Rosemount Dublin Operating as part of the national network Davitt Road Dublin Currently decommissioned pending re-commissioning in 2018 Dundalk Louth Currently being commissioned Bodkin Roundabout Galway Station currently being relocated Mace Head Galway Operating as part of the national network

202 23 January 2018

Station Name County Operational Status Valentia Kerry Operating as part of the national network Seville Lodge Kilkenny Operating as part of the national network Emo Court Laois Operating as part of the national network Portlaoise Laois Operating as part of the national network Enniscorthy Wexford Currently being re-commissioned Shannon Estuary Limerick Operating as part of the national network Longford Town Longford Operating as part of the national network Castlebar Mayo Operating as part of the national network Claremorris Mayo Operating as part of the national network Kilkitt Monaghan Operating as part of the national network Bray Wicklow Operating as part of the national network The current location and status of the Tier 3 local air quality monitoring stations is outlined in the following table.

Station Name County Status Wexford Town Wexford Operational as a local air quality monitoring station New Ross Wexford Operational as a local air quality monitoring station Limerick City Limerick Operational as a local air quality monitoring station Mungret Limerick Operational as a local air quality monitoring station Castletroy Limerick Operational as a local air quality monitoring station

23/01/2018WRW01400Broadband Service Provision

23/01/2018WRW01500494. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions being taken to ensure that commercial operators follow through on their commitments to deliver high speed broadband services to areas marked in blue and light blue on the high speed broadband map; the deadline within which such works must be completed by commercial operators; the estimated completion dates for each blue and light blue area in each county, in tabular form; if there is a provision for redesignation of these areas as State intervention areas if the services are not delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3323/18]

23/01/2018WRW01600Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. Under the terms of this Commitment Agreement, eir has committed to passing these premises by the end of 2018. The number of premises to be passed every quarter is set out in the Commitment 203 Questions - Written Answers Agreement, a copy of which is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.

Estimated deployment dates are provided for eir’s rural deployment on its website www. fibrerollout.ie. Individuals can themselves check deployment dates for their area by entering their eircode into the roll out map available on the website.

As per the obligations of the Commitment Agreement, officials from my Department meet with eir on a monthly basis to review the company’s performance. The purpose of these review meetings is for eir to report progress against each sub-milestone task and also to identify any risks or issues and their associated risk mitigation plans. These sub-milestones cover the tasks that are required to deliver high speed broadband to premises within the Planned Rural Deploy- ment area. A detailed definition of each sub-milestone is provided in the Commitment Agree- ment. As of Q3 2017 eir had met all milestones laid out under the Commitment Agreement, having passed over 101,000 premises. Information submitted for Q4 have not yet been verified by the Department.

There is provision within the Commitment Agreement for the re-designation of the LIGHT BLUE areas as State intervention areas. The Commitment Agreement provides me with the right to change the Intervention area and incorporate premises from the LIGHT BLUE area into the AMBER area where eir fail to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement.

While there is no commitment agreement in place with commercial operators for the BLUE areas of the High Speed Broadband Map, my Department continues to monitor deployment progress and any issues that arise. Where commercial plans to provide access to high speed broadband to premises within a BLUE area do not materialise, it is my intention that the implementation of the NBP will overcome these issues and that all premises will be able to access high-speed broadband services.

23/01/2018WRW01700Trading Online Voucher Scheme

23/01/2018WRW01800495. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of businesses that were awarded online trading vouchers in 2017, by county. [3333/18]

23/01/2018WRW01900Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): My Department’s Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to support micro businesses (10 or less employees, less than €2 million turnover) to develop their trading online capability. The scheme specifically targets businesses who are not yet trading online or doing so in a very limited away. This is a demand-led scheme, which is funded by my Depart- ment, and delivered in every county by the Local Enterprise Office.

The process of reporting on the Trading Online Voucher Scheme end-year outturn is currently underway. The following table provides preliminary information on the number of successful applications in each county in 2017. It indicates that over 1,000 businesses throughout Ireland were awarded a trading online voucher in 2017.

Local Enterprise Office Preliminary Figures for Trading Online Vouchers Approved in 2017 Carlow 12 Cavan 20 Clare 32 Cork City 33 Cork North/West 44

204 23 January 2018

Local Enterprise Office Preliminary Figures for Trading Online Vouchers Approved in 2017 Cork South 36 Donegal 47 Dublin City 140 Dublin South 38 Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown 78 Fingal 51 Galway 43 Kerry 60 Kildare 42 Kilkenny 28 Laois 11 Leitrim 12 Limerick 49 Longford 15 Louth 55 Mayo 29 Meath 30 Monaghan 17 Offaly 15 Roscommon 22 Sligo 22 Tipperary 37 Waterford 42 Westmeath 29 Wexford 33 Wicklow 67 TOTAL 1,189

23/01/2018WRW02000Illegal Dumping

23/01/2018WRW02100496. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent in 2017 and to date in 2018 on illegal dumping and fly tipping by each of the four local authorities in Dublin, in tabular form. [3344/18]

23/01/2018WRW02200Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The cost of illegal dumping is not collated by my Department as it includes local authority enforcement, disposal and legal costs and also involves costs for other State agencies such as An Garda Síochána.

My role, as Minister, is to provide the legislative and policy framework under which both local authority and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement action against illegal dumping is initiated. Enforcement action against illegal waste activity is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) of the EPA as appropriate. My Department provides annual funding to support the activities of a network of local authority waste enforcement officers. In this regard, the enforcement grant allocations made to the four local authorities in Dublin in 2017 are detailed in the following table.

LOCAL AUTHORITY € DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL 982,000

205 Questions - Written Answers

LOCAL AUTHORITY € DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN 480,000 FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL 220,000 SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL 130,000 Total 1,812,000 In recognition of the impact of illegal dumping on communities across the country, I launched an anti-dumping initiative in 2017 to provide funding for projects tackling illegal dumping including the provision of support for the clean-up, monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots. These funds have been used to support 229 clean-up and restorative projects led by community, environmental and sporting groups across the country. The 2017 anti-dumping initiative allocations made to each of the four local authorities in Dublin are detailed in the following table.

LOCAL AUTHORITY € DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL 20,000 DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN 19,031 FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL 16,728 SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL 28,559 Total 84,318

23/01/2018WRW02300Child Protection

23/01/2018WRW02400497. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 28 November 2017, if the issue of loot boxes and other in-app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age can be included in the discussions his departmental officials have undertaken or will undertake regarding the protection of children online from a cross-governmental perspective. [3392/18]

23/01/2018WRW02500Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): I have no function in relation to video games or the PEGI rating system.

23/01/2018WRW02600Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRW02700498. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3399/18]

23/01/2018WRW02800Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten): The Government, on completion of a wide ranging review of State Bodies, published its decision on the rationalisation of such Bodies in November 2012.

On 1 January 2016 corporate governance of Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI) transferred from my Department to the Department of Justice and Equality. The transfer was to facilitate the merger of Ordnance Survey Ireland with the Property Registration Authority and the Valu- ation Office. Tailte Éireann is the name of the Government body to be formed from the merger of those three offices.

On 14 January 2015, the Government approved my Department’s proposals for the merger 206 23 January 2018 of the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) with Dublin City Council (DCC) by means of an independent company, wholly owned by DCC, and the drafting of Heads of Bill to effect the merger. Drafting of the necessary legislative provisions to provide for the dissolution of the DHDA and the transfer of assets, functions and responsibilities to DCC is being progressed.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 15 December 2015 for the merger of certain back-office administrative functions of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) was merged with the Environmental Protection Agency in 2014. Primary Legislation to deal with legal issues in the Radiological Protection Act 1991 and to give effect to the transfer of certain functions therein from the Min- ister for Housing, Planning and Local to my Department is currently being progressed.

There have been two Groups established by my Department since 2011. The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) was established on 18 January 2016 in accordance with the provisions set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. Repak End of Life Tyres (ELT) was established on 1 November 2015 as an approved body under the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007, to replace the previous Compliance Scheme for Tyres – Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme (TRACS).

23/01/2018WRW02900Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRW03000499. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3416/18]

23/01/2018WRW03100Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naugh- ten): The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.

23/01/2018WRW03200Motor Tax Collection

23/01/2018WRW03300500. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of motor tax paid online; the amount paid in person at a local authority office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2765/18]

23/01/2018WRW03400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Total gross motor tax receipts for 2017 were €1,021,442,924. Of this €739,880,110 was collected via motor tax online. Total gross receipts for motor tax offices for 2017 were €281,562,814.

23/01/2018WRW03500Motor Tax Collection

23/01/2018WRW03600501. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of motor tax collected in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the amount collected by year and vehicle category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/18] 207 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRW03700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Details of motor tax receipts by vehicle category are set out in the following table for the years 2015 to 2017. The table also includes miscellaneous receipts. The vehicle category receipts include arrears of motor tax paid.

- 2015 2016 2017 € € € Private vehicles based on 242,041,218 285,720,502 333,478,128 CO2 Private vehicles based on 679,579,488 602,363,979 519,772,128 engine capacity Goods vehicles 173,201,798 137,883,451 141,748,685 Large Public Service 2,744,906 2,922,389 3,050,846 Vehicles/Youth & Com- munity Buses Off-road dumpers 25,696 27,362 25,931 General haulage tractors 2,435,734* 291,897 270,462 Machine/workshop/con- 1,990,717 1,959,244 1,931,220 trivance vehicles Island vehicles 105,433 93,631 84,204 Agricultural tractors, 9,531,160 9,353,581 9,406,931 trench diggers and ex- cavators Motor caravans 1,132,846 1,163,294 1,237,243 Hearses 101,681 102,942 105,426 Dumpers and forklift 302,070 304,025 318,596 trucks Taxis and hackneys 2,138,950 2,108,225 2,083,914 School buses 75,321 73,342 66,222 Cycles and tricycles 3,316,342 3,416,856 3,610,610 Vintage and veteran 2,608,169 2,650,613 2,776,513 vehicles Miscellaneous receipts 3,020,276 1,197,111 1,475,865 Total 1,124,351,805 1,051,632,444 1,021,442,924 *high figure due to temporary re-classification of certain goods vehicles to the general haulage tractor category following Court of Appeal judgment of 21 October 2015 in Director of Public Prosecutions and Perennial Freight.

23/01/2018WRW03800Departmental Correspondence

23/01/2018WRW03900502. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding support for a business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2773/18]

23/01/2018WRW04000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department has arranged a meeting with the individual concerned to discuss the matter with a view to resolving it.

23/01/2018WRW04100Drug and Alcohol Testing

23/01/2018WRW04200503. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 208 23 January 2018 the regime for roadside testing of drivers in respect of cannabis; the way in which the legal limit or driving under the influence is defined in view of the fact that cannabis can stay in the bloodstream for long periods of time even though the driver may not be impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2862/18]

23/01/2018WRW04300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The legislation in relation to drug driving was updated significantly by the Road Traffic Act 2016. This legislation provided for preliminary tests for the presence of drugs, as well as specifying legal limits of certain drugs, including cannabis, while driving or in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle.

The roadside tests of oral fluid, to which the Deputy refers, are preliminary rather than evidential, and in this sense mirror roadside breath tests for alcohol. They exist to assist members of An Garda Síochána in forming an opinion as to whether a person has consumed drugs.

Where a person is arrested on suspicion of driving while over the limit of cannabis following a preliminary test, they will be required to provide a specimen of blood for evidential testing. The limits for cannabis and other drugs were set based on expert scientific advice and international experience. These drug limits apply for blood only, unlike in the case of alcohol, where there are limits set for blood, breath and urine. This is precisely because blood is the best indicator of recent use in the case of drugs.

23/01/2018WRW04400Road Projects Status

23/01/2018WRW04500504. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected date for delivering the new M20 Cork to Limerick road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2963/18]

23/01/2018WRW04600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

The current position regarding the Cork to Limerick road link is that the extra funding provided as a result of the Capital Plan Review in the period to 2021, means that TII is continuing to progress project appraisal and planning work on the link.

Decisions in relation to the construction phase of the project will be taken in light of funding provision in the proposed 10 year capital investment plan.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a reply within 10 working days.

23/01/2018WRW04700Motor Tax

23/01/2018WRW04800505. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3172/18]

23/01/2018WRW04900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The abolition of paper motor tax discs is not currently being considered in my Department. Any replacement of 209 Questions - Written Answers the requirement for the display of discs on vehicle windscreens would need to be considered in the context of the level of application of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) by An Garda Siochána, in order to ensure that adequate enforcement levels are maintained.

As you may be aware, the abolition of the motor tax disc took effect in the U.K. from 1 October 2014. In that jurisdiction, a vehicle excise duty evasion survey is carried out on a bi- annual basis. The results of the survey carried out in 2015, the first following the abolition of the disc, found that the rate of unlicensed vehicles observed on the road was much higher than had been observed in the previous survey in 2013, prior to the abolition of the disc. The survey concluded that the increase was probably due to the changes in the vehicle licensing system which took effect from October 2014, which included the abolition of the disc. The 2017 survey, published on 16 November 2017, found that the rate of unlicensed vehicles observed on the road had increased since the 2015 survey.

The Cost of Insurance Working Group, chaired by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy, T.D., in his former role as Minister of State at the De- partment of Finance, published a Report on the cost of motor insurance in January 2017. The Group considered the issue of the abolition of the paper-based insurance disc as part of its deliberations. The decision of the Working Group was that it was not recommending the phasing out of the paper-based insurance disc. In arriving at its conclusion, the Group noted the experience in the U.K. following the removal of the paper motor tax disc and, in terms of enforcement, set out that Ireland is not yet in a position to underpin an enforcement regime where technology would be the primary method of enforcement. In relation to the use of ANPR, the Group recommended that the phasing out of the paper insurance disc should be reviewed in the future as the development of technology progresses. The continued use of the paper motor tax disc will also be kept under review in that context.

The replacement of motor tax with increased fuel charges is also not being considered at the current time. In order to maintain the tax base currently realised from motor tax, an increase in fuel duty in the order of some 30c per litre would be required, with direct negative impacts on the rate of inflation and economic competitiveness. As indicated in the Question, goods vehicles and other high usage and high mileage vehicles, such as public service vehicles and buses, would have higher costs under a pay-as-you-drive system. There would be other distributional effects, including on those with longer distances to commute.

A significant increase in fuel duty would lead to an increase in cross-Border fuel purchasing, further depressing the tax base and requiring a compensatory adjustment to make up the shortfall. The potential for an increase in fuel laundering is also clear in this regard. Any benefits to replacing motor tax with fuel duty would have to be weighed against these issues, and others, before any such change could be contemplated.

In relation to the environmental issues raised in the Question, motor tax for pre-2008 cars is based on engine size. The basis of charging from 2008 onwards is on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The public consultation process on the proposed changes, in December 2006, made it clear from the outset that the objective of the new motor tax system was to influence the future purchasing decisions of consumers in favour of lower carbon emitting vehicles. European Environment Agency (EEA) statistics show that the average emissions of new cars in Ireland in 2001 was 166.6 grams per kilometre (g/km), reducing to 161.6g/km in 2007, just prior to the introduction of the new system. The average emissions of new cars entering the fleet in 2015 was 114g/km, ahead of the EU target of 130g/km set out in EU Regulation No. 443 of 2009 which sets performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light duty vehicles. It is, therefore, clear that the measure has been successful from an environmental perspective in reducing emissions from CO2. The 210 23 January 2018 issue of emissions from diesel cars will be considered in the context of the Clean Air Strategy being developed by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Denis Naughten, T.D.

In respect of payment periods, motor tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. The rates applicable for the half-yearly and quarterly options are 55.5% and 28.25% of the annual charge, respectively. These relativities have remained generally consistent since the 1960s.

The differential takes account of the extra workload for staff in motor tax offices and the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division of my Department (which operates the online motor tax system) in processing non-annual renewals, as well as the resultant administrative and printing costs that arise, including the issuing of renewal notices. Each quarterly renewal of motor tax follows the same administrative procedures as the annual renewal process. Conse- quently, renewing on a quarterly basis generates four times the workload of an annual renewal for the equivalent period.

The loss of income that would arise from changing these arrangements would have a negative impact on the total collected via motor tax and would have to be borne elsewhere in the motor tax system or through the taxation system generally.

On the basis of the current payment arrangements, the number of motor tax discs issued each year is in the order of some 5m discs. The introduction of a facility whereby a motor tax disc can be taken out on a monthly basis would significantly increase the volume of discs and renewals, with a resultant increase in the costs of operating the motor tax system administra- tively and in terms of financial costs and controls, including bank charges, which are not currently met by vehicle owners.

In respect of a system of payment by direct debit, it should be noted such a proposal would require significant additional enforcement provisions to recoup income lost to the taxpayer where there are insufficient funds in personal accounts to meet the payment or where the direct debit option is cancelled after a disc has been issued, as well as provisions to enable recovery of a disc in such circumstances.

23/01/2018WRW05000Coast Guard Services

23/01/2018WRW05100506. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the principal response agency the Irish Coast Guard falls under for the purposes of emergency planning. [3207/18]

23/01/2018WRW05200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The Irish Coast Guard is designated as a principal emergency service and is part of the Irish Maritime Administration of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. It does not fall under either of the three Principal Response Agencies.

23/01/2018WRW05300Motor Tax

23/01/2018WRW05400507. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will exempt the Blood Bikes Ireland scheme from motor taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3325/18]

23/01/2018WRW05500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Under current motor 211 Questions - Written Answers tax legislation exemptions are allowed for state-owned vehicles and vehicles such as fire en- gines, ambulances and those used exclusively for mountain and cave rescue. Under the current system there is no provision for the exemption of motor tax for vehicles such as those used by Blood Bikes.

There are no plans at present to extend the list of vehicles which are exempt from motor tax.

23/01/2018WRW05600Motor Tax Collection

23/01/2018WRW05700508. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of motor tax collected for private car CO2 broken down by each tax band between 2013 and 2017, inclusive; the number of private cars on which motor tax was collected by each tax band between 2013 and 2017, inclusive; the extra amount of motor tax collected for private car CO2 as a result of motor tax having been paid biannually by each tax band between 2013 and 2017, inclusive; the number of private cars on which motor tax was collected biannually by each tax band between 2013 and 2017, inclusive; the extra amount of motor tax collected for private car CO2 as a result of motor tax having been paid quarterly by each tax band between 2013 and 2017, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3480/18]

23/01/2018WRW05800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

23/01/2018WRW05900Motor Tax

23/01/2018WRW06000509. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of implementing a disc free motor tax regime as in certain other countries; the potential law enforcement issues that may result in such a regime; the overall and individual cost of providing motor tax discs; the rationale for charging motorists more for paying biannually and quarterly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3481/18]

23/01/2018WRW06100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the abolition of the paper motor tax disc is not under consideration at the present time, the potential cost has not been evaluated.

Any replacement of the requirement for the display of discs on vehicle windscreens would need to be considered in the context of the level of application of Automatic Number Plate Rec- ognition (ANPR) by An Garda Siochána, in order to ensure that adequate enforcement levels are maintained.

As you may be aware, the abolition of the motor tax disc took effect in the U.K. from 1 October 2014. In that jurisdiction, a vehicle excise duty evasion survey is carried out on a bi- annual basis. The results of the survey carried out in 2015, the first following the abolition of the disc, found that the rate of unlicensed vehicles observed on the road was much higher than had been observed in the previous survey in 2013, prior to the abolition of the disc. The survey concluded that the increase was probably due to the changes in the vehicle licensing system which took effect from October 2014. The 2017 survey, published on 16 November 2017, found that the rate of unlicensed vehicles observed on the road had increased yet further since the 2015 survey - with significant adverse implications for revenue.

The Cost of Insurance Working Group, chaired by the Minister for Housing, Planning and

212 23 January 2018 Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy, T.D., in his former role as Minister of State at the De- partment of Finance, published a Report on the cost of motor insurance in January 2017. The Group considered the issue of the abolition of the paper-based insurance disc as part of its deliberations. The decision of the Working Group was that it was not recommending the phasing out of the paper-based insurance disc. In arriving at its conclusion, the Group noted the experience in the U.K. following the removal of the paper motor tax disc and, in terms of enforcement, set out that Ireland is not yet in a position to underpin an enforcement regime where technology would be the primary method of enforcement. In relation to the use of ANPR, the Group recommended that the phasing out of the paper insurance disc should be reviewed in the future as the development of technology progresses. The continued use of the paper motor tax disc will also be kept under review in that context.

The cost of producing a single paper disc or the overall volume of discs (some 5m annually) has not been compiled in my Department. There are a range of costs incurred in the provision of the overall motor tax service, including both staff and non-staff costs, such as payment processing fees and the provision of technology support services. The 2016 Report of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Administration and Collection of Motor Tax estimated, based on 2014 figures, that the average cost of transacting a motor tax payment in a motor tax office was €10, with a cost of €5 for an online motor tax transaction. The Report estimated that the total cost of the motor tax service in 2014 was €48.7m, €15.3m in respect of the online service and €33.4m in respect of motor tax offices. The latter figure includes costs of €14.3m for the provision of motor tax services other than processing of motor tax payments, such as provision of information to certain statutory bodies, including An Garda Síochána and local authorities. The Local Authority Annual Financial Statement 2015, the most recently available Statement, gives a total local authority cost of €37.4m in respect of motor tax services in 2015. http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current?query=Local%20Authority%20 Annual

€12.5m was paid from the Local Government Fund to the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division of my Department for the cost of operation of the online motor tax service in 2015 and again in 2016. http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current?query=Local%20 Government%20Fund%20Accounts

The differential takes account of the extra workload for staff in motor tax offices and the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division in processing non-annual renewals, as well as the resultant administrative and printing costs that arise, including the issuing of renewal notices. Each quarterly renewal of motor tax follows the same administrative procedures as the annual renewal process. Consequently, renewing on a quarterly basis generates four times the workload of an annual renewal for the equivalent period.

23/01/2018WRX00200EU Directives

23/01/2018WRX00300510. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason 213 Questions - Written Answers there is a delay in the State passing the necessary legislation in relation to the EU package travel directive 2015/2302 into domestic law by 1 January 2018 in view of the fact that it was required to do so by Article 28.1 of the directive; the steps that will be taken to ensure the consumer protections in the directive become operative on 1 July 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2771/18]

23/01/2018WRX00400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The Package Travel Directive, Directive (EU) 2015/2302, on package travel and linked travel arrangements re- peals and replaces the previous Package Travel Directive 90/314/EEC. Whilst the 2015 Direc- tive requires Member States to adopt and publish legal provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 1 January 2018, the deadline for applying those provisions in law is 1 July 2018.

The two main legislative instruments which need to be amended to comply with the 2015 Directive are the Package Holiday and Travel Trade Act, 1995 and the Transport (Tour Opera- tors and Travel Agents Act), 1982. Officials in my Department are currently working on regulations to amend the relevant provisions of these instruments with a view to promulgating the Regulations ahead of the 1 July 2018 deadline.

23/01/2018WRX00500Road Projects Data

23/01/2018WRX00600511. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of road projects that are being assessed by An Bord Pleanála by county, in tabular form; the date on which each project was referred to An Bord Pleanála; his views on whether there are unreasonable delays in assessing road applications; and if he has had discussions with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on the issue. [2784/18]

23/01/2018WRX00700512. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of road projects that have been refused by An Bord Pleanála since 2011 by county, in tabular form; the moneys spent on each project up to the time of refusal; the status of each project as of 15 January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2785/18]

23/01/2018WRX00800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities’ own resources supplemented by State road grants. The implementation of individual projects, including the submission of project applications to An Bord Pleanála, is, therefore, a matter for the relevant local authority.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

My Department does not, therefore, hold the information requested by the Deputy. As regards regional and local road projects which are in receipt of grant support from my Depart- ment under the Capital Plan, I can say that there are no non-national project applications under consideration by An Bord Pleanála at present.

As regards the current position in relation to national road projects, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days. 214 23 January 2018 While responsibility for planning policy lies with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, concerns in relation to delays in the consideration of applications in relation to road projects have not been brought to my attention. More generally, the Deputy may wish to address questions in relation to the operations of An Bord Pleanála to that Minister.

23/01/2018WRX01000Regional Airports

23/01/2018WRX01100513. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding discussions with a company (details supplied) in relation to long-term funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/18]

23/01/2018WRX01200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Exchequer funding to support the smaller regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock, IWAK, is made available under my Department’s Regional Airports Programme. This Programme provides support towards safety and security related projects and activities at these airports.

In respect of the current year, requests were recently issued by my Department to the airports inviting them to submit their 2018 project proposals for capital support. As the grant schemes under this Programme operate on an annual basis, my Department maintains regular contact with the regional airports, including IWAK, in relation to their proposals.

The most recent meeting with IWAK was in mid-November when airport management requested a meeting with officials of my Department to provide an update on the proposed runway overlay project at the airport. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is supporting IWAK’s case to the EU Commission for approval to grant this project 90% grant aid, such approval being required under the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.

More generally in terms of future funding, my Department secured over €17 million in additional capital funding for the Regional Airports Programme as part of the Review of the Capital Plan that was carried out last year by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. These additional resources will be available in the period 2019 to 2021 and are considerably in excess of the €10 million in extra Capital Plan funding that was originally envisaged in the Programme for Government.

23/01/2018WRX01300State Airports

23/01/2018WRX01400514. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the airports he has visited here since taking up office; the airport management or boards he has met since taking up office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/18]

23/01/2018WRX01500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Since assuming office I have met with representatives of airport authorities, or officially visited airports, as per the table below:

Date Airport Venue Purpose 13/11/17 Dublin Airport Authority Department Offices, Met Chair of daa, Pad- Leeson Lane raig O’Riordan to discuss North Runway Project and daa Board issues 27/10/17 Dublin Airport Authority Department Offices, First meeting with new Leeson Lane CEO of daa

215 Questions - Written Answers

Date Airport Venue Purpose 18/09/17 Dublin Airport Authority Leinster House General Discussion of Airport Matters with daa Chair. Padraig O’Riordan 22/5/17 City of Derry Airport Department Offices, Discussion re Dublin/ Leeson Lane Derry Flights 19/4/17 Kerry Airport Farranfore Part of County Visit 5/4/17 Dublin Airport Authority Leinster House General Discussion of Airport Matters 13/2/17 Waterford Airport Waterford Airport General Discussion of Airport Matters 21/11/16 Dublin Airport Authority Department Offices, General Discussion of Leeson Lane Airport Matters 21/7/16 Waterford Airport Leinster House General Discussion of Airport Matters 30/6/16 Dublin Airport Authority Department Offices, Overview of Company - Leeson Lane Initial meeting with CEO & Chair

23/01/2018WRX01600Road Projects Status

23/01/2018WRX01700515. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/18]

23/01/2018WRX01800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that the first phase of the project from Newbuildings to north of Strabane could commence once Northern Ireland authorities were in a position to start work on the project.

Following consideration of the Northern Ireland Planning Appeals Commission report on the scheme, the Department for Infrastructure announced its intention to proceed with the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme in late November 2017. Any challenge to this decision will be a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities.

23/01/2018WRX01900Rail Services Data

23/01/2018WRX02000516. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the confirmed arrival and departure times for commuter trains to and from Mullingar rail station in the morning and evening over weekdays in the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2794/18]

23/01/2018WRX02100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forward the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

216 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRX02200Road Network

23/01/2018WRX02300517. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times the Limerick tunnel was closed in 2016 and 2017 respectively due to over height vehicles. [2826/18]

23/01/2018WRX02400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

23/01/2018WRX02500Capital Expenditure Programme Review

23/01/2018WRX02600518. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the mid-term review of the capital programme will be completed; the manner in which priority road infrastructure projects for inclusion will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2843/18]

23/01/2018WRX02700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The Capital Plan Re- view has concluded and I have announced the outcome of the Review. Overall an additional €486 million was secured for roads over the four-year period to 2021 bringing total roads investment for the period to €4.26 billion.

With this increased funding it will be possible to commence a number of additional roads projects - the Sligo Western distributor road, the Tralee northern relief road, the Killaloe bypass/ R494 upgrade and the realignment of the R498 at Latteragh. The commencement of the main contract for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor road in Limerick will also be undertaken and will be critical to the consolidation and regeneration of the Moyross area. In relation to national roads, I have also confirmed that the construction of theArdee Bypass can now start.

In addition a package of extra measures can now be implemented including the improved management of the M50 through the use of variable speed limits, reduced energy usage for route lighting, minor improvement works and community involvement programmes together with the assessment of potential future projects.

The overall framework of prioritisation of investment in land transport, including roads, was set out in my Department’s Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport (SFILT), published in 2015. The first priority for future investment is the steady state maintenance of strategically important elements of the land transport system - the maintenance and renewal expenditure necessary to keep it in an adequate condition. The next investment priority is to address bottlenecks and congestion, to improve efficiency and sustainability of transport systems. Finally, targeted investments that: enhance the efficiency of the existing network; improve connections to key seaports and airports; in the case of roads, provide access to poorly served regions, for large-scale employment proposals, to complete missing links and to address critical safety issues; and support identified national and regional spatial planning priorities.

23/01/2018WRX02800Traffic Management

217 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRX02900519. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the daily traffic delays at the Rath Cross to Kilmoon section of the N2; his plans to prioritise the inclusion of the Rath Cross to Kilmoon section of the N2 in the capital programme; if not, if he has other plans to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/18]

23/01/2018WRX03000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

23/01/2018WRX03100Parking Regulations

23/01/2018WRX03200520. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to update legislation in order that drivers parking without a permit in disabled parking bays in supermarket car parks and other public places that are privately owned may be issued and liable for the standard fine that applies to illegal parking in disabled parking bays on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2864/18]

23/01/2018WRX03300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Road Traffic legislation extends to driving in public places and to the public road. Car parks in shopping centres are private property and are outside of the remit of my Department. However, I would urge the relevant car park management companies to impose appropriate fines.

23/01/2018WRX03400Parking Regulations

23/01/2018WRX03500521. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to raise the penalty applying to illegally parking in a disabled parking bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/18]

23/01/2018WRX03600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I share the Deputy’s concerns regarding those who unlawfully park in spaces reserved for the disabled. I am currently looking at ways to appropriately punish such offenders.

23/01/2018WRX03700Sports Capital Programme Data

23/01/2018WRX03800522. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of clubs and organisations that received the maximum grant level under the sports capital grant scheme in 2017; and the number of those that received 50% of the maximum grant in 2017, by county. [2905/18]

23/01/2018WRX03900Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): Details of all allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme were announced last November in the case of local applications and in December in the case of 218 23 January 2018 regional applications. In relation to local applications, the overall funding available was first distributed by county on a per-capita basis. The maximum possible grant was €150,000 and a total of 33 projects were allocated this amount.

In relation to regional applications, the maximum possible grant was €200,000 but due to the level of demand for worthwhile projects, no club/organisation was allocated this amount.

Full details of all the local and regional allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capi- tal Programme are available on my Department’s website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/ sports-capital-programme-awards-new.

23/01/2018WRX04000Road Network

23/01/2018WRX04100523. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the €25,000 that was recently announced in grant allocations from Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the N2 road from the Rath roundabout to Kilmoon Cross, County Meath; and his further views on whether the N2 requires urgent attention to increase efficiency and road safety in view of major fatalities in recent years. [2916/18]

23/01/2018WRX04200Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

23/01/2018WRX04300Tourism Revenue

23/01/2018WRX04400524. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual worth to the economy on an individual basis by sector of the various sectors directly and indirectly associated with tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2919/18]

23/01/2018WRX04500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): There is no single indicator in national accounts data, as published by the CSO, which determines the annual worth of tourism to Ireland in economic terms and, therefore, no sectoral breakdown. Fáilte Ireland does estimate a figure for total tourism revenue using data from the CSO and some other sources and this is available on the agency’s website. For ease of reference, the total revenue figure published by Fáilte Ireland for 2016 was €8.389 billion. Of this, €6.613 billion arose from foreign exchange earnings (including carrier fares) and €1.776 billion from domestic sources. Figures for 2017 are yet to be published.

23/01/2018WRX04600Tourism Revenue

23/01/2018WRX04700525. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of GDP directly and indirectly accounted for by tourism respectively in each of the years 2011 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/18] 219 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRX04800Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): There is no single indicator in national accounts data, as published by the CSO, which determines the annual worth of tourism to Ireland in economic terms. Fáilte Ireland does estimate a figure for total tourism revenue using data from the CSO and some other sources and this is available on the agency’s website. Outlined below is the total revenue figure published by Fáilte Ireland for years 2011- 2016, the GDP for the respective years as published by the CSO, and the percentage of GDP accounted for by tourism (based on Fáilte Ireland’s estimation). Figures for 2017 are not yet available.

Year Total Tourism Revenue GDP Tourism Revenue as a % of GDP 2016 €8,389.1m €275,567m 3.0% 2015 €7,688.8m €262,037m 2.9% 2014 €6,851.2m €194,537m 3.5% 2013 €6,164.3m €180,298m 3.4% 2012 €5,652m €175,561m 3.2% 2011 €5,293m €171,939m 3.1%

23/01/2018WRX04900Sport and Recreational Development

23/01/2018WRX05000526. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the promised review of national sports policy; his plans to reintroduce the local authority swimming pool programme as part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2981/18]

23/01/2018WRX05100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): It is my expecta- tion that the new National Sports Policy will be considered by Government during the first Quarter of 2018, with a view to its publication shortly thereafter.

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. There are four swimming pool projects in the current LASPP and the priority in 2018 will be on progressing these projects.

In relation to the future funding of swimming pools, the upcoming National Sports Policy will include a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities, including swimming pools, in the years ahead.

23/01/2018WRX05200Road Network

23/01/2018WRX05300527. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reverse SI 54/2012 as it relates to the N4 from Con Colbert road to the M50 in order to enable the junction of the N4 and Palmerstown village to be considered for TII funding for an inter- change and-or underpass at the junction in view of South Dublin County Council’s inability to fund such a project and the serious traffic delays for outbound traffic in particular that this junction causes on a national route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2986/18]

23/01/2018WRX05400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Section 10 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended by the Roads Act 2007 provides for the classification of national, regional and local roads. Road classification needs to follow appropriate and logical criteria and have regard to existing legislative provisions. Careful consideration of such proposals is, therefore, required.

220 23 January 2018 As part of the 2012 roads classification review, all national roads within the M50 were re-classified to regional road status to reflect their changed role in the overall road network. Among other things, part of the old National Route 4 between its junction with O’Connell Bridge and its junction with the M50 at Palmerstown Upper was classified as a regional road. There are no proposals at present to review that decision.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities 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.

23/01/2018WRX05500Road Projects

23/01/2018WRX05600528. Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N20 Mallow relief road will be built independently of the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway from both an infrastructural and financial point of view further to the announcement made by his Department in respect of the enhanced roads investment following the capital review. [3034/18]

23/01/2018WRX05700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As Minister for Trans- port, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

23/01/2018WRX05800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRX05900529. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3154/18]

23/01/2018WRX06000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): My Department has no contracts with the company mentioned.

With regard to the agencies, this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded your question to the agencies for direct reply to you. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.

23/01/2018WRY00200Sports Capital Programme Applications

23/01/2018WRY00300530. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is an appeals process for persons that recently were unsuccessful in the latest round of sports capital grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3167/18] 221 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRY00400Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Bren- dan Griffin): The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February last. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received.

All applicants have been informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application, including details of why applications were deemed invalid. Applications were deemed invalid primarily for one or more of the following reasons:-

- Title/Access requirements of the SCP not satisfied

- Insufficient quotations/estimates submitted

- Evidence of own funding not provided in prescribed format

All applicants who submitted invalid or partially invalid applications were offered the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision if they believed that an error was made. The deadline for the submission of appeals from applicants for local projects was 20 December 2017 and for regional projects, the deadline was 19 January. All such appeals are now being processed.

Separately, my Department is undertaking a general review of all invalid applications including those where incorrect or incomplete documentation was submitted. Decisions in relation to how to address any successful appeals and improvements to further reduce the level of invalid applications under future rounds of the SCP will be taken once these reviews are complete.

23/01/2018WRY00500Road Traffic Accidents Data

23/01/2018WRY00600531. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department receives copies of reports of the Garda forensic traffic investigations team following fatal traffic collisions involving vehicles and or pedestrians and or cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3241/18]

23/01/2018WRY00700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): My Department does not receive copies of reports of the Garda forensic traffic investigations team following fatal traffic collisions.

23/01/2018WRY00800Road Improvement Schemes

23/01/2018WRY00900532. Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available in 2018 for the restoration of Coughlanstown Road, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3260/18]

23/01/2018WRY01000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities’ own resources supplemented by State road grants.

As the selection and prioritisation of works is the responsibility of the local authority, it is a matter for the Council to assess the options open to it in relation to this road, taking the position regarding utility services into account.

222 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRY01100Rail Services Provision

23/01/2018WRY01200533. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status and timeframe of proposals to electrify the Kildare train line from Hazelhatch to provide increased frequency of trains and capacity to meet the needs of future passengers resulting from new residential developments including the Clonburris and Adamstown strategic development zones, SDZs, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3286/18]

23/01/2018WRY01300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): As the Deputy is aware. the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

The NTA’s Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme. The overall DART Expansion Programme has a key role to play in delivering an efficient transport system. When fully implemented the enhancements to the heavy rail system provided for in the NTA’s Transport Strategy will create a full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected. This integrated rail network will provide the core high capacity transit system for the region and will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all lines from Drogheda, Maynooth, Greystones and Hazelhatch on the Kildare line. As previously advised to the Deputy, the NTA has worked closely with South Dublin County Council on the transport elements included in the draft planning scheme for Clonburris SDZ.

The Government’s budgetary framework for capital investment, as set out in Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021, was reviewed last year in the context of the Mid-Term Review of capital priorities, delivery and funding. Following this work, Budget 2018 increased the multi-annual capital investment funding envelopes for the coming four-year period, including providing an enhanced capital envelope of €2.7 billion for public transport investment between 2018 and 2021. This includes funding in the order of €230 million for mainline rail and DART capacity enhancement that will allow acceleration of the initial stages of the overall DART Expansion Programme, focussing particularly at this stage on providing additional fleet to enhance capacity, and extending the electrified DART system. Specifically, it will allow substantial progress on electrification of the Northern rail line as far as Balbriggan - now expected to be delivered in 2022 - and commencing work on the Maynooth line. The remaining elements of the DART Expansion programme are being considered in the context of the 10 year investment plan that is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area and their previous response to the Deputy of 19th October 2017, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the Authority for an update on the issue raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

23/01/2018WRY01400Road Safety Authority

23/01/2018WRY01500534. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed. [3374/18]

23/01/2018WRY01600Minister 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 10 days.

223 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRY01700Road Projects

23/01/2018WRY01800535. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he considered an application for funding for the northern cross route in Drogheda from Louth County Council. [3380/18]

23/01/2018WRY01900536. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration he gave to projects in County Louth in his allocation for capital road projects which was recently announced by him. [3381/18]

23/01/2018WRY02000Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 536 together.

As regards national road projects in County Louth, in an announcement on 12th December 2017 I welcomed confirmation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland that construction of the long awaited Ardee Bypass will be going ahead. This is the reason the project was not mentioned in my 16th January press release.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Co. Louth is the statutory responsibility of Louth County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities’ 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. My Department has no grant application on hand in relation to the proposed Northern Cross route in Drogheda.

While the Capital Plan, as enhanced with the extra Capital Plan Review allocations, does allow for the build up in Exchequer funding for maintenance of the network and for some limited investment in road improvements, it will be some years yet before funding reaches the level needed to maintain the network in a “steady state” condition. The primary focus of expenditure will continue, therefore, to be on the maintenance and renewal of the network.

23/01/2018WRY02200Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRY02300537. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3412/18]

23/01/2018WRY02400Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Since 2011 there have been no new agencies created; however a number have been merged.

Dundalk Port Company was merged with Dublin Port Company on 12 July 2011, while Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners transferred to the control of Kerry County Council on 1 October 2011. On 1st January 2012 both Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Commissioners and Kinsale Harbour Commissioners transferred to the control of Cork County Council. On the same date Arklow Harbour Commissioners transferred to the control of Wicklow County Coun- cil. The final Harbour Commissioners, Bantry Bay, merged with the Port of Cork Company on 1 January 2014. Wicklow Port Company transferred to the responsibility of Wicklow County Council on 30th August 2016 while Drogheda Port Company transferred to the responsibility of Louth County Council on 2nd October 2017.

In 2012 Dublin Tourism merged with its parent body Fáilte Ireland on 1 January. Shannon 224 23 January 2018 Airport separated from the Dublin Airport Authority on 31st December 2012 to merge with a restructured Shannon Development to form a new integrated Shannon entity in public ownership with Shannon Group being established on the 5th September 2014.

Coaching Ireland merged into the Irish Sports Council on 1 January 2013.

The National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency merged to a single entity called Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on the 1st August 2015.

The Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority merged on 1st October 2015 to a single entity called Sport Ireland.

23/01/2018WRY02500Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRY02600538. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3429/18]

23/01/2018WRY02700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): The information requested by the Deputy is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded your question to the agencies under my remit for direct response to you. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.

23/01/2018WRY02800Road Projects

23/01/2018WRY02900539. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to his comments on 17 January 2018 regarding the N11, if the impact on housing and specifically the development at old Fassaroe will be included in the upcoming prioritisation of capital investments in roads. [3432/18]

23/01/2018WRY03000540. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to his comments on 17 January 2018 regarding the N11, the provisional date for the completion of the prioritisation exercise of infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3433/18]

23/01/2018WRY03100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 540 together.

As I indicated to the Deputy during the Topical Issue debate, there are a range of competing demands which have to be evaluated within the overall capital envelope available to my Department and I cannot put a definite time line on the outcome of that evaluation process at this point. What I can say is that within the Greater Dublin Area, the emphasis needs to be on the integration of transport and planning decisions with a view to developing sustainable transport solutions. While capacity enhancements are being considered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the M11/N11 Corridor, my understanding is that these are intended to cater primarily for the strategic function of the route while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has initiated work on a full transport plan for the area. This will ensure that a broader view is taken of what travel options are needed rather than focus on car dependent travel options which would not be sustainable in the longer term. 225 Questions - Written Answers In this context the NTA in collaboration with TII, Wicklow County Council (WCC) and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) are in the process of completing the “Bray and Environs Transport Study”. The purpose of this study, initiated by the NTA, is to supplement the analysis carried out by TII in relation to the roads network in order to provide a full transport plan which would facilitate the land use objectives of Wicklow County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the development of transport infrastructure and services in the study area.

The study will propose an integrated package of transport measures, aligned with the overall Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2016-2035, that will facilitate significant additional landuse development in the Bray / North Wicklow area. It includes revisions to the bus system which will be introduced through BusConnects, additional bus infrastructure, park and ride provision, increased DART services to/from Bray, an additional DART station (at Woodbrook), a number of local road changes together with various other interventions. Longer term measures such as the future extension of Luas to Bray are also included in the proposals of the study.

Wicklow County Council is currently in the process of preparing and adopting a new local area plan for Bray Municipal District. It is understood that the Council will, to the extent that can be facilitated by the statutory local area plan timelines, consider the incorporation of the key outcomes of the transport study into the finally adopted local area plan. It will be a matter for the elected members of the Council to determine what elements will ultimately be incorporated.

I understand that it is the view of the NTA that the inclusion of the transport study proposals in the forthcoming Bray Municipal District Local Area Plan, will provide an integrated approach facilitating substantial additional development in the overall Bray area.

23/01/2018WRY03300Ministerial Meetings

23/01/2018WRY03400541. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the meetings he has held with representatives of specific counties since taking office; the projects discussed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3434/18]

23/01/2018WRY03500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Since taking office, I have met the following groups and local authorities.

In addition, I have travelled around the country with Deputies and Senators, from several parties, including the Deputy’s, meeting councillors and officials from numerous Local Au- thorities to discuss a variety of issues.

Please see list below.

Public Representatives, Local Authorities & Other Groups Project 2018 Meath County Council, and,Minister of State Helen Meath Roads McEntee,Minister Regina Doherty 2017 Deputy Michael Collins & West Cork County Councillors N71, R586 & Bandon Bypass Councillor Marie Casserly and Sligo County Council Sligo Class 3 Roads Deputy Mattie McGrath and Councillors Tipperary County Ardfinnan Bridge Council Councillor Liona O’Toole Clonburris SDZ Councillor Niamh Kennedy & Donegal County Council Fintra Bridge

226 23 January 2018

Public Representatives, Local Authorities & Other Groups Project Cork County Council National Roads Projects and funding for Regional and Local Roads Deputy Martin Kenny and Ballinamore Municipal District, LIS and community grant scheme Leitrim Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, Deputy Imelda Munster and Ne- Cross Border Rail Services wry Customer Focus Group Deputy Mattie Mc Grath and Tipperary County Council N24 Senator Padraig Ó Céidigh and the N59 Action Group N59 An Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Pat the Cope Gallagher & Done- Donegal Roads gal County Council West Ulster Rail Alliance Road and Rail Infrastructure in the North West 2016 Councillor Liona O’Toole Clonburris SDZ Minister Heather Humphreys & Monaghan County Council Monaghan roads Deputy Kevin Moran & Westmeath County Council Westmeath roads Deputy Robert Troy DTTAS issues Senator Jerry Buttimer and M28 Residents Steering Group N28 Ringaskiddy Wicklow County Council NTA – Transport Strategy

23/01/2018WRY03600Aftercare Services Provision

23/01/2018WRY03700542. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children awaiting an aftercare social worker as of 1 January 2018. [2776/18]

23/01/2018WRY03800Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Aftercare met- rics are collated by Tusla on a quarterly basis. The latest available data relates to Quarter 3 2017.

Quarter 4 Data is due for return at the end of January.

At the end of Quarter 3 2017 (30th September 2017) there were 1,914 young adults (aged 18-22 inclusive) in receipt of an aftercare service. Of these young adults 1,638 (86%) had an allocated aftercare worker and 276 (14%) were awaiting allocation.

At the end of Quarter 3 2017 (30th September 2017) there were 1,025 children in care aged 16 and 17 years. Of these 1,025 children 463 (45%) had an allocated aftercare worker and 562 (55%) were unallocated.

23/01/2018WRY03900Child and Family Agency Staff

23/01/2018WRY04000543. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers here; the average career length of same; and the rate of turnover since 2000. [2778/18]

23/01/2018WRY04100Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The information required by the Deputy is not readily available. My officials have requested the information from Tusla and I will forward the reply to the Deputy once I have been furnished with it.

227 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRY04200Child and Family Agency Staff

23/01/2018WRY04300544. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if social workers are delivering developmental and educational courses as an extracurricular activity on a for profit basis to agencies within her remit. [2779/18]

23/01/2018WRY04400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): As the Deputy is aware, there are four agencies within my remit and I wish to advise as follows:

- The Office of the Ombudsman for Children is independent in its function and reports to the Oireachtas on matters within its remit, as required by the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. I have forwarded the question to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and asked that they might correspond with you directly in this matter.

- Tusla has advised that in line with the One Person One Salary principle, Tusla does not permit social workers to engage in any private extra-curricular activity in relation to public sector funded agencies. This directive has been communicated and implemented across Tusla.

- With regard to the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Oberstown Children Detention Campus, I have been advised that there is no social worker delivering developmental and educational courses as an extracurricular activity on a for profit basis in either agency.

23/01/2018WRY04500Child Care Costs

23/01/2018WRY04600545. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some creches have increased their fees after the roll-out of a new subsidy which was intended to lower the cost of childcare for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2803/18]

23/01/2018WRY04700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Making childcare more accessible and affordable for families in Ireland is a key priority of my Department. I understand and empathise with parents on the issue of childcare costs. I wish to assure Deputy Broughan that steps are being taken to help alleviate these pressures.

I understand that the Deputy refers to the ‘September Measures’ which relate to the introduction of a universal payment (a maximum of €1,040 per year) and the substantial increase of up to 50% in the targeted subventions available to families that need it most to support their return to work or training.

Since September these additional supports have been available in 89% of services nationally and to date the families of nearly 66,000 are benefitting from these supports, including more than 31,000 children registered for the new universal subsidy.

Recent data showed a rise in the cost of childcare last year for the first time in five years. The average cost of childcare in Ireland rose by €7 per week, which is well below the €20 per week on offer through the universal subsidy and significantly lower than the targeted subventions available, which amount to up to €145 per child, per week, up to age 15.

I understand that any rise in childcare fees is a very significant matter for any family. I hope that the additional subsidies noted above go some way to lessening the impact of these changes on families but fully accept that the Government must do more to improve affordability further and I am committed to achieving this.

228 23 January 2018 The past three budgets have seen an increase in investment in early years of over 80%. I will continue to seek more investment to assist parents by offering subsidies such as those above and I am working very hard on this. We are also closely monitoring fees and this will inform whether we need to take a different approach in future years. I have commissioned an Indepen- dent Review of the Cost of Delivery of Quality Childcare; which is underway and will examine what the real cost of delivering childcare is so that Government can be better informed of what appropriate fees are and the level of funding that is required to subsidise fees for parents.

In the meantime I will continue to work to deliver quality, accessible, affordable childcare for all families in Ireland.

23/01/2018WRY04800After-School Support Services

23/01/2018WRY04900546. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide supports for children who have a disability to attend after-school clubs and avail of the community childcare subvention programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2829/18]

23/01/2018WRY05000Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I believe it is important to break-down barriers and create equal opportunities for children with disabilities to take part in the mainstream education right from the start. This has to begin in early childhood.

An example of such a policy programme that has the capacity to enhance the lives of children with disabilities is the AIM programme which was developed by my Department.

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with a disability can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. Its goal is to support early years providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience. AIM is a child-centred and evidence-based model, involving seven levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted, based on the needs and strengths of the child and the early years setting. Supports provided under AIM include: the development of an inclusive culture; enhanced continuing professional development for early years practitioners; the provision of equipment, appliances and grants for minor alterations; access to therapeutic intervention and increased capitation for early years providers in the case of children with very complex needs. AIM was launched in June 2016 and is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department.

AIM is designed to support children to access the ECCE programme. The child must qualify on age grounds for the ECCE programme and the early years provider must be registered with Tusla and hold an active DCYA contract to deliver the ECCE programme. The only exception to this is where the child qualifies for the ECCE programme but is availing of early childhood care and education services funded under another DCYA childcare programme such as the Com- munity Childcare Subvention (CCS) or Training and Education Childcare (TEC) programmes.

In its first year, AIM provided 2,486 children with 4,760 targeted supports to ensure that they could fully participate in the ECCE programme. In the current programme year, AIM has provided 3,071 children with 4,474 targeted supports to date.

At the moment, there are no plans to extend AIM supports beyond the ECCE programme to cater for children in after-school care or the CCS Programme. However, I wish to note that the benefits of AIM are extending beyond pre-school children to these and other cohorts. AIM universal supports are benefitting all children in early years settings through for example, improvements in inclusive practice within these settings and improvements in knowledge and competence among the staff in relation to disability. 229 Questions - Written Answers An End of Year One Review of AIM is underway and will be completed in mid-2018. This will be followed by a full and more in-depth end of year three evaluation of AIM in 2019. These reviews will examine what has worked well and identify where improvements could be made to the Model. They will also help to inform consideration of possible future AIM expansion.

23/01/2018WRY05100Community Services Programme

23/01/2018WRY05200547. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of community services resource centre programme applications received; when it is expected a decision will be made; the decision making process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2914/18]

23/01/2018WRY05300548. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of applications received from Galway city and county in relation to the community services resource centre programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2915/18]

23/01/2018WRY05400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I propose to take Questions Nos. 547 and 548 together.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme. In 2018, my Department has provided an additional €3.0m to Tusla to support the Family Re- source Centre Programme. The additional funding provided will support existing Family Re- source Centres, and will also allow for the expansion of the programme. Eleven new centres will be added to the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2018. My Department also provided exceptional, once-off funding of over €2.0m for Family Resource Centres in the form of assistance with small works in 2017.

Tusla has advised that the criteria for new entrants seeking to join the programme includes the size and make-up of the relevant geographical area, the social and economic conditions of the specified area, and the overall population breakdown of the area that would be serviced by the proposed Family Resource Centre. The criteria will also take into consideration the structure of the group applying to the programme, their objectives, targets, and current relationships with other organisations, and the inclusion of available research, community projects, and needs assessments will also be considered.

The closing date for new entrants to the Family Resource Centre Programme was the 20th December, 2017. Tusla has advised that it has received a total of 43 applications, two of which were from organisations based in Galway city and county. Following the assessment of all applications, a decision will be made on successful entrants to the programme, which is due to be announced shortly.

I am pleased to be in a position to support the work of Family Resource Centres through the targeting of additional resources to services that will impact positively on vulnerable children and families.

23/01/2018WRY05600Child and Family Agency Investigations

23/01/2018WRY05700549. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has satisfied herself with the welfare of a person (details supplied). [2978/18]

23/01/2018WRY05800Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has informed me that a full assessment was carried out in relation to the 230 23 January 2018 child concerned, and they have informed me that there are no child protection concerns. The case is closed to the Social Work Department.

23/01/2018WRZ00200Early Childhood Care and Education

23/01/2018WRZ00300550. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress being made in relation to the reinstatement of the original promise of an extra preschool year for children with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3023/18]

23/01/2018WRZ00400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I believe the question asked by the Deputy is in relation to a recent announcement that I would pause a decision on the overage exemption for the ECCE Programme, pending further consultation.

Overage exemptions were introduced at the onset of the ECCE programme in 2010. At that time, the ECCE Programme only operated for a 38 week period, or one programme year. For some children with special/additional needs, attending preschool five days a week was not feasible and so an allowance was made to enable them split ECCE over 2 years, for example, a child may have availed of 3 days ECCE provision in year one and 2 days in year two. Their total ECCE provision remained at 38 weeks.

In order to facilitate this, in the cases where the child would have been over the age limit for ECCE (5 years and 6 months when finishing ECCE) an overage exemption was approved. This flexibility was never intended to conflict with the legislative requirement to start school by age six. The law and policy on school start-age is clearly established in Ireland. Children should be in school by the time they are six and the primary school system has a variety of resources to support children with disabilities. If children are not in school by six, under the Educational Welfare Act, the Educational Welfare service of Tusla must be satisfied that the child is receiving a minimum standard of education in a place other than a recognised school. (Tusla does this by sending Educational Welfare Inspectors out to the place of the child’s education. Should this be required, this would be in addition to the Early Years Inspectorates funded by my Depart- ment.)

Since ECCE was first introduced, my Department has worked to improve the pre-school experience for children with disabilities and to optimise their early development. The two main enhancements are:-

- ECCE entitlement currently averages at 61 weeks, up from 38 weeks, and it will expand further to 76 weeks from September 2018. This is in keeping with good international practice.

- The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) has been introduced with 7 different levels of support for children with disabilities. Over 5,000 children have so far benefited from targeted supports and many multiples of this from universal supports available under AIM.

Purely in the best interests of children, and for no other reason, a proposal was considered to remove the overage exemption to the upper age limit to the Programme. On 6th December 2017, I announced that I paused a decision on the removal of the Upper age limit exemption for ECCE so that further consultation with parents can occur. This means that for the 2018/2019 ECCE year the overage exemption will continue to be available.

In summary, from September 2018, all children, including children with disabilities will be able to access a full two years of ECCE.

231 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRZ00500Early Childhood Care and Education

23/01/2018WRZ00600551. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a person (details supplied) attending a preschool under the ECCE scheme will have a special needs assistant appointed for them through the better start access and inclusion model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3043/18]

23/01/2018WRZ00700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) supports children with a disability to access and fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. It was introduced in June 2016 and is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. AIM includes 7 levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted. The degree of support provided depends on the needs and strengths of the child in the context of the pre-school setting they are attending.

A pre-school provider, in partnership with a parent, can apply for AIM Level 7 support - additional capitation. Where the AIM Early Years Specialist (EYS) (a support provided under AIM Level 4) considers that an AIM Level 7 support is critical to a child’s participation in the ECCE programme, they will further consider the degree of Level 7 support required having regard to the needs of the child and the pre-school setting.

There are two rates of Level 7 capitation. The lower rate is €130 per week (which is calculated on the basis of 10 hours of support per week) and the higher rate is €195 per week (which is calculated on the basis of 15 hours of support per week).

This additional capitation can be used to reduce the adult to child ratio in the pre-school room or can be used to buy in additional assistance.

In relation to this particular child, Pobal has advised that an application for support under AIM Level 7 was received on 16th January 2018. An EYS has been assigned and will be in contact with the pre-school provider by telephone shortly to arrange for an observation visit to take place. Following this, the EYS will submit a recommendation to the Pobal AIM Level 7 appraisal team who will review this information and make a decision. The outcome of the application will then be communicated to the applicants. Pobal has advised that they would expect a turnaround of between 4 and 6 weeks from receipt of the application to communication of the decision to this child’s parents and pre-school provider.

23/01/2018WRZ00800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRZ00900552. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the contracts her Department or agencies under her remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3140/18]

23/01/2018WRZ01000Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I can confirm that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Adoption Authority and Oberstown De- tention Centre does not have any contracts with the company mentioned.

I have referred the question to Tusla and the Ombudsman for Children’s Office and asked them to provide the information sought directly to the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRZ01100Early Childhood Care and Education Funding

232 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRZ01200553. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address issues (details supplied) in relation to capital funding for child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3221/18]

23/01/2018WRZ01300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): In budget 2018 I secured €6.86 million in capital funding for the expansion and improvement of early years and school age childcare services in Ireland. This capital funding will directly support outdoor play areas, extra spaces and essential maintenance, for example. The investment reflects my on-going commitment to developing quality, affordable childcare in Ireland, and assisting providers in delivering high quality services to parents and children.

One of the key objectives of my Department for 2018 was to open this capital scheme as early as possible to enable the evaluation and award process early in the year and the works to be completed by year end. This is based on feedback from providers regarding previous capital programmes and I am delighted that we have made some progress in this regard. My Department first notified the Capital 2018 programme to providers in November 2017. This early notification aimed to achieve an earlier application window (opening in February 2018), and an earlier commencement of works (end May 2018), than in 2017. It is intended that this will allow services the opportunity to commence their capital works as early as possible after applications are approved in May 2018.

With respect to 2 of the 5 strands of Capital 2018: as in previous years, priority has been given to community/not for profit services, many of which were established using significant state investment under previous capital programmes, the Equal Opportunities Childcare Pro- gramme (EOCP) or the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP). In such cases, capital funding for maintenance of these properties is released in accordance with public spending guidelines, with the aim of protecting the value of previous significant investment by the state.

Furthermore, as community services are non-profit-making, the capital funding available under Strands 2 and 5 is intended to assist where private financing may not be achievable. The key aim of Strand 2 and 5 grants will be to ensure that community services continue to be fit for purpose with capital funds contributing towards the provisions of, for example, essential repairs to the existing building and facilities, replacement of the building’s fixtures and fittings, and/or works highlighted as a direct result of an inspection by TUSLA or other competent authorities.

My Department and I remain committed to developing the annual Early Years Capital programme in respect of the needs of children and providers, with the aim of providing childcare facilities of the highest quality. My Department has supported both private and community services over the last number of years and our intention is to continue to do so. My Depart- ment is also currently enhancing its capacity to examine medium and long term needs in the sector and this will enable further analysis of the need for multiannual and larger scale capital development.

23/01/2018WRZ01400Early Childhood Care and Education

23/01/2018WRZ01500554. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding a person (details supplied) whose playschool placement in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, was ended with one day’s notice; if her Department will provide alternative AIMS and ECCE placements in Enniscorthy; the alternative arrangements which have been offered to the person’s parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3252/18]

23/01/2018WRZ01600Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I must inform

233 Questions - Written Answers the Deputy that the date of birth provided in relation to the child in question indicates that they would not become eligible to enrol in the ECCE programme until September 2018, at the earliest, and, consequently, they are not yet eligible to avail of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) programme.

It is my understanding that an official from my Department has been in touch with the parents to discuss this matter further. The parents and pre-school provider may apply for AIM supports in respect of this child in May/ early June 2018 so that his eligibility may be assessed and if approved, supports put in place from September 2018.

23/01/2018WRZ01700Child Care Services Funding

23/01/2018WRZ01800555. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount allocated and drawn down in respect of the learner fund in 2016 and 2017, by county. [3307/18]

23/01/2018WRZ01900557. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount allocated to each county under learner funds 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. [3309/18]

23/01/2018WRZ02000Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 557 together.

As the funding was administered, in part, through the County and City Childcare Com- mittees (CCCs), I am unable to provide a county by county breakdown of funding. However, funding has always been offered on a national level and not on a county by county basis. The allocation of funding to each county area is a direct reflection of the uptake of the opportunity offered through the Learner Fund and the demand for further education and training that existed in the Early Years sector in that area at the time. My Department placed no restrictions on the share of the available funding that could be accessed through each CCC.

The county by county breakdown is outlined in the following table;

Allocation Learner Learner Learner Learner Bursary Bursary Total Fund 1 Fund 2 Fund 3 Fund 4 2017 (R1) 2017 (R2) € € € € € € € Carlow 7,085 2,130 8,240 9,420 0 4,500 31,375 County Childcare Committee Cavan 4,980 8,070 6,150 11,400 9,000 3,000 42,600 County Childcare Committee Clare 55,752 31,566 2,700 24,810 14,250 2,250 131,329 County Childcare Committee Cork City 45,016 12,612 123 15,720 10,500 3,000 86,971 Childcare Committee Cork 124,528 38,408 12,360 46,500 42,750 7,500 272,046 County Childcare Committee

234 23 January 2018

Allocation Learner Learner Learner Learner Bursary Bursary Total Fund 1 Fund 2 Fund 3 Fund 4 2017 (R1) 2017 (R2) € € € € € € € Dun 30,838 43,946 73,170 29,160 28,500 3,750 209,365 Laoghaire Rathdown CC Donegal 7,610 3,015 2,040 13,200 26,250 12,000 64,115 County Childcare Committee Dublin City 207,438 157,306 52,590 108,240 50,250 6,750 582,574 Childcare Committee Fingal 86,156 109,589 37,680 75,120 30,750 6,000 345,295 County Childcare Committee Galway 35,199 52,180 21,720 66,300 45,750 12,000 233,149 City and County Childcare Committee Kerry 33,316 3,120 14,490 18,720 9,750 4,500 83,896 County Childcare Committee Kildare 78,827 59,906 23,085 59,290 45,000 24,000 290,108 County Childcare Committee Kilkenny 13,331 3,229 3,120 21,420 16,500 750 58,350 County Childcare Committee Laois 58,913 23,062 7,200 33,900 21,000 9,750 153,825 County Childcare Committee Leitrim 5,867 4,410 2,820 1,540 3,000 750 18,387 County Childcare Committee Limerick 37,828 36,220 12,960 41,040 12,750 1,500 142,298 Childcare Committee Longford 1,410 105 9,900 6,000 3,000 2,250 22,665 County Childcare Committee Louth 29,252 26,480 7,440 39,780 12,750 8,250 123,951 County Childcare committee

235 Questions - Written Answers

Allocation Learner Learner Learner Learner Bursary Bursary Total Fund 1 Fund 2 Fund 3 Fund 4 2017 (R1) 2017 (R2) € € € € € € € Meath 124,588 34,448 21,445 47,730 31,500 6,000 265,711 County Childcare Committee Mayo 16,337 6,452 960 10,680 21,000 6,750 62,179 County Childcare Committee Monaghan 8,755 3,485 4,920 13,330 20,250 750 51,490 County Childcare Committee Offaly 7,804 7,830 4,320 12,000 6,000 6,000 43,954 County Childcare Committee Roscom- 10,388 15,278 3,860 8,480 12,750 5,250 56,006 mon County Childcare Committee Sligo 23,319 12,925 1,920 10,080 11,250 2,250 61,744 County Childcare Committee South 82,253 73,763 30,030 85,440 30,000 4,500 305,986 Dublin Childcare Committee Tipperary 57,395 25,958 8,520 18,120 20,250 10,500 140,743 Childcare Committee Limited Waterford 13,940 10,903 2,400 13,230 14,250 750 55,473 Childcare Committee Westmeath 26,023 2,700 8,250 25,250 11,250 3,000 76,473 County Childcare Committee Wexford 20,003 9,960 6,270 16,500 21,750 3,000 77,483 County Childcare Committee Wicklow 45,452 19,753 15,600 32,880 39,000 1,500 154,184 County Childcare Committee Total 1,299,604 838,807 406,283 915,280 621,000 162,750 4,243,724

23/01/2018WRZ02100Early Childhood Care and Education Data

23/01/2018WRZ02200556. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of registered early years services in each county, as of January 2018, in tabular form; and if she 236 23 January 2018 will make a statement on the matter. [3308/18]

23/01/2018WRZ02300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): Details of the number of registered early years services in each county, as of January 2018, are outlined in the accompanying table.

County Number of Registered Services Carlow 50 Cavan 63 Clare 145 Cork 479 Donegal 146 Dublin 1190 Galway 283 Kerry 130 Kildare 193 Kilkenny 95 Laois 81 Leitrim 34 Limerick 197 Longford 34 Louth 113 Mayo 130 Meath 205 Monaghan 60 Offaly 71 Roscommon 55 Sligo 70 Tipperary 167 Waterford 99 Westmeath 83 Wexford 142 Wicklow 169 Question No. 557 answered with Question No. 555.

23/01/2018WRZ02500Youth Services Funding

23/01/2018WRZ02600558. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding provided to youth services in each county in 2017, in tabular form. [3310/18]

23/01/2018WRZ02700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): My Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country, including those from disadvantaged communities. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drugs Task Force Projects and certain other programmes including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres.

Details of the funding provided to youth services and projects by my Department for 2017 are not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. The funding for the provision of youth services is administered on behalf of my Department by the sixteen Education and Train- 237 Questions - Written Answers ing Boards. In many instances the functional areas of ETBs covers more than one county. The capital and current funding provided to each ETB for the youth services within its functional area is outlined in the accompanying table.

Education and Training Board Amount of current funding pro- Amount of capital funding provided in 2017 vided in 2017 City of Dublin Youth Service €17,819,852 €764,872 Board Cavan and Monaghan €239,408 €657,936 Cork €2,766,630 €1,000,931 Donegal €414,374 €431,376 Dublin and Dun Laoghaire €7,046,461 €618,455 Galway and Roscommon €1,553,604 €459,098 Kerry €226,117 €281,491 Kildare and Wicklow 1,188,761 €371,468 Kilkenny and Carlow €262,515 €170,343 Laois and Offaly €68,802 €164,508 Limerick and Clare €1,673,086 €374,803 Longford and Westmeath €257,732 €179,763 Louth and Meath €215,061 €431,163 Mayo Sligo Leitrim €93,945 €447,305 Tipperary €446,824 €238,484 Waterford and Westmeath €992,112 € 453,146 My Department also provides funding to ETBs to assist them with the administration of youth services within their functional areas and the level of funding provided to each ETB is provided in the accompany table.

23/01/2018WRZ02800Child Care Services

23/01/2018WRZ02900559. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of child care providers who have been trained as LINC workers on the new AIMS model launched in June 2016, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3311/18]

23/01/2018WRZ03000Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): The Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) Programme, which was established in 2016 , is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award designed to support inclusion of children with a disability in free pre-school provided under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme.

The LINC Programme, which won the ‘Best Online Learning Experience’ from the Educa- tion Awards 2017, contains online and classroom based sessions in order to ensure a flexible and quality learning experience, enabling pre-school practitioners in full-time employment to attend this important continuing professional development (CPD) programme.

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) makes provision to fund 900 pre-school practitioners to enrol in this Programme annually over the period 2016/17 -2019/20.

Details of the number of pre-school practitioners that have graduated from the LINC Pro- gramme 2016/17 is set out in the accompanying table.

238 23 January 2018

County Total LINC Graduates 2016/17 Carlow 11 Cavan 5 Clare 37 Cork City 15 Cork County 91 Donegal 53 Dublin - Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 20 Dublin - Fingal 30 Dublin - South Dublin 36 Dublin City 41 Galway 38 Kerry 53 Kildare 48 Kilkenny 19 Laois 20 Leitrim 8 Limerick 75 Longford 5 Louth 17 Mayo 27 Meath 29 Monaghan 13 Offaly 10 Roscommon 19 Sligo 19 Tipperary 27 Waterford 21 Westmeath 17 Wexford 28 Wicklow 15 Total 847 In addition, there are 857 pre-school practitioners enrolled in the current LINC Programme 2017/18.

23/01/2018WRZ03100Child Care Services Funding

23/01/2018WRZ03200560. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding her Department provided to each community child care committee in each year since 2008; and the various functions for which this funding was provided. [3312/18]

23/01/2018WRZ03300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): 33 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) were established in 2001 to advance the provision of childcare facilities in their local areas. They comprise local representatives from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, childcare providers and parents. There are now 30 CCCs, as Limerick City and Limerick County CCCs have amalgamated, as have Waterford City and Waterford County and North and South Tipperary. Each committee has a distinct legal identity and board of directors. City and County Childcare Committees receive funding from my De- partment for the operations of the Committee, allowing each one to employ staff and implement

239 Questions - Written Answers actions contained in its strategic plan, which is approved by my Department to reflect national policy objectives. Pobal acts as managing agent on behalf of the Department in relation to the performance of individual CCCs. Pobal appraises and monitors the local planning and implementation of activities and outcomes of each CCC associated with my Department’s funding, and supports CCCs individually and collectively.

The CCCs support the delivery of the childcare programmes operated by my Department: the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme, the Community Childcare Sub- vention (CCS) Programme and the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Programme. CCCs perform a range of activities to promote the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) including providing information and support for parents and ECCE settings. They are also responsible for rolling out the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training programme to pre-school practitioners nationwide. They provide support and guidance to local service providers and parents in relation to the childcare programmes and support quality in keeping with national frameworks and policy objectives. CCCs are also available to co-ordinate and provide training to providers and offer support to families with regard to Early Years services within their respective catchment areas.

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table. This table outlines the core funding allocated annually to each CCC from 2008 to 2018. To note that my Department also provides additional annual funding to the CCCs to support a number of initiatives including the administration of the Childminding Development Grant, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), and the Parent and Toddler Initiative.

City/County 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Childcare Com- mittee Carlow County 343,965.00 306,869.00 306,869.00 268,510.00 268,000.00 244,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Cavan County 350,156 306,869.00 306,869.00 268,510.00 268,000.00 248,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Clare County 419,705.00 376,573.00 376,573.00 329,501.00 329,000.00 313,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Cork County 581,870.00 551,891.00 551,891.00 482,905.00 482,000.00 482,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Cork City Child- 409,477.50 381,666.00 381,522.00 333,832.00 333,000.00 308,000.00 care Committee Donegal County 487,417.50 423,279.00 423,279.00 370,369.00 370,000.00 363,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Dublin City 934,915.00 903,303.00 903,306.00 790,390.00 790,000.00 774,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee DunLaoighre/ 497,359.00 463,679.00 463,679.00 405,719.00 405,000.00 385,000.00 Rathdown County Child- care Committee Fingal County 567,960.50 536,614.00 536,641.00 469,537.00 469,000.00 460,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee South Dublin 584,266.00 551,891.00 551,891.00 482,905.00 482,000.00 472,000.00 County Child- care Committee Galway City and 658,372.00 531,521.00 530,000.00 463,750.00 463,000.00 454,000.00 County Child- care Committee

240 23 January 2018

City/County 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Childcare Com- mittee Kerry County 469,325.00 418,186.00 418,186.00 365,913.00 365,000.00 354,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Kildare County 501,527.00 463,679.00 463,679.00 405,719.00 405,000.00 393,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Kilkenny County 347,046.00 316,705.00 316,705.00 277,117.00 277,000.00 263,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Laois County 340,251.00 306,869.00 301,981.00 264,233.00 264,000.00 244,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Leitrim County 330,270.00 285,432.00 285,062.00 249,429.00 249,000.00 227,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Limerick City 347,015.00 306,869.00 298,510.00 261,196.00 261,000.00 241,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Limerick County 452,786.00 429,186.00 418,186.00 365,913.00 365,000.00 338,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Limerick Child- - - care Committee Longford Coun- 334,541.00 285,432.00 285,432.00 249,753.00 249,000.00 227,000.00 ty Childcare Committee Louth County 412,129.00 376,573.00 376,573.00 329,502.00 329,000.00 313,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Mayo County 402,075.00 376,573.00 376,019.00 329,017.00 329,000.00 319,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Meath County 533,267.50 458,587.00 458,587.00 401,264.00 401,000.00 389,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Monaghan 356,465.00 316,869.00 306,499.00 268,187.00 268,000.00 248,000.00 County Child- care Committee Offaly County 357,378.00 316,705.00 316,705.00 277,117.00 277,000.00 256,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Roscommon 356,317.00 306,869.00 306,869.00 268,511.00 268,000.00 248,000.00 County Child- care Committee Sligo County 339,450.00 306,869.00 306,869.00 268,510.00 268,000.00 248,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee North Tipperary 348,905.00 306,870.00 306,870.00 268,511.00 268,000.00 248,000.00 County Child- care Committee South Tipperary 358,537.50 321,798.00 321,798.00 281,573.00 281,000.00 260,000.00 County Child- care Committee Tipperary Child- - - care Committee Waterford City 357,229.00 306,869.00 306,869.00 268,510.00 268,000.00 244,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Waterford 356,220.00 319,870.00 306,870.00 268,511.00 268,000.00 248,000.00 County Child- care Committee Waterford Child- - - care Committee

241 Questions - Written Answers

City/County 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Childcare Com- mittee Westmeath 347,163.00 316,705.00 316,829.00 277,226.00 277,000.00 256,000.00 County Child- care Committee Wexford County 459,232.50 423,280.00 423,280.00 370,369.00 370,000.00 359,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Wicklow County 424,854.50 381,666.00 381,666.00 333,958.00 334,000.00 317,000.00 Childcare Com- mittee Total 14,367,447.50 12,982,616.00 12,932,564.00 11,315,967.00 11,300,000.00 10,743,000.00 table contd

City/County Child- 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 care Committee Carlow County 224,000.00 224,000.00 224,000.00 253,650.00 246,439.00 Childcare Com- mittee Cavan County 234,000.00 234,000.00 234,000.00 262,400.00 244,892.00 Childcare Com- mittee Clare County Child- 304,000.00 304,000.00 304,000.00 332,930.00 319,001.00 care Committee Cork County Child- 482,000.00 482,000.00 482,000.00 536,674.00 505,135.70 care Committee Cork City Childcare 299,000.00 299,000.00 299,000.00 314,940.00 403,336.00 Committee Donegal County 363,000.00 363,000.00 370,000.00 421,585.00 380,005.00 Childcare Com- mittee Dublin City Child- 826,200.00 826,200.00 774,000.00 837,171.00 811,280.00 care Committee DunLaoighre/Rath- 373,000.00 373,000.00 373,000.00 408,027.00 392,296.00 down County Child- care Committee Fingal County 460,000.00 460,000.00 460,000.00 526,360.00 493,831.00 Childcare Com- mittee South Dublin 472,000.00 472,000.00 472,000.00 518,833.00 496,646.00 County Childcare Committee Galway City and 454,000.00 454,000.00 454,000.00 543,350.00 478,473.00 County Childcare Committee Kerry County 347,000.00 347,000.00 347,000.00 378,263.00 461,138.00 Childcare Com- mittee Kildare County 385,000.00 385,000.00 385,000.00 465,550.00 407,431.00 Childcare Com- mittee Kilkenny County 255,000.00 255,000.00 255,000.00 285,500.00 268,359.00 Childcare Com- mittee Laois County Child- 230,000.00 230,000.00 230,000.00 254,745.00 236,586.00 care Committee Leitrim County 209,000.00 209,000.00 209,000.00 227,706.00 220,199.00 Childcare Com- mittee Limerick City 227,000.00 - - Childcare Com- mittee Limerick County 319,000.00 - - Childcare Com- mittee

242 23 January 2018

City/County Child- 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 care Committee Limerick Childcare 546,000.00 546,000.00 587,000.00 572,529.00 Committee Longford County 209,000.00 209,000.00 209,000.00 229,159.00 308,720.00 Childcare Com- mittee Louth County 304,000.00 304,000.00 304,000.00 366,534.00 320,013.00 Childcare Com- mittee Mayo County 313,000.00 313,000.00 313,000.00 347,517.00 331,285.00 Childcare Com- mittee Meath County 381,000.00 381,000.00 381,000.00 441,145.00 401,848.00 Childcare Com- mittee Monaghan County 234,000.00 234,000.00 234,000.00 253,300.00 246,055.00 Childcare Com- mittee Offaly County 241,000.00 241,000.00 241,000.00 265,680.00 248,152.00 Childcare Com- mittee Roscommon 234,000.00 234,000.00 234,000.00 265,696.00 259,122.00 County Childcare Committee Sligo County Child- 234,000.00 234,000.00 234,000.00 257,351.00 250,414.00 care Committee North Tipperary 234,000.00 234,000.00 - County Childcare Committee South Tipperary 245,000.00 245,000.00 - County Childcare Committee Tipperary Childcare - 479,000.00 512,496.00 509,780.00 Committee Waterford City 224,000.00 - - Childcare Com- mittee Waterford County 234,000.00 - - Childcare Com- mittee Waterford Childcare 458,000.00 458,000.00 468,000.00 463,274.00 Committee Westmeath County 241,000.00 241,000.00 241,000.00 268,800.00 251,627.00 Childcare Com- mittee Wexford County 352,000.00 352,000.00 352,000.00 433,385.00 387,818.00 Childcare Com- mittee Wicklow County 307,000.00 307,000.00 307,000.00 366,100.00 325,966.00 Childcare Com- mittee Total 10,450,200.00 10,450,200.00 10,405,000.00 11,629,847.00 11,241,650.70

23/01/2018WRZ03400Child Care Services Funding

23/01/2018WRZ03500561. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of capital funding that was awarded to child care facilities in each county under strand 1, 2 and 3 of the capital funding scheme, respectively. [3313/18]

23/01/2018WRZ03600Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): In 2017, Early

243 Questions - Written Answers Years Capital funding was made available to childcare providers in a competitive process under three distinct strands.

Early Years Capital Strand 1 comprised individual grants up to a total value of €50,000 for the creation of new childcare places. To date the total amount of capital funding allocated under this strand nationally is €4,297,743 making up 91 separate grants.

Early Years Capital Strand 2 comprised individual grants up to a total value of €20,000 for the essential maintenance and repair of community childcare services. To date the total amount of capital funding allocated under this strand is € 2,128,589, making up 131 separate grants.

Early Years Capital Strand 3 provided individual grants up to a total value of €5,000 for the creation of natural outdoor play areas. To date the total amount of capital funding allocated under this strand is €2,135,752, making up 463 separate grants.

Please see attached breakdown of Early Years capital funding allocated by county and by strand per county.

EYC 2017 Strand 1 Strand 2 Strand 3 County Number of Value € Number of Value € Number of Value € Total Fund- facilities facilities facilities ing per County Carlow 1 50,000.00 1 19,919.25 9 43,724.27 113,644 Cavan 3 150,000.00 1 20,000.00 5 24,394.01 194,394 Clare 4 199,604.87 9 158,658.01 20 91,590.35 449,853 Cork 5 223,449.05 10 161,051.88 52 236,292.97 620,794 Donegal 4 183,677.87 5 89,015.30 9 44,247.67 316,941 Dublin City 6 294,181.04 12 195,242.50 22 99,201.23 588,625 Dun 3 107,857.00 1 19,100.00 13 56,696.26 183,653 Laoghaire Rathdown Fingal 5 250,000.00 1 20,000.00 34 159,228.64 429,229 Galway 5 226,838.59 9 146,408.02 36 163,464.12 536,711 Kerry 2 88,750.00 11 186,252.48 13 61,847.78 336,850 Kildare - 1 14,446.38 14 58,219.37 72,666 Kilkenny 2 99,430.35 2 31,679.00 9 41,745.16 172,855 Laois 2 85,844.20 3 54,553.84 7 31,311.36 171,709 Leitrim 2 91,583.67 2 28,117.00 2 9,999.00 129,700 Limerick 7 329,431.70 5 74,624.30 19 90,338.78 494,395 Longford 4 199,928.00 5 77,015.00 2 10,000.00 286,943 Louth 4 198,897.90 3 47,314.00 15 67,222.23 313,434 Mayo 4 178,043.00 4 66,956.53 18 81,926.52 326,926 Meath 5 240,091.94 4 80,000.00 26 124,891.32 444,983 Monaghan 2 100,000.00 7 115,344.00 6 27,774.18 243,118 Offaly 2 95,266.64 1 13,255.00 10 46,908.27 155,430 Roscom- 2 100,000.00 6 86,480.37 12 59,746.94 246,227 mon Sligo 1 49,821.44 4 58,346.43 3 14,187.21 122,355 South 2 93,124.44 2 38,182.28 24 106,796.56 238,103 Dublin Tipperary 3 147,329.00 5 69,513.61 33 151,831.33 368,674 Waterford 3 148,471.00 6 104,877.09 8 37,137.72 290,486 Westmeath 4 190,941.00 2 22,299.83 7 33,490.73 246,732 244 23 January 2018

EYC 2017 Strand 1 Strand 2 Strand 3 County Number of Value € Number of Value € Number of Value € Total Fund- facilities facilities facilities ing per County Wexford 2 84,020.75 5 73,205.77 12 56,315.49 213,542 Wicklow 2 91,159.46 4 56,730.50 23 105,222.67 253,113

23/01/2018WRZ03700Education and Training Boards Data

23/01/2018WRZ03800562. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the educational and training boards in which there is a full-time youth officer in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3314/18]

23/01/2018WRZ03900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): My Depart- ment provides an annual youth work function allocation to each of the sixteen Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to assist with the cost of their statutory youth officer functions. These functions include the provision, co ordination, administration and assessment of youth work services in its functional area.

The funding allocation provided to each ETB covers the cost of a minimum of one full time youth officer while many of the larger ETBs have multiple youth officers assigned to them.

The youth officer post in Longford Westmeath ETB is currently filled by a 0.75 youth officer. The ETB has recently made a submission to my Department seeking an increased youth officer allocation for 2018. This submission is currently being considered in the context of the overall youth officer allocations for 2018.

23/01/2018WRZ04000Combatting Cyberbullying

23/01/2018WRZ04100563. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 28 November 2017, if the issue of loot boxes and other in- app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age can be included in the discussions her departmental officials have undertaken or will undertake in relation to the protection of children online from a cross-Governmental perspective. [3391/18]

23/01/2018WRZ04200Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I am concerned about the need to protect children from online abuse and other dangers from which they need protection. I believe these issues require a whole of government approach and my Department is working with other relevant Departments in this regard.

My Department has no remit in relation to the regulation of video games or online technologies. The classification of video games and regulations relating to gambling, are within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.

23/01/2018WRZ04300Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRZ04400564. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of her Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into her Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by her Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3398/18] 245 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRZ04500Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I would like to inform the Deputy that there are four bodies under the aegis of my Department. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Child and Family Agency, the Oberstown Children Deten- tion School Campus and the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. My Department also provides the primary source of funding for Gaisce, the President’s Award. Gaisce is a limited company set up under the Companies Acts.

The Children (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for the amalgamation of Oberstown Boys School, Oberstown Girls School and Trinity House School on 1 June 2016.

The Child and Family Agency Act, 2013 provided for the establishment of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. On its establishment in 2014, Tusla assumed responsibility for functions previously performed by the Health Service Executive relating to child welfare and protection.

The Child and Family Agency Act, 2013 also made provision for the transfer of the previous responsibilities held by the Family Support Agency (FSA) and the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) to Tusla with the aim of facilitating the greater integration of services for children and families. The transfer of these responsibilities from the FSA and the NEWB, both under the aegis of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, saw the disbandment of these organisations on the establishment of Tusla on 1 January, 2014.

In 2011, the Government decided that the Family Mediation Service should transfer from the Family Support Agency to the Legal Aid Board. This aimed to facilitate the use of mediation in family disputes in order to speed up the legal process, reduce cost and ameliorate the stress of contested court proceedings. The commencement order for Part 16 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 gave effect to the transfer from 1st November 2011.

In September 2011, the Children Acts Advisory Board was dissolved by means of the commencement by the Minister of Health of Part 6 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011.

23/01/2018WRZ04600Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRZ04700565. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of her Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3415/18]

23/01/2018WRZ04800Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): As the subject matter of the Deputy’s question relates to an operational matter for the State agencies under my aegis of my Department, I have referred the matter to the attention of each agency for attention and direct reply. These include Tusla, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Office of the Om- budsman for Children and Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

23/01/2018WRZ04900Community Services Programme

23/01/2018WRZ05000566. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will reverse the decision to cut funding from Pobal and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection CSP wage contribution which will have a detrimental affect on a club (details supplied). [2761/18]

246 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRZ05100Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Commu- nity Services Programme supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Around 425 organisations are supported under the CSP, with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions.

The organisation in question submitted a business plan to Pobal during 2016 as part of the normal CSP Re-Contracting Process. The business plan did not satisfy the criteria for continued funding under the programme and the organisation was notified that it would exit the programme in 2018.

In the interim, and pending an appeal of the decision, funding was approved for a manager and two full-time equivalent staff for 18 months to June 2018. The organisation did not appeal the decision.

The organisation can still submit a revised business plan to Pobal and, if it satisfies the programme criteria, it may be reconsidered for funding beyond June 2018.

23/01/2018WRZ05200Local Authority Staff

23/01/2018WRZ05300567. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the local authorities that have a FTE broadband officer. [3321/18]

23/01/2018WRZ05400Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): My Depart- ment provides funding to support the employment of a Broadband & Telecommunications Of- ficer in each Local Authority. Broadband & Telecommunications Officers are currently -em ployed in all 31 Local Authorities and have a remit in relation to both broadband and mobile phone access.

These Officers play an important role as the dedicated local point of contact for telecoms operators on coverage and rollout issues, and for promoting telecommunications infrastructure development in their respective Local Authority areas.

The response to the appointment of the Broadband & Telecommunications Officers has been very positive, with the telecoms industry strongly welcoming the structures put in place. Their employment is also ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagement with the industry and in clearing obstacles to the rollout of infrastructure.

My Department is in contact with the Broadband & Telecommunications Officers in all Lo- cal Authorities on a continuous basis, both collectively through two Regional Action Groups established by my Department, as well as bilaterally to address issues impacting on the rollout of telecoms infrastructure at local level.

23/01/2018WRZ05500Action Plan for Rural Development

23/01/2018WRZ05600568. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Develop- ment when the grants for refurbishing old buildings in rural communities that were announced in the Action Plan for Rural Development will be available; the details of the scheme; the grant assistance which will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3027/18]

23/01/2018WRZ05700Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Action Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of reju- 247 Questions - Written Answers venating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.

The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in April 2017 and, in October, I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland. These projects cover a number of initiatives, ranging from public realm works to the creation of enterprise and creative hubs.

As part of the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, a pilot to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages was also announced. This proposed pilot scheme will consider ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. This will further help to rejuvenate town centres while also contributing to the housing needs of individuals.

Following initial discussions at official level, I have now established a Steering Group to accelerate and oversee the design and delivery of the pilot scheme. This group will meet shortly and details of the pilot scheme will be made available when they are finalised.

23/01/2018WRZ05800Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRZ05900569. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3152/18]

23/01/2018WRZ06000Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): Four state bodies fall under the remit of my Department, Pobal, Irish Water Safety, the Western Develop- ment Commission and the Charities Regulatory Authority.

Neither my Department or any of the above agencies have any contracts with the company in question.

23/01/2018WRAA00200Charities Regulation

23/01/2018WRAA00300570. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason Pobal is categorised as not-for-profit and having a charitable status; if discussions have taken place regarding the categorisation of Pobal as a charity between his Department and other Departments; his views on whether Pobal’s status as a charity may be in breach of the Charities Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/18]

23/01/2018WRAA00400Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): Pobal was established by the Irish Government in 1992 as Area Development Management Ltd. (ADM) with the agreement of and as a requirement of the European Commission to manage a Global Grant. In its initial form it was an intermediary company working on behalf of Government to support social and economic development within Ireland. Between 1992 and 2005, the company expanded its service provision to Government Departments and took on the management and administration of a number of programmes. In 2005, ADM was re-named Pobal.

Pobal is a not for profit company limited by guarantee. Charitable status was granted to the company by the Revenue Commissioners on the 20th November 1996. In accordance with Section 40 of the Charities Act, 2009, Pobal was entered onto the Register of Charitable Organi- sations automatically on 16 October 2014. 248 23 January 2018 A charitable organisation must meet three requirements if they are to be considered to be a charity: it must operate in the Republic of Ireland; it must have a charitable purpose only; and it must exist to benefit the public or a section of the public in Ireland, or elsewhere, through its charitable purpose(s). Under the Charities Act, there are four categories of charitable purpose - the prevention or relief of poverty or economic hardship; the advancement of education; the advancement of religion; and any other purpose that is of benefit to the community.

The basis for Pobal having charitable status is tied to the objects for which the company was founded which are specified in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Pobal’s primary objectives are:

a) the delivery and management of programmes which promote social inclusion, reconcili- ation and equality through integrated social and economic development within communities,

b) the delivery and management of local, community and other development programmes,

c) the provision of technical assistance, support and advice to the groups and beneficiaries of the programmes, which are delivered/managed,

d) the provision of assistance and support in the analysis and exchange of experience, leading to the communication of information and the identification and dissemination of good practice within the programmes which are delivered/managed,

e) aiding, through the lessons learnt from these programmes, in the formation of Govern- ment and other policy development at local, regional and national levels, and

f) the provision of technical assistance, support and advice to other bodies with the approval of the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

No discussions have taken place between this Department and other Departments in regard to Pobal’s charitable status.

I am satisfied that Pobal is fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements including those of the Charities Act, 2009.

23/01/2018WRAA00500Community Banking

23/01/2018WRAA00600571. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the public banking investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3340/18]

23/01/2018WRAA00700Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Pro- gramme for a Partnership Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would be asked to investigate and propose a new model of community banking, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks.

A project team comprising officials from my Department and the Department of Finance was established last year to progress this commitment. The project team carried out detailed research into the concept of a public banking model, with a particular focus on the Sparkassen model. In addition, a public consultation process, seeking views on the concept of a community banking model, ran for four weeks. A total of 16 replies from a range of stakeholders were received. 249 Questions - Written Answers The Departmental officials have now finalised their report and have submitted their findings to the Minister for Finance and myself. The report will be brought to Government shortly for consideration.

23/01/2018WRAA00800Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRAA00900572. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of bodies under the remit of his Department that have not yet published audited accounts and their annual report for 2016; the names of these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3388/18]

23/01/2018WRAA01000Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): Four state bodies fall under the remit of my Department, Pobal, Irish Water Safety, the Western Develop- ment Commission and the Charities Regulatory Authority.

The audited accounts and annual report in respect of 2016, for the Western Development Commission (WDC), have not yet been published. The WDC 2016 accounts have been submitted to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and are currently awaiting finalisation.

23/01/2018WRAA01100Western Development Commission Funding

23/01/2018WRAA01200573. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of moneys held by the Western Development Commission in the western investment fund or another fund it has for the development of businesses in its region; the amount of this committed to date for the development of businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/18]

23/01/2018WRAA01300Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The Western Development Commission was established in 1999 to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the Western Region, defined as the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.

The Western Development Commission operates the Western Investment Fund (WIF) which contributes to the development of the region by investing through equity or loans in business start-up, growth-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and in community-based measures to encourage enterprise development.

The WIF was established as an Evergreen Fund on a revolving basis so all investments are repayable and all receipts are reinvested back into Western Enterprises.

To the end of 2017, the WIF had invested €48.5 million in 135 enterprises in the region and currently has €21.4 million available for reinvestment in SMEs, micro-enterprises and Community and Social Enterprises in the region. I understand that €4.1 million of this sum has been approved and is awaiting disbursal.

23/01/2018WRAA01400Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRAA01500574. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Department since

250 23 January 2018 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3410/18]

23/01/2018WRAA01600Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): Responsi- bility for four state bodies was transferred to my Department when it was established on 19th July 2017, under the Statutory Instruments listed below. No agency, board or body has been disbanded or been amalgamated, or its functions subsumed back into this department since that date.

S.I. No. 348 of 2017 - Charities (Transfer of Departmental Administration And Ministerial Functions) Order 2017

- Charities Regulatory Authority

S.I. No. 354 of 2017 - Rural Affairs (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministe- rial Functions) Order 2017

- Western Development Commission

S.I. No. 357 of 2017 - Community Development (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2017

- Pobal

- Irish Water Safety

23/01/2018WRAA01700Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRAA01800575. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Develop- ment the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3427/18]

23/01/2018WRAA01900Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): The information sought by the Deputy is not available within the timeframe to respond to this question. However I have asked my officials, and the organisations under the aegis of my Department, to provide me with the information requested and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available

23/01/2018WRAA02000Local Authority Expenditure

23/01/2018WRAA02100576. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount each local authority has returned to his Department in January 2018 as a result of allocations made in 2017 for various schemes being unspent during the year of allocation; if the unspent sums are retained within his Department for redistribution in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/18]

23/01/2018WRAA02200Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Michael Ring): My Depart- ment has not to date received any funding back from Local Authorities as a result of allocations made in 2017. My Department will revert to the Deputy if any returns are made by the month

251 Questions - Written Answers end.

It is important to note that apart from the Local Improvement Scheme , the 2017 rural development schemes are expected to operate over a 12-15 month period. Therefore, it was always anticipated that a portion of the funds allocated would be drawn-down in 2018, but only when the draw-down conditions are met, including the full completion of works which is required for final payments to be issued.

In addition the Deputy should be aware that I have secured a carryover of €7.7 million of 2017 capital funding for allocation in 2018.

23/01/2018WRAA02300Disability Allowance Applications

23/01/2018WRAA02400577. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the status of an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied). [2788/18]

23/01/2018WRAA02500Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, their application for disability allowance (DA) was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. The person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 13 October 2017.

They requested a review of the decision by a deciding officer (DO) and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration on 25 October 2017 and on 22 November 2017.

On 20 January 2018 they were asked to supply further documentation which is required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on their eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made and they will be notified of the outcome.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA02600State Pension (Non-Contributory) Applications

23/01/2018WRAA02700578. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a State pension (non-contributory) by a person (details supplied). [2813/18]

23/01/2018WRAA02800Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The person concerned applied for State pension non-contributory on 13 November 2017. This is a means tested pension.

An inspector of the Department interviewed the person concerned on 19 December 2017 and requested further documentation in connection with their application. As soon as this is to hand a decision on entitlement will be made and the applicant will be notified of the outcome without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA02900Pension Provisions

23/01/2018WRAA03000579. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social

252 23 January 2018 Protection the way in which Limerick city and county council exclude part of contributions when calculating pension payments in circumstances in which superannuation contributions have been deducted for a person (details supplied). [2825/18]

23/01/2018WRAA03100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): It is unclear from the question whether the issue relates to the calculation of the occupational pension of the individual in question or to the deduction of superannuation contributions towards the occupational pension.

I can confirm that, for PRSI purposes, there is no relief from PRSI on superannuation contributions made by the employee to their occupational pension. Where an employer makes superannuation contributions, PRSI is not charged on the income.

If the issue relates to the calculation or level of entitlement of the individual’s occupational pension, this is, in the first instance a matter for the employer. In the case of public sector employers, such as city and county councils, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform may be in a position to advise.

23/01/2018WRAA03200Illness Benefit Eligibility

23/01/2018WRAA03300580. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) who has applied for illness benefit and is one contribution short will qualify; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2852/18]

23/01/2018WRAA03400Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Illness Benefit is a payment for persons who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) conditions. For Illness Benefit claims made in 2017 the governing contribution year is 2015.

The person concerned made a claim for Illness Benefit from 11 November 2017. Unfor- tunately there were insufficient PRSI contributions paid in 2015 to qualify for payment. For claims made in 2018 the governing contribution year is 2016. A minimum of 39 paid or credited contributions are required in order to qualify for payment. The person concerned has 38 paid contributions in 2016 and will therefore not qualify for payment in 2018.

Should there be any additional PRSI contributions due for the person concerned in the 2016 year, they should be brought to the attention of my Department and the position can be reviewed.

23/01/2018WRAA03500Disability Allowance Applications

23/01/2018WRAA03600581. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2897/18]

23/01/2018WRAA03700Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): I confirm that an application from this gentleman for disability allowance (DA) was received by the department on 21 August 2017. The application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances.

Once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on the 253 Questions - Written Answers application and this gentleman will be notified directly of the outcome. It is expected this report will be submitted in the coming days and a decision will be made as soon as possible on this case.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA03800Disability Allowance Appeals

23/01/2018WRAA03900582. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2901/18]

23/01/2018WRAA04000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

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

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA04100Working Family Payment Eligibility

23/01/2018WRAA04200583. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection the reason a person (details supplied) is being refused family income supplement when their employer has provided numerous confirmation letters that they work the required monthly hours to qualify for family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2944/18]

23/01/2018WRAA04300Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): An application for Working Family Payment (formerly known as Family Income Supplement) was received from the person concerned on 16th November 2017.To qualify for Working Family Payment (WFP), a person must be engaged in full time remunerative employment as an employee for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight (or 19 hours per week). It is also possible to combine hours worked with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to meet this condition. If an applicant is paid on a 4 weekly basis, the required hours for WFP is 76 hours every 4 weeks and if paid on a monthly basis, this amounts to 82.33 hours per month. This condition must be satisfied on an ongoing basis.

The person concerned is paid on a monthly basis. According to the monthly payslips submitted, the hours of employment amounted to less than 82.33 per month. This is less than 38 hours per fortnight.

As the person concerned does not satisfy the above condition, the application for WFP was refused.

The person concerned provided new payslips and the application was reviewed by a De- ciding Officer (DO). The DO also considered documentation provided by the customer’s employer. However, based on all of the payslips and supporting documentation provided it would 254 23 January 2018 appear the applicant does not satisfy the required hours in order to qualify for WFP.

If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision, a letter of appeal should be sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, D’Olier House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2 stating clearly the grounds of their appeal.

Furthermore, if the applicant satisfies the qualifying conditions at a later stage, a new application may be submitted for assessment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA04400Tús Programme

23/01/2018WRAA04500584. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection her plans for Tús and community employment schemes in view of the fact that many community groups are finding it difficult to recruit employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2948/18]

23/01/2018WRAA04600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): My Department provides a range of activation supports and programmes catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. These supports include work programmes such as Community Employment (CE) and Tús.

Schemes such as CE and Tús provide part-time temporary work in local communities, as a stepping-stone back to employment. However, it is important to note that these placements are not full-time sustainable jobs. Instead, they are designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities of returning to the labour market or getting a job for the first time.

The Deputy will appreciate that the welcome reduction in the unemployment rate is a factor in recruitment to all programmes. Long-term unemployment is expected to fall further this year in line with the continuing forecasted fall in overall unemployment.

In the context of the economic recovery, my Department undertook a review of the work programmes in 2016. While the primary focus was on CE, the review also looked at other employment programmes such as Tús. Arising from the review, the Government agreed to implement changes to the qualifying conditions for CE in order to broaden access to a wider range of people. These new rules were implemented from July 2017. As part of the changes introduced, the qualifying age was reduced to 21 years. In addition while, in general, all placements will now be for one year only, if a CE participant is undertaking training to achieve a major award, their time can be extended by up to 2 years to allow them to complete the training which will enhance their overall employment prospects. This allows for 3 years continuous participation on CE. Those over 55 years of age can also remain on CE for three years. In addition, the reference year for CE participation was moved from 2000 to 2007 which ensures that more people can re-qualify for the programme. Overall, these changes improve the way that CE operates and should allow access to more people who are long-term unemployed.

Currently, participants can remain on Tús for one year and I have no plans to change this. However, changes will be implemented in the coming weeks to the selection criteria for Tús which should broaden the numbers available for this scheme. This includes an increase in the percentage of assisted referrals from 20% to 30%, as well as permitting someone who has had a break of up to 30 days on the Live Register in the past 12 months to be considered eligible for Tús selection.

I will continue to keep this whole area under review so that these schemes provide real and

255 Questions - Written Answers valuable support to both individuals and communities. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services around the country. In this regard, if any scheme is experiencing particular recruitment difficulties, they should contact their local Intreo Centre for assistance.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA04700Public Services Card

23/01/2018WRAA04800585. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the date on which the public services card was first introduced. [2954/18]

23/01/2018WRAA04900586. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the date on which the safe 2 process was introduced; and when the first procedures under safe 2 took place. [2955/18]

23/01/2018WRAA05000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I propose to take Questions Nos. 585 and 586 together.

The acronym SAFE stands for ‘Standard Authentication Framework Environment’. It is a standards-based framework for establishing and verifying an individual’s identity for the purposes of accessing public services.

This SAFE standard has four levels –

SAFE 0 = No assurance of identity

SAFE 1 = Balance of probabilities

SAFE 2 = Substantial assurance

SAFE 3 = Beyond reasonable doubt

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is implementing SAFE 2 registration on a phased basis with its customers and customers of other public services that require identity verification to a substantial level of assurance.

SAFE Level 2 (SAFE2) registration, used by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, allows a person to verify their identity once not just for access to services provided by the Department but also for an increasing number of public services provided by other State agencies – for example the Passport office. As more public service providers move to using SAFE2, people who are already registered to SAFE2 will not need to repeatedly register their identity information when accessing public services.

Once a person is registered to SAFE2 they may be issued with a Public Services Card (PSC). This is essentially a physical token that proves a person has been SAFE2 registered.

The SAFE project commenced as a result of a Government decision of 29 June 2004 (S290/05/25/0025).

The first Public Services Card was issued following the first SAFE registration on the 26th of October 2011. SAFE registration and associated PSC issuance has been rolled out to the public on a phased basis since that date. To date, in excess of 3 million PSCs have issued.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 256 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRAA05200Social Welfare Appeals Waiting Times

23/01/2018WRAA05300587. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2977/18]

23/01/2018WRAA05400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 4 January 2018, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

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

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA05500Disability Allowance Applications Waiting Times

23/01/2018WRAA05600588. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the reason for the delay in awarding a disability allowance to a person (details supplied). [2991/18]

23/01/2018WRAA05700Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): I confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from this gentleman on 1 December 2017. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

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

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRAA05800State Pension (Contributory) Applications

23/01/2018WRAA05900589. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the delay in awarding a State pension to a person (details supplied). [2992/18]

23/01/2018WRAA06000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The person concerned has modified insurance contributions from previous public service employment. Information regarding the person’s pre-1979 contribution record was initially requested from their employer on 24 October 2017 and again on 20 December 2017. A further request for this contribution history has issued on 19 January 2018.

Pending receipt of complete information on their contribution history, the person has been provisionally awarded a reduced rate of state pension (contributory) from their 66th birthday based on a yearly average of 34 contributions from 1967 to end-December 2016. As is the normal policy in such cases where employment details are awaited from their employer, the person’s date of entry has been taken in the interim as the date of their 16th birthday in 1967.

257 Questions - Written Answers The applicant was notified of this decision in writing on 5 January 2018 and due arrears of pension were issued.

When the information is received from the person’s previous employer, the person’s social insurance record will be updated. Their pension entitlement will be re-assessed and they will be notified of the outcome without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB00200Carer’s Allowance Applications

23/01/2018WRBB00300590. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3001/18]

23/01/2018WRBB00400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 1 September 2017.

The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 11 December 2017 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB00500Exceptional Needs Payment Applications

23/01/2018WRBB00600591. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an exceptional needs payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3011/18]

23/01/2018WRBB00700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): An application for an Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) was received from the person concerned and has been processed by the Designated Person. A letter, outlining the decision of the Desig- nated Person to refuse the application for an ENP and the basis for that decision, has issued to the person concerned. They have also been advised of their right to an independent review of the decision made by the Designated Person.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB00800Carer’s Benefit Applications

23/01/2018WRBB00900592. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to a carer’s benefit application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3016/18]

23/01/2018WRBB01000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Carer’s benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care and attention.

258 23 January 2018 An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on 27 October 2017. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB01100Fuel Allowance Eligibility

23/01/2018WRBB01200593. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a fuel allowance payment; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3017/18]

23/01/2018WRBB01300Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The person concerned was awarded the state pension (contributory), together with the increase for living alone, with effect from 16 December 2017, their 66th birthday. They were notified in writing of this decision on 30 November 2017.

The person concerned was in receipt of Disability Allowance with fuel allowance and increase for living alone prior to reaching pension age. They received a fuel allowance lump sum payment on 4 October 2017 while in receipt of this means-tested Disability Allowance payment.

Since the person is now in receipt of state pension (contributory), a scheme with different eligibility conditions for fuel allowance, entitlement to fuel allowance must be re-examined to ascertain eligibility for fuel allowance with this pension.

A request for information issued to the person on 9 October 2017 requesting details of means and confirmation of preferred frequency of payment of the fuel allowance. A reply has not been received to date. A reminder has issued on 19 January 2018. When the requested information is received, the person’s fuel allowance claim will be finalised without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB01400Social Welfare Benefits Data

23/01/2018WRBB01500594. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of recipients of welfare payments by scheme type; the number of related qualified child increases by scheme type, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3036/18]

23/01/2018WRBB01600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The information requested (where available) by the Deputy is detailed in the tabular statement.

Recipients of principal social welfare payments and the number of qualified child increases in payment at the end of December 2017.

- Qualified Children Increases Type of Payment Recipients Full Rate Half Rate(1) Other Children State Pension (Non- 95,140 3,212 473 Contributory)

259 Questions - Written Answers

- Qualified Children Increases Type of Payment Recipients Full Rate Half Rate(1) Other Children State Pension (Con- 394,378 66,256 1,257 tributory) Widow/er’s or 121,091 10,908 Surviving Civil Partner’s Contribu- tory Pension Jobseeker’s Allow- 184,310 78,161 22,645 ance One Parent Family 39,310 71,739 Payment Supplementary 17,933 8,520 Welfare Allowance Farm Assist 7,234 4,308 1,333 Pre-Retirement Al- 171 lowance Jobseeker’s Benefit 35,463 4,332 3,275 Maternity Benefit 21,548 758 155 Adoptive Benefit 10 Health and Safety 45 9 3 Benefit Rural Social 2,850 1,504 523 Scheme TUS - Community 6,256 2,190 2,073 Work Placement Back To Work En- 9,655 6,489 1,921 terprise Allowance JobBridge National 29 4 Internship Scheme Back To Education 10,916 4,327 1,100 Allowance Part-Time Job In- 418 centive Scheme Gateway 50 16 6 Wage Subsidy 2,669 Scheme Partial Capacity 2,324 396 394 Benefit Disability Allow- 133,929 29,028 10,945 ance Carer’s Allowance 75,264 3,910 40,942 Illness Benefit 52,809 7,910 6,603 Interim Illness 511 105 50 Benefit Injury Benefit 1,085 176 120 Invalidity Pension 57,504 5,630 7,944 Carer’s Benefit 2,762 Family Income 57,745 129,274 Supplement( Child Benefit 624,670 1,197,866

260 23 January 2018

- Qualified Children Increases Type of Payment Recipients Full Rate Half Rate(1) Other Children Domiciliary Care 35,584 38,846 Allowance

(1) A Qualified Child increase is payable at half rate where a spouse living with a recipient is not a Qualified Adult. Each spouse may receive half the Qualified Child increase where both spouses are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment.

23/01/2018WRBB01700Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

23/01/2018WRBB01800595. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an appropriate rent support payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3120/18]

23/01/2018WRBB01900Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Fur- ther to receipt of an application for Rent Supplement by the person concerned on 4/1/18, the Department requested further documentation which still remains outstanding. On receipt of outstanding documentation, entitlement to Rent Supplement can be assessed for the period of the tenancy.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB02000Departmental Staff

23/01/2018WRBB02100596. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection if the future of the social welfare officer based in a town (details supplied) is secure. [3122/18]

23/01/2018WRBB02200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Department continually keeps all of its services under review to ensure that they are delivered to the customer in the most effective and efficient manner. There are currently no plans to change the level of services in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB02300Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRBB02400597. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the contracts her Department or agencies under her remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3145/18]

23/01/2018WRBB02500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Citizens Information Board, the Low Pay Commission, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal.

Neither my Department nor any of the statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department have contracts with the company in question.

23/01/2018WRBB02600Carer’s Allowance Applications

261 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRBB02700598. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application for a carer’s allowance will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3171/18]

23/01/2018WRBB02800Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 21 September 2017.

The application was awarded to the person concerned on 12 January 2018 with effect from 3 November 2016. The first payment will issue to their nominated bank account on 18 January 2018.

Arrears of allowance due from 3 November 2016 to 17 January 2018 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified on 12 January 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB02900Property Tax Administration

23/01/2018WRBB03000599. Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has changed the method or the calculation for persons who are receiving a social welfare payment and have their local property tax deducted at source; if so, the implications of this for such persons; if it has a resulted in an increase in the amount of local property tax being paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3183/18]

23/01/2018WRBB03100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Lo- cal Property Tax is now deducted over 50 calendar weeks, rather than 52. This change was necessary as a safeguard to afford customers the full benefit of the Christmas bonus and the double week payments and ensures that these additional payments are not absorbed by an automatic Local Property Tax deduction. It was also necessary to ensure that customer’s deductions would not reduce their weekly personal rate payment below the level of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance personal rate as a result of these additional payments.

This change has not increased the overall annual amount of tax liability for such customers.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB03200Departmental Expenditure

23/01/2018WRBB03300600. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the estimated cost of increasing all social insurance payments by €5, €10, €15, €20 and €25, respectively, by payment type and amount taking into account increases announced in budget 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3185/18]

23/01/2018WRBB03400601. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the estimated cost of increasing all social assistance payments by €5, €10, €15, €20 and €25, respectively, by payment type and amount taking into account increases announced in budget 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3186/18]

23/01/2018WRBB03500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I

262 23 January 2018 propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 601 together.

The costings sought by Deputy O’Dea are detailed in the following tables.

Table 1: Full year cost of varying amounts in all weekly social insurance payments

Scheme €5 increase €10 increase €15 increase €20 increase €25 increase €m €m €m €m €m Social Insur- ance Schemes

Pension Pay- ments State Pension 102.29 204.58 306.87 409.16 511.45 (Contributory) Widow/er’s 21.04 42.08 63.12 84.16 105.2 Contributory Pension (Aged 66 and over) Deserted Wife’s 0.58 1.16 1.74 2.32 2.9 Benefit (Aged 66 and over) Death Benefit 0.18 0.36 0.54 0.72 0.9 Pension (Aged 66 and over)

Working Age Payments Widow/er’s or 7.57 15.14 22.71 30.28 37.85 Surviving Civil Partner’s (Con) Pension Deserted Wife’s 1.08 2.16 3.24 4.32 5.4 Benefit Invalidity Pen- 17.15 34.3 51.45 68.6 85.75 sion Guardian’s Pay- 0.27 0.54 0.81 1.08 1.35 ment (Contribu- tory) Disablement 1.25 2.5 3.75 5 6.25 Pension Illness Benefit 14.43 28.86 43.29 57.72 72.15 Injury Benefit 0.42 0.84 1.26 1.68 2.1 Incapacity 0.28 0.56 0.84 1.12 1.4 Supplement Jobseeker’s 8.55 17.1 25.65 34.2 42.75 Benefit Carer’s Benefit 0.74 1.48 2.22 2.96 3.7 Health and 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 Safety Benefit Maternity & 5.16 10.32 15.48 20.64 25.8 Adoptive Ben- efit Paternity Ben- 0.26 0.52 0.78 1.04 1.3 efit

263 Questions - Written Answers

Scheme €5 increase €10 increase €15 increase €20 increase €25 increase €m €m €m €m €m Total Social 181.26 362.52 543.78 725.04 906.3 Insurance Schemes Table 2: Full year cost of varying amounts in all weekly social assistance payments

- €5 increase €10 increase €15 increase €20 increase €25 increase Scheme €m €m €m €m €m Social Assis- tance Schemes

Pension Pay- ments State Pension 25.15 50.3 75.45 100.6 125.75 (Non Con) Carer’s Allow- 0.63 1.26 1.89 2.52 3.15 ance (Aged 66 and over) Half Rate 1.51 3.02 4.53 6.04 7.55 Carer’s Allow- ance (Aged 66 and over)

Working Age Payments Blind Pension 0.34 0.68 1.02 1.36 1.7 Widow/ers or 0.36 0.72 1.08 1.44 1.8 Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non- Con) Pension Deserted Wife’s 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.12 0.15 Allowance One-Parent 10.1 20.2 30.3 40.4 50.5 Family Payment Carer’s Allow- 10.88 21.76 32.64 43.52 54.4 ance Half Rate 2.98 5.96 8.94 11.92 14.9 Carer’s Allow- ance Guardian’s 0.13 0.26 0.39 0.52 0.65 Payment (Non- Contributory) Jobseeker’s Al- 44.88 89.76 134.64 179.52 224.4 lowance Jobseeker’s 2.63 5.26 7.89 10.52 13.15 Allowance - for those aged 18 to 24 years of age Jobseeker’s 0.65 1.3 1.95 2.6 3.25 Allowance - for those aged 25 years of age Pre-Retirement 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16 0.2 Allowance

264 23 January 2018

- €5 increase €10 increase €15 increase €20 increase €25 increase Scheme €m €m €m €m €m Disability Al- 37.54 75.08 112.62 150.16 187.7 lowance Farm Assist 2.34 4.68 7.02 9.36 11.7 Back to Educa- 2.48 4.96 7.44 9.92 12.4 tion Allowance Back to Work 2.78 5.56 8.34 11.12 13.9 Enterprise Al- lowance Community 6.07 12.14 18.21 24.28 30.35 Employment Programme TÚS - Com- 1.89 3.78 5.67 7.56 9.45 munity Work Placement Initiative Rural Social 0.99 1.98 2.97 3.96 4.95 Scheme Gateway 0.0 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 Supplementary 4.7 9.4 14.1 18.8 23.5 Welfare Allow- ance Total Social 159.1 318.2 477.3 636.4 795.5 Assistance Schemes The costings in the tables above include proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant.

It should be noted that this costing is based on the estimated number of recipients in 2018 and accordingly is subject to change over the coming months in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers for 2019.

23/01/2018WRBB03700Maternity Benefit Data

23/01/2018WRBB03800602. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the estimated cost of increasing maternity benefit by one to six weeks, respectively, taking into account increases announced in budget 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3187/18]

23/01/2018WRBB03900Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Ma- ternity Benefit is paid by my Department and is based on payment of PRSI contributions while working. The current entitlement to paid maternity leave is 26 weeks. The following table estimates the cost of increasing the duration for which maternity benefit is paid by one to six weeks.

These estimates are based on the cost for a full year and assume that any increase in duration is implemented from the beginning of the year. The estimated additional cost of extending the duration of maternity benefit is approximately €9.6 million for each extra week, at the rate of €240 per week.

It should be noted that Budget 2018 provides for the rate of maternity benefit to be increased by €5 per week from 26 March 2018.

265 Questions - Written Answers Estimated annual cost of increasing the duration of maternity benefit based on budget 2018 rate of €240

No. of additional weeks Estimated cost (€m) 1 9.6 2 19.2 3 28.8 4 38.4 5 48.0 6 57.6 This costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2018. It should be noted that the birth rate has continued to fall year on year. It should also be noted that there are additional costs to the Exchequer as these estimates do not include the costs of salary top-ups for public/civil servants.

23/01/2018WRBB04000Paternity Benefit

23/01/2018WRBB04100603. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the estimated cost of increasing paternity benefit by one to six weeks, respectively, taking into account increases announced in budget 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3188/18]

23/01/2018WRBB04200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 which was enacted in July 2016 introduced a new scheme of paternity leave and an associated social welfare payment of paternity benefit from the 1st September 2016. Since the commencement of the scheme on 1 September 2016, 32,784 paternity benefit claims have been awarded to 31 December 2017.

The estimated additional cost of extending the duration of paternity benefit is approximately €5.2 million for each extra week. The following table estimates the additional cost of increasing the duration of paternity benefit above its current 2 week duration at a weekly rate of €240. It should be noted that Budget 2018 provides for the weekly rate of payment to be increased by €5 per week to €240 from 26 March 2018.

- Estimated annual cost of increasing the duration of Paternity Benefit based on 2018 rates No. of additional weeks Estimated cost (€m) 1 5.2 2 10.4 3 15.6 4 20.8 5 26.0 6 31.2 These estimates are based on the cost for a full year and assume that any increase in duration is implemented from the beginning of the year.

It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2018. It should also be noted that there are also costs to the Exchequer as these estimates do not include the costs of salary top-ups for public/civil servants.

266 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRBB04300Carer’s Allowance Eligibility

23/01/2018WRBB04400604. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion if the spouse of a person can use the income thresholds for FIS as the means test figures to grant the spouse carer’s allowance in circumstances in which the conditions are being met and if the spouse is in receipt of FIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3200/18]

23/01/2018WRBB04500Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): My Department provides a range of income supports for carers including carer’s benefit, carer’s allowance, domiciliary care allowance and the carer’s support grant.

The financial supports available to carers in Ireland are among the highest rates of income support in Europe. Carer’s allowance (CA) is a primary income support and its means test is one of the least onerous in the suite of social protection supports provided by my Department. The means test for Carer’s Allowance involves assessing income and if a person is single, €332.50 of their gross weekly income is not taken into account. If they are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting the first €665 of their combined gross weekly income is disregarded. PRSI, union dues, superannuation (pension contributions) and travel expenses are also deducted. For a couple, the combined gross weekly balance is then halved to give the carer’s weekly means. Any payment made by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) is not taken into account in the means test for Carer’s Allowance.

The level of payment for Family Income Supplement (FIS) is determined on a completely different basis as a percentage of the difference between the household income and annual family income limits which are increased in line with the size of the family. It would not therefore be appropriate to apply alternative thresholds to a specific action. More generally, any improvements or additions to the income limits for carers allowance could only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources.

Considerable improvements have been introduced for carers in recent years. In Budget 2016, the Carer’s Support Grant, which is payable without a means test, was increased to €1,700 in addition to other measures benefiting carers including extending the period when the allowance can be paid following the death of a care recipient from 6 to 12 weeks. In addition to the Christmas Bonus and the €5 increase in the weekly rate, Budget 2017 introduced a measure that extends payment of CA for 12 weeks where the care recipient enters permanent residential care.

I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. If the Deputy has a particular case that he wants to be considered in the context of his question, I would invite him to send details to me for examination.

23/01/2018WRBB04600Supplementary Welfare Allowance Applications

23/01/2018WRBB04700605. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for supplementary welfare allowance by a person (details supplied); and when they can expect a decision on their case. [3217/18]

23/01/2018WRBB04800Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The person concerned has made an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA); however, it appears that they are still in receipt of payments from another jurisdiction. The Desig- nated Person has requested that they contact the relevant authorities to close these claims and therefore allow their SWA claim to be processed.

267 Questions - Written Answers I hope this clarifies the matter for the deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB04900Ministerial Remuneration

23/01/2018WRBB05000606. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has repaid the €15,000 overpayment she received during her term as Govern- ment Whip; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3225/18]

23/01/2018WRBB05100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I can confirm that once I was made aware of the overpayment of €17,551.25 referred to an arrangement was put in place to repay it at the rate of €1,000 per month, commencing on 5th October 2017.

Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

23/01/2018WRBB05150607. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend access to additional social welfare payments for the self-employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3227/18]

23/01/2018WRBB05175Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Self-employed workers who earn €5,000 or more in a contribution year, are liable for PRSI at the class S rate of 4%, subject to a minimum annual payment of €500. This provides them with access to the following benefits: State pension (contributory), widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension (contributory), guardian’s payment (contributory), maternity benefit, adoptive benefit, paternity benefit, treatment benefit (from March 2017). Entitlement to invalidity pension was extended to the self-employed from December 2017.

This compares favourably with employees who, in general, are liable to the class A rate of 4%. In addition their employers are liable to PRSI at the rate of 8.6% on weekly earnings up to and including €376 or at the rate of 10.85% where weekly earnings exceed €376. Accordingly the combined rate of PRSI rate paid in respect of class A employees is 12.6% or 14.85%, depending on the level of weekly earnings. These class A employees are entitled to the full range of social insurance benefits.

The issue of extending additional social insurance benefits to the self-employed paying class S PRSI was considered in the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance fund (SIF) as at 31 December, 2015, which I published on the 18 October 2017. The review, required by legislation, was carried out by independent consultants, KPMG. It examines the projected income and expenditure of the SIF over the course of the 55 year period from 2016 to 2071.

The review found that the fund currently has a modest surplus of income over expenditure. In 2016 there was a surplus of €0.4 billion on expenditure of €8.8 billion and receipts of €9.2 billion. However, this will reduce over the next two years and will return to a small shortfall in 2020. The annual shortfalls are projected to increase from 2021 onwards as the ageing of the population impacts. Projections indicate that, in the absence of further action to tackle the shortfall, the excess of expenditure over income of the fund will increase significantly over the medium to long term. The shortfall in expenditure over income is projected to increase from €0.2 billion in 2020 to €3.3 billion by 2030 and to €22.2 billion by 2071. It should be noted that as self-employed workers were to be eligible to apply for invalidity pension from December 2017, the cost of this introduction has been factored into the actuarial review’s findings.

268 23 January 2018 As part of the review the independent consultants were required to project the additional PRSI expenditure if invalidity pension and illness, jobseeker’s and carer’s benefits were extended to class S self-employed workers and the PRSI contribution rates required to provide these benefits on a revenue neutral basis.

The review found that the combined cost of introducing the invalidity, illness, jobseeker’s and carer’s benefits for class S contributions is estimated to be €118 million in 2018, rising steadily to €223 million in 2020. By 2025 the projected cost is €413 million and, over the period of the review the cost would rise to €1.3 billion in 2071.

The review indicates that, where these benefits are extended to the self-employed, the class S rate of PRSI contribution would need to increase substantially in order to ensure that the benefits are delivered in a revenue neutral manner. It estimates that when expenditure on the additional benefits is considered over the entire projection period, PRSI rates would need to increase by 94% under a scenario of no subvention from the exchequer. This is equivalent to an increase of the Class S contribution rate from the current 4% rate to 7.8%.

This increased contribution is attributable to the costs of extending these additional benefits to PRSI class S contributors. It does not take account of the value to PRSI class S contributors of access to the range of existing benefits, and in particular State pension contributory. The consultants estimated that the typical cost of State pension (contributory) on its own is of the order of 10% to 15%, depending on other factors including rate of average earnings and date of commencing paying PRSI. Adding in the other benefits referenced the total class S rate of contribution to ensure revenue neutrality would be of the order of 20% per annum.

The findings of the Review will play an important role in informing the overall debate on policy developments in relation to the SIF in the years ahead, including the financial sustainability of the Fund given the expected demographic challenges and consideration of extending the scope of benefits for workers generally, including the self-employed.

23/01/2018WRBB05200Invalidity Pension Payments

23/01/2018WRBB05300608. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined in which the person was refused disability allowance based on means but had the contributions to apply for an invalidity pension; if it will be taken into consideration that they have subsequently been awarded invalidity pension following the advice from this Deputy’s office to apply for same; if arrears will issue in respect of invalidity pension in view of the fact that they had the contributions for same and satisfied the medical eligibility criteria for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3249/18]

23/01/2018WRBB05400Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Finian McGrath): Backdating of the Invalidity Pension claim of the lady concerned has been considered and the claim has now been awarded from 06 July 2017, i.e. from the first Thursday following receipt of her Disability Allowance application. Arrears for the period 06 July 2017 to the 17 January 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue to her nominated bank account on 25 January 2018. She was notified of this decision on the 22 January 2018.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

269 Questions - Written Answers

23/01/2018WRBB05500Money Advice and Budgeting Service Funding

23/01/2018WRBB05600609. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion her views on the decision by the Citizens Information Board to cease funding the MABS national management forum with immediate effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3256/18]

23/01/2018WRBB05700618. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the reason the MABS national management forum which was established in 2001 at the request of her Department is now being dismissed with the decision to withdraw its funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3488/18]

23/01/2018WRBB05800Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 618 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body established by the Oireachtas. In addition to its own statutory responsibilities in relation to information and advocacy service provision, it has statutory responsibility for the countrywide networks of Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

In February 2017, the Board of CIB decided to change its governance arrangements from ninety three individual service delivery companies to an eight region model. The new model will comprise sixteen regional companies, with one CIS and one MABS company in each region.

MABS National Management Forum, (NMF), was established as a representative body for the 51 local MABS management companies. A small annual funding allocation was made by CIB to the NMF to cover expenses, such as travel and subsistence etc., incurred in its day to day activities. As the local management boards will no longer be in place following the establishment of 8 new regional boards, the NMF will have no function in the revised structure. CIB issued a letter to NMF on January 18th informing them of its decision to cease direct funding.

However, any expenses, such as travel and subsistence etc, incurred by the local MABS companies’ representatives on the NMF, pending the establishment to the new regional management structure, can be claimed from the relevant local company.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRBB05900One-Parent Family Payment

23/01/2018WRBB06000610. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion her plans to compile, analyse and implement a cross-departmental action plan to address the evidence of the reports produced in relation to lone parent families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3275/18]

23/01/2018WRBB06100Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The recently published Indecon report found that the changes to the one-parent family payment scheme (OFP) made over the last number of years increased employment and reduced welfare dependency. It also found that the changes increased the probability of employment and higher employment income for lone parents. The report also concluded that assisting lone parents to enhance skills also needs to be seen as a key objective as low paid employment will not, on its own, ensure a reduction in the risk of poverty. 270 23 January 2018 The report of the Joint Committee on Social Protection described the main challenges facing lone parents including child poverty, activation and education, childcare costs, maintenance payments and the changes to the OFP scheme.

Both of these reports have made, and will continue to make, a valuable contribution to the policy approach for supports for lone parents by my Department.

My Department continues to work closely with other Departments on this issue. This includes working with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on childcare, with the De- partment of Education and Skills to follow up on the recommendations of the report on barriers to Third Level education for lone parents and plans to consult with the Department of Justice and Equality as part of the review currently underway in the area of maintenance.

Budgets 2015, 2016 and 2017 included a range of measures that benefited lone parents. I ensured improvements for lone parents in particular in Budget 2018 by introducing the following measures:

- Income disregard for lone parents on OFP and the jobseeker’s transitional payment (JST) to be increased from €110 a week to €130 a week with effect from 29th March 2018;

- The increase for a qualified child (IQC) rate to be increased from €29.80 a week to €31.80 a week with effect from 29th March 2018.

A number of other budgetary measures will also benefit lone parents, including the €5 primary rate increase, the additional week to the fuel allowance and the Christmas bonus of 85%, which was paid in early December.

These changes will see a lone parent on OFP or JST working 15 hours a week on the Na- tional Minimum Wage gain by almost €1000 per year in their overall income.

My Department’s social impact assessments of the last four Budgets show a cumulative increase of €36.75 in the average weekly household income of employed lone parents and €33.60 for unemployed lone parents. This compares favourably with a weekly increase of €34.45 for the average household.

I intend to continue to prioritise supports for lone parents, particularly those which incentivise work over welfare. I stated at the publication of the Indecon Report that I intend to provide for the further review of the OFP scheme. As there is a time lag before the benefits of labour market reforms appear, I anticipate that this review will include data to the end of 2018.

23/01/2018WRCC00200Anti-Poverty Strategy

23/01/2018WRCC00300611. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the specific targets and supporting actions of the new national anti-poverty strategy to reduce poverty rates in one parent households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3276/18]

23/01/2018WRCC00400Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Tackling poverty remains a fundamental aspiration of Irish society and the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a firm commitment to develop a new Integrated Framework for Social Inclusion, to tackle inequality and poverty. This will be a successor to the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAP inclusion) and its 2015-2017 update which concluded last year.

271 Questions - Written Answers My Department has started preparations for the new four year plan for the period 2018-202, with the public consultation process due to take place in the coming weeks. Like its predecessor, the plan will have a ‘whole of Government’ approach that aims to improve outcomes for the vulnerable and marginalised in our society, while recognising a shared responsibility across Government to implement actions to achieve the overall objectives. The theme of the new plan is one of active inclusion, which will enable every citizen, notably the most disadvantaged, to fully participate in society, including having a job.

The primary focus will be the reduction of consistent poverty through a three pronged approach: supporting incomes through as high as possible a level of employment, and encouraging and assisting people to enter the workforce; setting targets for the level of relevant welfare payments (as in the original NAP inclusion) designed to reduce relative poverty among those who cannot (or cannot find) work; and finally improving access to quality services such as health, education, childcare, training, housing, community supports in order to minimise deprivation for all groups and, in particular those who are on relatively low incomes such as one parent families.

A key element of NAP inclusion is the national social target for poverty reduction (NSTPR), which sets out the Government’s ambition for reducing and ultimately eliminating poverty. The headline target is to reduce consistent poverty to 2 per cent or less by 2020 (with an interim target of 4 per cent by 2016), from the 2010 baseline rate of 6.3 per cent. In addition, there are sub-targets in relation to children and for Ireland’s contribution to the Europe 2020 poverty target. Meeting these targets – or indeed making significant progress towards them – by the 2020 deadline will be a challenge and one that will require the combined efforts of all Government Departments, boosted by the resources and commitment of civil society. However it will remain a key element of the new plan.

23/01/2018WRCC00500Rent Supplement Scheme Data

23/01/2018WRCC00600612. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the number of rent supplement recipients, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3338/18]

23/01/2018WRCC00700Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 34,400 recipients for which the Government has provided €180 million for in 2018. A county breakdown of rent supplement recipients is provided in the attached tabular statement.

My Department continues to support the transfer of long term rent supplement tenancies to HAP with the strategic goal of returning rent supplement to its original purpose; a short-term income support for those who are temporarily unemployed. There are currently over 32,000 tenants in receipt of HAP support.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Tabular Statement: Rent Supplement recipients by County at end of December, 2017

County Recipients CARLOW 398 CAVAN 297 CLARE 177

272 23 January 2018

County Recipients CORK 3,578 DONEGAL 146 DUBLIN 16,309 GALWAY 1,724 KERRY 1,141 KILDARE 1,874 KILKENNY 181 LAOIS 552 LEITRIM 180 LIMERICK 739 LONGFORD 252 LOUTH 456 MAYO 623 MEATH 546 MONAGHAN 141 OFFALY 233 ROSCOMMON 378 SLIGO 131 TIPPERARY 434 WATERFORD 188 WESTMEATH 840 WEXFORD 1,326 WICKLOW 1,534 Total 34, 378

23/01/2018WRCC00800State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

23/01/2018WRCC00900613. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the reason credits earned after 65 years of age in the case in which a person is signing on could not be counted towards the pension at 66 years of age. [3373/18]

23/01/2018WRCC01000Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): State pension (contributory) entitlement is calculated by the ‘yearly average’ system, where the total number of contributions paid or credited is divided by the number of years of the person’s insurance record. The maximum rate of pension is payable where a person has a yearly average of at least 48, and there are banded entitlements below that.

In calculating the yearly average, the number of full-rate contributions paid and/or credited is counted up to the end of the last full tax/contribution year before reaching pension age (66), and this total is divided by the number of tax/contribution years in their record up to that point. For example, if someone’s record was from 1972, and they turned 66 on 1 July 2016, it would be the contributions they paid or were credited in the period to 31 December 2015, divided by 44 years (i.e. every year from 1972 to 2015). Taking the subsequent period into account to calculate the yearly average could only increase their contributions by a maximum of 26 contributions, and if their yearly average was already higher than that, this would have the effect of reducing their yearly average, rather than increasing it, as the amended total would be divided by 45. Given the fact that in most cases, this would result in a lower rather than a higher yearly average, it is to most people’s advantage that the rule should apply as it does now.

However, the Deputy should note that contributions can still be used to satisfy other pension 273 Questions - Written Answers conditions (notably the requirement to have a minimum of 520 contributions paid to qualify for State pension contributory).

It should also be remembered that PRSI does not just fund the State pension contributory and enable people to qualify for that payment, but also working age benefits before they retire.

I do hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRCC01100Pension Provisions

23/01/2018WRCC01200614. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1,660 of 16 January 2018, her plans to amend the law to exempt ARF income from PRSI similar to the way in which annuity income is exempt in view of the fact that in the current low interest rate environment many persons retiring early from a defined contribution scheme are investing in an ARF and that the vast majority of private sector pension schemes are now defined contribution schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3385/18]

23/01/2018WRCC01300Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

23/01/2018WRCC01400Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRCC01500615. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protec- tion the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of her Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into her Department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by her Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3403/18]

23/01/2018WRCC01600Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Citizens Information Board, the Low Pay Commission, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal.

Two statutory bodies have been established by my Department since 2011, namely;

- The Pensions Authority, formerly the Pensions Board, which was established on 7 March 2014, and

- The Pensions Council, which was established on 3 February 2015.

Under the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017, the Office of the Pen- sions Ombudsman was dissolved and re-established under the Office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman with effect from 1 January 2018. That Office is under the aegis of the Department of Finance.

With effect from 2 September 2017, the Low Pay Commission came under the aegis of my Department under the terms of the Labour Affairs and Labour Law (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2017.

23/01/2018WRCC01700Personal Injury Claims

274 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRCC01800616. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of her Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgement in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3420/18]

23/01/2018WRCC01900Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The two agencies under the aegis of my Department, the Pensions Authority and the Citizens Infor- mation Board have not made any pay-outs for personal injury claims during the timeframe in question.

23/01/2018WRCC02000Citizen Information Services

23/01/2018WRCC02100617. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Pro- tection if the representative body for supporting CIS services namely NACIS, will continue to be funded by CIS going forward; if the national executive committee which represents MABS staff is being retained under the current restructuring proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3487/18]

23/01/2018WRCC02200Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The National Association of Citizens Information Services (NACIS) represents the boards, staff and volunteers of the 42 Citizens Information Services. The Citizens Information Board has allocated €55,000 to NACIS to fund its activities for 2018.

NACIS has commissioned a review to help inform its future role, following the restructuring of governance arrangements which is underway across the Citizens Information Services and will result in a reduction of the number of CIS boards from 42 to 8 regional boards.

Following that review, CIB will engage with NACIS in regard to its future arrangements.

The MABS National Executive Committee (NEC), is the staff representative body of Mon- ey Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS) local companies and is not funded by the Citizens Information Board.

Any decision on its retention is a matter for the staff of the local MABS companies.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Question No. 618 answered with Question No. 609.

23/01/2018WRCC02400Homeless Persons Supports

23/01/2018WRCC02500619. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the stage of the process of departmental intervention with a family identified as having no permanent address that the family will be offered the support of a project worker; the services this project worker will be able to support the family with; the way in which these services are described, provisioned and allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2811/18]

23/01/2018WRCC02600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): 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 home-

275 Questions - Written Answers lessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. My Department has no function in relation to operational issues, such as the provision of project workers, which are a matter for the relevant housing authorities.

23/01/2018WRCC02700Homeless Persons Supports

23/01/2018WRCC02800620. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the steps of the process that govern a family’s route to and from homelessness nationally, by county; the number of interventions by category (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2812/18]

23/01/2018WRCC02900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): 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 accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. My Department has no function in relation to operational issues, such as assessment of family for homeless assistance or placement into emergency accommodation, which are a matter for the relevant housing authorities.

Under the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for the housing authority concerned to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless. Any person regarded as homeless by a housing authority may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation, which the housing authority may arrange itself or which may be operated by a State-funded service provider.

23/01/2018WRCC03000Environmental Protection Agency

23/01/2018WRCC03100621. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if the Environmental Protection Agency examined HTC carbonisation plants in view of a report (details supplied) recommending alternative processes to cater for sludge treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2882/18]

23/01/2018WRCC03200622. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the policies in place to encourage mobile dewatering which a report (details supplied) recommended as an effective and efficient means to empty septic tanks and sewage treatment plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2883/18]

23/01/2018WRCC03300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.

A report entitled “Management Options for the Collection, Treatment and Disposal of Sludge Derived from Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems” was published by the EPA in 2014 under its STRIVE research programme.

This report evaluated the legislation relating to Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (DWWTS) and evaluated best practice regarding the collection, transport, treatment and re- use/disposal of DWWTS sludges. Mobile dewatering was considered and recommended as a method for managing DWWTS sludge treatment and disposal. The use of HTC Carbonisation (Hydrothermal Carbonisation) was not evaluated in the report.

While at this juncture, there is no specific national policy to encourage the use of mobile 276 23 January 2018 dewatering, it may be considered as part of an overall future strategy to manage the disposal of sludge derived from domestic wastewater treatment systems.

23/01/2018WRCC03500Referendum Campaigns

23/01/2018WRCC03600623. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if he will report on the establishment of a referendum commission for a referendum on the eighth amendment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2922/18]

23/01/2018WRCC03700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Section 2 of the Referendum Act 1998 provides for the establishment of a Referendum Com- mission. It provides that the Minister may establish a commission, in the case of a constitutional referendum, not earlier than the date on which the relevant Constitutional Amendment Bill is initiated in the Dáil.

I intend to establish a Referendum Commission, in accordance with section 2 of the Ref- erendum Act 1998, in respect of a proposed referendum on the Eighth Amendment once the relevant Constitution Amendment Bill has been initiated in the Dáil.

23/01/2018WRCC03800Local Authority Assets

23/01/2018WRCC03900624. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of undeveloped land owned by each local authority; the amount of land that is zoned residential in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2924/18]

23/01/2018WRCC04000641. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the hectarage of land owned by local authorities and zoned for residential development; and the number of hectares by local authority. [3048/18]

23/01/2018WRCC04100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 624 and 641 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1839 of 16 January 2018 which sets out the position in relation to this matter.

23/01/2018WRCC04200Emergency Accommodation Data

23/01/2018WRCC04300625. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of additional emergency accommodation beds made available in the emergency accommodation system in Dublin city and county between November and December 2017; and if these beds will remain in the system after the cold winter initiative ends. [2937/18]

23/01/2018WRCC04400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): 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 accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities and accordingly my Department has no function in relation to operational issues, which are a matter for the relevant housing authorities.

277 Questions - Written Answers At the Housing Summit in September 2017, a commitment was made to introduce 200 new permanent emergency beds across a number of facilities. These beds are entirely separate to the additional capacity that has been created for the winter period and will be in place on a permanent basis.

23/01/2018WRCC04500Social and Affordable Housing Data

23/01/2018WRCC04600626. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of affordable and social houses provided in the Cork city and county area; the number on the waiting list for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/18]

23/01/2018WRCC04700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I understand that the Deputy is seeking information covering the period 2011 to 2017.

A broad range of statistics on Local Authority Housing Schemes are published on my De- partment’s website at the link below.

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social- housing-provision.

Detail is provided on delivery of social housing supports under a number of programmes, including building and acquisition, housing provided by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), accommodation provided using the private rented sector e.g. under the Housing Assistance Pay- ment, Rental Accommodation Scheme and Social Housing Leasing Expenditure Programme, and other schemes which expand or improve current living conditions. These statistics are broken down by year and area.

The indicative social housing output for 2017 is not currently finalised on a Local Author- ity basis. A breakdown of the numbers across all LA areas for 2017 will be published on my Department’s website, following completion of the necessary validation process.

A composite overview of 2015 and 2016 can be found at the following link :

http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/1a2-sh-2015-todate-brkdn-fi- nal_2017_v2.xlsx.

The total number of affordable housing units acquired, by local authority, under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and those delivered under the 1999 Affordable Hous- ing Scheme, based on returns made by local authorities, are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/affordable-housing/affordable-housing-and- part-v-statistics.

Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each housing authority area are provided in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recent SSHA, carried out in 2017, details the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as at 28 June 2017.

The results were published on 21 January 2018 and the full report is available on my De- partment’s website at the link below. The report includes a breakdown by each local authority across a range of categories. The 2017 report also includes the results of the 2016 summary for comparative purposes.

278 23 January 2018 http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2017.pdf.

23/01/2018WRCC04800Homeless Persons Data

23/01/2018WRCC04900627. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of families being accommodated in hotels in the Cork city and county area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/18]

23/01/2018WRCC05000Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) was implemented nationally in 2014, as a national information and management system for homeless services that are overseen by housing authorities. My Department collates PASS data from lead housing authorities on a monthly basis and these monthly homeless reports are published on my Department’s website and can be accessed using the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/ other/homelessness-data.

These monthly reports include a breakdown based on accommodation type. Commercial hotels and B&Bs are included within the private emergency accommodation category. I understand from Cork City Council as lead authority for the South West Homeless Region that 57 families accessed hotel and B&B state funded emergency accommodation in the South West Region during the week of 25th - 31st December, 2017. This is the latest data available in my Department.

23/01/2018WRCC05100Social and Affordable Housing Data

23/01/2018WRCC05200628. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of the 2,245 social houses built in 2017 that were delivered by local authorities, approved housing bodies, rapid build by regeneration and via Part V respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2964/18]

23/01/2018WRCC05300629. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of Part V homes delivered in 2017 bought by councils and approved housing bodies respectively; the number leased by councils and approved housing bodies respectively; the average cost per unit of these units that were leased by local authority; the length of the leases of those bought; the average monthly rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2965/18]

23/01/2018WRCC05400630. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the cost and size of the 2,266 acquisitions for social housing in 2017, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2966/18]

23/01/2018WRCC05500631. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the length of time of the leases for the 798 houses leased for social housing in 2017; the unit cost of these leases per month, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2967/18]

23/01/2018WRCC05600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 to 631, inclusive, together.

My Department provides funding to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing stock through new construction projects, the acquisition and leasing of new and previously owned houses/apartments and through working with Approved Housing Bodies, utilising a range of delivery options. 279 Questions - Written Answers Provisional outputs for social housing for 2017 were published last week on my Depart- ment’s website and are available at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers-statement.

The final social housing output data for 2017, including a breakdown of the social housing homes delivered in each local authority area, will be published on my Department’s website in due course, following completion of the necessary validation process.

In the meantime, details in respect of delivery up to the end of quarter 3 of 2017 are currently published and available at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social- housing-provision.

In addition to this, I have published details on the progress of delivery to date against the overall targets under Rebuilding Ireland which can be accessed at the following link :

http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/rebuilding_irelad_progress_ against_targets_14.01.2018_0.xlsx.

I also publish details on the outputs achieved under Part V arrangements and these are also available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/affordable-housing/affordable-housing-and- part-v-statistics.

23/01/2018WRDD00300Rental Accommodation Scheme Data

23/01/2018WRDD00400632. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of the 910 RAS contracts signed in 2017 that were renewed contracts and new contracts, respectively, for existing RAS tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/18]

23/01/2018WRDD00500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department provides funding to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing supports through a range of delivery options. Indicative outputs for 2017 were published on Monday, 15 January 2018 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers-statement.

Quarterly information relating to the number of transfer from Rent Supplement to the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and related information is published on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social- housing-provision.

The estimated number of new transfers from Rent Supplement to RAS in 2017 is 910. Final delivery outputs are being validated and reconciled and will be published on my Department’s website in the coming weeks. However, I can confirm that the indicative figure of 910 represents new transfers from Rent Supplement to RAS only and renewed contracts are not included

280 23 January 2018 in this figure.

23/01/2018WRDD00600Housing Assistance Payment Data

23/01/2018WRDD00700633. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of the 17,916 HAP tenancies signed in 2017 that are still in existence and the number broken by landlords, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/18]

23/01/2018WRDD00800Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) supported tenancies are agreed between the landlord and the tenant; the local authority is not a party to the tenancy and has no role in its agreement. There is no limitation placed by the scheme on the length of tenancy that can be supported by HAP. However, as with other private rental tenancies, the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended) governs the relationship between landlord and tenant and the length of the tenancy is a matter that must be agreed between the landlord and tenant in that context. My Department does not hold information in relation to the length of individual tenancies.

An analysis of data to end 2017 is not yet available. However, data available at the end of Q3 2017 indicates that during the period Q1-Q3 2017 2,250 HAP tenancies had ceased. This includes tenant led exits; compliance exits; transfers to other forms of social housing and also landlord exits.

In cases where a HAP supported tenancy comes to an end, the tenant can find alternative accommodation and retain their eligibility for HAP support or the local authority may decide to offer another form of social housing support to the tenant in accordance with their scheme of letting priorities.

On 19 September 2017, I announced a number of improvements to the rental market as part of the rolling review of Rebuilding Ireland. One such change is that the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) will be given additional powers and resources to take on a regulatory responsibility in the rental sector over the next two years. Changes needed in legislation and in the Board’s financing arrangements will be addressed and a two-year change management plan will be implemented, on foot of which the RTB will become the sector’s regulator. It will be an offence to implement rent increases that contravene the law and the RTB will be given the powers to investigate and prosecute landlords who implement such increases. The onus will no longer be exclusively on the tenant.

23/01/2018WRDD00900Local Authority Housing Data

23/01/2018WRDD01000634. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of all voids brought back into use in 2017; the length of time the homes were void by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2970/18]

23/01/2018WRDD01100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department does not keep data on the length of time refurbished units of local authority accommodation are vacant. It is a matter for each local authority to determine priorities for inclusion in programmes, having regard to the terms governing the schemes involved. Details on the number of void units brought back into use in 2017 are set out in the following table.

Voids 2017:

281 Questions - Written Answers

Units Returned in 2017 Funding 2017 Carlow 8 €91,750 Cavan 31 €303,112 Clare 47 €966,203 Cork City 81 €1,485,357 Cork County 48 €1,130,977 Donegal 168 €1,866,898 Dublin City 543 €8,520,549 Fingal 121 €1,329,300 South Dublin 87 €718,446 Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 31 €283,531 Galway City 11 €124,150 Galway County 37 €401,159 Kerry 90 €1,101,143 Kildare 8 €205,960 Kilkenny 16 €307,749 Laois 4 €33,170 Leitrim 0 €0 Limerick 13 €215,520 Longford 0 €0 Louth 7 €83,518 Mayo 22 €261,986 Meath 52 €768,005 Monaghan 38 €505,254 Offaly 7 €107,792 Roscommon 3 €44,324 Sligo 40 €909,395 Tipperary 107 €1,324,604 Waterford 52 €574,309 Westmeath 40 €329,113 Wexford 34 €428,015 Wicklow 11 €276,778 1,757 €24,698,067

23/01/2018WRDD01200Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

23/01/2018WRDD01300635. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment when applications will be invited from local authorities for the second tranche of LIHAF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2982/18]

23/01/2018WRDD01400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): As part of Budget 2018, I announced an additional €50 million funding which will be available for a second LIHAF call and which will again be subject to matching funding of 25% by local authorities. This capital funding will facilitate the provision of more public infrastructure to unlock further sites and activate more housing supply.

It is intended that a call for proposals under LIHAF will issue to local authorities later in Quarter 1 2018. It will be open to all local authorities to submit new projects or resubmit previous unsuccessful projects for consideration at that time. All proposals will then be assessed in line with the criteria and aims of LIHAF and it is expected that approved projects will be an-

282 23 January 2018 nounced in Quarter 3 2018 and will commence in 2019.

23/01/2018WRDD01500Rent Pressure Zones

23/01/2018WRDD01600636. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if Mullingar may be considered a rent pressure zone in the future; the criteria for a town to be designated a rent pressure zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3019/18]

23/01/2018WRDD01700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 sets out the process through which Rent Pressure Zones can be designated. It provides that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to the Minister that an area should be considered as a Rent Pressure Zone. Following receipt of such a proposal, the Minister requests the Director of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to the Minister on whether the area should be designated as a Rent Pressure Zone.

For an area to be designated a Rent Pressure Zone, it must satisfy the following criteria set out in section 24A(4) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as inserted by section 36 of the 2016 Act):

(i) The annual rate of rent inflation in the area must have been 7% or more in four of the last six quarters; and

(ii) The average rent for tenancies registered in the area with the RTB in the last quarter must be above the average national rent (the National Standardised Rent in the RTB’s Rent Index Report) in the last quarter (€1,056 per month in Q3 2017).

On 20 December 2017, the RTB published its Rent Index Report in relation to Quarter 3 2017, which includes a summary of the data used as the criteria for designating Rent Pressure Zones in relation to all Local Electoral Areas in the country. This allows all interested parties to see exactly where their area stands in relation to average rent levels and increases and possible designation. The data from the Rent Index Report relating to Mullingar, County Westmeath are detailed in the following table:

Local Electoral Area Quarters > 7% Average 2017 Q3 (€) Mullingar - Kilbeggan Mullingar 34 723.41741.69 - Coole In both Local Electoral Areas in Mullingar, the average monthly is below the national standardised rent of €1,056 per month. Therefore, neither of the Local Electoral Areas in Mullingar meet the criteria for designation at this time.

The Housing Agency will continue to monitor the rental market and may recommend further areas for designation. Where, following the procedures set out in the Act, it is found at a future date that additional areas meet the criteria, they will be designated as Rent Pressure Zones.

23/01/2018WRDD01800Residential Tenancies Board Remit

23/01/2018WRDD01900637. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the options available to persons whose rent has increased by 68% in one year in a non-rent pressure zone; the role the Residential Tenancies Board can play in such disputes between a

283 Questions - Written Answers landlord and a tenant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3020/18]

23/01/2018WRDD02000Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Part 3 of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2016 prescribes the procedures that landlords must adhere to in the setting and review of rents. Section 19 prohibits the setting of a rent above the market rent. Section 24 defines a market rent to mean:

‘the rent which a willing tenant not already in occupation would give and a willing landlord would take for the dwelling, in each case on the basis of vacant possession being given, and having regard to:

a. the other terms of the tenancy, and

b. the letting values of dwellings of a similar size, type and character to the dwelling and situated in a comparable area to that in which it is situated.’

Essentially, the amount of the rent payable is agreed between the landlord and tenant, cog- nisant of local rents for similar dwellings.

The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) publishes its Quarterly Report of the RTB Rent Index, which are based on the actual rents being paid for private rented properties and is compiled by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) from the RTB’s own register of tenancies. This extensive database is the largest in the country and is populated with information on actual/agreed rent, location, six categories of dwelling types, accommodation size and number of occupants and tenancy length. These Reports are available to view on the RTB website, www.rtb.ie, by tenants and landlords who wish to check the current market rents in their region.

Section 20 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides that a review of rent may not take place more than once in any period of 12 months or in the first 12 months of the tenancy. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015, which was enacted on 4 December 2015, amends section 20 to provide that rent reviews can only take place every 24 months rather than every 12 months, unless there has been a substantial change in the nature of the accommodation that warrants a review. This measure will have effect for a period of 4 years, after which the duration between reviews will revert to 12 months. The review of rent will still be on the basis that the market rent cannot be exceeded. A rent review could give rise to a rent decrease/ increase or to no rent change.

Tenants must be given 90 days’ notice of new rent and can make an application for dispute resolution to the RTB, if they have not been given the required notice, or if they feel the rent increase is in excess of the market rent. These provisions have effect notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in a lease or tenancy agreement.

Both Threshold, the national housing charity, and the RTB are available to provide detailed and practical assistance to tenants. Threshold operates the Tenancy Protection Service (TPS), a national service providing advice and support to households living in private rented accommodation who are experiencing tenancy problems, including where a tenancy is at risk of termina- tion. The TPS seeks to protect existing tenancies, keeping people in their homes and preventing them from having to access homeless services. The TPS helpline is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm on free-phone 1800 454 454. Further information is also available at www. threshold.ie.

In addition, the RTB has a central role in supporting the residential rental sector. It deals with disputes between landlords and tenants, including disputes about rent reviews. It also provides information about rent reviews and lawful rent increases. If there is a dispute about the 284 23 January 2018 amount of rent being proposed, either party can refer the dispute to the RTB. Evidence should be provided of rental rates for similar properties in the same area. Further information is available at www.rtb.ie/tenants and through the RTB helpline - Lo-call on 0818 30 30 37 (mobile operators might charge a premium rate to the Lo-call number) or 01 702 8100 - available from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6.30pm.

23/01/2018WRDD02100Local Authority Expenditure

23/01/2018WRDD02200638. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment if he is satisfied that local authority spending is monitored in a satisfactory manner, including spending on infrastructural projects; the role of the National Oversight and Audit Commission; his plans to increase scrutiny of such spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3024/18]

23/01/2018WRDD02300Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy John Paul Phelan): The elected members of local authorities have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, including adopting the annual budget and authorising borrowing, and are democratically accountable for all expenditure by the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process, having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.

There is a threefold approach to the audit of local authorities; the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS), which is an independent part of my Department, the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) and local authority audit committees.

The LGAS performs the independent, external audit of local government. Section 118(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 sets out the primary duties of the local government auditor as follows:

“In the course of the audit of accounts of the local authority or other body, the local government auditor shall carry out such audit tests as he or she considers appropriate in order to be satisfied as to:

(a) whether the annual financial statement is prepared in accordance with section 108 or with the accounting requirements otherwise applicable to the body concerned,

(b) whether the annual financial statement presents fairly the financial position of the authority or other body and of its income and expenditure for the period in question,

(c) whether the transactions of the audited body conform to the statutory or other authorisation under which they purport to have been carried out.”

Following the audit each auditor issues an audit opinion, an audit report and a management letter to the Chief Executive of the local authority. Included in the audit report is any matter which the auditor considers should be reported. The Chief Executive of a local authority is required to respond to this report and his/her comments are included, if of material significance, as part of the final report. This procedure has enhanced public scrutiny of local government, as management responses to address the issues raised at audit now form part of the published audit reports.

The local government auditors’ statutory reports issued to the elected members of the local authorities on the audits of the annual financial statements for 2016 are published on my

285 Questions - Written Answers Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current/ category/local-government-audit-service/type/publications?query=.

NOAC was established in July 2014 under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 to provide independent oversight of the local government sector. Its functions are wide ranging, involving the scrutiny of performance generally and financial performance specifically, supporting best practice, overseeing implementation of national local government policy and monitoring and evaluating implementation of corporate plans, adherence to service level agreements and public service reform by local government bodies. A Government Minister may also request that NOAC prepare a report relevant to its functions on any specified aspect of local government.

As well as the LGAS and NOAC, an audit committee is now place in each local authority, so as to enhance the financial management and audit control systems in local authorities. Mem- bership of these committees includes both elected members and expert external membership. The functions of audit committees include reviewing financial and budgetary reporting practices and procedures within a local authority; reviewing auditors’ reports and special reports, and assessing follow-up action by management; assessing and promoting efficiency and value for money, reviewing risk management systems and making such recommendations to the authority as the committee considers appropriate in respect of such matters.

Given this threefold approach, I am satisfied that there is an appropriate audit framework in place for the local government sector.

23/01/2018WRDD02400Water Services

23/01/2018WRDD02500639. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to amend the Water Services Act 2007 to allow environmental health officers in local authorities to intervene with householders when private sewage pipes attached to private houses are blocked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3037/18]

23/01/2018WRDD02600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for delivering public water services. Irish Water is also responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or drainage pipes extending from a waterworks or wastewater works to the curtilage of a private property.

Under sections 43 and 54 of the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems that are located within the boundary of a private property rests with the owner. This was the position that pertained prior to the establishment of Irish Water, when individual local authorities held responsibility for public water services and infrastructure.

While the legal position is set out in the 2007 Act, my Department is engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of both Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.

23/01/2018WRDD02700Local Authority Housing Funding

23/01/2018WRDD02800640. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment when the outstanding €1,104,708 which is owed to the Sligo County Council housing

286 23 January 2018 department for projects (details supplied) will be paid to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3041/18]

23/01/2018WRDD02900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department is currently reviewing and assessing these claims, the majority of which were received in mid to late December 2017. A number of issues surrounding the claims, including the scope of works, required clarification. The claims are being assessed on foot of additional information provided by the local authority and payment will issue once all outstanding issues have been clarified.

Question No. 641 answered with Question No. 624.

23/01/2018WRDD03100Water Charges Refunds

23/01/2018WRDD03200642. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the amount of water charges repayments due; the amount repaid to date, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3114/18]

23/01/2018WRDD03300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.

Provision was made in my Department’s Vote in 2017 as part of the Further Revised Esti- mates 2017, as approved by Dáil Éireann, for the costs of the refund process.

My Department issued total payments of €177,535,103 to Irish Water in 2017 to cover the costs involved in issuing a refund to over 990,000 domestic customers of Irish Water, who paid water charges in full or in part. This includes a provision of €5,869,630 in respect of administration costs.

I understand that as of 18 January 2018, Irish Water has produced and dispatched 939,581 cheques totalling €163,984,907 to Irish Water customers. This information is not currently available to me on a county by county basis.

Payments to date represent over 94% of customers expected to be refunded and over 95% of the total amount expected to be refunded. Irish Water is continuing to encourage customers who are still due a refund, whose details have changed and have not yet informed them, to make contact by calling 1850 448 448 as soon as possible so that they can process their refund.

In line with the Ministerial Direction issued on the Domestic Water Charges Refunds, I expect to receive a report at the end of January 2018 outlining the total payments issued and any outstanding payments due to exceptional circumstances and the approach to resolving these issues.

23/01/2018WRDD03400Water and Sewerage Schemes Grants

23/01/2018WRDD03500643. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the additional supports available through the rural water programme arising from recommendations of the joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3115/18]

23/01/2018WRDD03600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): In

287 Questions - Written Answers late 2017, my Department conducted a review of group water schemes’ subsidies. The review involved discussions with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the representative body of the group water sector. Discussions concluded in December, when I approved the revised subsidy levels. The new subsidy arrangements, endorsed by a special delegate conference of the Federation on 13 December 2017, came into effect on 1 January 2018.

The changes implement the recommendation contained in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services (JOCFFDWS), endorsed by both Houses of the Oireachtas in April 2017, that there be equity of treatment and equivalent financial support between households using public water services and those availing of private water services. The subsidy scheme is demand-led and available to all eligible group water schemes irrespective of county location.

The revised subsidy levels are as follows:

1) For the annual subsidy towards the operation and maintenance costs of group water schemes providing a supply of water for domestic purposes (knows as ‘Subsidy A’):

The maximum subsidy per house in private group water schemes has increased from €140 per household to €231. An increased maximum subsidy of €281 per household is available for small schemes of less than 100 houses that are willing, in the interests of providing in the long- term a more sustainable water supply to their members, to progress towards rationalisation or amalgamation with other schemes.

The maximum subsidy per house for public group water schemes has increased from €70 per household to €115. These are schemes that supply their members with water that is provided by Irish Water.

The portion of costs that can be recouped by group water schemes has also increased. Typi- cally up to 60% of costs have been covered by the subsidy payments. This has increased to 85%. There are also changes and simplifications to how these costs are assessed.

2) For the additional subsidy that is paid towards the costs of group water schemes that have long-term Operation and Maintenance Contracts (for example, as part of a Design Build Oper- ate project) for the delivery of water (known as ‘Subsidy B)’:

There has been an increase in the level of volumetric costs incurred by group water schemes operating under these contracts that is recoupable, from 60% to 85%. This will allow for a greater portion of costs to be included within the subsidy payment.

In addition to the above, my Department is currently finalising proposals to increase the level of grant support for users of private wells, details of which I will be announcing shortly.

Separate to the initial review of group water scheme subsidy levels and also in fulfilment of the JOCFFDWS recommendations, I will shortly be establishing a working group to conduct a wider review of investment needs and rural water services. The review will focus on issues such as governance, supervision and monitoring of the sector, and capital investment requirements. This group will engage widely with relevant stakeholders and will aim to complete its work by mid-2018.

Cognisance will be taken in this regard of any required measures to support the implementation of the finalised River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021, which I plan to finalise and publish early this year.

288 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRDD03700Water and Sewerage Schemes Grants

23/01/2018WRDD03800644. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to amend the criteria for private well grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3116/18]

23/01/2018WRDD03900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Funding is available under my Department’s Rural Water Programme towards the provision or necessary improvement of private wells. Local authorities were informed of the grant scheme and the criteria to be met by way of Circular Letter L8/97 of April 1997. The terms and conditions of the scheme are set out in an Explanatory Memorandum which is available from the local authorities and on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/rural-water-programme/private-wells.

These arrangements are currently under review in my Department and I will be announcing details of a revised grant scheme shortly.

23/01/2018WRDD04000Tenant Purchase Scheme Review

23/01/2018WRDD04100645. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to review the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3117/18]

23/01/2018WRDD04200674. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment when the review of the new tenant purchase scheme will be finalised; the changes which are proposed as a result of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3468/18]

23/01/2018WRDD04300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 645 and 674 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 one year. In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the Ten- ant Purchase Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which took place in 2017 and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations. The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.

23/01/2018WRDD04400Tenant Purchase Scheme Data

23/01/2018WRDD04500646. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of sales under the tenant purchase scheme since 2011, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3118/18]

23/01/2018WRDD04600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy):

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

Local authorities are by law (Section 63(1) of the Local Government Act 2001) independent in the performance of their functions. The operation of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned, in line with legislation, including the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015.

Relevant data for 2017 is not yet available. However, information on sale of local authority houses in previous years can be found on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority- housing-scheme-statistics

Any sales during the period 2011-2015 inclusive were made under the terms of predecessor schemes to the current Scheme, namely the 1995 Tenant Purchase Scheme or the 2011 Fixed Term Tenant Purchase Scheme for long-standing Tenants.

23/01/2018WRDD04700Social and Affordable Housing Data

23/01/2018WRDD04800647. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 26 October 2017, if he will address the anom- aly between housing targets and the targets outlined in the social housing report 2017 published on 15 January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3119/18]

23/01/2018WRDD04900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The information provided in response to Parliamentary Question Number 45 of 26 October 2017 included the figure of 3,200 as the target for 2017 delivery of social housing via build activity. As set out in Rebuilding Ireland, build activity includes local authority and AHB new build projects, properties constructed for social housing through Part V and refurbished properties/Voids.

In my recent report on Housing Delivery in 2017, the categorisation and format of which is consistent with the output report provided in 2016, the figure of 3,200 was broken down further. The target for local authority and AHB new build projects, plus properties constructed for social housing through Part V for 2017, was 2,434, with a total of 2,245 new homes built last year – or 92% of the target output achieved. The target for “voids” for 2017 was 766; however, 1,757 voids were in fact brought back in to the social housing stock.

Taken together, both of these categories make up the overall build target of 3,200 for 2017, consistent with the targets set out in Rebuilding Ireland. The actual number of new homes delivered through direct build and refurbishment of void homes in 2017 was 4,002.

23/01/2018WRDD05000Approved Housing Bodies

23/01/2018WRDD05100648. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his views on the indication by the Central Statistics Office that it will reclassify approved housing bodies as being on-balance sheet; and the implications for public expenditure, the fiscal space and provision of funding for social housing arising from the decision. [2560/18] 290 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRDD05200Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): As part of a review commissioned by Eurostat, the EU Statistical Office, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) were asked in October 2016 to review the classification of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for Government accounting purposes.

The classification was last reviewed in 2014, with a recommendation from the CSO to Euro- stat at the time that these Bodies would remain outside of the General Government Sector. This recommendation was accepted by Eurostat, with a proviso that the decision could be reviewed at a future date.

In December, the CSO made a decision that 14 of the 16 largest AHBs examined (i.e. those with 300+ homes in their property portfolios) in the initial phase of the review should be re- classified as falling within the public sector, under the broad local government classification. This decision has been sent to Eurostat for their consideration and ultimate determination.

While a final decision has yet to be taken by Eurostat regarding the classification of AHB expenditure, detailed analysis of the potential impacts on the Government debt and expenditure will be completed by the relevant Departments and Agencies. To inform these considerations, the CSO is currently engaged in collecting the required data to compile the end-March 2018 Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) notification tables (also known as the Maastricht returns), covering general government deficit and debt. At the same time, the Department of Finance is also preparing the Stability Programme Update 2018. This will take full account of the figures published by the CSO as part of the government finance statistics release.

My Department is examining the provisional assessment by the CSO in detail, including the rationale for their recommendation, in close collaboration with my colleague, Minister Dono- hoe’s Departments and the AHB sector itself, to assess the historic and future implications as well as identifying what measures can be taken to manage or mitigate the potential impacts on the capacity of the AHB sector in the supply and management of social housing.

Notwithstanding this assessment by the CSO, the Government still sees an important role for the voluntary housing sector in contributing to delivery of social housing under Rebuild- ing Ireland, and we intend to press ahead with our ambitious plans to use all mechanisms and schemes, including through the AHB sector, to ensure that we maintain our planned momentum towards meeting the 50,000 Rebuilding Ireland social housing target.

23/01/2018WRDD05300Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRDD05400649. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the contracts his Department, or agencies under his remit, have with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3149/18]

23/01/2018WRDD05500Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department has not awarded any contracts to the company in question.

Information in relation to contracts awarded by agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency.

Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:

291 Questions - Written Answers

Agency Email address An Bord Pleanála [email protected] Ervia, Gas Networks Ireland [email protected] Housing Sustainable Communities Agency [email protected] Housing Finance Agency [email protected] Irish Water [email protected] Local Government Management Agency [email protected]. Ordnance Survey Ireland [email protected] Property Registration Authority [email protected] Residential Tenancies Board [email protected] Valuation Office [email protected]

23/01/2018WRDD05600Local Authority Staff

23/01/2018WRDD05700650. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the progress made by local authority CEOs in designating vacant home officers in each of their authorities as per his instruction in August 2017; the number of officers that have been designated; the authorities in which they have been designated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3180/18]

23/01/2018WRDD05800Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

In August 2017, I requested all local authorities to designate vacant home officers to co- ordinate local actions to address vacancy in their functional areas and also to undertake local vacancy surveys in order to identify - through their Vacant Homes Action Plans - priority “vacancy hot-spot areas” and properties that can be quickly brought back into residential use.

It is a matter for local authority Chief Executives to make the organisational arrangements, including with regard to staffing, necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities and to assign staff to specific functional areas, having regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of the current staffing and budgetary constraints.

I am informed that 25 local authorities have to date designated vacant homes officers within their respective functional areas. Some of these have been designated from within existing staff resources, while some have been designated on an interim basis pending the recruitment of dedicated additional staff to the role. My Department will continue to engage on an ongoing basis with local authorities with a view to progressing measures to bring as many vacant and underutilised properties as possible back into residential use.

Planning Authority Vacant Homes Officer(s) in place Carlow County Council Yes Cavan County Council Yes Clare County Council Yes Cork City Council No Cork County Council Yes Donegal County Council Yes Dublin City Council Yes Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Yes Fingal County Council Yes

292 23 January 2018 Planning Authority Vacant Homes Officer(s) in place Galway City Council No* Galway County Council No Kerry County Council Yes Kildare County Council Yes Kilkenny County Council Yes Laois County Council Yes Leitrim County Council Yes Limerick City and County Council Yes Longford County Council Yes Louth County Council No Mayo County Council Yes Meath County Council Yes Monaghan County Council No Offaly County Council Yes Roscommon County Council Yes Sligo County Council No South Dublin County Council Yes Tipperary County Council Yes Waterford City and County Council Yes Westmeath County Council Yes Wexford County Council Yes Wicklow County Council Yes *Galway City Council advised (in December 2017) that an Officer would be designated in January 2018. However confirmation of this designation is still awaited.

23/01/2018WREE00200Vacant Properties

23/01/2018WREE00300651. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment when the vacant homes strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/18]

23/01/2018WREE00400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Preparatory work on the vacant home strategy was undertaken by a working group chaired by the Housing Agency which also comprised senior representatives from my Department, local authorities, the Irish Council for Social Housing and from the Housing Agency itself. My De- partment received the output of the working group in June 2017 and is presently further developing the strategy with a view to publishing it in the near future.

In advance of formal publication, it should be noted that a significant number of measures to incentivise the increased use of vacant housing stock have already been introduced which are being progressed by my Department and local authorities. These measures include:

- requiring all local authorities to develop Vacant Homes Action Plans for their functional areas by end January 2018;

- requiring local authorities to designate Vacant Homes Officers to co-ordinate local actions to address vacancy (the majority of local authorities now have a designated Vacant Homes

293 Questions - Written Answers Officer in place);

- the ongoing implementation of the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the Housing Agency Acquisitions Fund for the purchase of vacant buy-to-let properties from financial institutions;

- the review of planning legislation to allow the change of use of vacant commercial units in urban areas, including vacant or under-utilised areas over ground-floor premises, into residential units without having to go through the planning process. Draft regulations to give effect to this measure were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 13 December 2017 and it is intended that the new regulations, which - as set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended - require the approval of both Houses, will be made as soon as possible; and work on further streamlining, and providing guidance on, the building control regulatory requirements in relation to the conversion of vacant premises (including vacant over the shops spaces) into residential use.

As part of their vacant homes action plans, local authorities are also undertaking local surveys to ascertain up-to-date vacancy levels within their functional areas. Actions plans received to date from local authorities indicate that the level of vacant homes is significantly less than that set out in Census 2016, which was in essence, a snapshot at a particular point in time, i.e. end April 2016. In this regard, it is considered that a significant number of those vacant units contained in the Census 2016 data have, given the passage of time since its collation, been re-introduced as viable housing stock, including homes that were subject to short-term vacancies that normally occur in a properly functioning housing market, e.g. the house may have been placed on the market for sale or to let, it may have been temporarily vacant while undergo- ing refurbishment works, or it may have been subject to legal or probate procedures.

The Department is currently liaising with relevant stakeholders to agree a robust methodology to assess vacancy for inclusion in the national vacant homes strategy. The local vacant homes actions plans - which, as mentioned, are due to be submitted by the end of January 2018 - will inform the finalisation of the strategy in terms of setting further actions and targets, and it is proposed to publish the strategy as soon as possible thereafter.

23/01/2018WREE00500Vacant Properties

23/01/2018WREE00600652. Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the position regarding the vacant homes website established in 2017; if it has resulted in the turnaround of homes for new use to date; if targets have been set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3182/18]

23/01/2018WREE00700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): A dedicated website, www.vacanthomes.ie, was established by Mayo County Council in July 2017 on behalf of the local government sector to serve as a central portal for individuals to anonymously log possible vacant homes and to alert local authorities so that they can then follow up with the registered owners, with a view to ascertaining the potential for bringing these homes into productive use for residential purposes.

This source of locally generated information is proving useful in supplementing the country-wide analysis on vacancy and in mobilising communities to assist local authorities in developing and implementing a targeted approach. The website also provides useful information for property owners on how to bring their vacant properties back into use and on available financial supports.

294 23 January 2018 To date, Mayo County Council has indicated that the website has received notifications of potential vacant homes across the country as follows:

- 1,515 properties have been registered on the website, mostly by individual citizens and local groups;

- 55% of the logged properties are located in Leinster, where housing demand is highest, with 28% logged in Munster, 14% in Connacht and 3% in Ulster;

- once unknown properties are disregarded, 84% of the logged properties have been vacant for more than 24 months;

- in terms of property types logged on the website, 35% are detached, 29% are semi detached, 27% are terraced, with flats and apartments accounting for 9%.

A number of local authorities have publicly acknowledged the usefulness of the website in helping to bring vacant properties back into use, for example: -

- Louth County Council has credited it with identifying over 30 homes in its functional area which have been deemed suitable for social housing, with a number of these homes already in the Council’s ownership or in the process of being taken into the council’s ownership for social housing use;

- a number of other local authorities have indicated similar experiences arising from the website;

- a number of properties have been identified as suitable to avail of the repair and leasing scheme, with work ongoing towards bringing these properties into use for private rental purposes in 2018;

- owners of vacant homes who are living abroad have made direct contact with the website with a view to bringing their respective vacant properties back into use.

While specific targets for 2018 have not been set for the website, Mayo County Council hopes to:

- increase the number of logged properties on the site throughout the year;

- identify, with the assistance of local authorities, more owners of vacant homes in order to bring increasing numbers of vacant homes back into use;

- provide further assistance and support, in consultation with my Department’s Vacant Homes Unit, on bringing further vacant residential units back into use; and

- work with other agencies and bodies in targeting high vacancy areas and reduce the number of vacant homes throughout the country.

23/01/2018WREE00800Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

23/01/2018WREE00900653. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the bodies which will be responsible for the drafting of metropolitan area strategic plans for the five cities. [3203/18]

23/01/2018WREE01000654. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if it is planned that the executives of the local authorities in the Dublin metropolitan area 295 Questions - Written Answers will be responsible for drafting the metropolitan area strategic plans; and if not, if this will be a sole function of the executive of the east and midland assembly. [3204/18]

23/01/2018WREE01100655. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the elected representatives that will be responsible for passing the metropolitan area strategic plans for the Dublin metropolitan area; if it will only be elected councillors from the metropolitan region affected by the plan; and if not, if it will be councillors from all areas in the ERMA. [3205/18]

23/01/2018WREE01200Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 653 to 655, inclusive, together.

The three regional assemblies, co-ordinating the work and detailed technical input from the relevant local authorities, will enable the preparation of initial metropolitan area strategic plan components of the forthcoming Regional, Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) being drafted to succeed the current Regional Planning Guidelines in 2018.

In this regard, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, working with Galway City and County Councils will co-ordinate a strategic metropolitan plan for Galway City. The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, working with the relevant local authorities across the Greater Dublin Area, will co-ordinate a strategic metropolitan plan for the Dublin area and the Southern Assembly will, with the relevant local authorities, co-ordinate strategic metropolitan plans for Cork, Limerick and Waterford.

The eventual adoption of the RSES’s will be a matter for the members of the regional assemblies, drawn from the constituent local authorities in each assembly area.

23/01/2018WREE01500Emergency Planning

23/01/2018WREE01600656. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the legislation that designates each of the three principal response agencies here, that is, the Health Service Executive, the local authorities and An Garda Síochána as principal response agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3206/18]

23/01/2018WREE01700Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): The Principal Response Agencies are designated as such in the framework for major emergency management (2006) which was approved by Gov- ernment decision. The framework enables An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and local authorities to prepare for and make a co-ordinated response to major emergencies resulting from events such as fires, transport accidents, hazardous substance incidents and severe weather.

The principal response agencies are tasked by Government with providing, managing and co-ordinating the response to emergency situations which arise within their functional areas. They provide and operate Ireland’s principal emergency services which respond to emergencies on a daily basis. The principal emergency services have developed arrangements for working in a co-ordinated fashion at a range of events, from small, routine incidents to large-scale emergencies. The framework for major emergency management sets out arrangements that facilitate the principal emergency services in scaling up the response required, so as to utilise the full resources of the principal response agencies and to work together in the management of large-scale incidents. Each principal response agency and principal emergency service operates under its own legislative code.

296 23 January 2018 The framework also provides mechanisms for linking the work of the principal response agencies with those at other levels of Government. As part of the systemic approach to emergency management, major events and incidents are reviewed and learning points are identified and improvements made. A region-based structure is in place to facilitate on-going development of emergency management at the local level and this process is supported and overseen by the inter-Departmental national steering group for major emergency management which was also established by Government decision in 2006.

23/01/2018WREE01800Repair and Leasing Scheme

23/01/2018WREE01900657. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the per annum target and delivery of the repair and lease scheme in 2016, 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3242/18]

23/01/2018WREE02000Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Repair and Leasing Scheme, RLS, has been developed to assist private property owners and local authorities or approved housing bodies (AHBs) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in certain vacant dwellings across Ireland.

The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant dwellings who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their dwellings up to the required standard for rental property. Subject to the suitability of the dwelling for social housing, and the agreement of the property owner, the cost of the necessary repairs will be met up-front by the local authority or an approved housing body.

The RLS was established on a pilot basis in Waterford and Carlow local authorities in Octo- ber 2016 and expanded nationwide from 23 February 2017. No targets were set for the scheme in 2016. Individual targets for 2017 were set for each local authority and these are set out in tabular form below.

Provisional 2017 outputs, across the range of delivery methods available to local authorities and approved housing bodies, were published on 15 January 2018 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers-statement.

My Department is currently validating data from local authorities in order to report detailed progress on the RLS in the final quarter of 2017. This will be published shortly. However, at the end of the third quarter 2017, 292 dwellings had been deemed suitable and local authorities were negotiating with properties owners; a further 231 dwellings were being inspected for suitability by local authorities; 18 Agreements to Lease had been signed. A detailed breakdown of the RLS scheme data for the third quarter of 2017 is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social- housing-provision.

Funding of €32 million is available for RLS for 2018 with an overall target of 800 dwellings. The target number of social houses to be delivered across all delivery mechanisms in each local authority area out to 2021 was confirmed to each local authority on 5 January 2018, with a particular focus on 2018 delivery. Each local authority chief executive is now required to furnish a report by mid-February, confirming and setting out how their local authority will de- 297 Questions - Written Answers liver on its social housing target over the coming years. The targets and details of the delivery programme of each local authority will then be published.

Tackling vacancy continues to be a key focus and, in that context, I announced a range of improvements to the existing scheme on 22 January 2018 following the second housing summit with local authority chief executives. I will be publishing full details of these improvements shortly.

2017 RLS Targets per Local Authority

Local Authority RLS Target 2017 Carlow County Council 14 Cavan County Council 9 Clare County Council 18 Cork City Council 26 Cork County Council 50 Donegal County Council 22 Dublin City Council 150 Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council 25 Fingal County Council 41 Galway City Council 24 Galway County Council 20 Kerry County Council 27 Kildare County Council 31 Kilkenny County Council 13 Laois County Council 13 Leitrim County Council 6 Limerick City and County Council 30 Longford County Council 10 Louth County Council 22 Mayo County Council 20 Meath County Council 18 Monaghan County Council 5 Offaly County Council 13 Roscommon County Council 8 Sligo County Council 10 South Dublin County Council 47 Tipperary County Council 23 Waterford City and County Council 53 Westmeath County Council 20 Wexford County Council 19 Wicklow County Council 13 - 800

23/01/2018WREE02100National Planning Framework

23/01/2018WREE02200658. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the roles the three regional spatial economic strategies under the national planning framework will play in mitigating climate change; and the relationship that will be established with the regional climate change adaptation plans which are to be co-ordinated under different geographical regions of local authorities. [3266/18] 298 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WREE02300Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): The draft National Planning Framework, which is currently being finalised by my Department includes national policy objectives, NPOs, reflecting wider Government objectives in relation to climate change.

These include objectives to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by integrating climate action into the planning system in support of national climate change targets, NPO 56; the promotion of renewable energies at appropriate locations to meet the national transition objectives towards a low-carbon economy by 2050, NPO 57; and support for integrating climate considerations into statutory plans and guidelines.

In addition, each regional assembly will be tasked with preparing a regional spatial and economic strategy, RSES, to further tease out and apply the NPOs at regional levels and for subsequent incorporation into local authority statutory development plans and local plans. The preparation of each of the RSESs will be subject to strategic environmental assessment, SEA, which requires each plan to take full account of relevant EU and national legislative requirements, including in relation to climate change, in accordance with the SEA legislation.

The national climate adaptation framework, which was launched last week by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, sets out the context to ensure local authorities, regions and key sectors can assess the main risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, implement climate resilience actions and ensure climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all local, regional and national policy making. The role of spatial planning through the national planning framework will be critical in ensuring successful implementation of the national adaptation framework.

Minister Naughten has also announced a funding commitment of €10 million over five years to establish four local authority regional climate action offices. This commitment recognises the significant obligation which has been placed on the local government sector to develop and implement its own adaptation and mitigation measures as well as the need to build capacity within the sector to engage effectively with climate change.

I understand the proposed regional climate action offices will be operated by a lead local authority in four different regions, grouped according to shared climate change risks. These offices are intended to provide a coherent and coordinated response to climate change at local level, both in terms of adaptation and mitigation and they will also be a key enabler in linking effectively with the new national planning framework.

23/01/2018WREE02400Land Availability

23/01/2018WREE02500659. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment when the strategic development plans for the use of local authority lands requested from all local authorities by the end of September 2017 will be available; if these plans will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3281/18]

23/01/2018WREE02600Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): As part of the active management of the publicly owned housing land bank, all local authorities have been requested to prepare strategic development and management plans for housing lands in their ownership, with particular emphasis on prioritising those sites with the greatest potential to deliver housing at scale, in the short to medium term.

The plans received to date are currently being reviewed by my Department and, when fi- 299 Questions - Written Answers nalised, they will be made available publicly, both on the dedicated Rebuilding Ireland website, as well as on the website of the relevant local authority. The State Land Management and Development Group, which I will chair, will convene in the coming weeks to, inter alia, drive the delivery of housing from the local authority and broader State land bank.

23/01/2018WREE02700Vacant Sites Data

23/01/2018WREE02800660. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of sites registered for the vacant site levy; the number of those currently under appeal with An Bord Pleanála by each local authority; the number of these sites on which he expects to see developments commence during 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3282/18]

23/01/2018WREE02900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 introduced a new measure, the vacant site levy, which is aimed at incentivising the development of vacant, under-utilised sites in urban areas. Under the Act, planning authorities are required to establish a register of vacant sites in their areas, beginning on 1 January 2017, and to issue notices to owners of vacant sites by 1 June 2018 in respect of vacant sites on the register on 1 January 2018. The levy will be applied by planning authorities, commencing on 1 January 2019 in respect of sites which were vacant and on the vacant site register during the year 2018 and will subsequently be applied on an annual basis thereafter, as long as a site remains on the vacant site register in the preceding year.

Planning authorities are presently engaging in the necessary preparatory work, prior to the application of the levy with effect from January 2019 in respect of sites identified on their vacant site registers in 2018. As required under the Act, this includes the identification of specific vacant sites for entry on the register, the registered owners of the sites in question and undertaking site valuations of the registered sites.

My Department does not maintain a central register of vacant sites as each local authority administers the vacant site register in respect of their functional area. However, on foot of a recent review of the on-line vacant site registers across all local authority areas, I understand that there are collectively over 230 sites on the registers. In total, the inclusion of 49 of these sites on the local registers has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, with 20 of these appeals having been decided, leaving 29 appeals currently on hand with the Board, as follows:

Local Authority Number of Appeals Dublin City Council 7 Fingal County Council 1 Kilkenny County Council 6 Waterford City & County Council 8 Wicklow County Council 7 Total: 29 My Department continues to monitor and engage with local authorities in relation to the implementation of the vacant site levy and held a seminar with authorities on 8 November 2017 in this regard.

The purpose of the levy is to act as an incentive to the bringing forward of vacant underused sites for development, for residential or regeneration purposes. I would hope that as many sites as possible will be developed for these purposes, thereby avoiding liability to the levy.

300 23 January 2018 As recently announced, it is proposed to increase the rate of levy from 3% to 7% of the market valuation of relevant sites with effect from January 2020 in respect of sites included on the local vacant site registers in 2019. Legislative provision for this increase will be tabled by way of Seanad amendment to the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016, which is presently at Dáil Report Stage.

23/01/2018WREE03000Statutory Retirement Age

23/01/2018WREE03100661. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3290/18]

23/01/2018WREE03200Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): International research indicates that the retirement age of 55 is the optimum age to ensure that fire-fighters are capable of satisfactorily performing the tasks expected of them. The retirement age of 55 years of age was introduced because of health and safety considerations related to the job. Since the enactment of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, underpinned by subsequent legislation, each fire authority, as an employer, has a statutory duty to avoid placing employees at risk.

A full time firefighter is statutorily required to retire at age 55 under the Public Service Su- perannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. This retirement age is set at 55 due to the physically demanding nature of the fire-fighter role.

The retirement age for retained fire fighters is 55 with an extended period to age 58 subject to a formal application process including a compulsory medical assessment.

A collective agreement was reached between the Local Government Management Services Board and the trade unions involved, SIPTU and ATGWU, in November 2002. This collective agreement provided, inter alia, for the appointment of an expert group which in turn would advise as to the retirement age for retained firefighters. The Expert Group’s Report on Retirement Age recommended that the retirement age for retained firefighters remain at 55, with provision for an annual extension, subject to medical assessment, up to 58 year of age. Following the report of the expert group published in April 2003, a circular was issued by my Department in November 2003 setting out the age requirements in relation to retained firefighters in line with the expert report.

In general, any changes proposed by either management or unions are negotiated using the established industrial relations processes. In this regard, the matter of increasing the retirement age for firefighters was included as part of recent discussions on a wide range of issues at the Workplace Relations Commission, between the Local Government Management Agency, representing the employers, and SIPTU.

I understand that these discussions are at a preliminary stage and therefore I am unable to give an indication as to when these discussions will be completed or the likely outcome.

23/01/2018WREE03300Foreshore Licence Applications

23/01/2018WREE03400662. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there have been applications for a foreshore licence from a company (details supplied) to allow for an exploratory rig on the Kish Bank; and if he will make a statement on

301 Questions - Written Answers the matter. [3298/18]

23/01/2018WREE03500Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): Providence Resources surrendered a licence to allow for an exploratory rig on the Kish Bank on 12 February 2013. My Department has not received a subsequent application in respect of exploratory works on the Kish Bank.

23/01/2018WREE03600Housing Adaptation Grant Applications

23/01/2018WREE03700663. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an appeal lodged by Longford County Council in respect of a person (details supplied) will be allowed. [3326/18]

23/01/2018WREE03800Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The detailed administration of the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability, including the assessment, approval and payment of individual grants to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

The framework for the operation of the scheme is laid down in statutory regulations, namely the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014. Under these regulations, applications for grant aid are assessed by a local authority on the basis of household income and the maximum grant of €30,000 is available to applicants whose gross household income is less than €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30% for applicants with gross household incomes of between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum. No grant is payable where the household income is over €60,000 per annum.

I understand from the local authority that in the case raised, the household income is above the income threshold where a grant can be paid.

23/01/2018WREE03900Housing Assistance Payment Eligibility

23/01/2018WREE04000664. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment his plans to change eligibility for housing assistance payment recipients on the social housing waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3336/18]

23/01/2018WREE04100Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The Housing Assistance Payment, HAP, is a flexible form of social housing support available to households throughout the State who have a long-term housing need. To qualify for HAP a household must first be deemed eligible for social housing support. Eligibility for social housing support is based primarily on a household’s income. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 prescribe maximum net income limits for each housing authority, in different bands according to the area, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard household means policy.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band are based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household’s basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The limits also reflect a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn and thereby promote sustainable communities.

Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to 302 23 January 2018 direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.

However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of the income eligibility limits for social housing supports, including HAP has commenced. I expect the results of this review to be available for publication later this year.

23/01/2018WREE04200Housing Assistance Payment Data

23/01/2018WREE04300665. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of HAP and RAS recipients respectively by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3337/18]

23/01/2018WREE04400Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Indicative social housing outputs for 2017 were published on Monday 15 January 2018 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers-statement

My Department is currently finalising and verifying HAP and RAS data relating to 2017 and this data will be published on my Department’s website in due course.

At the end of 2016 local authorities reported that there were 20,306 Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) tenancies in place. The most recent data regarding the number of tenancies funded under the RAS scheme, broken down by local authority is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social- housing-provision.

At end of the third quarter of 2017, there were a total of 27,618 active HAP tenancies; details of these tenancies, by local authority, are set out in the following table.

Total Active HAP tenancies as at end September 2017

Local Authority Total Active HAP Tenancies at end September 2017 Carlow County Council 556 Cavan County Council 103 Clare County Council 1,187 Cork City Council 1,510 Cork County Council 2,496 Donegal County Council 1,587 Dublin City Council 655 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council 107 Fingal County Council 260 Galway City Council 792 Galway County Council 657 Kerry County Council 287 Kildare County Council 1,276

303 Questions - Written Answers

Local Authority Total Active HAP Tenancies at end September 2017 Kilkenny County Council 803 Laois County Council 215 Leitrim County Council 69 Limerick City & County Council 1,840 Longford County Council 93 Louth County Council 1,779 Mayo County Council 738 Meath County Council 1,072 Monaghan County Council 396 Offaly County Council 587 Roscommon County Council 126 Sligo County Council 424 South Dublin County Council 1,987 Tipperary County Council 1,548 Waterford City & County Council 1,492 Westmeath County Council 259 Wexford County Council 404 Wicklow County Council 307 Subtotal 25,612 - - Dublin Regional Homeless Executive* 2,006 Grand Total 27,618 * DRHE is operating the HAP Homeless scheme on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities.

23/01/2018WREE04500Local Authority Funding

23/01/2018WREE04600666. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the amount provided to local authorities in each year since 2010 by way of the annual block grant from the local government fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3368/18]

23/01/2018WREE04700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I assume the Question refers to the payment of General Purpose Grants (GPGs) and Local Prop- erty Tax (LPT) from the Local Government Fund to local authorities. Before the introduction of local retention of LPT in 2015, GPGs were my Department’s contribution towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers. The 2014 figures recognise the removal of water related costs and are therefore not directly comparable to previous years’ funding. In 2015 GPGs were replaced by LPT payments.

The details of all GPG and LPT payments are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/administration/finance/general-purpose- grants-and-local-property-tax-payments-local.

23/01/2018WREE04800Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WREE04900667. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- 304 23 January 2018 ernment the amount paid out by each local authority in respect of personal injury claims for each of the years 2010 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3384/18]

23/01/2018WREE05000Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the question and the information requested is not available in my Department.

Local authorities are independent in the execution of their powers and the directly elected members are democratically accountable for all expenditure of the authority. Personal injury claims involving local authorities are matters for each authority and details in that regard may be obtained directly from individual authorities.

23/01/2018WREE05100Vacant Properties

23/01/2018WREE05200668. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the progress that has been made by county councils in acquiring abandoned or boarded up houses by CPO or otherwise on the same procedures as those followed by Louth County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3386/18]

23/01/2018WREE05300Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department provides funding to local authorities to acquire a range of properties for social housing use. The properties involved can range from those in good condition to those that need remediation and may have been vacant. To ensure a local led response to such work, responsibility for property acquisitions is delegated to local authorities.

To further assist local authorities pursuing vacant properties, my Department introduced a Buy & Renew Scheme to facilitate local authorities in acquiring and remediating vacant properties that may be suitable for social housing. As with standard acquisitions, local authorities have delegated responsibility to utilise the Buy & Renew Scheme, as part of the blend of property acquisitions, as appropriate to their area, given housing need and the availability of properties of different types.

Given that responsibility is delegated to local authorities for this work, my Department does not have detailed statistics differentiating between the different categories of property acquisitions undertaken by local authorities, but I am satisfied that local authorities are using the range of funding mechanisms available to them to acquire various properties, including those that have been vacant.

23/01/2018WREE05400Departmental Bodies

23/01/2018WREE05500669. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into his Depart- ment since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by his Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/18]

23/01/2018WREE05600Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The agencies, boards and other bodies under the aegis of my Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into my Department since 2011, some of which have since moved to the remit of other Departments, are set out in the following tables:

305 Questions - Written Answers

Agencies, Boards and Bodies Comment National Building Agency Merged with the Housing and Sustainable Commu- nities Agency (Housing Agency) (2011) Comhar Integrated into the work of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) with effect from January 2012. Building Regulations Advisory Body(BRAB) Subsumed into the Department in 2012 An Chomhairle Leabharlanna Merged with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) (2012) The Local Government Computer Services Board Merged with the LGMA (2012) Local Government Management Services Board Merged with the LGMA (2012) Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency Subsumed into Limerick City & County Council (2012) Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency Subsumed into Limerick City & County Council (2012) Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland Merged with the EPA (2014) Rent Tribunal Dissolved and functions transferred to the Residen- tial Tenancies Board (2016) Dublin Developments Docklands Authority Merged with Dublin City Council (2016) The bodies set up by my Department since 2011 are set out in the following table:

New bodies set up since 2011 Comment The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency Established on an administrative basis in 2010 but (Housing Agency) formally established on 1 August 2012. Irish Water Established under the Water Services (No. 1) Act 2013 Pyrite Resolution Board Established 2014 Public Water Forum Established under the Water Services Act 2014 The National Oversight and Audit Commission Established in 2014 under the Local Government (NOAC) Reform Act 2014 An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) Not statutorily established yet. Operating on a non- statutory basis. While I have responsibility for policy and legislation in respect of the local government system, local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. As such, local authorities are not under the aegis of my Department. However, they underwent a major reform programme in the period since 2011 that, inter alia, saw the dissolution of 86 bodies including amalgamation of three pairs of authorities resulting in a net reduction of 83 in the number of authorities from 114 to 31. This reform also saw a total of eight regional authorities and two regional assemblies dissolved and replaced by three consoli- dated regional assemblies.

23/01/2018WREE05700Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WREE05800670. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment the amount paid out and the number of claims the pay-outs related to by each agency under the aegis of his Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgement in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3424/18]

306 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WREE05900Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned and are not collated or retained by my Department.

Arrangements have been put in place by each agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The relevant contact email address for each agency, to which members may address queries, are set out in the following table:

Agency Email address An Bord Pleanála [email protected] Ervia, Gas Networks Ireland [email protected] Housing Sustainable Communities Agency [email protected] Housing Finance Agency [email protected] Irish Water [email protected] Local Government Management Agency [email protected] Ordnance Survey Ireland [email protected] Property Registration Authority [email protected] Pyrite Resolution Board [email protected] Residential Tenancies Board [email protected] Valuation Office [email protected]

23/01/2018WRFF00200Foreshore Licence Applications

23/01/2018WRFF00300671. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the names and relevant expertise of each member of the marine licence vetting committee involved in both the statutory appropriate assessment screening and the statutory environmental impact assessment screening on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3430/18]

23/01/2018WRFF00400Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Damien English): The following is a list of the members and their organisations of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC) that completed the Environmental Impact As- sessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening reports for the Marine Institute (MI) foreshore lease application in respect to the proposed development at Spiddal, Co. Galway (FS006566):

1. Mr Richard Cronin (Chair), Senior Adviser, Water and Marine Advisory Unit, Depart- ment of Housing, Planning and Local Government

2. Mr P J Shaw, Eng. Inspector Grade I, Water and Marine Advisory Unit, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

3. Mr Eamonn Kelly, Planning Senior Advisor, Forward Planning, Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

4. Captain Nicolas Cantwell, Marine Safety Directorate, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Marine Survey Office)

5. Mr Karl Brady, Archaeologist Grade III, National Monuments Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

6. Mr Declan MacGabhann, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority

307 Questions - Written Answers 7. Dr James J. King, Fisheries Biologist, Inland Fisheries Ireland

The Nature Conservation Unit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was also invited to participate in the MLVC. While they did not wish to participate, they did provide their views on the project by way of a submission as a prescribed body under the process.

Since participation in the MLVC is voluntary, members are invited to participate rather than being appointed. Members are representatives of their respective organisations and it is up to those organisations to ensure that their staff have the requisite knowledge and expertise to perform their duties including participating in technical evaluations of applications.

My Department’s internal advisers that participated in the MLVC assessment of this application have the appropriate professional qualifications and experience commensurate with my Department’s role in foreshore consenting.

All aspects of the application were assessed including the application form and supporting documentation, environmental reports, submissions received through the prescribed bodies and public consultation process as well as the applicant’s responses. The assessment processes provide for determinations of how likely a project might be to have significant effects on the environment and whether there are likely to be any significant effects on the Conservation Ob- jectives of the ten pertinent Natura 2000 sites.

23/01/2018WRFF00500Traveller Accommodation

23/01/2018WRFF00600672. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Gov- ernment if his attention has been drawn to the research contained in Roma in Ireland: a needs assessment (details supplied) regarding the poor quality of the Roma community’s housing; the action he will take following the publication of this research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3461/18]

23/01/2018WRFF00700Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): My Department is responsible for the provision of Traveller-specific accommodation which is designed to address the accommodation needs of indigenous Irish Travellers under the 1998 Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act. This Act provides a legislative framework to meet the needs of indigenous Irish Travellers. Other minority communities, such as Roma, are not covered by the 1998 Act. While there is no separate funding stream for Roma as there is for Travellers, members of the Roma community may be accommodated under general Social Housing.

The qualification criteria for social housing support are set down in section 20 of the Hous- ing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and the Social Housing Assessment Regulations made under the 2009 Act. These criteria are applied by housing authorities in assessing individual households for support. Applicants for social housing support are assessed in relation to income, residency and current and alternative accommodation. It is open to any person or household to apply to a housing authority for a social housing assessment for the purposes of qualifying for social housing support.

Social housing applicants who are not Irish or UK nationals must meet additional criteria in order to satisfy the residency requirement for social housing support. EEA nationals must demonstrate a record of employment in the State in order to be assessed. Non-EEA nationals who have been granted refugee, programme refugee or subsidiary protection status may be assessed for social housing support. 308 23 January 2018 Households that qualify for social housing support on assessment are entered onto the housing authority’s waiting list and are considered for the allocation of suitable tenancies in accordance with the authority’s allocation scheme. The citizenship of members of qualified households is not an issue in the allocation of local authority housing.

23/01/2018WRFF00800Local Authority Housing Data

23/01/2018WRFF00900673. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Govern- ment the number of homes built directly by local authorities in 2017, by county, in tabular form; the percentage of each that have a BER or completion certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3466/18]

23/01/2018WRFF01000Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Eoghan Murphy): Through the supports made available from my Department under Rebuilding Ireland, funding is available to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing stock through new construction projects, through the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments and through working with approved housing bodies under a range of delivery options.

Provisional details on social housing delivery in 2017 were published on Monday, 15 Janu- ary 2018 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers-statement.

A breakdown of these numbers across all local authority areas for 2017 will be published on my Department’s website following completion of the necessary validation process. In the meantime, details in respect of delivery up to the end of quarter 3 of 2017 are currently published and available at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/ social-and-affordable/overall-social-housing-provision.

My Department does not collect BER or Completion Certificate data in relation to social housing homes.

Question No. 674 answered with Question No. 645.

23/01/2018WRFF01200Arts and Culture Capital Scheme Funding

23/01/2018WRFF01300675. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to address the lack of artists’ studio spaces here. [2899/18]

23/01/2018WRFF01400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly as a result of the changing property market. My Department has had discussions with the Arts Council, Dub- lin City Council and the OPW to consider some possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue, both in relation to specific issues in Dublin and to wider national approaches.

Last year totalling €10.214 million were awarded to a total of 134 arts organisations around the country under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. These allocations included over €900,000 in funding for projects involving artist’s studios and creative spaces.

In addition, as part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, a grant of €35,000 was awarded in 2015 to Fire Station Artists’ Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.

309 Questions - Written Answers The list of successful projects under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department’s website at the following link https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/creative-arts/grants-and-funding/.

23/01/2018WRFF01500Departmental Legal Costs

23/01/2018WRFF01600676. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the expenditure by her Department on legal proceedings in each of the years 2012 to 2017, by case name and record number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2911/18]

23/01/2018WRFF01700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Expen- diture incurred by my Department in respect of legal fees and compensation is shown in the annual Appropriation Accounts published by my Department. A summary of this is expenditure is shown in the following table.

Details of expenditure of 2017 are currently being complied as part of the preparation of the 2017 the Appropriation Account which will published later in the year following audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Year Legal fees €000 Compensation costs €000 Total €000 2012 109 57 166 2013 23 128 151 2014 22 34 56 2015 60 117 177 2016 97 98 195 I am advised that the information sought by the Deputy in respect of case name and record can not be released for reasons of legal and commercial sensitivity.

23/01/2018WRFF01800Legal Costs

23/01/2018WRFF01900677. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the legal costs incurred to date in the legal proceedings relating to Moore Street; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2980/18]

23/01/2018WRFF02000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I have no function in relation to the determination or payment of legal costs in this case which are matters for the Chief State Solicitor.

23/01/2018WRFF02100Appointments to State Boards Data

23/01/2018WRFF02200678. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of vacancies in each State board under the aegis of her Department, in tabular form; the length of time each of the positions have been vacant; the reason for the failure to fill the vacancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3014/18]

23/01/2018WRFF02300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I am advised that current vacancies on State boards under the aegis of my Department are as set out in the following table. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises such vacancies. Since this website was set up

310 23 January 2018 in 2014 it has consistently been used by my Department to identify suitably qualified members of the public who are interested in serving on boards under my remit. In the majority of cases below the role profile and requirements are under consideration prior to engaging with PAS to advertise the positions.

State Agency No. of Vacancies Vacant From Reason Vacancy Remains Unfilled Arts Council 2 10/10/2017 Appointments under consideration 15/01/2018 Crawford Art Gallery 1 16/05/2017 Appointment under consideration Heritage Council 1 05/10/2017 Appointment under consideration Irish Museum of Modern Art 2 10/09/2017Dec 2017 Appointments under consideration National Museum of Ireland 3 11/09/2017* Appointments under consideration. *Vacan- 31/12/2017 cy which arose in September 2017 is for a staff 17/01/2018 representative; no nomination to fill this vacancy has yet been received. Foras na Gaeilge 3 Foras na Gaeilge is a North/South body and the filling of the 3 current vacancies requires Ministe- rial nomination in the North for subsequent North/ South Ministerial Council approval.

23/01/2018WRFF02400Heritage Sites

23/01/2018WRFF02500679. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to enhance and protect the site of the Battle of Vinegar Hill (details supplied); her further plans to increase the level of public awareness of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2351/18]

23/01/2018WRFF02600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The ru- ined windmill at Vinegar Hill is in my guardianship as Minister and is managed by the Office of Public Works.

The Battle of Vinegar Hill itself was a very important event in Irish history and my Depart- ment recently authorised extensive archaeological investigations on the site to provide a better understanding of how the battle was conducted. The information gleaned from this this research will, in turn, add to and enhance the visitor understanding of the site and their experience.

I appreciate the ongoing involvement and investment by Wexford County Council in promoting the site and the facilities that have been put in place for visitors. My Department will continue to work with the Council and other stakeholders, including the tourism agencies, to increase public awareness and interest in the site.

The Office of Public Works, which is responsible for visitor services at State owned archaeological and historical sites, also offers practical assistance to voluntary groups engaged in heritage tourism initiatives through training and mentoring by its experienced professional guide staff.

23/01/2018WRFF02700Heritage Projects

23/01/2018WRFF02800680. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the future and funding of the crematorium chapel project in Glasnevin cemetery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3104/18]

23/01/2018WRFF02900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As part of the Government’s Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme my Department allocated €2 million to assist with realising the proposed 1916 Citizen’s Chapel development in St. Paul’s section 311 Questions - Written Answers of Glasnevin Cemetery. A Memorandum of Understanding was put in place between my De- partment and Glasnevin Trust to this end.

While Dublin City Council decided to grant planning permission for the project in Novem- ber 2017, this was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Notwithstanding the outcome of the appeal process the Board of Glasnevin Trust has decided not to proceed with development of the chapel as proposed. My officials subsequently met the Chief Executive and the Chairman of Glasnevin Trust on 11 January to discuss the implications of this decision and the Trust has undertaken to furnish my Department with a full report on the project to date as provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding. It is expected that the report will be submitted in the coming month and my Department will consider the matter further at that stage.

23/01/2018WRFF03000Commemorative Events

23/01/2018WRFF03100681. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the next meeting of the famine commemoration committee is due to take place; if a decision will be made at that meeting in relation to the international dimension of the famine commemoration in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3105/18]

23/01/2018WRFF03200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As advised to the House in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1852 of 16 January, the official term of office of the National Famine Commemoration Committee expired at the end of 2017. Arrangements are being made for the appointment of a new National Famine Commemoration Committee and the first meeting of the new Committee will be arranged shortly.

Officials of my Department and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are continuing to develop proposals in relation to the 2018 International Famine Commemoration and these will be submitted to the Committee in due course.

23/01/2018WRFF03300Arts in Education Charter

23/01/2018WRFF03400682. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason there is no chairperson of the high-level implementation group for the arts in education charter; when this position will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3106/18]

23/01/2018WRFF03500Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In April 2017, the Chairperson of the High Level Implementation Group on the Arts in Education Char- ter tendered his resignation to my predecessor for personal reasons.

On 7 December 2017 last the Creative Youth plan was launched. The plan sets out a suite of measures to deliver on Pillar 1 of the Creative Ireland Programme: to ensure that every child in Ireland has practical access to tuition, experience and participation in music, drama, art and coding by 2022.

Creative Youth is a hugely ambitious five year Plan with 7 key actions which will build on policies and programmes that are already in place including the Arts in Education Charter.

Consideration is now being given to the appropriate oversight mechanism for the Creative Youth Programme having regard to the existing structures developed for the Arts in Education 312 23 January 2018 Charter.

23/01/2018WRFF03600Creative Ireland Programme

23/01/2018WRFF03700683. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the Creative Ireland culture and creativity plans for each local authority; the cost of each culture and creativity item in each of the culture and creativity plans, by county and city councils, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3107/18]

23/01/2018WRFF03800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Pillar 2 of the Creative Ireland Programme - Enabling Creativity in every Community is a key element of the Programme and the 31 Local Authorities are important partners. In 2017, my Depart- ment allocated €1 million to local authorities from the Creative Ireland budget to enable them to develop their Culture and Creativity Action Plans and an associated programme of events and initiatives in each county. This was bolstered by an additional €1 million from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. This meant that each local authority received approximately €64,000 each to implement their Culture and Creativity Plans for 2017.

In total, the plans listed over 750 local cultural projects, events and initiatives taking place nationwide in 2017 of which approximately 250 were funded through the enabling budget provided under the Creative Ireland Programme.

A key principle underpinning the Creative Ireland Programme is community empowerment and therefore each local authority decided themselves what events/projects they wished to include in their respective plans. It is therefore not possible to provide an exact breakdown of costs for each activity for every local authority. However, this information -in accordance with normal departmental monitoring procedures and in line with the reporting requirements specific to this initiative - will be submitted by each local authority over the coming weeks.

A breakdown of the total allocation to the local authorities in tabular form is contained in the Creative Ireland Programme End Year Report 2017 which is available on the Creative Ireland website of my Department at https://creative.ireland.ie. All 31 local plans can be accessed at https://creative.ireland.ie/en/local-plans.

It should be noted that the allocation from my Department to each local authority will be doubled to €2 million for 2018 to enable them commence the implementation of their long-term Culture and Creative Strategies due to be launched early next year. As in 2017, this will be divided equally among each of the 31 Local Authorities.

23/01/2018WRFF03900Enterprise Ireland Properties

23/01/2018WRFF04000684. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the sale of a studio (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3108/18]

23/01/2018WRFF04100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The facility to which the Deputy refers is owned jointly by Enterprise Ireland in conjunction with other private entities. My colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation has responsibility for Enterprise Ireland.

I am aware of the issue and my Department has been in contact with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in relation to the matter. That Department has indicated 313 Questions - Written Answers that, at the appropriate time, any proposal requiring a decision on the sale of Enterprise Ire- land’s shareholding would be reviewed by Enterprise Ireland from a commercial and legal perspective in consultation with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Innovation which, in turn, has confirmed that it will consult my Department on any decision regarding the ownership of the shareholding.

23/01/2018WRFF04200National Library

23/01/2018WRFF04300685. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial support her Department has provided for the digitalisation of the archives at the Na- tional Library; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3109/18]

23/01/2018WRFF04400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In June 2017, my Department advertised a new scheme of funding support for the Digitisation of Col- lections by the National Cultural Institutions and collections of national significance. A total of €2.3 million was allocated to 14 projects in ten organisations including the National Cultural Institutions.

Under the scheme, funding was provided to the National Library of Ireland for three projects as follows:

1. Towards a Republic is a project to digitise the personal papers of the signatories of the Treaty. This is a significant project which will take several years to complete. A total of €320,000 is allocated to the project over the next three years and it is planned to complete digitisation of the papers in advance of the centenary of the foundation of the State.

2. The digitisation of the Band Aid archive is to transport, catalogue and digitise the papers which were recently donated to the State by Bob Geldof. An amount of €245,000 was allocated to this project.

3. €110,000 was allocated for the purchase of a Book Scanner which will enhance the capacity of the National Library to expand the type of digitised content it can make available to the public.

23/01/2018WRFF04500Waterways Ireland Funding

23/01/2018WRFF04600686. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding her Department is to provide to Waterways Ireland to maintain and enhance canals as a tourist amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3110/18]

23/01/2018WRFF04700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Water- ways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of some 1,000 km of navigable inland waterways principally for recreational purposes. It has responsibility for the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Shannon Navigation, the Barrow Navigation, the Grand and Royal Canals, the Erne System and the Lower Bann Navigation.

This is a significant recreational resource and Waterways Ireland has been proactive in the development of Blueways and Greenways as a means to attract new visitors and in response to the growth for recreational activities such as walking, canoeing and cycling.

The amount of funding allocated to Waterways Ireland from my Department’s Vote in 2018 is €24.106 million to undertake its statutory functions across its entire network. 314 23 January 2018 Waterways Ireland is actively involved in the development of the towpaths along the canals to provide off-road, safe amenities for walkers and cyclists.

Waterways Ireland has worked with Local Authorities, the Department of Transport, Tour- ism and Sport, Fáilte Ireland and other partners to upgrade the Royal Canal towpath as part of the Dublin-Galway cycle route and it is hoped that this route will be largely completed, and indeed extended to the Shannon River, by the end of this current year.

The continued development of the Grand Canal towpath and the Barrow towpath are important off-road links to open up Southern and Western Ireland to tourists.

Waterways Ireland is also at the forefront of developing Blueways along the canals network. They offer opportunities for locals and tourists to enjoy outdoor recreational activities on and beside the water in a comfortable, safe environment. Infrastructure is in place and plans are underway to have an operational Blueway in place along the Royal Canal at Mullingar for Summer 2018.

23/01/2018WRFF04800Arts Centres

23/01/2018WRFF04900687. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Cork events centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3111/18]

23/01/2018WRFF05000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Cork Event Centre is a project being developed and managed by Cork City Council and the Council is responsible for the delivery of the project.

My Department has allocated €12 million to the City Council towards the cost of the Centre. This allocation is subject to a Service Level Agreement with the City Council to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements in relation to major capital projects.

On 27 September 2017, Cork City Council made an application to my Department for a further grant of €10 million to assist in the development of the project. There are complex legal, state aid and match-funding issues and engagement is ongoing with Cork City Council in relation to these.

23/01/2018WRFF05100Departmental Contracts Data

23/01/2018WRFF05200688. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the contracts her Department or agencies under her remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3142/18]

23/01/2018WRFF05300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I am advised that neither my Department nor any of the agencies under its remit has contracts in place with the company referenced by the Deputy.

23/01/2018WRFF05400Architectural Heritage

23/01/2018WRFF05500689. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to prospective restructuring proposals in relation to an entity under

315 Questions - Written Answers her remit (details supplied). [3372/18]

23/01/2018WRFF05600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My role as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in relation to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation as are the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.

The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, is independent in the performance of its functions. The allocation of its resources across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually is a matter for the Heritage Council, having regard to the principles of proper public financial management and competing priorities for limited resources.

I understand that the Heritage Council is still considering what suite of further supports it can continue to offer the network in question in the context of this year’s allocation. In the current year, €1 million has been earmarked specifically for the Historic Towns Initiative, which will complement any capital component of supports for the network referred to.

23/01/2018WRFF05700Departmental Bodies Reports

23/01/2018WRFF05800690. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of bodies under the remit of her Department that have not yet published audited accounts and their annual report for 2016; the names of these bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3389/18]

23/01/2018WRFF05900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As the Deputy is aware, following audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Annual Reports and Accounts of state bodies are submitted to Government prior to publication. I am advised that six bodies under the remit of this Department have fully completed this process and have published audited accounts and their annual report for 2016:

- The Arts Council,

- The Heritage Council,

- The Chester Betty Library,

- The Crawford Gallery,

- Údarás na Gaeltachta, and

- Waterways Ireland.

I am advised that the annual reports and accounts for 2016 for:

- The National Gallery of Ireland,

- The National Concert Hall, and

- An Coimisinéir Teanga

have now been submitted to Government and publication is expected shortly.

I am further advised that the four bodies listed as follows are now in the final stages of preparation and expect to be in a position to circulate their audited accounts and annual reports

316 23 January 2018 for 2016 for Government approval shortly:

- The National Museum of Ireland,

- The Irish Museum of Modern Art,

- The National Library of Ireland, and

- The Irish Film Board.

23/01/2018WRGG00200Departmental Bodies Data

23/01/2018WRGG00300691. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of her Department that have been disbanded or amalgamated or whose functions were subsumed back into her department since 2011; the number of such bodies set up by her Department since that date; the names of the bodies in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3400/18]

23/01/2018WRGG00400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): I am advised that no agencies, boards or other bodies under the aegis of my Department have been disbanded or amalgamated, nor have the functions of any such bodies been subsumed back into my Department, during this period. I am also advised that no such body has been set up by my Department since 2011.

23/01/2018WRGG00500Personal Injury Claims

23/01/2018WRGG00600692. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount paid out and the number of claims the payouts related to by each agency under the aegis of her Department in respect of personal injury claims in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the number of claims that were settled outside of court in each of these years; the number of payments that were as a result of a court judgment in each of these years; the nature of the claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3417/18]

23/01/2018WRGG00700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In light of the volume of information requested by the Deputy, arrangements are being made for this information to be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy, in accordance with the timelines set out in Standing Orders.

23/01/2018WRGG00800Archaeological Sites

23/01/2018WRGG00900693. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action being taken to address the desecration of historical sites throughout the country with particular reference to recent events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3469/18]

23/01/2018WRGG01000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): All known archaeological monuments, of which there are in excess of 130,000, are entitled to protection under the National Monuments Acts. Protection may be extended to previously un- recorded monuments by my Department entering them in the Register of Historic Monuments or the Record of Monuments and Places. The Acts also allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk.

317 Questions - Written Answers As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites. Maintenance of such monuments is undertaken on my behalf by the Office of Public Works. Local authorities are responsible under the Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians.

My Department also liaises regularly with the utility and infrastructure providers and has agreed codes of practice with a number of these agencies aimed at safeguarding archaeological sites and monuments. In addition, awareness programmes are in place with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc and farm organisations that are aimed at raising awareness in relation to farming and archaeology.

Notwithstanding the wide ranging legal provisions and other programmes in place, damage to archaeological sites and monuments does occur from time to time. My Department records all reports of damage to recorded monuments. Such reports usually emanate from members of the public, local authorities or heritage-based NGOs. Cases involving alleged wilful damage to monuments are followed up in liaison with An Garda Síochána and prosecutions initiated where appropriate. There have been a number of convictions for such offences in recent years.

Protected structures are covered separately under the Planning and Developments Acts and local authorities have the appropriate enforcement measures in these cases.

23/01/2018WRGG01100Arts Funding

23/01/2018WRGG01200694. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which she has been in a position in 2018 to date to respond to various applications from community groups towards their performances and productions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3470/18]

23/01/2018WRGG01300Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): In general, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts at all levels is devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council operates under the provisions of the Arts Act 2003, which provides, inter alia, that the Council is independent in the performance of its functions in funding the arts. In Budget 2018, the Arts Council received and additional €3.2 million bringing the total Arts Council allocation of €68.2 million in 2018.

In addition, Pillar 2 of the Creative Ireland Programme - Enabling Creativity in every Com- munity is a key element in encouraging creativity at local level. In 2017, my Department allocated €1m to 31 local authorities to enable them to develop and implement their Culture and Creativity Action Plans which included an associated programme of events and initiatives in each county. I plan to double this amount to €2m in 2018. A key principle underpinning the Creative Ireland Programme is community empowerment and therefore each local authority decided themselves what events/projects they wished to include in their respective plans.

The local authorities are currently preparing long-term Culture and Creativity Strategies which aim to ensure that people and communities across Ireland will have the opportunity to fully realise their creative potential. As part of this process, each culture team is consulting widely in relation to how it will implement and deliver the Creative Ireland Programme vision at local level. These Strategies will be accompanied by a separate Activity Programme for 2018 and for every subsequent year of the Strategy. It is expected that both the Strategies and Activ- ity Plans will be published during the Spring of 2018.

318 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRGG01400Turf Cutting

23/01/2018WRGG01500695. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which full and final agreement has been reached with traditional turf cutters in respect of SACs and NHAs; the number of cases still outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3471/18]

23/01/2018WRGG01600Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Ireland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. These Directives aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas.

Significant efforts have been made by the State to resolve the issue of the protection of Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the Habitats Direc- tive. This has included intense and on-going engagement with turf cutting interests, the farming community, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission, as well as the establishment of a long-term compensation scheme for affected turf cutters.

The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, published in December 2017, sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed, conserved and restored and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed, including exploring the options in terms of certain provisions of article 6 of the Habitats Directive.

13,429 annual payments and 994 deliveries of turf have been made in respect of applications received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation. 737 annual payments and a delivery of turf have been made to applicants from raised bog natural heritage areas under the scheme. In addition, 1,782 once-off incentive payments of €500 have been made, of which 42 relate to natural heritage areas.

The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published in January 2014, concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. Arising from this review, the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been presented to Dáil Éireann and is currently proceeding through the necessary stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Its purpose is to provide for the implementation of a reconfiguration of the natural heritage area network arising from the 2014 Review.

Final resolution of all issues in relation to the protection of Ireland’s protected raised bogs will only be brought about by everyone working together, within the law, with my Department and with the Peatlands Council, which was established for the purpose of ensuring the input from all stakeholders.

23/01/2018WRGG01700Film Industry

23/01/2018WRGG01800696. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which her Department continues to support and encourage the film industry including the use of the island of Ireland as a film location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3472/18]

23/01/2018WRGG01900Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Irish Film Board is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film

319 Questions - Written Answers in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. In Budget 2018, I allocated an increase of €1.55 million to the Irish Film Board to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. This increases its annual budget by 9.3% to €18 million, 29% more than it was in 2014.

The Film Board supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.

The Film Board also supports the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals, promotes inward investment, the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. The Board liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination. Information on its funding scheme is available on the Irish Film Board website at www.irishfilmboard.ie.

The other primary mechanism through which the Government supports the film industry is Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the film tax relief scheme. My Depart- ment’s investment in the film sector will also help to maximise the benefits brought about by the Government’s enhancement of the Section 481 film tax credit system, including the decision to increase the cap for eligible expenditure on film projects to €70 million, as announced as part of Budget 2016.

The twin approach of direct funding and tax expenditure measures maximises the benefits of the Government’s support to the audiovisual industry.

Of relevance also is the economic analysis of our screen based creative industries which my Department has commissioned in partnership with the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Business, Enterprise and Innovation. This Report will provide an input for the development of an industry-wide long term plan for Ireland as a global hub for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation under Pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland Programme.

23/01/2018WRGG02000EU Funding

23/01/2018WRGG02100697. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which EU grant aid has been sought and remains available or is likely to become available to support various community festivals throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3473/18]

23/01/2018WRGG02200Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Cre- ative Europe programme 2014 - 2020 is the primary EU culture funding mechanism and has two funding sub-programmes: the Culture sub-programme operated through the Arts Council, and the Media sub-programme operated through the Irish Film Board. Demand, particularly in the Culture sub-programme far outstrips the budget available and has an overall success rate for applications from all countries of about 15%. Ireland’s own success rate is above the EU average at 18.9%

Under the Creative Europe – Culture Sub-Programme there is no dedicated funding strand for festivals. The majority of the funding available under the Culture Sub-Programme is via the Co-Operation Projects Strand, under which festivals are eligible to apply.

To date, under the co-operation projects strand, there have been 7 Irish festivals involved as 320 23 January 2018 partners in projects with a total project grant allocation of just over €7 million:

- Babóro Galway International Children’s Festival (Small Size, Performing Arts for Early Years)

- Photo Ireland Festival Ltd (Flaneur – New Urban Narratives)

- First Fortnight Ltd (Networking European Festivals for Mental Life Enhancement)

- Cuirt – Galway Arts Centre (Sharing the Wor(l)D)

- West Cork Literary Festival – West Cork Music (Reading for Enjoyment, Achieve- ment and Development of Young People)

- Wexford Festival Trust (Opera Vision)

- Cork Midsummer Festival (Circus250: Diverse, Real, Physical)

The Culture Sub-Programme also funds EU networks and platforms via operating grants for the lead organisations. Below is a summary of Irish festivals which are members of Creative Europe supported platforms and networks:

- Dublin Dance Festival is a member of the Aerowaves Platform

- Galway Early Music Festival is a member of the European Early Music Network,

- YARN Storytelling Festival Bray is a member of the Federation for European Storytell- ing Network

As regards future funding at EU level, an important element will be the Multiannual Finan- cial Framework budgetary plans the Commission will present in May 2018. There is currently an online public consultation underway covering programmes and actions aiming at protecting and promoting European values.

This consultation will significantly influence the Commission’s thinking as it prepares its proposals for funding 2021-2027 for May, and all citizens, stakeholders and organisations are encouraged to register their views. The consultation process can be accessed at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/consultations/public-consultation-eu-funds-area-values-and- mobility_en.

I would encourage wide participation in this consultative process, as once the funding parameters are agreed at EU level there is no mechanism for revision, and decisions will be binding till 2027.

23/01/2018WRGG02300Departmental Funding

23/01/2018WRGG02400698. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department can assist various local musical and dramatic societies in respect of annual productions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3474/18]

23/01/2018WRGG02500Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): My De- partment funds the Music Capital Scheme which provides grants to groups and individuals for the purchase of musical instruments. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 9 January last, I launched the new Music Capital Scheme with an increased allocation this year amounting to €245,000. Music Network manages the Scheme on behalf of my Department and the organisa- 321 Questions - Written Answers tion referred to by the Deputy can apply for funding under the scheme. All details are available at

www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/award1-info and www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/ award2-info.

While my Department does not fund local dramatic societies, the Creative Ireland Pro- gramme does support the work of local authorities in enabling creativity in every community.

In 2017, my Department allocated €1m to 31 local authorities to enable them to develop and implement their Culture and Creativity Action Plans which included an associated programme of events and initiatives in each county. I plan to double this funding in 2018. A key principle underpinning the Creative Ireland Programme is community empowerment and therefore each local authority decided themselves what events/projects they wished to include in their respective plans.

23/01/2018WRGG02600Philanthropy Initiatives

23/01/2018WRGG02700699. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which the sector continues to attract support from philanthropists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3475/18]

23/01/2018WRGG02800Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): Private support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. While my Department does not have a breakdown of the total flows of philanthropic funding to the sector, the Programme for a Partnership Gov- ernment does contain a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills. In this regard, I recognise the important work carried out by Business to Arts for which my Depart- ment provides a small amount of assistance.

In addition, the Arts Council operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fundraising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector’s sources of funding. It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland.

In terms of other capital investment requiring co-funding, a €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres is in progress and will run throughout 2018, focussed on upgrading the existing stock of such centres around the country. The funding, which is being made available as part of the Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021, is dependent on matching funding being secured by project promoters and therefore provides an opportunity for philanthropic support.

23/01/2018WRGG02900Creative Ireland Programme 322 23 January 2018

23/01/2018WRGG03000700. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht the extent to which the arts and heritage sectors continue to generate employment throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3476/18]

23/01/2018WRGG03100Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The nature of employment within the arts and heritage sectors encompasses a wide range of activities, from theatre and music to archaeology and tourism. It may also embody the industrial creative sectors, including audio-visual production.

My primary role is to support artists and the creative industries in Ireland using the mechanisms available to me across Government on common initiatives such as the Action Plan for Jobs.

For example, the Creative Ireland Programme is an all-of-government high level, high ambition, five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which aims to place creativity at the centre of public policy.

The Programme encourages and supports active participation in creative activity, particular but not exclusively through the arts and culture. The Programme is based on the belief that nurturing the creative imagination is crucially important for individual wellbeing, social cohe- sion and economic success, and that the best way to nurture the creative imagination is through active participation in creative activity. The Programme is delivered primarily through existing structures – the 31 local authorities, the Arts Council, the Film Board, and relevant Government Departments, including my own Department.

In Budget 2018, I announced a funding package of over €300 million in 2018 towards the development of our cultural and creative heritage. This represents an increase in funding to my Department of €13 million, comprising €9 million in current expenditure and €4 million in capital expenditure. I also secured an additional €90 million in capital funding between 2018 and 2021 for my Department which will accelerate investment across the culture, heritage and Gaeltacht sectors.

All of this represents real and substantial funding increases across the cultural, heritage and Gaeltacht areas of my Department, which will lead to greater employment in these areas.

23/01/2018WRGG03200Creative Ireland Programme

23/01/2018WRGG03300701. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans and vision for the utilisation of Ireland’s culture as an international national brand with consequent economic benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3477/18]

23/01/2018WRGG03400Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Cre- ative Ireland Programme presents an opportunity to create a unified articulation of Ireland’s values, capabilities and beliefs - based on our culture and creativity - that represents a considered, compelling and imaginative view of how we wish to be seen by the outside world with direct and indirect economic and social benefits. A new portal website www.ireland.ie articulating this vision was unveiled in March 2017 with an accompanying video ‘This is Ireland’. We will continue to work across Government in 2018, to further enhance Ireland’s cultural and artistic reputation, particularly in the context of the Taoiseach’s commitment to doubling our global footprint.

The forthcoming national cultural policy Culture 2025 also undertakes to promote Ireland’s culture on the international stage, and recognises the value of culture in presenting Ireland to 323 Questions - Written Answers the world.

The remit of Culture Ireland, a division of my Department, is to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide thus strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation. Strategic priorities include providing support for the international presentation of Irish artists and arts organisations, developing new and diverse international audiences and markets for Irish arts, and linking culture into the Government’s international promotion strategy in tandem with other relevant Government Agencies.

Culture Ireland has extensive international reach, supporting Irish artists at hundreds of international events every year and is seeking to continually increase this number. In 2017 Cul- ture Ireland supported 450 events with Irish artists in 50 countries, reaching a live audience of 3.5 million and 7 million online. Many of these artists achieved high profile awards and critical recognition.

In 2018 Culture Ireland will present Culture Ireland GB18, a year-long programme of Irish arts in Great Britain. The year-long programme aims to showcase Irish artistic excellence in partnership with significant UK institutions, venues and festivals, to build on the unique cultural relationship between the two countries and expand the reach of Irish culture to new audiences.

Great Britain is a key market for Ireland in terms of tourism, trade and investment promotion and the GB18 programme enables us our culture to continue to serve as a unique door- opener for Ireland and Irish business, and an effective means of articulating our values at a time of change in Ireland’s wider relationship with Britain.

23/01/2018WRGG03500Arts Promotion

23/01/2018WRGG03600702. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department expect to be in a position to enhance the promotion and development of an awareness of the arts and culture with a view to maximising economic benefit in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3478/18]

23/01/2018WRGG03700Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): The Cre- ative Ireland Programme is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing.

The Programme embraces 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. Implementation of the Programme is underpinned by three essential operating principles - collaboration and communication, community empowerment and internationalisation.

The programme is based on five pillars which are: 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 and unifying our global reputation. Implementation of the Programme, while under the aegis of my Department, will, where the opportunity arises, primarily be through, and in collaboration with existing agencies, local authorities, cultural institutions, State bodies and other cultural partners. Pillars 2, 3 and 4 of the Programme are of particular relevance to the economic development of communities.

My Department, together with its other partners, is now in the process of finalising plans to further the implementation of the Creative Ireland Programme for 2018 and beyond in respect of the five pillars of the programme, working collaboratively with colleagues across Govern- 324 23 January 2018 ment and in the sector.

23/01/2018WRGG03800Heritage Sites

23/01/2018WRGG03900703. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of plans to secure UNESCO recognition for the transtlantic cable station at Valentia Is- land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3482/18]

23/01/2018WRGG04000Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan): As a pre- cursor to being nominated to UNESCO for World Heritage status, a site must first go through a comprehensive assessment process at national level that would lead, with UNESCO’s agreement, to its placement on Ireland’s World Heritage Tentative List. Later this year, my Depart- ment will be inviting applications from candidate sites for inclusion on the upcoming 2020 Tentative List. Inclusion on list will ultimately be determined by whether a site meets relevant criteria relating, inter alia, to outstanding universal value, availability of adequate site management and protection resources, and the extent of stakeholder engagement and support for the bid.

I am aware of the Valentia Cable Station supporters’ interest in getting on to the 2020 list as a transboundary proposal with its counterpart at Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, Canada. The cable stations at Valentia and Heart’s Content are at opposite ends of the first transatlantic tele- graph system and a potential bid for World Heritage status would centre on the unique history and relationship between the two sites.

My Department is in contact with its Canadian counterpart, Parks Canada, in relation to the Valentia proposal and has informed them that Ireland will support the Valentia bid once it meets the qualifying criteria.

I understand that a considerable amount of preparatory work has already been done locally on the Valentia proposal which will assist in the preparation of the Tentative List application later in the year. My Department will also provide such advice and guidance as it can support Kerry County Council as the lead organisation at local level.

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